🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 3500 HD

Year:

2011-2012

Chassis Code:

DS/D2

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet operators, individuals requiring heavy towing and hauling capabilities

Key Competitors:

Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500, GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust chassis, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities, durable construction

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving time and money, ensuring optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (including disassembly, assembly, and overhaul), Engine control system (ECM, sensors, actuators), Fuel system (injection, pumps, lines), Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system, Turbocharger system (if applicable)

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (service, repair, overhaul), Manual transmission (service, repair, overhaul), Transfer case (service, repair, overhaul), Clutch system (if applicable)

Drivetrain Systems:

Front axle and differential, Rear axle and differential, Driveshafts and U-joints, Wheel bearings

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (components, alignment), Rear suspension (components, alignment), Steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), Shock absorbers and struts

Brake Systems:

Front brakes (disc), Rear brakes (disc), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Parking brake system

Electrical Systems:

Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system (starter motor), Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), Fuses and relays, Wiring diagrams, Power distribution

Body Chassis:

Body structure, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Exterior trim, Interior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), Seats, Glass and mirrors

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting, Component testing, Electrical diagnostic procedures

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, Fluid checks and replacement, Filter replacement (oil, air, fuel, cabin), Tire rotation and pressure, Brake inspection, Wiper blade replacement

Repair Overhaul:

Engine component replacement (e.g., spark plugs, belts, hoses), Transmission rebuild, Brake pad and rotor replacement, Suspension component replacement (e.g., ball joints, control arms), Steering system repair, Electrical component repair and replacement

Diagnostics:

Reading and clearing DTCs, Identifying causes of system malfunctions, Using diagnostic scan tools, Performing electrical circuit testing

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical specifications, Mechanical clearances and tolerances

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for on-site reference

Resolution:

High-resolution (clear diagrams, text, and images)

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Gas:

2011: 5.7L HEMI V8 (e.g., 5.7L HEMI MDS VVT), 2012: 5.7L HEMI V8 (e.g., 5.7L HEMI MDS VVT)

Engine Code Diesel:

2011: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, 2012: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Horsepower 5.7L Hemi:

Approximately 383 hp @ 5600 rpm (2011-2012 models, figures may vary slightly by year)

Torque 5.7L Hemi:

Approximately 400 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2011-2012 models, figures may vary slightly by year)

Horsepower 6.7L Cummins:

Approximately 350 hp @ 3000 rpm (2011-2012 models, figures may vary slightly by year)

Torque 6.7L Cummins:

Approximately 610 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm (2011-2012 models, figures may vary slightly by year)

Fuel System Gas:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel System Diesel:

High-pressure common rail (HPCR) direct injection

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT (Orange)

Oil Type Gas:

SAE 5W-20, API SN certified (e.g., Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20)

Oil Type Diesel:

SAE 15W-40, CJ-4 or CK-4 rated (e.g., Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40)

Oil Capacity 5.7L Hemi:

7 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change

Oil Capacity 6.7L Cummins:

12 quarts (11.4 liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Gas:

6-speed automatic (e.g., 68RFE)

Transmission Type Diesel:

6-speed manual (G56), 6-speed automatic (68RFE)

Transmission Fluid Type 68Rfe:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Type 68Rfe Diesel:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Type G56:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant)

Tow Haul Mode:

Engages a specific transmission shift strategy for towing/hauling, improving engine braking and reducing clutch slippage.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Drw:

Approximately 160.5 inches (DRW - Dual Rear Wheel)

Wheelbase Srw:

Approximately 140.5 inches (SRW - Single Rear Wheel)

Overall Length:

Varies by configuration (e.g., Crew Cab Long Bed approx. 259.4 inches)

Gvwr:

Approximately 10,000 lbs to 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration (e.g., ~6,500 lbs to 8,000+ lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Typically 3-star for 4x2 and 4x4 models (check specific year/configuration for exact ratings)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard on most configurations (often referred to as Electronic Stability Control - ESC)

Antilock Brakes:

Standard

Airbags:

Front airbags, potentially side curtain airbags depending on cab configuration

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Options:

Available Uconnect systems with touchscreen displays, navigation, satellite radio (SiriusXM), and CD/MP3 player.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Parking Assist:

Available rear parking sensors and rearview camera.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per manual recommendation based on usage)

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per manual recommendation, often with 'severe' service intervals)

Tire Rotation:

Every 6,000 miles

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (refer to manual for specific designation, often MS-10857)

5.7L Hemi Oil Consumption:

Some earlier HEMI engines experienced higher than normal oil consumption, often related to PCV system or piston ring design. Updates were made in later production.

6.7L Cummins Emissions System:

Issues with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, and sensors are common with modern emissions systems. Proper maintenance and fuel are crucial.

Transmission Overheating:

Heavy towing can lead to transmission overheating, especially if fluid levels are low or the cooling system is compromised.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the 'RAM' nameplate becoming synonymous with heavy-duty performance.

Ram Third Generation:

The 2011-2012 models represent the latter part of the third generation (2003-2009) or the early part of the fourth generation (2009-2018) of the Dodge/RAM Heavy Duty trucks. These models saw significant updates to powertrains, interiors, and chassis.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo Truck Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Recognition:

The RAM 3500 HD has consistently been recognized for its towing and hauling capabilities, often earning accolades in the heavy-duty truck segment for its powertrain and chassis strength.