Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet managers
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust chassis, powerful engine options, towing and hauling capability, durable construction
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive diagnostic and repair information, empowering users to maintain and repair their vehicles effectively, saving time and money.
Primary Coverage:
Workshop Service Repair
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline and diesel engines
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD and 4WD systems
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, steering, brakes, frame
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostics, ECUs
Body Coverage:
Interior, exterior, body panels, glass
HVAC Coverage:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems
Maintenance Coverage:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting Coverage:
Diagnostic procedures, common issues, fault finding
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, transfer case, drivelines
Brake Systems:
ABS, hydraulic systems, disc/drum brake overhaul
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs
Steering Systems:
Power steering, steering column, linkage
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, body control modules, infotainment, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, exterior lighting
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid changes
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, power steering pump replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics
Engine Options Gas:
5.7L HEMI V8, 4.7L Magnum V8
Engine Options Diesel:
5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (through early 2007), 6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (late 2007 model year)
5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5400 rpm
5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
305 hp @ 3000 rpm (late models)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (late models)
6.7L Cummins Horsepower:
345 hp @ 2800 rpm
6.7L Cummins Torque:
610 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
5.7L Hemi Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
5.9L/6.7L Cummins Fuel System:
High-pressure common rail (HPCR) direct injection
Gasoline Ignition:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
Manual Transmission:
6-speed manual (NV5600 for Cummins, Getrag for gasoline)
Automatic Transmission:
5-speed automatic (545RFE for gasoline, NV4500HD for Cummins)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system (optional)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Wheelbase Options:
140.5 in (standard cab), 160.5 in (crew cab/long bed)
Overall Length Options:
236.4 in (short bed), 256.4 in (long bed)
Bed Length Options:
6'4" (short bed), 8'0" (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 6,000-7,500 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
9,900 lbs to 11,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not Rated
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not Rated
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2006)
Brake System:
4-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - optional/available on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500-15,000 miles or 6 months/1 year for Cummins diesel, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (severe vs. normal use, refer to manual)
Engine Oil Specification Gas 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or equivalent (meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Specification Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4, SAE 15W-40 (or 5W-40 synthetic for cold weather, meeting Cummins CES 20081)
Coolant Specification:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar 10 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent HOAT
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Problems Gas:
HEMI tick (lifter noise), EGR valve issues, throttle body issues, catalytic converter failure
Common Problems Diesel:
Injector issues (early Cummins), CP3 injection pump failures, EGR cooler failures (6.7L), turbocharger issues
Common Problems Chassis:
Ball joint wear, U-joint wear, steering stabilizer issues, brake component wear
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing history in the truck market, dating back to the early 20th century, known for its durable and capable vehicles.
Ram Truck Lineage:
The Ram trucks have evolved through several generations, with the third generation (2002-2008) marking a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive styling and improved capabilities.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly, Michigan, USA
Production Years For Generation:
2002-2008 (Third Generation)
Truck Of The Year:
While specific year awards may vary, the Ram 2500 platform consistently received accolades for its heavy-duty capabilities and powertrain options.
Towing Capacity Rating:
Exceeds 10,000 lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio)
Payload Capacity Rating:
Up to 4,000+ lbs (depending on configuration and axle ratio)
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the respective model years.