Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Target Audience:
Work truck users, towing enthusiasts, families seeking utility
Reputation:
Known for robust construction, towing capacity, and powerful engine options
Covered Model Years:
2003
Covered Models:
All Dodge Ram models (e.g., 1500, 2500, 3500)
Covered Engines:
All engine variants offered in 2003
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, internal components, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, diagnosis
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair for manual transmissions
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions (e.g., 45RFE, 48RE, NV3500)
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, driveshafts, differentials, transfer case (4WD models)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, service and parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system
Diagnosis:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures, troubleshooting charts
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components
Electrical Component Testing:
Testing of sensors, actuators, control modules, and wiring harnesses
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to full vehicle rebuilds)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics with wiring diagrams and component testing
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (16-valve SOHC)
Engine Option 1 Power:
Approx. 235-245 hp @ 4,800-5,000 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
Approx. 295-305 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Engine Option 2:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (24-valve OHV)
Engine Option 2 Power:
Approx. 235 hp @ 2,800 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
Approx. 460 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Engine Option 3:
5.7L HEMI V8 (16-valve OHV)
Engine Option 3 Power:
Approx. 345 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Engine Option 3 Torque:
Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
High-pressure common rail (Bosch VP44 injection pump for earlier 5.9L, but 2003 Ram usually had a Bosch P7100 or upgraded inline pump, need to verify specific engine code in manual)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for gasoline engines
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converters, EGR (on some models), O2 sensors
Transmission 1500 Std:
4-speed automatic (45RFE)
Transmission 1500 Opt:
5-speed manual (NV3500)
Transmission 2500 3500 Auto:
4-speed automatic (48RE - upgraded version of 45RFE for heavier duty)
Transmission 2500 3500 Manual:
6-speed manual (NV5600 - typically with Cummins)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic shift-on-the-fly (2WD standard)
Wheelbase Std:
Approx. 134.0 inches (standard cab, short bed)
Wheelbase Long:
Approx. 140.5 inches (crew cab/quad cab) to 160.5 inches (long bed models)
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 6,500 lbs (varies by configuration)
Gvw Range:
Approx. 6,000 - 10,000+ lbs (varies by model 1500, 2500, 3500)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star rating (typical for trucks of this era, varies slightly by configuration)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on all models)
Traction Control:
Optional on some gasoline models, standard on some higher trims or diesel models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for exact recommendation)
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (diesel requires specific oil and filter, refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (varies by transmission type and fluid used, refer to manual)
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact viscosity and specification)
Engine Oil Diesel:
CJ-4 or CK-4 rated synthetic diesel engine oil (e.g., 15W-40, 5W-40)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Manual transmission fluid (GL-3 or GL-4, viscosity varies by temperature)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 10-year/100,000-mile formulation or equivalent
Common Issues Gasoline:
Headlight switch failure, intermittent wiper issues, intake manifold gasket leaks (on some Magnum engines), fuel pump issues
Common Issues Diesel:
VP44 injection pump failure (if equipped), injector line leaks, PTO seal leaks, potential for front axle U-joint wear
Common Issues General:
Brake caliper sticking, exhaust manifold cracks (on some Magnum V8s), rust issues on fenders and rocker panels
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks since the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2003 model is part of the third generation of Dodge Ram trucks (2002-2008), which featured a significant redesign with a more aggressive exterior styling and improved interior comfort.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
