🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2004

Platform:

DR/DH/D2

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Reputation:

Known for its ruggedness, towing capacity, and robust drivetrain options, a staple in the commercial and consumer heavy-duty truck market.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.

Vehicle Attributes:

Body-on-frame construction, large cab options (regular, club, mega cab), long bed options, powerful V8 engines, and strong towing/hauling capabilities.

Usefulness:

Essential for owners and technicians seeking accurate, factory-level repair and maintenance information, ensuring proper upkeep and diagnosis.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Dodge Ram models and all engine types for the 2004 model year.

Pages:

Estimated 2000-3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine control (ECM), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (42RE, 48RE) and manual transmission (NV3500) repair, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive (4WD) system, transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, disc/drum configurations).

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules (BCM), power distribution.

Body:

Interior and exterior trim, body panels, doors, windows, HVAC system, seats, safety restraints.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage, wiring diagrams.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major systems.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic strategies and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (OCR enabled where applicable).

Printability:

Printable pages for individual sections or the entire manual.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4.7L Magnum V8 (P-code), 5.9L Magnum V8 (ISB Diesel - for Ram 2500/3500), 5.7L HEMI V8 (introduced later in the year for some models/trims, though less common for 2004 as a primary offering). Some gasoline 3.7L V6 options may also be present.

4.7L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 235-245 hp

4.7L V8 Torque:

Approx. 300-315 lb-ft

5.9L Isb Diesel Horsepower:

Approx. 250-325 hp (depending on rating)

5.9L Isb Diesel Torque:

Approx. 400-555 lb-ft (depending on rating)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for 5.9L ISB.

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Typically a 4-speed automatic (42RE or 48RE for heavier duty) or a 5-speed manual (NV3500).

Optional Transmissions:

Depending on trim and engine, higher capacity automatics like the 48RE were common, especially with the diesel engine.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (for automatics), GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (for manuals, check specific requirements).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 130.5 in, 140.5 in, 158.5 in).

Overall Length Options:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 218 in to 259 in).

Bed Length Options:

Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft).

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,700 - 6,500+ lbs depending on configuration and engine.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies significantly by model (e.g., Ram 1500, 2500, 3500) and payload package.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Likely achieved good ratings in frontal impact tests for its era (check NHTSA archives for specific VIN data).

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Check IIHS archives for specific frontal offset and side impact ratings for the 2004 Ram.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system, especially on 4x2 models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags were typically optional.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Cassette player was also common. Premium Infinity sound systems were available.

Navigation:

Aftermarket navigation systems were common; factory navigation was not a widespread option for this generation in 2004.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors were an optional feature.

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, or per severe service schedule.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine type: ~60,000 miles for standard plugs, ~100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Type Gasoline:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual or oil fill cap for exact specification, depending on temperature and engine).

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, viscosity grade dependent on ambient temperature (e.g., 15W-40, 5W-40).

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange or equivalent engine coolant.

Common Problems Gasoline:

Catalytic converter failure, ignition coil issues, plenum gasket leaks (on some older Magnum engines), exhaust manifold cracks.

Common Problems Diesel:

Fuel injector issues, VP44 injection pump failures (on earlier ISB models, though 2004 might have the improved version), turbocharger problems, injector line leaks.

Common Problems General:

Ball joint wear, steering stabilizer issues, HVAC blower motor failures, transmission solenoid issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2004 model belongs to the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, which saw a significant redesign featuring a more aggressive styling and improved chassis.

Manufacturing Plants:

Primarily manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While the 2004 model itself may not have specific 'Truck of the Year' awards from major publications, the third-generation Ram platform was generally well-regarded for its capability and design.

Consumer Reports:

Ratings varied by specific engine and configuration. The manual covers all these variations.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the 2004 model year.