2001 DODGE RAM service schedule

86,250 Miles (138 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
²Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary.
²Inspect fan hub.
²Inspect damper.
²Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage.
²
Replace fuel filter and clean water in fuel sensor.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack
if required (4x2).
²Inspect brake linings.
93,750 Miles (150 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
97,500 Miles (156 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
²Replace fuel filter and clean water in fuel sen-
sor.
²Adjust rear brakes.
101,250 Miles (162 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
²Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage.
²Replace fuel filter and clean water in fuel sen-
sor.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
108,750 Miles (174 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
112,500 Miles (180 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
²Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary.²
Replace fuel filter and clean water in fuel sensor.
116,250 Miles (186 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
120,000 Miles (192 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
²Inspect fan hub.
²Inspect damper.
²Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage.
²Replace fuel filter and clean water in fuel sen-
sor.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack
if required (4x2).
²Inspect brake linings.
123,750 Miles (198 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
127,500 Miles (204 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
²Replace fuel filter and clean water in fuel sen-
sor.
131,250 Miles (210 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
135,000 Miles (216 000 km)
²Change engine oil and filter.
²Drain crankcase breather canister (if equipped).
²Clean inside of engine air cleaner element hous-
ing.
²Inspect drive belts, replace as necessary.
²Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage.
²Replace fuel filter and clean water in fuel sen-
sor.
²Adjust valve lash clearance
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
²Adjust rear brakes
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
0 - 26 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

For battery system maintenance schedules and
jump starting procedures, see the owner's manual in
the vehicle glove box. Optionally, refer to Lubrication
and Maintenance for the recommended battery main-
tenance schedules and for the proper battery jump
starting procedures. While battery charging can be
considered a maintenance procedure, the battery
charging procedures and related information are
located in the standard procedures section of this ser-
vice manual. This was done because the battery must
be fully-charged before any battery system diagnosis
or testing procedures can be performed. Refer to
Standard procedures for the proper battery charging
procedures.
OPERATION
The battery system is designed to provide a safe,
efficient, reliable and mobile means of producing,
delivering and storing electrical energy. This electri-
cal energy is required to operate the engine starting
system, as well as to operate many of the other vehi-
cle accessory systems for limited durations while the
engine and/or the charging system are not operating.
The battery system is also designed to provide a
reserve of electrical energy to supplement the charg-
ing system for short durations while the engine is
running and the electrical current demands of the
vehicle exceed the output of the charging system. In
addition to producing, delivering, and storing electri-
cal energy for the vehicle, the battery system serves
as a capacitor and voltage stabilizer for the vehicle
electrical system. It absorbs most abnormal or tran-
sient voltages caused by the switching of any of the
electrical components or circuits in the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems in the
vehicle operate with one another and must be tested
as a single complete system. In order for the engine
to start and the battery to charge properly, all of the
components that are used in these systems must per-
form within specifications. It is important that the
battery, starting, and charging systems be thoroughly
tested and inspected any time a battery needs to be
charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal battery
discharge, overcharging or early battery failure must
be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is
replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service.
The service information for these systems has been
separated within this service manual to make it eas-
ier to locate the specific information you are seeking.
However, when attempting to diagnose any of these
systems, it is important that you keep their interde-
pendency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used for the battery,
starting, and charging systems include the most
basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more
sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an
induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmme-
ter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load
tester) and a 12-volt test lamp may be required. All
OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM.
Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in elec-
tronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
Charging System for the proper charging system on-
board diagnostic test procedures.
8F - 2 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

