Vehicle Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the critical technical information needed to maintain and repair these robust trucks, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers users with factory-level repair knowledge, including detailed diagrams and step-by-step procedures.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery, ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharger/supercharger systems (if applicable).
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (including clutch, torque converter, valve body, transmission control module), transfer case (4WD systems).
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, U-joints, differentials (front and rear), axle assemblies, hubs, bearings.
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent/solid axle depending on model/year), rear suspension (leaf springs, coil springs), shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear/rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage.
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum depending on model/year), anti-lock braking system (ABS), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relays, sensors.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping, frame repairs, bumpers.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant system, blower motor, climate control module.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, common issues and their remedies.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation across all vehicle systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Reading wiring diagrams, tracing circuits, diagnosing electrical faults, module testing.
Depth:
Full workshop level, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Options Early:
4.7L Magnum V8 (2001-2003), 5.9L Magnum V8 (2001-2003), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (2001-2003).
Engine Options Mid:
4.7L Magnum V8 (2004-2007), 5.7L HEMI V8 (2003-2008), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (2004-2007).
Engine Options Late:
3.7L Magnum V6 (2005-2010), 4.7L Magnum V8 (2005-2010), 5.7L HEMI V8 (2003-Present), 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (2007-Present), 6.4L HEMI V8 (2014-Present).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 215 hp to 410+ hp depending on engine and year.
Torque Range:
Approximately 285 lb-ft to over 900 lb-ft (for Cummins Diesel) depending on engine and year.
Fuel Delivery System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for HEMI and Cummins.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (V6/V8), Diesel (Cummins).
Standard Transmission Type:
Varies by model/year: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic.
Optional Transmission Type:
Varies by model/year: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 6-speed heavy-duty automatic (for 2500/3500).
Transmission Features:
Tow/Haul mode, electronic shifting, integrated trailer brake controller compatibility.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab.
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8.0 ft).
Wheelbase Options:
Various wheelbases to accommodate different cab and bed configurations, typically ranging from 120 inches to 160+ inches.
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,500 lbs to 7,000+ lbs, depending on configuration and drivetrain.
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 12,000+ lbs (1500), 17,000+ lbs (2500), 30,000+ lbs (3500 - 5th wheel/gooseneck) depending on configuration and year.
Payload Capacity Range:
Up to 3,000+ lbs (1500), 4,000+ lbs (2500), 5,000+ lbs (3500) depending on configuration and year.
Infotainment Systems:
Uconnect systems (various generations with touchscreens, navigation, Bluetooth, SiriusXM), base AM/FM radios.
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control (on later models/trims).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth streaming audio, hands-free calling, USB and auxiliary input jacks, optional Wi-Fi hotspot (later models).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for conventional oil, up to 10,000 miles or 12 months for synthetic oil, depending on engine and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific engine.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Varies by transmission type and usage. For heavy towing, interval may be as low as 30,000-50,000 miles. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 (depending on engine and ambient temperature). Specific API or Chrysler MS specifications apply. E.g., 5.7L HEMI often uses 5W-20 synthetic.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Orange) coolant. Refer to manual for specific color and specification (e.g., MS-9769).
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (for many automatic transmissions), Manual transmission fluid (GL-4 or GL-5), specific transfer case fluid.
Common Issues 1500:
Sway bar end links wear, front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), power steering pump issues, catalytic converter failure (some models), HEMI MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifter tick.
Common Issues 2500 3500:
Cummins turbo issues (DPF regeneration, EGR problems on later models), rear main seal leaks (Cummins), ABS sensor failures, ball joint wear (especially on 4WD models), exhaust manifold cracks (early HEMI).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate being a significant part of that legacy before becoming its own brand.
Third Generation:
DR (2002-2008): Major redesign, introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8, improved interior and ride quality, increased towing and payload capacities.
Fourth Generation:
DS/DJ/D2/DP/DR (2009-2018): Refined styling, introduction of new engines including the 3.7L V6 and 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel, advanced transmissions, updated interiors, Ram becomes its own brand (2010).
Fifth Generation:
DT (2019-Present): Complete redesign, focus on interior luxury and technology, new powertrain options including the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 48V mild-hybrid eTorque system, advanced safety features, improved towing and payload.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Saltillo Truck Assembly (Mexico) and Warren Truck Assembly (Michigan, USA).
Truck Of The Year Awards:
Various Ram truck generations and specific models have received numerous 'Truck of the Year' awards from automotive publications like MotorTrend, Four Wheeler, and Peterson's 4-Wheel & Off-Road.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Ratings vary significantly by model year and specific configuration. Historically, reliability ratings have fluctuated, with certain model years and powertrains performing better than others. The manual is essential for addressing potential issues.
Manual Certification:
N/A (This is a third-party service manual, not a manufacturer certification).
