Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet owners, towing and hauling enthusiasts, serious off-roaders.
Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD.
Vehicle Focus:
Exceptional towing and payload capacity, robust construction, proven reliability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.
General:
Full Service and Repair
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM), HVAC Controls, Audio Systems
Body:
Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, Body Panels, Bumpers
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Estimated Pages:
Over 2000
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnostics, component testing, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions controls.
Transmission Service:
Overhaul procedures, fluid service, component replacement for automatic and manual transmissions.
Brake System:
ABS diagnosis and repair, brake fluid bleeding, caliper and rotor replacement, parking brake service.
Suspension And Steering:
Ball joint replacement, tie rod end service, power steering system diagnostics, shock absorber and strut replacement.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing, module diagnosis, starter and alternator service.
Body And Trim:
Door panel removal, seat adjustment mechanisms, bumper replacement, glass sealing.
Cooling System:
Radiator and hose replacement, thermostat service, fan clutch diagnosis.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump replacement, fuel filter service, fuel tank diagnostics.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability, starting, and electrical issues.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, differential service, brake system overhauls.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for electrical faults using wiring diagrams and diagnostic tools.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing nearly every component on the vehicle.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for all fasteners critical to safety and performance.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Diagnostic Codes:
Coverage of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their specific interpretations for this model.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-resolution, color-coded wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Engine Code:
8.3L V10 OHV (SOHC for 24v, but V10 is OHV)
Engine Name:
Viper V10 (for gasoline variant)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine Code:
5.7L V8 OHV (HEMI)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV) with HEMISPHERICAL Combustion Chambers
Engine Code:
5.9L L6 OHV (Cummins Turbo Diesel)
Configuration:
Inline-6 (L6)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 24 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Gasoline Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection Type:
High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR)
Type:
6-Speed Manual (NV5600 for Cummins, G56 for later 5.9L Cummins)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (48RE for Cummins, 47RE for Gas V8, potentially others for V10)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (545RFE for some gas engines)
Drivetrain:
Part-time 4WD standard, Full-time 4WD optional on some configurations.
Length In:
Approximately 230-250 (varies by cab and bed configuration)
Width In:
Approximately 79.9
Height In:
Approximately 75.1-77.7 (varies by configuration)
Wheelbase In:
Approximately 140.5 (2WD), 134.1 (4WD Regular Cab), 162.1 (4WD Quad Cab)
Curb Weight Lb:
Approximately 5,500 - 7,500 (varies significantly by engine and configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lb:
Approximately 8,510 - 9,500
Max Towing Capacity Lb:
Up to 12,100
Max Payload Capacity Lb:
Up to 3,400
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
Good
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
Good
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD players, premium audio systems with subwoofer options.
Navigation:
Aftermarket navigation units commonly installed.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Provision for factory or aftermarket trailer brake controller installation.
Power Outlets:
12V accessory power outlets.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles for severe service, 5,000-7,500 miles for normal service (consult manual for specific engine).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (varies by usage, consult manual).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (varies by usage, consult manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as recommended by coolant type.
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Every 100,000 miles (for iridium or platinum plugs).
Engine Oil Gasoline V8 V10:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or higher)
Engine Oil Diesel Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (API CI-4 or CH-4, synthetic often recommended for severe use)
Transmission Fluid Automatic 48Re:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Automatic 47Re 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transfer Case Fluid:
NV271/NV273: ATF+4 (Mopar). NV244: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent 75W-80W GL-4)
Rear Axle Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5), with limited-slip additive if equipped.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Orange
Cummins Injectors:
Potential for injector failure, especially in earlier models. Fuel quality is critical.
Automatic Transmission Overheating:
The 48RE can overheat under heavy towing, requiring auxiliary cooling. Fluid leaks can also be an issue.
Front Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rods, and track bar bushings can wear prematurely due to the weight and usage.
Electrical Connector Corrosion:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, particularly those exposed to the elements, can lead to various electrical gremlins.
Throttle Position Sensor Tps:
Failure of the TPS on gasoline engines can cause drivability issues.
Wheel Speed Sensor:
ABS warning lights and faults often related to failing wheel speed sensors.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, often associated with power and durability.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 Ram 2500 belongs to the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, which saw a significant redesign with improved aerodynamics, a more robust chassis, and the introduction of the iconic HEMI V8 and the potent Cummins turbodiesel.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Coahuila, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.