2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL oil change

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Drain And Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or subjected to severe service, follow the
recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule
“B” in Section 8 of this manual.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentialsin vehicles equipped with
10.5”/11.5” AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4” below
the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicle is on level
ground, enough lubricant should be added to bring the
level to the bottom of the filler hole.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the bands
adjusted (if equipped) ) as specified in the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8). Vehicles having severe usage should
follow Maintenance Schedule “B” of the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8).
Severe usage consists of:
•Off-the-highway operation;
•Trailer towing;
•Snow plow operation;
•Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather.NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter should be changed, and the
bands adjusted (if equipped).
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be avoided,
since they may adversely affect seals.
Front Wheel Bearings
Front wheel bearings for all Dodge Ram Trucks are
sealed-for-life. They do not require greasing or seal
replacement. In some instances, these bearings will
“purge” excess grease and the bearing housing will look
slightly wet. This is normal.
•Periodic inspection for excess play is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
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•Off-road or desert operation.
•Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 101,250 miles (162 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
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.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 15 minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy 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. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
•Drain water from the fuel filter.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 443
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Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the batteries and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if
equipped), add as needed.
•Check Filter Minder™. Replace air cleaner filter
element if necessary.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the U-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.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) models
only.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 3,750 7,500 11,250 15,000 18,750
(Kilometers) (6 000) (12 000) (18 000) (24 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500,
4X4).X X XXX
Rotate tires. X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.XX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only.XX
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage. X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water in fuel
sensor.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X
446 SCHEDULE “B”
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Miles 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750 37,500
(Kilometers) (36 000) (42 000) (48 000) (54 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500,
4X4).X X XXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.XXX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only.XXX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect fan hub. X
Inspect damper. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage. X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water in fuel
sensor.X
SCHEDULE “B” 447
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Miles 41,250 45,000 48,750 52,500 56,250
(Kilometers) (66 000) (72 000) (78 000) (84 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X
Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500,
4X4).X X XXX
Rotate tires. X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.XX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends 2500/3500 (4X4) mod-
els only.XX
Inspect drive belt, replace as required. X
Inspect water pump weep hole for blockage. X
Replace fuel filter element. Clean the water in fuel
sensor.X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
SCHEDULE “B” 449
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