DODGE RAM 4500 CHASSIS CAB 2008 3.G Owners Manual

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
*This maintenance is not required if belt was previously
replaced.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Ð 5.7L GAS ENGINE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The ªChange Oilº message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº under ªIn-
strument Cluster Descriptionº in Section 4 of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level whilethe vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the Manual Transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 493
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Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate Tires. 6,000 10 000 6
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. 6,000 10 000 6
Lube Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4x4 only). 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty
or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing (Gas Engine Only).18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Inspect Exhaust System. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the transfer case fluid. 30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs on 5.7L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter and
change main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped), if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road or fre-
quent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 495
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow-
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90FÉ (32CÉ).60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter and
change main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped).120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
496 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 497
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IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
CONTENTS
mSuggestions For Obtaining Service For Your
Vehicle..............................500
NPrepare For The Appointment............500
NPrepare A List........................500
NBe Reasonable With Requests.............500
mIf You Need Assistance...................500
mWarranty Information (U.S. Vehicles Only).....503
mMopartParts.........................503mReporting Safety Defects..................503
NIn Canada..........................504
mPublication Order Forms..................504
mDepartment Of Transportation Uniform Tire
Quality Grades........................506
NTreadwear..........................506
NTraction Grades......................506
NTemperature Grades...................507
9

SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Prepare For The Appointment
If you're having warranty work done, be sure to have the
right papers with you. Take your warranty folder. All
work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty, discuss additional charges with the service
manager. Keep a maintenance log of your vehicle's
service history. This can often provide a clue to the
current problem.
Prepare A List
Make a written list of your vehicle's problems or the
specific work you want done. If you've had an accident,
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let the
service advisor know.
Be Reasonable With Requests
If you list a number of items, and you must have your
vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the situation with
the service advisor and list the items in order of priority.
At many dealers, you may obtain a rental vehicle at a
minimal daily charge. If you need a rental, it is advisable
to make these arrangements when you call for an ap-
pointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
The manufacturer and its dealers are vitally interested in
your satisfaction. We want you to be happy with our
products and services.
Warranty service must be done by an authorized
Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer. We strongly recommend
that you take your vehicle to your selling dealer. They
know you and your vehicle best, and are most concerned
that you get prompt and high quality service. The
manufacturer's dealers have the facilities, factory-trained
500 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE