🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500

Model Years Covered:

2003

Platform:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, known for its ruggedness and towing capability.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.

Strengths:

Strong towing and payload capacity, variety of robust engine options, available heavy-duty configurations (2500/3500).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair for all dealer workshop procedures.

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500+ (typical for full workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Professional Workshop Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (typically PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, fuel system, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, emission control systems for all gasoline and diesel variants.

Transmission:

Service and repair for automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RLE, 48RE, 47RE, NV3500 manual) including overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle service, differential repair, transfer case (4WD models) operation and repair, driveshaft and CV joint service.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (solid front axle on HD models, independent front suspension on 1500), steering system components, power steering, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service (disc brakes standard), ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake operation.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, HVAC system, chassis components, frame repair considerations.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common drivability and electrical issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation of all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine control, transmission control, ABS, airbag systems, including trouble codes and their meanings.

Depth:

Full workshop level: includes basic maintenance, intermediate repairs, and complete engine/transmission rebuild procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and text, suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable)

Paper:

N/A (Downloadable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

1500 Base Engine:

4.7L Magnum V8 (P code)

1500 Optional Engine 1:

5.7L HEMI V8 (1500 only, introduced later in the generation)

2500 3500 Base Engine:

5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (G code)

2500 3500 Gas Engine 1:

5.7L HEMI V8 (Optional on 2500, less common on 3500)

2500 3500 Gas Engine 2:

8.0L Magnum V10 (W code, less common in 2003)

4.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4500 rpm

4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel Horsepower:

305 hp @ 2900 rpm

5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel Torque:

555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm

Gasoline Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Injection:

High-pressure common rail (HPCR) for 5.9L Cummins

🔧 Transmission

1500 Transmission Std:

4-speed automatic (45RFE/48RE)

2500 3500 Manual Transmission Std:

6-speed manual (NV5600) for Cummins models

1500 Transmission Opt:

5-speed manual (NV3500) - less common

2500 3500 Automatic Transmission Opt:

4-speed automatic (47RE) for earlier models, 48RE for later

4Wd System:

Part-time electronic shift 4WD system (NV271 for HD, NV244 for 1500)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 1500 Short Bed:

139.0 inches (3530 mm)

Wheelbase 2500 3500 Short Bed:

140.5 inches (3569 mm)

Wheelbase Long Bed:

160.5 inches (4077 mm) / 162.5 inches (4128 mm) for HD

Bed Length Std:

6'3" (1.91 m)

Bed Length Long:

8'0" (2.44 m)

Gvwr 1500:

Approx. 6300-6500 lbs (2858-2948 kg)

Gvwr 2500:

Approx. 8,500-9,000 lbs (3856-4082 kg)

Gvwr 3500:

Approx. 9,900-10,500 lbs (4491-4763 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:

Good (for 2003 models)

NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:

Good (for 2003 models)

ABS:

Standard on all models (four-wheel disc brakes on most models)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette, premium Infinity sound systems available.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

OBD Ii Port:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for emissions and engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

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

Oil Change Diesel Cummins:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using a quality diesel oil)

Fuel Filter Diesel Cummins:

Every 15,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type and interval)

Engine Oil Gasoline 4.7L:

API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for exact spec)

Engine Oil Gasoline 5.7L:

API SN or newer, SAE 5W-20 (check manual for exact spec)

Engine Oil Diesel 5.9L Cummins:

API CJ-4 or newer (or CK-4/FA-4 depending on filter compatibility), SAE 15W-40 (preferred)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar NV244/NV271 fluid or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon)

Cummins Injectors:

Potential failure of injector solenoids (VP44 pump models prior to 2003 were more prone, but common rail has its own issues with injectors).

Transmission Overheating Auto:

Automatic transmissions, especially under heavy load, can be prone to overheating without a supplemental cooler.

Ignition Switch:

Intermittent issues with ignition switch leading to starting problems or power loss.

Radiator Support Rust:

Corrosion of the radiator support, particularly in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.

Third Gen Ram:

The 2003 model year marks the continuation of the third generation (DR) Ram, introduced for 2002, which featured a significant redesign with a larger, more aggressive appearance and improved chassis.

Assembly Locations:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

While the 2003 model itself may not have won a specific award, the Dodge Ram platform has historically received accolades for its design and capability.