Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck (Class 2b)
Target Audience:
Professional tradespeople, fleet owners, RV enthusiasts, and individuals requiring robust towing and hauling capabilities.
Competitors:
Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD.
Strengths:
Renowned for its powerful engine options (especially the Cummins diesel), robust chassis, and superior towing/hauling capacity within its class.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis and repair procedures for gasoline (5.7L HEMI, 8.3L V10) and diesel (5.9L Cummins ISB) engines, including fuel system, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for manual (NV5600, G56) and automatic (48RE) transmissions, including clutch service and torque converter diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle service, transfer case operation and repair, driveshaft and U-joint maintenance, differential service, and 4WD system diagnosis.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system overhaul, ABS diagnosis and repair, parking brake adjustments, and hydraulic system bleeding procedures.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component inspection and replacement (ball joints, tie rods, control arms, leaf springs, shocks), power steering system diagnosis, and alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Body Control Module (BCM) functions, instrument cluster issues, lighting systems, and power accessory diagnostics.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator core replacement, heater core replacement, and climate control system troubleshooting.
Body:
Exterior and interior trim removal and installation, door panel service, tailgate operation, body panel alignment, and repair procedures for common damage.
Exhaust:
Exhaust system component replacement, muffler and catalytic converter service, and emissions system diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, and general upkeep.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting scan tool data, and performing electrical circuit testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting, and bodywork.
Quality:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download PDF)
Text Search:
Fully searchable text for quick access to information.
Expiry:
No expiry dates, perpetual access.
Gasoline 1:
5.7L V8 HEMI (345 CID)
Gasoline 1 Power:
345 hp @ 5200 rpm
Gasoline 1 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Gasoline 2:
8.3L V10 Viper (505 CID)
Gasoline 2 Power:
310 hp @ 4100 rpm
Gasoline 2 Torque:
500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Diesel 1:
5.9L Cummins ISB I6 Turbo Diesel (359 CID)
Diesel 1 Power:
325 hp @ 2900 rpm (approx.)
Diesel 1 Torque:
600 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (approx.)
Gasoline Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel System:
High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) direct injection
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for HEMI; Coil-on-plug for V10; Compression ignition for Diesel.
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostatically controlled fan.
Lubrication System:
Pressurized wet-sump lubrication system with oil pump and filter.
Standard Transmission:
NV5600 6-speed manual (standard on some diesel models)
Optional Transmission 1:
48RE 4-speed automatic (available on gasoline and diesel)
Optional Transmission 2:
G56 6-speed manual (became available during the model year)
Automatic Features:
Electronic overdrive, torque converter lock-up clutch.
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch.
Wheelbase Standard:
134.7 inches (3421 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
154.7 inches (3930 mm)
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (standard cab) and 8.0 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Gas:
Approx. 5,800 - 6,500 lbs
Curb Weight Diesel:
Approx. 6,500 - 7,200 lbs
Gvwr:
9,200 - 10,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gcwr:
Up to 20,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Driver Side Front:
Not Rated (Vehicle classification may preclude specific ratings)
NHTSA Passenger Side Front:
Not Rated
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Traction Control (ETC) available.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Radio Options:
Various AM/FM/CD and CD/MP3 player options. Some models offered satellite radio preparation.
Speaker System:
Standard 4 or 6-speaker systems, with premium Boston Acoustics available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Optional integrated trailer brake controller available for towing applications.
Auxiliary Input:
Limited connectivity options; no standard Bluetooth or USB inputs on base models.
Oil Change Gas:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on usage and oil type specified).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using appropriate diesel-specific oil).
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as specified by manufacturer for optimal performance and preventing injector issues.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on severe service conditions.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Gas Hemiv8:
API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic.
Engine Oil Diesel Cummins:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 PLUS SAE 15W-40 synthetic or conventional diesel engine oil.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Transmission Fluid Manual Nv5600:
GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.
Diesel Injectors:
Potential for injector failure in early 5.9L Cummins models; manual addresses testing and replacement.
Transmission Grinding:
Some manual transmissions (particularly the NV5600) may exhibit minor notchiness; manual covers adjustment and potential causes.
ABS Sensor Failure:
Wheel speed sensor failures can trigger ABS and traction control lights; manual details diagnostic procedures.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Diesel models can be prone to exhaust manifold cracks; manual provides torque specifications for tightening and replacement procedures.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Third Gen Ram:
The 2006 model is part of the third generation Ram trucks (2002-2008), which introduced a more modern interior, improved ride quality, and significant powertrain advancements, including the 5.7L HEMI.
Assembly Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.