Market Position:
The Dodge Ram (later just Ram) has historically been a dominant force in the North American full-size pickup truck market, known for its robust construction, towing and hauling capabilities, and distinctive styling. It competes directly with Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2001 onwards era covers significant evolution. The third generation (2002-2008) introduced a major redesign with improved aerodynamics, coil-spring rear suspension on some models for a smoother ride, and a more powerful engine lineup. The fourth generation (2009-2018) continued this trend with further refinements, new powertrains, and advanced features. This manual's extensive coverage across generations highlights its value for owners of a broad range of Ram trucks.
Key Features:
Focus on heavy-duty capability (2500/3500 models), powerful V8 and legendary Cummins turbo-diesel engine options, and increasing integration of technology and comfort features over the years. The manual's 'You can get that repair done today!' tagline emphasizes its practical, hands-on approach to vehicle maintenance and repair.
Coverage Areas:
All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, interior, troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, repair procedures, specifications, wiring diagrams, and torque values for Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks from 2001 onwards.
Page Count:
Extensive (indicative of comprehensive factory-level documentation, typically 2000+ pages for full model year coverage)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine (Gasoline & Diesel), Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4WD/AWD systems, Transfer Case), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Hydraulic, Parking), Electrical System (Charging, Starting, Lighting, Body Electronics, Powertrain Control Modules), HVAC, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Emission Control Systems, Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts).
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, component removal and installation, diagnostic troubleshooting procedures, electrical system diagnosis with wiring diagrams, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension and steering alignment, brake service, body panel repair, HVAC system service, torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations and resolution.
Suspension And Steering Diagnostics:
Detailed procedures for diagnosing steering play, suspension noises, alignment issues, and component wear. Includes specifications for front/rear suspension alignment angles (camber, caster, toe).
Brake System Repair:
Covers hydraulic brake system bleeding, caliper and rotor replacement, brake pad service, parking brake adjustment, and ABS component diagnosis.
Electrical Diagnostics Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major systems, including power distribution, grounds, lighting circuits, engine control, transmission control, body electronics, and safety systems. Includes troubleshooting flowcharts and component location indexes.
Engine Mechanical Repair:
Includes procedures for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft replacement, valve train overhaul, timing chain/belt replacement (where applicable), and engine assembly/disassembly sequences.
Diesel Engine Specific Procedures:
Detailed guides for Cummins engine maintenance, including fuel system diagnosis and repair, turbocharger servicing, glow plug replacement, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system service, and diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration and replacement procedures.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including intricate diagnostic procedures and component-level repairs.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive listing of torque values for all critical fasteners across engine, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, and suspension components, crucial for ensuring proper assembly and preventing component failure.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC:
Includes a comprehensive library of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with their definitions, possible causes, and step-by-step diagnostic procedures for troubleshooting powertrain, chassis, and body control module issues.
Engine 1500 3.7L V6 Magnum:
Displacement: 3.7 L (226 cu in), Power: ~215 hp @ 5200 rpm, Torque: ~235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Engine 1500 4.7L V8 Magnum:
Displacement: 4.7 L (287 cu in), Power: ~235-260 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm, Torque: ~300-325 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm. Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Engine 1500 2500 3500 5.7L V8 Hemi:
Displacement: 5.7 L (345 cu in), Power: ~345-395 hp @ 5400-5600 rpm, Torque: ~375-410 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 rpm. Fuel System: Multi-Displacement System (MDS) with Sequential MPI.
Engine 2500 3500 8.0L V10 Magnum:
Displacement: 8.0 L (488 cu in), Power: ~305-310 hp @ 4500 rpm, Torque: ~450-455 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Engine 2500 3500 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Displacement: 5.9 L (359 cu in), Power: ~250-315 hp @ 2700-2900 rpm, Torque: ~475-555 lb-ft @ 1400-1600 rpm. Fuel System: Bosch High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) injection.
Engine 2500 3500 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Displacement: 6.7 L (408 cu in), Power: ~350-400 hp @ 2800-3000 rpm, Torque: ~650-950 lb-ft @ 1500-2000 rpm. Fuel System: High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Engine Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769 (for gasoline) and Cummins CES 20081 / PACCAR MAT 748 (for diesel).
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher may be used)
Fuel Type Diesel:
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel
Transmission 1500 Manual:
NV3500 5-speed manual (early models)
Transmission 2500 3500 Manual:
NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy duty)
Transmission 1500 Automatic:
42RE 4-speed automatic (early), 45RFE/545RFE 4-speed automatic (later), 68RFE 6-speed automatic (later generations)
Transmission 2500 3500 Automatic:
48RE 4-speed automatic (diesel), AS66RC 6-speed automatic (diesel, later generations), Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic (diesel, later generations)
Transmission Fluid Gas Auto:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid +4), Mopar P/N 05189955AA or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Diesel Auto 48Re:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid +4), Mopar P/N 05189955AA or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Diesel Auto 68Rfe As66Rc As69Rc:
Mopar ATF +4 (for 68RFE), specialized synthetic fluids for Aisin transmissions (consult manual).
Transfer Case Options:
NV241DHD, NV273, NV271 (2WD/4WD selector with manual or electronic engagement)
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., Regular Cab 8ft bed ~140.5 inches, Crew Cab 6.4ft bed ~160.5 inches for 3rd gen; later gens offer even longer options)
Overall Length Typical:
220-250+ inches depending on configuration.
Width Without Mirrors:
Approx. 79-80 inches.
Height Typical:
Approx. 74-78 inches.
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (Standard), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 lbs (lightest configuration) to 7,000+ lbs (heavy duty diesel models).
Max Gvw Range:
8,510 lbs (1500) to 11,500 lbs (3500 HD).
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 12,000+ lbs (properly equipped 2500/3500 models).
Payload Capacity Range:
Up to 4,000+ lbs (properly equipped 2500/3500 models).
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Generally good (4-5 stars) for models equipped with airbags. Specific ratings vary by year and configuration.
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Varies by generation, with later generations showing improved performance. Requires specific year review for detailed ratings.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - introduced and refined across generations.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags (introduced later), three-point seatbelts, crumple zones, reinforced frame construction.
Infotainment Systems:
Early models featured basic AM/FM/CD players. Later generations progressively integrated Uconnect infotainment systems with touchscreens, navigation, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).
Driver Assistance Features:
Backup cameras, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning (introduced and advanced through generations).
Connectivity Options:
USB ports, auxiliary input jacks, Wi-Fi hotspots (on later models), remote start, advanced keyless entry.
Service Intervals Gasoline
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change monitor system. Consult manual for specific engine variant.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for 5.9L Cummins. Later 6.7L Cummins with DPF may have longer intervals or regeneration cycles. Always use heavy-duty diesel engine oil.
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles. Diesel engines require more frequent checks. Consult manual for specific part numbers (e.g., Mopar P/N 04859095AA for some models).
Coolant Flush Interval:
First service at 100,000 miles (gasoline) or 150,000 miles (diesel), then every 50,000-100,000 miles thereafter. Always use correct HOAT or OAT coolant.
Engine Oil Specification Gas 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN, Chrysler MS-6395 compliant (e.g., Mopar P/N 68001334PB).
Engine Oil Specification Diesel 5.9L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40, API CI-4 or CJ-4 (e.g., Mopar P/N 68003351GA).
Engine Oil Specification Diesel 6.7L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (preferred for emissions compliance and soot handling), API CJ-4 or CK-4 (e.g., Mopar P/N 68210117AA).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, meeting Chrysler MS-9227 (e.g., Mopar P/N 04761655AC).
Known Issues Third Gen 4.7L V8:
Plenum gasket failures, piston ring wear (carbon buildup), cracked exhaust manifolds.
Known Issues Third Gen 5.7L Hemi:
Valve spring issues (lifter tick), MDS system failures, catalytic converter failure.
Known Issues 5.9L Cummins:
Lift pump failures, injection pump (VP44) failures (early models), potential for injector issues, EGR cooler leaks (later models).
Known Issues 6.7L Cummins:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration issues, EGR cooler failures, turbocharger issues, DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system problems on later models.
Known Issues Transmission:
Torque converter shudder in automatics, clutch wear in manuals, transmission cooler line leaks.
Known Issues Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering stabilizer failure, rear axle U-joint wear (especially on heavier duty models).
Brand Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming a distinct brand in 2010. The Ram truck line is synonymous with capability and ruggedness.
Third Generation 2002-2008:
Major redesign, shared platform with larger Dodge Durango SUV. Introduced coil-spring rear suspension on 1500 for improved ride quality. Offered 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, and 5.9L Cummins I6 diesel (in HD models).
Fourth Generation 2009-2018:
Became Ram Truck brand under Chrysler Group LLC. Significant exterior and interior redesign. Introduced 4-door configurations and new powertrain options, including the 6.7L Cummins. Advanced technology and creature comforts increased significantly.
Fifth Generation 2019-Present:
Further redesign, focusing on luxury, technology, and efficiency. Introduced mild-hybrid powertrains. Still maintains robust capability.
Production Locations:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Ram trucks have won MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award multiple times across different generations and categories (e.g., 2003, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2020).
J.D. Power Awards:
Ram has received various J.D. Power awards for dependability, quality, and customer satisfaction in the large pickup segment throughout the years.
Emissions Certifications:
All engines meet EPA and CARB emissions standards for their respective model years. Diesel models with 6.7L Cummins are equipped with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and DPF systems for compliance with later emissions regulations.
