Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, towing enthusiasts, and serious DIY mechanics.
Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500, GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500
Vehicle Strengths:
Exceptional towing and hauling capacity, robust powertrain options, durable chassis, and proven capability in demanding applications.
Manual Benefit:
Provides access to the same in-depth technical information used by authorized dealerships and certified technicians, enabling accurate and efficient repairs and maintenance.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Engine management, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Transmission (automatic and manual), Transfer case, Drivetrain (front and rear axles, driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brake system (ABS, ESP, parking brake), Wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body control modules (BCM), Powertrain control module (PCM), Chassis control module (CCM), Infotainment system, Lighting system (interior and exterior), HVAC system, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Instrument cluster, Sensors, Relays, Fuses, Wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass, Trim, Seats, Safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, Fluid changes, Filter replacements, Lubrication, Inspection schedules
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper repair, Electrical diagnostics and repair, Body panel repair and replacement
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting, Component testing, Scan tool procedures
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, Clearances, Gaps, Voltages, Resistances, Fluid capacities and types
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes disassembly, assembly, testing, and adjustment procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Engine 1 Name:
6.4L V8 HEMI MDS
Engine 1 Displacement:
6.4 liters (392 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 410 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 429 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Name:
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Engine 2 Displacement:
6.7 liters (409 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 6-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV), Turbocharged and Intercooled
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 370-400 hp @ 2800-3000 rpm (depending on year and specific tune)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 800-900 lb-ft @ 1600-1800 rpm (depending on year and specific tune)
Fuel Type Gas:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel Fuel
Induction Gas:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Induction Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI), Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)
Transmission 1 Type:
6-Speed Automatic (e.g., 68RFE for Cummins)
Transmission 2 Type:
6-Speed Manual (e.g., G56 for Cummins)
Transmission Features Auto:
Tow/Haul mode, electronic range select, integrated trailer brake controller compatibility.
Transmission Features Manual:
Heavy-duty clutch, dual-mass flywheel.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF+4 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5) (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Wheelbase Options:
Multiple, including 140.5, 159.5, 177.5 inches (for different cab/bed configurations)
Overall Length:
Varies significantly by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 230.5 to 260.9 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,500 - 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvwr:
10,000 lbs (minimum)
Gcwr:
Up to 30,000 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 6,000 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 18,000 - 20,000 lbs (fifth-wheel/gooseneck), up to 13,000-14,000 lbs (conventional) (depending on configuration and engine)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Typically 4-star for frontal impact, 5-star for side impact (varies by year and configuration, refer to specific model year reports).
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control.
Passive Safety Features:
Advanced Multi-stage Front Airbags, Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags (optional/standard depending on cab), Seat-mounted side airbags (optional).
Infotainment System:
Uconnect systems with varying screen sizes (e.g., 8.4-inch touchscreen), navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice command, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist (optional), Trailer Tow Mirrors (often with integrated cameras).
Connectivity Options:
USB ports, auxiliary input jacks, available Wi-Fi hotspot (later models/packages).
Oil Change Gas:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months for gasoline engines (refer to manual for severe duty intervals).
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months for diesel engines, depending on oil specification and usage (refer to manual for precise intervals and DPF regeneration considerations).
Transmission Fluid Service Auto:
Consult manual, often around 30,000 - 60,000 miles, especially for heavy use.
Transmission Fluid Service Manual:
Consult manual, typically longer intervals than automatic, but periodic checks recommended.
Engine Oil Gas Viscosity:
0W-20 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity, e.g., 7 quarts for 6.4L HEMI)
Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:
15W-40 or 5W-40 CJ-4 or CK-4 certified (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity, e.g., 12 quarts for 6.7L Cummins)
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) antifreeze/coolant, typically Mopar brand (refer to manual for specification and capacity, e.g., 23.3 quarts for 6.7L Cummins)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, steering components (due to heavy load), fuel injectors (diesel), EGR system components (diesel), exhaust manifold cracks (older diesel models), transmission cooler lines.
Diesel Specific Concerns:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues if short trips are common, potential for DEF injector fouling (if equipped), carbon buildup in intake manifolds.
Brand Focus:
Dodge (and later Ram Trucks as a standalone brand) has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks known for their durability and towing prowess.
Generation:
This manual covers the fourth generation (2009-2018) of the Ram trucks, specifically the facelifted models from 2010 onwards, which saw significant updates to styling, interior, and powertrains.
Key Updates 2013-2016:
Introduction of the 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP70) for the HEMI V8, enhancements to the Cummins diesel engine, updated interior materials and technology, revised front-end styling in later years of this range.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Truck Of The Year:
While specific awards for the 3500 HD model within this exact year range might vary, Ram trucks in general have received numerous 'Truck of the Year' awards from various automotive publications and organizations over the years for their capability and features.
Towing Hauling Leadership:
Consistently recognized for class-leading towing and payload capacities in the heavy-duty segment.
