🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Ram Pickup Year: 2006 Codes Chassis Codes: DR (2WD), DH (4WD) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Pickup Truck Target Audience: DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance, professional technicians Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2006: Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra Key Features Manual Advantage: Designed for ease of use by both amateur and professional mechanics, providing clear, step-by-step instructions. Preventative Maintenance Emphasis: Highlights the importance of routine maintenance to prevent premature failures and reduce long-term repair costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 1500, 2500, 3500 Series Trucks Drivetrain Coverage: Light Duty 4x2, Light Duty 4x4, Heavy Duty 4x2, Heavy Duty 4x4 Specialty Coverage: Cab Chassis 4x2 DX Family, 4000 DX Family Wheel Configuration Coverage: 3500 Less Dual Rear Wheels, 3500 With Dual Rear Wheels Page Count Estimated Page Count: Thousands (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals) Manual Type Manual Classification: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Primary Language: English Format File Format: PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Systems, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Automatic Transmission Chassis: Suspension, Differential & Driveline, Brakes, Steering, Tires/Wheels, Frame & Bumpers Electrical And Electronic: Audio, Chime/Buzzer, Electronic Control Modules, Horn, Ignition Control, Instrument Cluster, Lamps, Message Systems, Power Systems, Restraints, Speed Control, Vehicle Theft Security, Wipers/Washers, Wiring Body And Comfort: Body, Heating & Air Conditioning Emissions: Emissions Control Procedures Included Maintenance: Lubrication & Maintenance, Routine Checks, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements Repair And Overhaul: Component Removal and Installation, System Diagnosis, Major Component Overhaul (Engine, Transmission, Axles) Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive: From basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High Resolution, Searchable Text (typically) Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for easy workshop use Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: Not Applicable (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 4.7L 8-cyl MPI Gasoline, 4.7L 8-cyl Flex Fuel, 5.7L 8-cyl SMPI Gasoline, 5.9L 6-cyl Turbo Diesel High Output, 8.3L 10-cyl SFI Gasoline Performance 4.7L V8 (2006): Approx. 235 hp @ 4800 rpm, 325 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (MPI) 5.7L Hemi V8 (2006): Approx. 345 hp @ 5000 rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SMPI) 5.9L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (2006): Approx. 305 hp @ 2800 rpm, 555 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (High Output) 8.3L V10 (2006): Approx. 310 hp @ 4000 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (SFI - often found in Viper-powered variants or specific heavy-duty configurations) Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-Point Injection (MPI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI), Direct Injection (DI for some diesel applications) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: Likely Aisin AS68RC (heavy-duty manual, though less common), NV271 (manual transfer case), NV273 (manual transfer case) Optional Automatic Transmission Options: 45RFE/545RFE (4-speed automatic for V8s), 48RE (4-speed automatic for Cummins Diesel), 68RFE (6-speed automatic, possibly introduced late in the 2006 model year for some heavy-duty models). Features Transfer Case: Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) or Manual Shift transfer cases are common depending on configuration. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Options: Varies by cab type (Regular Cab, Quad Cab) and bed length (e.g., 131.3", 140.5", 159.5") Weights Gvwr Range: Ranges significantly from 1500 series to 3500 series (e.g., 8,510 lbs to over 10,000 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Variable by model year and configuration; generally good for its class, but specific ratings should be checked for individual configurations. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (or drums on some heavier duty models). Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags are standard. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio Systems: Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional Infinity premium audio systems, available satellite radio. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system covered in detail. Connectivity Wiring Diagrams: Extensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing and repairing electronic components. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations). Transmission Fluid Change: Recommended every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on usage and transmission type (check manual for specifics). Coolant Flush: Typically every 50,000-100,000 miles or 5 years. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: Varies by engine: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30 for gasoline engines; SAE 15W-40 for Cummins Diesel. API service classification (e.g., API SN, CJ-4 for diesel) is critical. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent) for 45RFE/545RFE/48RE transmissions. 68RFE may use a specific fluid like Mopar 68044345EA. Coolant Type: Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Orange) antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water. Known Issues Common Wear Items: Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, u-joints (especially on 4x4 models), exhaust manifold...
Comprehensive: From basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Approx. 310 hp @ 4000 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (SFI - often found in Viper-powered variants or specific heavy-duty configurations)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Injection (MPI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI), Direct Injection (DI for some diesel applications)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
Likely Aisin AS68RC (heavy-duty manual, though less common), NV271 (manual transfer case), NV273 (manual transfer case)
Optional
Automatic Transmission Options:
45RFE/545RFE (4-speed automatic for V8s), 48RE (4-speed automatic for Cummins Diesel), 68RFE (6-speed automatic, possibly introduced late in the 2006 model year for some heavy-duty models).
Features
Transfer Case:
Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) or Manual Shift transfer cases are common depending on configuration.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Options:
Varies by cab type (Regular Cab, Quad Cab) and bed length (e.g., 131.3", 140.5", 159.5")
Weights
Gvwr Range:
Ranges significantly from 1500 series to 3500 series (e.g., 8,510 lbs to over 10,000 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Variable by model year and configuration; generally good for its class, but specific ratings should be checked for individual configurations.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (or drums on some heavier duty models). Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard.
Extensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing and repairing electronic components.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on engine and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on usage and transmission type (check manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 50,000-100,000 miles or 5 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
Varies by engine: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30 for gasoline engines; SAE 15W-40 for Cummins Diesel. API service classification (e.g., API SN, CJ-4 for diesel) is critical.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent) for 45RFE/545RFE/48RE transmissions. 68RFE may use a specific fluid like Mopar 68044345EA.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Orange) antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, u-joints (especially on 4x4 models), exhaust manifold leaks (on HEMI), water pump failures, radiator leaks.
Diesel Specific:
Injectors, fuel system issues (lift pump, injection pump), turbocharger wear, EGR valve issues (on later models).
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM) issues, instrument cluster problems, power window regulators.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history in the truck market, with the Ram line becoming a distinct brand in 1993, known for its bold styling and robust performance.
Model Evolution
Third Generation Ram:
This 2006 model falls within the third generation (2002-2008), characterized by a more modern, muscular design, significantly improved interiors, and the introduction of the HEMI V8 and Cummins turbodiesel options.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Powertrain Awards:
The 5.7L HEMI V8 and 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engines received significant critical acclaim for their power and capability.