Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners of the 2005 Dodge Ram 3500, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.
Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD.
Vehicle Purpose:
Designed for heavy towing, hauling, and commercial applications, emphasizing durability and capability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authoritative, factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling cost-effective DIY repairs and accurate professional service.
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Electronic (likely PDF or similar digital format)
Coverage Scope:
Maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, diagnostics, specifications, and procedures for the 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500.
Powertrain:
Engine (5.7L HEMI V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel), Transmission (4-speed automatic, 6-speed manual), Driveline (4x2, 4x4 systems, differentials, transfer case).
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear, components, alignment), Steering (power steering, steering column), Brakes (ABS, hydraulic system, parking brake).
Electrical:
Charging system (alternator, battery), Starting system (starter motor), Ignition system, Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), Instrumentation, Power distribution (fuses, relays), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Audio systems, HVAC controls.
Body:
Exterior body panels (doors, hood, fenders, tailgate), Interior trim, Seats, Glass, Mirrors, Doors and locks, Windows operation.
Maintenance:
Fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), Filter replacements (oil, fuel, air), Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement, Lubrication points.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Cylinder head repair, Fuel injection system diagnostics/repair, Turbocharger service (for diesel), Transmission rebuild/replacement, Brake caliper/rotor replacement, Suspension component replacement, Steering gearbox repair, Electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Scan tool usage, Component testing, Circuit diagnosis, Symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and wiring schematics.
File Type:
Likely PDF (Portable Document Format), enabling searchable text and bookmark functionality.
Searchability:
High, with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for scanned documents or native text for digitally generated manuals.
Printability:
Designed to be printable, with clear text and legible diagrams. May include printable chapter sections.
Binding:
N/A (Electronic Format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Electronic Format)
Gas Engine Option:
5.7L (345 cu in) OHV 16-valve HEMI V8
Diesel Engine Option:
5.9L (359 cu in) OHV 24-valve Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5400 rpm
5.7L Hemi Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
305 hp @ 2900 rpm
5.9L Cummins Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (for standard output)
Gas Fuel System:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Diesel Fuel System:
High-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel injection system
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar 05010817AA or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission:
48RE 4-Speed Automatic (typically paired with 5.9L Cummins)
Manual Transmission:
NV5600 6-Speed Manual (typically paired with 5.9L Cummins)
Automatic Transmission Gas:
47RE 4-Speed Automatic (potentially available with 5.7L HEMI, though less common in 3500 HD)
Transmission Fluid Gas Auto:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 95)
Transmission Fluid Diesel Auto:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 95)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
NV5600: SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant (API GL-4 or GL-5)
Wheelbase Standard Cab:
130.2 inches
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
140.5 inches
Bed Length Options:
8.0 ft (96 inches)
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 11,000 - 13,500 lbs
Gcwr Range:
Up to 23,000 lbs (diesel 4x4)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 6,500 - 7,500 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio systems. Available Sirius Satellite Radio.
Navigation:
No factory integrated navigation available for this model year.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Optional integrated trailer brake controller.
Phone Integration:
No factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration available for this model year.
Engine Oil Change 5.7L Hemi:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact schedule).
Engine Oil Change 5.9L Cummins:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals).
Fuel Filter Replacement Cummins:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on towing and load conditions.
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API SN or equivalent)
Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or CH-4 diesel engine oil)
Coolant Capacity 5.7L Hemi:
Approximately 13.0 quarts (12.3 L)
Coolant Capacity 5.9L Cummins:
Approximately 15.5 quarts (14.7 L)
Common Diesel Issues:
Injectors, lift pump, fuel pressure issues, VP44 injection pump failure (earlier models/conditions), potential for head gasket issues under extreme stress.
Common Gas Issues:
Lifter noise (HEMI tick), ignition coil failure, exhaust manifold leaks.
Common Drivetrain Issues:
U-joint wear, transfer case issues (especially with heavy use), differential bearing wear.
Common Electrical Issues:
Intermittent accessory failures, window regulator issues, gauge cluster problems.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate being a dominant force in the pickup market for decades.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 Ram 3500 belongs to the third generation (2002-2008), which introduced significant redesigns, improved powertrains (including the HEMI and updated Cummins), and enhanced interior comfort.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
Cummins Engine Reputation:
The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is highly regarded for its durability, longevity, and towing capability, often cited as a key selling point for Ram trucks of this era.
Hemi Engine Reputation:
The 5.7L HEMI V8 is praised for its power and distinctive sound, offering a strong gasoline alternative for heavy-duty use.
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 10,000-13,000 lbs conventional towing and 16,000-19,000 lbs fifth-wheel towing, depending on configuration (diesel, drivetrain, axle ratio).
