2001 DODGE RAM air condition

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
7Cooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission/Transaxle
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control Systems
30New Vehicle Preparation
Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)

FASTENER USAGE
DESCRIPTION - FASTENER USAGE
WARNING: USE OF AN INCORRECT FASTENER
MAY RESULT IN COMPONENT DAMAGE OR PER-
SONAL INJURY.
Figure art, specifications and torque references in
this Service Manual are identified in metric and SAE
format.
During any maintenance or repair procedures, it is
important to salvage all fasteners (nuts, bolts, etc.)
for reassembly. If the fastener is not salvageable, a
fastener of equivalent specification must be used.
DESCRIPTION - THREADED HOLE REPAIR
Most stripped threaded holes can be repaired using
a Helicoilt. Follow the manufactures recommenda-
tions for application and repair procedures.
INTERNATIONAL VEHICLE
CONTROL & DISPLAY
SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION - INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
The graphic symbols illustrated in the following
International Control and Display Symbols Chart are
used to identify various instrument controls. The
symbols correspond to the controls and displays that
are located on the instrument panel.
METRIC SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION - METRIC SYSTEM
The metric system is based on quantities of one,
ten, one hundred, one thousand and one million .
The following chart will assist in converting metric
units to equivalent English and SAE units, or vise
versa.
International Symbols
1 High Beam 13 Rear Window Washer
2 Fog Lamps 14 Fuel
3 Headlamp, Parking Lamps, Panel Lamps 15 Engine Coolant Temperature
4 Turn Warning 16 Battery Charging Condition
5 Hazard Warning 17 Engine Oil
6 Windshield Washer 18 Seat Belt
7 Windshield Wiper 19 Brake Failure
8 Windshield Wiper and Washer 20 Parking Brake
9 Windscreen Demisting and Defrosting 21 Front Hood
10 Ventilating Fan 22 Rear hood (Decklid)
11 Rear Window Defogger 23 Horn
12 Rear Window Wiper 24 Lighter
6 INTRODUCTIONBR/BE

It is even more important to look for gasoline with-
out MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at
levels higher than allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California refor-
mulated gasoline.
SULFUR IN GASOLINE
If you live in the northeast United States, your
vehicle may have been designed to meet California
low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning Cali-
fornia reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such
fuels are not available in states adopting California
emission standards, your vehicles will operate satis-
factorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission control system performance may be
adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California
is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may
affect the performance of the vehicle's catalytic con-
verter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine Soon
light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a dif-
ferent brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur
to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to
returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
CAUTION: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL),
Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is flash-
ing, immediate service is required; see on-board
diagnostics system section.
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
All gasoline sold in the United States and Canada
are required to contain effective detergent additives.
Use of additional detergents or other additives is not
needed under normal conditions.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
CAUTION: Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle's performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance, damage the emission control system, and
could result in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully
loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the tem-
perature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to
help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists,
lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being
sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Most
of these products contain high concentrations of
methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such fuels
or additives is not the responsibility of Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation and may not be covered under
the new vehicle warranty.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under certain
conditions and hazardous or explosive when mixed
with diesel fuel.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable sup-
plier in your Dodge truck. For most year-round ser-
vice, number 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 will provide good performance. If
the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 0ÉF/-
18ÉC), or is required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2
diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection
from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To
prevent fuel system trouble, including fuel line freez-
ing in winter, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good-quality fuel and fol-
low the cold-weather advice above, fuel conditioners
should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane ªpremiumº diesel fuel may
offer improved cold starting and warm-up perfor-
mance.
0 - 2 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE (Continued)

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
LIGHT DUTY ENGINE (1500 AND 2500
MODELS EXCEPT 8.0L) MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for the vehicle.
First is ScheduleªAº. It lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is ScheduleªBºIt is a schedule for vehicles
that are operated under the conditions listed at the
beginning of that schedule.
Use the schedule that best describes the driving
conditions.
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
²Clean windshield and wiper blades as required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals
as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Inspect and clean wiper blades. Replace if
required.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Adjust rear brake shoe to drum clearance.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on schedule ªAº (7,500 Miles) or every other
interval shown on schedule ªBº (6,000 Miles).
²Check engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operatingconditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
FLUID FILL LOCATIONS AND LUBRICATION
POINTS
The fluid check/fill locations and lubrication points
are located in each applicable group.
LIGHT DUTY SCHEDULE ªAº
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect brake linings.
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Lubricate non permanently sealed ball joints.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Inspect manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 7

