🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram Diesel Year: 2004 Product Name: 2004 Dodge Ram Diesel Owner's Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Heavy-duty pickup truck, catering to commercial users, fleet owners, and individuals requiring towing and hauling capabilities. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD. Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Robust diesel engine offering high torque for towing and hauling, durable chassis construction, spacious cabin options, proven reliability in demanding applications. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Features and controls, maintenance and service schedules, DIY activities, towing and safety considerations. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive owner's manuals). Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Electronic (likely PDF, inferred from 'electronic v......') 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation and basic care, transmission operation and basic care. Chassis: Brakes, steering, suspension operation and basic care. Electrical: Instrument cluster, lighting, power accessories, basic electrical system overview. Body And Interior: Seats, climate control, door locks, windows, mirrors, interior features. Safety And Security: Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-theft features. Procedures Included Maintenance: Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations. Do It Yourself: Basic maintenance tasks, such as checking and topping off fluids, replacing wipers, jump-starting the battery. Towing: Information on towing capacities, trailer brake controller setup (if equipped), proper trailer hookup and weight distribution. Emergency Procedures: Information on flat tire changes, emergency braking, basic troubleshooting of warning lights. Technical Depth Depth: Covers routine owner maintenance, operation of vehicle features, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in service manuals. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (likely, searchable and printable) Print Quality Quality: N/A (as it's an electronic version, but assumes original manufacturer print quality). Binding Type Binding: N/A (as it's an electronic version, but original manual would be perfect bound or saddle-stitched). Paper Type Paper: N/A (as it's an electronic version, but original manual would be printed on durable paper stock). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Turbodiesel Inline-6 (Cummins) Engine Displacement: 5.9 Liter (359 cubic inches) Engine Code: Commonly referred to as the '24-valve Cummins' or ISB. Performance Horsepower: Approximately 305-325 hp (depending on specific configuration/tuning). Torque: Approximately 555-610 lb-ft (depending on specific configuration/tuning). Fuel System Fuel Type: Diesel Injection System: Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI). Fuel Filter: Specific part numbers would be detailed in the manual for OEM replacement. Cooling System Coolant Type: Typically a Heavy-Duty Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, often red or orange. Manual will specify exact Chrysler/Cummins approved coolant. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: NV5600 6-speed manual transmission or 48RE 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional Transmission Type: 48RE 4-speed automatic transmission (if NV5600 was standard for specific trims). Features Fluid Type Manual: NV5600 typically uses manual transmission fluid (MTF) meeting specific viscosity and GL ratings (e.g., GL-3 or GL-4, specific to NV5600). Fluid Type Automatic: 48RE typically uses ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Regular Cab, Quad Cab (extended cab), Mega Cab (crew cab). Wheelbase Options: Varies by cab and bed length (e.g., 134.2", 140.5", 154.7", 160.5", 177.4"). Weights Gvwr: Typically in the 10,000 - 11,500 lbs range depending on configuration (e.g., 2500 or 3500 series). Curb Weight: Varies significantly by configuration, often in the 6,000 - 7,500 lbs range. Payload Capacity: Designed for significant payload, typically 2,000 - 4,000+ lbs depending on GVWR and configuration. Towing Capacity: Up to 10,000 - 12,000+ lbs, depending on chassis, axle ratio, and configuration (5th wheel/gooseneck options increase this). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Crash Test Results: Specific ratings for 2004 models would need to be verified via NHTSA archives, but generally comparable to competitors of its era. Frontal impact ratings are key. Active Features Braking System: Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Traction Control: Available on some models, depending on trim and options. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Side curtain airbags were not standard or widely available on these models. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts for all occupants, including height-adjustable shoulder belts for front occupants. Child Restraint: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats (where applicable). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Base AM/FM radio with CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system. Navigation: Not typically factory-installed on base models, aftermarket options common. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. Connectivity Trailer Brake Controller Prep: Often available as an option or pre-wired for aftermarket installation. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change reminder system. Diesel engines often have longer intervals than gasoline. Fuel Filter Replacement: Recommended around 15,000 - 20,000 miles, crucial for diesel...
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations.
