🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2004

Designation:

1500, 2500, 3500

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and professional mechanics working on 2004 Dodge Ram trucks.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level technical data and repair procedures, enabling accurate diagnostics and efficient repairs, saving time and money compared to dealer servicing.

Alternatives:

Owner's manuals (less technical), generic repair guides (less detailed/specific), or online forums (unverified information).

Detail Level:

Highly detailed, factory-specific information with step-by-step instructions and illustrations.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems for the 1500, 2500, and 3500 models.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely PDF or Digital Format (implied by common sales practices for this type of manual)

Completeness:

100% Complete and Intact (as per product description)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all gasoline engines offered in 2004 Ram trucks, including the 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, and 5.7L HEMI V8. Specifics on engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, and emissions are covered.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage of automatic transmissions (42RLE, 47RE, 48RE) and manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500, NV5600) including removal, installation, internal component repair, hydraulic controls, and service adjustments.

Drivetrain:

Detailed information on front and rear axles, differentials (open, limited-slip), transfer cases (4x2, 4x4, electronic 4WD), driveshafts, and CV joints. Includes overhaul and maintenance procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including independent front suspension (IFS) on 1500 models and solid front axles on 2500/3500 models. Coverage of shock absorbers, springs (coil, leaf), control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckles, and sway bars.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc). Detailed procedures for brake inspections, component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders), hydraulic system bleeding, ABS diagnostics, and parking brake service.

Steering:

Power steering system components, including pump, reservoir, hoses, steering gear (rack and pinion or steering box), tie rods, and steering column. Includes troubleshooting and fluid service.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, circuit descriptions, and troubleshooting guides for all electrical systems. Includes battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, instruments, and body control modules.

HVAC:

Air conditioning and heating system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core), blower motor, and controls. Includes troubleshooting for climate control issues.

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, bumpers, grille, and frame structural integrity. Includes procedures for collision repair assessment and common bodywork tasks.

Restraints:

Airbag system diagnostics, component locations, and service procedures. Emphasis on safe handling of SRS components and occupant restraint systems.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, belt and hose checks, spark plug replacement, and scheduled service intervals.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues across all major vehicle systems. Includes diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, and OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation. Covers everything from minor adjustments to major overhauls, including engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension work, and electrical system fixes.

Installation:

Guidance on installing new or replacement parts, including specifications for torque values, clearances, and alignment procedures.

Specifications:

Extensive technical specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages, diagnostic parameters, and component tolerances.

Depth:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers in-depth troubleshooting, component-level repair, and system diagnostics beyond basic maintenance.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF (Portable Document Format) for digital distribution, allowing for searchability and easy printing.

Searchability:

Expected to have searchable text for quick access to specific topics and procedures.

Printable:

Designed to be printable, allowing users to create physical copies of sections or the entire manual.

Illustrations:

Detailed illustrations, diagrams, and schematics (as stated in product description) to aid in understanding procedures and component identification.

Text Clarity:

Clear, concise technical language with step-by-step instructions (as stated in product description).

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format, but if printed, would typically be spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Not applicable for digital format, but if printed, would be high-quality paper suitable for workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.7L Magnum V6 (e.g., 3.7L OHV, 12 valves)

Engine 2:

4.7L Magnum V8 (e.g., 4.7L SOHC, 16 valves)

Engine 3:

5.7L HEMI V8 (e.g., 5.7L OHV, 16 valves, hemispherical combustion chambers)

Horsepower 3.7L:

Approx. 215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 3.7L:

Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 4.7L:

Approx. 235 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque 4.7L:

Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Horsepower 5.7L:

Approx. 345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 5.7L:

Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended for V6 and 4.7L V8; 89 octane recommended for 5.7L HEMI V8, though 87 can be used).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1500 V6:

4-speed automatic (42RLE)

Transmission 1500 V8:

4-speed automatic (47RE or 48RE)

Transmission 2500 3500 Gas:

4-speed automatic (47RE or 48RE)

Transmission 2500 3500 Diesel:

4-speed automatic (47RE or 48RE) or 5-speed manual (NV5600) - Diesel engine not covered by this manual's title, but manual likely includes it if it came with these transmissions.

Manual Transmission Options:

5-speed manual (NV3500 for 1500, NV4500 for 2500/3500) and 6-speed manual (NV5600 for 2500/3500 diesel, though possibly available on heavy-duty gas models).

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).

Transfer Case:

Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, with manual (part-time) and electronic (full-time) transfer cases.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 1500:

Varied by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 134.0", 140.5", 160.5")

Wheelbase 2500 3500:

Varied by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 134.0", 140.5", 160.5", 162.0")

Bed Lengths:

Standard (approx. 76.5") and Long (approx. 98.0")

Gvwr 1500:

Approx. 6,010 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gvwr 2500:

Approx. 7,700 - 8,800 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gvwr 3500:

Approx. 9,000 - 11,000 lbs (depending on configuration, including dually models)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Likely 4-star (for frontal driver impact) based on similar year trucks, but specific ratings should be verified.

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Likely 4-star (for frontal passenger impact) based on similar year trucks, but specific ratings should be verified.

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (likely, based on generational testing, but specific year data needed).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags may have been optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM/CD players, with optional cassette players and premium Infinity sound systems available. Satellite radio may have been an option.

Navigation:

Aftermarket navigation systems were common, factory navigation was rare or non-existent for this model year. Manual may cover wiring for optional audio upgrades.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control functionality.

Parking Sensors:

Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature.

Power Outlets:

12V power outlets for accessory charging.

Trailer Tow Options:

Wiring harnesses and integrations for trailer towing were available, covered in the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific intervals and oil type recommendations).

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Transmission Fluid:

Check every oil change, fluid and filter change typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on transmission type and usage.

Engine Oil 3.7L 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (API Certified).

Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 full synthetic (API Certified).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602 or equivalent).

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Some 4.7L Magnum V8 engines can develop coolant leaks from the intake manifold gaskets.

Hemi Desmodronic Valves:

While not common, some early HEMI engines had reported valve seat wear issues; typically addressed via recalls or service bulletins.

Transmission Solenoids:

Failure of transmission solenoids can cause shifting problems in the automatic transmissions.

Rear Main Seal:

Rear main seal leaks can occur on some engines, particularly as mileage increases.

Radiator Fan Clutch:

Failure of the fan clutch can lead to engine overheating, especially under load.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Ram Generations:

The 2004 model year falls within the second generation (DN) of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, produced from 1994-2001 and revised/continued as the 'New Dodge Ram' for 2002-2008. This generation is known for its distinctive 'big rig' styling and improved chassis compared to its predecessors.

Assembly Locations:

Primarily assembled in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

The Ram pickup line won MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award in 1994 (first year of the DN generation) and subsequently for the 2003 model year (first year of the revised DN generation), indicating strong market reception and capability.

Truck Trend Awards:

Likely received various positive reviews and segment awards during its production run for performance and styling.

Emissions Standards:

Designed to meet EPA emissions standards for the model year.