105,000 Miles (168 000 km) or at 84 months
²Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required.**
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
112,500 Miles (180 000 km) or at 90 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect brake linings.
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Lubricate non permanently sealed ball joints.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
²Inspect exhaust system.
120,000 Miles (192 000 km) or at 96 months
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²Check PCV valve and replace as neces-
sary.*
²Replace spark plugs.
²Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required.**
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
*This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler to the customer but it is not required to
maintain warranty on the PCV valve.
**This maintenance is not required if the belt was
previously replaced.
LIGHT DUTY SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow this schedule if the vehicle is usually oper-
ated under one or more of the following conditions.
²Frequent short trips of less than 5 miles.
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
²Trailer towing.
²Frequent long periods of engine idling.²More than 50 percent of the driving is at sus-
tained high speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF
(32ÉC).
²Frequent stop and go driving.
²Day and night temperatures are below freezing.
²Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
²Off-road or desert operation.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect brake linings.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
²Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace
as necessary.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
111,000 Miles (178 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
114,000 Miles (182 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
117,000 Miles (187 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
120,000 Miles (192 000 km)
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²
Inspect PCV valve and replace as necessary.*
²Replace spark plugs.
²Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required.**
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect brake linings.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Change automatic transmission fluid, filter and
adjust the bands.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
*This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler to the customer but it is not required to
maintain warranty on the PCV valve.
**This maintenance is not required if the belt was
previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
DESCRIPTION - MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (8.0L 2500 & 3500
MODELS Ð CALIFORNIA ONLY)
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service based on the conditions that the vehi-
cle is subjected to. Use the schedule that best
describes these conditions.
ScheduleªAº, lists all the scheduled maintenance
to be performed under normal operating conditions
for Medium Duty vehicles.
ScheduleªBº, lists maintenance recommended for
Medium Duty vehicles operated under the conditions
listed at the beginning of that schedule.
²Where the time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
²Clean windshield and wiper blades as required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals
as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²
Inspect and clean wiper blades. Replace if required.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Adjust rear brakes.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on schedule ªAº (6,000 Miles) or every other
interval shown on schedule ªBº (6,000 Miles)
²Check engine coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
114,000 Miles (183 000 km) or at 116 months
²Replace engine oil and filter.
120,000 Miles (192 000 km) or at 124 months
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
MEDIUM DUTY SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow this schedule if the vehicle usually operates
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Frequent short trips less than 5 miles (8 km).
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions
²Frequent trailer towing
²Extensive idling
²Move than 50% of the driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C)
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.³
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace
as necessary.
18,000 Miles (29 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
21,000 Miles (29 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
24,000 Miles (38 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
27,000 Miles (43 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
33,000 Miles (53 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.³
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
39,000 Miles (62 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
42,000 Miles (67 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace
as necessary.
48,000 Miles (77 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
²Flush and replace engine coolant.
51,000 Miles (82 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
54,000 Miles (86 000 km)
²Replace engine oil and filter.
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Inspect brake linings.
³Off-the-highway operation, trailer towing snow
plowing, prolonged operation with heavy loading,
especially in hot weather require the more frequent
transmission service indicated with an ³ in Schedule
ªBº. Perform these services if the vehicle is usually
operated under these conditions.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
DESCRIPTION - HEAVY DUTY ENGINE
(FEDERAL ONLY ± 2500 8.0L HD AND 3500
5.9L& 8.0L MODELS) MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service based on the conditions that the vehi-
cle is subjected to. Use the schedule that best
describes these conditions.
ScheduleªAº, lists all the scheduled maintenance
to be performed under normal operating conditions
for Heavy Duty vehicles.
ScheduleªBº, lists maintenance recommended for
Heavy Duty vehicles operated under the conditions
listed at the beginning of that schedule.
²Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level, add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
²Clean windshield and wiper blades as required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals
as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, power
steering and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Inspect and clean wiper blades. Replace if
required.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Adjust rear brakes.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on schedule ªAº (6,000 Miles) or every other
interval shown on schedule ªBº (6,000 Miles).
²Check engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
FLUID FILL LOCATIONS AND LUBRICATION
POINTS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication points
are located in each applicable group.
HEAVY DUTY SCHEDULE ªAº
6,000 miles (10 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
12,000 Miles (19 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace
as necessary (8.0L only).
18,000 Miles (29 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect brake linings
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x4).
24,000 Miles (38 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace engine air cleaner element and air
pump filter.
²Clean and lubricate crankcase inlet air filter
(5.9L).
²Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands.
²Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack,
if required (4x2).
30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace spark plugs.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)