🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 1500

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

DR

Vin Code:

R

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, professional mechanics, fleet managers.

Competitors:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

Ease Of Use:

Digital format allows for quick searching and access to information, often with hyperlinked sections.

Comprehensiveness:

Provides detailed instructions and specifications typically found in factory service manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for 2004 Dodge RAM 1500

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Official Licensing:

Officially Licensed

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carbureted and injected), emissions control.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM), sensors, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500) and automatic transmission (45RFE, 48RE) service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, and torque converter procedures.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive system, transfer case (NV243, NV244), front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, propeller shafts.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent, torsion bar), rear suspension (leaf spring), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckle, wheel bearings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc, drum), ABS system, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake.

Electrical Body:

Lighting system, wipers, horn, power windows, power door locks, interior and exterior lighting, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant types, charging procedures, compressor, evaporator, condenser.

Chassis Body:

Frame, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, cab configurations (Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Club Cab).

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, using diagnostic scan tools.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing procedures, pinpoint tests for electrical faults.

Alignment Procedures:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures for front and rear suspension.

Specifications And Tolerances:

All critical torque specifications, clearances, and tolerances for engine, transmission, suspension, and brake components.

Depth:

Extremely high, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Software (compatible with Windows OS)

Quality:

High-resolution digital pages, often printable.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8 (OHV)

3.7L V6 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 4800 rpm

3.7L V6 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

4.7L V8 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4800 rpm (early models), 240 hp @ 4800 rpm (later models)

4.7L V8 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (early models), 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (later models)

5.9L V8 Horsepower:

245 hp @ 4000 rpm

5.9L V8 Torque:

335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum (4.7L V8), Cast Iron (3.7L V6, 5.9L V8)

Bore Stroke 3.7L:

3.66 x 3.57 inches

Bore Stroke 4.7L:

3.70 x 3.37 inches

Bore Stroke 5.9L:

3.92 x 3.58 inches

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

NV3500 5-speed manual (likely with 3.7L V6 and some 4.7L V8 configurations)

Optional Transmission:

45RFE 4-speed automatic (common with 4.7L V8), 48RE 4-speed automatic (common with 5.9L V8), NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy-duty configurations)

Transfer Case:

NV243 Light Duty, NV244 Heavy Duty (part-time and full-time 4WD options)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

134.0 inches

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

140.5 inches

Wheelbase Crew Cab:

140.5 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (standard), 8.0 ft (long)

Curb Weight Range:

4,800 - 5,800 lbs (approximate, depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

6,300 - 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 out of 5 stars (varies by configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (some models)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette tape player, optional Infinity premium sound system, Sirius Satellite Radio available on some trims.

Navigation:

Optional dealer-installed or aftermarket navigation systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist system

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trims or as an option

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, consult manual for manual transmission intervals.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months for traditional coolant; longer intervals for extended life coolant (check manual).

Engine Oil Recommendation:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 for 3.7L and 4.7L (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 5.9L (check manual).

Transmission Fluid Atf 45Rfe:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Atf 48Re:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (orange color) or equivalent for vehicles originally equipped with OAT. Consult manual if vehicle originally had IAT.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron III compatible)

Typical Problems:

Water pump leaks, EGR valve issues (especially on 5.9L), plenum gasket leaks (4.7L V8), camshaft position sensor failures, radiator fan clutch failures, interior electrical gremlins.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building robust and capable trucks since the 1930s, with the 'RAM' nameplate becoming a distinct brand in 1993.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2004 model is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, which featured a significant redesign with a bolder exterior styling, improved interior, and updated powertrain options.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

The third-generation Ram platform generally received positive reviews for its styling and capabilities, though it did not win MotorTrend Truck of the Year in 2004 (that went to the Ford F-150).