On-Vehicle Service

WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL. CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO NOT POLLUTE. DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL PROPERLY.

ENGINE OIL SPECIFICATION

CAUTION: Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oil when adding or changing crankcase lubricant. Engine failure can result.

API SERVICE GRADE CERTIFIED





Fig. 12

In gasoline engines, use an engine oil that is API Service Grade Certified (Fig. 12).
Standard engine-oil identification notations have been adopted to aid in the proper selection of engine oil. The identifying notations are located on the label of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of engine oil cans.

SAE VISCOSITY
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the viscosity of engine oil. SAE 10W-30 specifies a multiple viscosity engine oil.





Fig. 13

When choosing an engine oil, consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Select an engine oil that is best suited to your area's particular ambient temperature range and variation. For gasoline engines, refer to (Fig. 13).

ENERGY-CONSERVING OIL
An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for gasoline engines. The designation of ENERGY CONSERVING is located on the label of an engine oil container.

CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION

CAUTION: Do not overfill crankcase with engine oil, oil foaming and oil pressure loss can result.





Fig. 14

To ensure proper lubrication of an engine, the engine oil must be maintained at an acceptable level. The acceptable oil level is in the SAFE RANGE on the engine oil dipstick (Fig. 14).
Unless the engine has exhibited loss of oil pressure, warm the engine for about fifteen (15) minutes before checking oil level. Checking engine oil level of a cold engine is not accurate.
(1) Position vehicle on level surface.
(2) With engine OFF, allow approximately fifteen (15) minutes for oil to settle to bottom of crankcase, remove engine oil dipstick.
(3) Wipe dipstick clean.
(4) Replace dipstick and verify it is seated in the tube.
(5) Remove dipstick, with handle held above the tip, take oil level reading.
(6) Add oil only if level is below the SAFE RANGE area on the dipstick.
(7) Replace dipstick

ENGINE OIL CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals described in the Maintenance Schedule.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Run engine until normal operating temperature is achieved.
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn off engine.
(2) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(3) Remove oil fill cap.
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase drain.
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase and allow oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for stretching or other damage. Replace drain plug and gasket, if damaged.
(6) Install drain plug in crankcase.
(7) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified type and amount of engine oil.
(8) Install oil fill cap.
(9) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(10) Stop engine and inspect oil level.

ENGINE OIL FILTER CHANGE
FILTER SPECIFICATION
All Dodge Ram engines are equipped with a high quality full-flow, disposable type oil filter. Chrysler Corporation recommends a Mopar, or equivalent, oil filter be used.

OIL FILTER REMOVAL
(1) Position a drain pan under the oil filter.
(2) Using a suitable oil filter wrench, loosen filter.





Fig. 15

(3) Rotate the oil filter counterclockwise to remove it from the cylinder block oil filter boss (Fig. 15).
(4) When filter separates from adapter nipple, tip gasket end upward to minimize oil spill. Remove filter from vehicle.





Fig. 16

(5) With a wiping cloth, clean the gasket sealing surface (Fig. 16) of oil and grime.

OIL FILTER INSTALLATION
(1) Lightly lubricate oil filter gasket with engine oil or chassis grease.
(2) Thread filter onto adapter nipple. When gasket makes contact with sealing surface, (Fig. 16) hand tighten filter one full turn, do not over tighten.
(3) Add oil, verify crankcase oil level, and start engine. Inspect for oil leaks.

USED ENGINE OIL DISPOSAL
Care should be exercised when disposing of used engine oil after it has been drained from a vehicle's engine.