Fuel filter question

[BGoodale]

We've been on a trip for almost a month and have driven more than I anticipated and have a little more than 15,000 miles on my fuel filter. Will have about 16,600 miles by the time I get home and can change it at that time. My question is, should I change it now or can I wait until I get home without a warranty issue. To change it on the road is doable but not ideal. Your help is always appreciated. Brett

 

[MJWenrich]

What is your EVIC telling you? If it's saying you are %ed out, you should change it now. That info is probably recorded. If it's still got some life left in it, the 1K may not matter. But the warranty is more valuable than a guess as to what the service folks might say if you have a problem. It sucks that we have to plan our vacation around mandated service but I suppose that's the game these days. Do it early...do it often until that warranty is gone. Just my humble opinion.

 

[gsbrockman]

We've been on a trip for almost a month and have driven more than I anticipated and have a little more than 15,000 miles on my fuel filter

I assume you do know there's two fuel filters on the '13 and up CTD's???

 

[Too Tall]

I suspect you'll be ok running an extra 1000 miles at least if you've been getting fresh fuel. 15K is a guideline, the world won't come to and end if you stretch it. You can plug a filter in 1 mile with bad fuel or gel. If it starts to lose power, you'll know what to do. Having said that, I have a spare set under the seat just in case I have to change a filter. I saw one on youtube that was run so long it plugged and was starting to implode.

 

[Cummins12V98]

IMHO

You should always have an extra filter/filters with you when traveling and the tools to change them.

 

[Bug Out]

Just changed my second set 1 hour ago. I got 15K on factory filters, 10K on second set. Easy to change. Need a large filter strap wrench for frame filter. Frame filter, 10 minutes ( its 105 degree's here ambient) engine filter 20 minutes. Had to let the motor cool..

Changed the air filter too. Surprised how dirty it was for just 10K on it..

 

[rscurtis]

Changed the air filter too. Surprised how dirty it was for just 10K on it..

Don't over-service the air filter. Leave it alone until the restriction indicator calls for replacement. It actually filters a little better as it begins to collect dirt.

 

[Bug Out]

Unless I missed something, my 13 does not have one like my 05 did.

 

[CBari]

Speaking of Air Filters am I just missing the service interval in the manual or am I just blind

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

From the 2013 owner's manual, diesel supplement:

The condition of the air cleaner filter is monitored by the
Engine Control Module. The “SERVICE AIR FILTER” message
will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) when service is required. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
The “SERVICE AIR FILTER” message could be displayed
periodically. This is because engine air flow requirements
change based on driving conditions. As the filter becomes
more restrictive and air flow requirements increase the
“SERVICE AIR FILTER” message will be displayed. The
message may not be displayed in subsequent drive cycles
if the same conditions are not met. The air filter element
should be replaced within 250 miles (402 km) from the
first time this message is displayed to ensure proper
engine operation during all driving conditions.

Meanwhile, don't forget to lube the centering bearing of the double cardan (constant velocity) joint in the front axle driveshaft of a 4x4 every 7500 miles. It can be accessed with a hand greasse gun fitted with a needle attachment, without removing the shaft, skid plate, or anything else. While the manual says to grease the tie rod ends, my Ram doesn't have grease fittings there.

 

[BGoodale]

Thank you guys for your inputs. I decided to have a dealer do it in Vallejo, Ca. I really don't trust dealers but they seemed to have done it correctly. I did have the spare set of filters which they used. It cost me $225 but we got her done. This shop rate is 150.00 per hour which seems high but I'm old and remember 30.00 per hour was high so things change I guess. Thanks again, Brett

 

[Bug Out]

Joe, I dont recall seeing that in the manual, but I'll look closer next time. I guess I have "old school syndrome" and do a visual check. There was the typical bugs, road dirt etc etc and could barely see the sun thru the filter check..( Learned that one in 1971 Shell gas station-how to sell a air cleaner!) That was my rule of thumb on the 05. Fuel filter 15k, air cleaner too. I still cant bring myself to letting the oil go 15K and oil filter too....

BGoodale, congrats on the nice truck .