Positioning:
The 2005 Dodge Ram Truck was a dominant player in the full-size pickup truck segment, known for its robust build, powerful engine options, and distinctive styling. This manual is crucial for owners and technicians maintaining and repairing this highly capable vehicle.
Competitors:
Competed directly with Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. The 2005 Ram offered a unique blend of style and performance that appealed to a broad customer base.
Distinctive Styling:
The distinctive 'big rig' styling of the third-generation Ram was a major selling point.
Engine Options:
Offered a range of powerful V8 engines, including the HEMI, providing class-leading towing and hauling capabilities.
Powertrain Robustness:
Renowned for its durable and reliable powertrains, designed for heavy-duty use.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case (4WD models), drive shafts, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, audio system, body control module (BCM), multiplex systems.
Body And Interior:
Body construction, panels, doors, glass, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, airbags.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, sub-assembly repair, detailed rebuild procedures for major components.
Adjustment And Calibration:
Alignment procedures, brake adjustments, steering system adjustments, electronic module calibration.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Searchable text, allowing quick access to specific topics.
Quality:
High-resolution scans, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.
Printability:
Printable pages for on-the-go use in a workshop environment.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (45RFE/48RE) or 5-speed manual (NV3500/NV4500).
Optional Transmission:
Availability of 6-speed manual (G56) in heavier duty applications.
4Wd System:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic transfer case shift on command (NV244/NV273) or full-time 4WD (NV245) on select models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar Genuine or equivalent spec).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil grades (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent).
Wheelbase Options:
Multiple wheelbase options available depending on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 134.7" for Quad Cab, 140.5" for Mega Cab).
Overall Length Options:
Varies by configuration, typically ranging from 220" to 247".
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed).
Gvwr:
Ranges from 6,500 lbs to over 9,000 lbs depending on configuration.
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good (5-star rating)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good (5-star rating)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags. Available side curtain airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo systems. Higher trims offered premium audio and in-dash CD changers.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Trailer Tow Prep:
Available integrated trailer brake controller wiring and heavy-duty towing packages.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for synthetic oil, or 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles, or more frequently under severe usage.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Mopar OAT coolant).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 for 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI V8; SAE 5W-30 for 3.7L V6 (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Premature failure of ignition coils, especially on the 5.7L HEMI, leading to misfires.
Throttle Body Issues:
Electronic throttle body (ETB) issues causing rough idle or stalling.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds, particularly on the 5.7L HEMI, causing ticking noises and exhaust leaks.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Potential for rear main engine seal leaks.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981 and quickly became synonymous with power and capability.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2005 model year falls within the third generation of the Dodge Ram, which began in 2002. This generation introduced a significantly revised chassis, updated styling, and new powertrain options.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily produced at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and the St. Louis Assembly Plant in St. Louis, Missouri.
