2004 Dodge RAM 2500 Truck Owners Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: RAM 2500 Year: 2004 Codes Model Code: DR (Third Generation RAM) Generation Generation Designation: Third Generation (2002-2008) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Heavy-Duty...

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Type: Truck

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Sku: 469051

Tags: 2004 Cars Dodge Misc RAM 2500 Truck

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 2500

Year:

Codes

Model Code:

DR (Third Generation RAM)

Generation

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (2002-2008)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Work truck users, towing enthusiasts, fleet operators

Competitive Analysis

Primary Competitors:

Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD

Key Features

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust chassis, powerful engine options, towing and hauling capability

Manual Value Proposition

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners to understand and maintain their vehicle for optimal performance and longevity

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety features, basic troubleshooting

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and vehicle type)

Manual Type

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital Download (Printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid levels, basic maintenance requirements

Drivetrain:

4x4 system operation (if equipped), transfer case engagement

Brakes:

ABS operation, parking brake usage

Electrical:

Instrument cluster indicators, lighting operation, basic fuse identification

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, air conditioning, heating

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt usage, child restraint systems

Chassis And Body:

Door operation, tailgate/liftgate, towing information

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, tire pressure checks, fluid checks

Safety Procedures:

Proper vehicle jacking, seatbelt adjustment, child seat installation

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of warning lights, basic fluid leak identification

Operation:

Starting the engine, driving controls, dashboard features

Technical Depth

Depth Level:

Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance

Diagnostic Capability:

Limited to warning light identification; no in-depth diagnostic procedures

Repair Instructions:

None; focuses on operation and maintenance

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Digital Format:

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable text, common in digital manuals

Print Quality

Printability:

High quality, designed for printing from any computer and printer

Binding Type

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Illustrations

Illustration Style:

Illustrated with step-by-step instructions

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Displacement:

5.7L V8 HEMI (Optional), 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (Optional), 8.0L V10 Triton (Optional)

Engine Type:

Gasoline & Turbo Diesel

Performance

Horsepower 5.7L Hemi:

345 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque 5.7L Hemi:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 5.9L Cummins:

305 hp @ 2800 rpm (Higher output versions available)

Torque 5.9L Cummins:

555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (Higher output versions available)

Horsepower 8.0L V10:

310 hp @ 4000 rpm

Torque 8.0L V10:

450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Injection Gas:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Injection Diesel:

Direct Injection, Common Rail (Cummins)

Fuel Type

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (for V8/V10), Diesel Fuel (for 5.9L Cummins)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Standard:

6-Speed Manual (NV5600 for Diesel, G56 for late 2004 Diesel), 4-Speed Automatic (48RE for Diesel, 47RE for Gas)

Optional

Transmission Optional:

5-Speed Automatic (45RFE for Gasoline)

Features

Transmission Type Diesel:

Heavy-duty manual and automatic transmissions designed for towing

Transmission Type Gas:

Robust transmissions suitable for payload and moderate towing

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

140.5 inches (Regular Cab), 160.5 inches (Quad Cab)

Overall Length:

229.0 inches (Regular Cab), 249.0 inches (Quad Cab)

Overall Width:

79.1 inches

Overall Height:

75.4 inches (approx.)

Cargo

Bed Length Standard:

6.3 feet (approx.)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (approx.)

Weights

Curb Weight:

5,500 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

8,800 - 9,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to approx. 3,500 lbs

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to approx. 13,000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Not rated for this specific year/configuration (typical for heavy-duty trucks)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Not rated for this specific year/configuration (typical for heavy-duty trucks)

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Generally rated 'Good' in frontal offset tests for its generation, but specific data for 2004 may vary

Active Features

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Available (often with 4x4 systems)

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) in rear seats (Quad Cab)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Infotainment System:

Base AM/FM radio with CD player; optional premium audio systems available.

Display Screen:

Basic digital display for radio/clock; no central touchscreen infotainment on base models.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Not typically available for this model year

Connectivity

Bluetooth:

Not standard, potentially available as an aftermarket addition

Auxiliary Input:

Available on some higher trim levels or aftermarket integrations

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (gasoline engines), Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (diesel engines, with oil analysis)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Every 15,000 miles

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 100,000 miles or 5 years

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Type Gas:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated Diesel Engine Oil (e.g., 15W-40)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil specifications (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-3/GL-4 for NV5600)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Known Issues

Common Issues Diesel:

Injector issues, fuel pump wear (especially with higher mileage), exhaust manifold leaks, potential for head gasket issues on modified engines.

Common Issues Gas:

Cylinder head issues (early 5.7L HEMI, though less common by 2004), transmission solenoid issues, occasional exhaust leaks.

Common Issues General:

Rust on body panels (especially around wheel wells and rockers), front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), potential for steering box looseness.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the RAM line established as a major player in the market.

Model Evolution

Third Gen Ram Introduction:

The third generation of the Dodge RAM was introduced for the 2002 model year, featuring a completely redesigned exterior and interior, and updated powertrains.

2004 Updates:

The 2004 model year saw minor refinements, with the significant powertrain updates, including the introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8, occurring in prior years.

Production

Assembly Locations:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

2003 Dodge Ram (leading into the third generation)

Towing Hauling Awards:

RAM trucks consistently recognized for their class-leading towing and hauling capabilities in the heavy-duty segment.

Ratings

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Variable; typically average to below average for the segment in certain years, with diesel engines often rated higher for longevity.