🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Pickup

Year:

2003

Sub Models Covered:

1500, 2500, 3500

Third Generation Designation:

DR/DH/D2

Platform:

Third Generation Ram (2002-2008)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owner-operators, professional mechanics, fleet maintenance

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust chassis, powerful engine options (especially Cummins diesel), spacious cabin, towing capacity

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair and maintenance data, crucial for DIY mechanics and professional service centers alike.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Maintenance, Troubleshooting

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnosis, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, Emissions

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8 (Gas), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Engine Performance:

Fuel Injection, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Exhaust

Transmission:

NV3500 (5-speed manual), NV4500 (5-speed manual), 45RFE/545RFE (4-speed automatic), 47RE (4-speed automatic)

Drivetrain:

4x2 and 4x4 Systems, Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Axles (Front & Rear)

Brakes:

Front/Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Parking Brake

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (IFS), Rear Solid Axle, Leaf Springs, Shock Absorbers

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Gearbox, Tie Rods

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (A/C) System

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Interior Trim, Bumpers

Safety Systems:

Airbags, Seatbelts, Child Restraint Anchors

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Lubrication, Spark Plug Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Lookups, Symptom-Based Diagnosis

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement

Assembly Disassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all systems

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Quality:

High-resolution, clear illustrations and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

3.7L Magnum V6

Optional Engines:

4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8 (Gas), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

3.7L V6 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5200 rpm

3.7L V6 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

4.7L V8 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4600 rpm

4.7L V8 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.9L V8 Gas Horsepower:

245 hp @ 4000 rpm

5.9L V8 Gas Torque:

330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.9L Cummins Hp:

235 hp @ 2900 rpm

5.9L Cummins Torque:

460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm

Gasoline Engines:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Engine:

High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR)

Valvetrain:

OHV (Overhead Valve) for Magnum V6/V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) for 4.7L V8, OHV for Cummins I6

Bore Stroke:

Varies by engine (detailed in manual)

Compression Ratio:

Varies by engine (detailed in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission 1500:

NV3500 5-Speed Manual

Standard Transmission 2500/3500:

NV4500 5-Speed Manual (Gas V8), 47RE 4-Speed Automatic (Gas V8)

Optional Transmission 1500:

45RFE/545RFE 4-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission 2500/3500 Diesel:

NV4500 5-Speed Manual (Diesel), 47RE 4-Speed Automatic (Diesel)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, Overdrive

45Rfe/545Rfe Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

47Re Fluid:

ATF+3 (MS-9224)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

131.3" (Regular Cab), 140.5" (Club Cab), 160.5" (Mega Cab - 1500 only)

Overall Length:

Varies by configuration (detailed in manual)

Bed Length Options:

6'4" (Short Bed), 8'0" (Long Bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,800 - 7,000 lbs (varies by configuration and engine)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by model (e.g., 6,050 lbs for 1500, up to 11,500 lbs for 3500 DRW)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 10,000+ lbs (highly dependent on configuration, engine, axle ratio, and trailer brake controller)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (varies slightly by configuration)

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Good in frontal offset (varies by year and specific test)

ABS:

Standard on all models

Traction Control:

Available on some models

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point lap and shoulder belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Radio with CD Player (optional premium audio with subwoofer)

Navigation:

Not available from factory

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Parking Assist:

Not available from factory

Auxiliary Input:

Not available from factory

Power Outlets:

12V power outlets

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (dependent on oil type and driving conditions; refer to manual)

Oil Change Interval Cummins:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using proper diesel oil)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or as needed based on inspection

Fuel Filter Replacement Cummins:

Every 15,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (dependent on use)

Engine Oil 3.7L/4.7L:

API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity by temp)

Engine Oil 5.9L Gas:

API SN or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual)

Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:

API CJ-4 or higher, SAE 15W-40 (preferred for diesel)

Coolant:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula)

Common Issues Gasoline Engines:

Spark plug fouling (Magnum engines), oil filter housing leaks (4.7L), lifter tick

Common Issues Cummins:

Injector pump issues (early VP44), HVAC blend door actuator failures, exhaust manifold cracks (less common on this gen)

Common Issues Transmission:

Torque converter shudder (automatics), clutch wear (manuals)

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering gearbox play

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Third Generation Launch:

The 2003 model year represents the second year of the third-generation Ram pickup, introduced for 2002. This generation featured a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive styling.

Key Changes For 2003:

Introduction of the Mega Cab configuration, availability of the 5.7L HEMI V8 (late availability/not in all 2003 models, primarily 2004 onward for full integration, but precursor existed), and refinements to the Cummins Diesel.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Diesel Engine Award:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel was widely regarded as one of the best diesel engines in its class for durability and power.

Truck Of The Year Contender:

The Dodge Ram lineup frequently competed for and won various 'Truck of the Year' awards from automotive publications during its production run.