Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 40

0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
M A I N T E N A N C E S C H E D U L E S — L I G H T D U T Y V E H I C L E S
INTRODUCTION
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service intervals for Dodge Ram vehicles. Use
the schedule that best describes the conditions the
vehicle is operated under. When mileage and time is
listed, follow the interval that occurs first.
Schedule—A lists all the scheduled maintenance
to be performed under normal operating conditions.
Schedule—B is a schedule for vehicles that are
usually operated under one or more of the following
conditions.
• Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8
km).
• Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
• Trailer towing or heavy load hauling.
• Frequent long periods of engine idling.
• Sustained high speed operation.
• Desert operation.
9 Frequent starting and stopping.
® Cold climate operation.
• Off road driving.
• Commercial service.
• Snow plow operation.
• More than half of vehicle operation occurs in
heavy city traffic during hot weather (above 90° F).
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The schedule emission maintenance listed in bold
type on the following schedules, must be done at the
mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte­
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
SERVICE INTERVALS FOR 1500 AND 2500 LIGHT
DUTY VEHICLES
AT EACH
STOP FOB GASOLINE
• Check engine oil level and add as required.
• Check windshield washer solvent and add as re­
quired.
ONCE A MONTH
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual tire wear
or damage.
• Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake mas­
ter cylinder, power steering and transmission. Add
fluid as required.
• Check all lights and other electrical items for cor­
rect operation.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
AT EACH OIL CHANGE
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect brake hoses.
• Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown
on Schedule—A: (7,500 Miles) or every other interval
shown on Schedule-B: (6,000 Miles).
• Check engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Lubricate steering linkage.
• If your mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000
km) yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil
change.
• Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints and slip
spline, if equipped.
After completion of off-road (4WD) operation, the
underside of the vehicle should be thoroughly in­
spected. Examine threaded fasteners for looseness.
SCHEDULE—A
7,500 MILES (12 OOOKM) OR AT 6 MONTHS
• Change engine oil.
15,000 MILES (24 OOOKM) OR AT 12 MONTHS
• Change engine oil.
• Replace engine oil filter.
22,500 MILES (36 OOOKM) OR AT 18 MONTHS
• Change engine oil.
• Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack, if
required (4x2).
• Inspect brake linings.
30,000 MILES (48 OOOKM) OR AT 24 MONTHS
• Change engine oil.
• Change engine oil filter.
• Replace engine air cleaner element.
• Replace spark plugs.
37,500 MILES (60 OOOKM) OR AT 30 MONTHS
• Change engine oil.
• Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Re­
place filter and adjust bands.
• Drain and refill transfer case fluid.
45,000 MILES (72 OOOKM) OR AT 36 MONTHS
• Change engine oil.
• Replace engine oil filter.
• Inspect front wheel bearings. Clean and repack, if
required (4x2).
• Inspect brake linings.