Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, catering to commercial users, fleet owners, and individuals requiring towing and hauling capabilities.
Competitors:
Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust diesel engine offering high torque for towing and hauling, durable chassis construction, spacious cabin options, proven reliability in demanding applications.
Primary Coverage:
Features and controls, maintenance and service schedules, DIY activities, towing and safety considerations.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive owner's manuals).
Format:
Electronic (likely PDF, inferred from 'electronic v......')
Powertrain:
Engine operation and basic care, transmission operation and basic care.
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension operation and basic care.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting, power accessories, basic electrical system overview.
Body And Interior:
Seats, climate control, door locks, windows, mirrors, interior features.
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-theft features.
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations.
Do It Yourself:
Basic maintenance tasks, such as checking and topping off fluids, replacing wipers, jump-starting the battery.
Towing:
Information on towing capacities, trailer brake controller setup (if equipped), proper trailer hookup and weight distribution.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on flat tire changes, emergency braking, basic troubleshooting of warning lights.
Depth:
Covers routine owner maintenance, operation of vehicle features, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in service manuals.
Digital Format:
PDF (likely, searchable and printable)
Quality:
N/A (as it's an electronic version, but assumes original manufacturer print quality).
Binding:
N/A (as it's an electronic version, but original manual would be perfect bound or saddle-stitched).
Paper:
N/A (as it's an electronic version, but original manual would be printed on durable paper stock).
Engine Type:
Turbodiesel Inline-6 (Cummins)
Engine Displacement:
5.9 Liter (359 cubic inches)
Engine Code:
Commonly referred to as the '24-valve Cummins' or ISB.
Horsepower:
Approximately 305-325 hp (depending on specific configuration/tuning).
Torque:
Approximately 555-610 lb-ft (depending on specific configuration/tuning).
Injection System:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI).
Fuel Filter:
Specific part numbers would be detailed in the manual for OEM replacement.
Coolant Type:
Typically a Heavy-Duty Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, often red or orange. Manual will specify exact Chrysler/Cummins approved coolant.
Transmission Type:
NV5600 6-speed manual transmission or 48RE 4-speed automatic transmission.
Transmission Type:
48RE 4-speed automatic transmission (if NV5600 was standard for specific trims).
Fluid Type Manual:
NV5600 typically uses manual transmission fluid (MTF) meeting specific viscosity and GL ratings (e.g., GL-3 or GL-4, specific to NV5600).
Fluid Type Automatic:
48RE typically uses ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (extended cab), Mega Cab (crew cab).
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by cab and bed length (e.g., 134.2", 140.5", 154.7", 160.5", 177.4").
Gvwr:
Typically in the 10,000 - 11,500 lbs range depending on configuration (e.g., 2500 or 3500 series).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, often in the 6,000 - 7,500 lbs range.
Payload Capacity:
Designed for significant payload, typically 2,000 - 4,000+ lbs depending on GVWR and configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 10,000 - 12,000+ lbs, depending on chassis, axle ratio, and configuration (5th wheel/gooseneck options increase this).
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Specific ratings for 2004 models would need to be verified via NHTSA archives, but generally comparable to competitors of its era. Frontal impact ratings are key.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Traction Control:
Available on some models, depending on trim and options.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Side curtain airbags were not standard or widely available on these models.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, including height-adjustable shoulder belts for front occupants.
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats (where applicable).
Audio System:
Base AM/FM radio with CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system.
Navigation:
Not typically factory-installed on base models, aftermarket options common.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Trailer Brake Controller Prep:
Often available as an option or pre-wired for aftermarket installation.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change reminder system. Diesel engines often have longer intervals than gasoline.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Recommended around 15,000 - 20,000 miles, crucial for diesel engine longevity.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Typically at 100,000 miles initially, then every 50,000 miles or as specified by coolant type.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic: ~50,000 - 60,000 miles. Manual: Less frequent, often inspected. Manual will detail specific checks.
Engine Oil Spec:
API CI-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common. Manual will specify precise viscosity and API category.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) with filter change for the 5.9L Cummins.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 23.9 quarts (22.6 liters).
Common Wear Items:
Water pump, alternator, ball joints, steering components, exhaust manifold (cracking is a known but not universal issue on some Cummins engines of this era).
Diesel Specific Concerns:
Injection pump reliability (VP44 on earlier models, though 2004 likely uses common rail), fuel injector wear, turbocharger maintenance, EGR valve operation (if equipped), glow plug system.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, often positioned as powerful workhorses.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2004 Ram Diesel is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, which introduced significant styling and mechanical updates, including a coil-spring rear suspension on some models for improved ride quality.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan.
Diesel Engine Recognition:
The 5.9L Cummins engine itself has a strong reputation for durability and performance, often lauded by automotive journalists and diesel enthusiasts.
Tow Vehicle Awards:
While specific awards for the 2004 Ram Diesel might be rare, the Ram Heavy Duty line consistently ranks well in terms of towing capability and overall truck functionality.
