Dodge›RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup›2004›3.7L V6/dodge/ram-1500-2500-pickup/2004/3-7l-v6/

DR platform

2004 Dodge RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup — 3.7L V6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup 3.7L V6.

Engine 3.7L V6Transmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2004 RAM 1500 and 2500 pickups, built on Chrysler’s DR platform, offered a 3.7-liter V6 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined, while the engine required 5.0 quarts of 10W-30 oil. However, reliability records for this model year include 580 owner complaints—predominantly about the powertrain—and nine recalls, which means this model year warrants careful scrutiny.

Model year2004 2003

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type10W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque135 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy14/19/16 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 650 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory fuel filter is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 650 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP265-70R17OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	05281090AB alt 04781452BF
Engine air filter	68441763AA alt 05029703AA
Fuel filter	52021983AB discontinued · alt 04897498AA
Spark plug	SPZFR6F11G
Front wiper blades	55077100AE
Serpentine belt	53032037AM alt 05037206AE
Thermostat	68174083AA alt 05037344AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	228.7 in
Overall width	78.7 in
Overall height	79.5 in
Wheelbase	127.2 in
Curb weight	4482 lb
Track (front / rear)	66.9 / 65.7 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	14 / 19 / 16 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 10W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	6.5
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	5.5
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	75W-90 · GL-5

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	8.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	70 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)	110.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	135 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	155 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	135 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	30.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	30.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	175 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	185 ft-lbs

Ignition

Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	20 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	6.00 oz
Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	SP-15
Oil Capacity	6.00 oz

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	192-199 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	56.0-60.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	13-16 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression	100 Minimum psi
Engine Oil Pressure	25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	24 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	130 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	22 ft-lbs / 24 ft-lbs / 11 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	145 ft-lbs / 250 ft-lbs
Other	DUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket	22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	100 ft-lbs
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0005 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

20 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

20 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 15,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 18,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · PCV Valve (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Spark Plug Wires (replace)
At 90,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Bands (adjust) · Power Steering System (drain & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2004 Dodge RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup top in one area — the power train, 95 of 580 reports (16%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 9 recall campaigns target the power train, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 48 of the reports describe a crash and 6 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the power train pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

580

Owner complaints

48 involved a crash · 6 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 580 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train95

Air Bags79

Steering72

Suspension49

Steering,Suspension41

Structure25

Engine & Engine Cooling17

Electrical System16

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

14V770000Air BagsReported 03/12/2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida…

11V350000Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod AssemblyReported 06/07/2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 39 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
S1203000003 REV.A	2026-06-26	Service Brakes	Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
101232	2024-10-29	Power Train	Plate - Planetary
S2208000136	2022-07-09	Electrical System	Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module…
S2208000136	2022-07-09	Electrical System	Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module…
9004275	2020-07-22	Electrical System	KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 battery Vehicles taking 5.0 qt DR-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 05281090AB Engine air filter 68441763AA Fuel filter 52021983AB Spark plug SPZFR6F11G

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup 3.7L V6 take?

5.0 qt of 10W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 RAM 1500, 2500 Pickup have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.7L V6 get?

EPA figures are 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg.