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This page is taken directly from our digital online manual 30042 for the 1994-2008 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks, 2WD or 4WD with gasoline or diesel engines. Checking the air filter in Cummins diesel powered trucks is recommended every 30 days if it gets driven regularly, and there is a handy red/green indicator on the housing to let you know when air flow has been reduced and it is time to change it. Changing the filter should be done every 30,000 miles or 24 months on all Ram trucks, or sooner on the diesel if the air restriction gauge indicates it is needed.
Air Filter Check and Replacement
This video is specifically for the Cummins Diesel engine, the gasoline V6, V8, and V10 engine are similar
See more specific instructions below for gasoline engines.
Diesel Engine Air filter check and replacement
Check
- Since the supply of air is crucial to the operation of a diesel engine, these models have an air restriction gauge built into the air filter housing to monitor the condition of the filter element. This gauge should be checked periodically to determine if the element is restricted with dirt (see illustration).
7.1 When the yellow disc drops into the red zone on the graduated scale, the air filter element must be replaced with a new one
- The gauge has a yellow disc inside a graduated scale that remains at the highest point of restriction when the engine is shut off. With the engine off, check the position of the disc to see if it moved to within the red zone. If it has, replace the air filter element.
Replacement
- The air filter is located inside the air filter housing mounted in the right side of the engine compartment.
- Detach the clips securing the housing cover, then separate the housing halves and lift the filter out (see illustrations) .
7.4a Detach the air filter housing clips connecting the top and bottom of the housing…
7.4b … then raise the cover and lift the filter element out - early models shown, later models similar
- Wipe out the inside of the air filter housing with a clean rag.
- Place the new filter in the air filter housing. Make sure it seats properly, seat the two halves together and secure them with the clips.
- After installation, press the button on the top of the gauge to reset it.
Air filter replacement (gasoline engines)
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At the specified interval (30,000 miles or 24 months), the air filter element should be replaced with a new one.
2001 and earlier 1500 models/2002 and earlier 2500 and 3500 models
V6 and V8 engines
- The filter housing is located on top of the throttle body.
- Remove the air inlet tube, loosen the housing to throttle body clamp screw, then lift the assembly up and off the mounting stud(see illustration). On some models it will be necessary to detach the air pump hose from the air filter.
30.3 V6 and V8 engine air filter housing details - On these engines the air filter housing is almost directly on top of the engine
- Detach the spring clips and rotate the housing cover rearward, then lift the air filter element out of the housing. Wipe out the inside of the air filter housing with a clean rag.
- While the housing is off, be careful not to drop anything down into the throttle body.
- Place the new filter element in the air filter housing. Make sure it seats properly in the bottom of the housing.
- Installation is the reverse of removal.
V10 engine
- The filter is mounted on the side of the throttle body.
- Use adjustable pliers to loosen the clamps and remove the air inlet tube, detach the spring clips and rotate the housing cover off, then lift the air filter element out of the housing (see illustration). Wipe out the inside of the air filter housing with a clean rag.
30.9 V10 engine air filter housing details - On these engine the filter mounts to the driver's side of the intake manifold.
- While the housing cover is off, be careful not to drop anything down into the throttle body
- Place the new filter element in the air filter housing. Make sure it seats properly in the bottom of the housing.
- Installation is the reverse of removal.
2002 and later 1500 models/2003 and later 2500 and 3500 models
- On all models, the air filter is housed in a black plastic box mounted on the inner fenderwell on the right side of the engine compartment, much like on the diesel models.
- Detach the spring clips and pull the housing cover up, then lift the air filter element out of the housing (see illustrations). Wipe out the inside of the air filter housing with a clean rag.
30.14a Release the spring clips along the edge of the housing and lift the air filter housing cover
30.14b Remove the convoluted paper air filter element from the housing, noting which way it is oriented
- While the cover is off, be careful not to drop anything down into the air filter housing.
- Place the new filter element in the air filter housing. Make sure it seats properly in the groove of the housing.
- Installation is the reverse of removal.