2001 DODGE RAM rear axle

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)

VEHICLE SAFETY
CERTIFICATION LABEL
DESCRIPTION
A vehicle safety certification label (Fig. 5) is
attached to every Chrysler Corporation vehicle. The
label certifies that the vehicle conforms to all appli-
cable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
label also lists:
²Month and year of vehicle manufacture.
²Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The gross
front and rear axle weight ratings (GAWR's) are
based on a minimum rim size and maximum cold tire
inflation pressure.
²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
²Type of vehicle.
²Type of rear wheels.
²Bar code.
²Month, Day and Hour (MDH) of final assembly.
²Paint and Trim codes.
²Country of origin.
The label is located on the driver-side door shut-
face.
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION
PLATE
DESCRIPTION
The Equipment Identification Plate (Fig. 6) is
located at the left, front of the inner hood panel. The
plate lists information concerning the vehicle as fol-
lows:
²The model.²The wheelbase.
²The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
²The T.O.N. (order number).
²The optional and special equipment installed on
the vehicle.
Refer to the information listed on the plate when
ordering replacement parts.
Fig. 5 Vehicle Safety Certification Label
Fig. 6 Equipment Identification Plate
12 INTRODUCTIONBR/BE

DESCRIPTION
A multi-purpose, hypoid gear lubricant which con-
forms to the following specifications should be used.
Mopar Hypoid Gear Lubricant conforms to all of
these specifications.
SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear
lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage.
FRONT AXLE
²The lubricant should have MIL-L-2105C and
API GL 5 quality specifications.
²Lubricant is SAE 75W-140 SYNTHETIC gear
lubricant.
REAR AXLE
²The lubricant should have MIL-L-2105C and
API GL 5 quality specifications.
²Lubricant is a thermally stable SAE 80W-90
gear lubricant.
²Lubricant for axles intended for heavy-duty or
trailer tow use is SAE 75W-140 SYNTHETIC gear
lubricant.
NOTE: Trac-lokYand Vari-lokYequipped axles
require a friction modifier be added to the lubricant.
CAUTION: If axle is submerged in water, lubricant
must be replaced immediately to avoid possible
premature axle failure.
DESCRIPTION - TRANSFER CASE FLUID
Recommended lubricant for the NV231 and NV241
transfer case is MopartATF +4, (MS 9602) Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules in this
group for the recommended maintenance (fluid/filter
change) intervals for this transmission.
NOTE: Refer to Service Procedures in this group for
fluid level checking procedures.
MopartATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid is the recommended fluid for Daimler-
Chrysler automatic transmissions.
Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch
chatter can result from the use of improper
fluid.MopartATF +4, type 9602, Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed
red so it can be identified from other fluids used in
the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red
color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid
condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin
to look darker in color and may eventually become
brown.This is normal.A dark brown/black fluid
accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration
in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or
transmission component failure.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
The automatic transmission fluid is selected based
upon several qualities. The fluid must provide a high
level of protection for the internal components by
providing a lubricating film between adjacent metal
components. The fluid must also be thermally stable
so that it can maintain a consistent viscosity through
a large temperature range. If the viscosity stays con-
stant through the temperature range of operation,
transmission operation and shift feel will remain con-
sistent. Transmission fluid must also be a good con-
ductor of heat. The fluid must absorb heat from the
internal transmission components and transfer that
heat to the transmission case.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
FLUID TYPES (Continued)

FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
FUEL TANK
1500 Series with 6.5'
Short Box98 L (26 gal.)*****
2500 Series Club Cab
and Quad Cab with 6.5'
Short Box129 L (34 gal.)*****
All 8' Long Box 132 L (35 gal.)*****
All Cab/Chassis Models 132 L (35 gal.)*****
ENGINE OIL WITH FILTER
3.9L 4.2 L (4.5 qts.)
5.2L 4.7 L (5.0 qts.)
5.9L 4.7 L (5.0 qts.)
8.0L 6.6 L (7.0 qts.)
5.9L DIESEL 10.4 L (11.0 qts.)
COOLING SYSTEM
3.9L 19 L (20 qts.)****
5.2L 19 L (20 qts.)****
5.9L 19 L (20 qts.)****
8.0L 24.5 L (26.0 qts.)****
5.9L DIESEL 22.7 L (24.0 qts.)****
POWER STEERING
Power steering fluid capacities are dependent on
engine/chassis options as well as steering gear/cooler
options. Depending on type and size of internal cooler,
length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or use of an
auxiliary cooler, these capacities may vary. Refer to
19, Steering for proper fill and bleed procedures.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Fill - 42RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 42RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 44RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 44RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 46RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 46RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 47RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 47RE 14-16 L 29-33 pts.)*
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Dry fill capacity Depending on type and size of internal
cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or
use of an auxiliary cooler, these figures may vary. Refer
to 21, Transmission for proper fluid fill procedure.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NV3500 2.0 L (4.2 pts.)
NV4500 3.8 L (8.0 pts.)
NV4500 HD 3.8 L (8.0 pts.)
NV5600 4.5 L (9.5 pts.)
TRANSFER CASE
NV231 HD 1.2 L (2.5 pts.)
NV241 2.18 L (4.61 pts.)
NV241 HD 3.08 L (6.51 pts.)
FRONT AXLE
Model 216-FBI 2.3 L (4.8 pts.)
Model 248-FBI 4.0L (8.5 pts.)
REAR AXLE
9-1/4 inch 2.1 L (4.5 pts.)
248-RBI(2WD) 3.0 L (6.3 pts.)
248-RBI(4WD) 3.4L (7.0 pts.)
267-RBI(2WD) 3.3 L (7.0 pts.)
267-RBI (4WD) 3.6L (7.5 pts.)
286-RBI (2WD) 3.2 L (6.8 pts.)
286-RBI (4WD) 4.8 L (10.1 pts.)
REAR AXLEÐLIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
9-1/4 inch 2.2 L (4.7 pts.)6
248-RBI (2WD) 3.0 L (6.3 pts.**)
248-RBI (4WD) 3.4 L (7.0 pts.)
267-RBI 3.3 L (7.0 pts.**)
267-RBI (4WD) 3.6 L (7.5 pts.)
286-RBI (2WD) 3.2 L (6.8 pts.**)
286-RBI (4WD) 4.8 L (10.1 pts.***)
** Include 0.05 L (0.25 pts.) friction modifier.
*** Include 0.19 L (0.4 pts.) friction modifier.
6Include 0.1 L (0.2 pts.) friction modifier.
**** Includes 0.9L (1.0 qts.) for coolant reservoir.
*****Nominal refill capacities are shown. A variation
may be observed from vehicle to vehicle due to
manufacturing tolerance and refill procedure.
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE

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)

²Inspect exhaust system.
18,000 Miles (29 000 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.
21,000 Miles (34 000 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.
24,000 Miles (38 000 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.
27,000 Miles (43 000 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.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.*
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Change automatic transmission fluid, filter and
adjust the bands.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
33,000 Miles (53 000 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.
36,000 Miles (58 000 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.
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
39,000 Miles (62 000 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.
42,000 Miles (67 000 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.
45,000 Miles (72 000 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.
²Inspect exhaust system.
48,000 Miles (77 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake hoses.
0 - 10 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Inspect brake linings.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
51,000 Miles (82 000 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.
54,000 Miles (86 000 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.
57,000 Miles (91 000 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.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²Inspect 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.
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.
63,000 Miles (101 000 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.
66,000 Miles (106 000 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.
69,000 Miles (110 000 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.
72,000 Miles (115 000 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.
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
²Change rear axle fluid.
²Change front axle fluid (4x4).
²Inspect exhaust system.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km)
²Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace
as necessary.
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.
78,000 Miles (125 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 11
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Inspect brake hoses.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
81,000 Miles (130 000 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.
84,000 Miles (134 000 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.
87,000 Miles (139 000 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.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
²Replace engine air cleaner element.
²Inspect PCV valve, 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.
²Lubricate the steering linkages.
²Change automatic transmission fluid, filter and
adjust the bands.
²Check manual transmission fluid level.
²Inspect exhaust system.
93,000 Miles (149 000 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.
96,000 Miles (154 000 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.
99,000 Miles (158 000 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.
102,000 Miles (163 000 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.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace
as necessary.
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.
108,000 Miles (173 000 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.
²Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
²Change rear axle fluid.
0 - 12 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)