Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Demographic:
Work truck users, towing and hauling enthusiasts, families needing robust utility.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Reputation:
Known for robust construction, strong powertrain options, and towing capability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential DIY and professional repair information for maintaining and servicing the vehicle, saving on labor costs.
Primary Coverage:
Complete mechanical and electrical repair for Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks.
Body And Chassis:
Frame, suspension, steering, brakes, body panels, interior components, and exterior trim.
Estimated Pages:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and scope).
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Intended Audience:
Professional Technicians, DIY Enthusiasts, First-Time Owners
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, and torque converter clutch (for automatics).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500, NV5600), Automatic transmission (42RE, 44RE, 47RE, 48RE), transfer case (NV235, NV241HD, NV243, NV244), drive shafts, axles, differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (independent front suspension on 1500, solid front axle on 2500/3500), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS, parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), power windows/locks, HVAC controls, trailer wiring, audio system.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, tune-ups.
Diagnostics:
Component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, performance diagnostics.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair.
Installation:
Component replacement procedures (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel injectors, brake pads, shock absorbers).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-code), 5.9L Magnum V8 (Q-code), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (C-code).
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
4.7L V8 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
5.9L V8 Horsepower:
245-245 hp @ 4000-4500 rpm (approx.)
5.9L V8 Torque:
330-335 lb-ft @ 3200-3200 rpm (approx.)
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
235-250 hp @ 2800-2900 rpm (approx.)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
460-475 lb-ft @ 1400-1600 rpm (approx.)
4.7L/5.9L V8:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI).
5.9L Cummins:
Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump or Cummins High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) depending on specific engine variant within the year.
Engine Identification:
Typically found on the engine block or valve cover.
1500:
4-speed automatic (42RE/44RE)
2500:
4-speed automatic (47RE) or 5-speed manual (NV4500/NV5600) depending on configuration.
3500:
4-speed automatic (47RE/48RE) or 5-speed manual (NV4500/NV5600) depending on configuration.
Manual Transmission Options:
NV3500 (1500), NV4500 (2500/3500), NV5600 (2500/3500 High Output Cummins).
Automatic Transmission Options:
42RE, 44RE, 47RE, 48RE.
Transfer Case Options:
Part-time 2WD/4WD (NV235, NV241HD), Full-time 4WD (NV244).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (for automatics), Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) specific to transmission type (check manual for precise specification).
Wheelbase Options:
134.0 inches (regular cab), 154.5 inches (club cab), 164.5 inches (crew cab - not for all models/trims).
Bed Length Options:
6.3 feet (short bed), 8.0 feet (long bed).
Gvwr Range:
6,050 lbs (1500) to 11,500 lbs (3500 Diesel DRW).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, ~5,000 lbs to ~7,500+ lbs.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,500+ lbs (3500 Diesel DRW) depending on configuration.
NHTSA Rollover Rating 2Wd:
4 out of 5 stars (typical for this generation).
NHTSA Rollover Rating 4Wd:
3 out of 5 stars (typical for this generation).
ABS:
Standard on most models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lower and upper anchors for child seats.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals).
Transmission Fluid Change:
30,000-100,000 miles depending on usage and transmission type (refer to manual).
Coolant Change:
30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years depending on coolant type (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 for gasoline engines (check manual for specific engine and temperature requirements). SAE 15W-40 for Cummins Diesel.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Radiator leaks, alternator failures, power steering pump leaks, HVAC blower motor issues, potential transmission issues (especially in early models or with heavy use), lifter tick on Magnum V8s, crank sensor issues.
Diesel Specific Issues:
VP44 injection pump failures (on earlier 5.9L Cummins models), lift pump issues, injector problems.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with toughness.
Second Generation:
The 2003 model year falls within the second generation (1994-2001, with a refresh in 1998). While often referred to as the '94-'01 generation, the 2002 model year saw a significant redesign that carried into 2003, marking the beginning of the third generation (DR/DH/D2).
Third Generation Introduction:
It's important to clarify that the '2003 Dodge Ram 1500-2500-3500 Workshop Service Repair Manual' likely refers to the *third generation* Ram trucks (model years 2002-2008), which began with a major redesign for 2002. The product description does not explicitly state which generation, but the year 2003 strongly implies the start of this new generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The second generation Ram was named MotorTrend Truck of the Year in 1994. The third generation, starting in 2002, also received significant accolades for its redesign and capabilities.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by model year and engine. Generally considered average to above average for its class and time period, with some specific components known for issues.
