🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2001

Body Style:

Pickup Truck

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

Generation Years:

1994-2001

Vin Code:

V (for 5.9L V8 Magnum)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Reputation:

Known for robust construction, powerful engine options, and towing/hauling capability

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra

Vehicle Strengths:

Strong powertrain options, durable chassis, spacious cabin (especially Quad Cab models), excellent towing and hauling capacity

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving costs and ensuring quality. Provides in-depth technical knowledge for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Bodywork, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals (disassembly, assembly, inspection), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (injection, pumps, lines), ignition system, emissions control system, engine diagnostics

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (46RE, 47RE, 48RE) repair, manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500) repair, clutch system, transfer case service

Drivetrain Systems:

Front and rear axle repair, drive shafts, CV joints, differentials

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent torsion bar, solid axle options), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system (power steering, steering gearbox), wheel alignment

Brake Systems:

Front and rear brake systems (disc, drum), ABS system, parking brake

Electrical Systems:

Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, ignition system, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM/PCM)

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, doors, windows, tailgate, chassis components

Heating Cooling Ac:

HVAC system diagnosis and repair, air conditioning system service, heater core replacement

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all major systems, based on symptoms and fault codes (OBD-II)

Repair Rebuild:

Complete step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, axle, suspension, brake, and electrical component repair and overhaul

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation and troubleshooting trees, on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system functions

Installation Replacement:

Procedures for replacing various components, including major assemblies and wear items

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies

Detail Level:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and assembly procedures for all major components

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and photos

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Name:

5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci)

Engine Type:

Overhead Valve (OHV), V8

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.58 in (101.6 mm x 90.9 mm)

Displacement:

5.9 Liters (360 cubic inches)

Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Horsepower Output:

230-245 hp @ 4000 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by model year/tune)

Torque Output:

330-350 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 rpm (approximate)

Optional Engine 1:

5.2L Magnum V8 (318 ci)

Optional Engine 2:

8.0L V10 Magnum (488 ci) - Viper-derived

Optional Engine 3:

2.5L Turbo Diesel I4 (VM Motori) - Primarily for export or specific configurations

Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for 5.2L/5.9L, 89 octane for V10)

Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor with Coil-Near-Plug

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (46RE/47RE) or 5-speed Manual (NV3500)

Transmission Type 1:

Heavy-duty 4-speed Automatic (47RE/48RE for V10/diesel/heavy towing)

Transmission Type 2:

5-speed Heavy-duty Manual (NV4500) for V10/diesel/heavy towing

Overdrive Gears:

Typically 4 forward gears with overdrive (46RE/47RE/48RE)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid (check specific year/manual for exact recommendation)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 11.0-13.5 US quarts (10.4-12.8 liters) for 46RE/47RE (depending on transfer case/cooler)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

118.7" (Regular Cab), 134.7" (Club Cab/Quad Cab 6.5' bed), 154.7" (Club Cab/Quad Cab 8' bed)

Bed Length Options:

6.5 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

4,500 - 5,500+ lbs (varies greatly by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

6,000 - 8,800+ lbs (depending on payload class)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Likely 4-star (based on general second-gen Ram testing, check specific year reports)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

Likely 4-star (based on general second-gen Ram testing, check specific year reports)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Acceptable to Marginal (ratings varied within the generation)

ABS:

Standard on most models, 4-wheel disc brakes available on some higher trims

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts (3-point belts where applicable)

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM stereo with cassette tape and CD player options, some with premium speaker systems

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control systems

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Towing Features:

Factory tow package options, integrated trailer wiring connectors

OBD Ii Port:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for emission and engine code reading

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used)

Air Filter Replacement:

15,000-30,000 miles or annually

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (if equipped, original were likely copper or platinum, check manual)

Transmission Fluid Change:

30,000-60,000 miles (severe duty) or 60,000-100,000 miles (normal duty), consult manual for specifics

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, check owner's manual for precise recommendation)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.2L V8: 4.75 US quarts (4.5 L); 5.9L V8: 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L); 8.0L V10: 7.0 US quarts (6.6 L) (all with filter change)

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) 5/150 (typically green) or compatible

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, idler/pitman arms (front suspension wear), water pump, fuel pump, intake manifold gasket leaks (V8s), exhaust manifold cracks

Electrical Gremlins:

Dashboard gauge cluster failures, intermittent power issues, issues with window regulators and door locks

Transmission Issues:

Overdrive clutch failure (46RE/47RE), torque converter shudder, rear seal leaks

Engine Performance:

Spark plug blow-out issues (less common than on later models but possible), oil filter housing leaks

Chassis Lubrication:

Regularly grease ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering linkage points to prevent premature wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, with the Ram nameplate originating in 1981, evolving from the D-series.

Second Generation Launch:

Introduced in 1994, this generation marked a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling, and a focus on a more car-like interior.

Key Updates 2001:

While 2001 was the final year of this generation, minor updates may have occurred. This model year is also notable for the introduction of the 'Ram 1500' designation, clearly separating it from Heavy Duty models.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Popularity:

Consistently one of the best-selling full-size pickup trucks in North America during its production run.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Variable, typically average to below average for the era, with specific model years and engine/transmission combinations showing higher reliability.

Emissions Compliance:

Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards for its model year.