Maintenance Information Dodge Ram I

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

Note. For scheduled maintenance intervals and the related fluid capacities, fluid specifications and labor times for major service intervals, see SCHEDULED SERVICES article below

1. SCHEDULED SERVICES - GASOLINE (1983-87)
2. SCHEDULED SERVICES (1988-93)
3. SCHEDULED SERVICES - DIESEL (1983-85)

Warranty information and specifications for fluid

capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size

and battery type are covered in this article.

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Normal Service and Severe Service are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

1. Sustained High Speed Driving In Hot Weather
2. Stop-And-Go Driving In Dusty Conditions
3. Extensive Idling
4. Frequent Short Trips
5. Trailer Towing Or Commercial Use
6. Driving Off-Road Or In Salty Or Sandy Areas

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Severe Service Operating Conditions

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belt on 2.0L, 2.4L and 3.0L engines at 60,000 mile intervals. Replace timing and balancer belts on 2.3L diesel engines at 50,000 mile intervals.

ACCESSORY BELTS

Note. Check A/C system and power steering pump belt at the first 60,000 miles, then every 15,000 miles.

EMISSION CONTROL MAINTENANCE (1988-93 VEHICLES)

Replace oxygen sensor (if equipped) at 80,000 miles, and evaporative emission canister at 100,000 miles. Replace fuel filter every 5 years or 50,000 miles on 1988-89 vehicles. Replace EGR valve (except California vehicles) at 50,000 miles intervals on 1988-92 models and at 100,000 miles on 1993 models (2.4L).

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Note. For more information regarding jacking or hoisting the vehicle, refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.

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Note. For more information regarding camshaft timing belt service refer to the 2.3L 4-CYL TURBO DIESEL - VIN [J]article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.

Scheme 9

Note. For more information regarding valve clearance adjustment refer to the 2.3L 4-CYL TURBO DIESEL - VIN [J]article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.

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SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Tire inflation specification label is located on rear of driver's door.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 87-101 ft. lbs. (120-140 N.m).

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

On models with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

1. DO NOT attempt to bleed or add hydraulic fluid to system without first referring to appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
2. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in ABS-equipped vehicles.
3. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to original diameter, increasing width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical on all 4 tires.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BATTERY WARNING

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT

CATALYTIC CONVERTER (GASOLINE MODELS)

To prevent catalytic converter overheating, DO NOT allow engine to idle for more than 20 minutes.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

To avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).

DIESEL FUEL ANTI-FUNGAL ADDITIVES

DIESEL FUEL CONTAMINATION

DIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Note. A Diesel Fuel #1 & #2 combination (Blended Fuel) may be used, and is recommended for mild winter driving.

JUMP STARTING (DIESEL)

STARTING FLUID USE (DIESEL)

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

ENGINE OIL

Use lubricants that conform to API requirements SG or SG/CD and have the proper SAE grade number for the expected temperature range. DO NOT use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

HALOGEN BULBS

RADIATOR FAN

TURBOCHARGED MODELS (TURBO-DIESEL)

WARRANTY INFORMATION

BASIC NEW CAR WARRANTY

Everything is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Warranty covers any parts or components (except tires) that have been proven defective in material or workmanship under normal vehicle operation. Warranty repairs (parts and labor) will be made by dealer at no charge using new or rebuilt parts.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

Upon expiration of the 12-month/12,000-mile Basic New Car Limited Warranty, the following components will be covered by the Powertrain Warranty.

1. Engine Cylinder block and all internal parts; timing gear drive belts and/or chains and cover; oil pump; intake and exhaust manifolds; water pump and housing; turbocharger housings and internal parts; turbocharger wastegate actuator; gaskets and seals for listed components.
2. Transmission & Transfer Case Transmission case and all internal parts; oil pan; torque converter with starter ring gear and flexplate; clutch housing and flywheel; gaskets and seals for listed components.
3. Drive Shaft & Drive Axle (RWD & 4WD) Drive shaft assemblies (front and rear); universal joints and yokes; drive shaft center bearings; axle housing and all internal parts; disconnect housing assembly; axle shafts and axle shaft bearings; gaskets and seals for these listed components.

Warranty coverage for 1987-89 models is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Warranty for 1990-93 models has been extended to 7 years or 70,000 miles. This warranty is subject to a 100 deductible for each repair visit. The Powertrain Warranty also covers cost of towing to the nearest dealer if vehicle cannot be driven due to failure of listed powertrain part.

