🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 2500 Pickup Truck

Year:

2006

Platform:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Segment

Target Audience:

Owners, professional mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair their 2006 Dodge Ram 2500.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for its robust chassis, powerful engine options, and towing/hauling capabilities. Third-generation Ram offered significant upgrades in ride quality and interior refinement compared to previous models.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the authoritative, manufacturer-level information necessary for accurate and efficient vehicle maintenance and repair, saving time and money compared to guesswork or reliance on generic information.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete Service Repair Workshop Manual

Estimated Pages:

Extensive, likely over 2000 pages for a comprehensive workshop manual covering all systems.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all engine variants, including cylinder heads, blocks, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, timing systems, and lubrication.

Engine Performance:

Fuel system (injection, fuel pump, lines, injectors), ignition system (coils, plugs, sensors), emission control systems (EGR, catalytic converter), cooling system, and turbocharging (if applicable).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, transfer case operation and repair, drive shafts, axles, and differential service.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system diagnosis, repair, and replacement of rotors, pads, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, and ABS system components.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (shocks, struts, springs, ball joints, control arms), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, tie rods), and wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Electronics:

Complete wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting systems, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) troubleshooting.

HVAC:

Air conditioning and heating system service, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, and climate control module repair.

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, and chassis component servicing.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and brake inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system overhauls, and suspension component replacement.

Diagnostics:

Detailed guidance on using diagnostic scan tools, interpreting sensor data, and performing system tests for accurate fault identification.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages with clear diagrams and text. Searchable PDF functionality is typically standard for downloadable manuals.

Print Readability:

Designed for clarity and ease of use, with well-organized sections and legible print. Professional formatting.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Downloadable Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

5.7L HEMI Magnum V8 (P/N 5030154AA), 4.7L Magnum V8 (P/N 5030153AA), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (P/N 5380794AB).

Horsepower:

345 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4,500 rpm

Torque:

305 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Horsepower:

325 hp @ 2,600 rpm

Torque:

555 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm

Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; High-pressure Common Rail Direct Injection for Cummins diesel.

5.7L Hemi Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or newer (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., MS-6395).

4.7L Magnum Specification:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SN or newer (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., MS-6395).

5.9L Cummins Specification:

CJ-4 (or equivalent heavy-duty diesel specification), SAE 15W-40 (or 5W-40 synthetic in colder climates).

5.7L Hemi Capacity:

7 US quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change.

4.7L Magnum Capacity:

6 US quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change.

5.9L Cummins Capacity:

11 US quarts (10.4 liters) with filter change.

🔧 Transmission

Gasoline Engines:

5-speed manual (NV4500 for 4.7L/5.9L gas, Getrag G360 for older diesel models which might be available as swaps), 4-speed automatic (48RE for 5.7L HEMI and some 4.7L, 42RE for earlier 4.7L).

Diesel Engine:

6-speed manual (G56), 4-speed automatic (48RE).

Transfer Case:

Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) for 4WD models, with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low ranges.

48Re Specification:

ATF+4 (MS-9602).

42Re Specification:

ATF+4 (MS-9602).

G56 Specification:

MS-9A75E (manual transmission fluid).

Nv4500 Specification:

NV4500 specification manual transmission fluid (e.g., synthetic GL-3/GL-4 equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

140.5 inches (3569 mm) for standard cab, 160.5 inches (4077 mm) for crew cab.

Overall Length:

Approximately 227.8 inches (5786 mm) for standard bed, 247.8 inches (6294 mm) for long bed.

Width Without Mirrors:

79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Height:

Approximately 77.3 inches (1963 mm)

Bed Length Short:

6.3 feet (76.0 inches / 1930 mm)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (96.0 inches / 2438 mm)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly based on configuration, but typically starts around 6,000 lbs (2722 kg) and can exceed 7,500 lbs (3402 kg) for diesel 4x4 models.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically ranges from 8,800 lbs (3992 kg) to 9,750 lbs (4423 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Driver: 4 Stars, Passenger: 5 Stars (for 2006 model year, may vary slightly by configuration).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models with side airbags, if equipped).

ABS:

Standard Four-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC) might be available on some higher trims, but not universally standard across all 2006 models.

Airbags:

Standard front airbags. Optional side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers may be available on certain trims.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD audio system. Optional Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer available on higher trims. Sirius Satellite Radio compatibility.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some higher-trim models.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on all models.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone mirroring in factory systems for 2006 models; aftermarket solutions typically required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check manual for specific recommendations for 5W-20 vs. 5W-30.

Spark Plugs:

Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact type and interval).

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 6 months with quality diesel oil. Consider more frequent changes for severe towing.

Fuel Filter:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), crucial for injector longevity. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every oil change, replace as needed, typically between 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity ~23 quarts for gas, ~25 quarts for diesel.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or manufacturer-specified power steering fluid.

5.7L Hemi:

Rocker arm wear/failure (lifter tick), oil consumption, exhaust manifold leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks.

4.7L Magnum:

Head gasket failures, particularly on earlier models; oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected.

5.9L Cummins:

VP44 injection pump failures (early to mid-2000s models, less common on 2006 but still possible), overheating issues if cooling system is not maintained, clutch wear on manual transmissions.

General Chassis:

Ball joint wear, U-joint failure on driveshafts, rust on body panels and frame (depending on climate), AC system leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long and storied history in the truck market, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981, becoming a distinct brand (Ram Trucks) in 2010.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2006 model year falls within the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram pickup. This generation saw significant redesigns, including a bolder exterior styling, a more refined interior, and the introduction of the powerful HEMI V8 and the sought-after Cummins turbodiesel engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jdpowers Segment Ranking:

The 2006 Ram 2500 often ranked well in its segment for initial quality and appeal in various consumer surveys, though long-term dependability could vary by powertrain.

Competitor Acknowledgement:

Praised for its HEMI V8's power and the Cummins diesel's durability and torque, making it a strong contender in the heavy-duty market.