Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience Manual:
Professional Technicians, DIY Enthusiasts, Fleet Maintenance
Competitors Vehicle:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Manual Advantage:
Officially licensed, comprehensive, detailed procedures, manufacturer-specific information
Vehicle Advantage:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacity
Engine Systems:
Engine Mechanical (Cummins ISB, 5.7L HEMI, 8.3L ISC/ISL), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control System
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (NV5600 Manual, 48RE Automatic), Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Differentials (Front & Rear Axles), Wheel Hubs
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (Solid Axle), Rear Suspension (Leaf Springs), Steering System (Power Steering, Linkages), Wheel Alignment
Brakes Wheels:
Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Disc/Drum), Parking Brake, ABS System, Wheel Specifications
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instruments & Gauges, Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
HVAC Body:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Exterior Trim
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Belt Inspections & Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, Electrical circuit tracing, Component testing
Repair Overhaul Procedures:
Engine assembly/disassembly, Transmission overhaul, Brake system repair, Suspension component replacement, Steering system rebuild, Electrical component replacement
Special Tool Procedures:
Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific repairs (e.g., diesel injection pump timing tools, ball joint separators)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including oscilloscope patterns and sensor data interpretation
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Engine Options:
5.7L (345 cu in) V8 HEMI Magnum, 8.3L (505 cu in) V10 SMI Magnum (less common in 3500), 5.9L (359 cu in) Cummins ISB I6 Turbo Diesel
Diesel Engine Details:
5.9L Cummins ISB: 325 hp @ 2900 rpm, 610 lb-ft torque @ 1600 rpm (typical configuration)
Gasoline Engine Details:
5.7L HEMI: 345 hp @ 5200 rpm, 375 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm (typical configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 23,000 lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 6,000+ lbs (depending on configuration)
Diesel Fuel System:
Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) by Bosch
Gasoline Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Wheelbase Options:
130.5" (Regular Cab), 140.5" (Club Cab), 160.5" (Mega Cab)
Bed Length Options:
8.0 ft (standard), 6.3 ft (short bed, less common)
Curb Weight Range:
6,000 - 7,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
10,500 - 11,500 lbs
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Likely 4 out of 5 stars (typical for HD trucks)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems available
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Trailer Brake Controller:
Optional integrated trailer brake controller
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (severe duty may require shorter intervals)
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on fuel quality and conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on towing/hauling)
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or newer)
Engine Oil Diesel:
SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil (API CI-4 or CH-4)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) - Orange
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
NV5600: Manual Transmission Fluid (GL-2 or GL-3 rating, specific viscosity often 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Cummins Diesel:
Injectors, VP44/Common Rail pump issues (early models), Turbocharger wear, EGR valve issues (if equipped)
Hemi V8:
Valve spring issues (certain production runs), PCV valve clogging, oil filter housing leaks
Common To All:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), brake wear, exhaust manifold leaks (especially diesel), AC system leaks
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the RAM nameplate being synonymous with strength and utility.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 model year falls within the third generation of the Dodge RAM (DB platform, 2002-2008), which introduced a significantly revised chassis, interior, and powertrain options, including the highly regarded 5.9L Cummins diesel.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan
