[Adrian Worman]

Hiya mates, just about to take Ajax on holiday in my Ram dayvan and thought I'd better check the oil, which amazingley I've never done in nearly 2 years of ownership
Found a dipstick tube but its got a pressed in plug in the end of it. Found the trans tbe ok, even the engine oil filler tube, but no other engine oil dipstick, I'm confused
Its a Dodge Ram van with a 5.9 petrol V8, its a 2003 model, any thoughts

[dave-r]

Tap the side of the sump. If it sounds like a drum put some oil in it.

[Adrian Worman]

Would you believe me if I told you Carol said much the same thing

[dave-r]

I would guess the engine holds a set amount of oil and a light comes on if it gets too low?

I mean, you change the oil every six months in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations anyway don't you?

[Adrian Worman]

................err,yeah, of course I do mate, religously maintain my vehicles to the highest possible standards

[fal308]

You sure the dipstick isn't just broken off? Though some of the new vehicles over here no longer have dipsticks, just idiot lights, 2003 is too old for that new-fangled crap.

[Adrian Worman]

Looked at it loads, although that don't mean I took any notice, but I tapped the end of it with a key and its just like a staked in pressed steel plug like fuel emission anti-tamper covers or similar. Will try and see if it pulls out easily, can't see any trace of a broken off bit of anything inside it.
Van might be '04 model, but I agree, it seems a bit early for electronic level monitoring does'nt it

[fal308]

You have an fsm for it?

[fal308]

Or even an owner's manual should show how to check oil, if you have one of those. Perhaps there is a unique way to check it.

[Eddie]

It should be next to the oil fill cap,,either on the right or left side or near the alternator. If you still cant find it or there isnt one,,, it holds 5 quarts total including the filter amount.

[Adrian Worman]

It should be next to the oil fill cap,,either on the right or left side or near the alternator. If you still cant find it or there isnt one,,, it holds 5 quarts total including the filter amount.

The oil filler tube is to the right of the engine veiwed from the grille, and the auto trans dipstick is to the left, just below that is the (I think) engine oil dipstick tube, which is curved around the lft side of the alternator Never had an oil warning light or low level light come on before. Had an engine check light come on a few weeks back but it went off and ain't returned, no misfire either
...........and like a lot of American vehicles sold secondhand over here your extremely lucky to get an original owners or operating manual
If I get stuck I'll just fill it with the amount you quoted Eddie, should be cool

[Eddie]

Glad to hear the misfire resolved itself Adrian, could have been many 'small' things. If it were a serious misfire the Service or Check Engine light would stay illuminated until the problem is resolved because of federal OBD-II Emissions Laws. As long as it isnt leaking oil, I would drain it, new filter, fill with 5 QTS. 10W-W30 and be done with it. ( I like Shell Rotella 10W-30W Heavy Duty Oil) I used it in my Stroker Build with Excellent results.