
GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
7Cooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission/Transaxle
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control Systems
30New Vehicle Preparation
Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)

INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY CODE PLATE
DESCRIPTION............................1
FASTENER IDENTIFICATION
DESCRIPTION............................3
FASTENER USAGE
DESCRIPTION............................6
INTERNATIONAL VEHICLE CONTROL &
DISPLAY SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION............................6
METRIC SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION............................6TORQUE REFERENCES
DESCRIPTION............................9
VECI LABEL
DESCRIPTION...........................10
OPERATION.............................10
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
DESCRIPTION...........................10
VEHICLE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABEL
DESCRIPTION...........................12
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE
DESCRIPTION...........................12
BODY CODE PLATE
DESCRIPTION
The Body Code Plate (Fig. 1) is located on the floor
pan under the passenger seat or attached to the front
face of the radiator closure panel. There are seven
lines of information on the body code plate. Lines 5,
6, and 7 are not used to define service information.
Information reads from left to right, starting with
line 4 in the center of the plate to line 1 at the bot-
tom of the plate.
The last code imprinted on a vehicle code plate will
be followed by the imprinted word END. When two
vehicle code plates are required, the last available
spaces on the first plate will be imprinted with the
letters CTD (for continued).
When a second vehicle code plate is necessary, the
first four spaces on each row will not be used because
of the plate overlap.
BODY CODE PLATEÐLINE 4
DIGITS 1 THROUGH 12
Vehicle Order Number
DIGITS 13, 14, AND 15
Transmission Codes
²DGP = 4±speed Automatic (47RE)
²DGT = 4±speed Automatic (46RE)
²DGK = 4±speed Automatic (42RE)
²DDP = 5±speed Manual (NVG-4500)
²DDX = 5±speed Manual (NVG-4500 Heavy Duty)
²DDC = 5±speed Manual (NVG-3500)
²DEE = 6±speed Manual (NVG-5600)DIGITS 16, 17, AND 18
Car Line Shell
²BR1=15004X2
²BE1=15004X2
²BR6=15004X4
Fig. 1 Body Code Plate
1 - PRIMARY PAINT
2 - SECONDARY PAINT
3 - TRANSMISSION CODE
4 - VEHICLE MODEL NUMBER
5 - ENGINE CODE
6 - INTERIOR TRIM CODE
7 - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
8 - TAILGATE CODE
9 - CARGO BOX CODE
10 - TAILGATE TRIM CODE
11 - BODY-IN-WHITE SEQUENCE
12 - MARKET CODE
13 - SPECIES CODE
14 - PAINT PROCEDURE
15 - VEHICLE ORDER NUMBER
BR/BEINTRODUCTION 1

²BE6=15004X4
²BR2=25004X2
²BE2=25004X2
²BR7=25004X4
²BE7=25004X4
²BR3=35004X2
²BE3=35004X2
²BR8=35004X4
²BE8=35004X4
DIGIT 19
Price Class
²L = Ram Truck (All)
DIGITS 20 AND 21
Body Type
²
31 = Ram Truck Club Cab (138.7 in. Wheel Base)
²32 = Ram Truck Club Cab (154.7 in. Wheel Base)
²33 = Ram Truck Quad Cab (138.7 in. Wheel Base)
²34 = Ram Truck Quad Cab (154.7 in. Wheel Base)
²61 = Ram Truck (118.7 in. Wheel Base)
²62 = Ram Truck (134.7 in. Wheel Base)
²63 = Ram Truck Cab Chassis (138.7 in. Wheel
Base)
²
64 = Ram Truck Cab Chassis (162.7 in. Wheel
Base)
BODY CODE PLATEÐLINE 3
DIGITS 1,2, AND 3
Paint Procedure
²APA = Monotone
²AP9 = Special
²APB = Two-tone (Waterfall)
²APC = Two-tone (Centerband)
²APD = Two-tone (Lower break)
DIGIT 4
Open Space
DIGITS 5 THROUGH 8
Primary Paint
Refer to Group 23, Body for color codes.
DIGIT 9
Open Space
DIGITS 10 THROUGH 13
Secondary Paint
DIGIT 14
Open Space
DIGITS 15 THROUGH 18
Interior Trim CodeDIGIT 19
Open Space
DIGITS 20, 21, AND 22
Engine Code
²EHC = 3.9 L 6 cyl. MPI Gasoline
²ELF = 5.2 L 8 cyl. MPI Gasoline
²ELN = 5.2 L 8 cyl. (CNG)
²EML = 5.9 L 8 cyl. MPI Gasoline
²EMM = 5.9 L 8 cyl. MPI Gasoline (Heavy Duty)
²ETC = 5.9 L 6 cyl. Turbo Diesel
²EWA = 8.0 L 10 cyl. MPI Gasoline
BODY CODE PLATEÐLINE 2
DIGIT 1 Open Space
DIGITS 2 AND 3 Species Code. (Used for Manufacturing)
DIGIT 4
Open Space
DIGIT 5
Market Code
²B = International
²C = Canada
²M = Mexico
²U = United States
DIGIT 6
Open Space
DIGITS 7 THROUGH 23
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Refer to Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) para-
graph for proper breakdown of VIN code.
BODY CODE PLATEÐLINE 1
DIGITS 1 THROUGH 6 Body-in-white assembly sequence.
DIGIT 7
Open Space
DIGIT 8 Tailgate trim code.
DIGIT 9
Open Space
DIGITS 10 THROUGH 12 Cargo box code
²XBS = Sweptline
DIGIT 13
Open Space
2 INTRODUCTIONBR/BE
BODY CODE PLATE (Continued)

