Model:
Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500
Production Years Covered By Manual:
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Platform Code:
DR (2nd Generation)
Generation Years:
1994-2001 (DR); 2002-2008 (DR, updated styling)
Segment:
Full-size pickup truck segment.
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians working on Dodge Ram trucks.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust construction, powerful engine options, towing capability, spacious cabin, often a value proposition in the used market.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing these durable trucks, empowering owners to perform tasks themselves, saving on labor costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain, axles, driveshafts.
Chassis:
Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), steering, suspension (front and rear), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior and interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), electrical system (wiring diagrams, lighting, accessories), instrument cluster, security systems, audio systems.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Highly detailed, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Option 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-Code)
Engine Option 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (E-Code, introduced 2003)
Engine Option 3:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (ISB - for 2500/3500 models)
Engine Option 4:
3.7L Magnum V6 (introduced 2002 for 1500 models)
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-240 hp (varies slightly by year)
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft (varies slightly by year)
5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 345-348 hp
5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:
Approx. 375-376 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
Approx. 250-275 hp (varies by year and rating)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
Approx. 460-525 lb-ft (varies by year and rating)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended); Diesel for Cummins.
Standard Transmission 1500:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE/45RFE/48RE)
Standard Transmission 2500/3500:
4-Speed Automatic (47RE / 48RE)
Optional Transmission 1500:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Optional Transmission 2500/3500:
5-Speed Manual (NV5600 for diesel, G360 for gas)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD with electronic shift-on-the-fly (NV241DHD/NV243DHD) or part-time manual transfer case. Full-time 4WD available on some models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (e.g., GL-5, SAE 75W-90).
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+4 or specific transfer case fluid as per manual.
Wheelbase Options:
Various wheelbases available (e.g., 135.5", 140.5", 154.5", 160.5" depending on cab and bed configuration).
Cab Options:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab).
Bed Options:
6.3 ft (standard), 8.0 ft (long bed).
Gvwr Range:
Varies significantly by model (e.g., 6,300 lbs for 1500 to over 10,000 lbs for 3500HD).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,800 lbs to 7,500+ lbs.
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to ~10,000 lbs (1500) to ~13,000+ lbs (3500 Diesel).
Payload Capacity Range:
Varies significantly by configuration and axle rating.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
4-star rating for driver and passenger in frontal impact (for comparable model years).
IIHS Crash Test:
Varies, typically 'Good' in frontal offset and side impact tests for similar vehicles of the era, but specific ratings for these years should be verified.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions.
Audio Systems:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, premium Infinity sound systems available on higher trims. Some models may have satellite radio readiness.
Navigation:
Optional dealer-installed or aftermarket navigation systems. Factory navigation was not common on this generation.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors on some higher trim levels.
Power Ports:
12V auxiliary power outlets.
Trailer Wiring:
Factory-equipped trailer wiring harness and brake controller connector provision on many models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; e.g., 3.7L/4.7L V8 ~100,000 miles, HEMI V8 ~100,000 miles (check manual).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid type. Diesel transmissions may have different intervals.
Engine Oil Type Gas:
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (check manual for exact viscosity and API service category).
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter.
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:
Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 L) with filter.
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CI-4 or CJ-4, SAE 15W-40 recommended for Cummins Turbo Diesel (check manual).
Engine Oil Capacity 5.9L Cummins:
Approx. 10 quarts (9.5 L) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent (typically orange or pink color).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problem 1:
Radiator failure (plastic tanks cracking/leaking).
Common Problem 2:
Water pump leaks.
Common Problem 3:
Transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder on automatics).
Common Problem 4:
Ball joint wear and failure (especially on 4WD models).
Common Problem 5:
Heater core leaks/failure.
Common Problem 6:
Exhaust manifold leaks (cracked manifolds).
Common Problem 7:
Cummins specific: Injector issues (older models), lift pump failure.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history in the truck market, dating back to the 1930s, with the Ram nameplate becoming iconic for its ruggedness and capability.
Second Generation Dr:
The 2002 model year marked a significant refresh of the second-generation (DR) platform, introducing updated styling (new grille, headlights, bumpers), interior enhancements, and the availability of the new 5.7L HEMI V8 engine.
Powertrain Changes:
The introduction of the HEMI V8 in 2003 was a major development, offering significantly more power and torque. The 3.7L V6 was also new for this generation.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily St. Louis Assembly, Missouri, and Saltillo, Mexico.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Dodge Ram was recognized by MotorTrend as 'Truck of the Year' in 1994 and subsequent years for various configurations, reflecting its market success and capability.
Towing Ratings:
Consistently high towing and payload ratings across the model range, a key selling point.
