Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, automotive technicians, DIY enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, detailed instructions to maintain and repair the Dodge Ram Truck 1500, 2500, and 3500 models for the 2004 model year, covering a wide range of engine and system configurations.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing and hauling capability, extensive aftermarket support.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics.
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission overhaul, torque converter, shift controls, hydraulic system, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, 4WD system operation and repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (independent front suspension for 1500, solid front axle for 2500/3500), springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, steering knuckles, control arms, sway bars.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage, power steering pump and cooler.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes, drum brakes where applicable), ABS, brake lines, calipers, rotors, master cylinder, power brake booster.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, sensors.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, refrigerant charging, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, control panels.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement, weatherstripping.
Chassis:
Frame construction, body mounting, crossmembers, fuel tank and lines, exhaust system routing.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tire rotation, lubrication.
Repair:
Component replacement, system diagnostics, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension and steering component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, drivability issues.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine data, electrical specifications, fluid capacities, clearances and tolerances.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for powertrain control, body control, anti-lock braking, and transmission control modules.
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including detailed steps, diagrams, and specifications.
Electrical Diagrams:
Detailed and accurate wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including color coding and component locations.
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7L (226 cu in) Magnum V6
Engine 1 Configuration:
SOHC V6
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7L (285 cu in) Magnum V8
Engine 2 Configuration:
SOHC V8
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.7L (345 cu in) HEMI V8
Engine 3 Configuration:
OHV V8 (Multi-Displacement System)
Engine 4 Displacement:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel
Engine 4 Configuration:
OHV Inline 6-cylinder (Turbocharged Diesel)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 275 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 260-295 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm (depending on application)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 330-375 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (depending on application)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 345 hp @ 5400 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 4 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp @ 2900 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
Approx. 460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel fuel
Injection System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Direct injection with rotary injection pump (VP44 or Common Rail depending on exact build date) for diesel.
Wheelbase 1500:
139.0 inches (Standard Cab), 157.5 inches (Quad Cab)
Wheelbase 2500 3500:
139.0 inches (Standard Cab), 157.5 inches (Quad Cab), 171.4 inches (Mega Cab - available later in year for some models)
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,800 - 7,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 6,000 - 11,500+ lbs (depending on model and configuration)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type (conventional vs. synthetic) and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 - 7,500 miles.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter (depending on coolant type).
Engine Oil 15W40 Diesel:
API Service Category CI-4 or CH-4; SAE 15W-40 synthetic or conventional diesel engine oil.
Engine Oil 5W20 Gas:
SAE 5W-20 synthetic or conventional gasoline engine oil (for 3.7L and 4.7L, 5.7L HEMI typically uses 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on specific application/climate).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary automatic transmission fluid).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Gear oil, consult manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5).
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent.
Common Issues Diesel:
Injection pump failures (VP44), injector issues, turbocharger problems, coolant filter leaks, exhaust manifold cracks.
Common Issues Gasoline:
Lifter tick (especially in early HEMI engines), rear main seal leaks, transmission solenoid issues, exhaust system rust, blend door actuator failures (HVAC).
