🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Pickup 1500

Year:

2006

Drive Type:

4X2

Chassis Code:

DR

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.

Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra 1500.

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust powertrain options, comfortable interior, strong towing and hauling capabilities, durable construction.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the essential technical data and procedural guidance to maintain and repair the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x2 effectively, saving time and money.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

North America

Estimated Page Count:

2500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine diagnostics, overhaul, assembly, disassembly for all gasoline engines.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control, starting and charging systems, sensors, actuators.

Transmission:

Diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RLE, 45RFE) and manual transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle assemblies, drive shafts, U-joints, CV joints, differential.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, traction control, brake fluid, calipers, rotors, drums, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (ball joints, control arms, springs, shocks), steering system, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, steering linkage.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, power distribution, lighting, interior electronics, instrument cluster.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant, components.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, glass replacement, exterior trim.

Chassis:

Frame, body mounting, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system.

Emissions Control:

EVAP system, EGR system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed instructions for component replacement, rebuilding, and adjustment.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding procedures.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Torquing Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostics with troubleshooting flowcharts and expected results.

Electrical Diagrams:

Full color, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Exploded Views:

Detailed exploded views for visual understanding of component assembly and disassembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Notes:

While this is a print manual, digital versions may be available in PDF. Searchable text is ideal.

Print Quality:

High-quality print for durability in workshop environments.

Binding:

Sturdy, lay-flat binding for ease of use during repairs.

Paper Quality:

Durable, oil-resistant paper stock suitable for automotive shop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine Option 1 Code:

EVC

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

4.7 Liters (287 cu in)

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

230-235 hp @ 4500-4700 rpm (depending on configuration)

Engine Option 1 Torque:

295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3400 rpm (depending on configuration)

Engine Option 1 Block Material:

Iron

Engine Option 1 Head Material:

Aluminum

Engine Option 2:

5.7L HEMI V8

Engine Option 2 Code:

EZE

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

5.7 Liters (345 cu in)

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine Option 2 Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Option 2 Block Material:

Iron

Engine Option 2 Head Material:

Aluminum

0 60 Mph Approx 4.7L:

8.5 - 9.5 seconds

0 60 Mph Approx 5.7L:

7.0 - 8.0 seconds

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, E85 compatible for 5.7L HEMI (check specific vehicle)

Recommended Octane:

87 octane minimum (89 or higher recommended for optimal performance, especially with HEMI)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

42RLE 4-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission 1:

45RFE 4-Speed Automatic (often with 5.7L HEMI)

Optional Transmission 2:

NV3500 5-Speed Manual (less common for 1500 models, more on 2500)

Transmission Cooling:

Integrated transmission fluid cooler, external cooler often included with heavy-duty use.

Transmission Fluid Type 42Rle:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Type 45Rfe:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std Cab:

116.0 inches

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

134.5 inches

Overall Length Ext Cab Short Bed:

228.5 inches

Overall Length Ext Cab Long Bed:

247.8 inches

Width Without Mirrors:

79.1 inches

Height:

74.0 inches (approx.)

Bed Length Short Bed:

6.25 ft (75.2 inches)

Bed Length Long Bed:

8.0 ft (96.0 inches)

Curb Weight Approx:

4,600 - 5,200 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:

6,500 - 7,200 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity Max Approx:

Up to 8,500 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration)

Payload Capacity Max Approx:

1,400 - 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver Rating:

Good

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Rating:

Good

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Acceptable (for comparable models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on higher trims (often part of ESC).

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Available on some models/trims.

Airbags Front:

Standard multi-stage front airbags for driver and passenger.

Airbags Side Impact:

Optional front seat-mounted side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base AM/FM radio with CD player, optional premium audio systems, and Infinity speaker upgrades.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (rare for this year).

Cruise Control:

Standard.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking sensors.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory on most 2006 models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:

Approximately 100,000 miles (uses Champion copper or platinum plugs).

Spark Plug Replacement 5.7L:

Approximately 100,000 miles (uses NGK iridium plugs).

Coolant Flush Interval:

First at 5 years/100,000 miles, then every 2 years/50,000 miles (OAT coolant).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule.

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API SN/SM/SL)

Engine Oil Type 5.7L:

SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API SN/SM/SL)

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:

7 Quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or OAT (Organic Additive Technology) - typically purple or orange extended life coolant.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Issue 1:

Cooling system leaks (water pump, radiator hoses, heater core).

Common Issue 2:

Exhaust manifold cracks or leaks (especially on 5.7L HEMI).

Common Issue 3:

Brake component wear (pads, rotors).

Common Issue 4:

Transmission solenoid or valve body issues in older automatics (42RLE).

Common Issue 5:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with American workhorses.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2006 model belongs to the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, characterized by its aggressive styling, coil-spring rear suspension (on many models), and enhanced interior comfort.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan

Key Updates 2006:

Minor interior updates, potentially new exterior paint colors, and revised option packages.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jdpower Initial Quality Study:

The 2006 Ram Pickup generally performed adequately in J.D. Power IQS studies for its segment, though specific awards for this exact model year may vary.

Konsumen Report Ratings:

Consumer Reports typically rated the Dodge Ram 1500 of this generation as average to above average in predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, with notable strengths in performance and comfort, but some concerns in specific component longevity.

Emisiones Standards:

Complies with EPA and California emissions standards for its model year.