Market Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, serving both commercial and consumer markets. Known for its ruggedness and towing capability.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.
Vehicle Attributes:
Sturdy construction, powerful engine options, spacious cabin, significant towing and payload capacity, available in various configurations (2WD/4WD, regular cab, club cab, quad cab).
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine performance diagnostics.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (NV3500, G56), Automatic transmission (45RFE, 48RE), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, axles, wheel bearings.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, power distribution, engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), infotainment systems, safety systems (airbags, ABS).
Body And Frame:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, emissions system.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Maintenance And Tune-Up:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tune-up procedures.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for engine components, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Special Instructions And Tools:
Specific repair procedures requiring special tools, torque specifications, alignment procedures, diagnostic equipment usage.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including powertrain, chassis, body, and comfort systems, with connector views and pin assignments.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
Digital File Format:
N/A (Original Factory Print Manual)
Print Quality:
Original factory printing, high quality paper and clear print.
Binding Type:
Professional perfect binding or similar robust binding suitable for shop use.
Paper Type:
Durable, semi-gloss or matte paper stock designed for workshop environments.
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P/N 5016186AA), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (P/N 5084164AI), 5.7L Hemi V8 (introduced later in the generation, but 2003 primarily featured the Magnum and Cummins).
4.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp
4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 295-305 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins I6 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-305 hp (depending on trim/tuning)
5.9L Cummins I6 Torque:
Approx. 450-555 lb-ft (depending on trim/tuning)
Fuel System Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 5.9L Cummins:
ISC (Industrial/Commercial Specification, but applied to pickups)
Standard Transmission:
NV3500 5-speed manual (for lighter duty models)
Optional Transmission Automatic:
45RFE 4-speed automatic (for 4.7L V8), 48RE 4-speed automatic (heavy-duty, for 5.9L Cummins)
Optional Transmission Manual:
G56 6-speed manual (for heavier duty applications with Cummins)
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac NV241DHD (part-time 4WD), optional Trac-Lok limited-slip differential.
Wheelbase Options:
130.5 inches (Standard Bed), 140.5 inches (Long Bed), 158.2 inches (Mega Cab)
Overall Length Approx:
229.7 inches (Standard Bed), 248.7 inches (Long Bed)
Overall Width Approx:
79.1 inches
Overall Height Approx:
75.0 - 79.0 inches (depending on configuration)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Approx:
4,800 - 6,500 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Gvwr Range:
6,200 lbs (1500) to 9,500 lbs (3500)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2003 models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2003 models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional
Airbags:
Standard front airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette tape player optional, premium audio systems available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some higher trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control available.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months for conventional oil, potentially longer for synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Engine Coolant Change:
Refer to manual, typically every 30,000-60,000 miles for recommended coolant types.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; often around 30,000-60,000 miles, especially for heavy-duty use or towing. Specific fluid types are critical.
Engine Oil 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified) - Capacity approx. 5 quarts with filter.
Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (API CI-4 or higher) - Capacity approx. 12 quarts with filter.
Transmission Fluid 45Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid 48Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (P/N 05103505AA) or equivalent HOAT.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or specified Mopar power steering fluid.
Common Problems:
Water pump leaks (4.7L), plenum gasket issues (4.7L), transmission issues (especially early 45RFE/48RE under heavy use), rust in certain climates, potential injector issues on early Cummins (though generally very reliable).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a cornerstone of their commercial and consumer vehicle offerings.
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation Ram (introduced for the 2002 model year) represented a significant redesign with a bolder exterior styling, revised interior, and the introduction of the Hemi V8 engine later in the generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico.
