Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, professional repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, step-by-step repair procedures and technical specifications essential for maintaining and repairing the 2002-2004 Dodge Ram.
Manual Advantage:
Empowers owners to perform complex repairs confidently, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Primary Coverage:
All Service and Repair
Specific Models Covered:
All Dodge Ram Pickup configurations (e.g., 1500, 2500, 3500) regardless of cab style or bed length.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control system, engine electrical.
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case (4WD models), clutch system, driveline components (driveshafts, U-joints).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system components, power steering, alignment specifications.
Brakes Systems:
Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power distribution, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, doors, windows, seats, exterior trim, interior trim, frame and subframes.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), use of diagnostic scan tools.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension linkage replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Installation Replacement:
Component replacement procedures for all major systems, including body panels, interior components, and mechanical parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and procedures.
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-Code), 5.9L Magnum V8 (Q-Code), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (C-Code).
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
235-245 hp (depending on year/application)
4.7L V8 Torque:
295-305 lb-ft (depending on year/application)
5.9L V8 Horsepower:
245-250 hp
5.9L V8 Torque:
335-340 lb-ft
5.9L Cummins Horsepower:
235-250 hp (depending on year/application)
5.9L Cummins Torque:
460-475 lb-ft (depending on year/application)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Direct Injection (CR) for Cummins Diesel.
5.9L Diesel:
C-Code (Cummins Turbo Diesel)
Transmissions Available:
4-speed automatic (42RE, 44RE, 48RE), 5-speed manual (NV3500, NV5600).
Transmission Options:
Specific transmission availability varied by engine and trim level (e.g., 5.9L Cummins typically came with NV5600 manual or 48RE auto).
Transfer Case:
Manual shift (part-time 4WD) or Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) 4WD systems.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil (specific weight depends on transmission model, e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-140)
Transfer Case Fluid:
New Process Gear (NP) 241: Mopar NV241 Transfer Case Lubricant (or equivalent like ATF+4 for some applications, check manual for specifics)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab (less common in early 3rd gen, but available later).
Wheelbase Options:
Varied by cab and bed length (e.g., 130.5" for Regular Cab Short Bed, 140.5" for Quad Cab Short Bed, 160.5" for Long Bed).
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 4,500 lbs to over 7,500 lbs depending on configuration and engine.
Gvw Options:
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) varies by model (e.g., 1500 series typically 6000-6300 lbs, 2500/3500 up to 8800-11500 lbs).
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Generally good ratings for its era, often 4-star or 5-star in frontal impacts (specific ratings vary by test year and configuration).
IIHS Side Impact:
Varies, but generally acceptable to good for the time period.
ABS:
Standard on most models; available as an option on some configurations.
Traction Control:
Available on some gasoline engine models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Side curtain airbags were not widely available on this generation initially.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver and passenger pretensioners.
Audio Systems:
Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional Infinity speaker systems, cassette players in some base models.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were an option on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors available on some later models.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on most trim levels.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions; consult manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on service and towing usage.
Spark Plugs:
70,000-100,000 miles (depending on ignition type - platinum/iridium recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on coolant type; HOAT coolant recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7L V8: 5.5 qts; 5.9L V8: 5.0 qts; 5.9L Cummins: 11.0 qts (check manual for precise amounts).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 for gasoline engines; 15W-40 for 5.9L Cummins Diesel.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant (typically orange or pink).
Common Problems:
Heater core leaks (especially 4.7L), exhaust manifold cracks (4.7L), rear main seal leaks, transmission torque converter issues, death wobble (steering/suspension play), cracked dashboards, interior trim quality.
Diesel Specific Issues:
Lift pump failure (early models), injector issues, turbocharger problems, PTO (Power Take-Off) failure on manual transmissions.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable pickup trucks, with the Ram line dating back to 1981.
Third Generation:
The 2002-2004 models represent the early part of the third generation (2002-2008), which introduced significant styling and engineering updates over the previous generation, including a revised chassis, more powerful engines, and new interior features.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
Market Introduction:
The third generation Ram was introduced for the 2002 model year.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Not awarded for this specific generation during these years, but Ram pickups have historically received various accolades.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by year and powertrain; often rated average to below average for some components during these early years of the generation.
