🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram 2500 Series Year: 1996-1997 Generation Third Generation Designation: BR/BE Codes Chassis Code: BR/BE 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Heavy-duty pickup truck. Target Audience: Owners and professional mechanics of Dodge Ram 2500 Series trucks from 1996-1997. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, GMC Sierra 2500. Key Features Manual Value: Provides essential knowledge for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing these robust trucks, saving time and money. Vehicle Strengths: Renowned for their heavy-duty capability, powerful engine options, and rugged construction. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas All Models: True All Engines: True All Trims: True Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, diagnostics, repair, and maintenance for all gasoline and diesel engines. Engine Electrical: Ignition system, fuel injection, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams, ECU troubleshooting. Transmission Manual: Service and repair of NV3500, NV4500 manual transmissions. Transmission Automatic: Service and repair of 46RE, 47RE automatic transmissions, including torque converter. Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive system (NV241, NV243), transfer case, differentials, axle shafts, U-joints. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, springs, shocks, bushings, alignment procedures. Steering: Power steering system, steering gear, linkages, power steering pump. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, hydraulic system, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair. Body And Frame: Body panel repair, chassis structural analysis, door mechanisms, glass replacement. Interior: Seat removal/installation, dashboard components, trim panels, interior electronics. Emissions Control: Catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emission control, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based fault finding. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and adjustment. Overhaul Procedures: Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems. Specification Charts: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, component dimensions. Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Gasoline Options: 8.0L Magnum V10 (300-310 hp, 450-470 lb-ft torque), 5.9L Magnum V8 (220-245 hp, 330-345 lb-ft torque). Diesel Option: 5.9L 12-valve Cummins Turbo Diesel (180-215 hp, 420-440 lb-ft torque). Performance Fuel Type: Gasoline and Diesel. Fuel System Gasoline Injection: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for V8 and V10 engines. Diesel Injection: Inline injection pump for 5.9L Cummins. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: NV3500 5-speed manual (typically on lighter duty models/engines), NV4500 5-speed manual (heavy duty). Optional Optional Transmission Type: 46RE 4-speed automatic, 47RE 4-speed automatic (with overdrive). Features Overdrive: Present on 47RE automatic transmission. Transfer Case: Part-time 4WD (NV241DHD, NV243DHD) and potentially full-time 4WD options. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Varies by configuration (e.g., 134.9 inches for standard cab, 164.9 inches for long bed). Body Styles: Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab). Bed Lengths: 6.3 ft (short), 8.0 ft (long). Weights Gvwr: Ranges from approximately 8,510 lbs to 10,000 lbs depending on configuration and axle. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Crash Test Results: Data for this specific generation may vary by year and test; generally considered robust for its class. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System available on front wheels and often rear wheels. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags were standard in most configurations. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, and optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most higher trims. Connectivity Trailer Wiring: Factory trailer wiring harness provided for towing. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Gasoline: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Oil Change Diesel: Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for the 5.9L Cummins. Transmission Fluid Change: Consult manual, but generally around 30,000-50,000 miles for automatics and manuals, depending on load and usage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Gasoline: API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific weight). Engine Oil Diesel: API CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 or Cummins CES 20071/20076 rated oil, SAE 15W-40 recommended. Transmission Fluid Automatic: ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar spec) Transmission Fluid Manual: Refer to manual for specific manual transmission fluid (MTF) or gear oil type, e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140. Coolant: Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolant, typically orange or Mopar's specific color. Known Issues V10 Engine:...