Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance
Key Competitors 2002:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra 1500
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Robust, heavy-duty construction, proven mechanicals, strong towing and hauling capabilities
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides expert-level repair and maintenance guidance, empowering owners to maintain their vehicle effectively and economically.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair of all engine variants
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions, including torque converter
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, CV joints, driveshafts, transfer case (4WD)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shocks, struts, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, frame inspection, noise insulation
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules based on mileage or time
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing common wear items and major components
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnose and resolve common and uncommon issues
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for overhauling engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including reading sensor data and diagnosing complex electrical faults
Repair Methodology:
Professional-level repair procedures, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIYers
Base Engine:
4.7L Magnum V8 (SOHC)
Optional Engine 1:
3.7L Magnum V6 (SOHC)
Optional Engine 2:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (24V ISB) - Ram 2500/3500, but essential for context of engine families
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approximately 235 hp @ 4800 rpm
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approximately 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
3.7L V6 Horsepower:
Approximately 215 hp @ 5200 rpm
3.7L V6 Torque:
Approximately 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Code Identification
4.7L Engine Code:
P (on VIN)
3.7L Engine Code:
P (on VIN - though often differentiated by 8th digit)
Standard Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE/44RE)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500, typically with V6)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system (NV235/NV244, depending on configuration)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 11.5 quarts (dry fill), 7.0 quarts (service fill)
Wheelbase Options:
134.5 inches (Standard Cab), 140.5 inches (Quad Cab)
Overall Length Options:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 224.6" for standard cab/6.3ft bed)
Width Options:
Approximately 79.1 inches
Height Options:
Approximately 74.5 inches
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,500 - 5,500 lbs
Gvwr Range:
Approximately 6,000 - 7,200 lbs
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 8,900 lbs (properly equipped)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Good (for driver and passenger, when tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
Not extensively rated for this year/generation in standardized testing.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, premium speaker systems available.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry and remote start.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, typically requires aftermarket modification for auxiliary audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Approximately 100,000 miles (using appropriate OE spec plugs)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for 4.7L V8), SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for 3.7L V6 (check manual for exact specifications based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant meeting Chrysler MS-9769.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Common Issue 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on 4.7L V8) due to heat cycles and material fatigue.
Common Issue 2:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, water pump, heater core) common in older vehicles.
Common Issue 3:
Power window regulator failures.
Common Issue 4:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures, leading to various drivability issues.
Common Issue 5:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends) due to vehicle weight and typical usage.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, evolving from the original Power Wagon.
Third Gen Launch:
The 2002 model year marked the introduction of the third generation Ram, featuring a completely redesigned exterior and interior, including the distinctive crosshair grille.
Chassis Platform:
Built on a completely new chassis with hydroformed frame rails for increased rigidity and improved ride quality.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico, and Warren, Michigan, USA
