Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Key Selling Points:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, distinctive styling, improved ride and handling over previous generation
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions
Capability:
Designed for heavy-duty work, towing, and off-road use
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, exhaust, engine diagnostics
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, clutch, driveline
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front independent and solid axle rear), steering, brakes (ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, power accessories, diagnostic tools
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, airbags
Maintenance Procedures:
Fluid changes, filter replacement, lubrication, inspections, tune-ups
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, overhaul, troubleshooting
Diagnostic Procedures:
Trouble code diagnosis, circuit testing, component testing, use of scan tools
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including electronic control module (ECM) strategies and sensor data analysis
Repair Detail:
Comprehensive, step-by-step repair instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and special tool requirements
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Engine Displacement 1500:
4.7L V8 Magnum (PZEV optional)
Engine Displacement 2500/3500:
5.7L V8 HEMI, 8.3L V10 Viper (SRT-10), 5.9L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Hp 4.7L V8:
Approx. 235-245 hp (varies slightly by year/calib.)
Torque 4.7L V8:
Approx. 295-305 lb-ft (varies slightly by year/calib.)
Hp 5.7L Hemi V8:
Approx. 345-360 hp
Torque 5.7L Hemi V8:
Approx. 375-395 lb-ft
Hp 5.9L Cummins Diesel:
Approx. 305-325 hp
Torque 5.9L Cummins Diesel:
Approx. 555-600 lb-ft
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel for Cummins
Standard Transmission 1500:
4-speed automatic (42RLE)
Standard Transmission 2500/3500:
5-speed manual (NV4500) or 4-speed automatic (47RE/48RE)
Optional Transmission 1500:
6-speed manual (Getrag/New Venture Gear) on some configurations
Optional Transmission 2500/3500:
5-speed automatic (545RFE) on some configurations
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD (NV271/NV273) or Full-time 4WD (NV244/NV273 with electronic control) available
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
134.5 inches
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
140.5 inches
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
160.5 inches
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,800 - 7,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 10,500 lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (4x2), 3-star (4x4) (Frontal crash 4-star, Side crash 5-star)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Some models may feature an auxiliary audio input.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months (check manual for specifics)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 6 months (check manual for specifics)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually
Engine Oil Gasoline V8:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or later)
Engine Oil Diesel Cummins:
API CJ-4 or CK-4, SAE 15W-40 (check for specific recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Auto 42Rle/47Re/48Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on transmission model, e.g., NV4500)
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT (Orange)
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some reports of hard shifting in automatic transmissions, especially with the 42RLE.
Wiper Motor Failure:
Occasional reports of wiper motor failure.
Power Window Regulator Issues:
Can experience issues with power window regulators.
Cummins Injector Tube Seals:
Some early 5.9L Cummins models could develop leaks around injector tube seals.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks since the 1930s.
Third Gen Redesign:
Major overhaul from the second generation, featuring a significantly stronger frame, updated suspension, and modern powertrains. Styling cues from the previous generation were retained but updated.
Development Period:
1996-1998 (styling finalized)
Unveiling Date:
February 7, 2001 (2001 Chicago Auto Show)
Model Year Debut:
2002 (1500 models), 2003 (2500 and 3500 models)
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA
