🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500, 2500, 3500

Years:

2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, heavy-duty segment

Competitors:

Ford F-Series (F-150, Super Duty), Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (1500, 2500HD, 3500HD), Toyota Tundra

Truck Capabilities:

Robust chassis, powerful engine options, towing and hauling prowess, customizable configurations (cab styles, bed lengths, drivetrains)

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth factory-level repair information, empowering owners and technicians to maintain and repair these durable trucks effectively, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

2001-2006

Models Covered:

Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (as typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (mechanical components)

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection system (electrical components), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors, actuators

Transmission Manual:

NV3500, NV4500 manual transmission disassembly, repair, adjustment, fluid specifications

Transmission Automatic:

48RE, 47RE, 46RE automatic transmission disassembly, repair, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic systems, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, U-joints, differentials (front and rear, including LSD/locking options), axle shafts, propeller shafts

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent, coil springs, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles), rear suspension (solid axle, leaf springs), shock absorbers, sway bars

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear box, steering linkage, power steering pump, fluid specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on configuration), anti-lock braking system (ABS) diagnostics, hydraulic system, parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM)

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis components, frame inspection and repair

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake pad inspection, battery checks

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing engine parts, transmission components, suspension parts, brake components, electrical modules, and body parts

Rebuilding Procedures:

Complete rebuild procedures for engines and transmissions, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measuring, and reassembly with specifications

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners throughout the vehicle, critical for safe and proper assembly

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair and maintenance tasks

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Diagnostics Level:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including wiring diagrams, schematics, and pin-out data for electronic control units (ECUs)

Repair Scope:

From basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including bodywork and electrical system repairs

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1500:

4.7L Magnum V8 (235 hp @ 4500 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)

Optional Engine 1500 2500:

5.9L Magnum V8 (245 hp @ 4000 rpm, 335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)

Optional Engine 2500 3500:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (250-325 hp, 460-555 lb-ft torque, depending on year and tune)

Cylinder Arrangement:

V8 (for Magnum engines), Inline-6 (for Cummins diesel)

Bore Stroke 4.7L:

3.66 in x 3.33 in

Bore Stroke 5.9L Gas:

4.02 in x 3.58 in

Bore Stroke 5.9L Diesel:

4.49 in x 4.72 in

Fuel Delivery Gas:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

High-pressure injection pump, direct injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Magnum engines), Diesel fuel (Cummins engine)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1500:

4-speed automatic (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE depending on configuration)

Transmission 2500 3500:

4-speed automatic (47RE, 48RE)

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual (NV3500, NV4500 for heavy duty applications)

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic or manual shift transfer case (NV241DLD, NV271D)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 1500:

130.2 inches (standard cab), 148.9 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)

Wheelbase 2500 3500:

134.0 inches (standard cab), 154.8 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab), 166.0 inches (Mega Cab)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft, 8.0 ft

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,700 - 7,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and drivetrain)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Up to 12,000+ lbs (for 3500 models)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 13,000+ lbs (properly equipped 3500 models with Cummins diesel)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 5,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (for both driver and passenger in frontal crash tests, where tested)

IIHS Ratings:

Mixed (may vary by year and specific test, generally considered robust for its era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models

Traction Control:

Optional on some configurations

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM/CD players, cassette players available. Higher trims may have premium Infinity sound systems.

Navigation:

Dealer-installed or aftermarket navigation systems were common.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Rear Parking Assist:

Optional on some models

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gas Engine:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used)

Oil Change Diesel Engine:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (for conventional oil), extendable with synthetic diesel oil

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 24-36 months (severe service may require more frequent changes)

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 24-36 months

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 24-36 months

Engine Oil 4.7L:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 if operating temperatures are high)

Engine Oil 5.9L Gas:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 (or 10W-40)

Engine Oil 5.9L Diesel:

API CH-4 or CI-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 (preferred for Cummins)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602 compliant) for 45RFE/48RE. ATF+3 for older 46RE/47RE. Consult manual for exact spec.

Manual Transmission Fluid Nv3500:

Synchromesh fluid (e.g., GM Synchromesh or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Nv4500:

GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil, 5W-30 synthetic gear oil often recommended

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent HOAT coolant

Catalytic Converter Failure:

Can occur prematurely, especially on higher mileage vehicles.

Heater Core Leaks:

Common failure point leading to coolant loss and interior fogging.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Issues with valve bodies or solenoids in automatic transmissions can cause rough shifts.

Cummins Idle Control Valve:

Can become clogged and affect idle quality.

Lift Pump Failure Cummins:

The in-tank lift pump can fail, leading to fuel starvation.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long and storied history in the truck market, known for durability and capability.

Third Generation Ram:

This generation (DN) marked a significant redesign with a bold, aggressive styling and improved chassis and powertrains. Introduced for the 1994 model year, it underwent styling and powertrain updates through its lifecycle, including the facelift and introduction of the Cummins HO (High Output) variants in this era.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Resale Value:

Often recognized for strong resale value in the truck segment.

Cummins Reputation:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel is legendary for its durability and longevity, a key selling point.

Smog Certification:

Manual provides guidance on emissions systems and troubleshooting for regulatory compliance.