Category:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Segment:
Full-Size Pickup
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Distinctive Attributes:
Robust construction, powerful engine options (including HEMI V8 and Cummins Diesel), versatile utility for work and personal use.
Purpose Of Manual:
To provide comprehensive guidance for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all major systems.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/Non-ABS), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting, Instruments, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, HVAC System, Cooling System, Air Conditioning
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, blower motor, controls, refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Fuel tanks, fuel pumps, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel filters (including diesel particulate filter for later models/emissions standards).
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, System Diagnosis & Repair, Overhaul Procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, diagnostic procedures for all major electrical systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system troubleshooting, and bodywork repairs.
Common Petrol Engine 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (235 hp @ 4500 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)
Common Petrol Engine 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (345 hp @ 5000 rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - Introduced 2003
Common Diesel Engine:
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (250-345 hp, 450-610 lb-ft torque, depending on configuration)
Horsepower Range:
235 hp - 345 hp (petrol), 250 hp - 345 hp (diesel)
Torque Range:
295 lb-ft - 375 lb-ft (petrol), 450 lb-ft - 610 lb-ft (diesel)
Petrol Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Diesel Injection:
High-pressure Common Rail Direct Injection (Cummins ISB)
Engine Code Example 4.7L:
EVC, EVG
Engine Code Example 5.7L Hemi:
EHD, EHE
Engine Code Example 5.9L Cummins:
Different specific codes based on HP/torque output and emission standards.
Common Petrol Transmission 1:
4-speed automatic (45RFE/48RE)
Common Diesel Transmission:
5-speed manual (NV5600), 4-speed automatic (47RE/48RE)
Manual Transmission:
6-speed manual (G56) for later models with 5.9L Cummins
4Wd System:
Part-time 4WD with electronic transfer case shift or manual transfer case lever.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity dependent on model and temperature)
Wheelbase Options:
131.3 inches (standard cab), 140.5 inches (club cab/quad cab), 160.5 inches (mega cab)
Overall Length Approx:
229.7 - 260.7 inches (depending on cab and bed configuration)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 feet (short bed), 8.0 feet (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 5,000 lbs to 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Range:
6,000 lbs to 13,000 lbs (depending on model designation - 1500, 2500, 3500)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (for models tested)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most models, with variations between 1500 and heavier duty trucks.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, more common on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Side curtain airbags became available on later models and higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Available Features:
CD player, AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, Sirius Satellite Radio, optional Infinity sound system.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were an option on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system available on some trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not commonly available; later models may have offered basic auxiliary audio inputs.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Optional integrated trailer brake controller on certain configurations.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500-15,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil quality and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Engine Oil Petrol 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN/SN PLUS, ILSAC GF-5 (check manual for exact spec, some early models used 10W-30)
Engine Oil Diesel 5.9L Cummins:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 PLUS (e.g., Shell Rotella T Triple Protection 15W-40 recommended)
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolant, typically pink or orange (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula)
Common Complaint 1:
Age-related wear on suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings)
Common Complaint 2:
Heater core leaks (particularly on the 5.7L HEMI engine)
Common Complaint 3:
Power steering pump whine or leaks
Common Complaint 4:
Fuel pump failures, particularly in warmer climates.
Common Complaint 5:
5.9L Cummins: Injector issues, grid heater failures, and occasional turbocharger problems (though generally very reliable).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate originating in 1981.
Generation Transition:
The 2002-2008 models represent the third generation of the Ram pickup, introduced with a significant redesign featuring a more aggressive and distinctive 'crosshair' grille and updated chassis.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly plants in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.
Sales Performance:
Consistently one of the best-selling full-size pickup trucks in North America during its production run.
Major Truck Awards:
While specific awards vary annually, the Dodge Ram consistently received positive reviews for its styling, powertrain options (especially the HEMI and Cummins), and towing/hauling capabilities within its segment.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by model year and specific powertrain, generally considered average to slightly below average for the brand during these years, with the Cummins diesel typically rated higher.