²A faulty or incorrect starting system component.
Refer to Starting System for the proper starting sys-
tem diagnosis and testing procedures.
²A faulty or incorrect battery. Refer to Standard
Procedures for the proper battery diagnosis and test-
ing procedures. Refer to Battery System Specifica-
tions for the proper specifications.
CLEANING
The following information details the recommended
cleaning procedures for the battery and related com-
ponents. In addition to the maintenance schedules
found in this service manual and the owner's man-
ual, it is recommended that these procedures be per-
formed any time the battery or related components
must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all
corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush
or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution (Fig. 1).
(2) Clean the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion
using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any
exposed bare metal.
(3) If the removed battery is to be reinstalled,
clean the outside of the battery case and the top
cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristleparts cleaning brush to remove any acid film (Fig. 2).
Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the
cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells
through the vent holes. If the battery is being
replaced, refer to Battery Specifications for the facto-
ry-installed battery specifications. Confirm that the
replacement battery is the correct size and has the
correct ratings for the vehicle.
(4) Clean the battery thermal guard with a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to
remove any acid film.
(5) Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal
posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal
cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 3).
INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended
inspection procedures for the battery and related
components. In addition to the maintenance sched-
ules found in this service manual and the owner's
manual, it is recommended that these procedures be
performed any time the battery or related compo-
nents must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
damage. Replace any battery cable that has a dam-
aged or deformed terminal clamp.
Fig. 1 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 2 Clean Battery - Typical
1 - CLEANING BRUSH
2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
3 - BATTERY
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 5
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

(9) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the multi-function switch from the
switch connector receptacle. Check for continuity
between the hazard flasher signal circuit cavities in
the JB receptacle for the combination flasher and the
instrument panel wire harness connector for the
multi-function switch. There should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 10. If not OK, repair the open hazard
flasher signal circuit between the JB and the multi-
function switch as required.
(10) Check for continuity between the flasher out-
put circuit cavities of the JB receptacle for the com-
bination flasher and in the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the multi-function switch.
There should be continuity. If OK, test the multi-
function switch. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If not OK,
repair the open flasher output circuit between the JB
and the multi-function switch as required.
SPECIFICATIONS
EXTERIOR LAMPS
LAMP BULB
Back-up 3157
Cargo 921
Center High Mounted
Stop921
Clearance Roof Mounted 168
Fog Lamps 896
Headlamp - SLT 9004LL
Headlamp - Sport Low
Beam9007
Headlamp - Sport High
Beam9004LL
License Plate w/o
Bumper1155
License Plate -Step
Bumper168
Park/Turn Signal 3157NA
Snow Plow Control 161
Tail/Brake/Turn Signal 3157
Tail/Brake/Cab - Chassis 1157
Underhood 105
SPECIAL TOOLS
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The plunger type brake lamp switch is mounted on
a bracket attached to the brake pedal support under
the instrument panel.
CAUTION: The switch can only be adjusted during
initial installation. If the switch is not adjusted prop-
erly a new switch must be installed.
OPERATION
The brake lamp switch is used for the brake lamp,
speed control brake sensor circuits and electronic
brake distribution (EBD). The brake lamp circuit is
open until the plunger is depressed. The speed con-
trol and brake sensor circuits are closed until the
plunger is depressed.
When the brake light switch is activated, the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) receives an input indi-
cating that the brakes are being applied. After
receiving this input, the PCM maintains idle speed to
a scheduled rpm through control of the Idle Air Con-
trol (IAC) motor. The brake switch input is also used
to disable vent and vacuum solenoid output signals
to the speed control servo.
Vehicles equipped with the speed control option use
a dual function brake lamp switch. The PCM moni-
tors the state of the dual function brake lamp switch.
Refer to the Brake section for more information on
brake lamp switch service and adjustment proce-
dures.
The brake switch is equipped with three sets of
contacts, one normally open and the other two nor-
mally closed (brakes disengaged). The PCM sends a
12 volt signal to one of the normally closed contacts
in the brake switch, which is returned to the PCM as
a brake switch state signal. With the contacts closed,
the 12 volt signal is pulled to ground causing the sig-
nal to go low. The low voltage signal, monitored by
the PCM, indicates that the brakes are not applied.
When the brakes are applied, the contacts open,
Headlamp Aiming Kit C-4466±A
8L - 4 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORBR/BE
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

