2003 DODGE RAM spark plugs replace

Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid,
change filter and adjust bands (46RE/47RE/
48RE).³X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid
and change main sump filter (45RFE/
545RFE only).³X
Miles 33,000 36,000 39, 000 42,000 45,000
(Kilometers) (53 000) (58 000) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables (5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid,
change filter and adjust bands (46RE/47RE/
48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid
and change main sump filter (45RFE/
545RFE only).X
Miles 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000 75,000
(Kilometers) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace
if required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXX
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace
if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.X*
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace
if required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X³
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid,
change filter and adjust bands (46RE/47RE/
48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission fluid
and change main sump and spin-on cooler
return filter (if equipped) [45RFE/545RFE
only].X
Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (160 000) (163 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XX
Flush and replace engine coolant. X
Flush and replace Power Steering Fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (168 000) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.XXXXX X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXX
Drain and refill transfer case
fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid. X X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.XX
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables
(5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
Inspect PCV valve, replace
as necessary.X*
Inspect auto tension drive belt
and replace if required
(3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X³ X³
Drain and refill automatic
tranmission fluid, change filter
and adjust bands (46RE/
47RE/48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic
tranmission fluid and change
main sump filter (45RFE/
545RFE only).X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manu-
facture to the owner but is not required to maintain
the emissions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously
replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.
0 - 10 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Schedule ªAº
Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (10 000) (19 000) (29 000) (38 000) (48 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Check transfer case fluid level.X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXX X
Inspect brake linings. X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Miles 36,000 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000
(Kilometers) (58 000) (67 000) (77 000) (84 000) (96 000) (106 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66]
Change engine oil and engine
oil filter.XXXXX
X
Check transfer case fluid
level.X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends
2500/3500 (4X4) models only.XXXXX X
Flush and replace engine
coolant at 60 months,
regardless of mileage.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner
filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace
as necessary.X*
Replace ignition cables
(5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X
DRLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 11
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000
(Kilometers) (115 000) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500
(4X4) models only.XXXXX
Drain and refill transfer case fluid. X
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not
done at 60 mos.X
Flush and replace Power Steering Fluid.X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables (5.7L/5.9L/
8.0L).X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as
necessary.X*
Inspect auto tension drive belt and
replace if required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/
8.0L).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission
fluid, change filter and adjust bands
(46RE/47RE/48RE).X
Drain and refill automatic tranmission
fluid and change main sump filter and
spin-on cooler return filter (if equipped)
[45RFE/545RFE only].X
Miles 102,000 108,000 114,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (163 000) (173 000) (182 000) (192 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Check transfer case fluid level.X
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) models only. X X X X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if required
(3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L/8.0L).X³X³
Replace engine air cleaner filter.X
Replace spark plugs.X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manu-
facture to the owner but is not required to maintain
the emissions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously
replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.WARNING: You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work
for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability
to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.
0 - 12 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEDR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)
²The camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 30). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 31). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
30) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil by
pushing downward on release lock on top of connec-
tor and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 31).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
4.7L V-8
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 30). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 32). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
30) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.(2) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 32) from
coil by pushing downward on release lock on top of
connector and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 32).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
5.7L V-8
Before removing or disconnecting any spark plug
cables, note their original position. Remove cables
one-at-a-time. To prevent ignition crossfire, spark
plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray (routing
loom) into their original position.
An individual ignition coil (Fig. 33) is used at each
cylinder. The coil mounts to the top of the valve cover
with 2 bolts (Fig. 34). The bottom of the coil is
equipped with a rubber boot to seal the spark plug to
the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The
spring is used for a mechanical contact between the
coil and the top of the spark plug.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Unlock electrical connector (Fig. 34) by moving
slide lock first. Press on release lock (Fig. 34) while
pulling electrical connector from coil.
(3) Disconnect secondary high-voltage cable from
coil with a twisting action.
(4) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(5) Remove 2 mounting bolts (note that mounting
bolts are retained to coil).
(6) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(7) Remove coil from vehicle.
(8) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
5.9L V-8
The coil is not oil filled. The coil windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the coil to be
mounted on the engine. If the coil is replaced, it must
be replaced with the same type.
5.9L V-8 LDC-Gas Engines: The coil is mounted to
a bracket that is bolted to the front of the right
engine cylinder head (Fig. 35). This bracket is
mounted on top of the automatic belt tensioner
bracket using common bolts.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 23
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

WARNING: 5.9L V-8 LDC-GAS ENGINES: DO NOT
REMOVE THE COIL MOUNTING BRACKET-TO-CYL-
INDER HEAD MOUNTING BOLTS. THE COIL
MOUNTING BRACKET IS UNDER ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT TENSION. IF THIS BRACKET IS TO BE
REMOVED FOR ANY REASON, ALL BELT TENSION
MUST FIRST BE RELIEVED. REFER TO THE BELT
SECTION OF GROUP 7, COOLING SYSTEM.
5.9L V-8 HDC-Gas Engine: The coil is mounted to
a bracket that is bolted to the air injection pump
(AIR pump) mounting bracket (Fig. 36).
(1) Disconnect primary coil connector from ignition
coil.
(2) Disconnect secondary cable from ignition coil.
(3) Remove ignition coil from coil mounting
bracket (two bolts).
8.0L V-10
Two separate coil packs containing a total of five
independent coils are attached to a common mount-
ing bracket located above the right engine valve
cover (Fig. 37). The front and rear coil packs can be
serviced separately.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coils.
(2) Remove secondary spark plug cables from coil
packs. Note position of cables before removal.
(3) Disconnect primary wiring harness connectors
at coil packs.
(4) Remove four (4) coil pack-to-coil mounting
bracket bolts for coil pack being serviced (Fig. 37).
(5) Remove coil(s) from mounting bracket.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
4.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Twist coil into position.
(4) Install 2 coil mounting bolts. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) Install cable to coil. To prevent ignition cross-
fire, spark plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray
(routing loom) into their original position. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for a graphic.
(7) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.9L V-8
The ignition coil is an epoxy filled type. If the coil
is replaced, it must be replaced with the same type.
(1) Install ignition coil to coil bracket. If nuts and
bolts are used to secure coil to coil bracket, tighten to
11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque. If coil mounting bracket
has been tapped for coil mounting bolts, tighten bolts
to 5 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Connect all wiring to ignition coil.
8.0L V-10
(1) Position coil packs to mounting bracket (prima-
ry wiring connectors face downward).
(2) Install coil pack mounting bolts. Tighten bolts
to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install coil pack-to-engine mounting bracket (if
necessary).
(4) Connect primary wiring connectors to coil
packs (four wire connector to front coil pack and
three wire connector to rear coil pack).
(5) Connect secondary spark plug cables to coil
packs. Refer to (Fig. 38) for correct cable order.
8I - 24 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)