🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2004

Platform:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians, fleet managers, and owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge.

Competitors:

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

Value Proposition:

Provides the same level of detailed information found in factory service manuals, empowering users to perform a wide range of repairs and maintenance tasks effectively and accurately.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

3.7L V6 Magnum, 4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.7L V8 HEMI

Transmission Coverage:

42RLE (4-speed automatic), NV3500 (5-speed manual), NV4500 (5-speed manual), NV5600 (6-speed manual)

Chassis Systems:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Frame, Body

Electrical Systems:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio Systems, Power Accessories

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags

Estimated Page Count:

~2000-3000

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components including cylinder heads, pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, oil pump, and timing systems.

Engine Fuel And Emissions:

Fuel injection systems, fuel pumps, fuel filters, evaporative emission control (EVAP), exhaust systems, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors.

Engine Cooling And Lubrication:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, drive belts, oil cooler, oil pan, oil filter, lubrication passages.

Transmission Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmission removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including clutch, torque converter, valve body, gear sets, and shifting mechanisms.

Driveline And Axles:

Front and rear axle assemblies, differential, driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, transfer case (4WD models).

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake fluid, master cylinder, brake boosters, calipers, pads, rotors, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, power steering pump, steering column, steering wheel.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars.

Electrical Powertrain:

PCM diagnosis and repair, sensor testing (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAP, MAF, O2), ignition system diagnosis (coil-on-plug), starter motor, alternator.

Electrical Chassis:

BCM diagnosis, lighting circuits, interior and exterior lighting repair, horn, wipers, power windows, power door locks, trailer wiring harness.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, climate control modules, cabin air filter.

Restraints:

Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seat belt mechanisms.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door hinges, latches, window regulators, weatherstripping, frame straightening and repair (structural).

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and tune-ups based on mileage and time intervals.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and intermittent problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts and fault code interpretation (OBD-II).

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing service, timing chain/belt replacement, oil pump replacement, manifold gasket replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement (automatic), valve body repair, seal replacement, transmission fluid and filter service.

Brake Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding procedure, ABS component testing and replacement.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, strut/shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, power steering pump replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:

Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing (relays, switches, sensors), connector repair, module replacement and programming (if applicable).

HVAC Service:

AC system recharge, leak detection, compressor replacement, evaporator core replacement, heater core replacement.

Body And Trim Repair:

Door panel removal, seat removal, interior panel replacement, glass replacement, bumper repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures, specifications, and torque values for all components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format), likely optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Print Readability:

Designed for clear reproduction when printed, with legible text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine Displacement 3.7L:

3701 cc

Engine Horsepower 3.7L:

215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine Torque 3.7L:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Optional Engine 1:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine Displacement 4.7L:

4701 cc

Engine Horsepower 4.7L:

235 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine Torque 4.7L:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Optional Engine 2:

5.7L HEMI V8

Engine Displacement 5.7L:

5654 cc

Engine Horsepower 5.7L:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine Torque 5.7L:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

NV3500 5-speed manual (available on some trims)

Optional Automatic Transmission:

42RLE 4-speed automatic

Optional Heavy Duty Manual:

NV4500 5-speed manual, NV5600 6-speed manual (typically with specific powertrains)

Transfer Case 4Wd:

NV244 (electronic shift-on-the-fly) or NV241HD (manual shift lever)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

134.7 inches (3421 mm)

Wheelbase Long:

154.7 inches (3930 mm) for Quad Cab Long Bed

Overall Length Short Bed:

220.2 inches (5593 mm)

Overall Length Long Bed:

248.5 inches (6312 mm)

Width:

79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Height:

75.0 inches (1905 mm) (approx.)

Curb Weight Est:

4,800 - 5,800 lbs (2177 - 2631 kg)

Gvw Range:

6,050 - 8,800 lbs (2744 - 3992 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Typically 4 out of 5 stars for 2WD, 3 out of 5 stars for 4WD (model dependent).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, optional side curtain airbags (availability varies by trim and configuration).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium sound systems available on higher trims. Uconnect hands-free communication system was introduced later in this generation, may not be standard for 2004.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors (ParkSense).

Trailer Wiring:

Factory-installed trailer tow wiring harness and connector are often equipped or available as an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Engine Coolant Change:

Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter. Refer to manual for specific coolant type.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: typically 50,000-70,000 miles (80,000-112,000 km). Manual: dependent on usage, often checked at major service intervals. Consult manual.

Engine Oil Type 3.7L 4.7L:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check specific oil cap or manual). API certified.

Engine Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20. API certified.

Transmission Fluid Atf +4:

Chrysler/Dodge ATF+4 (Mopar genuine or equivalent) for 42RLE automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grades for manual transmissions (e.g., SAE 75W-90).

Coolant Type:

Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent.

Common Issue Radiator End Tanks:

Plastic end tanks on radiators can become brittle and crack over time, leading to coolant leaks.

Common Issue Heater Core:

Heater core leaks are a relatively common issue, often manifesting as coolant smells inside the cabin or fogged windows.

Common Issue Ball Joints:

Front lower ball joints can wear prematurely, leading to clunking noises and steering wheel play.

Common Issue Ticking Lifters Hemi:

Some 5.7L HEMI engines may exhibit a 'hemi tick' due to lifter issues, though this is not universal.

Common Issue PCM Failures:

Occasional reports of Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failures or related electrical gremlins.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2004 Ram is part of the third generation (2002-2008), which introduced a significant redesign with a more aggressive exterior styling, improved interior comfort, and updated powertrains, including the introduction of the HEMI V8.

Manufacturing Locations:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

The Dodge Ram has historically received various 'Truck of the Year' awards from different automotive publications and organizations, recognizing its capability and design.