Vehicle Class:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet managers, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge of their 2001 Dodge Ram.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides complete factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling accurate diagnostics and cost-effective repairs. Crucial for maintaining vehicle value and longevity.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, starting, charging.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (e.g., 42RE, 44RE, 45RFE, NV3500), transfer case (4WD models), front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, propeller shafts.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (independent or solid axle depending on configuration), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system, steering gear, power steering.
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc and/or drum), anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, gauges, horn, wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, comfort controls, audio system, trailer wiring.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, frame, rust prevention.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical schematics, diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gear service, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability and system issues.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, diagnostic data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Options:
5.9L Magnum V8 (2001 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (2001 RAM 2500, 3500), 4.7L Magnum V8 (2001 RAM 1500, some 2500).
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp (varies slightly by application).
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 330-350 lb-ft (varies slightly by application).
4.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp.
4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 300 lb-ft.
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp.
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
Approx. 460 lb-ft.
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct Injection with Bosch VP44 injection pump.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent meeting MS-9769 specifications.
Standard Transmission:
NV3500 5-speed manual (often standard on 1500 models).
Optional Transmission Automatic:
42RE (3-speed auto, 1500 5.9L), 44RE (4-speed auto, 1500 5.9L), 45RFE (4-speed auto, 1500 4.7L, some 2500).
Optional Transmission Diesel:
NV4500 5-speed manual, 47RE 4-speed automatic (heavy-duty).
Transmission Fluid Gas Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4.
Transmission Fluid Diesel Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific application for heavier duty fluids).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific weight varies by transmission).
Wheelbase Options:
134.7 inches (standard cab), 154.7 inches (long bed/quad cab).
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 224.5 inches for regular cab short bed).
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
8x6.5 inches (common for Dodge Ram trucks).
Gvwr:
Varies significantly by model and configuration (e.g., 6300 lbs for 1500, up to 10,500 lbs for 3500 diesel DRW).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage and fluid type. Manual transmissions often have longer intervals or are considered lifetime fluids with periodic checks.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type).
Engine Oil Spec Gasoline:
API certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
API CH-4 or CI-4 rated 15W-40 diesel engine oil.
Common Diesel Issue:
VP44 injection pump failure (especially if lift pump fails), cracked exhaust manifolds (on Cummins).
Common Gasoline Engine Issue:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, plenum gasket leaks (4.7L), occasional ignition coil issues.
Common Transmission Issue:
Overdrive failure on 46RE/47RE automatics, clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Common Suspension Issue:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, leaf spring sag (especially on heavily used trucks).
Common Electrical Issue:
Instrument cluster failure (gauges not working), power window motor failure, blower motor resistor failure.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2001 model is part of the second generation (1994-2001) of Dodge Ram trucks, known for its aggressive styling and robust chassis. This generation saw significant updates, including the introduction of the Cummins diesel option and updated interiors/exteriors.
Production Plant:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, Fenton, Missouri; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
