2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL Owners Manual

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS

Emission Control System Maintenance........442

Maintenance Schedules — 24–Valve Cummins
Turbo Diesel..........................442▫Schedule “B”........................445
▫Schedule “A”........................459
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typein this section (Section 8) must be done at the times
or mileages specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These, and all
other maintenance services included in this manual,
should be done to provide best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for
vehicles in severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES — 24–VALVE
CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under one or more of the following conditions that are
listed below and at the beginning of the schedule.
•Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve
full operating temperature (operating temperature de-
fined as 190° F (66° C ) coolant temperature).
•Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of
operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32° F (0°
C).
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Frequent trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
442 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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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Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Frequent short trips where the engine does not achieve
full operating temperature (operating temperature de-
fined as 190° F (66° C ) coolant temperature).
•Extensive engine idling (over 10 minutes per hour of
operation) at ambient temperatures less than 32° F (0°
C).
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Frequent trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
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.
SCHEDULE “B” 445
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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 22,500 26,250 30,000 33,750 37,500
(Kilometers) (36 000) (42 000) (48 000) (54 000) (60 000)
Change rear axle fluid. X
Change front axle fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re-
place filter and adjust bands (48RE only).X
448 SCHEDULE “B”
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