Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY Mechanics, Independent Repair Shops, Fleet Maintenance
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with accurate, factory-level repair and maintenance procedures.
Information Source:
Based on official Dodge factory service documentation.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair
Specific Models Covered:
Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Transfer Case (4WD models)
Chassis:
Steering, Suspension (Front & Rear), Brakes (Hydraulic, ABS), Driveline, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Anti-theft Systems
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Safety Restraint Systems (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Tire Rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Scan Tool Usage, Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine overhauls, Transmission rebuilds, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repairs, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, Clearance measurements, Alignment specifications, Wiring schematics, Component locations
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, 5.7L HEMI V8 (introduced in 2003.5 for some models)
4.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4,500 rpm
4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 305 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
5.9L Cummins I6 Horsepower:
Approx. 250-275 hp @ 2,800 rpm (depending on rating)
5.9L Cummins I6 Torque:
Approx. 460-525 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm (depending on rating)
5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 345 hp @ 5,000 rpm
5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:
Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
4.7L Magnum V8 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
5.9L Cummins I6 Fuel System:
High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Injection
5.7L Hemi V8 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Transmission Options:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 48RE), 5-Speed Manual (NV3500, G56 for Cummins)
Transfer Case:
Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) 4WD System
48Re Transmission:
Heavy-duty automatic transmission used in 2500/3500 models, especially with the Cummins engine.
G56 Transmission:
Robust 6-speed manual transmission for Cummins models.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 7,000 lbs (1500) to over 13,000 lbs (3500)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,700 lbs to 7,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 out of 5 stars (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 out of 5 stars (for front and rear occupants)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags. Supplemental side airbags may be optional on some trims.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity audio system, and in-dash CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park assist system.
Trailer Wiring:
Pre-wired for trailer brake controller and trailer lighting.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on engine and oil type used (check manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
4.7L Magnum: ~100,000 miles (Platinum); 5.7L HEMI: ~100,000 miles (if original type); 5.9L Cummins: Varies by application.
Engine Oil 4.7L:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (or SAE 10W-30 if ambient temps are above 0°F)
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
API SN SAE 5W-20 (or SAE 5W-30 if 5W-20 not available)
Engine Oil 5.9L Cummins:
API CJ-4 SAE 15W-40 (or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic for cold weather)
Transmission Fluid 48Re:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV244/NV271/NV273 Transfer Case Fluid (or equivalent)
Coolant:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/150 Formula
Nod On Start Cumminss:
Some 5.9L Cummins engines may experience 'no-start' issues due to injector pump or fuel supply problems.
Transmission Issues:
Certain automatic transmissions (e.g., 48RE) can develop issues related to torque converter lock-up or solenoid failures.
Suspension Wear:
Common for heavy-duty trucks, front suspension components like ball joints and tie rod ends can wear prematurely with heavy use.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building tough and capable trucks.
Third Gen Redesign:
The 2003 model year represents the later part of the third generation (2002-2008), characterized by a significant redesign including a larger, bolder exterior and a more modern interior.
Hemis Introduction:
The introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine in mid-2003 was a significant powertrain upgrade.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico
