Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra 1500
Styling:
Bold, aggressive front-end design, updated interior for 2009
Powertrains:
Choice of robust V6 and V8 HEMI engines
Capabilities:
Strong towing and hauling capacities
Engine:
3.7L V6 Magnum, 4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.7L V8 HEMI
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE), 5-Speed Automatic (545RFE, 68RFE)
Drivetrain:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (Part-time 4WD System)
Suspension:
Front Independent Front Suspension (IFS), Rear Solid Axle with Leaf Springs
Brakes:
Front Disc (Vented), Rear Disc (Solid); ABS System
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, HVAC Controls, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Instrument Cluster
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Doors, Locks, Liftgate/Tailgate
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation System Components and Diagnosis
Safety Systems:
Airbag System (SRS), Seatbelt Systems
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Charts, Wiring Diagrams
Rebuilding:
Detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions for major components
Installation:
Component installation procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhauls
Diagnostic Tools:
References to factory diagnostic tools (e.g., StarSCAN, wiTECH)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7L
Engine 1 Type:
SOHC V6 Magnum
Engine 1 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7L
Engine 2 Type:
SOHC V8 Magnum
Engine 2 Horsepower:
310 hp @ 5650 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
330 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.7L
Engine 3 Type:
OHV V8 HEMI with MDS (Multi-Displacement System)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
380 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Torque:
404 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for 5.7L HEMI)
Emission Control:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Catalytic Converters
Transmission 1 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission 1 Application:
Commonly paired with 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 engines
Transmission 2 Type:
5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)
Transmission 2 Application:
Commonly paired with 4.7L V8 engines
Transmission 3 Type:
5-Speed Automatic (68RFE)
Transmission 3 Application:
Typically paired with the 5.7L HEMI engine, designed for higher torque capacity
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic engagement (NV244, NV273 depending on configuration)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
120.5 inches (approx.)
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
140.5 inches (approx.)
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
140.5 inches (approx.)
Bed Lengths:
6'4" (Short Bed), 8'0" (Long Bed)
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically 4,800 - 5,500 lbs
Max Gvw:
Varies by configuration, typically 6,500 - 7,000 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Optional Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Optional Uconnect® Multimedia System (radio, CD/DVD player, navigation, Bluetooth®)
Audio Options:
Premium audio systems available (e.g., Alpine®)
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Park Assist System
Camera:
Optional Rearview Camera
Connectivity:
Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (with Uconnect®)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Engine Coolant Change:
First change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles (Chrysler HOAT)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid type
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (for 3.7L and 4.7L), SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (for 5.7L HEMI, consult manual for climate variations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7L: 5.0 qts; 4.7L: 6.0 qts; 5.7L HEMI: 7.0 qts (all with filter)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Orange Coolant
Common Issue 1:
Fuel pump issues (premature failure reported)
Common Issue 2:
Brake wear (especially front pads and rotors due to vehicle weight)
Common Issue 3:
Power steering pump leaks or noise
Common Issue 4:
Torque converter shudder in automatic transmissions (especially 545RFE)
Common Issue 5:
Minor electrical gremlins, HVAC blend door actuator failures
Brand:
Dodge (part of Chrysler Group LLC)
Previous Generation:
Third Generation (2002-2008)
Redesign Year:
2009 marked a complete redesign for the Ram truck line
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
