The owners manual for the Dodge Ram 2500 recommends that the oil and filter be changed every 3,000 miles. Motor oil lubricates of the engine and reduces friction. Changing the oil the recommended times ensures optimal engine performance and longevity. Taking your Dodge Ram to a mechanic to change the oil could cost you 60 dollars, but if you do it yourself you won't have to pay more than the cost of the new oil and filter.
Instructions
Step 1 - The engine should be warm, but not hot. If it's too hot, the oil may burn you; if too cold, the oil won't drain as quickly or thoroughly.
Step 2 - If you can't fit underneath your Dodge Ram 2500, which gives a good amount of room underneath the vehicle, jack the truck up using a jack and jack stands.
Step 3 - Put on the plastic gloves and slide underneath the truck and locate the oil pan, at the bottom of the engine. Find the oil drain plug, at the lowest point of the oil pan.
Step 4 - Place the drain pan underneath the drain plug and unscrew the plug using a box wrench. Set the drain plug somewhere it won't get dirty while the oil drains. When the oil has drained, replace the plug. Do not overtighten.
Step 5 - Move the drain pan under the filter. Slip the filter tool around the girth of the cylindrical oil filter, tighten the tool, and twist it counterclockwise until the filter turns easily enough to remove with your hand. The filter will be full of oil. Place it upside down in the drain pan to allow it to empty.
Step 6 - Compare the old oil filter to the new one, ensuring that threaded hole and rubber gasket are the same size as the old one. Rub a coating of oil on the rubber gasket of the new filter using your finger. Screw the new filter onto the vehicle where the old filter was using your hand, turning clockwise until the gasket makes contact with the engine, and then turn an additional 3/4 turn.
Step 7 - Open the hood and unscrew the motor oil placement cap. Insert a clean funnel into the tube, and pour in 5 quarts of new motor oil.
Step 8 - Start the engine and wait a minute. Turn the turn off and wait another two minutes, then check the dipstick to check the oil level. Not running the engine first will result in a false reading. The dipstick should show oil near the "Full" mark on the head of the stick. Add oil as necessary, but do not overfill. Return the dipstick and tighten the motor oil cap back on.
TIPS: Dispose of the used oil and filter properly. Auto parts stores sell drain pans that allow you to conveniently carry the used oil to a disposal station. Most parts stores provide disposal service.
THINGS YOU'LL NEED: Replacement Oil, Oil Filter Wrench, Funnel, Box wrench set, Oil drain pan, Plastic Gloves
0 Comments