🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Model Line:

Ram Pickup

Applicable Years:

2001, 2003, 2006

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Work truck, personal use, towing and hauling.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.

Engine Options:

Known for robust V8 engine options and towing capacity.

Durability:

Reputation for durability and ruggedness.

Cab Configurations:

Offered in various cab configurations (e.g., Regular Cab, Quad Cab).

Bed Lengths:

Available in different bed lengths.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

All gasoline engines, including diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), emissions control, starter, alternator, and related wiring diagrams.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions (if applicable).

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions, including diagnostics and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axles, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, and four-wheel-drive system operation.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), front and rear brake component service, bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment procedures, shock absorbers, springs.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, linkages, and troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics and repair.

Body And Frame:

Exterior body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis, and frame repair.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, and diagnostic procedures for all major systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components like engine, transmission, suspension parts, brake assemblies, etc.

Engine Rebuilding:

Complete engine overhaul procedures, including torque specifications, bearing clearances, and piston ring installation.

Transmission Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding automatic and manual transmissions.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line repair, ABS bleeding.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end service, power steering pump replacement, alignment adjustments.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Using wiring diagrams to diagnose and repair electrical faults, component testing.

Body And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, window regulator service, bumper replacement, interior trim fitting.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers diagnostics, repairs, and major overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Illustrations Diagrams:

Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographs.

Page Count Estimate:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals).

Version Compatibility:

Specific to 2001, 2003, and 2006 Dodge Ram models.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement 2001 2003:

Commonly included: 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (for Ram 2500/3500).

Engine Displacement 2006:

Commonly included: 4.7L Magnum V8 (with different outputs), 5.7L HEMI V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (for Ram 2500/3500).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 235-360 hp depending on engine and year.

Torque Range:

Approximately 295-555 lb-ft depending on engine and year (diesel torque is significantly higher).

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for gasoline engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (for gasoline engines), Diesel fuel (for Cummins diesel).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Typically a 5-speed manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500 for heavy duty) or 4-speed automatic transmission (42RE, 47RE, 48RE for heavy duty).

Transmission Type Optional:

Optional 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 45RFE for gasoline engines).

Transfer Case:

Part-time four-wheel-drive system (NV241 DHD, NV241 DLD) and full-time 4WD options available depending on trim.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Varies based on cab and bed configuration (e.g., approximately 130.5 inches for standard cab, 155.2 inches for Quad Cab).

Bed Length Options:

Commonly 6.3 ft (short bed) and 8.0 ft (long bed).

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 4,500 - 6,500 lbs depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity Range:

Up to 10,000+ lbs for properly equipped models, depending on engine and drivetrain.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (for 2001 models with specific configurations, varies).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (for 2001 models with specific configurations, varies).

ABS:

Standard on most models.

Traction Control:

Available on certain trims/options.

Airbags Front:

Driver and passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium sound systems.

Navigation:

Limited factory navigation systems available on higher trims or as optional equipment.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Trailer Brake Controller:

Optional or integrated on higher trims, especially for towing.

Power Windows Locks:

Available on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Check for specific recommendations, often less frequent.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type, typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for most gasoline engines (refer to manual for exact spec and API service classification like API SN/SP).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5-7 quarts depending on engine.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9227) for most automatic transmissions.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange.

Transmission Automatic Failure:

Some automatic transmissions (like the 45RFE and 47RE/48RE) can experience internal wear and solenoid issues, especially with high mileage or heavy use.

Radiator Cracking:

Plastic end tanks on radiators can crack over time.

Heater Core Leaks:

Heater core can develop leaks, requiring dashboard removal for replacement.

Power Steering Pump:

Can become noisy or leak with age.

Catalytic Converter Issues:

Can become clogged or fail over time, affecting performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

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

Third Generation Ram:

These model years fall into the third generation of the Dodge Ram (1994-2001, though refresh in 2002 for 2003 model year, and further updates for 2006). The 2001 model is late in the second generation, while 2003 and 2006 are part of the redesigned third generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While specific awards for these exact model years might vary, the Ram line consistently received positive reviews for its power and towing capabilities from automotive publications.