🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ramcharger W250

Year Range:

1981-1993

Product Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Dodge Ramcharger W250 owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops, restoration specialists.

Value Proposition:

Provides the same in-depth, specific information used by dealership technicians, enabling users to perform complex repairs and maintenance accurately and efficiently, saving money compared to professional labor costs.

Accuracy And Specificity:

Not generic; tailored specifically to the Dodge Ramcharger W250, ensuring correct procedures and specifications.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance, diagnosis, and repair from A-Z.

Usability:

Single PDF format allows for easy navigation, searching, and selective printing of relevant sections.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Scope:

All Models and All Repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Varies significantly by specific year and engine; typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals of this era. (Exact count not provided in product info, but representative of the detail.)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Starting & Charging System, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Differentials, Axles, Suspension, Steering System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Chassis & Body:

Brake Systems (Hydraulic, Parking), Wheel & Tire Specifications, Steering Column, Power Steering, Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Hood, Glass, Mirrors, Windshield Wipers & Washers

Electrical & HVAC:

Wiring Schematics, Electrical Components, Instrument Panel, Gauges, Lighting, Horn, Audio/Visual Systems, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - if applicable to later models, Cruise Control, Seatbelts, Engine Immobilizer (if applicable)

Emissions:

Emission Control Systems, Fuel Service Specifications related to emissions

Engine Mechanical Components:

Cylinder Head, Block, Pistons, Crankshaft, Camshaft, Valves, Timing Gear/Chain, Oil Pump, Oil Pan

Fuel System Components:

Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Fuel Filter, Carburetor/Fuel Injectors, Fuel Pressure Regulator

Ignition System Components:

Spark Plugs, Ignition Wires, Distributor, Ignition Coil, Ignition Control Module (ICM)

Cooling System Components:

Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Fan, Fan Clutch, Heater Core

Exhaust System Components:

Exhaust Manifolds, Pipes, Muffler, Catalytic Converter (if equipped)

Brake System Components:

Master Cylinder, Brake Booster, Brake Lines, Calipers, Pads, Rotors, Wheel Cylinders, Brake Shoes, Drums, Parking Brake Mechanism

Suspension Components:

Front and Rear Springs (Coil/Leaf), Shock Absorbers, Control Arms, Bushings, Ball Joints, Sway Bars

Steering System Components:

Steering Gearbox, Power Steering Pump, Steering Linkage, Tie Rods, Steering Column

Electrical System Components:

Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Fuses, Relays, Switches, Wiring Harnesses, Lighting, Gauges, Sensors

HVAC System Components:

Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Receiver/Drier, Expansion Valve, Blower Motor, Control Panel

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Transmission, Differential), Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) - if applicable to OBD-I systems, Electrical Circuit Testing

Repair:

Complete Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuilds, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Installation, Steering System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Specifications:

Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Clearances, Fluid Types and Capacities, Belt Tension Settings, Timing Specifications

Engine Tune-Up:

Spark plug replacement, timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment or fuel injection system checks.

Transmission Overhaul:

Complete disassembly, inspection, replacement of seals, clutches, bands, and reassembly for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Differential Rebuild:

Gear pattern adjustment, bearing replacement, seal replacement for front and rear differentials.

Brake Service:

Pad and shoe replacement, rotor and drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement.

Suspension Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for caster, camber, and toe adjustments.

Electrical Diagnosis:

Using wiring diagrams to trace circuits, test components, and identify faults.

Body And Trim Repair:

Procedures for removing and installing body panels, interior trim pieces, and glass.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, intended for professional technicians. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and component removal/installation.

Wiring Schematics:

Detailed, comprehensive wiring diagrams covering all vehicle systems.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Abundant, high-quality illustrations and exploded-view diagrams to clarify procedures and component identification.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of any specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Trouble Shooting Charts:

Systematic guides to help diagnose problems based on symptoms.

Component Rebuilding:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows and macOS

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free)

Printability:

All pages are printable.

