🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Pickup

Model Series:

1500, 2500, 3500, 4000

Model Year:

2003, 2004

Chassis Codes:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck market. The Dodge Ram trucks of this era were known for their robust construction, towing capability, and powerful engine options, positioning them as strong contenders against competitors like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350), Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan. The manual provides essential resources for maintaining and repairing these highly utilized work and personal vehicles.

Manual Features:

Extensive coverage across multiple models and powertrains, detailed illustrations and diagrams, comprehensive system coverage from engine to bodywork, factory repair procedures, fault finding guidance, and compatibility with modern operating systems.

Manual Purpose:

To provide technicians and DIY enthusiasts with the necessary information and procedures to diagnose, service, maintain, and repair the 2003-2004 Dodge Ram Pickup trucks.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 2003-2004 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4000 Pickup models (4x2 and 4x4 variants)

Engine Variants Covered:

3.7L V6 MPI, 4.7L V8 MPI, 5.7L V8 SMPI HEMI, 5.9L 6-cyl Turbo Diesel, 5.9L 6-cyl Turbo Diesel High Output, 8.0L V10 MPI, 5.9L V8 SMPI (Light Duty).

Transmission Variants Covered:

4-speed Automatics: 46RE, 45RFE, 47RE, 48RE. 5-speed Manuals: NV3500, NV4500. 6-speed Manual: NV5600.

Page Count:

2895

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all Windows and Mac computers (Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, macOS, Linux)

Architecture:

32-bit and 64-bit

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Complete engine service, MPI/SMPI systems, fuel injection, emission control systems, ignition system, starting system, charging system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine mechanical (cylinder head, cylinder block, timing chain, camshaft, crankshaft, pistons, rings), partial engine components

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmissions (46RE, 45RFE, 47RE, 48RE), Manual transmissions (NV3500, NV4500, NV5600), transmission valve body, torque converter clutch, transmission control cable, gearbox service, removal and installation, manual transaxle system

Drivetrain Systems:

Front and rear axle hub, front and rear axle beam, front differential oil seal, front drive shaft, drive shaft, U-joint service, CV joint service, rear axle hub

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension system, rear suspension system, front suspension arm, front and rear shock absorber, front and rear coil spring, front stabilizer bar, front and rear wheel alignment, steering system, power steering, steering column, steering sensor

Brakes:

Brake system, brake pedal, brake master cylinder, brake fluid, brake booster, brake actuator, front and rear brake servicing procedures

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, wire harness repair, ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting system, supplemental restraint system (SRS), air bag systems (front, side, curtain, passenger), seat belt warning system, instrument panel, combination meter, instrument panel components, audio & visual system, power window control system, power door lock control system, power mirror control system, sunroof system, anti-theft system, yaw rate sensor, skid control sensor, knock sensor, speed sensor front, camshaft position sensor, steering sensor

Body Exterior:

Body repair, front bumper, rear bumper, front door, rear door, hood, back door, back door glass, roof headlining, roof drip side finish molding, front fender panel mudguard, side mudguard, windshield glass, windshield wiper system, rear wiper system, sun roof system, exterior mirrors

Heating Cooling:

Heater & Air Conditioner system, heater radiator assembly, air conditioning system, air conditioning blower assembly, air conditioner refrigerant handling, and heater or boost ventilator control.

Fuel Emissions:

Fuel system, fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injector, fuel filter. Emission control systems including charcoal canister, and specific emission control procedures relevant to the gasoline and diesel engines.

Interior Components:

Instrument panel, interior rear view mirror, seat belt, seat, front and rear speaker, roof headlining, center cluster module switch, cigarette lighter assembly, horn button assembly

General Repairs:

Factory repair procedures, fault finding, troubleshooting, component removal and installation, clutch removal and installation, gearbox service, removal and installation, exhaust system service, timing chain service, brake servicing procedures, U-joint service procedures, CV joint service procedures

Maintenance:

Factory maintenance schedules, lubrication system, fluid specifications, tire and wheel maintenance, wiper rubber replacement, washer system service

Component Specific Procedures:

Detailed procedures for components like: Cylinder Head Assy, Cylinder Head, Cylinder Block Assy, Engine Mechanical, Oil Pump, Oil Filter, Camshaft, Crankshaft, Piston, Connecting Rod, Exhaust Pipe, Exhaust System, Radiator Assy, Thermostat, Water Pump Assy, Ignition System components, Starting System components (Starter Assy, Starter Switch), Charging System components (Generator Assy), CV Joint, Wheel and Tire System, Steering System components (Steering Column, Steering Sensor, Power Steering components), Suspension components (Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings).

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component-level repair, and complete system overhauls. Includes detailed illustrations, diagrams, and photos.

Diagnostic Information:

Includes troubleshooting guides and fault finding sections for various systems, helping to diagnose common problems based on symptoms. Wiring diagrams are a critical part of this diagnostic capability.

Specifications Data:

Detailed specifications are provided for virtually every component, including torque specifications for fasteners, engine dimensions, bearing clearances, gear ratios, wheel alignment angles, tire pressures, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (assuming standard PDF creation)

Printability:

Printable pages

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.7L V6 MPI Gasoline, 4.7L V8 MPI Gasoline, 5.7L V8 SMPI Gasoline (HEMI), 5.9L 6-cyl Turbo Diesel, 5.9L 6-cyl Turbo Diesel High Output, 8.0L V10 MPI Gasoline, 5.9L V8 SMPI Gasoline (Light Duty - likely referring to a specific Ram 1500 variant, potentially the 360cid engine).

Horsepower Torque:

Specifications for horsepower and torque will vary significantly by engine. For example, the 5.7L HEMI V8 is known for its strong performance, producing approximately 345-375 hp and 375-410 lb-ft of torque depending on the specific tuning for 2003-2004. Diesel engines would offer higher torque figures for towing. Detailed specifications are within the manual.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (SMPI) for the HEMI and potentially other gasoline engines. Turbocharged direct injection for diesel engines. Includes fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, and fuel tank service.

Cooling System Components:

Radiator assembly, cooling fan system, water pump assembly, thermostat, engine coolant, heater radiator assembly. Proper coolant type and capacity are detailed.

Engine Maintenance:

Valve clearance adjustment, spark plug replacement, oil filter and oil change procedures, drive belt inspection and replacement. Specific torque values for critical engine components are provided.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

The manual covers a wide range of transmissions: 4-speed Automatics (46RE, 45RFE, 47RE, 48RE) and 5-speed (NV3500, NV4500) and 6-speed (NV5600) Manual transmissions. Specific transmission codes provided are DGT, DG4, DGP, DG8, DDC, DDP, DEE respectively.

Transmission Variants:

Different transmissions were likely standard or optional based on engine and trim level. For instance, the NV5600 6-speed manual was typically found in heavy-duty applications with diesel engines.

Transmission Service:

Includes transmission valve body service, torque converter clutch operation and service, transmission fluid type and capacity (e.g., ATF+4 for automatics, specific gear oil for manuals), shift and select lever shaft adjustments, and full removal/installation procedures.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab). Available in various bed lengths (e.g., 6.3 ft, 8 ft).

Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings:

GVWR varies significantly by model (1500, 2500, 3500) and configuration, ranging from approximately 6,300 lbs to over 10,000 lbs. Curb weights and payload capacities are model-dependent and detailed within the manual.

Towing Capacity:

Towing capacities are substantial for this generation of Ram trucks, especially for 2500 and 3500 models with diesel engines and appropriate towing packages. These figures can exceed 10,000 lbs and are specified by the manufacturer based on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA ratings for 2003-2004 models would require consulting official databases, but this generation of trucks generally performed adequately in frontal and side impact tests for its era. The manual details the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components.

Active Safety:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard or optional depending on the model and year. Skid control sensors are mentioned, indicating potential integration with traction control or stability control systems on higher trims or later models, though these were less common in 2003-2004 for heavy-duty pickups.

Passive Safety:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), seat belts with pretensioners, side impact door beams. The manual extensively covers the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), including side airbags, curtain airbags, and air bag sensors (front, rear, side, center).

💡 Technology Features

Audio Visual System:

Base models featured AM/FM radios with cassette or CD players. Higher trims offered premium audio systems, potentially with multi-disc CD changers, and some early integration of satellite radio or navigation systems might have been available as options or dealer-installed accessories. The manual covers Radio Receiver Assembly and associated components.

Driver Aid Features:

ABS was the primary driver assistance feature widely available. Advanced electronic stability control systems were not as prevalent in heavy-duty trucks of this era as they are today. The manual mentions Yaw Rate Sensor and Skid Control Sensor, suggesting some level of advanced chassis monitoring was present.

Connectivity Features:

No advanced smartphone integration or Bluetooth connectivity typical of modern vehicles. Connectivity would be limited to basic audio inputs if equipped with aftermarket options or specific factory radio features. The manual details the antenna system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typical oil change intervals for gasoline engines would be every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Diesel engines might have longer intervals (e.g., 7,500-10,000 miles) or specific schedules based on oil analysis. Consult the manual's factory maintenance schedules for precise recommendations.

Transmission Fluid:

For automatic transmissions (46RE, 47RE, 48RE), ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602) is typically specified. For the 45RFE, a specific Chrysler ATF is usually recommended. Manual transmissions require specific gear oil grades (e.g., GL-3 or GL-4 for NV series transmissions). Engine oil grades vary by engine (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-30 for gasoline, 15W-40 for diesel).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is typically specified for the hydraulic brake system. Always use the correct type to ensure proper braking performance and system longevity.

Common Wear Items:

Potential common wear items for this generation include ball joints, tie rod ends, u-joints, exhaust system components (due to heat and environment), and water pumps. Diesel engines may experience injector issues or turbocharger wear over time. Automatic transmission solenoids or valve bodies can sometimes be a point of concern.

Key Checks:

Regular checks of all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), tire pressure and wear, brake pad thickness, suspension component condition, and belt/hose condition are crucial for preventative maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981 and became a distinct brand (Ram Trucks) under Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) in 2009. The third generation (2002-2008) represented a significant redesign with a more aggressive styling and a focus on increased capability.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2003-2004 models are part of the third generation (2002-2008), known as the 'DR' platform. This generation saw the introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, a redesigned chassis with a more isolated ride, and updated interior amenities. The manual covers key aspects of this significant update.

Manufacturing Locations:

Dodge Ram trucks were primarily manufactured in the United States, with key assembly plants including Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While specific awards for the 2003-2004 models need verification, the Dodge Ram lineup has consistently received accolades for its performance, towing capabilities, and styling. Competitors in this segment often vie for 'MotorTrend Truck of the Year' or similar industry recognitions. The manual provides the technical foundation to maintain these awarded vehicles.