🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 1500 Year: 2006 Body Style: Pickup Truck Drive Type: Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) / Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Fuel Type: Diesel Codes Vin Decoder Section Reference: Refer to VIN section for specific vehicle identification 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size pickup truck, heavy-duty capability Target Audience: Individuals and businesses requiring towing, hauling, and off-road capability Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD Key Features Distinctive Traits: Robust chassis, powerful diesel engine options, strong towing and payload ratings Significance Of Diesel: Diesel engine provides superior torque for towing and better fuel economy under load compared to gasoline counterparts. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Operations and Basic Maintenance Secondary Coverage: Scheduled maintenance, warning indicators, vehicle controls, safety features, tire information Page Count Estimated Pages: ~150-200 Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Booklet 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Diesel Engine Operation, Coolant System, Fuel System basics, Exhaust System basics Chassis: Brake System Operation, Steering System Operation, Suspension System Overview Electrical: Lighting System, Wipers and Washers, Gauges and Indicators, Battery and Charging System basics HVAC: Climate Control Operation Interior/Exterior: Seats and Restraints, Doors and Locks, Mirrors, Body Care Procedures Included Operator Actions: Starting and Stopping the Engine, Shifting Gears, Parking Procedures, Towing Preparation Basic Maintenance: Checking Fluid Levels (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Washer Fluid), Tire Pressure Checks, Wiper Blade Replacement guidance Emergency Procedures: Jump Starting guidance (with caution for diesel), Tire Changing, Warning Light Interpretation Safety Features: Seat Belt Usage, Airbag System Explanation, Child Restraint System Installation guidance Technical Depth Depth: Focuses on owner operation, routine checks, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component-level repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Printed Booklet Print Quality Quality: Standard professional print quality for owner's manuals Binding Type Binding: Stapled or perfect bound Paper Type Paper: Durable, semi-gloss paper stock ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Cummins Turbo Diesel (likely 5.9L or 6.7L depending on specific configuration) Displacement: 5.9 Liters (359 cu in) or 6.7 Liters (408 cu in) - manual will specify which applies to the covered vehicle Configuration: Inline-6 Cylinder, Turbocharged Performance Horsepower Range: ~305-325 hp (for 5.9L), ~350 hp (for 6.7L) Torque Range: ~555-600 lb-ft (for 5.9L), ~610-650 lb-ft (for 6.7L) Fuel System Injection Type: Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) Fuel Requirement: Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Manual Transmission (likely Getrag G360 or similar heavy-duty manual) Optional Type: Automatic Transmission (likely 48RE or 47RE 4-speed automatic) Features Transfer Case: NV273 heavy-duty manual transfer case or NV244 electronic transfer case 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: 131.3" (Regular Cab), 140.5" (Mega Cab/Quad Cab Short Bed), 160.5" (Quad Cab Long Bed) Bed Length Options: 6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed) Weights Curb Weight Range: ~5,700 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration) Gvw Range: ~8,800 - 9,500 lbs (depending on configuration) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Rating: Likely 3 or 4 Stars (check manual for specific test results) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners Child Seats: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM Stereo with CD Player, optional cassette, auxiliary input, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Display: Basic digital or analog displays for radio and climate control. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Connectivity Power Outlets: 12V Auxiliary Power Outlets 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Refer to manual: typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 6 months for diesel, using appropriate diesel-specific oil. Fuel Filter Replacement: Refer to manual: typically every 15,000-25,000 miles for diesel fuel filters Engine Air Filter: Refer to manual: inspect regularly, replace as needed based on driving conditions (e.g., dusty environments require more frequent inspection/replacement). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated Diesel Engine Oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended (verify viscosity for climate in manual). Coolant Type: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange or Pink Coolant (Mopar P/N 05103558AA or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) Transmission Fluid Automatic: Mopar ATF+4 (Type 9602) Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid Known Issues Common Wear Items: Ball joints, tie rod ends, u-joints, brake components, exhaust system (rust/corrosion common in certain climates). Diesel Specific Considerations: Glow plug reliability, water in fuel potential, EGR valve issues (if applicable to specific engine variant), fuel injector longevity with poor fuel quality. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Dodge Truck Legacy: Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks. Model Evolution Third Generation Ram: This generation (2002-2008) introduced significant styling and engineering...
Seat Belt Usage, Airbag System Explanation, Child Restraint System Installation guidance
Technical Depth
Depth:
Focuses on owner operation, routine checks, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component-level repair procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Printed Booklet
Print Quality
Quality:
Standard professional print quality for owner's manuals
Binding Type
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound
Paper Type
Paper:
Durable, semi-gloss paper stock
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Cummins Turbo Diesel (likely 5.9L or 6.7L depending on specific configuration)
Displacement:
5.9 Liters (359 cu in) or 6.7 Liters (408 cu in) - manual will specify which applies to the covered vehicle
Manual Transmission (likely Getrag G360 or similar heavy-duty manual)
Optional
Type:
Automatic Transmission (likely 48RE or 47RE 4-speed automatic)
Features
Transfer Case:
NV273 heavy-duty manual transfer case or NV244 electronic transfer case
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
131.3" (Regular Cab), 140.5" (Mega Cab/Quad Cab Short Bed), 160.5" (Quad Cab Long Bed)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
~5,700 - 7,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gvw Range:
~8,800 - 9,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Likely 3 or 4 Stars (check manual for specific test results)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CD Player, optional cassette, auxiliary input, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for radio and climate control.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Connectivity
Power Outlets:
12V Auxiliary Power Outlets
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual: typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 6 months for diesel, using appropriate diesel-specific oil.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual: typically every 15,000-25,000 miles for diesel fuel filters
Engine Air Filter:
Refer to manual: inspect regularly, replace as needed based on driving conditions (e.g., dusty environments require more frequent inspection/replacement).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated Diesel Engine Oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended (verify viscosity for climate in manual).
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange or Pink Coolant (Mopar P/N 05103558AA or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mopar ATF+4 (Type 9602)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, u-joints, brake components, exhaust system (rust/corrosion common in certain climates).
Diesel Specific Considerations:
Glow plug reliability, water in fuel potential, EGR valve issues (if applicable to specific engine variant), fuel injector longevity with poor fuel quality.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Ram:
This generation (2002-2008) introduced significant styling and engineering updates.
Diesel Powertrain Integration:
Cummins engines have been a staple in Ram trucks for their durability and performance.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico or Warren, Michigan, USA (for Ram trucks)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Diesel Engine Recognition:
Cummins engines are widely recognized for their durability and longevity in the heavy-duty truck market.
Ratings
Segment Awards:
Ram trucks often received positive reviews for their ride quality, interior comfort, and capability within their class.