Maintenance intervals

[Hounddog]

As a first time diesel owner, I'd like to know when/what intervals the oil/filter change is needed. Also I noticed in the owners handbook, that we're supposed to drain the water from the fuel/water separator on a monthly basis? I have the extended service plan and dodge pays for all the maintenance so I just need to know when I should be taking it in to the for service. Love the diesel power, just need to change my thinking from all these years of gasoline engines.....

 

[Hounddog]

Bump... No one knows????

 

[rotohead]

I think you can confidently go 5k miles on the oil/filter changes (I personally have been going 7500 miles with stock filter, no bypass) but I oil sample lab test my oil for peace of mind. Also, I think it would depend on where you live on the water drain issue. I live in the west and have never drained the filter like that. I just change the fuel filter every 15k miles or so. Never seen any water in the canister, some minor sediment.
Chuck

 

[CMusgrove]

I just go by the maintenance booklet that came with the truck. Take it in to the dealer and have them do the maintenance. One thing I caught this last time was that one of the items that was supposed to have been replaced the previous time had not been replaced. I had them replace the filter and told them I did not want them skipping a service item from now on. I do not want something to happen during the initial warranty period and having a hassle with the warranty because a filter had not been replaced per the book. I do not pull very often so the truck is not worked very hard so I feel comfortable with the scheduled maintenance.

 

[JanMitchell]

I have an '05 3500 and took it in for the 15K service and the service guy said I could have the oil in the differentials (2) changed for an extra $200. He told me I could wait until 24K and I told him I would. Is it easy but messy to do?
Stan (not a chick)
'05 3500 SLT Dually 6 speed Clean 1 owner

 

[rotohead]

Each to his own but I feel much better doing the routine maintence myself and as long as you save receipts, show evidence of a log... there's no loss or risk with a diy approach when it comes to warranty issues. If you don't feel its worth your time than that's the decision pt. My willingness to spend time doing the routine maint. on my truck and the info from this web site... it's saved me more money that I could state. Doing the routine stuff get's me more familiar with the truck. Diesels are easy compared to HP sports cars, etc.

 

[JCostello]

Same here, I am no mechanic so I use the Dealer for my maintenance. Wish I did know how and had the time to do it, but until I can retire for good, time is precious here.

 

[SHobbs]

Oil, filter and fuel filter every 6k. transmission and rear every year ( 25k miles ). Anything with a grease zerk gets hit when I change the oil. The B. H. A. F gets changed out every 2 years.