2019 Ram 1500 Factory Maintenance Schedule

Quick reference

Note on Timing Chain: The 2019 Ram 1500 with the 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) and 5.7L V8 (HEMI) engines utilize a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine under normal operating conditions and does not have a scheduled replacement interval. It is inspected if issues arise.

Severe-duty schedule

Your 2019 Ram 1500 is a tough truck, but how you use it dictates how often it needs maintenance. If you regularly engage in any of the following, your truck falls under "Severe Duty" conditions:

• Towing or hauling heavy loads: Frequently stressing the engine and transmission.
• Driving in dusty or off-road conditions: Leading to quicker clogging of air filters.
• Extended idling or frequent short trips (under 10 miles in freezing temperatures): Contributes to condensation and fluid degradation.
• Repeatedly driving in stop-and-go traffic: Increases wear and tear on brakes and transmission.
• Operating in extremely hot or cold climates: Places additional strain on fluids and components.

For severe duty, follow these accelerated intervals:

• Oil and Filter Change / Tire Rotation: Every 4,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
• Engine Air Filter: Inspect more frequently and replace as needed, especially in dusty conditions (potentially every 15,000 miles).
• Transmission Fluid Service: Consider performing this service at 60,000 miles, especially if regularly towing or hauling. Consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations based on your transmission type and usage.
• Differential and Transfer Case Fluids: Inspect more frequently and consider replacing at 30,000 miles for consistent heavy towing or off-roading.
• Brake Fluid Flush: Consider every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first, especially if frequently using the brakes for heavy loads.
• Coolant Flush: Monitor coolant condition and consider flushing every 5 years or 100,000 miles, but severe conditions might warrant an earlier flush.

Always refer to your owner's manual for the most precise severe-duty recommendations for your specific 2019 Ram 1500 configuration.

Known issues by mileage

While the 2019 Ram 1500 (DT generation) is generally robust, some owners have reported recurring issues to be aware of:

• 0-30,000 Miles: Early adopters occasionally reported software glitches with the Uconnect infotainment system, often resolved with updates. Some owners noted minor fit-and-finish concerns. Keep an eye on tire wear, especially if equipped with larger wheels, as alignment can sometimes be a factory oversight.
• 30,000-60,000 Miles: At this mileage, some owners have reported premature wear of front suspension components like ball joints or tie rod ends, particularly with frequent off-roading or heavy use. You may also start to hear minor brake squeaks, indicating pad wear. Keep an ear out for any unusual noises from the differential during turns.
• 60,000-100,000 Miles: The eTorque system (if equipped) has, in rare cases, shown issues with battery modules or related sensors. Owners of the HEMI engine might start to experience lifter tick due to camshaft and lifter wear, a known issue with older HEMI generations that can sometimes carry over. Early signs of accessory belt wear, such as squealing, might appear.
• 100,000-150,000 Miles: Beyond 100,000 miles, watch for potential transmission solenoid issues or minor leaks, especially if the fluid hasn't been serviced regularly. Coolant leaks around hose connections or the radiator can also start to develop. Catalytic converter efficiency can decrease, potentially triggering a "Check Engine" light.

Remember that these are potential issues and not every truck will experience them. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent or mitigate these problems.

Estimated cost per service

These are estimated costs for parts and labor, and can vary significantly based on your location, dealership vs. independent shop, and specific parts used. "DIY" indicates tasks that are commonly performed by mechanically inclined owners.

• Oil and Filter Change: $75 - $150 (DIY: $30 - $60)
• Tire Rotation: $25 - $50 (Often included with oil change at dealerships. DIY: Free with proper tools)
• Cabin Air Filter Replacement: $50 - $100 (DIY: $20 - $40)
• Engine Air Filter Replacement: $60 - $120 (DIY: $25 - $50)
• Brake Fluid Flush: $120 - $200
• Front and Rear Differential Fluid Service: $150 - $300 per axle
• Transmission Fluid and Filter Change: $300 - $600+
• Transfer Case Fluid Change: $100 - $200
• Spark Plug Replacement (HEMI V8): $250 - $500 (V6 generally less labor intensive)
• Coolant Flush and Replacement: $150 - $300
• Accessory Drive Belt Replacement: $100 - $200 (DIY: $40 - $80 for belt)

What you can DIY vs shop

Many maintenance tasks on your 2019 Ram 1500 can be tackled by a competent DIYer, saving you money. However, some jobs are best left to professionals with specialized tools and expertise.

DIY-Friendly Tasks:

• Oil and Filter Change: This is a fundamental maintenance task that many truck owners perform. Ensure you have the correct oil (often 0W-20 for the Hemi or 5W-20 for the Pentastar) and filter, a torque wrench for the drain plug, and a way to properly dispose of used oil.
• Tire Rotation: With a good jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench, rotating your tires can be done at home. Always consult your owner's manual for the correct rotation pattern.
• Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Typically located behind the glove box, this is a straightforward task requiring minimal tools.
• Engine Air Filter Replacement: Usually involves unclipping the airbox to access the filter. A common and easy DIY job.
• Accessory Drive Belt Inspection: Visually inspecting the belt for cracks or fraying is easy. Replacing it can also be a DIY task with the right tensioner tool, but can be tricky if you're not experienced.

Shop-Recommended Tasks:

• Brake Fluid Flush: Bleeding a modern brake system properly, especially with ABS, can be complex and requires specific procedures to avoid introducing air into the lines. It's often best left to a shop.
• Transmission Fluid and Filter Change: This involves dropping the transmission pan and can be messy. Ensuring proper fluid levels and using the correct transmission fluid type (typically Mopar ZF 8-Speed ATF or equivalent) is crucial. Shops have the appropriate diagnostic tools and lifts.
• Differential and Transfer Case Fluid Service: While accessible, ensuring the correct fluid type, fill levels, and proper torque of drain/fill plugs is important to prevent leaks or damage. Shops have the right equipment and experience.
• Coolant Flush and Replacement: Draining and refilling the coolant system without introducing air pockets can be challenging. Shops use specialized vacuum fill tools to ensure a complete and air-free fill, which is vital for engine cooling.
• Spark Plug Replacement (especially for HEMI V8): While possible for a DIYer, accessing all 16 spark plugs on the HEMI can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail to avoid cross-threading or breaking plugs. Specialized tools might also be needed.
• Any diagnostic work for "Check Engine" lights or driveability issues: Modern vehicles are complex, and accurate diagnosis often requires specialized scan tools and expert knowledge.

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