LINKAGE - 2WD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - 2WD
DESCRIPTION...........................38
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................38
LUBRICATION.........................38REMOVAL..............................38
INSTALLATION...........................39
SPECIFICATIONS........................39
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................39
LINKAGE - 2WD
DESCRIPTION
Light duty (LD) and heavy duty (HD) steering link-
age is used with IFS suspensions. The linkage is
comprised of a idler arm, pitman arm, center link
and tie rod ends. Heavy duty linkage is used on 8800
and 10500 lb. GVW vehicles.
CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced
or serviced an alignment must be performed.
NOTE: When servicing the steering linkage, use
care to avoid damaging ball stud seals. Use Puller
C-3894±A or an appropriate puller to remove tie rod
ends (Fig. 1).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
Periodic lubrication of the idler arm is required.
Refer to Lubrication And Maintenance for the recom-
mended maintenance schedule.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut from the tie-rod.
(2) Remove the tie-rod end ball studs from the
steering knuckles with an appropriate puller.
(3) Remove inner tie-rod ends from center link .
(4) Remove idler arm stud from center link with
an appropriate puller. Remove the idler arm bolt
from frame bracket.
(5) Remove pitman arm ball stud from center link.
(6) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
installation reference. Remove pitman arm with
Puller C-4150A (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Tie Rod End
1 - CLAMP
2 - ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
3 - PULLER TOOL C-3894±A
4 - SEAL
5 - TIE-ROD END
Fig. 2 Pitman Arm
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4150-A
3 - WRENCH
19 - 38 LINKAGE - 2WDBR/BE

LINKAGE - 4WD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - 4WD
DESCRIPTION...........................40
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................40
LUBRICATION.........................40REMOVAL..............................40
INSTALLATION...........................41
SPECIFICATIONS........................41
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................42
LINKAGE - 4WD
DESCRIPTION
The steering linkage is comprised of a tie rod end,
tie rod, drag link, steering damper and pitman arm
(Fig. 1).
CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced
or serviced an alignment must be performed.
NOTE: To avoid damaging ball stud seals, use
Puller C-3894±A or an appropriate puller to remove
tie rod ends (Fig. 2).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system compo-
nents is required. Refer to Lubrication And Mainte-
nance for the recommended maintenance schedule.
The following components must be lubricated:
²Tie rod
²Tie rod end
²Drag link
REMOVAL
(1) Remove steering damper mounting nuts and
bolts and remove damper.
(2) Remove tie rod nuts.
(3) Remove tie rod from drag link and left knuckle
with Puller C-4150A.
(4) Remove drag and nuts.
(5) Remove drag link from right knuckle and pit-
man arm with Puller C-4150A.
(6) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
installation reference. Remove the nut and washer
from the pitman arm. Remove the pitman arm with
Puller C-4150A.
Fig. 1 Steering Linkage
1 - DRAG LINK
2 - PITMAN ARM
3 - STEERING GEAR
4 - TIE ROD END
5 - TIE ROD
6 - DAMPER
Fig. 2 Tie Rod End
1 - CLAMP
2 - ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
3 - PULLER TOOL C-3894±A
4 - SEAL
5 - TIE-ROD END
19 - 40 LINKAGE - 4WDBR/BE

TORQUE CONVERTER
DRAINBACK VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The drainback valve is located in the transmission
cooler outlet (pressure) line.
OPERATION
The valve prevents fluid from draining from the
converter into the cooler and lines when the vehicle
is shut down for lengthy periods. Production valves
have a hose nipple at one end, while the opposite end
is threaded for a flare fitting. All valves have an
arrow (or similar mark) to indicate direction of flow
through the valve.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TORQUE
CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE
The converter drainback check valve is located in
the cooler outlet (pressure) line near the radiator
tank. The valve prevents fluid drainback when the
vehicle is parked for lengthy periods. The valve check
ball is spring loaded and has an opening pressure of
approximately 2 psi.
The valve is serviced as an assembly; it is not
repairable. Do not clean the valve if restricted, or
contaminated by sludge, or debris. If the valve fails,
or if a transmission malfunction occurs that gener-
ates significant amounts of sludge and/or clutch par-
ticles and metal shavings, the valve must be
replaced.
The valve must be removed whenever the cooler
and lines are reverse flushed. The valve can be flow
tested when necessary. The procedure is exactly the
same as for flow testing a cooler.
If the valve is restricted, installed backwards, or in
the wrong line, it will cause an overheating condition
and possible transmission failure.
CAUTION: The drainback valve is a one-way flow
device. It must be properly oriented in terms of flow
direction for the cooler to function properly. The
valve must be installed in the pressure line. Other-
wise flow will be blocked and would cause an over-
heating condition and eventual transmission failure.
TRANSMISSION
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Transmission fluid temperature readings are sup-
plied to the transmission control module by the ther-
mistor (Fig. 243). The temperature readings are used
to control engagement of the fourth gear overdrive
clutch, the converter clutch, and governor pressure.
Normal resistance value for the thermistor at room
temperature is approximately 1000 ohms.
The thermistor is part of the governor pressure
sensor assembly and is immersed in transmission
fluid at all times.
OPERATION
The PCM prevents engagement of the converter
clutch and overdrive clutch, when fluid temperature
is below approximately 10ÉC (50ÉF).
If fluid temperature exceeds 126ÉC (260ÉF), the
PCM causes a 4-3 downshift and engage the con-
verter clutch. Engagement is according to the third
gear converter clutch engagement schedule.
The overdrive OFF lamp in the instrument panel
illuminates when the shift back to third occurs. The
transmission will not allow fourth gear operation
until fluid temperature decreases to approximately
110ÉC (230ÉF).
Fig. 243 Governor Pressure Sensor
1 - GOVERNOR BODY
2 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID
TEMPERATURE THERMISTOR
21 - 262 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE

