Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, known for its robust build and towing/hauling capabilities.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Features:
Strong V8 engine options (especially the HEMI), spacious cabin, durable construction, various body styles (regular cab, quad cab, crew cab), and bed lengths.
Value:
Provides dealership-level repair information, enabling owners and independent mechanics to perform complex tasks accurately and efficiently, saving significant costs compared to dealer labor.
Coverage:
All workshop procedures, electrical diagrams, maintenance, diagnostics, repair, troubleshooting, component replacement, specifications.
Page Count:
Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for full factory service manuals).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (ZIP archive containing PDF or similar documents).
Engine:
Service and repair for all 2004 Ram gasoline engines, including 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, and 5.7L HEMI V8.
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions (42RLE, 45RFE, 545RFE) and manual transmissions (NV3500, NV5600).
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, transfer case (NV244, NV271, NV273), driveshafts, differentials.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS, brake fluid.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (solid front axle, multi-link rear), steering system, power steering.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system coverage, including wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, sensors, actuators, body control modules (BCM).
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.
Body:
Body exterior and interior trim, doors, windows, seats, collision repair basics.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel tank.
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fans, water pump, coolant specifications.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tune-ups, belt replacement.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, sensors), transmission overhaul, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), system checks using scan tools.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Circuit testing, wiring harness repair, component testing, diagnosing electrical faults.
Rebuilding:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and factory specifications.
Engine 3.7L:
3.7L Magnum V6, 215 horsepower @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm.
Engine 4.7L:
4.7L Magnum V8, 235 horsepower @ 4800 rpm, 295 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm (or 230 hp / 290 lb-ft in some configurations).
Engine 5.7L:
5.7L HEMI V8, 345 horsepower @ 5000 rpm, 375 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm.
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP).
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system (where applicable).
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
Standard Transmission Type:
Varies by trim and engine. Common is 4-speed automatic.
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (NV3500, NV5600), 4-speed automatic (42RLE, 45RFE, 545RFE).
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).
Transfer Case Options:
2WD, 4WD Part-Time (NV244, NV271), 4WD Full-Time (NV273).
Wheelbase Std:
Approx. 131.3 inches (depending on cab/bed configuration).
Overall Length Std:
Approx. 220.4 inches (depending on cab/bed configuration).
Overall Width Std:
Approx. 79.1 inches.
Overall Height Std:
Approx. 74.4 inches (depending on configuration).
Curb Weight Approx:
Starting around 4,600 lbs, varying significantly by configuration.
Max Gvw Approx:
Up to 8,500 lbs (depending on configuration).
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-star (2004 model year testing).
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-star (2004 model year testing).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for comparable model years).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available traction control system.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Available side curtain airbags on some models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners.
Infotainment Options:
Factory AM/FM radio with CD player, optional cassette player, optional navigation system on premium trims.
Speaker System:
Standard 4-6 speaker systems, optional Infinity premium audio system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Inspect fluid every 30,000 miles, change every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on usage and fluid type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum vs. iridium).
Engine Oil 3.7L 4.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher. Capacity: Approx. 6 quarts.
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher. Capacity: Approx. 7 quarts.
Transmission Fluid 42Rle 45Rfe 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602). Capacity: Varies by model, approx. 6-10 quarts for a drain and fill.
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Sludge 4.7L:
The 4.7L Magnum V8 can be prone to oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected, potentially leading to camshaft and lifter wear.
Transmission Overdrive Issues:
Some automatic transmissions, particularly earlier 45RFE/545RFE units, could experience issues with the overdrive planetary gear set or solenoid pack.
Front Suspension Wear:
Common issues include ball joint, tie rod end, and steering stabilizer wear, especially on models with heavier-duty front axles.
Heater Core Leaks:
Heater core leaks can occur, requiring dashboard removal for replacement.
Oil Filter Adapter Leaks:
Oil filter adapter housing can develop leaks on certain engine configurations.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks since the 1930s, with the Ram nameplate becoming iconic.
Third Generation Intro:
The third generation Ram (DB/DH/DM) was introduced for the 2002 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a more aggressive, muscular appearance and improved interior.
Production Location:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, Fenton, Missouri and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
Model Years:
2002-2008 (Third Generation).