🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500

Model Years Covered:

2005

Platform:

DR/DH/D2

Generation Code:

Third Generation (2002-2008)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Target Audience:

Owners of 2005 Dodge Ram trucks seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics themselves, or professional mechanics.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for robust truck capabilities, strong towing and hauling capacities, comfortable ride for a truck, powerful V8 engine options.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides authorized repair information, enabling owners to save money on dealership service and extend the lifespan of their vehicle through proper maintenance and repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for 2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models.

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (2WD/4WD), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical, Body, Emissions, Diagnostics.

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2500 (estimated, based on typical comprehensive service manuals for this era and model range)

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection & carburetion where applicable), ignition system, emission control systems, starting and charging systems, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500, NV5600), automatic transmission (42RE, 44RE, 47RE, 48RE), transfer case (NV243, NV244, NV271, NV273), drive shafts, differentials (front & rear), axles, CV joints, U-joints.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent torsion bar or coil spring variants), rear suspension (leaf spring), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (model dependent), anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake system, hydraulic system, brake bleeding procedures.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power door locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, trailer wiring, body control module (BCM), fuse box locations and diagrams, relay functions.

HVAC Body:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and operation, body panels, doors, latches, hinges, glass, interior trim, bumpers, grille, tailgate.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, differential), spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt replacement, tire rotation.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, brake component replacement, suspension component repair/replacement, steering component repair/replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair, HVAC component replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for electrical system diagnostics, component testing procedures.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced diagnostics, and bodywork.

Detail Level:

Includes step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Portable Document Format (PDF). Searchable text, bookmarked chapters for easy navigation, printable pages.

Quality:

High-resolution digital scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and photographs.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

4.7L Magnum V8 (P-code)

Engine 1 Displacement:

4.7 Liters (285 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.93 in x 3.57 in (100 mm x 90.7 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Engine 1 Horsepower Est:

235 hp @ 4500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque Est:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

5.7L HEMI Magnum V8 (B-code)

Engine 2 Displacement:

5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.92 in x 3.07 in (99.5 mm x 77.9 mm)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Engine 2 Horsepower Est:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque Est:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Type:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (C-code)

Engine 3 Displacement:

5.9 Liters (359 cubic inches)

Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:

4.02 in x 4.72 in (102 mm x 120 mm)

Engine 3 Compression Ratio:

17.3:1

Engine 3 Horsepower Est:

305 hp @ 2900 rpm

Engine 3 Torque Est:

555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (4.7L, 5.7L), Diesel fuel (5.9L Cummins)

Fuel Delivery Gasoline:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

High-pressure common rail direct injection (Cummins)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1500:

4-speed Automatic (42RE or 44RE)

Transmission Type 2500 3500 Gas:

4-speed Automatic (47RE or 48RE)

Transmission Type 2500 3500 Diesel:

5-speed Manual (NV5600) or 4-speed Automatic (48RE)

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD (NV243, NV271) or Full-time 4WD (NV244) depending on model and configuration.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std Cab:

134.7 inches (3421 mm)

Wheelbase Crew Cab:

140.5 inches (3569 mm) or 160.5 inches (4077 mm)

Overall Length Est:

228.6 - 260.7 inches (5807 - 6622 mm)

Bed Length Options:

6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Gvwr 1500:

6,010 - 7,200 lbs (2726 - 3266 kg)

Gvwr 2500:

8,510 - 9,100 lbs (3860 - 4128 kg)

Gvwr 3500:

9,600 - 11,000 lbs (4354 - 4990 kg)

Curb Weight Est:

4,500 - 7,000 lbs (2041 - 3175 kg) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance Est:

3 stars (typically for 2WD models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Available (often as part of electronic stability control on later models, or simpler traction control systems)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side curtain airbags optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Base AM/FM radio, AM/FM with CD player, AM/FM with CD/MP3 player, premium Infinity sound systems available.

Navigation:

Factory navigation systems were optional on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Tow Haul Mode:

Available on automatic transmissions to optimize shifting for towing.

Trailer Wiring:

Standard 4-pin and optional 7-pin trailer connectors available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (e.g., HOAT).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic, depending on use. Manual transmission fluid every 60,000-100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Gasoline 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Engine Oil Gasoline 5.7L:

SAE 5W-20 (API certified)

Engine Oil Diesel 5.9L:

API CJ-4 or CI-4 PLUS SAE 15W-40 (preferred) or 5W-40 synthetic

Coolant:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

NV3500/4500: GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90. NV5600: Specific Mopar manual transmission fluid or equivalent.

Differential Fluid Front Rear:

SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) for standard differentials. Add friction modifier for limited-slip differentials.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4

Common Problems 4.7L:

Head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, valve spring failures, oil sludge issues if maintenance is neglected.

Common Problems 5.7L Hemi:

Valve spring recall issues (later models affected, but good to be aware), hemi tick (lifter noise), cylinder deactivation system issues.

Common Problems 5.9L Cummins:

Lift pump failure, injector issues, overheating (especially with heavy loads or towing), fan clutch issues.

Common Problems Transmission:

Overdrive clutch wear in 47RE/48RE, torque converter issues, manual transmission synchro wear.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering box play, worn sway bar links.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981 and became its own brand (Ram Trucks) in 2010.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2005 model year falls within the third generation (2002-2008), which introduced a significant redesign with a larger, more aggressive exterior, improved interior, and new powertrain options like the HEMI V8 and the Cummins turbodiesel.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Diesel Engine Award:

The 5.9L Cummins engine consistently received praise and awards for its durability and performance in the automotive press.

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

The Dodge Ram Pickup was named MotorTrend's Truck of the Year multiple times in its history, including for the 2003 model year of this generation.