Within the past week I purchased a 2015 RAM 1500. It has a 5.7 Hemi with 82,000 miles on it, and an 8 speed automatic transmission. It runs great, and shifts smooth, and is in great shape inside and out. I bought this vehicle used at a local KIA dealership, from a salesman I actually trust. While I trust the salesman, I'm sure the service department didnt check out the the truck as thoroughly as they probably should. I have no previous service records. As a first time truck owner, what are some things I should do to be sure I get as many miles out of this truck as possible?
Lots of new member questions recently. Welcome!
If you don’t have service records, assume it’s all due: change the oil, filter, air filter, differential fluid, transmission fluid, steering fluid, brake fluid, and spark plugs (all 16 of them!). My wife has the same motor in her grand Cherokee; it’s solid if you keep clean fluids in it. Service is pretty easy, especially if you get the Haynes shop manual. Whatever you feel comfortable doing yourself will be way cheaper than paying someone to do for you (all the above is probably $3-500 or so DIY; $1500ish if you pay to have it done).
Then check the oil frequently (every week or so) for the first few months. The hemi can burn a lot of oil as it ages and you can go dry fast.
Do these RAMs not have a dipstick for the transmission? Also, thanks for the answer it was very helpful...upon inspection under the hood, airfilter was black, I assume ither maintenance hasn't been done.
Not sure about the 2015, but my wife’s 2013 GC has a transmission dipstick at the back of the engine compartment against the fire wall