Vehicle Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, renowned for its towing and hauling capabilities.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance, and truck enthusiasts.
Competitors 2003:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Powertrain Options:
Choice of robust V6 and V8 engines, including the introduction of the highly acclaimed 5.7L HEMI.
Chassis Design:
Body-on-frame construction, solid rear axle with leaf springs, and independent front suspension offering a balance of capability and ride comfort.
Towing Hauling:
Class-leading towing and payload capacities across the 1500, 2500, and 3500 series.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and repair procedures for all engines offered in 2003 Ram trucks, including 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, and 5.7L HEMI V8.
Engine Performance:
Engine tuning, performance diagnostics, emissions controls, fuel injection system, ignition system, and cooling system.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair for manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500, NV5600) including clutch system, gear sets, synchronizers, and shifter mechanisms.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE, 47RE, 48RE) including torque converter, valve body, internal components, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle service, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, transfer case (manual and electronic shift), and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc depending on model), ABS system, parking brake, and brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (double wishbone) and rear solid axle (leaf springs). Includes ball joints, control arms, shock absorbers, torsion bars (if applicable), sway bars, and steering components.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear box/rack and pinion, steering column, and tie rod ends.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, lighting systems, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, and body control modules.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, blower motor, controls, and refrigerant specifications.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, and glass replacement.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, and brake inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for overhauling engines, rebuilding transmissions, replacing suspension components, repairing brake systems, and electrical diagnostics.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approaches to identify and resolve common and uncommon issues, including diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, bearing preloads, and other critical dimensions.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, including powertrain control, body electronics, lighting, and comfort systems.
Depth Level:
Expert-level, covering complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and chassis component rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Includes detailed exploded views, assembly sequences, special tool requirements, and factory-recommended procedures.
Engine 1:
3.7L Magnum V6 (e.g., 3.7L SOHC)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3701 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 90.9 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.9:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm (approximate)
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2:
4.7L Magnum V8 (e.g., 4.7L SOHC)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.1:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
240 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2 Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Engine 3 Displacement:
5654 cc
Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 93.0 mm
Engine 3 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 3 Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 3 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) technology for 5.7L HEMI; distributor-based for Magnum engines.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Transmission 1500 Standard:
4-speed automatic (45RFE or 48RE)
Transmission 1500 Manual Option:
5-speed manual (NV3500)
Transmission 2500 3500 Standard:
4-speed automatic (47RE or 48RE)
Transmission 2500 3500 Manual Option:
5-speed manual (NV4500) or 6-speed manual (NV5600) for heavy-duty models.
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive gear.
Transfer Case 4X4:
Manual shift transfer case (NP241DHD) or electronic shift transfer case (NV244/NV271D/NV273D depending on trim and configuration).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Manual transmission fluid (specific grade varies by transmission model, consult manual).
Wheelbase 1500:
Approximately 140.5 inches (Quad Cab) / 139.0 inches (Regular Cab)
Wheelbase 2500 3500:
Approximately 140.5 inches (Quad Cab) / 139.0 inches (Regular Cab) for 1500HD and 2500; 154.5 inches for 2500/3500 Crew Cab/Long Bed.
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration, typically between 229 to 259 inches.
Overall Width:
Approximately 79.1 inches (excluding mirrors)
Overall Height:
Varies by configuration, typically between 74.4 to 78.0 inches.
Bed Length Short:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed)
Bed Length Long:
8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight 1500:
Approximately 4,600 - 5,200 lbs
Gvwr 1500:
Approximately 6,000 - 7,500 lbs
Gvwr 2500:
Approximately 8,500 - 9,000 lbs
Gvwr 3500:
Approximately 9,600 - 10,500 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 10,000+ lbs (varies significantly by configuration and axle ratio)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 3,000+ lbs (varies significantly by configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for 2003 model year, as per available data for similar models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for 2003 model year, as per available data for similar models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for 2003 model year, as per available data for similar models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, or integrated into ABS system.
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (synthetic recommended for longer intervals).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, or sooner if driving in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically rated for 100,000 miles (HEMI) or copper plugs for Magnum engines (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years, using HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect annually, change as needed (refer to manual for specific intervals).
Engine Oil Spec 3.7L:
SAE 5W-30 API SN (or equivalent, synthetic blend recommended).
Engine Oil Spec 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 API SN (or equivalent, synthetic blend recommended).
Engine Oil Spec 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20 API SN (or equivalent, synthetic recommended; consult manual for specific viscosity requirements).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, typically pink or orange.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Heater Core Leaks:
Common issue on some third-gen Rams, often related to the heater core material or installation.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can occur with automatic transmissions due to valve body issues or solenoid problems.
Wheel Speed Sensor Failure:
Can trigger ABS and traction control warning lights.
Intermediate Shaft Failure 4X4:
On 4x4 models, wear or failure of the intermediate shaft can lead to drivetrain noise or failure.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Can occur on HEMI engines, leading to ticking noises and potential exhaust leaks.