1999 DODGE RAM maintenance

BR3500 (8 Stud Dual Wheel)........................ 145 (195)








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BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle is factory equipped with a maintenance free battery.
The top of the battery is permanently sealed, and water never has to
be added, and periodic maintenance is not required either. But,
periodically check the battery terminals and battery hold-down bracket
for corrosion. Replace with a battery of the same group number as
shown on original battery's label.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with
computers may lose memory data. When battery power is
restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles.
These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER
RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION
section.
CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
NOTE: See the AIR BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Section.
Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect
removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS),
can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or
change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could
cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when
cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the
air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and
carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See
appropriate AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
WARNING: Any maintenance performed on or near the components of the
SRS must be performed only by an authorized dealer.
Do not permit anyone else to service, inspect maintain, or
service any SRS components or wiring. Similarly, no part of
the SRS should ever be handled or disposed of by anyone
except an authorized dealer.
Improper work on the SRS components or wiring could result in
inadvertent deployment of the airbags or could render the SRS
system inoperative. Either situation could result in serious
injury
WARNING: If the car has had any front-end damage, have the SRS system
inspected by an authorized dealer to ensure it is working
properly.
WARNING: If any of the following conditions occur, the SRS is not
working properly. Immediately have it inspected by an
authorized dealer:
* The SRS warning light does not illuminate when you start
the car.
* The SRS warning light does not go off after about 7 seconds.
* The SRS warning light illuminates while driving.

CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air
bag system, steering column or passenger side dash
component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON
position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of
accidental air bag inflation
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING
WARNING: Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors,
exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove
R-134a from system use R-134a recycling equipment that meets
SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge
occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
WARNING: R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT
be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some
mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at
elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may
cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE
article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.
AIR CONDITIONING MAINTENANCE
WARNING: NEVER add A/C refrigerant to correct a non-cooling problem
unless pressure gauges are connected to the system by a
certified technician. Lack of cooling may be caused by a
restriction, therefore adding refrigerant can cause a
dangerous pressure rise.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
CAUTION: The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that
can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly
installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since
this interference could cause the possible loss of the
antilock braking capability, such equipment should be
installed by qualified professionals.
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS
observe the following cautions:
* DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first
referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article
in the BRAKES Section.
* DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the
original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable.
Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some
manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and
type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate
wheel speed readings.
* Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake
fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID SERVICE
WARNING: Make certain no fluid is spilled when the transaxle fluid
is inspected. Wipe up any spilled fluid completely.
AXLE FLUID
CAUTION: Axle lubricant should be changed whenever the axle has

SCHEDULED SERVICES - NORMAL SERVICE (DIESEL)

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1997-99 MAINTENANCE
Chrysler Maintenance & Service Intervals
Diesel Engines
Normal Service
DODGE; RAM PICKUP Cummins Turbo Diesel: 5.9L VIN [D]
* READ THIS FIRST *
Before preforming maintenance on vehicle, ensure that all
cautions and warnings have been observed to prevent vehicle damage or
personal injury. See CAUTIONS & WARNINGS in MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
article in this section.
Introduction
The frequency of scheduled inspection and maintenance
services in this article are based on normal vehicle usage ONLY. The
following Severe conditions are NOT taken into account:
* Frequent short driving less than 5 Miles (8 Km).
* Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
* Frequent trailer towing.
* Extensive idling.
* More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds
during hot weather, above 90
F (32C).
If the vehicle is operated mainly under any of these
conditions, this Normal service schedule article is inadequate. DO NOT
USE. Instead, use the Severe service schedule: See
SCHEDULED SERVICES - NORMAL SERVICE (DIESEL) .
6,000 MILE (10,000 KM)/6 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
6,000 MILE (10,000 KM)/6 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
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INSPECT 

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 Exhaust System 


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 Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 

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SERVICE 

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 Rotate Tires 


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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil 


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 Engine Oil Filter 

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LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS 

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Material  Condition  Specification 

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SC HED ULE D S ER VIC ES - N O RM AL S ER VIC E ( G AS)