FASTENER USAGE
DESCRIPTION - FASTENER USAGE
WARNING: USE OF AN INCORRECT FASTENER
MAY RESULT IN COMPONENT DAMAGE OR PER-
SONAL INJURY.
Figure art, specifications and torque references in
this Service Manual are identified in metric and SAE
format.
During any maintenance or repair procedures, it is
important to salvage all fasteners (nuts, bolts, etc.)
for reassembly. If the fastener is not salvageable, a
fastener of equivalent specification must be used.
DESCRIPTION - THREADED HOLE REPAIR
Most stripped threaded holes can be repaired using
a Helicoilt. Follow the manufactures recommenda-
tions for application and repair procedures.
INTERNATIONAL VEHICLE
CONTROL & DISPLAY
SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION - INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
The graphic symbols illustrated in the following
International Control and Display Symbols Chart are
used to identify various instrument controls. The
symbols correspond to the controls and displays that
are located on the instrument panel.
METRIC SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION - METRIC SYSTEM
The metric system is based on quantities of one,
ten, one hundred, one thousand and one million .
The following chart will assist in converting metric
units to equivalent English and SAE units, or vise
versa.
International Symbols
1 High Beam 13 Rear Window Washer
2 Fog Lamps 14 Fuel
3 Headlamp, Parking Lamps, Panel Lamps 15 Engine Coolant Temperature
4 Turn Warning 16 Battery Charging Condition
5 Hazard Warning 17 Engine Oil
6 Windshield Washer 18 Seat Belt
7 Windshield Wiper 19 Brake Failure
8 Windshield Wiper and Washer 20 Parking Brake
9 Windscreen Demisting and Defrosting 21 Front Hood
10 Ventilating Fan 22 Rear hood (Decklid)
11 Rear Window Defogger 23 Horn
12 Rear Window Wiper 24 Lighter
6 INTRODUCTIONBR/BE

VECI LABEL
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with 3.9L V-6 or 5.2L/5.9L V-8
LDC-gas powered engines have a VECI label.
The label combines both emission control informa-
tion and vacuum hose routing. This label is located
in the engine compartment in front of the radiator
(Fig. 2).
The VECI label contains the following:
²Engine family and displacement
²Evaporative family
²Emission control system schematic
²Certification application
²Engine timing specifications (if adjustable)
²Idle speeds (if adjustable)
²Spark plug and gap
The 5.9L HDC-gas powered engine will have two
labels. One of the labels is located in front of the
radiator in the engine compartment (Fig. 2) and will
contain vacuum hose routing only. The other is
attached to the drivers side of the engine air cleaner
housing (Fig. 2).
The VECI label for the 5.9L HDC-gas powered
engine will contain the following:
²Engine family and displacement
²Evaporative family
²Certification application
²Engine timing specifications (if adjustable)
²Idle speeds (if adjustable)
²Spark plug and gap
The label for the 8.0L V-10 HDC-gas powered
engine is also located in the engine compartment. Itis attached to a riveted metal plate located to the
right side of the generator (Fig. 3).
OPERATION
There are unique VECI labels for vehicles built for
sale in the country of Canada and for both Light
Duty Cycle (LDC) and Heavy Duty Cycle (HDC)
engines. Canadian labels are written in both the
English and French languages. For all Canadian
vehicles, the label is split into two different labels.
The VECI labels are permanently attached and
cannot be removed without defacing information and
destroying label.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
VIN CODING/LOCATIONS
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate is
located on the lower windshield fence near the left
A-pillar (Fig. 4). The VIN contains 17 characters that
provide data concerning the vehicle. Refer to the VIN
decoding chart to determine the identification of a
vehicle.
The Vehicle Identification Number is also
imprinted on the:
²Body Code Plate.
²Equipment Identification Plate.
²Vehicle Safety Certification Label.
²Frame rail.
To protect the consumer from theft and possible
fraud the manufacturer is required to include a
Check Digit at the ninth position of the Vehicle Iden-
Fig. 2 VECI Label Location
1 - VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL
2 - VECI LABEL (5.9L HDC FOR CANADA ONLY)
3 - VECI LABEL (5.9L HDC ONLY) (INCLUDES CANADA)
Fig. 3 VECI Label LocationÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - VECI LABEL
2 - GENERATOR
10 INTRODUCTIONBR/BE

