🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 2500 Pickup

Year:

2006

Drivetrain:

4X2

Chassis Code:

DR Platform

Generation Code:

Third Generation (2002-2008)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck segment

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, professional mechanics, fleet managers.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD

Manual Advantage:

Provides in-depth technical information often omitted in less comprehensive guides, enabling advanced DIY repairs.

Content Focus:

Emphasis on practical, step-by-step instructions with clear illustrations and exploded views.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Emission Controls, Diagnostic Procedures

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for all engine variants, including torque specifications, component measurements, and timing procedures.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system operation, emission control systems (OBD-II diagnostics), turbocharger systems (if applicable), cooling system diagnostics and repair.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for the NV5600 6-speed manual transmission, including clutch operation, gearset overhaul, and synchronizer replacement.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for the 48RE 4-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, clutch pack, and electronic control module diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle service, differential overhaul, propeller shaft balancing, U-joint replacement, and axle seal repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component inspection, replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, springs, and shock absorbers.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering gear overhaul, and steering column service.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service, including disc brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, drum brake adjustment and relining, ABS system diagnostics and component replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits, battery service, charging system diagnostics, starter motor replacement, lighting system repair, instrument cluster troubleshooting, and body control module (BCM) functions.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core service, and climate control system diagnostics.

Body Interior:

Door panel removal, seat adjustment and replacement, headliner service, exterior trim repair, bumper replacement, and glass service.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing service, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) troubleshooting, and wheel alignment procedures.

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals and specifications, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacement schedules (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic trees for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, including specific symptom-to-cause correlations.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, from basic bolt-on parts to complex internal engine and transmission rebuilds.

Installation:

Guidance on the installation of aftermarket accessories and replacement parts, with emphasis on correct procedures to ensure proper function and safety.

Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, and component measurement tolerances.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, including electronic diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Printable pages

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams

Binding Type:

Durable, lay-flat binding

Paper Type:

Heavy-duty, grease-resistant paper

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

5.7L (345 cu in) HEMI V8

Engine Code:

472ci

Horsepower:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Optional Engine 1:

4.7L (287 cu in) Magnum V8

Optional Engine 1 Hp:

235 hp @ 4500 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Optional Engine 2:

5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Optional Engine 2 Hp:

325 hp @ 2900 rpm

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

610 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

NV5600 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

48RE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case:

New Process (NP) 271 (Manual) or NP 273 (Electronic Shift) - Note: Manual covers 4x2 specific, thus no transfer case detailed for 4x4 operation.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

135.2 inches (Reg Cab), 155.2 inches (Club Cab), 167.2 inches (Mega Cab)

Bed Length Standard:

6.3 feet (standard bed), 8.0 feet (long bed)

Gvwr:

Approximately 9,200 - 10,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 5,800 - 6,800 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (for 4x2 models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Airbags

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player, and premium audio systems.

Navigation:

Rare factory navigation option available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Trailer Tow Prep:

Factory trailer tow package with integrated trailer brake controller wiring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (severe use) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal use), depending on oil type.

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil)

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.

Fuel Filter Replacement Gas:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed.

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Every 15,000 miles or as recommended by manufacturer.

Engine Oil Type Gas:

SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30, API certified (e.g., MS-6395)

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or newer specification)

Coolant Type:

OAT (Organic Acid Technology) 50/50 mix (Chrysler HOAT)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Manual Transmission Fluid (specific weight and API rating per manual, typically GL-4 or GL-5)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problems Hemi:

Piston slap (especially on cold starts), occasional oil consumption, exhaust manifold leaks.

Common Problems Diesel:

VP44 injection pump failure (earlier models, less common on '06), injector issues, grid heater problems, potential for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) issues.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering linkage components due to heavy-duty use and weight.

Common Problems Transmission:

48RE transmission can experience torque converter shudder or valve body issues. NV5600 can have clutch wear and occasional synchronizer issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building durable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.

Third Gen Introduction:

The third generation of the Dodge Ram, introduced for the 2002 model year, marked a significant redesign with a bolder exterior styling and a more refined interior. The 2500 model received a powertrain update for 2006 with the introduction of the HEMI V8.

Production Location:

Saltillo Truck Assembly, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2006 2500 4x2 are not widely documented, the Dodge Ram lineup consistently received accolades for its styling, powertrain options (especially the Cummins diesel), and towing capabilities in its generation.