OWNER'S CHOICE COVERAGE

Beginning in 1992, Chrysler offers a choice of new car coverage. At the time of purchase, owner must choose either (1) the 12-month/12,000-mile Basic New Warranty with 7-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage, or (2) the 36-month/36,000-mile Basic New Car Warranty, which covers any items that are defective in material, workmanship or factory preparation. Under the 36-month/36,000-mile warranty, the following items are only warranted for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

1. Light Bulbs
2. Seat Covers And Carpets
3. Brakes (Rotors, Pads, Linings And Drums)
4. Fuses
5. Wiper Blades
6. Adjustments
7. Battery
8. Drive Belts

CORROSION COVERAGE

Warranty starts on date vehicle is delivered or put in use, whichever occurs first, and extends for 36 months regardless of mileage. Outer body panels are covered for 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers any rust-through in body sheet metal due to corrosion.

EMISSION SYSTEM "DEFECT" & "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTIES (FEDERAL)

Under the Defect Warranty, Chrysler warrants that the vehicle is free from defects in material and workmanship, which would cause it to fail to meet Federal standards for emission control system set at the time vehicle is built. The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts necessary for vehicle to pass a Federally approved state or local emissions test.

The following is a list of some of the primary components that affect the emissions of vehicle and are covered by both warranties. Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. Warranties begin on warranty start date and last for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

1. Carburetor Feedback Control System
2. Electronic Fuel Injection System
3. Air Cleaner Vapor Containment Door System
4. Electronic Spark Control System
5. Distributor Parts And Associated Controls
6. Spark Plugs And Ignition Wires
7. Fuel Injection Pump And Nozzles
8. Electronic Control Module
9. Vapor Storage Canister And Controls
10. Deceleration Throttle Control
11. EGR Valve And Control System
12. Air Pump, Belt And Pulley
13. Air Injection Controls
14. Intake Manifold
15. PCV Valve
16. Catalytic Converters
17. Vacuum Hoses, Clamps, Fittings And Tubing
18. Vacuum, Temperature, Altitude, Speed- And Time-Sensitive Valves
19. Diesel LDA (Boost Control)
20. Diesel KSB Valve

Note. Some of these parts require scheduled replacement as described in owner's manual. These parts are warranted only until the time they are first scheduled to be replaced.

EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a required smog inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure vehicle passes inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Emission "Defect" Warranty (California) - If any emission-related part on vehicle is defective, manufacturer will repair or replace the part. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Manufacturer will repair or replace part(s) if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1983-88 MODELS)

The fuse block is located under the instrument cluster, to the left of the steering column.

Scheme 15

Fuse & Fusible Link Identification

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Dome Light
2. 2 - 10 Amp - Hazard
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Stoplight
4. 4 - 15 Amp - Turn Signals & Back-Up Lights
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Radio, Wiper
6. 6 - 15 Amp - Heater
7. 7 - 10 Amp - Horn
8. 8 - 10 Amp - Taillight
9. 9 - Fusible Link - (Located At Battery)

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1989-91 MODELS)

The fuse block is located under the instrument cluster, to the left of the steering column.

Scheme 16

Fuse Identification

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Dome Light
2. 2 - 15 Amp - Hazard
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Stoplight
4. 4 - 10 Amp - Horn
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Radio
6. 6 - 15 Amp - Wipers
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Turn Signals
8. 8 - 15 Amp - Back-Up Light
9. 9 - 20 Amp - Heater
10. 10 - 10 Amp - Taillights
11. 11 - 15 Amp - Headlights (Lower Beam)
12. 12 - 15 Amp - Headlights (Upper Beam)
13. 13 - Not Used - Spare Fuses
14. 14 - 15 Amp (1991) - Door Locks
15. 15 - 15 Amp (1991) - Rear Anti-Lock Brake System

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-93 MODELS)

The fuse block is located under the instrument cluster, to the left of the steering column.

Scheme 17

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Engine Control Unit, Central Locking Control Relay, Buzzer, Dome Light, Cargo Light, Clock, Radio
2. 2 - 15 Amp - Hazard Warning Lights
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Stoplights, Rear Anti-Lock Brake System Control Unit (1992)
4. 4 - 10 Amp - Horn
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Clock, Cigarette Lighter, Radio
6. 6 - 15 Amp - Wiper Motor, Washer Motor
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Combination Meter, Seat Belt Warning Timer, Starter Unlock Relay, Starter Unlock Switch, Hazard Warning Light
8. 8 - 15 Amp - Auto-Cruise Control Unit, Thermostat, Automatic Free Wheeling Hub Indicator Control Unit, Back-Up Lights
9. 9 - 20 Amp - Power Window Power Relay, Daytime Running Light Control Unit
10. 10 - Not Used
11. 11 - Not Used
12. 12 - 10 Amp - Combination Lights, License Plate Lights, Illumination Lights
13. 13 - Not Used
14. 14 - 15 Amp - Headlights (Low Beam)
15. 15 - 15 Amp - Headlights (Upper Beam)
16. 16 - Not Used
17. 17 - Not Used
18. 18 - 15 Amp - Central Lock Control Relay
19. 19 - Not Used
20. 20 - 15 Amp - Rear Anti-Lock Brake System Control Unit