🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500

Year:

2003

Product Type:

Parts Manual

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential resource for Dodge Ram owners and independent repair shops seeking OEM-quality parts and accurate identification for the 2003 model year, offering cost savings over dealer-only parts acquisition.

Target Audience:

Ideal for owners performing their own maintenance and repairs, independent mechanic shops, auto parts stores, and restoration specialists needing precise OEM part information.

Competitive Analysis:

Superior to generic aftermarket catalogs by providing exact OEM part numbers and diagrams, reducing the risk of incorrect parts and ensuring vehicle integrity. Offers greater detail than owner's manuals for parts-specific information.

Key Features:

Official OEM parts catalog, extensive coverage of all 2003 Ram configurations, detailed exploded views, searchable PDF format for quick information retrieval.

Diagnostic Support:

While not a diagnostic manual, the accurate identification of parts allows technicians and owners to quickly confirm if a specific component is functioning correctly by ensuring it's the correct OEM part for the system.

Accuracy And Reliability:

Ensures that users are ordering genuine Mopar parts or their exact equivalents, maintaining the original specifications and performance of the vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 models including SLT, ST trims, 2WD and 4WD configurations, Conventional Cab, Quad Cab Full Rear Doors.

Page Count:

909

Manual Type:

OEM Factory Parts Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine components, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, transfer cases, front axle, rear axle, steering system, suspension system, braking system, wheels and tires, chassis and frame, body panels, interior trim, electrical system, HVAC system, emissions control, accessories.

Electrical System Coverage:

Comprehensive part identification for the entire electrical system, including batteries, alternators, starters, fuse boxes, relays, wiring harnesses, lighting components (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows and locks, and instrument cluster components.

Suspension And Steering Coverage:

Detailed parts listings for front and rear suspension components, including control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, springs, bushings, and sway bar links. Steering system parts include steering gears, steering columns, and power steering components.

Body And Chassis Coverage:

Extensive cataloging of exterior body panels such as fenders, doors, hoods, grilles, bumpers, and bed components. Includes parts for the chassis and frame, body mounts, and associated hardware.

Brake System Coverage:

Detailed parts for front and rear brakes, including disc brake rotors, calipers, brake pads, wheel cylinders for drum brakes (if applicable to rear), parking brake components, and hydraulic lines.

Cooling System Coverage:

Components for the engine cooling system, including radiators, radiator hoses, heater hoses, water pumps, thermostats, fan clutches, and fan shrouds.

Exhaust System Coverage:

Parts for the exhaust system, including exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, muffler assemblies, exhaust pipes, and hangers.

Fuel System Coverage:

Components for the fuel delivery system, including fuel tanks, fuel pumps, fuel filters, fuel lines, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulators.

Ignition System Coverage:

Parts for the ignition system, including spark plugs, ignition coils (coil-on-plug or distributor-based depending on engine), spark plug wires, and distributor components (if applicable).

Transfer Case Coverage:

Parts for transfer cases used in 4WD models, including internal components, seals, and external housings.

Interior Components Coverage:

Includes parts for interior trim panels, dashboard components, seat components, carpeting, headliner, door panels, and interior hardware.

Wheels And Tires Coverage:

Information on wheel bolt patterns and identification of various wheel styles offered. Tire information is generally not detailed in parts manuals.

Differential And Axle Coverage:

Parts for front and rear differentials, axle shafts, bearings, seals, and related hardware for both 2WD and 4WD models.

Emissions Control Coverage:

Components related to emissions control systems, such as EGR valves, PCV valves, and catalytic converters.

HVAC System Coverage:

Parts for the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including AC compressors, condensers, evaporators, heater cores, blower motors, and control panels.

Procedures Included:

Component identification, part number lookup, exploded diagrams for assembly and disassembly, supersession information, sub-assembly breakdowns.

Exploded Diagrams Detail:

Includes hundreds of high-quality exploded view diagrams that visually break down each system and sub-assembly, illustrating the correct order of installation and the relationship between various parts.

Part Number Lookup Functionality:

Primary function is to provide accurate OEM part numbers for all components, essential for ordering replacements from dealerships or authorized parts suppliers. Includes cross-referencing for superseded part numbers.

Supersession Tracking:

Crucial for identifying the latest available part number when an original part has been updated or discontinued by the manufacturer.

Accessory Parts Cataloging:

Includes parts for factory-installed accessories, such as trailer hitches, bed liners, tonneau covers, and various styling or functional add-ons available at the time of manufacture.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive parts identification and cataloging for all factory-installed components, essential for accurate part sourcing and ordering for repairs and maintenance.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

PDF format allows for full-text searching, enabling users to quickly locate specific parts or systems by entering keywords (e.g., 'alternator', 'rear bumper').

Compatibility:

Compatible with all standard PDF readers and accessible on PC, Mac, smartphones, and tablets, offering broad usability across devices.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual.

Printability:

Printable pages allow users to take only the necessary diagrams and part lists to the workshop or garage, reducing the risk of damaging the digital file or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

Digital (Downloadable)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Available Engines:

3.7L 6 Cyl. MPI (EKG), 4.7L 8 Cyl. MPI (EVA), 5.9L 8 Cyl. MPI-LDC (EML), 5.9L 6 Cyl Turbo Diesel (ETC), 5.9L 6 Cyl Turbo Diesel H/O (ETH), 8.0L 10 Cyl. MPI (EWA), 5.7L 8 Cyl. SMPI (EZA).