Image Scaling:

Images and diagrams can be enlarged for detailed viewing and printing.

Binding:

Digital (PDF) - No physical binding.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, printable on user's choice of paper).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes the 3.9L (238 cu in) V6 Magnum, 5.2L (318 cu in) V8 Magnum, and the 5.9L (360 cu in) V8 Magnum engines. Some early models may have had the 318 V8 (non-Magnum) or potentially a diesel option in certain markets, though the W250 designation typically implies the heavier-duty gasoline engines. Specific engine availability will vary by year and chassis.

Horsepower And Torque:

Details for specific engine variants (e.g., 5.2L V8 typically ~140-170 hp and ~245-280 lb-ft torque; 5.9L V8 typically ~190-230 hp and ~300-350 lb-ft torque) will be provided in the manual.

Fuel Delivery:

Includes carburetor systems (early models) and Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) systems (later models, particularly with Magnum engines). The manual will cover fuel pump, filter, injector, and sensor diagnostics and replacement.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Types:

Likely includes the A500/A518 4-speed automatic transmission and the NP435 or NV4500 4-speed/5-speed manual transmission for the W250 designation.

Optional Transmissions:

While the W250 often came with robust transmissions, manual transmission options might have varied. Specific options and their applicability by year will be detailed.

Transmission Service:

The manual will detail fluid type (e.g., ATF+4 for automatics, manual transmission fluid specifications), capacity, filter replacement, and diagnostic procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

Two-door SUV with removable hardtop section.

Wheelbase And Length:

Specific dimensions vary by configuration (e.g., long/short bed equivalents for the Ram truck chassis), but the Ramcharger was based on the Ram pickup chassis, likely with a wheelbase in the 100-125 inch range and overall length around 175-190 inches. The W250 designation indicates a heavy-duty chassis.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

W250 designation implies a higher GVWR than standard Ram trucks, suitable for heavier loads. Specific GVWR will be listed in the manual based on configuration and year.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No specific crash test ratings readily available for models of this vintage from NHTSA as it was before standardized rating systems. The manual will detail passive safety features.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was not standard or common on these models. The manual covers hydraulic system, linings, rotors, drums, and bleeding procedures.

Restraint Systems:

Lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear passengers. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags were not standard on these early models; their inclusion in the manual would be model-year dependent and rare.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, potentially with cassette tape player. Higher trims might have more advanced speaker systems. The manual covers radio removal, installation, and speaker wiring.

Cruise Control:

Cruise control systems were optional and became more common in the later years of this generation. The manual will detail its operation, diagnosis, and repair.

Multiplex Can Communication:

For the 1981-1993 period, CAN communication was not present. Early models would have entirely analog electrical systems. Later models (early 90s) might have had some form of multiplexing for certain functions, but it would be rudimentary compared to modern systems. The manual lists 'Multiplex/CAN Communication' which likely refers to diagnostic data access for OBD-I systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000 miles or 3 months for conventional oil, though synthetic oils could extend this. Specific recommendations depend on engine type and operating conditions, detailed in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Generally recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, or as per severe duty recommendations. Manual transmissions have longer intervals or are inspected. Precise intervals are in the manual.

Engine Oil:

Likely 10W-30 or 10W-40 for gasoline engines, depending on temperature. Diesel engines would have specific diesel-rated oils. Manual will specify API service classification.

Coolant:

Typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. The manual will specify type and color (e.g., green conventional).

Common Problems:

Potential issues include carburetor or TBI fuel delivery problems, wear in suspension and steering components (especially given the W250's duty), aging electrical connectors and grounds, cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), and rust on body panels and frame. The manual is critical for diagnosing and repairing these.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks and SUVs, with the Ram line evolving significantly over the decades. The Ramcharger, a full-size SUV, was a key offering in this segment.

Generations:

The 1981-1993 period covers the second generation of the Ramcharger. This generation saw significant updates, including the introduction of the Magnum engines and a more aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor.

Manufacturing Origin:

Produced in the United States.