Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, serious DIY mechanics, and enthusiasts
Competitors 2003:
Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, legendary Cummins turbodiesel engine option, towing and hauling capability
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level repair and maintenance information for DIY or independent shop use, saving significant costs.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Diagnostic, Body and Chassis
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline and diesel variants
Transmission Coverage:
Automatic and Manual transmissions
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (5.7L Hemi, 8.0L Magnum, 5.9L Cummins Diesel), Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Powertrain control modules (PCM/ECM)
Drivetrain:
Transmission (48RE, NV4500, NV5600), Transfer case, Axles (front and rear), Driveshafts, Wheel bearings
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (leaf springs, ball joints, control arms), Rear suspension (leaf springs), Steering system (gearbox, power steering pump, tie rods), Shock absorbers
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (standard), Optional rear disc brakes, ABS system, Parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, Fuses and relays, Lighting system, Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system (starter motor), Instrument cluster, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body Chassis:
Frame, Body panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior trim, Glass replacement
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Symptom-based diagnostics, Component testing procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, Fluid changes, Filter replacements, Lubrication points
Repair:
Component removal and installation, Reassembly procedures, Specific repair instructions for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Clearances, Alignment procedures, Electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Gasoline Options:
5.7L Magnum V8 (345ci), 8.0L Magnum V10 (488ci)
Diesel Option:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (359ci)
5.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
~250 hp
5.7L Magnum V8 Torque:
~345 lb-ft
8.0L Magnum V10 Horsepower:
~305 hp
8.0L Magnum V10 Torque:
~450 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
~235 hp - 250 hp (depending on application)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
~460 lb-ft - 505 lb-ft (depending on application)
Gasoline Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Injection:
Bosch VP44 Injection Pump (for 1998.5-2002), Common Rail Injection (for 2003 onwards – though this manual covers the transition period and earlier systems typically)
Transmission Options:
48RE 4-speed automatic, NV4500 5-speed manual, NV5600 6-speed manual
Transfer Case:
New Process NP271 (manual shift), NP273 (electronic shift)
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
Varies by transmission, detailed in manual (e.g., NV5600 offers overdrive in 5th and 6th)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler)
Wheelbase:
134.2 inches (Regular Cab), 154.6 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab), 175.4 inches (Crew Cab)
Bed Length Options:
8.0 ft (standard), 9.25 ft (long bed)
Gvwr:
Over 10,000 lbs (Class 3 truck)
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically 6,000 - 7,500 lbs
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
N/A - Rollover ratings not consistently applied to heavy-duty trucks of this era in the same way as passenger vehicles.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, available on all four wheels
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional Infinity audio system
Navigation:
Not typically available as factory option for this model year.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Towing Features:
Integrated trailer brake controller option, factory trailer wiring harness
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant system for diagnostic scanning
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact specification based on oil type)
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months for the 5.9L Cummins (depending on oil quality and usage, refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic, 60,000 - 100,000 miles for manual (refer to manual)
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 rated 15W-40 conventional or synthetic (refer to manual for Cummins specifications)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Coolant (50/50 mix)
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, steering linkages, rear leaf springs, brake components, radiator, fuel transfer pump (VP44 diesel)
Diesel Specific Concerns:
VP44 injection pump failure due to low lift pump pressure or fuel contamination, HVAC blend door actuators, exhaust manifold cracks on early 5.9L Cummins
Gasoline Specific Concerns:
Valve spring issues on early Magnum V8s, EGR valve issues on some configurations
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line established as a serious contender in the commercial and heavy-duty segments.
Ram Third Generation:
The 2003 model year falls into the third generation of the Dodge Ram pickup (2002-2008), which introduced significant styling and mechanical updates, including the iconic quad-cab configuration and the highly desirable 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
Cummins Reputation:
The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is widely recognized for its durability, reliability, and longevity, often considered one of the best diesel engines ever produced.
Towing Hauling Capability:
Consistently ranked high for towing and payload capacity within its class, making it a favorite for commercial and heavy-duty applications.
Manual Accuracy:
Based on factory service manual data, ensuring accuracy for professional repair.