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1997-99 MAINTENANCE
Chrysler Maintenance & Service Intervals
Gasoline Engines
Normal Service/Light Duty Trucks
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500: 3.9L VIN [X]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.2L VIN [Y]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.2L VIN [T]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.9L VIN [Z]
* READ THIS FIRST *
Before preforming maintenance on vehicle, ensure that all
cautions and warnings have been observed to prevent vehicle damage or
personal injury. See CAUTIONS & WARNINGS in MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
article in this section.
Introduction
The frequency of scheduled inspection and maintenance
services in this article are based on normal vehicle usage ONLY. The
following Severe conditions are NOT taken into account:
* Frequent short driving less than 5 Miles (8 Km).
* Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
* Frequent trailer towing.
* Extensive idling.
* More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds
during hot weather, above 90
F (32C).
If the vehicle is operated mainly under any of these
conditions, this Normal service schedule article is inadequate. DO NOT
USE. Instead, use the Severe service schedule: See
SCHEDULED SERVICES - SEVERE SERVICE (GAS) .
7,500 MILE (12,000 KM)/6 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
7,500 MILE (12,000 KM)/6 MONTH NORMAL SERVICE
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INSPECT 

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 Exhaust System 


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 Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 

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SERVICE 

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 Rotate Tires 


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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil (
1) 

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1) - If mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12,000 KM) yearly, 

replace the oil filter at every oil change. 

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SC HED ULE D S ER VIC ES - S EVER E S ER VIC E ( D IE SEL)

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1997-99 MAINTENANCE
Chrysler Maintenance & Service Intervals
Diesel Engines
Severe Service
DODGE; RAM PICKUP Cummins Turbo Diesel: 5.9L VIN [D]
* READ THIS FIRST *
Before preforming maintenance on vehicle, ensure that all
cautions and warnings have been observed to prevent vehicle damage or
personal injury. See CAUTIONS & WARNINGS in MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
article in this section.
Introduction
The frequency of scheduled inspection and maintenance
services in this article are based on Severe Duty vehicle usage ONLY.
Severe Duty vehicle usage is defined as any one of the following
conditions:
* Frequent short driving less than 5 Miles (8 16 Km).
* Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
* Frequent trailer towing.
* Extensive idling.
* More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds
during hot weather, above 90
F (32C).
If none of these conditions apply, this Severe service
schedule article is excessive. DO NOT USE. Instead, use the Normal
service schedule: See SCHEDULED SERVICES - NORMAL SERVICE (DIESEL) .
3,000 MILE (5,000 KM) SEVERE DUTY SERVICE
3,000 MILE (5,000 KM) SEVERE DUTY SERVICE
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INSPECT 

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 Exhaust System 


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 Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 

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SERVICE 

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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil 


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 Engine Oil Filter 

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LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS 

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Material  Condition  Specification 

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Engine Oil Ambient Temperature Above 10F SAE 15W-40 

(
1)  (-12C) To Over 30F (-1C)  


SC HED ULE D S ER VIC ES - S EVER E S ER VIC E ( G AS)

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1997-99 MAINTENANCE
Chrysler Maintenance & Service Intervals
Gasoline Engines
Severe Service/Light Duty Trucks
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500: 3.9L VIN [X]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.2L VIN [Y]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.2L VIN [T]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.9L VIN [Z]
* READ THIS FIRST *
Before preforming maintenance on vehicle, ensure that all
cautions and warnings have been observed to prevent vehicle damage or
personal injury. See CAUTIONS & WARNINGS in MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
article in this section.
Introduction
The frequency of scheduled inspection and maintenance
services in this article are based on Severe Duty vehicle usage ONLY.
Severe Duty vehicle usage is defined as any one of the following
conditions:
* Frequent short driving less than 5 Miles (8 16 Km).
* Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
* Frequent trailer towing.
* Extensive idling.
* More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds
during hot weather, above 90
F (32C).
If none of these conditions apply, this Severe service
schedule article is excessive. DO NOT USE. Instead, use the Normal
service schedule: See appropriate
SCHEDULED SERVICE - NORMAL SERVICE (GAS) article.
3,000 MILE (5,000 KM) SEVERE DUTY SERVICE
3,000 MILE (5,000 KM) SEVERE DUTY SERVICE
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INSPECT 

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 Exhaust System 


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 Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 

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SERVICE 

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 Rotate Tires 


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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil 


