Page 406 of 532

Drive Belts (Gas Engines)
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. Drive Belt (Diesel Engines)
Inspection
Check the belt for intersecting cracks.
• Transverse (across the belt width) cracks are accept-
able.
• Longitudinal (direction of belt length) cracks that
intersect with transverse cracks are NOT acceptable.
Replace the belt if it has unacceptable cracks, is frayed or
has pieces of material missing.
The engine speed sensor, located near the damper, should
be inspected for damage if a belt is frayed.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter (Gas Engines)
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 410 of 532
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter (Diesel
Engines)
CAUTION!Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the
engine is running. CAUTION!Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new
fuel filter. There is a possibility debris could be
introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It is
best to install the filter dry and allow the in-tank lift
pump to prime the fuel system.
NOTE: Care should be taken in disposing of used fluids
from your vehicle. Used fluids, indiscriminately dis-
carded, can present a problem to the environment. Con-
tact your local dealer, service station, or government
agency for advice on recycling programs and for where
used fluids and filters can be properly disposed of in
your area.
Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator
filter monthly or when the WATER IN FUEL indicator
lamp is on. Turn the drain valve, located on the bottom of410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 414 of 532

CAUTION!Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you. WARNING!A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 416 of 532

WARNING!A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
Service CCV Filter
The 6.7L Cummins engine utilizes a Closed Crankcase
Ventilation (CCV) system. This system filters and recycles
gasses produced in the crankcase during the normal
combustion process. Service CCV Filter will be displayed
on the overhead console of your Dodge truck if the CCV
filter is due for required maintenance. This filter is
located on the top of the engine valve cover. For addi-
tional information, see your Dodge truck dealer. Catalyst Full See Owner Manual
Catalyst Full See Owner Manual will be displayed on the
overhead console of your Dodge truck if the exhaust
particulate filter reaches 80% of its maximum storage
capacity. Under conditions of exclusive short duration
and low speed driving cycles, your Cummins engine and
exhaust aftertreatment system may never reach the con-
ditions required to remove the trapped PM, if this occurs
Catalyst Full See Owner Manual will be displayed on the
overhead console in your Dodge truck. If this message is
displayed you will hear one chime to assist in alerting
you of this condition.
Catalyst Stat::::::::::80%
Catalyst Stat::::::::::80% will replace the message Catalyst
Full See Owner Manual after it is displayed for one
minute. The engine Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
will continue to monitor the amount of particulate matter416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 417 of 532

trapped in the particulate filter. This message indicates
the percentage of the particulate filter capacity that has
been used.
By simply driving your Dodge truck at highway speeds
for as little as 45 minutes you can remedy the condition in
the particulate filter system and allow your Cummins
engine and exhaust Aftertreatment system to remove the
trapped PM and restore the system to normal operating
condition.
Catalyst Stat:::::::::::80%, 90%, 99%
Catalyst Stat:::::::::::80%, 90%, 99% If you are unable to
drive your vehicle under these conditions for an ex-
tended period of time after the initial warning notifica-
tion, the Engine PCM will continue to monitor the
particulate filter and will display the progression of
particulate filter usage (80, 90, 99%) on the EVIC message
center. CATALYST FULL SERVICE REQD
If the particulate filter reaches 99% of it’s capacity the
overhead console in your Dodge truck will chime twice
and display the message CATALYST FULL SERVICE
REQD. At this point the engine PCM will register a fault
code, the instrument panel will display a MIL light and
the engine PCM will derate the truck reducing its horse-
power and torque output.
The PCM derates the engine in order to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the aftertreatment system.
If this condition is not corrected and a dealer service is
not performed, extensive exhaust aftertreatment damage
can occur. In order to correct this condition it will be
necessary to have the truck serviced by your Dodge truck
dealer. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
7
Page 420 of 532
WARNING!Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized Mopar dealer. Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
NOTE: Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty Information
book for further warranty information.420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 421 of 532

WARNING!• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman. Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421
7
Page 422 of 532

WARNING!Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. The ball joints and seals should be inspected
whenever the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Steering Linkage — 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.
Front Prop Shaft Lubrication
Lubricate the front driveshaft grease fitting at each oil
change listed in the appropriate Maintenance Schedule
for your vehicle (Schedule “A” and “B”). Use Mopar
type MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE