We constantly hear that we should check our air filters but often overlook it. When I was driving a gas truck, I would easily go 30-40K miles before needing a new filter. My '06 Ram CTD has just 14K miles on it and, out of curiosity, I checked the air filter yesterday - it was completely dirty and clogged! I don't drive in dusty or dirty conditions (99.9% on road), so I'm assuming that because of the turbo, this engine uses significantly more air than a normally aspirated engine.

Moral of the story - check your air filter!

Seth
'06 CTD, Quad, 4X4, 48RE, H2 wheels and tires, 3" front/2" rear lift

 

I found a pile of leaves and a mouse nest. Started chewing the air filter.. Had it gone through all that crap would have been ingested.

I think a mesh mouse/chipmunk guard should be installed if you live in the country.

 

Yep, I looked at mine when I had the intake off at 4500 miles to install the block heater cord, and it was dirty. Not replacement-ready dirty, but definitely within 10K miles replaceable.

Well, you could look at this in a positive light: the dirtier they get, the better they filter!

I wonder if the mouse took rides with you?

 

it is so dirty because the inlet for it is in the wheel well of the truck.

 

My theory is that it gets packed up due to the location of the stock air intake. It’s sucking air right out of the fender. Think about it, all that dirt, rubber, and stuff being blown around in the fender. I will say since I did the home made cold air intake my filter last longer.

 

The '99 Powerjoke had the intake in the fender. Ford recalled them, and re-routed the air intake from up front. I'm sure I could fix up something on my own, as others have, but again- the old Dodge warranty question!