2008 DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB change time

between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70É F ± 85É F (20É C ± 30É C). If
the fluid level is correctly established at room tempera-
ture, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference
holes when the transmission reaches 160É F - 175É F (70É
C ± 82É C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50É F
(10É C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading. Never use any ATF
other than MopartAS68RCŸ Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the Parking Brake.NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
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 the
transmission fluid is maintained at the correct level, and
that it be drained and refilled as specified.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A filter change should
be made at the time of the oil change.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
Oil Change Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. This system will alert you when it is
time to change your engine oil by displaying the words
ªOil Change Requiredº on your Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC). The engine oil change indicator
system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate depending on your per-
sonal driving style. Driving styles such as frequent stopand go type driving can increase the frequency of the
engine oil change. This is the result of more frequent
regeneration of the exhaust aftertreatment system, which
can decrease the life of the engine oil. Failure to change
the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in
internal engine damage.
For information on resetting the Oil Change Indicator
message, refer to ªOil Change Required ± If Equipped,º
under ªSystem Status (EVIC Displays)º in the ªElectronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º Section of this
manual.
482 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
*This maintenance is not required if belt was previously
replaced.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Ð 5.7L GAS ENGINE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
The ªChange Oilº message will flash in the instrument
cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicat-
ing that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº under ªIn-
strument Cluster Descriptionº in Section 4 of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level whilethe vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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 (4x4 only). 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 and rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing (Gas Engine Only).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
494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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 & filter and
change main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped), if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet 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
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 495
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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
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow-
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90FÉ (32CÉ).60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter and
change main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped).120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
496 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 126
Lap Belts.............................. 44
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren).............................. 63
Life of Tires............................ 331
Lights..............................76,122
Airbag............................56,175
Anti-Lock Warning..................181,312
Brake Warning........................ 180
Bulb Replacement...................... 468
Cap Top Clearance..................... 473
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 179
Cruise.............................. 183
Daytime Running...................... 125
Dome.............................. 142
Fog ..........................125,179,472
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 293
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378Headlights........................... 124
High Beam........................127,175
High Beam Indicator.................... 175
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 127
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 174
Intensity Control....................... 123
Interior............................. 122
Lights On Reminder.................... 125
Passing............................. 127
Reading............................. 142
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 175
Service.............................. 468
Transfer Case......................... 293
Transmission Warning................... 182
Turn Signal.....................126,175,468
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 174
Limited-Slip Differential................301,444
Loading Vehicle......................... 347
518 INDEX