2005 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS maintenance

•Heavy Loading.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule “B” of theMaintenance Schedulessection of
this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 409
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At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F C (32°).
•Trailer towing.
•Snowplowing.
•Heavy Loading.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule “B” of theMaintenance Schedulessection of
this manual.
NOTE:If none of these apply to you, then change your
engine oil at every interval shown on scheduleAof the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 411
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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)
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary. **X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if
required (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L).XX
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid
and change main sump and spin-on cooler
return filter (if equipped)*.X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120
months if not replaced at 102,000 miles (192
000 km).X
*
This applies only if the vehicle is used for frequent trailer
towing, snowplowing, fleet vehicle or commercial service.
** This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but not required to maintain the
emissions warranty.Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE “B” 421
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Miles 102,000 108,000 114,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (163 000) (173 000) (182 000) (192 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Inspect engine air cleaner filter. Replace if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV Valve, replace as necessary. ** X
** This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but not required to maintain the
emissions warranty.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
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 me-
chanic.
426 SCHEDULE “A”
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SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Prepare For The Appointment
If you’re having warranty work done, be sure to have the
right papers with you. Take your warranty folder. All
work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty, discuss additional charges with the service
manager. Keep a maintenance log of your vehicle’s
service history. This can often provide a clue to the
current problem.
Prepare A List
Make a written list of your vehicle’s problems or the
specific work you want done. If you’ve had an accident,
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let the
service advisor know.
Be Reasonable With Requests
If you list a number of items, and you must have your
vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the situation with the
service advisor and list the items in order of priority. At
many dealers you may obtain a rental vehicle at a minimal
daily charge. If you need a rental, it is advisable to make
these arrangements when you call for an appointment.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
The manufacturer and its dealers are vitally interested in
your satisfaction. We want you to be happy with our
products and services.
Warranty service must be done by an authorized
Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer. We strongly recommend
that you take your vehicle to you selling dealer. They
know you and your vehicle best, and are most concerned
that you get prompt and high quality service. The
manufacturer’s dealers have the facilities, factory-trained
technicians, special tools, and the latest information to
assure your vehicle is fixed correctly and in a timely
manner.
428 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

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manuals. (No P.O. Boxes).
•Service Manuals.
These comprehensive service manuals provide the
information that students and professional technicians
need in diagnosing/troubleshooting, problem solving,
maintaining, servicing and repairing DaimlerChrysler
Corporation vehicles. A complete working knowledge
of the vehicle, system and/or components is written in
straightforward language with illustrations, diagrams
and charts.
•Diagnostic Procedure Manuals.
Filled with diagrams, charts and detailed illustrations,
these practical manuals make it easy for students and
technicians to find and fix problems on computer-
controlled vehicle systems and features. They show
exactly how to find and correct problems the first time,
using step-by-step troubleshooting and driveability
procedures, proven diagnostic tests and a complete list
of all tools and equipment.
•Owner’s Manuals.
These manuals have been prepared with the assistance
of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you
with specific Chrysler group vehicles. Included are
starting, operating, emergency and maintenance pro-
cedures as well as specifications, capabilities and
safety tips.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 433
9

Adding Fuel........................285,321
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 358,382
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 362
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............362,363
Air Conditioning System................ 211,362
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 215
Air Pressure, Tires....................269,277
Airbag..............................45,51
Airbag Light.........................71,166
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Alarm..............................29,169
Alignment and Balance................... 277
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............370,403
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 256
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............170,258
Anti-Theft System.....................29,169
Appearance Care........................ 385Ashtray............................... 148
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 378
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 379
Fluid Level Check...................... 377
Fluid Type........................379,406
Shift Indicator........................ 169
Shifting............................. 232
Special Additives...................... 379
Axle Fluid.......................298,374,406
Axle Lubrication.....................298,374
Ball Joints............................. 364
Battery............................... 361
Emergency Starting..................... 337
Bearings.............................. 380
Belts, Drive............................ 357
Belts, Seat.............................. 34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 366
436 INDEX