🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Model Year:

2004

Product Name:

2004 Dodge Ram Gas 2004 Owners Manual

Vin Prefix Country:

USA (Usually starts with 1, 4, or 5)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners of the 2004 Dodge Ram Gas models seeking information on operation, maintenance, and safety

Key Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra

Vehicle Selling Points:

Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing capability, comfortable interior for its class.

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for understanding vehicle functions, optimizing performance, and ensuring longevity through proper maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Features and Controls, Maintenance and Service Schedules, DIY Activities, Towing and Safety Considerations

Engine Types Covered:

Gasoline (specific engine variants detailed in engine_specs)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a 2004 owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, battery, charging system, starting system, wipers, horn, power accessories

Body And Interior:

Door locks, windows, mirrors, seating adjustments, climate control, audio system, interior trim, exterior lighting

Safety And Security:

Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, vehicle security system, emergency procedures

Routine Maintenance:

Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement

Diy Activities:

Limited to basic tasks such as checking fluid levels, changing air filters, and jump-starting the vehicle.

Towing:

Guidelines for towing trailers, proper hitch setup, trailer wiring, trailer brake controller recommendations (if applicable), maximum towing capacities

Emergency:

Jumper cable connections, changing a flat tire, locating spare tire and jack, emergency contact information

Depth:

Consumer-focused, providing operational knowledge and basic maintenance guidance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content, facilitating quick access to information

Quality:

Digital reproduction of the original factory document, quality dependent on original scanning/digitization

Binding:

N/A (Electronic Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Electronic Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 Gasoline

Displacement Liters:

5.7L (HEMI)

Displacement Cid:

345 cu in

Engine Code Common:

EZH (5.7L HEMI)

Horsepower Hp:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm (approximate for 5.7L HEMI)

Torque Lb Ft:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate for 5.7L HEMI)

Engine Type:

V8 Gasoline

Displacement Liters:

4.7L

Displacement Cid:

287 cu in

Engine Code Common:

EVC (4.7L)

Horsepower Hp:

235 hp @ 4500 rpm (approximate for 4.7L)

Torque Lb Ft:

300 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approximate for 4.7L)

Engine Type Base:

V8 Gasoline

Displacement Liters Base:

3.7L

Displacement Cid Base:

226 cu in

Engine Code Common Base:

EZA (3.7L)

Horsepower Hp Base:

215 hp @ 5200 rpm (approximate for 3.7L)

Torque Lb Ft Base:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate for 3.7L)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for HEMI recommended for optimal performance)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 4 7L And 3 7L:

4-speed Automatic (42RE/45RFE)

Transmission Type 5 7L Hemi:

5-speed Automatic (545RFE)

Overdrive:

Yes, all automatic transmissions feature overdrive

Manual Availability:

Not typically found on this generation of Ram trucks for the US market, but a 6-speed manual transmission was available on some configurations, especially with the 3.7L and 4.7L engines. The manual would specify if applicable to the specific configuration.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab)

Bed Lengths:

Standard Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8.0 ft)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by configuration, typically 6,000 - 8,500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 out of 5 stars (typical for trucks of this era, actual rating may vary)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available on some models, typically with 4x4 systems

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags standard

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts, with driver and passenger pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, Sirius Satellite Radio (subscription required), speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Display:

Basic LCD display for radio and clock functions

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Rear Obstacle Detection:

Optional parking assist sensors

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically standard, may be available as an aftermarket addition or in higher trims.

Usb Ports:

Not standard for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific guidance based on oil type and usage)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or as needed

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Service SN or earlier classification) - Verify specific engine requirement in manual.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.7L HEMI: ~7 quarts; 4.7L: ~5 quarts; 3.7L: ~5 quarts (verify with manual)

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent (typically orange/pink)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid +4)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, exhaust system components, brake pads and rotors.

Potential Engine Concerns 4 7L:

Piston slap in colder temperatures, occasional intake manifold gasket leaks, oil sludge if not maintained.

Potential Transmission Concerns:

Some 45RFE/545RFE transmissions may develop issues with solenoid packs or torque converter clutches if fluid and filter are not regularly changed.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

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

Third Generation Ram:

The 2004 model is part of the third generation of the Dodge Ram (DB series, 1994-2001) or the beginning of the fourth generation which started with the 2002 model year. This manual is for the generation that ran from 2002-2008.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri; Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico