Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust construction, towing capacity, V8 engine options, versatile for work and personal use.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Maintenance, Repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Fault Diagnosis, Wiring Diagrams
Component Coverage:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical, HVAC, Body
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format:
Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Hardcover
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder Head, Block, Pistons, Crankshaft, Camshaft, Valvetrain, Timing
Engine Performance:
Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, Gearbox, Shifting Mechanisms, Fluid Service
Transmission Automatic:
Torque Converter, Valve Body, Planetary Gearsets, Control Systems, Fluid Service
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, U-Joints, Differentials (Front/Rear), Axles, Transfer Case (4x4 models)
Suspension:
Front Independent Suspension (IFS), Rear Solid Axle, Springs, Shocks, Control Arms, Bushings
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Gear/Rack, Tie Rods, Steering Column
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc/Drum Brakes (model dependent), ABS System, Parking Brake
Electrical System:
Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Harnesses, Grounding
Body And Interior:
Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Body Panels, Upholstery, Trim, Glass, Seals
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heater Core, Blower Motor, Controls, Refrigerant System
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seat Belts, ABS (as part of brake system)
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Lubrication Points
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Component Removal and Installation, Adjustments, Calibration
Rebuild Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuilding, Differential Reassembly
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic procedures, exploded views
Engine 1 Code:
Magnum 3.7L V6 (Optional for 1500)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7 Liters / 226 cu in
Engine 1 Configuration:
V6, SOHC, 12 Valves
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Code:
Magnum 4.7L V8 (Standard for 1500, Optional for 2500)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7 Liters / 287 cu in
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8, SOHC, 16 Valves
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Engine 3 Code:
Magnum 5.9L V8 (Standard for 2500/3500)
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.9 Liters / 360 cu in
Engine 3 Configuration:
V8, OHV, 16 Valves
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 4 Code:
Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel I6 (Optional for 2500/3500)
Engine 4 Displacement:
5.9 Liters / 359 cu in
Engine 4 Configuration:
Inline 6, OHV, 24 Valves, Turbocharged
Engine 4 Horsepower:
Approx. 250 hp @ 2700 rpm (with 5-speed manual)
Engine 4 Torque:
Approx. 460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (with 5-speed manual)
Injection Type Gas:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Injection Type Diesel:
Direct Injection, Bosch VP44 Injection Pump
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended), Diesel Fuel
Transmission 1500 Gas Std:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE)
Transmission 2500 3500 Gas Std:
4-Speed Automatic (48RE)
Transmission Diesel Std:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500)
Transmission 1500 Gas Opt:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500 for V6/4.7L V8)
Transmission 2500 3500 Gas Opt:
5-Speed Manual (NV4500 for 5.9L V8)
Transmission Diesel Opt:
4-Speed Automatic (48RE)
Transfer Case:
NV244 (Full-time 4WD), NV243 (Part-time 4WD) for 4x4 models
Wheelbase Std:
139.0 inches (Standard Cab)
Wheelbase Ext:
157.0 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)
Wheelbase Long:
165.0 inches (Mega Cab/Long Bed)
Length Overall:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (approx. 229-260 inches)
Curb Weight 1500:
Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs
Gvw 2500:
Approx. 7,700 - 8,800 lbs
Gvw 3500:
Approx. 9,700 - 11,500 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,000 lbs (for properly equipped 3500 models)
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions, consult manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions, consult manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and usage).
Engine Oil Gas:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), SAE 10W-30 for certain climates (check manual).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CH-4 or CI-4 rated 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on transmission model).
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on axle type and temperature range).
Common Issues Diesel:
VP44 Injection Pump failures (due to fuel pressure issues), injector problems, intake manifold heater failures, camshaft failures (due to oiling issues).
Common Issues Gas:
Cracked cylinder heads (on early 4.7L engines), distributorless ignition issues, exhaust manifold cracks, rear main seal leaks.
Common Issues General:
Rust on body panels (especially rocker panels and cab corners), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), power steering pump whine, HVAC blend door actuator failures.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of building robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving to become a distinct brand.
Third Generation:
The 2003 models represent the third generation of the Dodge Ram (introduced in 1994), featuring a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive styling and improved aerodynamics.
Key Design Features:
Distinctive grille, integrated headlights, aerodynamic front fascia.
Manufacturing Location:
Various Dodge assembly plants in North America (e.g., Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan).