🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

RAM 3500

Year:

1994

Product Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Vin Code Prefix:

1B7

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of 1994 Dodge RAM 3500, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical information for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1994 Dodge RAM 3500, saving time and money compared to dealership service.

Competitors:

Haynes manuals, Chilton manuals, factory service manuals (hard copy).

Digital Access:

Instant availability, searchability, portability.

Official Licensing:

Implies accuracy and adherence to manufacturer specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1994 Dodge RAM 3500

Engine Variants Covered:

5.9L V8 Magnum, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6

Transmission Variants Covered:

4-speed Automatic (A518, A618), 5-speed Manual (NV4500)

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Manual Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Fuel System, Engine Cooling System, Engine Lubrication System, Ignition System, Emission Control System, Turbocharger System (Diesel)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic Transmission (A518/A618), Manual Transmission (NV4500), Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials, Wheel Hubs

Chassis Suspension:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic, Parking), Wheels and Tires

Electrical Electronics:

Body Electrical System, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Power Windows/Locks, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Sensors, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Body Interior:

Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Body Sealing

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Spark Plug/Glow Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system issues, brake malfunctions.

Repair Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gear service, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Diagnostics:

OBD-I diagnostics, interpretation of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), sensor testing, circuit testing, pressure testing (fuel, oil, coolant).

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable). Searchable text is highly probable for efficient information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear text, printable pages.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 Overhead Valve (OHV)

Displacement:

5.9 Liters (360 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

4.02 in x 3.58 in (102.1 mm x 90.9 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

330 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (approximate)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based system with electronic ignition control.

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel (Cummins ISB)

Displacement:

5.9 Liters (359 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

4.02 in x 4.72 in (102.1 mm x 120 mm)

Compression Ratio:

17.2:1 (typical for Cummins)

Horsepower:

160 hp - 180 hp (depending on specific tune, approximate)

Torque:

400 lb-ft - 440 lb-ft (depending on specific tune, approximate)

Fuel System:

Inline Injection Pump (Bosch VE or P7100, depending on exact spec), Indirect Injection (IDI)

Turbocharger:

Garrett or Holset turbocharger with intercooler.

🔧 Transmission

Model Automatic:

A518 (light duty), A618 (heavy duty)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Overdrive with Lock-up Torque Converter

Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec)

Model Manual:

NV4500

Type:

5-Speed Manual Overdrive

Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity, e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90, depending on application and temperature).

Transfer Case:

New Process Gear (NP) 241 (manual or electric shift options).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 2Wd:

133.2 inches (3383 mm)

Wheelbase 4Wd:

134.5 inches (3416 mm)

Overall Length:

229.8 inches (5837 mm) for standard bed

Overall Width:

79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Overall Height:

77.2 inches (1961 mm) (approximate)

Bed Length:

8.0 feet (2438 mm) standard bed

Curb Weight Gas 2Wd:

Approx. 4900-5200 lbs (2223-2359 kg)

Curb Weight Diesel 4Wd:

Approx. 6000-6400 lbs (2722-2903 kg)

Gvw:

Up to 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) or more, depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Information not readily available for this specific year and model, but likely designed to meet 1990s safety standards. Frontal impact was primary focus.

ABS:

Available on rear wheels, optional on all four wheels depending on trim and package.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player or CD player. Speaker count varies by trim. Analog controls.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

Towing Features:

Integrated tow hooks, optional trailer brake controller pre-wiring, heavy-duty cooling and suspension packages available.

Phone Integration:

None. Aftermarket solutions required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gas:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical recommendation for this era).

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (with quality diesel oil and filter).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Check as needed, typically longer intervals.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years (typically using conventional green coolant).

Engine Oil Gas Capacity:

5.2L V8: 5 quarts (4.7L) with filter. 5.9L V8: 6 quarts (5.7L) with filter.

Engine Oil Gas Viscosity:

API SG or SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended.

Engine Oil Diesel Capacity:

5.9L Cummins: 11 quarts (10.4L) with filter.

Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:

API CG-4 or CH-4 rated, SAE 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel engine oil recommended.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based, meeting Chrysler MS-9769 specifications (often a green conventional coolant).

Diesel Fuel System:

Potential for VE rotary injection pump leaks or failure on early models. P7100 is more robust but can have issues.

Gas Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, throttle body issues on MPI systems.

Transmission Automatic:

A618 torque converter lock-up solenoid failures, potential for overheating under heavy load.

Transmission Manual:

NV4500 clutch wear, some early models had issues with 5th gear nut loosening (addressed with updated parts).

Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, steering box play due to the weight and duty cycle of the truck.

Electrical:

Corrosion on grounds and connectors, especially in areas with road salt. Instrument cluster voltage regulator failures are common.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the RAM line evolving significantly over decades.

Second Generation:

The 1994 model year marked the introduction of the second-generation Dodge Ram (DN platform), a significant redesign featuring a more aerodynamic and aggressive styling, including the distinctive crosshair grille. This generation is known for its robust construction and powerful engine options, particularly the Cummins diesel.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico and Warren, Michigan, USA (primary assembly locations for this generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Cummins Diesel Recognition:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine in these trucks is renowned for its durability, torque, and longevity, often cited as a benchmark in its class. This engine has earned a legendary reputation among truck enthusiasts and diesel mechanics.