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 Engine Oil Filter (
1) 

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TIE ROD ENDS (INNER AND OUTER)
TRACK BARS
TRAILING ARMS
WHEEL BEARINGS, RACES AND SEALS
Wheel Alignment
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheels and Tires
TIRES
VALVE STEMS
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
WHEELS (RIMS)
MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
OVERVIEW
The Motorist Assurance Program is the consumer outreach
effort of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Inc.
(AMRA). Participation in the Motorist Assurance Program is drawn from
retailers, suppliers, independent repair facilities, vehicle
manufacturers and industry associations.
Our organization's mission is to strengthen the relationship
between the consumer and the auto repair industry. We produce
materials that give motorists the information and encouragement to
take greater responsibility for their vehicles-through proper,
manufacturer-recommended, maintenance. We encourage participating
service and repair shops (including franchisees and dealers) to adopt
1) a Pledge of Assurance to their Customers and 2) the Motorist
Assurance Program Standards of Service. All participating service
providers have agreed to subscribe to this Pledge and to adhere to the
promulgated Standards of Service demonstrating to their customers that
they are serious about customer satisfaction.
These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the
vehicle's (problem) system be made and the results communicated to the\
customer according to industry standards. Given that the industry did
not have such standards, the Motorist Assurance Program successfully
promulgated industry inspection communication standards in 1994-95 for
the following systems: Exhaust, Brakes, ABS, Steering and Suspension,
Engine Maintenance and Performance, HVAC, and Electrical Systems.
Further, revisions to all of these inspection communication standards
are continually re-published. In addition to these, standards for
Drive Train and Transmissions have recently been promulgated.
Participating shops utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication
Standards as part of the inspection process and for communicating
their findings to their customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work
cooperatively and proactively with government agencies and consumer
groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are
mutually acceptable to both regulators and industry. We maintain the
belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part
of the problem. Meetings with state and other government officials
(and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or
consumer protection, are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is
brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not
satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist Assurance Program
offers mediation and arbitration through MAP/BBB-CARE and other non-

profit organizations. MAP conducted pilot programs in twelve states
before announcing the program nationally in October, 1998. During the
pilots, participating repair shops demonstrated their adherence to the
Pledge and Standards and agreed to follow the UICS in communicating
the results of their inspection to their customers. To put some
"teeth" in the program, an accreditation requirement for shops was
initiated. The requirements are stringent, and a self-policing method
has been incorporated which includes the "mystery shopping" of
outlets.
We welcome you to join us as we continue our outreach... with
your support, both the automotive repair industry and your customers
will reap the benefits. Please visit MAP at our Internet site www.
motorist.org or contact us at:
1444 I Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone (202) 712-9042 Fax (202) 216-9646
January 1999
MAP UNIFORM INSPECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
It is MAP policy that all exhaust, brake, steering,
suspension, wheel alignment, drive-line, engine performance and
maintenance, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and
electrical services be offered and performed under the standards and
procedures specified in these sections.
Before any service is performed on a vehicle, an inspection
of the appropriate system must be performed. The results of this
inspection must be explained to the customer and documented on an
inspection form. The condition of the vehicle and its components will
indicate what services/part replacements may be "Required" or
"Suggested". In addition, suggestions may be made to satisfy the
requests expressed by the customer.
When a component is suggested or required to be repaired or
replaced, the decision to repair or replace must be made in the
customer's best interest, and at his or her choice given the options
available.
This section lists the various parts and conditions that
indicate a required or suggested service or part replacement.
Although this list is extensive, it is not fully inclusive. In
addition to this list, a technician may make a suggestion. However,
any suggestions must be based on substantial and informed experience,
or the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service interval and must be
documented.
Some conditions indicate that service or part replacement is
required because the part in question is no longer providing the
function for which it is intended, does not meet a vehicle
manufacturer's design specification or is missing.
Example:
An exhaust pipe has corroded severely and has a hole in it
through which exhaust gases are leaking. Replacement of the
exhaust pipe in this case is required due to functional
failure.
Example:
A brake rotor has been worn to the point where it measures
less than the vehicle manufacturer's discard specifications.
Replacement of the rotor is required because it does not meet
design specifications.