Vehicle Class:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Segment Competition:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Key Strengths 2004 Ram:
Powerful engine options, robust build, distinctive styling, available Mega Cab for increased passenger space.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance information essential for owners and technicians.
Engine Options Covered:
All gasoline and diesel engines for the 2004 model year.
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels including SLT, Laramie, ST, and Sport.
Body Styles Covered:
All body styles including Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Mega Cab.
Estimated Pages:
Comprehensive (typically 2000+ pages for factory service manuals)
Manual Type:
Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, air induction.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission overhaul, manual transmission overhaul, clutch, driveline, transfer case.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, brake lines, calipers, rotors, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering, steering column, alignment procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, Body Control Module (BCM).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling.
Body And Frame:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, frame repair, collision damage repair.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, scan tool procedures, troubleshooting charts.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various symptoms and faults.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine 3.7L V6 Magnum:
Displacement: 3.7L (226 cu in), Power: 215 hp @ 5200 rpm, Torque: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm, Configuration: SOHC V6.
Engine 4.7L V8 Magnum:
Displacement: 4.7L (287 cu in), Power: 235 hp @ 4500 rpm, Torque: 305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm, Configuration: SOHC V8.
Engine 5.7L V8 Hemi:
Displacement: 5.7L (345 cu in), Power: 345 hp @ 5000 rpm, Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm, Configuration: OHV V8, Multi-Displacement System (MDS).
Engine 5.9L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel:
Displacement: 5.9L (359 cu in), Power: 305 hp @ 2800 rpm, Torque: 555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm, Configuration: OHV Inline-6 Turbo Diesel.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for Cummins.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended), Diesel fuel.
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
130.5 inches
Wheelbase Quad Cab:
140.5 inches
Wheelbase Mega Cab:
160.5 inches
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (standard), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwrs:
Varies by configuration, typically 6,000 - 9,000+ lbs
NHTSA Front Impact Rating Driver:
4 stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating Passenger:
4 stars (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; optional side curtain airbags on some trims.
Infotainment Options:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player; optional premium audio systems and in-dash CD changers. Some models featured an optional navigation system.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS standard. Cruise control widely available. Traction control on some models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited connectivity by modern standards; power windows, power locks, keyless entry were common options.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on transmission type and usage (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on engine and temperature), API certified. Refer to manual for exact specs and capacities.
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant, typically pink or orange.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for automatic transmissions, appropriate gear oil for manual transmissions.
Common Problems Gasoline:
Lifter tick (especially 4.7L), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, occasional cylinder head issues on early 4.7L.
Common Problems Diesel:
Injector line leaks, VP44 injection pump failure (pre-2004, less common on 2004 but still a possibility), front gear housing seal leaks, exhaust manifold leaks.
Common Problems General:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, power steering pump noise, HVAC blower motor issues, rust on cab corners and fenders.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of building robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2004 model year is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, marked by a significant redesign with a larger, more aggressive appearance and improved interior.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
