2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL maintenance

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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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 ap-
pointment.
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 your 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
470 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS
To order the following manuals, you may use either the
website or the phone numbers listed below. Visa, Mas-
tercard, American Express, and Discover orders are ac-
cepted. If you prefer mailing your payment, please call
for an order form.
NOTE:A street address is required when ordering
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.
474 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 385,412
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 391
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............391,392
Air Conditioning System................234,391
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 238
Air Filter.............................. 385
Air Pressure, Tires....................301,309
Airbag..............................43,49
Airbag Light.........................72,178
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 49
Airbag, Side............................ 52
Alarm, Out of Park Sense.................. 271
Alarm (Security Alarm).................26,180
Alignment and Balance................... 308
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 227
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 400
Capacities........................... 437
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............182,290Anti-Theft System.....................26,180
Appearance Care........................ 416
Ashtray............................... 152
Automatic Transmission................... 407
Adding Fluid......................... 407
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 408
Fluid Level Check...................... 407
Fluid Type........................408,439
Shift Indicator........................ 180
Shifting............................. 266
Special Additives...................... 409
Axle Fluid..........................406,439
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 406
Ball Joints............................. 393
Battery............................... 390
Blanket..........................261,391
Emergency Starting..................... 363
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 121
478 INDEX

Bearings.............................. 409
Belts, Drive............................ 385
Belts, Seat.............................. 31
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 394
B-Pillar Location........................ 296
Brake Fluid............................ 439
Brake System........................287,403
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 288
Disc Brakes.......................... 403
Fluid Check.......................... 403
Hoses.............................. 405
Master Cylinder....................... 403
Parking............................. 286
Warning Light........................ 182
Bulb Replacement....................... 424
Bulbs, Light............................ 424
Cab Top Clearance Lights.................. 431
Calibration, Compass..................... 138Camper............................... 167
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 437
Capacities, Fluid........................ 437
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 392
Car Washes............................ 416
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............71,169
Cargo Light............................ 124
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 229
CD (Compact Disc) Player............186,194,208
Cellular Phone.......................... 83
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 430
Center Lap Belts......................... 40
Center Seat Storage Compartment.........157,158
Certification Label....................... 319
Charge Air Cooler....................... 402
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 293
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 181
Child Restraint........................55,56
INDEX 479
10

Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............60,64
Child Seat............................56,63
Cigar Lighter........................... 152
Climate Control......................... 231
Clock.....................185,188,196,209,223
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 405
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 230
Compact Spare Tire...................... 304
Compass.............................. 138
Compass Calibration..................... 138
Compass Variance....................... 139
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 134
Console, Overhead....................... 133
Contract, Service........................ 472
Cooling System......................... 397
Coolant Capacity...................... 437
Coolant Level......................... 398
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 401
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 398Inspection........................... 397
Radiator Cap......................... 401
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........400,438
Temperature Gauge..................... 179
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 130
Cup Holder............................ 153
Customer Assistance..................... 470
Data Recorder, Event...................... 54
Daytime Running Lights................... 123
Dealer Service.......................... 376
Defroster, Rear Window..............81,237,241
Defroster, Windshield..................233,235
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 126
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 285
Dipsticks.............................. 379
Power Steering........................ 392
Disc Brakes............................ 403
Disposal.............................. 384
480 INDEX

Engine Oil........................... 384
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 401
Door Ajar............................. 185
Door Locks............................. 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 141
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter.......... 387
Drive Belts............................ 385
Dual Rear Wheels.....................313,360
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 223
Electric Rear Window Defrost..........81,237,241
Electrical Power Outlets................... 150
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 130
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case........... 278
Emergency Brake........................ 286
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 366
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 350
Jacking............................. 353Jump Starting......................... 363
Tow Hooks.......................... 367
Towing............................. 368
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 442
Engine............................... 374
Air Cleaner.......................... 385
Block Heater.......................253,260
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Compartment......................... 374
Coolant (Antifreeze).................400,438
Cooling............................. 397
Data Plate........................... 348
Identification......................... 374
Idling.............................. 262
Jump Starting......................... 363
Oil ..............................379,438
Oil Synthetic......................... 261
Runaway............................ 314
Temperature Gauge..................... 179
INDEX 481
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