🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500

Year:

2003

Generation Code:

Third Generation (DR/DH/D2)

Chassis Codes:

DR (1500 2WD), DH (1500 4WD), D2 (2500/3500)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, catering to a wide range of consumer and commercial needs.

Competitive Landscape 2003:

Competed directly with Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan.

Design Philosophy:

Known for its bold styling, robust construction, and a strong emphasis on towing and hauling capabilities.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information in a digital format, offering cost savings over physical manuals or dealership services.

Accessibility:

Accessible on any PC-based Windows or Mac operating system, facilitating widespread use.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, rebuilding, component replacement

Estimated Page Count:

Likely exceeds 2000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era and scope)

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Transmission:

45RFE/545RFE (4-speed Automatic), NV3500 (5-speed Manual), NV4500 (5-speed Manual), G56 (6-speed Manual), NV5600 (6-speed Manual)

Drivetrain:

Front and Rear Axles, Transfer Case (NV241, NV243, NV271, NV273)

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (IFS), Rear Leaf Spring Suspension, Steering System, Wheel Alignment

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes (2500/3500), Rear Drum Brakes (some 1500), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Parking Brake

Cooling System:

Radiator, Fan Clutch, Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Heater Core

Fuel System:

Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Lines

Exhaust System:

Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes

Electrical System:

Battery, Alternator, Starter, Ignition System, Lighting, Gauges, Fuses, Relays, Body Control Module (BCM)

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC System Components, Refrigerant System, Blower Motor, Controls

Emission Control Systems:

Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Oxygen Sensors, Catalytic Converter

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete schematics for all major electrical systems

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing procedures

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, electrical component repair

Rebuilding:

Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilding

Torque Specifications:

Crucial torque values for engine, chassis, and drivetrain components

Special Tools:

Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures

Depth:

Extensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes factory-level diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

High, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format)

Paper Recommendation:

Standard printer paper for printing.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1500:

3.7L Magnum V6

Optional Engine 1500:

4.7L Magnum V8

Performance Engine 1500:

5.7L HEMI V8

Diesel Engine 2500 3500:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Horsepower 3.7L V6:

215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 3.7L V6:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 4.7L V8:

260 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 4.7L V8:

330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 5.7L Hemi V8:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 5.9L Cummins:

250 hp @ 2700 rpm (Standard output)

Torque 5.9L Cummins:

460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (Standard output)

Injection Type Gasoline:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Injection Type Diesel:

Inline Injection Pump (VE-style for earlier models, P7100 for later, this manual likely covers the P7100 or a transition model)

Fuel Requirement Gasoline:

87 Octane Unleaded (recommended)

Fuel Requirement Diesel:

Diesel Fuel

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission 1500:

45RFE/545RFE (4-speed Automatic)

Standard Transmission 2500 3500 Manual:

NV3500 (5-speed Manual)

Optional Transmission 1500 Manual:

NV3500 (5-speed Manual)

Optional Transmission 2500 3500 Automatic:

48RE (4-speed Automatic - typically with Cummins)

Optional Transmission 2500 3500 Manual:

NV4500 (5-speed Manual), NV5600 (6-speed Manual - likely for higher torque applications), G56 (6-speed Manual - replacing NV5600)

Overdrive Gears:

Automatic transmissions typically feature overdrive for improved fuel economy. Manual transmissions offer various gear ratios suited for towing and highway cruising.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific weight varies by transmission model, e.g., 75W-90)

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (for NV243, NV271) or specific transfer case fluid (for NV241HD, NV273)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Mega Cab (4-door extended cab, introduced later in the generation)

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8.0 ft)

Gvwr Range:

Varies significantly by model (1500, 2500, 3500) and configuration, typically from ~7000 lbs to over 12000 lbs.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 4800 lbs to over 7000 lbs depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

Generally good for its class, but specific ratings can vary by year and configuration. Likely received 4 or 5 stars for frontal impact.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Typically rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' in frontal offset tests.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Available on some models/trims

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo, CD player (single or in-dash changer), optional cassette player, optional Infinity audio system.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Tow Haul Mode:

Available on automatic transmissions for optimized towing performance

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (check manual for specifics).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically 7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins, but check manual for specific recommendations.

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type and manufacturer recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Check manual for recommendations, often longer intervals.

Engine Oil Type Gasoline:

API SM or higher, viscosity 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine requirements).

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

API CJ-4 or equivalent, viscosity 15W-40 (check manual for specific Cummins requirements).

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange or similar long-life coolant.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, wheel bearings (especially on heavy-duty models), brake pads and rotors.

Engine Specific Concerns 4.7L V8:

Spark plug blowout in early models, potential head gasket issues if overheated.

Engine Specific Concerns 5.9L Cummins:

Lift pump failures, injector issues, potential for injector line vibration cracks. However, generally very robust.

Transmission Specific Concerns:

Overheating of automatic transmissions with heavy towing, wear on manual transmission synchros (especially reverse on NV4500/NV5600).

Suspension Concerns:

Front suspension wear due to vehicle weight and load capacity.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate established in 1981.

Third Generation Launch:

The third generation of the Ram pickup was launched for the 2002 model year, featuring a significantly redesigned exterior and interior, and introducing the HEMI engine option for 2003.

Key Updates For 2003:

Introduction of the legendary 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, and the availability of the Mega Cab body style in later years of the generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Primarily St. Louis (Missouri) Assembly Plant and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant (Mexico).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards General:

While specific awards for the 2003 model year might be sparse, the Ram platform generally received positive reviews for its capabilities and styling.

Engine Awards 5.7L Hemi:

The 5.7L HEMI V8 was widely praised for its power and sound, earning it a place on Ward's 10 Best Engines list in subsequent years.