5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle's
OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle's OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may
need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 32ÉC (90ÉF)
²Trailer towing
²Heavy Loading
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert operation
²If 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 ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Dusty Conditions
Driving through dust-laden air increases the problems of
keeping abrasive materials out of the engine. Under these
conditions, special attention should be given to the
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service.
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug, malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the ªVehicle Emission Control Informa-
tionº label in the engine compartment.
Spark Plug Wires Ð IF Equipped
The spark plug wires should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty wires should be replaced.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule ªAº. If, however, you
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7
Front suspension ball joints should be replaced only by a
qualified service technician using tools specially de-
signed for this purpose. Damage to the joints and/or
suspension components may result if improper replace-
ment procedures are used.
If seals are damaged the ball joints should be replaced to
prevent leakage or contamination of the grease.
Steering Linkage Ð Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent
leakage or contamination of the grease. Lubricate the
steering linkage regularly according to the ªMaintenance
Scheduleº in this manual.
Front Prop Shaft Lubrication
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change listed in the appropriate Maintenance Schedule
for your vehicle (Schedule ªAº and ªBº). Use Mopart
type MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct Fluid type. For normal service, periodic fluid level
checks are not required. When the vehicle is serviced for
other reasons the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly
should be inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected
inspect the fluid level.
This inspection should be made with the vehicle in a level
position. The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole for the Manufacturer's C205F HD Front
Axles. The fluid level should be 5/8º (16 mm) below on
9 1/4º Manufacturer's Rear Axles.
For all 2500 Model axles, the fluid level should be 1/4º
1/4º (6.4 mm 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25º
Front and 3/4º 1/4º (19 mm 6.4 mm) on 10.5º Rear
axles.
Drain and Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or to provide the correct viscosity grade, drain
and refill.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid 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 Differentials
Power Wagon AxlesDO NOT REQUIREany limited slip
oil additive (friction modifiers).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7
Transfer Case
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 correct
fluid type.
Front Drive Shaft
The front drive shaft contains a grease fitting which
should be serviced at every oil change (see maintenance
schedule A/B).
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. If the level of the lubricant is more than 1/4º (6.4
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole while the vehicleis on level ground, enough lubricant should be added to
bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
Lubricant Selection G56 (6 ± Speed Manual
Transmission Ð If Equipped)
This transmission does not require periodic changing. If
it becomes necessary to add or change the fluid in this
transmission, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed as specified in
the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
NOTE:If the transmission is disassembled for any
reason, the fluid and filter(s) should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. Exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detectingfluid 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
ªpurgeº excess grease and the bearing will look slightly
wet. This is normal. Periodic inspection for excess play is
recommended.
Rear Wheel Bearings Ð Manufacturer's Axles
These bearings are normally considered permanently
lubricated. Cleaning and repacking is required only
when axle shafts are removed or in case of extreme water
or dust contamination.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
7
can be identified by the Noise Emission Control Label
located in the operator's compartment.Required Maintenance for Noise Control Systems
The following maintenance services must be performed
every 6 months or 6,000 miles (9 600 km), whichever
comes first, to assure proper operation of the noise
control systems. In addition, inspection and service
should be performed anytime a malfunction is observed
or suspected. Proper maintenance of the entire vehicle
will help the effectiveness of the noise control systems.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly and fit.
Make certain that the air cleaner is properly positioned
and the cover is tight. Check all hoses leading to the
cleaner for tightness. The gasket between the air cleaner
housing and throttle body must be intact and in good
condition. The engine air cleaner filter must also be clean
and serviced according to the instructions outlined in the
appropriate maintenance schedule.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
7