🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram D150 Truck

Generation:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

Codes:

Specific VIN decoding would be required for precise engine/trim, but common codes for this era include engine designations and trim levels.

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Ram D150 of this era was a robust and popular full-size pickup truck, known for its utility, towing capacity, and straightforward mechanicals, appealing to both work-oriented buyers and those seeking a capable daily driver.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with Ford F-150 and Chevrolet C/K series trucks. The D150 offered a balance of power, durability, and affordability.

Key Features:

Solid truck platform, reliable engine options, spacious cab for its time, and a reputation for being a workhorse. This manual provides the essential knowledge to maintain and repair these attributes.

Target Audience:

Mechanics, auto technicians, DIY vehicle owners, and fleet maintenance personnel working on Dodge Ram D150 trucks from 1989-1991.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive repair and service for Dodge Ram D150 trucks covering model years 1989, 1990, and 1991.

Page Count:

1613 pages

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, HVAC, Body & Chassis, Interior Components, Diagnostic Procedures.

Procedures Included:

Maintenance, Adjustments, Removal, Installation, Disassembly, Assembly, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostic Testing, Component Inspection, Torque Specifications, Wear Limits, Special Tool References.

Technical Depth:

In-depth, step-by-step procedures from bumper-to-bumper, suitable for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds with detailed pictorial diagrams.

Specific Procedures Engine:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal and installation, piston and ring replacement, valve train adjustments, timing chain/belt replacement, oil pump servicing, water pump replacement, fuel injector testing and replacement.

Specific Procedures Transmission:

Clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement (automatic), transmission fluid and filter change, internal transmission diagnostics, gearset inspection, seal replacement.

Specific Procedures Brakes:

Brake pad and shoe replacement, rotor and drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder rebuilding, brake line inspection and replacement, bleeding the brake system, ABS system diagnostics (if applicable).

Specific Procedures Electrical:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter motor testing and replacement, alternator testing and replacement, battery testing and replacement, fuse and relay identification and testing, lighting system troubleshooting, diagnostic connector usage.

Specific Procedures Suspension Steering:

Shock absorber and strut replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and gear box servicing, wheel alignment procedures and specifications, leaf spring inspection and replacement.

Specific Procedures Body Chassis:

Door panel removal and installation, seat removal, window regulator repair, body panel alignment, bumper repair and replacement, frame inspection, rust repair guidance.

Specific Procedures HVAC:

Heater core replacement, A/C system diagnostics and refrigerant handling (with safety precautions), blower motor replacement, dash vent and control servicing.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic troubleshooting charts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, cooling system problems, and transmission complaints, with step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts.

Diagnostic Tools:

References special service tool numbers and illustrates their usage for various repair and adjustment operations.

Pictorial Diagrams:

Contains detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photographs to guide users through service procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable pages, ensuring high-quality reproduction of text, diagrams, and images.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

Adobe Reader Requirement:

Yes, Adobe Reader or a compatible PDF viewer is required.

Compatibility:

Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems.

Printable:

Yes, all 1613 pages are printable.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.9L V6 Magnum (approx. 125 hp @ 3600 rpm, 205 lb-ft torque @ 2000 rpm); 5.2L V8 Magnum (approx. 170 hp @ 4000 rpm, 255 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm); 5.9L V8 Magnum (approx. 190 hp @ 4000 rpm, 300 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm). Specific output varied slightly by year and configuration.

Performance:

Focus on torque and towing capability rather than outright speed. Engines were designed for durability and ease of maintenance.

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), typically multi-port fuel injection (MPI) for later models and throttle body injection (TBI) for earlier ones in this range.

Engine Codes:

Common engine codes for this period would include designations for the 3.9L V6 and the 5.2L/5.9L V8 engines, specific to the Magnum series.

Cooling System:

Details on radiator, fan clutch, thermostat, hoses, and coolant capacity. Manual covers flushing and refilling procedures and correct coolant types.

Exhaust System:

Information on exhaust manifold removal/installation, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe replacement. Torque specifications for exhaust components.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

Several options were available, commonly including manual transmissions (e.g., 3-speed or 4-speed) and automatic transmissions (e.g., A500/A518 4-speed automatic).

Optional:

More robust manual and automatic transmission options might have been available depending on trim and engine choice, particularly for heavy-duty applications.

Features:

The manual would detail clutch replacement, transmission fluid checks and changes, seal replacements, internal component diagnostics, and shift linkage adjustments.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Body styles typically included regular cab and club cab configurations with various bed lengths (e.g., 6.5 ft and 8 ft). Specific dimensions varied by configuration but were characteristic of a full-size pickup.

Interior:

Designed for utility and comfort, with bench seating as standard and optional bucket seats. The manual would cover interior trim removal and installation.

Cargo:

Bed payload capacities varied based on configuration and suspension. The manual would provide details on tailgate operation and bed component servicing.

Weights:

Curb weights and Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) varied significantly based on engine, drivetrain, cab, and bed configuration. The manual would list these for specific models.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

Vehicle safety ratings from this era are generally not comparable to modern standards. The manual would focus on the operation and maintenance of safety-related components.

Active Features:

Brake system (front disc, rear drum typically), power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may have been optional on some models.

Passive Features:

Seat belts, reinforced cab structure. The manual would detail airbag systems if equipped (less common for this model year range) and seat belt maintenance.

Accident Prevention Guidelines:

The manual emphasizes strict adherence to accident prevention guidelines, safety measures, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during all service operations.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic entertainment systems, typically AM/FM radio with cassette player. Manual would cover removal and installation of these components.

Driver Assistance:

Limited to ABS (if equipped) and power steering. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) found in modern vehicles.

Connectivity:

No onboard connectivity features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Manual covers basic electrical system diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

The manual would contain detailed periodic maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, and other routine services based on mileage or time intervals.

Fluid Specifications:

Detailed specifications for engine oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30), coolant type (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant), transmission fluid (e.g., ATF+3 or equivalent), brake fluid (DOT 3), power steering fluid, and differential fluid.

Known Issues:

Common issues for this era of Ram trucks can include potential exhaust manifold leaks, transmission issues (especially in earlier automatics), ignition system problems (coil, distributor), and rust in certain climates. The manual would provide diagnostic steps for these.

Lubricant Recommendations:

Specific recommendations for engine oil grades, transmission fluid types, axle gear lubricants, and chassis grease based on manufacturer specifications and operating temperatures.

Tune Up Procedures:

Detailed procedures for spark plug replacement, distributor cap and rotor replacement, spark plug wire testing, ignition timing adjustment (if applicable), and air filter replacement.

Tire Specifications:

Recommended tire sizes, inflation pressures, and rotation schedules. Information on wheel balancing and alignment.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building durable trucks, with the Ram line becoming a distinct and highly successful brand within Chrysler.

Model Evolution:

The 1989-1991 models represent the latter part of the second generation, which saw significant updates from earlier generations, including improved aerodynamics and the introduction of the 'Magnum' engine series.

Production:

These trucks were produced at various Chrysler Corporation assembly plants in North America. This manual is specific to vehicles produced for the North American market.

Model Designation:

D150 typically denotes a half-ton (1500 series) pickup truck.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the D150 from this period might be scarce, the Ram truck line consistently ranked well for truck of the year awards in various publications during its production cycles.

Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction ratings often highlighted the truck's durability and capability. The manual supports maintaining these positive attributes.

Certifications:

N/A for the manual itself, but the vehicle would meet all relevant automotive safety and emissions certifications for its production year.