Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners, mechanics, fleet managers requiring in-depth service information.
Competitors:
Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet/GMC C/K 2500/3500 Series.
Manual Benefit:
Provides official, accurate, and comprehensive repair and maintenance information for optimal vehicle upkeep and diagnosis.
Software Advantage:
Convenient digital access, searchable content, and potential for interactive diagrams compared to outdated print manuals.
Primary Coverage:
1996 Dodge RAM 2500 Series Trucks
Engine Coverage:
8.0L Magnum V10, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel
Transmission Coverage:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual, 47RH 4-Speed Automatic, 48RE 4-Speed Automatic
Drive Type Coverage:
2WD (RWD) and 4WD
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)
Software Features:
Searchable text, printable sections, potential for diagrams and illustrations.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components (including V10, V8, and Cummins Turbo Diesel).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), starting system, charging system, sensors, actuators, and ECU diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
NV4500 detailed repair procedures, clutch system, driveline components.
Transmission Automatic:
47RH and 48RE overhaul, troubleshooting, torque converter, valve body, internal components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering linkage, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, springs.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system (disc/drum or disc/disc), hydraulic components, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, power distribution, fuses, relays, accessories, body control modules (if applicable).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Chassis Body:
Frame, body panels, doors, interior trim, glass, bumpers, payload and towing related chassis components.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).
Engine Option 1:
8.0L (488 cu in) Magnum V10
Engine Option 2:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Engine Option 3:
5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
V10 Horsepower Est:
300-310 hp
V10 Torque Est:
450-460 lb-ft
V8 Horsepower Est:
230-245 hp
V8 Torque Est:
300-330 lb-ft
Cummins Horsepower Est:
175-215 hp
Cummins Torque Est:
420-440 lb-ft
V8 V10 Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cummins Fuel System:
Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump (Mechanical Diesel)
Standard Transmission Gas:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual
Standard Transmission Diesel:
NV4500 5-Speed Manual (optional for Cummins)
Optional Transmission Gas:
47RH 4-Speed Automatic
Optional Transmission Diesel:
47RH 4-Speed Automatic, 48RE 4-Speed Automatic (later models)
Automatic Features:
Electronic overdrive, lock-up torque converter.
Manual Features:
Overdrive fifth gear, robust design for heavy-duty use.
Wheelbase Options:
134.5 in, 154.5 in, 167.5 in
Cab Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Bed Lengths:
8 ft (standard), 6 ft (short bed - less common for 2500)
Gvwr Range:
8,800 lbs - 10,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight Est:
5,500 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Est:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this era's typical standards, but designed for robust payload and towing.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) - standard on 4x4, optional on 4x2.
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, heavy-duty frame construction, crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player and upgraded speaker systems available.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to ABS and trailer brake controller provisions (if equipped). No advanced electronic driver aids.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics).
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (critical for diesel longevity).
Engine Oil V8 V10:
API SJ or SL rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4 rated, SAE 15W-40 (synthetic options available).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification).
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv4500:
GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (specific Dodge recommendation preferred).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically Mopar 5/150 or equivalent, a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Issues Gas:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional ignition coil failures (V10), rear main seal leaks.
Common Issues Diesel:
Lift pump failure, injector line issues, exhaust manifold gasket leaks, vacuum pump leaks (VE pump models).
Common Issues Transmission:
NV4500 5th gear nut loosening (requiring preventative repair), automatic transmission solenoid failures.
Common Issues General:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), brake component wear, rust on body panels and frame.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the RAM nameplate gaining significant popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.
Third Generation Ram:
The 1994-2001 Dodge Ram generation, often referred to as the 'New Ram', was a significant redesign introducing the distinctive 'big rig' styling.
Production Location:
Likely Saltillo, Mexico or Warren, Michigan.
