Target Audience:
Owners of 1990 Dodge Ram Pickup trucks and Ramchargers with diesel engines seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, as well as professional automotive technicians.
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level technical information for a robust diesel truck, enabling cost-effective maintenance and repair, saving money compared to dealership service.
Content Focus:
Detailed technical specifications, step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic flowcharts, and system overviews.
Accessibility:
Instant download allows for immediate access to crucial repair information.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of diesel engine components (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch VE or similar rotary pump), glow plug system, fuel lines, filters, and troubleshooting.
Engine Electrical:
Starting system, charging system, ignition timing (for glow plugs), sensor diagnostics, and wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, fluid changes, and component repair.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, and 4WD system service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, shocks, bushings), steering linkage, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, disc and drum brake service, parking brake, fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Lighting, wipers, horn, instrumentation, power windows/locks (if applicable), fuse/relay identification, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door/hood/tailgate adjustments, interior trim, chassis components.
Emissions Control:
Information on emissions related components and troubleshooting for diesel engines.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable), testing procedures for various systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including detailed illustrations.
Assembly Disassembly:
Complete instructions for removing and reinstalling components and sub-assemblies.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Depth:
Advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete engine overhaul procedures, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code Examples:
Common diesel engines for this era include the Cummins 4BT (though less common in light duty Ram compared to heavier applications) or potential proprietary Chrysler/Mitsubishi diesel engines (e.g., 2.5L or 3.0L Mitsubishi 4D56 variants in some markets, or larger displacements).
Typical Horsepower Range:
Ranges depending on specific diesel engine, typically from 100-160 HP for common diesel variants of the era.
Typical Torque Range:
Ranges depending on specific diesel engine, typically from 200-300 lb-ft for common diesel variants of the era.
Injection Type:
Indirect Injection (IDI) or Direct Injection (DI) with rotary or inline injection pumps.
Glow Plug System:
Essential for cold starting, detailed operation and troubleshooting included.
Coolant Type:
Typically a conventional green ethylene glycol based coolant, but refer to manual for precise specification (e.g., Mopar OAT or HOAT depending on manufacturer update).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), Chassis Cab.
Wheelbase Options:
Various wheelbases available depending on configuration (e.g., 112.1" to 131.0" for pickups).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically ranging from 4,000 to 5,500 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges from approximately 6,000 lbs to over 9,000 lbs depending on configuration and axle ratings.
NHTSA Ratings 1990:
Information likely not directly comparable to modern standards, but manual covers safety systems of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may have been optional or standard on certain models/trims.
Seat Belts:
Mandatory seat belt systems, including shoulder belts.
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction typical for trucks of this era, designed for durability.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil quality and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise interval).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually for diesel fuel filters.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect periodically, change as needed.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Likely 15W-40 or 10W-30 for diesel engines, depending on climate (refer to manual for specific API service classification).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 12-15 quarts (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for precise specification).
Diesel Engine Specifics:
Common issues may include injection pump wear, injector problems, glow plug failure, turbocharger issues (if equipped), and potential for turbo lag in early diesel models.
General Truck Issues:
Potential for rust, wear in suspension and steering components, electrical gremlins common in vehicles of this age.