Engine Codes Identification:

Manual facilitates identification of parts based on specific engine codes provided (e.g., EKG for 3.7L, EVA for 4.7L, EML for 5.9L MPI, ETC/ETH for 5.9L Diesel, EWA for 8.0L V10, EZA for 5.7L HEMI).

Engine Displacement List:

3.7L (226 cu in), 4.7L (287 cu in), 5.9L (360 cu in) MPI, 5.9L (359 cu in) Turbo Diesel, 8.0L (488 cu in), 5.7L (345 cu in) HEMI.

Performance Notes:

Manual provides part information for a wide range of engine outputs, from the base 3.7L V6 to the powerful 8.0L V10 and the sought-after Cummins Turbo Diesels (5.9L). Specific performance figures are not the primary focus but parts for each are detailed.

Fuel System Coverage:

Details all components of the Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) and Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SMPI) systems, including fuel pumps, injectors, fuel rails, lines, and filters for gasoline engines. Diesel sections cover fuel injection pumps, injectors, and high-pressure fuel lines for the 5.9L Turbo Diesel.

🔧 Transmission

Available Transmissions:

5 Speed HD Manual (3500), 5 Speed HD Manual (4500), 4 Speed Automatic (46RE), Multi-Speed Automatic (45RFE), 4 Speed Automatic (48RE), 4 Speed Automatic (47RE), 6 Speed Manual (5600).

Transmission Code Identification:

Enables parts sourcing for various transmissions including 46RE, 47RE, 48RE automatics, NV5600 (5600) 6-speed manual, and potentially earlier manual transmission part applications.

Transmission Type List:

Manual: NV3500 (5-speed), NV4500 (5-speed HD), NV5600 (6-speed HD). Automatic: 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE.

Transmission Features Coverage:

Parts for various manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch components, gear sets, torque converters, valve bodies, transmission control solenoids, seals, and filters are detailed. Specific coverage depends on the vehicle's original transmission configuration.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Conventional Cab, Quad Cab with full rear doors. Specific bed lengths and cab configurations are detailed via part numbers for associated components.

Cab Configurations:

Covers parts for both 'Conventional Cab' (also known as Regular Cab) and 'Quad Cab' configurations, including specific trim pieces and structural components for each.

Weight Classes:

1500, 2500, and 3500 series, indicating different Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) and payload capacities. The manual provides parts for components specific to these weight classes.

🛡️ Safety Features

Braking System Parts:

Covers all components of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) including ABS control modules, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic modulators, as well as standard braking system parts like brake rotors, pads, calipers, master cylinders, and brake lines for all models.

Restraint System Parts:

Details parts related to the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), including airbag modules, clock springs, and related wiring harnesses. Seat belt components are also covered.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Parts:

Details components for the audio system, including radios, speakers, and antennas. It also covers parts for climate control systems (HVAC), including blower motors, evaporators, condensers, and actuators.

Driver Assistance Parts:

Covers parts for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and potentially basic cruise control components. Advanced driver-assistance systems were less common in this era.

Connectivity Parts:

Includes parts for external vehicle lighting, interior lighting, and wiring harnesses, which are fundamental for vehicle operation and signaling. Components related to trailer lighting and towing packages are also cataloged.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Interval Notes:

While this is a parts manual and does not list specific mileage-based service intervals, it provides all the necessary part numbers for components that require regular replacement as per a service schedule (e.g., filters, spark plugs, belts, fluids). It is crucial to consult a service manual for precise interval recommendations.

Filter Part Identification:

Provides part numbers for essential filters such as oil filters, air filters, fuel filters (for gasoline and diesel), and cabin air filters (if equipped).

Fluid Specification Notes:

The manual does not directly list fluid specifications (e.g., API oil grades, ATF types). However, it details all components of the fluid systems, such as radiators, water pumps, oil pumps, transmission pans, and filters, indirectly supporting maintenance by identifying the parts involved in fluid systems.

Component Related Fluids:

While not listing specs directly, the manual shows parts for cooling systems (radiator, hoses, thermostat), lubrication systems (oil pan, oil filter housing), and brake systems (master cylinder, brake fluid reservoir), guiding users to the relevant components needing attention.

Seals And Gaskets Identification:

Includes part numbers for critical seals and gaskets for engines, transmissions, differentials, and axles, vital for preventing fluid leaks during maintenance.

Common Issue Parts Identification:

Provides part numbers for components often associated with common issues in this generation of Ram trucks, such as certain transmission solenoids for the 48RE, ignition coils for the 4.7L V8, and fuel injectors. Owners can use this manual to identify replacement parts for known wear items.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge Ram trucks have a long-standing reputation for durability and capability, evolving from the original Dodge D-Series pickup. The 2003 model year represents the second generation of the Ram redesign, known for its distinctive styling and robust construction.

Model Evolution 2003:

The 2003 Ram lineup continued the significant redesign introduced in 1994, offering updated styling, improved powertrains, and enhanced comfort. This year saw the introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine in some configurations, though this manual focuses on parts for the listed 2003 engines.

Chassis Codes:

Identifies parts relevant to chassis codes such as DR1, DR6 (1500), DR2, DR7 (2500), and DR3, DR8 (3500), indicating specific component differences across these platforms.

Production Plants:

Key assembly plants for Dodge Ram trucks during this era included Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design And Engineering Recognition:

The second-generation Dodge Ram (including the 2003 models) received critical acclaim for its bold styling and robust truck capabilities, often praised in automotive publications of the era for its 'big rig' appearance and towing prowess.