2003 DODGE RAM fuel filter replacement

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL
Filter Element Only
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 3) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Pry over 4 spring clips (Fig. 3) from housing
cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(3) Release housing cover from locating tabs on
housing (Fig. 3) and remove cover.
(4) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(5) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
Housing Assembly
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 3) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Lift entire housing assembly from 4 locating
pins (Fig. 4).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install filter element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs (Fig. 3).(3) Pry up 4 spring clips (Fig. 3) and lock cover to
housing.
(4) Install air duct to air cleaner cover and tighten
hose clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) If any other hose clamps were removed from
air intake system, tighten them to 3.4 N´m (30 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) If any bolts were removed from air resonator
housing or air intake tubing, tighten them to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
Fig. 3 AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER
1 - CLAMP
2 - AIR DUCT
3 - AIR CLEANER COVER
4 - LOCATING TABS
5 - CLIPS (4)
Fig. 4 AIR CLEANER HOUSING
1 - AIR CLEANER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - LOCATING PINS (4)
9 - 20 ENGINE - 3.7LDR

AIR INTAKE SYSTEM
REMOVAL
Filter Element Only
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 2) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Pry over 4 spring clips (Fig. 2) from housing
cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(3) Release housing cover from locating tabs on
housing (Fig. 2) and remove cover.
(4) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(5) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
Housing Assembly
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 2) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Lift entire housing assembly from 4 locating
pins (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install filter element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs (Fig. 2).(3) Pry up 4 spring clips (Fig. 2) and lock cover to
housing.
(4) Install air duct to air cleaner cover and tighten
hose clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) If any other hose clamps were removed from
air intake system, tighten them to 3.4 N´m (30 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) If any bolts were removed from air resonator
housing or air intake tubing, tighten them to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD
OPERATIONÐCYLINDER HEAD
The cylinder head closes the combustion chamber
allowing the pistons to compress the air fuel mixture
to the correct ratio for ignition. The valves located in
the cylinder head open and close to either allow clean
air into the combustion chamber or to allow the
exhaust gases out, depending on the stroke of the
engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET FAILURE
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
²Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
Fig. 2 AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER
1 - CLAMP
2 - AIR DUCT
3 - AIR CLEANER COVER
4 - LOCATING TABS
5 - CLIPS (4)
Fig. 3 AIR CLEANER HOUSING
1 - AIR CLEANER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - LOCATING PINS (4)
9 - 194 ENGINE - 5.7LDR

ENGINE 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
The 8.0 Liter (488 CID) ten-cylinder engine is a
V-Type lightweight, single cam, overhead valve
engine with hydraulic roller tappets. This engine is
designed for unleaded fuel.
Engine lubrication system consists of a gerotor
type oil pump mounted in the timing chain cover and
driven by the crankshaft. The V-10 uses a full flow
oil filter.
The cylinders are numbered from front to rear; 1,
3, 5, 7, 9 on the left bank and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 on the
right bank. The firing order is 1-10-9-4-3-6-5-8-7-2
(Fig. 1).
The engine serial number is located on the lower
left front of the cylinder block in front of the engine
mount (Fig. 2). When component part replacement is
necessary, use the engine type and serial number for
reference.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING - Preformance) or (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING - Mechanical). Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM for fuel system diagnosis.
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
²Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
²Lash Adjuster (Tappet) Noise Diagnosis (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/HYDRAULIC LIFT-
ERS (CAM IN BLOCK) - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)
²Engine Oil Leak Inspection (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)
Fig. 1 Firing Order
Fig. 2 Engine IdentificationÐ(Serial Number)
1 - ENGINE SERIAL NO.
2 - ENGINE MOUNT LOCATION
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 353

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL
Filter Element Only
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 4) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Pry over 4 spring clips (Fig. 4) from housing
cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(3) Release housing cover from locating tabs on
housing (Fig. 4) and remove cover.
(4) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(5) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
Housing Assembly
(1) Loosen clamp (Fig. 4) and disconnect air duct
at air cleaner cover.
(2) Lift entire housing assembly from 4 locating
pins (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install filter element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs (Fig. 4).(3) Pry up 4 spring clips (Fig. 4) and lock cover to
housing.
(4) Install air duct to air cleaner cover and tighten
hose clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) If any other hose clamps were removed from
air intake system, tighten them to 3.4 N´m (30 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) If any bolts were removed from air resonator
housing or air intake tubing, tighten them to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
The alloy cast iron cylinder heads (Fig. 6) are held
in place by 12 bolts. The spark plugs are located in
the peak of the wedge between the valves.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET FAILURE
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
²Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
þ Loss of engine power
þ Engine misfiring
þ Poor fuel economy
Fig. 4 AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER
1 - CLAMP
2 - AIR DUCT
3 - AIR CLEANER COVER
4 - LOCATING TABS
5 - CLIPS (4)
Fig. 5 AIR CLEANER HOUSING
1 - AIR CLEANER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - LOCATING PINS (4)
9 - 370 ENGINE 8.0LDR

FUEL FILTER / WATER
SEPARATOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel filter/water separator assembly is located
on left side of engine above starter motor. The assem-
bly also includes the fuel heater and Water-In-Fuel
(WIF) sensor, and fuel transfer pump.
OPERATION
The fuel filter/water separator protects the fuel
injection pump by removing water and contaminants
from the fuel. The construction of the filter/separator
allows fuel to pass through it, but helps prevent
moisture (water) from doing so. Moisture collects at
the bottom of the canister.
Refer to the maintenance schedules for the recom-
mended fuel filter replacement intervals.
For draining of water from canister, refer to Fuel
Filter/Water Separator Removal/Installation section.A Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is attached to side of
canister. Refer to Water-In-Fuel Sensor Description/
Operation.
The fuel heater is installed into the top of the fil-
ter/separator housing. Refer to Fuel Heater Descrip-
tion/Operation.
REMOVAL
Refer to maintenance schedules in this manual for
recommended fuel filter replacement intervals.
Draining water from fuel filter/water separa-
tor housing:
The housing drain valve (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4) serves
two purposes. One is topartiallydrain filter hous-
ing of excess water. The other is tocompletelydrain
housing for fuel filter, drain valve, heater element, ,
water-in-fuel sensor replacement or transfer pump
replacement.
The filter housing should be partially drained
whenever water-in-fuel warning lamp remains illumi-
nated. (Note that lamp will be illuminated for
approximately two seconds when ignition key is ini-
tially placed in ON position for a bulb check).
(1) A drain hose (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4) is located at
bottom of drain valve. Place drain pan under drain.
(2)With engine not running,rotate drain valve
handle rearward to OPEN (DRAIN) position. Hold
drain valve open until all water and contaminants
have been removed and clean fuel exits.
(3) If drain valve, fuel heater element or Water-In-
Fuel (WIF) sensor is being replaced, drain housing
completely. Dispose of mixture in drain pan according
to applicable regulations.
(4) After draining operation, push valve handle
forward to CLOSE position.
(5)Fuel Filter Replacement:The fuel filter is
located inside of the fuel filter housing.
(a) Clean all debris from around canister.
(b) Remove filter lid (Fig. 5) using a socket.
Attach socket to large hex on top of lid (Fig. 5).
Rotate counter-clockwise for removal. Remove
o-ring.
(c) Remove filter element by twisting element
sideways from filter lid.
(6)Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor Replacement:
The WIF sensor is located on the side of the fuel fil-
ter housing (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4).
(a) Disconnect electrical connector at sensor.
(b) Clean area around sensor.
(c) Remove sensor by rotating counter-clockwise.
(d) Check condition of sensor o-ring. Replace if
damaged.
(7)Fuel Heater Element Replacement:The
heater element is located in the fuel filter housing
(Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4).
(a) Remove fuel filter. See previous steps.
FUEL INJECTOR TUBE (CONNECTOR) REMOVER -
#9015
SPANNER WRENCH (FUEL TANK MODULE
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION) - #6856
ENGINE ROTATING (BARRING) TOOL - #7471B
(ALSO PART OF KIT #6860)
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 61
FUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL (Continued)

(b) Disconnect electrical connector.
(c) Remove two T-15 Torx head mounting screws
from fuel heater element.
(d) Remove fuel filter cover and filter element.
(e) Remove fuel heater.
(8)Drain Valve Replacement:The drain valve
assembly is located on the side of the fuel filter hous-
ing (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4).
(a) Disconnect drain hose from the fuel drain
valve.
(b) Remove 4 drain valve mounting screws (T-15
Torx head).
(c) Remove drain valve from filter housing.
INSTALLATION
Refer to maintenance schedules for recommended
fuel filter replacement intervals.
(1) Thoroughly clean inside of filter housing, filter
cap and all related components.
(2)Fuel Filter:
(a)The engine has a self-priming low-pres-
sure fuel system. Refer to Standard Proce-
dures-Fuel System Priming.
(b) Install new o-ring to canister lid and lubri-
cate o-ring with 30W oil.
Fig. 3 FILTER HOUSING (EARLY)
1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - FUEL HEATER AND THERMOSTAT
3 - FUEL HEATER MOUNTING SCREWS
4 - FUEL HEATER ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - DRAIN VALVE
6 - DRAIN VALVE MOUNTING SCREWS
7 - DRAIN HOSE
8 - WIF SENSOR
9 - WIF SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR
Fig. 4 FILTER HOUSING (LATE)
1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - FUEL HEATER AND THERMOSTAT
3 - FUEL HEATER MOUNTING SCREWS
4 - FUEL HEATER ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - WIF SENSOR
6 - WIF SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR
7 - DRAIN HOSE
8 - DRAIN VALVE MOUNTING SCREWS
9 - DRAIN VALVE
Fig. 5 FILTER COVER (LID)
1 - FILTER COVER
2 - ATTACH SOCKET HERE
14 - 62 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL FILTER / WATER SEPARATOR (Continued)