tification Number. The check digit is used by the
manufacturer and government agencies to verify the
authenticity of the vehicle and official documenta-
tion. The formula to use the check digit is not
released to the general public.
POSITION INTERPRETATION CODE = DESCRIPTION
1 Country of Origin 1 = United States
3 = Mexico
2 Make B = Dodge
3 Vehicle Type 6 = Incomplete
7 = Truck
4 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating H = 6001-7000
J = 7001-8000
K = 8001-9000
L = 9001-10,000
M = 10,001-14,000
5 Vehicle Line C = Ram Cab Chassis/Ram Pick Up (4x2)
F = Ram Cab Chassis/Ram Pick Up (4x4)
6 Series 1 = 1500
2 = 2500
3 = 3500
7 Body Style 2 = Club Cab
3 = Quad Cab
6 = Conventional Cab/Cab Chassis
8 Engine 6 = 5.9L 6 cyl. 24 Valve Diesel
7=5.9 6cyl. 24 Valve Turbo Diesel H/O
W = 8.0L 10 cyl. MPI
X = 3.9L 6 cyl. MPI
Y = 5.2L 8 cyl. MPI
Z = 5.9L 8 cyl. MPI-LDC
5 = 5.9L 8cyl. MPI-HDC
9 Check Digit 0 through 9 or X
10 Model Year 1=2001
11 Plant Location J = St. Louis North
S = Dodge City
M = Lago Alberto Assembly
12 thru 17 Vehicle Build Sequence
Fig. 4 Vehicle
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER PLATE VIN
BR/BEINTRODUCTION 11
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (Continued)

LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
DESCRIPTION............................1
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION............................3
PARTS & LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATION
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................3
FLUID TYPES
DESCRIPTION............................3
OPERATION.............................5
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS.........................6MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION............................7
JUMP STARTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................27
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................28
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................29
LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS - GAS
ENGINES
Your engine is designed to meet all emissions reg-
ulations and provide excellent fuel economy and per-
formance when using high quality unleaded gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium
gasoline will provide no benefit over high quality reg-
ular gasoline, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not
harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy
spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and
immediate service is required. Engine damage result-
ing from operation with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have
issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications
(the Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel
properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
performance and durability for your vehicle. We rec-
ommend the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC
specifications if they are available.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as ªreformulat-
edº gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contain oxygen-
ates, and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle
emissions and improve air quality.
We strongly supports the use of reformulated gas-
oline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will
provide excellent performance and durability for the
engine and fuel system components.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE.
Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country
during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide
emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may
be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline containing METH-
ANOL. Gasoline containing methanol may damage
critical fuel system components.
MMT IN GASOLINE
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive
that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane.
Gasoline blended with MMT provide no performance
advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduce
spark plug life and reduce emission system perfor-
mance in some vehicles. We recommend that gasolines
free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT con-
tent of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline
pump; therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer
whether or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
BR/BELUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 1

It is even more important to look for gasoline with-
out MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at
levels higher than allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California refor-
mulated gasoline.
SULFUR IN GASOLINE
If you live in the northeast United States, your
vehicle may have been designed to meet California
low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning Cali-
fornia reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such
fuels are not available in states adopting California
emission standards, your vehicles will operate satis-
factorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission control system performance may be
adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California
is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may
affect the performance of the vehicle's catalytic con-
verter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine Soon
light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a dif-
ferent brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur
to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to
returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
CAUTION: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL),
Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is flash-
ing, immediate service is required; see on-board
diagnostics system section.
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
All gasoline sold in the United States and Canada
are required to contain effective detergent additives.
Use of additional detergents or other additives is not
needed under normal conditions.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
CAUTION: Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle's performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance, damage the emission control system, and
could result in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully
loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the tem-
perature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to
help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists,
lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being
sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Most
of these products contain high concentrations of
methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such fuels
or additives is not the responsibility of Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation and may not be covered under
the new vehicle warranty.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under certain
conditions and hazardous or explosive when mixed
with diesel fuel.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable sup-
plier in your Dodge truck. For most year-round ser-
vice, number 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 will provide good performance. If
the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 0ÉF/-
18ÉC), or is required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2
diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection
from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To
prevent fuel system trouble, including fuel line freez-
ing in winter, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good-quality fuel and fol-
low the cold-weather advice above, fuel conditioners
should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane ªpremiumº diesel fuel may
offer improved cold starting and warm-up perfor-
mance.
0 - 2 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEBR/BE
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE (Continued)