As your Dodge Ram 1500 ages, the engine goes through basic wear and tear. For this reason, regularly-scheduled tune ups are recommended. But, how much does it cost to tune up a Dodge Ram 1500?

In general, a Dodge Ram 1500 tune up will cost around $350-$450. In some cases, however, this cost could be as low as $175 or as high as $750. It all depends on the extent of the work, as well as where you take your truck to be serviced. 

Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about tuning up your Ram 1500. This includes the average cost, the included services, and why it’s a good idea to have one done.

How Much Does It Cost to Tune Up a Dodge Ram 1500?

A tune up is not typically an expensive job. In fact, a full tune up is often cheaper than having each of the included services performed separately! In most cases, your tune up will cost somewhere between $350-$450. 

If your spark plugs are still in good condition, a tune up will be less expensive. In this case, the service could cost as little as $175. 

However, some vehicles have more build-up or wear and tear to deal with than others. For this reason, the total cost could be up to $750. Although it may be more expensive than average, it’s worth it to keep your vehicle on the road longer. 

Dodge Ram 1500 Tune Up Estimate	Average Cost
Low Estimate	$175
High Estimate	$750
Average	$400

Will a Tune Up be Covered Under Warranty?

Dodge Ram’s basic warranty covered vehicle repairs for three years or 36,000 miles. If you opt for the extended Powertrain warranty, the coverage period increases to five years of 100,000 miles. 

Unfortunately, vehicle manufacturer warranties do not usually cover basic maintenance like tune ups. However, it is still a good idea to have your tune up done at the dealership if your truck is still under warranty. 

During a tune up inspection, the mechanic might find other problems with your truck. While the warranty will not typically cover a tune up, it will likely cover any additional problems the mechanic finds at this time. 

What’s Involved in a Dodge Ram 1500 Tune Up?

At its core, a tune up is a maintenance procedure that helps with engine performance, improves fuel economy, and increases safety in your vehicle. During a tune up, the mechanic will inspect and adjust all the systems in your truck that affect the combustion process. 

While the exact maintenance involved may vary.

Below, we’ll discuss what each of these services do and why they are important.

Flushing the Coolant

After a while, your coolant begins to deteriorate. It won’t resist freezing and boiling as well as it used to, and particles can build up within the fluid. Flushing your coolant will keep it functioning as it should and prevent any blockages. 

Changing All the Filters

There are several different filters in your vehicle, and they all must do their job well. Dirty or damaged filters will make your engine work harder, reducing its performance.

Changing them out at regular intervals ensures they’re clean and work well at all times. 

Cleaning the Throttle Body

Your Ram 1500’s throttle body controls air intake into the engine, playing a significant role in the vehicle’s smooth running. As your truck ages, grime and carbon can build up inside the throttle body, greatly affecting engine performance.

Cleaning out this build-up during a tune up will improve your vehicle’s performance, making it run much better than it did in the past. 

Replacing the Spark Plugs

Your spark plugs wear down over time and will likely need to be replaced at least once during your vehicle’s life.

If you’re having trouble cold starting your engine, or if you’re experiencing a lot of misfires, replacing the spark plugs is the place to begin.

Changing the Differential Fluid

Similar to your engine oil, differential fluid lubricates parts inside the differential. It needs to be replaced regularly to reduce metal-on-metal contact, which can weaken your gears and wear down surfaces. 

Changing the Transmission Fluid

Your transmission fluid keeps your transmission running well, preventing expensive damage over time. However, this fluid deteriorates over time, and low-quality transmission fluid can cause operational issues.

Replacing it during a tune-up keeps the mechanical parts lubricated, prevents oxidation and rust, and conditions your gaskets. 

Cleaning the IAC Valve

Your IAC, or intake air control, valve works with your ECU to regulate airflow into the engine. This ensures that idling is nice and smooth. 

If your IAC valve is clogged, you may experience jumping, backfiring, or even stalling. Cleaning it out will improve overall engine performance. 

The Cost of Individual Tune Up Services

Although all these services are included in a regular tune up, some people opt to have them done separately. However, having them all done at once will reduce your overall costs.

Mechanics recommend regular tune ups to ensure everything runs smoothly and you don’t end up paying more than what’s necessary. Below, we’ll highlight what you would pay if you opted for each service separately. 

Type of Service	Low-End Cost	High-End Cost
Coolant flush and change	$50	$65
Filter changes	$200	$500
Throttle body cleaning	$200	$300
Spark plug replacement	$250	$300
Differential fluid change	$70	$150
Transmission fluid change	$80	$200
IAC valve cleaning	$100	$200

In the most general of terms, a tune up will inspect all parts of your combustion system for damage, excessive wear, and carbon build-up. It ensures everything is in good working order and remains that way for years to come. 

Are Tune Ups Necessary?

While foregoing a tune up will not damage your truck in any way, it is a good idea to keep up with them. Not only will a tune up increase your vehicle’s lifespan, but it will also catch minor problems in their early stages and prevent further damage down the road.

Over time, your engine loses efficiency due to various factors. These include basic wear and tear, as well as carbon build-up. Having a tune up done will reduce this build-up, and the mechanic will replace any parts that have worn prematurely.

Overall, there are three main benefits of taking your Dodge Ram 1500 in for a tune up.

When done at the scheduled intervals, going in for a tune up can add years to your vehicle’s lifespan. 

When Should You Have a Tune Up Done?

Tune ups are often a part of a vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended regular maintenance schedule. Most manufacturers advise drivers to have a tune up done each time a vehicle passes a 30,000 mile-milestone, or about once every 2-3 years. 

If you don’t know when, or if, your vehicle had its last tune up, there are a couple of signs to look out for.

Let’s discuss what each of these symptoms could signify. 

Lower Fuel Economy

You may be due for a tune up if you notice that you’re running out of gas more quickly than usual. Carbon build-up and other factors that a tune up will address could cause your truck to burn more fuel than needed, and one of the main benefits of a tune up is better fuel economy. 

Maintenance Warning Lights

There are a couple of lights on your Dodge Ram 1500’s dashboard to look out for: the service reminder and the oil change indicator. While a general oil change will likely solve the oil change indicator light, both of these warning lights could signify the need for a tune up.

For example, you may notice your oil change indicator lighting up more frequently than expected. This could be happening because your engine is burning more oil than average.

Having a tune up done could reduce your engine’s oil consumption, preventing further engine issues down the road. 

In addition, the service reminder light lets you know when your truck needs regular maintenance. While a tune up is not always necessary in this case, the mechanic’s inspection will likely resolve the issue. 

Trouble Starting Your Engine

When it takes a couple of tries to start the engine, the battery is where people often look first. However, this could indicate a problem with your spark plugs. 

Spark plug replacement is often part of a regular tune up. If changing your battery proves unsuccessful, try going in for a tune up to see if that resolves the issue. 

Thumping or Screeching Sounds

While some sounds coming from under the hood are nothing to worry about, you’ll want to get any thumping or screeching sounds looked at.

A thumping sound could mean that components under the hood are loose or worn down, while screeching typically means you’re low on fluids.

Many of your truck’s fluids will be flushed and replaced during a tune up, and your mechanic will be able to tell if any components are loose or worn down during their inspection. 

Final Thoughts

Tuning up your Dodge Ram 1500 is a recommended aspect of regular maintenance. In most cases, it will only cost between $350-$450. 

Having a tune up on your vehicle has many benefits. It’s worth the small price you pay to ensure your car can remain safely on the road for years to come.