Vehicle Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, known for heavy-duty capabilities, towing, and hauling.
Brand Perception:
Dodge Ram (later Ram Trucks) is perceived as a durable, powerful, and work-oriented vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Competitive Advantage For Model Years:
Strong V8 engine options, advanced diesel offering (EcoDiesel and Cummins), comfortable ride for a truck, RamBox cargo management system.
Engine Diversity:
Caters to a wide range of customer needs, from efficient V6 to powerful HEMI V8 and torque-rich diesel engines.
Capability:
Designed for significant towing and payload capacities, especially in 2500 and 3500 models.
Interior Comfort:
Often praised for a refined and comfortable interior compared to some rivals.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, diagnosis, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (gasoline and diesel), exhaust system, ignition system (gasoline), emissions control.
Engine Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM) diagnosis, sensor data, wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 845RE, 68RFE) and manual transmission (if applicable) overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service, torque converter, related electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle, front axle (4x4), differential service, transfer case (4x4), hubs, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (solid axle with leaf springs or coil springs), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, ball joints, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, linkages, steering angle sensor.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front and rear), ABS system, electronic stability control (ESC), brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), fuse box, relays.
Body And Frame:
Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seating systems, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant, diagnostics, control modules.
Restraints:
Airbag system, SRS module, seatbelts, occupant classification sensors, diagnostic procedures.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, brake calipers), gasket replacements, seal replacements, sensor replacement.
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and complex issues, wiring diagram analysis for electrical faults.
Diagnostic Tool Usage:
Guidance on using diagnostic scan tools to retrieve and interpret data, live sensor readings, and actuator tests.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair operations.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complex diagnostic and repair procedures, including full component overhauls and system diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners during assembly and disassembly.
Tolerances:
Specified component clearances and tolerances for engine and drivetrain rebuilds.
Diagnostic Charts:
Flowcharts and tables for systematically diagnosing faults.
Engine 3 6L Pentastar V6:
Displacement: 3.6L (3604cc). Configuration: V6. Horsepower: Approx. 305 hp @ 6350 rpm. Torque: Approx. 269 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm. Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves. Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection.
Engine 5 7L Hemi V8:
Displacement: 5.7L (5654cc). Configuration: V8. Horsepower: Approx. 383 hp @ 5600 rpm. Torque: Approx. 400 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Valvetrain: OHV, 16 valves, HEMI. Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection. Features: Multi-Displacement System (MDS).
Engine 4 7L V8:
Displacement: 4.7L (4701cc). Configuration: V8. Horsepower: Approx. 310 hp @ 5650 rpm. Torque: Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 3450 rpm. Valvetrain: SOHC, 16 valves. Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection.
Engine 3 0L Ecodiesel V6:
Displacement: 3.0L (2987cc). Configuration: V6 Turbo Diesel. Horsepower: Approx. 240 hp @ 3600 rpm. Torque: Approx. 420 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm. Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves. Fuel System: Common Rail Direct Injection. Emission Control: Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
Engine 6 7L Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Displacement: 6.7L (408ci). Configuration: Inline-6 Turbo Diesel. Horsepower: Varies by model year/trim (e.g., 350-420 hp). Torque: Varies by model year/trim (e.g., 660-1000 lb-ft). Valvetrain: OHV, 24 valves. Fuel System: High-pressure common rail direct injection. Emission Control: Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (for 3.6L, 4.7L, 5.7L), Diesel fuel (for 3.0L EcoDiesel, 6.7L Cummins).
Fuel System Description:
EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) for gasoline engines. High-pressure common rail direct injection for diesel engines.
Def Tank Capacity Ecodiesel:
Approx. 5.4 gallons (20.5 liters) for the 3.0L EcoDiesel.
Fuel Cap Type:
Pintle cap (diesel) or standard cap (gasoline).
Wheelbase 1500:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 140.5 inches for Quad Cab 6'4" bed, 160.5 inches for Crew Cab 5'7" bed).
Wheelbase 2500 3500:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 140.5 inches for 8' bed, 160.5 inches for 8' bed Crew Cab).
Overall Length:
Varies significantly by configuration.
Bed Length Options:
5'7" Short Bed, 6'4" Standard Bed, 8' Long Bed.
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 4,700 lbs to over 7,500 lbs depending on configuration and powertrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges from 6,000 lbs (1500) to over 10,000 lbs (3500HD).
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to ~10,000 lbs (1500), up to ~30,000+ lbs (3500HD with 6.7L Cummins and proper configuration).
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to ~1,900 lbs (1500), up to ~7,000+ lbs (3500HD).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Generally good for its class; specific ratings vary by model year and configuration, but often 4 or 5 stars for certain crash tests.
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Standard on all models, integrated with ABS and traction control.
Antilock Braking System ABS:
Standard on front and rear wheels.
Traction Control:
Standard.
Trailer Sway Control:
Available/Standard depending on trim and towing packages.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, available side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
High Strength Steel Frame:
Reinforced frame construction for crash protection and structural integrity.
Uconnect System:
Available with Uconnect touchscreen systems (e.g., 8.4-inch display) offering navigation, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and media integration.
Multimedia Options:
USB ports, auxiliary input, SD card reader, CD/DVD player (on select trims).
Parking Assist:
Available rear park assist system and rearview camera.
Towing Features:
Integrated trailer brake controller (available), trailer tow mirrors, trailer sway control.
Bluetooth:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming on most models.
Smartphone Integration:
Limited native support for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in these model years; primarily relied on Bluetooth and Uconnect app integration.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 6-12 months, based on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil quality and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, or sooner under severe use. Diesel transmissions may have different intervals.
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (OAT coolant), then every 50,000-60,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil 5 7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395. Capacity: Approx. 7 quarts (6.6 liters).
Engine Oil 3 6L Pentastar:
SAE 0W-20, API SN certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395. Capacity: Approx. 6 quarts (5.7 liters).
Engine Oil 3 0L Ecodiesel:
SAE 5W-30, API CJ-4 or CK-4 certified, meeting Chrysler MS-10902 or MS-11106. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters).
Engine Oil 6 7L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (or 5W-40 synthetic for cold weather), API CK-4 certified, meeting Cummins CES 20081. Capacity: Approx. 12 quarts (11.4 liters).
Transmission Fluid 845Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602). Capacity: Approx. 10.2 quarts (9.7 liters) dry fill.
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV244, NV271, or NV273 Transfer Case Fluid (or equivalent). Capacity: Approx. 2.5-3.5 quarts.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, depending on application. Limited-slip differentials require friction modifier.
Ecodiesel Egr Cooler:
Some 3.0L EcoDiesel models may experience issues with the EGR cooler and related components, potentially leading to coolant leaks or overheating.
Hemi Lifter Tick:
Some 5.7L HEMI engines can develop a ticking noise due to lifter issues or MDS system complications.
6 7L Cummins Dpf Regeneration:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration cycles can be affected by driving habits, potentially leading to performance issues or warnings if not managed correctly.
Suspension Components:
Like many heavy trucks, components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear over time, especially with heavy use.
Transmission Shifting Issues:
Certain automatic transmission models can exhibit hard shifting or delayed engagement, often requiring software updates or internal inspection.