🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Generation: Third Generation (DR/DH/Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty) Codes Vehicle Platform: DR/DH/Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Full-size pickup truck. Target Audience: Owners and professional technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for Dodge Ram trucks. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra. Key Features Value Proposition: Offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, enabling cost savings and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep. Manual Scope: Covers all aspects of vehicle service and repair, distinguishing it from owner's manuals or simplified repair guides. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Models Covered: Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: All gasoline and diesel engines, including internal components, fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems. Transmission: Manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., NV4500, NV5600, G56, 45RFE, 48RE, 47RE), transfer cases, drivelines, and associated components. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic lines, and components. Suspension: Front and rear suspension (solid front axle, independent front suspension on some models), steering system, shocks, struts, springs, and alignment specifications. Electrical: Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and body control modules. Body: Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, and chassis components. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, including components, refrigerant handling, and troubleshooting. Diagnostics: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic procedures. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, and inspections. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components and systems. Troubleshooting: Systematic troubleshooting guides for diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon problems. Rebuild: Complete engine, transmission, and axle rebuild procedures with specifications. Diagnostics Procedures: Specific diagnostic steps for various systems, including electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic parameters. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) - Optimized for digital viewing and printing. Searchability: Searchable text for quick access to specific topics and keywords. Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for use in the workshop or garage. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.7L Magnum V6 (1500), 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (2500/3500). Performance Horsepower Range: 170-345 hp (depending on engine and year). Torque Range: 225-610 lb-ft (depending on engine and year). Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for gasoline engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for Cummins diesel. Engine Codes 5.9L Cummins: ISB (Interim Stage B) 5.7L Hemi: EPE, EPD, EPG (depending on year and specific configuration) 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission Options: NV4500 (5-speed), NV5600 (6-speed) for HD models, G56 (6-speed) for later years. Optional Automatic Transmission Options: 45RFE (4-speed), 48RE (4-speed), 47RE (4-speed). Features Transfer Case: Manual or electronic shift transfer cases (e.g., NP241DHD, NV271D, NV273D). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: Approx. 134.7" (1500 Regular Cab), 140.5" (1500 Quad Cab), 140.5" (2500/3500 Regular Cab), 160.5" (2500/3500 Quad Cab), 178.0" (2500/3500 Long Bed). Body Styles: Regular Cab, Quad Cab (4-door), various bed lengths (e.g., 6.3 ft, 8.0 ft). Weights Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Ranges vary significantly by model (e.g., 6,000 lbs for 1500 to over 10,000 lbs for 3500 DRW). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Acceptable (for 2003-2006 models). NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Good (for 2003-2006 models). IIHS Frontal Offset: Good (for most models). Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System. Traction Control: Available on some models/trims. Passive Features Airbags: Standard front airbags, available side curtain airbags on later models. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems with subwoofers and cassette players. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control on most models. Connectivity Power Outlets: 12V auxiliary power outlets. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Gasoline: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to owner's manual for specific engine). Oil Change Interval Diesel: Every 5,000 - 15,000 miles or 6-12 months depending on severe/normal use and oil type (refer to manual). Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and usage). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Gasoline: API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on engine and climate, e.g., 5.7L...
Third Generation (DR/DH/Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty)
Codes
Vehicle Platform:
DR/DH/Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Vehicle Class:
Full-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Owners and professional technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for Dodge Ram trucks.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Key Features
Value Proposition:
Offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, enabling cost savings and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.
Manual Scope:
Covers all aspects of vehicle service and repair, distinguishing it from owner's manuals or simplified repair guides.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Years Covered:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Models Covered:
Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Downloadable (likely PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engines, including internal components, fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., NV4500, NV5600, G56, 45RFE, 48RE, 47RE), transfer cases, drivelines, and associated components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic lines, and components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (solid front axle, independent front suspension on some models), steering system, shocks, struts, springs, and alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and body control modules.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, and chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, including components, refrigerant handling, and troubleshooting.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic procedures.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, and inspections.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components and systems.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon problems.
Rebuild:
Complete engine, transmission, and axle rebuild procedures with specifications.
Diagnostics Procedures:
Specific diagnostic steps for various systems, including electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic parameters.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - Optimized for digital viewing and printing.
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick access to specific topics and keywords.
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages for use in the workshop or garage.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.7L Magnum V6 (1500), 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (2500/3500).
Performance
Horsepower Range:
170-345 hp (depending on engine and year).
Torque Range:
225-610 lb-ft (depending on engine and year).
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for gasoline engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for Cummins diesel.
Engine Codes
5.9L Cummins:
ISB (Interim Stage B)
5.7L Hemi:
EPE, EPD, EPG (depending on year and specific configuration)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission Options:
NV4500 (5-speed), NV5600 (6-speed) for HD models, G56 (6-speed) for later years.
Optional
Automatic Transmission Options:
45RFE (4-speed), 48RE (4-speed), 47RE (4-speed).
Features
Transfer Case:
Manual or electronic shift transfer cases (e.g., NP241DHD, NV271D, NV273D).
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (4-door), various bed lengths (e.g., 6.3 ft, 8.0 ft).
Weights
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Ranges vary significantly by model (e.g., 6,000 lbs for 1500 to over 10,000 lbs for 3500 DRW).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Acceptable (for 2003-2006 models).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2003-2006 models).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for most models).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Available on some models/trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available side curtain airbags on later models.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems with subwoofers and cassette players.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Connectivity
Power Outlets:
12V auxiliary power outlets.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to owner's manual for specific engine).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 - 15,000 miles or 6-12 months depending on severe/normal use and oil type (refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and usage).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on engine and climate, e.g., 5.7L HEMI often uses 5W-20).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 rated 15W-40 diesel engine oil, or 5W-40 synthetic for extreme cold.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (MS-9602).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Manual transmission fluid (e.g., NV4500/NV5600 typically use GL-3/GL-4 rated gear oil).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 5/150 formula, often referred to as HOAT (Hybrid OAT) in this era. Typically a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (HEMI), death wobble (solid front axle), transmission issues (various), fuel pump failures, ABS sensor failures, rust on body panels.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Ram:
Introduced in 2002 (for the 2002 model year), this generation featured a significant redesign with a bolder exterior and improved interior comfort and functionality.
Engine Introductions:
The 5.7L HEMI V8 was a major addition for the 2003 model year, offering significantly more power and torque.