🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Pickup / Ramcharger

Year:

1990

Engine Type Covered:

Diesel

Generation Code:

Second Generation (BR/BE)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics of 1990 Dodge Ram Pickup and Ramcharger models equipped with diesel engines, offering professional-grade repair information.

Competitive Analysis:

Provides factory-level accuracy and comprehensiveness, exceeding generic repair guides by offering detailed schematics, procedures, and technical data specific to the diesel variants.

Key Features:

Instant digital access, high-quality printable pages, comprehensive system coverage, detailed diagrams, and troubleshooting guides.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, home mechanics, enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge for repair and maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

North America

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (printable)

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Manual Scope:

Factory Full Service, Repair, and Technical Data Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems, turbocharger (if applicable).

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, service procedures.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, disc/drum brake servicing, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, diagnostics.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, instrumentation, fuses, relays, diagnostic procedures.

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, interior trim, glass, doors, tailgate, frame straightening (if applicable).

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant specifications, component replacement.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (if applicable), emissions control.

Wheels And Tires:

Tire rotation, balancing, wheel specifications, bolt patterns.

Fuel System Diesel:

Injection pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel filters, lift pump, pre-heating system (glow plugs).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including complete disassembly and reassembly.

Technical Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, specifications for all adjustable components, fluid capacities.

Engine Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, fault code interpretation (if applicable to OBD-I systems of the era), sensor testing procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing, continuity checks, voltage drop testing.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential service, and major component replacement.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of all systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (searchable, printable)

Zip Requirement:

May require unzipper for larger files.

Print Quality:

High Quality (printable pages)

Binding Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Or Family:

Likely Cummins 6BT (5.9L) or potentially a Chrysler/Perkins derivative, depending on specific market and configuration. Manual would detail the specific diesel engine(s) offered.

Horsepower Range:

Typical for the era, likely in the 160-200 HP range, with significant torque. Manual will provide precise figures.

Torque Range:

Expected to be high, in the 400-450 lb-ft range, emphasizing towing and hauling capability. Manual will provide precise figures.

Fuel System Type:

Bosch VE Rotary Injection Pump or P7100 Inline Injection Pump (for Cummins). Manual will detail specific system, including injectors, glow plugs, and fuel filters.

Fuel Type:

Diesel Fuel

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator, fan, water pump, and thermostat. Manual will specify coolant type and capacity.

Oil Type And Capacity:

Manual will specify API CG-4 or CD-II rated diesel engine oil, and capacity (likely 10-12 quarts/liters).

Emission Control Features:

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, potentially catalytic converter depending on market. Manual will detail system components and service.

Engine Displacement Liters:

Likely 5.9 Liters (359 cubic inches) for Cummins variant. Manual confirms exact displacement.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

Likely a manual transmission (e.g., New Process NP435 or Getrag G360) for base models. Manual will detail specific models.

Optional Transmission Type:

Automatic transmission (e.g., Chrysler A727 or AOD variants adapted for diesel). Manual will detail specific models and their operation.

Transmission Fluid Specifications:

Manual will specify appropriate ATF (for automatic) or gear oil (for manual) and capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Various options available, including standard cab, club cab, and long bed configurations. Manual will list specific dimensions.

Overall Length Range:

Significant variation based on cab and bed configuration. Manual will provide detailed specs.

Curb Weight Range:

Heavy-duty construction, typically ranging from 4,500 to 6,000+ lbs depending on configuration. Manual will provide Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR).

Towing Capacity Range:

High towing capacity, designed for heavy loads. Manual will specify maximum towing capacity based on configuration and equipment.

Axle Weight Ratings:

Manual will detail front and rear axle weight ratings (GAWR).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Information on safety ratings from the era (e.g., NHTSA/IIHS) might be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Manual focuses on repair and maintenance.

Active Safety Features:

Standard braking system, power steering. ABS may have been an option. Manual covers their repair and maintenance.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts, reinforced body structure. Manual will detail seat belt adjustments and interior component repair.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player. Manual covers removal and installation of audio components.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to power steering and braking systems. No modern electronic driver assistance features.

Connectivity Features:

Not applicable. No on-board computers or external connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months for diesel, depending on operating conditions. Manual will provide precise intervals and oil specifications.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Around 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, and potentially longer for manual. Manual will specify.

Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:

Regular replacement recommended, often every 15,000-30,000 miles, especially crucial for diesel. Manual will detail.

Engine Coolant Type:

Green conventional ethylene glycol based coolant. Manual will specify type and mixture ratio (e.g., 50/50).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid. Manual will confirm and specify capacity.

Power Steering Fluid:

Manual will specify type (likely ATF or dedicated power steering fluid) and capacity.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Manual will specify type and capacity for 4WD models.

Common Diesel Issues:

Potential for injector pump issues, glow plug reliability, vacuum pump leaks, and cooling system component wear. Manual provides diagnostics for these.

Common Truck Issues:

Rust on body panels (especially lower areas), wear in suspension components (ball joints, bushings), potential for electrical connector corrosion. Manual addresses these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage Context:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged trucks, with the Ram line becoming an iconic nameplate known for durability and capability.

Model Evolution Context:

The 1990 model represents the second generation of the Dodge Ram, a significant redesign from its predecessors, focusing on improved aerodynamics and a more modern appearance. The introduction of Cummins diesel engines solidified its reputation for heavy-duty performance.

Production Locations:

Primary manufacturing facilities for Dodge trucks were located in North America (e.g., Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri).