Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing and hauling capability, spacious cabin, available 4x4.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the Dodge Ram 1500, offering detailed factory-level information.
Covered Models:
All Dodge Ram 1500 Series models
Covered Engines:
All engine variants for 1996-1997 Ram 1500
Covered Trims:
All trim levels (e.g., ST, SLT, Laramie)
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, emissions controls, engine electrical, automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body and paint, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system, electrical system (wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories, charging system, starting system), instrument panel, diagnostics, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), lubrication, tire rotation, battery maintenance.
Repair:
Engine overhaul/rebuild, transmission repair and replacement, brake system repair (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), steering system repair, exhaust system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, mechanical system diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, emissions system diagnostics.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures).
Engine 1:
5.2L Magnum V8 (318 ci)
Engine 1 Displacement:
5.2 Liters (318 Cubic Inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 ci)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.9 Liters (360 Cubic Inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3:
8.0L Magnum V10 (488 ci) - Available on some 1997 models
Engine 3 Displacement:
8.0 Liters (488 Cubic Inches)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V10, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 300 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs
Wheelbase Options:
131 inches (standard), 154.5 inches (long wheelbase)
Bed Length Options:
6.5 ft (standard bed), 8 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 6,000 - 6,500 lbs (for 1500 series)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not rated or 4-star (refer to specific year and configuration).
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not rated or 4-star (refer to specific year and configuration).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, optional 4-wheel ABS.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for center seating positions.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player, available premium audio systems.
Navigation:
Not available from factory.
Cruise Control:
Available cruise control.
Usb Aux:
Not available from factory.
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on driving conditions (severe service may require more frequent changes).
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ rated oil; viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on temperature (refer to manual).
Engine Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (typically orange/red for this era) or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Issues Engine:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, distributorless ignition system (DIS) coil pack failures, oil filter adapter leaks, piston slap (especially in colder temperatures).
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, torque converter issues, manual transmission synchronizer wear.
Common Issues Chassis:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, leaf spring issues, differential leaks.
Common Issues Electrical:
Instrument cluster problems (dead gauges, flickering), power window/lock failures, odometer failure.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with strength and utility.
2Nd Gen Ram Introduction:
The second-generation Ram (BR/BE platform) was introduced for the 1994 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling, a more powerful engine lineup (Magnum V6 and V8), and improved interiors. The 1500 series formed the backbone of this generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
Production Period:
1994-2001 (Second Generation Ram)