vehicle is parked for lengthy periods. The valve check
ball is spring loaded and has an opening pressure of
approximately 2 psi.
The valve is serviced as an assembly; it is not
repairable. Do not clean the valve if restricted, or
contaminated by sludge, or debris. If the valve fails,
or if a transmission malfunction occurs that gener-
ates significant amounts of sludge and/or clutch par-
ticles and metal shavings, the valve must be
replaced.
The valve must be removed whenever the cooler
and lines are reverse flushed. The valve can be flow
tested when necessary. The procedure is exactly the
same as for flow testing a cooler.
If the valve is restricted, installed backwards, or in
the wrong line, it will cause an overheating condition
and possible transmission failure.
CAUTION: The drainback valve is a one-way flow
device. It must be properly oriented in terms of flow
direction for the cooler to function properly. The
valve must be installed in the pressure line. Other-
wise flow will be blocked and would cause an over-
heating condition and eventual transmission failure.
TRANSMISSION
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Transmission fluid temperature readings are sup-
plied to the transmission control module by the ther-
mistor (Fig. 241). The temperature readings are used
to control engagement of the fourth gear overdrive
clutch, the converter clutch, and governor pressure.
Normal resistance value for the thermistor at room
temperature is approximately 1000 ohms.
The thermistor is part of the governor pressure
sensor assembly and is immersed in transmission
fluid at all times.
OPERATION
The PCM prevents engagement of the converter
clutch and overdrive clutch, when fluid temperature
is below approximately 10ÉC (50ÉF).
If fluid temperature exceeds 126ÉC (260ÉF), the
PCM causes a 4-3 downshift and engage the con-
verter clutch. Engagement is according to the third
gear converter clutch engagement schedule.
The overdrive OFF lamp in the instrument panel
illuminates when the shift back to third occurs. The
transmission will not allow fourth gear operation
until fluid temperature decreases to approximately
110ÉC (230ÉF).
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION
The valve body consists of a cast aluminum valve
body, a separator plate, and transfer plate. The valve
body contains valves and check balls that control
fluid delivery to the torque converter clutch, bands,
and frictional clutches. The valve body contains the
following components (Fig. 242), (Fig. 243), (Fig.
244), and (Fig. 245):
²Regulator valve
²Regulator valve throttle pressure plug
²Line pressure plug and sleeve
²Kickdown valve
²Kickdown limit valve
²1-2 shift valve
²1-2 control valve
²2-3 shift valve
²2-3 governor plug
²3-4 shift valve
²3-4 timing valve
²3-4 quick fill valve
²3-4 accumulator
²Throttle valve
²Throttle pressure plug
²Switch valve
²Manual valve
²Converter clutch lock-up valve
²Converter clutch lock-up timing Valve
²Shuttle valve
²Shuttle valve throttle plug
²Boost Valve
²10 check balls
By adjusting the spring pressure acting on the reg-
ulator valve, transmission line pressure can be
adjusted.
Fig. 241 Governor Pressure Sensor
1 - GOVERNOR BODY
2 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID
TEMPERATURE THERMISTOR
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 433
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE (Continued)