🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 3500 Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: DR (Third Generation Ram) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Target Audience: Commercial users, fleet operators, serious DIY mechanics, and enthusiasts Competitive Analysis Competitors 2003: Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, GMC Sierra 3500 HD Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Robust construction, legendary Cummins turbodiesel engine option, towing and hauling capability Manual Value Proposition: Provides dealership-level repair and maintenance information for DIY or independent shop use, saving significant costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Mechanical, Electrical, Diagnostic, Body and Chassis Engine Coverage: All gasoline and diesel variants Transmission Coverage: Automatic and Manual transmissions Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical (5.7L Hemi, 8.0L Magnum, 5.9L Cummins Diesel), Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Powertrain control modules (PCM/ECM) Drivetrain: Transmission (48RE, NV4500, NV5600), Transfer case, Axles (front and rear), Driveshafts, Wheel bearings Suspension Steering: Front suspension (leaf springs, ball joints, control arms), Rear suspension (leaf springs), Steering system (gearbox, power steering pump, tie rods), Shock absorbers Brakes: Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (standard), Optional rear disc brakes, ABS system, Parking brake Electrical: Wiring diagrams, Fuses and relays, Lighting system, Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system (starter motor), Instrument cluster, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors) HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair Body Chassis: Frame, Body panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior trim, Glass replacement Procedures Included Diagnostics: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation, Symptom-based diagnostics, Component testing procedures Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, Fluid changes, Filter replacements, Lubrication points Repair: Component removal and installation, Reassembly procedures, Specific repair instructions for all major systems Troubleshooting: Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues Specifications: Torque specifications, Clearances, Alignment procedures, Electrical resistance values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format Type: Digital (PDF) Searchability: Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution for clarity of diagrams and text Printable: Yes, individual pages or sections can be printed Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Gasoline Options: 5.7L Magnum V8 (345ci), 8.0L Magnum V10 (488ci) Diesel Option: 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (359ci) Performance 5.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower: ~250 hp 5.7L Magnum V8 Torque: ~345 lb-ft 8.0L Magnum V10 Horsepower: ~305 hp 8.0L Magnum V10 Torque: ~450 lb-ft 5.9L Cummins Horsepower: ~235 hp - 250 hp (depending on application) 5.9L Cummins Torque: ~460 lb-ft - 505 lb-ft (depending on application) Fuel System Gasoline Injection: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Diesel Injection: Bosch VP44 Injection Pump (for 1998.5-2002), Common Rail Injection (for 2003 onwards – though this manual covers the transition period and earlier systems typically) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: 48RE 4-speed automatic, NV4500 5-speed manual, NV5600 6-speed manual Optional Transfer Case: New Process NP271 (manual shift), NP273 (electronic shift) Features Manual Transmission Gear Ratios: Varies by transmission, detailed in manual (e.g., NV5600 offers overdrive in 5th and 6th) Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Chrysler) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 134.2 inches (Regular Cab), 154.6 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab), 175.4 inches (Crew Cab) Bed Length Options: 8.0 ft (standard), 9.25 ft (long bed) Weights Gvwr: Over 10,000 lbs (Class 3 truck) Curb Weight: Varies by configuration, typically 6,000 - 7,500 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Resistance: N/A - Rollover ratings not consistently applied to heavy-duty trucks of this era in the same way as passenger vehicles. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, available on all four wheels Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional Infinity audio system Navigation: Not typically available as factory option for this model year. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims Towing Features: Integrated trailer brake controller option, factory trailer wiring harness Connectivity Onboard Diagnostics: OBD-II compliant system for diagnostic scanning 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Gasoline: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact specification based on oil type) Oil Change Diesel: Every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months for the 5.9L Cummins (depending on oil quality and usage, refer to manual) Transmission Fluid Service: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic, 60,000 - 100,000 miles for manual (refer to manual) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Gasoline: API certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature) Engine Oil Diesel: API CJ-4 or CI-4 rated 15W-40 conventional or synthetic (refer to manual for Cummins specifications) Coolant: Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid...