Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, known for heavy-duty capabilities and towing capacity
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Vehicle Philosophy:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, work-oriented design
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, diagnosis, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emission controls
Engine Performance:
Ignition system, charging system, starting system, diagnostics
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, overhaul, hydraulic controls, electronic controls, fluid service
Transmission Manual:
Diagnosis, overhaul, clutch system, driveline
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, proportioning valves, parking brake, disc/drum service
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, linkages, alignment
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component location, fuse/relay information, diagnostic procedures
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Chassis:
Frame, body mounting, exhaust system, fuel tank and lines
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment procedures
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) codes, diagnostic connector pinouts, scan tool usage
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with torque specifications, clearance measurements, and procedures
Engine Options:
4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.7L V8 HEMI, 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel
Engine Code 4 7L:
EWG (Magnum V8)
Engine Code 5 7L:
EZH (HEMI V8)
Engine Code 5 9L Diesel:
ISB (Cummins Turbo Diesel)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline; Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for diesel
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended); Diesel fuel (ULSD recommended for Cummins)
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (45RFE/48RE), 5-speed manual (NV3500)
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (48RE - Heavy Duty), 6-speed manual (G56 - Diesel)
45Rfe/48Re Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive gears, Tow/Haul mode
Nv3500 Features:
Synchronized gears, clutch pedal operation
G56 Features:
Heavy-duty design for diesel torque, dual-mass flywheel
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab
Wheelbase Options:
134.0" (Reg Cab), 154.7" (Ext Cab), 167.7" (Crew Cab - 8' Bed)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 lbs to 7,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr Range:
6,000 lbs to 11,500 lbs (depending on series)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3/5 stars (typical for this era and vehicle type)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty), refer to manual for specific conditions.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty), refer to manual for specific conditions.
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Fuel Filter Replacement Gasoline:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Replace every 15,000 miles or as per manufacturer recommendation.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 API SN or higher (check manual for specific viscosity and API service category)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 Plus, SAE 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity and API service category)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (5/100)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Issues Gasoline Engines:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially 4.7L), intermittent misfires, oil leaks (valve covers, oil pan)
Common Issues Diesel Engines:
Fuel injector issues, turbocharger problems, VP44 injection pump failures (earlier models/production), clutch wear (manual transmissions)
Common Issues Suspension:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, worn sway bar links
Common Issues Electrical:
HVAC blower motor failure, power window motor issues, instrument cluster problems
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 model is part of the third generation (2002-2008) Dodge Ram, which introduced significant styling and mechanical updates, including the introduction of the HEMI V8.
Key Updates 2005:
Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI engine across more trims, improved interior amenities, and updated styling cues.
Assembly Locations:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA