Page 302 of 360

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:Inspect and clean the housing if dirt or debris is
present before replacing the air filter element.
1. Install the air cleaner filter element into the housing
assembly with the air cleaner filter inspection surface
facing downward.
2. Install the air cleaner cover onto the housing assembly
locating tabs.
3. Install screws to secure the air cleaner cover to the
housing assembly.
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter
There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is located on the
driver’s side of the engine. The best access to this water
drain valve is from under the hood. The second one is on
the under body, located in front of the rear axle above the
drive shaft on pick-up models. The Chassis Cab modelssecond filter location is on the frame behind the front
axle. The best access to this water drain valve is from
under the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Do not drain the fuel/water separator filters when
the engine is running.
•Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filters into an appropriate container.
If water is detected in the water separator while the
engine is running, or while the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will
illuminate and an audible chime will be heard five times.
At this point you should stop the engine and drain the
water from both of the filters.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 321 of 360

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C for
68RFE transmission, or 158-176°F / 70-80°C for AS69RC
transmission). This normally occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
You can read the transmission sump temperature in the
EVIC display (see Electronic Vehicle Information Center
[EVIC] for further information).
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
Page 325 of 360

Required Maintenance For Noise Control Systems
The following maintenance services must be performed
every six months or 7,500 miles (12 000 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.
Exhaust System
Inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks and damaged
parts. Devices such as hangers, clamps, and U-bolts
should be tight and in good condition. Damaged compo-
nents, burned or blown out mufflers, burned or rusted
out exhaust pipes should be replaced according to the
procedures and specifications outlined in the appropriate
service manual.Air Cleaner Assembly
Inspect air cleaner housing for proper assembly and fit.
Make certain that the air cleaner is properly positioned
and that the cover is tight. Check all hoses leading to the
air cleaner for tightness. The air filter element must also
be clean and serviced according to the instructions out-
lined in the Maintenance Schedule section of this manual.
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.
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 323
Page 326 of 360

Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
the acts listed below.
AIR CLEANER
•Removal of the air cleaner.
•Removal of the air cleaner filter element from the air
cleaner housing.
•Removal of the air ducting.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
•Removal or rendering inoperative exhaust system
components including the muffler or tailpipe.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
•Removal or rendering inoperative the fan clutch.
•Removal of the fan shroud.Noise Emission Warranty
The manufacturer warrants that this vehicle as manufac-
tured by the manufacturer, was designed, built and
equipped to conform at the time it left the manufacturer’s
control with all applicable U.S. EPA Noise Control Regu-
lations.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed, built and
equipped by the manufacturer, and is not limited to any
particular part, component or system of the vehicle
manufactured by the manufacturer. Defects in design,
assembly or in any part, component or system of the
vehicle as manufactured by the manufacturer, which, at
the time it left the manufacturer’s control, caused noise
emissions to exceed Federal standards, are covered by
this warranty for the life of the vehicle.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 336 of 360
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
Check the engine oil level at least 30 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy
of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at
or below the ADD or MIN mark.Once A Month
•Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and automatic transmission (if
equipped), and add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air filter.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
334 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Page 340 of 360
Mileage or time passed (which-
ever comes first):
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting
(4x4).XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX
Lubricate outer tie rod ends. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect engine air filter, replace if
necessary. ****XXXXXXXX X X
Inspect the front suspension, tie
rod ends and boot seals for
cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper loose-
ness or end play; replace if nec-
essary.XXXXXXXX X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X X X X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake. X X X X X X
338 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Page 345 of 360

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
* Inspect the front and rear axle surfaces every 20,000
miles (32,000 km). If gear oil leakage is suspected, check
the fluid level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing change the axle fluid
every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
** Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months or 500
Hours, whichever comes first.
**** Under no circumstances should the air cleaner filter
element exceed 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
***The manufacturer highly recommends that all
cooling system service, maintenance, and repairs be
performed by your local authorized dealer.
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only 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 me-
chanic.
•Failure to properly inspect and maintain your ve-
hicle could result in a component malfunction and
effect vehicle handling and performance. This
could cause an accident.
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 343
Page 348 of 360

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............114
Adding Fuel..............................92
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .104
Airbag Light.............................23
Alarm Light..............................24
Anti-Lock Warning Light.....................18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................113
Capacities............................121
Disposal..............................117
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Type............................125
Axle Fluid..............................125
Battery.................................111
Brake Fluid.............................125
Brake System............................118
Fluid Check...........................118
Master Cylinder........................118
Warning Light..........................21Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........121
Capacities, Fluid..........................121
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...........................103
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................116
Charge Air Cooler.........................118
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . . .18
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........116
Cooling System...........................112
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............114
Coolant Capacity.......................121
Coolant Level..........................112
Disposal of Used Coolant..................117
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................113
Points to Remember.....................117
Pressure Cap..........................116
Radiator Cap..........................116
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........113,122
346 INDEX - RAM 1500