Modern trucks such as the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 need much less maintenance than their predecessors, but they still need fluid changes, inspections, and adjustments. This is our quick reference guide for the 2002-2008 Ram 1500. The 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 models are also included, but their introduction lagged a year behind, so little information on the previous generation 2002 3/4 and 1-ton trucks is here. This guide will cover two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, gas V6, V8 and V10 engines, as well as the Cummins turbo-diesel.
Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, check out our OnDemand video tutorials, or get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your car, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended. Diesel engines last longer and burn less fuel per mile, but do require more and different maintenance than a gasoline engine.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).
Every fuel stop or weekly (diesel engine only)
- Check and drain water from fuel filter
- Check air filter restriction gauge
Every 250 miles or weekly
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the coolant level
- Check power steering fluid level
- Check transmission fluid level
- Check the brake and clutch fluid levels
- Check the tires and tire pressures
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check all lights and horn function
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Change engine oil and filter
- Check manual transmission fluid (first 3,000 miles, then every 15,000 miles afterwards)
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Rotate the tires
- Inspect/replace the windshield wiper blades
- Check exhaust system and hangers
- Check cooling system and hoses
- Check brake and vacuum hoses
- Check and service the battery and cables
- Check suspension, steering and drive axle boots
- Check the seat belts
Every 12,000 miles
- Change differential fluid (3500 diesel model or sever conditions)*
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Replace fuel filter (diesel engine)
- Check the water pump (diesel engine)
- Check brake system and pad wear*
- Check engine accessory drive belt
- Check fuel system for leaks and condition of hoses
- Check the differential oil level in the front (4x4) and rear
- Check the transfer case oil level (4x4)
- Check manual transmission fluid level
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Replace air filter element
- Replace spark plugs
- Change brake fluid
- Check condition of cooling fan hub (diesel engine)
- Check condition of vibration damper (diesel engine)
- Check condition of front wheel bearings
- Check ignition coils
- Inspect evaporative emissions control system
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Check/replace the PCV valve
- Replace the spark plug wires (5.9L V8 only)
- Replace crankcase breather filter (2007 and later)
Every 72,000 miles or 60 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Drain, flush and refill cooling system
- Change manual transmission lubricant
- Change transfer case lubricant
- Change differential lubricant*
Every 90,000 miles or 72 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Drain, flush and refill power steering system
Every 100,000 miles
...all items listed above, as well as
- Change automatic transmission fluid and filter**
- Adjust automatic transmission bands (46RE, 47RE and 48RE transmission)
Every 150,000 miles
...all items listed above, as well as
- Check and adjust valve clearances (diesel engine)
Note: Checking and adjusting the valve clearance on diesel engines is not a common routine maintenance item. However, it must be checked and adjusted if it has been removed and reinstalled. It might be necessary to check and adjust it when troubleshooting a performance, emissions or noise problem.
* If operated in "severe conditions", check brakes for wear and condition every 3 months or 3,000 miles, and change the differential fluid every 12,000 miles
** If the vehicle is frequently used for towing, operated in continuous stop-and-go traffic, high heat, sub-zero, or mountainous areas, change automatic transmission fluid at 30,000 miles, as well as following other "severe condition" recommendations.
