🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 50

Year:

1990

Vehicle Code:

N/A (General model code, specific VIN decoding not provided)

Chassis Code:

N/A (Likely based on Mitsubishi Forte platform)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

A vital resource for owners and independent technicians seeking authentic, dealership-level repair information for their 1990 Dodge Ram 50.

Authenticity:

Stated as the exact same manual used by dealership technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all models and repairs A-Z, providing 'everything you will ever need'.

User Experience:

Digital format (PDF) offers convenience, searchability, selective printing, and protection from wear and tear of physical manuals.

Instructional Quality:

Features complete step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics for ease of repair.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full service, repair, maintenance, diagnosis, and troubleshooting for the 1990 Dodge Ram 50.

Model Variants Covered:

All models and configurations of the 1990 Dodge Ram 50.

Estimated Page Count:

Not specified, but described as 'comprehensive' and 'everything you will ever need', suggesting a substantial volume.

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage including maintenance, repair, diagnosis, and specifications for engine systems.

Fuel System:

Includes fuel delivery, injection/carburetion, fuel tank, lines, and specifications.

Ignition Starting Charging:

Comprehensive coverage of ignition system components, starting motor, and charging system (alternator).

Transmission Automatic:

Service, diagnosis, repair, and specifications for automatic transmissions.

Transmission Manual:

Service, diagnosis, repair, and specifications for manual transmissions and clutch systems.

Drivetrain:

Covers transfer case, propeller shaft, drive shafts, differential, axles, and related components.

Suspension:

Detailed information on front and rear suspension systems, alignment, and components.

Steering:

Includes steering column, power steering system components, diagnosis, and repair.

Brakes:

Complete coverage of hydraulic brake system, parking brake, calipers, rotors/drums, lines, and master cylinder.

Cooling System:

Service and repair for radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, and hoses.

Lubrication System:

Details on engine oil, filter, and lubrication points.

Emission Control:

Information on emission control systems, components, and troubleshooting.

Air Conditioning:

Service and repair for the A/C system, refrigerant, and components.

Electrical System:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, lighting, and accessories.

Wiring Schematics:

Includes detailed wiring diagrams for all major systems, crucial for diagnosis.

Body Exterior:

Covers engine hood, doors, glass, mirrors, and exterior trim.

Body Interior:

Details on interior trim, seats, instrument panel, and related components.

Restraint Systems:

Information on seat belts and supplemental restraint systems (if applicable to the 1990 model).

Cruise Control:

Service and repair procedures for the cruise control system.

Wiper Washer:

Maintenance and repair for the windshield wiper and washer systems.

Meter Audio Visual:

Coverage for instrument cluster, gauges, and audio system components.

Multiplex Can Communication:

Details on multiplex communication systems and CAN bus architecture (if present).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures, service intervals, fluid checks, and adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common problems.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components and systems.

Diagnosis:

In-depth diagnostic procedures for electrical, mechanical, and fuel systems.

Disassembly Reassembly:

Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling various vehicle parts and sub-assemblies.

Adjustment:

Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, linkages, and other mechanical components.

Depth:

Factory level, vehicle-specific, A-Z coverage from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics. Not generic.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.

Printability:

All pages are printable, with the ability to enlarge images and print specific sections.

Binding:

Digital (PDF), no physical binding.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, user prints on desired paper).

Searchability:

Assumed searchable text within the PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Portability:

Easy to carry and use on a laptop or tablet in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1990:

Likely 2.4L Mitsubishi 4G64 I4, potentially a 3.0L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 in some configurations.

Horsepower 2 4L:

Approximately 113 hp @ 4900 rpm (estimated, may vary)

Torque 2 4L:

Approximately 137 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (estimated, may vary)

Horsepower 3 0L V6:

Approximately 143 hp @ 4500 rpm (estimated, may vary)

Torque 3 0L V6:

Approximately 165 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (estimated, may vary)

Fuel Delivery 4 Cyl:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Delivery V6:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Displacement 4 Cyl:

2.4 Liters (2351 cc)

Displacement V6:

3.0 Liters (2972 cc)

Bore X Stroke 4 Cyl:

86.5 mm x 100.0 mm (estimated)

Bore X Stroke V6:

91.1 mm x 76.0 mm (estimated)

Compression Ratio 4 Cyl:

8.7:1 (estimated)

Compression Ratio V6:

8.9:1 (estimated)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case:

Available with 2WD or 4WD. 4WD models likely feature a 2-speed transfer case.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)

Length:

Approx. 190.9 inches (4850 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Height:

Approx. 62.6 inches (1590 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3500 lbs (1360-1590 kg), varies by configuration.

Payload Capacity:

Varies by configuration, typically around 1000-1500 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1990:

N/A (No standardized NHTSA ratings available for this model year and era.)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) might have been optional on some later models or configurations, not standard.

Seat Belts:

Standard three-point seat belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear (if applicable).

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was not standard equipment on this model year.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM stereo radio with optional cassette player. Speaker configurations varied.

Cruise Control:

Optional, available on higher trim levels or as an aftermarket addition.

Connectivity Features:

No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports were integrated into factory systems of this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for exact specifications.

Engine Coolant Change:

Recommended every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24-36 months. Manual will specify coolant type.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual will specify fluid type (e.g., ATF+3 or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Recommended every 50,000-70,000 miles. Manual will specify gear oil type and viscosity.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid.

Common Issues 1990 Ram 50:

Rust on body panels (especially wheel arches and cab corners), potential ignition system issues, fuel injector or carburetor wear, exhaust system corrosion, clutch wear in manual transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Heritage:

Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust trucks, building upon its reputation for durability and utility.

Ram 50 Origin:

The Dodge Ram 50 was a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Forte compact pickup truck, sold in North America through a joint venture agreement between Chrysler (Dodge) and Mitsubishi.

Production Timeline:

The Ram 50 was produced from 1979 to 1996. The 1990 model represents the second generation, which ran from 1987-1996.

Manufacturing Location:

Assembled in Japan by Mitsubishi Motors, then exported for sale as Dodge vehicles.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Ratings:

N/A (As a rebadged model, it generally followed Mitsubishi's market reception. Specific awards for the 1990 Dodge Ram 50 are uncommon.)