Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Fleet owners, professional mechanics, serious DIY enthusiasts, and owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Truck Capabilities:
Known for its robust build, towing and hauling capacity, and variety of powertrain options.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides definitive factory repair procedures, eliminating guesswork and ensuring correct repairs, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including disassembly, inspection, assembly), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM).
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmissions (including RWD and AWD variants), clutch system, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, axle assemblies.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear independent/solid axle configurations), steering system, brake system (ABS, hydraulic, parking brake), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), comfort and convenience features, infotainment systems, diagnostics and scan tools.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, airbags, safety restraint systems, chassis frame, body mounting.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication points, belt and hose replacements.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, component testing, wiring diagrams, flowcharts.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair or diagnostic procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Full factory-level repair information, including detailed specifications, tolerances, torque values, and diagnostic procedures for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (235 hp @ 4500 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm), 5.7L HEMI V8 (345 hp @ 5000 rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm), 3.7L Magnum V6 (215 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm), 4.7L High Output Magnum V8 (260 hp @ 4800 rpm, 315 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm), 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (Optional for Heavy Duty models, though 2006-2007 Ram 1500 primarily focused on gasoline engines).
Torque Range:
235 - 375 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines. Common Rail Direct Injection for diesel.
ECU Type:
Various Chrysler/Dodge Engine Control Modules (ECM) / Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) depending on engine and features.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Mopar part number (e.g., P/N 05162000AA).
Oil Type:
5W-20 for 4.7L and 3.7L engines, 5W-20 or 5W-30 for 5.7L HEMI. Refer to manual for specific API service classification and Mopar part numbers.
Block Material:
Cast Iron (Magnum V6/V8), Iron Block with Aluminum Heads (HEMI V8)
Transmission Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (45RFE/545RFE) or 5-Speed Manual (NV3500, G56 for diesel applications) dependent on engine and configuration.
Transmission Optional:
5-Speed Automatic (NAG1 for some applications), 6-Speed Manual (NV5600 for diesel applications).
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar Part Number 05013457AA or equivalent) for automatic transmissions. Refer to manual for manual transmission fluid specifications.
Drive Options:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
Wheelbase Options:
Standard Cab: 120.5 inches, Extended Cab: 133.2 inches, Crew Cab: 140.5 inches (approximate, varies by bed length)
Bed Length Options:
6' 3" Short Bed, 8' Long Bed
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 6,000+ lbs (approximate, depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 10,000+ lbs (for properly equipped models, typically with 5.7L HEMI and specific towing packages)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 2,000+ lbs (for properly equipped models)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger in many configurations)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (typically)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Available side-curtain airbags in some configurations.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional satellite radio (SiriusXM), optional Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external devices.
OBD Ii Support:
Full support for OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) standards, enabling use of external scan tools for diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for precise interval based on oil quality and driving habits (e.g., severe vs. normal service).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended around 60,000 - 100,000 miles, or as specified by severe service conditions. Manual specifies checking fluid condition.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (P/N 04303001AB or equivalent), or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid. Consult manual for exact specification.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, refer to manual for specific type and Mopar part number.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 for rear axle. Consult manual for specific type and capacity.
Common Issues Engine:
Potential for camshaft/lifter wear in early 5.7L HEMI engines (non-MDS versions), spark plug issues (broken ceramic), cooling system leaks (water pump, radiator hoses).
Common Issues Transmission:
Torque converter shudder in automatic transmissions, potential for output shaft seal leaks.
Common Issues Electrical:
Tipm (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures, instrument cluster issues, faulty window regulators.
Common Issues Chassis:
Ball joint wear, U-joint wear on driveshafts, brake rotor warping.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks dating back to the Power Wagon.
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation Ram debuted for the 2002 model year, with significant updates and powertrain refinements leading into the 2006-2007 period.
Key Updates 2006:
Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 across more trims, updated interior features, revised styling elements, and potential powertrain enhancements.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
