oil change RAM CHASSIS CAB 2007 User Guide

After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace parts as required.
WARNING!Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Exhaust System Rubber Isolator and Loop-Type
Hanger — If Equipped
Inspect surfaces whenever the vehicle is hoisted for
rubber to metal separation or deep cracks. If, however,
excessively deep localized cracks are present, or any part MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7

Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE: Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE: Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in a
level position. The fluid level should be 1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4
mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25” Front Axle.
The fluid level should be 3/4” ± 1/4” (19 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the fill hole on 11.5” Rear Axles.
Drain And Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or subjected to severe service, follow the
recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule
“B” in Section 8 of this manual.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE: The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials in vehicles equipped with
11.5” Axles DO NOT REQUIRE any limited slip oil
additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7

the fluid level is correctly established at room tempera-
ture, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference
holes when the transmission reaches 160° F - 175° F (70°
C – 82° C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50° F
(10° C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not
add fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading. Never use any ATF
other than Mopar  AS68RC™ Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the Parking Brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the
transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid main-
tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and
refilled as specified.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7

take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
• Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
• Check Filter Minder™. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
• Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
• Drain water from the fuel filter. At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect the brake hoses.
• Inspect the U-Joints ( if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
• Check the manual transmission fluid level.
• Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate outer tie rod ends (4X4) models only.
• Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting ( 4X4).
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 475
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Maintenance Schedule
Miles 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500
(Kilometers) (12 000) (24 000) (36 000) (48 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Replace fuel filter element. X X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X
Inspect fan hub. X476 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000
(Kilometers) (72 000) (84 000) (97 000) (109 000) (121 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Change manual transmission fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not replaced at 100,000 miles (160 000 km). X
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary. X X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X478 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 82,500 90,000 97,500 100,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (133 000) (145 000) (157 000) (161 000) (169 000)
[Months] [66] [72] [78] [84]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage. X X XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not replaced at
60 mos. X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.* X X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
[Months] [90] [96] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (4X4). X X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and cor-
rect stowage. X X XXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120
months, if not replaced at 100,000 miles (161
000 km). X
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.* X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Change front and rear axle fluid (4X4). X X X
Change automatic transmission fluid. X X482 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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 me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES – GAS ENGINES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
required service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule “B” . It is for vehicles that are operated
under one or more of the following conditions that are
listed below and at the beginning of the schedule.
• Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
• Stop and go driving. • Extensive engine idling.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32°C).
• Trailer towing.
• Snowplowing.
• Heavy Loading.
• Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
• Off-road or desert operation.
• If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: If ANY of these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8 M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S