🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Model Variants:

1500, 2500, 3500

Model Year:

2004

Platform Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, automotive technicians, DIY enthusiasts.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, detailed instructions to maintain and repair the Dodge Ram Truck 1500, 2500, and 3500 models for the 2004 model year, covering a wide range of engine and system configurations.

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing and hauling capability, extensive aftermarket support.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000

Delivery Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics.

Transmission:

Automatic and manual transmission overhaul, torque converter, shift controls, hydraulic system, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, 4WD system operation and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems (independent front suspension for 1500, solid front axle for 2500/3500), springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, steering knuckles, control arms, sway bars.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage, power steering pump and cooler.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes, drum brakes where applicable), ABS, brake lines, calipers, rotors, master cylinder, power brake booster.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, sensors.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, refrigerant charging, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, control panels.

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement, weatherstripping.

Chassis:

Frame construction, body mounting, crossmembers, fuel tank and lines, exhaust system routing.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tire rotation, lubrication.

Repair:

Component replacement, system diagnostics, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension and steering component replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, drivability issues.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine data, electrical specifications, fluid capacities, clearances and tolerances.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics for powertrain control, body control, anti-lock braking, and transmission control modules.

Rebuild Procedures:

Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including detailed steps, diagrams, and specifications.

Electrical Diagrams:

Detailed and accurate wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including color coding and component locations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics for clarity.

Readability:

Optimized for digital viewing and printing on standard paper sizes.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.7L (226 cu in) Magnum V6

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC V6

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.7L (285 cu in) Magnum V8

Engine 2 Configuration:

SOHC V8

Engine 3 Displacement:

5.7L (345 cu in) HEMI V8

Engine 3 Configuration:

OHV V8 (Multi-Displacement System)

Engine 4 Displacement:

5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins Turbo Diesel

Engine 4 Configuration:

OHV Inline 6-cylinder (Turbocharged Diesel)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 275 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 260-295 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm (depending on application)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 330-375 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (depending on application)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

Approx. 345 hp @ 5400 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 4 Horsepower:

Approx. 235 hp @ 2900 rpm

Engine 4 Torque:

Approx. 460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm

Fuel Type Gasoline:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Type Diesel:

Diesel fuel

Injection System:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Direct injection with rotary injection pump (VP44 or Common Rail depending on exact build date) for diesel.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1500 V6:

4-speed automatic (42RE)

Transmission 1500 V8:

4-speed automatic (45RFE/545RFE)

Transmission 2500 Diesel:

5-speed manual (NV4500), 4-speed automatic (47RE, 48RE)

Transmission Hemi V8:

5-speed automatic (545RFE)

4Wd System:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic transfer case (NV244/NV271/NV273 depending on application)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 1500:

139.0 inches (Standard Cab), 157.5 inches (Quad Cab)

Wheelbase 2500 3500:

139.0 inches (Standard Cab), 157.5 inches (Quad Cab), 171.4 inches (Mega Cab - available later in year for some models)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,800 - 7,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)

Gvwr Range:

Approx. 6,000 - 11,500+ lbs (depending on model and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (for 2004 models tested)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (for 2004 models tested)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system available on some models.

Airbags:

Standard front airbags for driver and passenger.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, SiriusXM satellite radio ready, premium audio systems available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on select trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack available on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type (conventional vs. synthetic) and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000 - 7,500 miles.

Coolant Change Interval:

Initial change at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter (depending on coolant type).

Engine Oil 15W40 Diesel:

API Service Category CI-4 or CH-4; SAE 15W-40 synthetic or conventional diesel engine oil.

Engine Oil 5W20 Gas:

SAE 5W-20 synthetic or conventional gasoline engine oil (for 3.7L and 4.7L, 5.7L HEMI typically uses 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on specific application/climate).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary automatic transmission fluid).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Gear oil, consult manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5).

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent.

Common Issues Diesel:

Injection pump failures (VP44), injector issues, turbocharger problems, coolant filter leaks, exhaust manifold cracks.

Common Issues Gasoline:

Lifter tick (especially in early HEMI engines), rear main seal leaks, transmission solenoid issues, exhaust system rust, blend door actuator failures (HVAC).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s, with the Ram nameplate becoming iconic for its blend of utility and style.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2004 model year represents the third generation of the Dodge Ram (DB/DR platform), introduced in 2002. This generation featured a complete redesign with a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling, improved interior comfort, and significant updates to powertrains and chassis.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in North America (e.g., Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2004 model year can vary, the third-generation Ram consistently received accolades for its design, capability, and value within the pickup truck segment.