2008 DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON air filter

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine CompartmentÐ 5.7L Gas Engine......408
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........409
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............409
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................410
mReplacement Parts......................411
mDealer Service.........................412
mMaintenance Procedures..................412
NEngine Oil..........................413NEngine Oil Filter......................415
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 416
NSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)...............416
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................416
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................417
NCatalytic Converter....................417
NEmission-Related Components............419
NMaintenance Free Battery................419
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............420
7

For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it's performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
7

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 (Gas Engines)
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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section in this manual.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended En-
gine Air Cleaner Filter change intervals.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
7

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.
Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof: (1) the removal or rendering inoperative by any
person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or
replacement, of any device or element of design incorpo-
rated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle
after such device or element of design has been removed
or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
AIR CLEANER
²Removal of the air cleaner.
²Inverting the air cleaner lid.
²Removal of the air ducting.
440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate Tires. 6,000 10 000 6
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. 6,000 10 000 6
Lube Front Drive Shaft Fitting. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty
or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the front & rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing.18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 471
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Inspect Exhaust System. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the transfer case fluid. 30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs on 5.7L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transmission fluid & main
sump filter, if using your vehicle for any of the follow-
ing: police, taxi, fleet, snow plowing, or frequent
trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road or fre-
quent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
472 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Adding Fuel........................... 362
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter).............................416,440
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 420
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............420,421
Air Conditioning System................242,420
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 245
Air Pressure, Tires....................336,344
Airbag............................34,47,55
Airbag Light.......................58,77,180
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 55
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,182
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 343
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 234
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........427,428,464
Disposal............................ 429Anti-Lock Warning Light...............185,323
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,182
Appearance Care........................ 443
Ashtray............................... 161
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 89
Automatic Transaxle...................... 13
Interlock System........................ 19
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 436
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 438
Fluid Level Check...................... 436
Fluid Type........................437,466
Shift Indicator........................ 182
Shifting............................. 262
Special Additives...................... 438
Axle Fluid..........................434,466
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 434
486 INDEX