Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Owners, technicians, DIY enthusiasts requiring in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge for the 2005 Dodge Ram.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra
Vehicle Strengths:
Renowned for its robust construction, powerful engine options, and towing/hauling capability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level accuracy and completeness for all service and repair operations, empowering users to maintain their Ram effectively.
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline and diesel engines
Model Coverage:
All trim levels and configurations (e.g., 1500, 2500, 3500)
Transmission Coverage:
All automatic and manual transmissions
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD and 4WD systems
Estimated Pages:
1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era)
Type:
Original Factory Service Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel and exhaust systems, ignition, cooling, lubrication, starting and charging, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case (4WD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic and parking), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments, driver information, power accessories, grounds, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay information
Body:
Body construction, doors, windows, seats, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil change procedures, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements
Repair:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all major components
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electronic system diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, emissions information
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine 1 Type:
5.7L HEMI V8 (Naturally Aspirated, OHV, 16V)
Engine 1 Displacement:
5654 cc (345 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 92.7 mm (3.92 in x 3.65 in)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Type:
4.7L Magnum V8 (Naturally Aspirated, OHV, 16V)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc (287 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Type:
3.7L Magnum V6 (Naturally Aspirated, OHV, 12V)
Engine 3 Displacement:
3701 cc (226 cubic inches)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 4 Type:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (I6, OHV, 24V)
Engine 4 Displacement:
5900 cc (359 cubic inches)
Engine 4 Horsepower:
305 hp @ 2800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 4 Torque:
555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; High-pressure common rail injection system for Cummins diesel.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel fuel
Egr System:
Exhaust Gas Recirculation system present on applicable engines.
Emissions Controls:
Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control system.
Transmission 1 Type:
4-speed automatic (42RE/44RE/45RFE/48RE)
Transmission 2 Type:
6-speed manual (NV5600 for diesel, Getrag G360 for earlier/specific gas applications, but less common in 2005 models)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD systems (e.g., NV241DLD, NV273DHD), Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) capability on some models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 75W-140.
Wheelbase Std:
Varies by cab configuration (e.g., 131.3" for Quad Cab 4x2)
Overall Length Std:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 227.7" for Quad Cab 8ft Bed 4x2)
Wheel Size Std:
16-inch or 17-inch alloy/steel wheels
Tire Size Std:
P265/70R17, LT245/75R17, P275/60R20 (optional)
Bolt Pattern:
8 x 6.5 inches (165.1 mm)
Curb Weight Std:
Varies significantly by configuration (e.g., approx. 4,700 lbs for base 1500)
Gvw Std:
Varies by model (e.g., 6000 lbs for 1500, 8800 lbs for 2500HD)
Bed Length Options:
Short bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long bed (approx. 8 ft)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (for 2WD models in 2005 testing, varies by configuration)
IIHS Ratings:
Good (in frontal offset crash tests for 2005 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) not widely available on this generation, check specific vehicle.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system present.
Audio System:
Base AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio available.
Navigation:
Optional dealer-installed or aftermarket navigation systems.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors available on some trims.
Phone Integration:
Uconnect hands-free communication system not standard; aftermarket Bluetooth kits were common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for fluid and filter change (ATF+4 is often marketed as 'lifetime' but fluid replacement is recommended for longevity).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years with HOAT coolant.
Engine Oil Type:
5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (check owner's manual/oil cap for exact viscosity for specific engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine (e.g., 7 quarts for 5.7L HEMI, 5.5 quarts for 4.7L V8, 6 quarts for 3.7L V6).
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically orange or pink.
Common Problem 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on HEMI engines) leading to ticking noise.
Common Problem 2:
Water pump failure.
Common Problem 3:
Camshaft and lifter issues on early HEMI engines (potential for failure, especially if oil changes are neglected).
Common Problem 4:
ABS sensor failures leading to ABS warning lights.
Common Problem 5:
Power window motor failures.
Common Problem 6:
Rust and corrosion on body panels, frame rails, and brake lines, particularly in areas with road salt.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 model year is part of the third generation of Ram trucks (2002-2008), which featured a significant redesign with a bolder exterior and improved interior.
Powertrain Updates:
The 5.7L HEMI V8 was introduced in 2003 and became a popular, powerful option for this generation. The 5.9L Cummins diesel continued to be a strong performer.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA
Truck Of The Year:
While specific awards for the 2005 model year vary, the third-generation Ram platform generally received positive reviews for its design and capabilities.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for this era of Dodge Ram vary by powertrain. The HEMI and Cummins generally fared better than some earlier V8s, but some common issues were noted.
Emissions Certification:
Complies with EPA emissions standards for the model year.