Vehicle Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, a segment known for utility, towing, and hauling capabilities.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra (though Tundra's earlier years were less impactful).
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options (especially V8 and Cummins diesel), and strong towing/hauling capacity.
User Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with comprehensive, accurate, and official factory data for efficient maintenance and repair.
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair information for Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models.
Secondary Coverage:
Includes all engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical systems, body, and HVAC.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count varies by specific print or digital edition, but described as 'complete').
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Origin:
Official Factory Service Manual
Format Description:
Digital (likely PDF) allowing for printing of entire manual or specific pages.
Engine:
Detailed coverage for all gasoline and diesel engines, including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and torque specifications.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Covers manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., NV3500, A500/42RE, A518/46RE, NV4500, NV5600), transfer cases, and differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Includes front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Full coverage of front and rear brake systems, including ABS diagnostics and repair procedures.
Electrical Electronics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for lighting, ignition, charging, starting, and accessories.
Body Chassis:
Includes body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, and chassis component repair.
HVAC:
Air conditioning and heating system diagnosis, service, and component replacement.
Maintenance:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for all scheduled maintenance tasks.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Repair Rebuild:
Complete instructions for component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
Covers basic diagnostic tests, OBD-II code interpretation, and specific system diagnostic routines.
Wheel Alignment:
Detailed specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended tire rotation intervals and procedures.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specific spark plug types, gap settings, and replacement procedures for each engine.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Procedures for locating and replacing the fuel filter.
Air Filter Replacement:
Instructions for replacing engine air filter.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Information on replacing the cabin air filter (if equipped).
Drive Belt Replacement:
Drive belt routing diagrams and replacement procedures.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Instructions for replacing wiper blades.
Headlight Bulb Replacement:
Procedures for accessing and replacing headlight bulbs.
Trailer Wiring Diagrams:
May include basic trailer wiring information.
Depth:
Provides in-depth technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Accuracy:
Represents the official factory data, ensuring high accuracy for repairs and specifications.
Format:
Likely PDF (Portable Document Format), optimized for digital viewing and printing.
Searchability:
Typically features searchable text for quick access to specific topics.
Print Recommendation:
Designed for high-quality printing of individual pages or the entire document.
Binding For Print:
If printed, would typically be spiral-bound or three-hole punched for binder storage for ease of use in a workshop.
Recommended Paper:
Heavyweight, durable paper recommended for workshop environments if printing.
Engine Options Gas:
3.9L Magnum V6 (175 hp @ 4800 rpm, 230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm), 5.2L Magnum V8 (230 hp @ 4400 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm), 5.9L Magnum V8 (245 hp @ 4000 rpm, 335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm).
Engine Options Diesel:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (170-215 hp, 420-440 lb-ft torque, depending on year/application).
Induction System:
Naturally aspirated and turbocharged (for diesel).
Cylinder Head:
Overhead Valve (OHV) for Magnum V6/V8, Overhead Cam (OHC) for Cummins Diesel.
Gasoline Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for Magnum engines.
Diesel Injection:
Direct injection, typically Bosch inline injection pump for Cummins.
Bore Stroke 5.2L:
4.00 in x 3.88 in (101.6 mm x 98.5 mm)
Bore Stroke 5.9L Magnum:
4.02 in x 3.58 in (102.1 mm x 90.9 mm)
Manual Transmission Options:
NV3500 (5-speed), NV4500 (5-speed Heavy Duty), NV5600 (6-speed, later years for HD).
Automatic Transmission Options:
A500/42RE (4-speed OD), A518/46RE (4-speed OD Heavy Duty).
Transfer Case Options:
New Process NP231 (2WD/4WD), NP241 (2WD/4WD), NP241DHD (Heavy Duty 4WD).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity varies by transmission, e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-140).
Wheelbase Options:
Regular Cab (134.7 in), Club Cab (164.5 in), Chassis Cab (various).
Bed Length Options:
6.5 ft (standard), 8 ft (long bed).
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,000 - 6,500 lbs (depending on configuration).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges from 6,050 lbs (1500) to 8,800 lbs (3500).
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Typically rated 4 out of 5 stars for driver and passenger in frontal impact (model specific).
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum brakes standard. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on front wheels or all four.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front lap and shoulder belts, rear lap belts (for extended cabs).
Radio Options:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette tape player, optional CD player, speaker configurations vary by trim.
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), primarily on front wheels for 2WD models, and 4WD models.
OBD Standard:
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) compliant, introduced in 1996.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine, oil type, and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000-100,000 miles depending on severe vs. normal service. Manual: Check manually for contamination, typically every 60,000-100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Spec Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API Service SG or SH) recommended. Check manual for exact specifications and capacities.
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 commonly recommended. Check manual for exact specifications.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler (Mopar) OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant, or a compatible green ethylene glycol based coolant for older applications. Check manual for specific type and capacity.
Common Problems Gasoline:
Rocker arm wear in Magnum V8s, intake manifold gasket leaks, distributorless ignition system (DIS) coil pack issues, fuel pump failure.
Common Problems Diesel:
Injector line leaks, injection pump issues (VP44 on later models, but earlier ones less prone), exhaust manifold gasket leaks, occasional turbocharger issues.
Common Problems General:
Rust (especially in rocker panels, cab corners, and bed), brake component wear, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, ABS sensor failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Second Generation Introduction:
The second generation Ram (BR/BE) was introduced for the 1994 model year, featuring a radical new design ('Big Rig' styling) that significantly boosted sales and market presence.
Manufacturing Locations:
St. Louis, Missouri, and Saltillo, Mexico.