FUEL LINES
DESCRIPTION
Low-Pressure Lines
²the fuel supply line from fuel tank to fuel trans-
fer (lift) pump.
²the fuel return line back to fuel tank.
²the fuel drain manifold line at rear of cylinder
head.
²the fuel supply line from fuel filter to fuel injec-
tion pump.
High-Pressure Lines
²the fuel line from fuel injection pump to overflow
valve.
²the fuel line from fuel injection pump to fuel
rail.
²the 6 fuel lines from fuel rail up to injector con-
nector tubes
WARNING: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES DELIVER
DIESEL FUEL UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE FROM
THE INJECTION PUMP TO THE FUEL INJECTORS.
THIS MAY BE AS HIGH AS 160,000 KPA (23,206
PSI). USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS. INSPECT FOR
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH A SHEET OF
CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION PRESSURE
CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF CONTACT IS
MADE WITH THE SKIN.
OPERATION
High-Pressure Lines
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines must be
held securely in place in their holders. The lines
cannot contact each other or other components. Do
not attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to
repair lines that are damaged. If lines are ever
kinked or bent, they must be replaced. Use only the
recommended lines when replacement of high-pres-
sure fuel line is necessary.
High-pressure fuel lines deliver fuel (under pres-
sure) of up to approximately 160,000 kPa (23,206
PSI) from the injection pump to the fuel injectors.
The lines expand and contract from the high-pres-
sure fuel pulses generated during the injection pro-
cess. All high-pressure fuel lines are of the same
length and inside diameter. Correct high-pressure
fuel line usage and installation is critical to smooth
engine operation.WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
INSPECTING FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS.
INSPECT FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH
A SHEET OF CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION
PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF
CONTACT IS MADE WITH THE SKIN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HIGH-PRESSURE
FUEL LINE LEAKS
High-pressure fuel line leaks can cause starting
problems and poor engine performance.
WARNING: DUE TO EXTREME FUEL PRESSURES
OF UP TO 160,000 kPa (23,206 PSI), USE EXTREME
CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING FOR HIGH-PRES-
SURE FUEL LEAKS. DO NOT GET YOUR HAND OR
A FINGER NEAR A SUSPECTED LEAK. INSPECT
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH A SHEET
OF CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION PRES-
SURE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF CON-
TACT IS MADE WITH THE SKIN.
Start the engine. Move the cardboard (Fig. 15) over
the suspected high-pressure fuel line leak, and check
for fuel spray onto the cardboard. If line is leaking,
retorque line. Replace damaged, restricted or leaking
high-pressure fuel lines with the correct replacement
line.
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines must be
clamped securely in place in the holders. The lines
cannot contact each other or other components. Do
not attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to
repair lines that are damaged. Only use the recom-
mended lines when replacement of high-pressure
fuel line is necessary.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 69

IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped
on the left side of the case just above the oil pan gas-
ket surface (Fig. 2). Refer to this information when
ordering replacement parts.
GEAR RATIOS
The 46RE gear ratios are:
1st.................................2.45:1
2nd................................1.45:1
3rd................................1.00:1
4th.................................0.69:1
Rev..................................2.21
OPERATION
The application of each driving or holding compo-
nent is controlled by the valve body based upon the
manual lever position, throttle pressure, and gover-
nor pressure. The governor pressure is a variable
pressure input to the valve body and is one of the
signals that a shift is necessary. First through fourth
gear are obtained by selectively applying and releas-
ing the different clutches and bands. Engine power is
thereby routed to the various planetary gear assem-
blies which combine with the overrunning clutch
assemblies to generate the different gear ratios. The
torque converter clutch is hydraulically applied and
is released when fluid is vented from the hydraulic
circuit by the torque converter control (TCC) solenoid
on the valve body. The torque converter clutch is con-
trolled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The
torque converter clutch engages in fourth gear, and
in third gear under various conditions, such as when
the O/D switch is OFF, when the vehicle is cruising
on a level surface after the vehicle has warmed up.
The torque converter clutch can also be engaged in
the manual second gear position if high transmission
temperatures are sensed by the PCM. The torque
converter clutch will disengage momentarily when an
increase in engine load is sensed by the PCM, such
as when the vehicle begins to go uphill or the throttle
pressure is increased. The torque converter clutch
feature increases fuel economy and reduces the
transmission fluid temperature.
Since the overdrive clutch is applied in fourth gear
only and the direct clutch is applied in all ranges
except fourth gear, the transmission operation for
park, neutral, and first through third gear will be
described first. Once these powerflows are described,
the third to fourth shift sequence will be described.
1 - TORQUE CONVERTER 11 - DIRECT CLUTCH
2 - INPUT SHAFT 12 - PLANETARY GEAR
3 - OIL PUMP 13 - OUTPUT SHAFT
4 - FRONT BAND 14 - SEAL
5 - FRONT CLUTCH 15 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
6 - REAR CLUTCH 16 - OVERDRIVE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
7 - PLANETARIES 17 - DIRECT CLUTCH SPRING
8 - REAR BAND 18 - OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER
9 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH 19 - FILTER
10 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH 20 - VALVE BODY
Fig. 2 Transmission Part And Serial Number
Location
1 - PART NUMBER
2 - BUILD DATE
3 - SERIAL NUMBER
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 133
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)