🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Truck

Year:

2016

Platform Code:

DS/DJ (Ram 1500), D2 (Ram 2500/3500)

Chassis Code:

Ram Trucks became a separate brand in 2009, but this manual specifically covers the Dodge Ram generation of trucks up to this point for continuity.

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck, established leader in the domestic market, known for capability and versatility.

Competitors:

Ford F-Series (F-150, Super Duty), Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.

Strengths:

Robust powertrains (including HEMI and EcoDiesel), comfortable ride (especially Ram 1500), advanced coil spring suspension on 1500, excellent towing and hauling capabilities across all models.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information, enabling DIY mechanics and professional technicians to perform all maintenance and repairs accurately and efficiently.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Estimated Pages:

Over 3,000 pages (typical for a complete workshop manual of this scope)

Type:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (2016), 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.4L HEMI V8 (2500/3500)

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

68RFE 6-Speed Automatic (2500/3500), 845RE 8-Speed Automatic (1500), NV3500 6-Speed Manual (select 1500 trims)

Drivetrain:

4x2 and 4x4 systems, transfer case, drive shafts, axles (Dana M200/M220 for 1500, Dana M270/M300 for 2500/3500), differentials

Suspension:

Independent Front Suspension (IFS) on 1500 (coil or air springs), solid front axle on 2500/3500, rear suspension (leaf spring or multi-link coil spring/air suspension on 1500, leaf spring on 2500/3500)

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist

Steering:

Power steering (hydraulic on most, electric assist on select 1500 trims), steering gear, linkage

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control

Body:

Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, bed liners, tailgate

Safety Systems:

Airbag systems, seat belts, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) overview

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, common symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., spark plugs, belts, water pump), transmission overhauls, brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension component repair

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnostics

Body Repair:

Panel alignment, door hinge and latch repair, glass replacement

Specifications:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all major systems

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory service manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Ram 1500 Engine 1:

3.6L Pentastar V6

Ram 1500 Engine 1 Hp:

305 hp @ 6,350 rpm

Ram 1500 Engine 1 Torque:

269 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Ram 1500 Engine 2:

5.7L HEMI V8

Ram 1500 Engine 2 Hp:

395 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Ram 1500 Engine 2 Torque:

410 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm

Ram 1500 Engine 3:

3.0L EcoDiesel V6

Ram 1500 Engine 3 Hp:

240 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Ram 1500 Engine 3 Torque:

420 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 1:

5.7L HEMI V8

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 1 Hp:

383 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 1 Torque:

400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 2:

6.4L HEMI V8

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 2 Hp:

410 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 2 Torque:

429 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 3:

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (2500/3500)

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 3 Hp:

325 hp @ 2,800 rpm (2500), 370 hp @ 2,800 rpm (3500)

Ram 2500 3500 Engine 3 Torque:

660 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm (2500), 800 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm (3500)

Injection Type Gas:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Injection Type Diesel:

Common Rail Direct Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel fuel (ULSD for EcoDiesel and Cummins)

🔧 Transmission

Ram 1500 Transmission:

8-speed automatic 845RE (standard on most trims)

Ram 2500 3500 Transmission Standard:

6-speed automatic 68RFE (standard on most 2500/3500)

Ram 1500 Transmission Optional:

6-speed manual NV3500 (rare, select trims)

Ram 2500 3500 Transmission Optional:

6-speed manual G56 (optional on select 2500/3500)

Transmission Cooling:

Includes transmission fluid cooler (engine and/or auxiliary coolers depending on configuration)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Ram 1500:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 120.5" to 140.5")

Wheelbase Ram 2500 3500:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 140.2" to 160.0")

Bed Lengths:

Standard 6'4" and Long 8' bed options available for all models.

Curb Weight Ram 1500:

Approx. 4,775 lbs to 5,600 lbs

Gvwr Ram 2500:

Approx. 8,510 lbs to 8,800 lbs

Gvwr Ram 3500:

Approx. 9,900 lbs to 10,000 lbs (SRW) / 10,000 lbs to 11,500 lbs (DRW)

Towing Capacity Max:

Ram 1500: Up to 10,650 lbs; Ram 2500: Up to 18,350 lbs; Ram 3500: Up to 31,210 lbs (5th wheel)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating Ram 1500:

Generally 4-star overall rating (varies by configuration and year specifics)

IIHS Rating Ram 1500:

Good ratings in most crashworthiness tests, 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' for front crash prevention depending on equipment.

Active Safety Features:

Available Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, ParkView Rear Back Up Camera.

Passive Safety Features:

Advanced multi-stage front airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, advanced seat belt systems.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Uconnect System (available with touchscreens ranging from 5-inch to 8.4-inch), AM/FM/Satellite radio, CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth, USB/Auxiliary inputs.

Navigation:

Optional GPS Navigation integrated into Uconnect system.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning (some systems require specific packages).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB ports for device charging and media playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas Pentastar:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Oil Change Interval Gas Hemi:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months (EcoDiesel); Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (Cummins) - check specific conditions.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000-8,000 miles

Engine Oil Spec Pentastar:

SAE 0W-20 (Synthetic)

Engine Oil Spec Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (Synthetic, depending on application)

Engine Oil Spec Ecodiesel:

SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic, API CJ-4 or CK-4)

Engine Oil Spec Cummins:

SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or CK-4) or 5W-40 Synthetic

Transmission Fluid 845Re:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid 68Rfe:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Common Issues Ram 1500:

Water pump leaks (Pentastar V6), intermittent electrical issues, HEMI oil pressure issues (less common in 2016 models), tailgate issues, Uconnect system glitches.

Common Issues Ram 2500 3500:

DEF system issues (EcoDiesel/Cummins), EGR valve clogging (Cummins), potential for injector issues (Cummins), exhaust manifold leaks (Cummins), transmission cooler issues (68RFE).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Ram Trucks has a long lineage dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon of the 1940s. The Ram name was first introduced for Dodge trucks in 1981.

Generation 2009 2018:

The fourth-generation Ram (2009-2018) saw significant design changes, including the introduction of the Ram 1500 with coil-spring rear suspension and the expansion of the EcoDiesel engine option.

Assembly Locations:

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Auto Guid Awards:

Ram 1500 has historically received numerous awards, including multiple 'Truck of the Year' awards from various automotive publications. (Specific awards for 2016 model vary).

Motor Trend Awards:

Ram 1500 was named MotorTrend's Truck of the Year multiple times in previous generations, setting a high standard for the segment.

Towing Hauling Performance:

Consistently ranked among the best in its class for towing and payload capacities, especially in 2500 and 3500 configurations.