Do It Yourself:
Basic maintenance tasks, such as checking and topping off fluids, replacing wipers, jump-starting the battery.
Towing:
Information on towing capacities, trailer brake controller setup (if equipped), proper trailer hookup and weight distribution.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on flat tire changes, emergency braking, basic troubleshooting of warning lights.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Covers routine owner maintenance, operation of vehicle features, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in service manuals.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (likely, searchable and printable)
Print Quality
Quality:
N/A (as it's an electronic version, but assumes original manufacturer print quality).
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (as it's an electronic version, but original manual would be perfect bound or saddle-stitched).
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (as it's an electronic version, but original manual would be printed on durable paper stock).
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Turbodiesel Inline-6 (Cummins)
Engine Displacement:
5.9 Liter (359 cubic inches)
Engine Code:
Commonly referred to as the '24-valve Cummins' or ISB.
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 305-325 hp (depending on specific configuration/tuning).
Torque:
Approximately 555-610 lb-ft (depending on specific configuration/tuning).
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Diesel
Injection System:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI).
Fuel Filter:
Specific part numbers would be detailed in the manual for OEM replacement.
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Typically a Heavy-Duty Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, often red or orange. Manual will specify exact Chrysler/Cummins approved coolant.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
NV5600 6-speed manual transmission or 48RE 4-speed automatic transmission.
Optional
Transmission Type:
48RE 4-speed automatic transmission (if NV5600 was standard for specific trims).
Features
Fluid Type Manual:
NV5600 typically uses manual transmission fluid (MTF) meeting specific viscosity and GL ratings (e.g., GL-3 or GL-4, specific to NV5600).
Fluid Type Automatic:
48RE typically uses ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Quad Cab (extended cab), Mega Cab (crew cab).
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by cab and bed length (e.g., 134.2", 140.5", 154.7", 160.5", 177.4").
Weights
Gvwr:
Typically in the 10,000 - 11,500 lbs range depending on configuration (e.g., 2500 or 3500 series).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, often in the 6,000 - 7,500 lbs range.
Payload Capacity:
Designed for significant payload, typically 2,000 - 4,000+ lbs depending on GVWR and configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 10,000 - 12,000+ lbs, depending on chassis, axle ratio, and configuration (5th wheel/gooseneck options increase this).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Specific ratings for 2004 models would need to be verified via NHTSA archives, but generally comparable to competitors of its era. Frontal impact ratings are key.
Active Features
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Traction Control:
Available on some models, depending on trim and options.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Side curtain airbags were not standard or widely available on these models.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, including height-adjustable shoulder belts for front occupants.
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats (where applicable).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Base AM/FM radio with CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system.
Navigation:
Not typically factory-installed on base models, aftermarket options common.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Connectivity
Trailer Brake Controller Prep:
Often available as an option or pre-wired for aftermarket installation.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change reminder system. Diesel engines often have longer intervals than gasoline.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Recommended around 15,000 - 20,000 miles, crucial for diesel engine longevity.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Typically at 100,000 miles initially, then every 50,000 miles or as specified by coolant type.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic: ~50,000 - 60,000 miles. Manual: Less frequent, often inspected. Manual will detail specific checks.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API CI-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 is common. Manual will specify precise viscosity and API category.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) with filter change for the 5.9L Cummins.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 23.9 quarts (22.6 liters).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Water pump, alternator, ball joints, steering components, exhaust manifold (cracking is a known but not universal issue on some Cummins engines of this era).
Diesel Specific Concerns:
Injection pump reliability (VP44 on earlier models, though 2004 likely uses common rail), fuel injector wear, turbocharger maintenance, EGR valve operation (if equipped), glow plug system.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, often positioned as powerful workhorses.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Ram:
The 2004 Ram Diesel is part of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, which introduced significant styling and mechanical updates, including a coil-spring rear suspension on some models for improved ride quality.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Diesel Engine Recognition:
The 5.9L Cummins engine itself has a strong reputation for durability and performance, often lauded by automotive journalists and diesel enthusiasts.
Ratings
Tow Vehicle Awards:
While specific awards for the 2004 Ram Diesel might be rare, the Ram Heavy Duty line consistently ranks well in terms of towing capability and overall truck functionality.