🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram Year: 2004 Codes Platform: DR/DH/D2 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size pickup truck. Reputation: Known for its ruggedness, towing capacity, and robust drivetrain options, a staple in the commercial and consumer heavy-duty truck market. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra. Key Features Vehicle Attributes: Body-on-frame construction, large cab options (regular, club, mega cab), long bed options, powerful V8 engines, and strong towing/hauling capabilities. Manual Value Proposition Usefulness: Essential for owners and technicians seeking accurate, factory-level repair and maintenance information, ensuring proper upkeep and diagnosis. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All Dodge Ram models and all engine types for the 2004 model year. Page Count Pages: Estimated 2000-3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals). Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, searchable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine control (ECM), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system. Transmission: Automatic transmission (42RE, 48RE) and manual transmission (NV3500) repair, diagnostics, and fluid specifications. Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive (4WD) system, transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials. Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, disc/drum configurations). Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules (BCM), power distribution. Body: Interior and exterior trim, body panels, doors, windows, HVAC system, seats, safety restraints. Diagnostics: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage, wiring diagrams. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points. Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major systems. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues. Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical specifications. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic strategies and component-level repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable (OCR enabled where applicable). Printability: Printable pages for individual sections or the entire manual. Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographs. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 4.7L Magnum V8 (P-code), 5.9L Magnum V8 (ISB Diesel - for Ram 2500/3500), 5.7L HEMI V8 (introduced later in the year for some models/trims, though less common for 2004 as a primary offering). Some gasoline 3.7L V6 options may also be present. Performance 4.7L V8 Horsepower: Approx. 235-245 hp 4.7L V8 Torque: Approx. 300-315 lb-ft 5.9L Isb Diesel Horsepower: Approx. 250-325 hp (depending on rating) 5.9L Isb Diesel Torque: Approx. 400-555 lb-ft (depending on rating) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for 5.9L ISB. Engine Cooling Cooling System Type: Pressurized liquid cooling system. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: Typically a 4-speed automatic (42RE or 48RE for heavier duty) or a 5-speed manual (NV3500). Optional Optional Transmissions: Depending on trim and engine, higher capacity automatics like the 48RE were common, especially with the diesel engine. Features Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (for automatics), GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (for manuals, check specific requirements). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 130.5 in, 140.5 in, 158.5 in). Overall Length Options: Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 218 in to 259 in). Cargo Bed Length Options: Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft). Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 4,700 - 6,500+ lbs depending on configuration and engine. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Varies significantly by model (e.g., Ram 1500, 2500, 3500) and payload package. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: Likely achieved good ratings in frontal impact tests for its era (check NHTSA archives for specific VIN data). IIHS Crash Test Ratings: Check IIHS archives for specific frontal offset and side impact ratings for the 2004 Ram. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Optional traction control system, especially on 4x2 models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags were typically optional. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts for all seating positions. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Cassette player was also common. Premium Infinity sound systems were available. Navigation: Aftermarket navigation systems were common; factory navigation was not a widespread option for this generation in 2004. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Parking Assist: Rear parking sensors were an optional feature. Connectivity Power Outlets: 12V auxiliary power outlets. Remote Keyless Entry: Available on higher trim levels. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations). Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Typically every 30,000-60,000...
Known for its ruggedness, towing capacity, and robust drivetrain options, a staple in the commercial and consumer heavy-duty truck market.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Key Features
Vehicle Attributes:
Body-on-frame construction, large cab options (regular, club, mega cab), long bed options, powerful V8 engines, and strong towing/hauling capabilities.
Manual Value Proposition
Usefulness:
Essential for owners and technicians seeking accurate, factory-level repair and maintenance information, ensuring proper upkeep and diagnosis.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
All Dodge Ram models and all engine types for the 2004 model year.
Page Count
Pages:
Estimated 2000-3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical specifications.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic strategies and component-level repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable (OCR enabled where applicable).
Printability:
Printable pages for individual sections or the entire manual.
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-code), 5.9L Magnum V8 (ISB Diesel - for Ram 2500/3500), 5.7L HEMI V8 (introduced later in the year for some models/trims, though less common for 2004 as a primary offering). Some gasoline 3.7L V6 options may also be present.
Performance
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 300-315 lb-ft
5.9L Isb Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 250-325 hp (depending on rating)
5.9L Isb Diesel Torque:
Approx. 400-555 lb-ft (depending on rating)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for 5.9L ISB.
Engine Cooling
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
Typically a 4-speed automatic (42RE or 48RE for heavier duty) or a 5-speed manual (NV3500).
Optional
Optional Transmissions:
Depending on trim and engine, higher capacity automatics like the 48RE were common, especially with the diesel engine.
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (for automatics), GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (for manuals, check specific requirements).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 130.5 in, 140.5 in, 158.5 in).
Overall Length Options:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 218 in to 259 in).
Cargo
Bed Length Options:
Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft).
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,700 - 6,500+ lbs depending on configuration and engine.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies significantly by model (e.g., Ram 1500, 2500, 3500) and payload package.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Likely achieved good ratings in frontal impact tests for its era (check NHTSA archives for specific VIN data).
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Check IIHS archives for specific frontal offset and side impact ratings for the 2004 Ram.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system, especially on 4x2 models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags were typically optional.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Cassette player was also common. Premium Infinity sound systems were available.
Navigation:
Aftermarket navigation systems were common; factory navigation was not a widespread option for this generation in 2004.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking sensors were an optional feature.
Connectivity
Power Outlets:
12V auxiliary power outlets.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, or per severe service schedule.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine type: ~60,000 miles for standard plugs, ~100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual or oil fill cap for exact specification, depending on temperature and engine).
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CK-4 rated diesel engine oil, viscosity grade dependent on ambient temperature (e.g., 15W-40, 5W-40).
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange or equivalent engine coolant.
Known Issues
Common Problems Gasoline:
Catalytic converter failure, ignition coil issues, plenum gasket leaks (on some older Magnum engines), exhaust manifold cracks.
Common Problems Diesel:
Fuel injector issues, VP44 injection pump failures (on earlier ISB models, though 2004 might have the improved version), turbocharger problems, injector line leaks.
Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Ram:
The 2004 model belongs to the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, which saw a significant redesign featuring a more aggressive styling and improved chassis.
Production
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year:
While the 2004 model itself may not have specific 'Truck of the Year' awards from major publications, the third-generation Ram platform was generally well-regarded for its capability and design.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Ratings varied by specific engine and configuration. The manual covers all these variations.
Certifications
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the 2004 model year.