Segment:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Vehicle owners, DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians.
Competitors 2005:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.
Strengths 2005 Ram:
Robust powertrain options, strong towing and payload capacity, distinctive styling, available HEMI engine.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (PCM/ECU diagnostics).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission (NV3500, NV4500, 48RE, 45RFE/545RFE), transfer case, driveline, axles, differentials, CV joints.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension (independent front suspension on 2WD, solid front axle on 4WD), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), brake system (disc front/rear, ABS diagnostics and repair), parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), power windows, power locks, audio systems, HVAC controls, airbags, diagnostics for various electronic modules.
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, towing information, chassis lubrication.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tire rotation, brake inspections, belt and hose replacement.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul/replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement, AC system servicing.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagrams, wiring harnesses, module diagnostics.
Technical Data Specs:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, viscosity grades, electrical specifications, component identification.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic DIY maintenance to advanced component-level repair and diagnostics.
Engine 3.7L V6:
3.7L Magnum V6 (215 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm), Code: EKG
Engine 4.7L V8:
4.7L Magnum V8 (235 hp @ 4800 rpm, 305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm), Code: PGT (early) / NPG (late)
Engine 5.7L Hemi V8:
5.7L HEMI V8 (345 hp @ 5000 rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm), Code: EZH
Engine 5.9L Cummins Turbodiesel:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (325 hp @ 2900 rpm, 610 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm), Code: ETH (for HO engine)
Compression Ratio 5.7L Hemi:
9.6:1
Bore X Stroke 5.7L Hemi:
3.92 in x 3.07 in (99.5 mm x 78.0 mm)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for Cummins.
Available Transmissions:
5-speed manual (NV3500 for lighter duty, NV4500 for heavier duty/diesel), 4-speed automatic (45RFE/545RFE), 4-speed automatic (48RE for diesel).
Diesel Transmission:
48RE 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission (heavy-duty).
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system (NV244, NV271, NV273), available electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF).
Wheelbase Options:
139.0 inches (3531 mm) for Regular Cab, 140.5 inches (3569 mm) for Quad Cab Short Bed, 160.5 inches (4077 mm) for Quad Cab Long Bed.
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (1.9 m) Standard Bed, 8.0 ft (2.4 m) Long Bed.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Range:
Approximately 6,200 lbs to 10,500 lbs (2,812 kg to 4,763 kg), depending on configuration and engine.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2005 model year, specific tests may vary by configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2005 model year, specific tests may vary by configuration)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; available rear seat belts.
Audio Options 2005:
Base AM/FM stereo, AM/FM stereo with CD player, Infinity speaker system, Sirius Satellite Radio capability.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system.
Trailer Towing Features:
Integrated trailer brake controller wiring prep, available factory trailer tow mirrors and packages.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (4,800-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for the Cummins Diesel, using appropriate diesel-specific oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (e.g., HOAT).
Engine Oil 3.7L 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher (check manual for specific certification).
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (for specific calibration, consult manual), API SN or higher.
Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:
CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv3500:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (check manual).
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv4500:
GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil (check manual for specific viscosity).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Failures Gas Engines:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on early 5.7L HEMI), camshaft/lifter wear (HEMI).
Common Failures Diesel:
Injectors, CP3 injection pump failures, turbocharger issues, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) problems.
Common Failures Transmission Auto:
Torque converter shudder, overdrive clutch failure (48RE), valve body issues.
Common Failures Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering box looseness.
Common Failures Electrical:
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures, window motor failures, instrument cluster intermittent operation.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history in the truck market, dating back to the 1930s, known for robust and utilitarian vehicles.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 model year is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, characterized by its redesigned exterior and interior, and the introduction of the HEMI engine.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan.