Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Heavy-duty work, towing, and personal transportation
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Design Philosophy:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, and durable components
Engine:
Comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline engines
Transmission:
Manual (NV3500) and Automatic (45RFE, 42RE, 46RE, 47RE) transmission service, overhaul, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front and Rear Axles, Differentials, Driveshafts, CV Joints, Four-Wheel Drive Systems
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems, Steering Components, Wheel Alignment
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System, Parking Brake System
Electrical:
Complete Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting, Starting System, Charging System, Ignition System, Body Control Modules
Body:
Body and Frame Repair, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, HVAC System
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, DTC code interpretations, and troubleshooting strategies
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for virtually all mechanical and electrical repairs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and common problem identification for various systems
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Installation:
Instructions for component replacement and installation
Depth:
Expert-level; covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-code)
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Magnum V8 (ISB Diesel - common in Heavy Duty models, though less common in light duty Ram 1500 variants of this era)
Engine Option 3:
5.2L Magnum V8 (discontinued in later years of this generation, but may still be present in early 2001 production or specific markets)
Engine Option 4:
3.9L Magnum V6 (less common in 2001, typically phased out for the 4.7L)
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft
5.9L V8 Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 215 hp (varies by specific rating)
5.9L V8 Diesel Torque:
Approx. 420 lb-ft (varies by specific rating)
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel fuel for 5.9L Cummins
Transmission Option 1:
45RFE 4-speed Automatic (common with 4.7L V8)
Transmission Option 2:
NV3500 5-speed Manual (less common on higher trims)
Transmission Option 3:
42RE 4-speed Automatic (common with 5.2L V8)
Transmission Option 4:
46RE 4-speed Automatic (common with 5.9L Magnum V8)
Transmission Option 5:
47RE 4-speed Automatic (common with 5.9L Cummins Diesel)
Overdrive Gears:
Available with overdrive (4-speed automatics and 5-speed manual)
Wheelbase Options:
Various (e.g., 134.0" for standard cab, 154.7" for club cab, 168.0" for quad cab)
Bed Length Options:
e.g., 6.5 ft Short Bed, 8 ft Long Bed
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 6,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvw Range:
Varies by model (e.g., 6300 lbs to 8800+ lbs for 2500/3500)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Good (for driver and passenger, likely for most configurations)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable or Marginal (varies by specific test year)
ABS:
Standard on most models (4-wheel disc or front disc/rear drum)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Typically every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on usage (refer to manual for specifics)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or higher; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for specific engine and temperature)
Transmission Fluid Type 45Rfe:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Type 42Re/46Re/47Re:
ATF+3 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9224) - manual will specify conversion to ATF+4 if applicable
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) antifreeze/coolant (color typically orange)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Issue 1:
Valve body issues in automatic transmissions (especially 42RE/46RE)
Common Issue 2:
Oil filter adapter housing leaks (especially 4.7L V8)
Common Issue 3:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially 4.7L V8)
Common Issue 4:
Water pump failures (especially 4.7L V8)
Common Issue 5:
Blend door actuator failure in HVAC system
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Long history of robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s
Third Generation Ram:
This 2001 model is part of the third generation of Dodge Ram trucks (1994-2001), characterized by its distinctive 'big rig' styling.
Production Years:
1994-2001 (for this generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
North America (e.g., Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan; St. Louis Assembly Plant, Missouri)
Truck Of The Year:
While specific 2001 awards might be scarce, the third-generation Ram consistently received praise for its styling and capability.
Customer Satisfaction Index:
Generally positive for durability and powertrain, with typical concerns for certain electrical components.