🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram

Year:

2002

Model Code:

DR/DH/D2

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance technicians.

Competitors 2002:

Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned for its robust build, towing capacity, and variety of powertrain options. The 2002 model represents the first generation of the Ram 'second generation facelift' (often referred to as the 'Third Generation' by enthusiasts) which introduced significant styling and engineering updates.

Manual Benefit:

Provides the same detailed, factory-authorized information used by dealership technicians, enabling accurate and efficient repairs, reducing reliance on guesswork and potentially costly mistakes.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (ZIP archive containing PDF files)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for this era of comprehensive service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine control systems (PCM/ECM), transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front, rear, parking), wheels and tires, frame and body mounting.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), instrumentation, wipers and washers, horn, power windows/locks/mirrors, audio systems, HVAC controls, engine control modules (ECM/PCM) wiring, chassis control modules wiring, body control modules (BCM) wiring, diagnostic connector (OBD-II).

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, hood, tailgate/tailgate, glass, bumpers, body sealing, structural components.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation, air filter replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., gaskets, water pump, alternator, starter), transmission overhaul and repair, brake caliper/rotor/pad replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., ball joints, tie rods, shocks/struts), steering component replacement, axle seal replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for drivability issues, electrical faults, engine performance problems, HVAC system malfunctions, brake system concerns.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures, using diagnostic tools.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to in-depth component overhauls and diagnostics. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and assembly instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

ZIP archive containing multiple PDF files for organized access to different sections.

Image Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Digital Presentation:

Hyperlinked and searchable PDFs for efficient navigation and information retrieval.

Digital Readability:

Optimized for digital viewing on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8 (MPI/HO).

3.7L V6 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5200 rpm

3.7L V6 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

4.7L V8 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4800 rpm

4.7L V8 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.9L V8 Ho Horsepower:

245 hp @ 4000 rpm

5.9L V8 Ho Torque:

335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 octane unleaded gasoline (higher octane recommended for 5.9L HO under heavy load)

Cylinders:

V6 or V8

Displacement Liters:

3.7, 4.7, 5.9

Block Material:

Cast Iron (all engines)

Head Material:

Aluminum (3.7L V6, 4.7L V8), Cast Iron (5.9L V8)

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV) for Magnum series, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) for 4.7L V8

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual (NV3500 for lighter duty, NV4500 for heavy duty)

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic (42RE for 3.7L V6, 45RFE/545RFE for 4.7L V8, 47RE for 5.9L V8)

Transfer Case:

2-speed part-time 4WD (NV235, NV244) or 2WD configurations.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar specification 05013457AA) for 45RFE/545RFE, ATF+3 for 42RE/47RE (refer to manual for exact type).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific weight and type (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

131.0 inches (standard cab), 140.5 inches (Quad Cab/long bed)

Overall Length Options:

Approximately 218.9 to 249.8 inches depending on configuration.

Bed Length Options:

6.3 feet (short bed), 8.0 feet (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 4,500 - 5,500 lbs depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by model and configuration, typically 6,000 - 8,500 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this generation's front impact; typical for trucks of this era often focused on heavier-duty aspects. Refer to manual for specific structural information.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels for most trims.

Traction Control:

Available (Trac-Lok, often integrated with ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player and optional cassette player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Display:

Basic digital display for radio presets, clock, and climate control information. No central infotainment screen.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

No factory-installed rear parking sensors or backup cameras on this model year.

Auxiliary Input:

No standard auxiliary audio input jack. Aftermarket solutions are available.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or with every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (standard copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or sooner under severe service conditions.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 is common for both V6 and V8 engines, but consult manual for specific viscosity grade based on temperature and engine type. Mopar recommended.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Orange coolant, or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) meeting Chrysler MS-9769 specification.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust system components, catalytic converters, fuel pumps, and certain transmission components (especially on earlier 4.7L models).

Engine Specific Concerns:

4.7L V8: Potential for intake manifold gasket leaks, piston slap on cold starts in early models. 5.9L V8: Reliability is generally high, but valve seat wear can occur with very high mileage or poor fuel quality.

Electrical Concerns:

Instrument cluster failures, headlight switch issues, and power accessory glitches can occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2002 model year is part of the third generation of the Dodge Ram, which began in 2002 and ran through 2008. This generation featured a significant redesign with a bolder, more aggressive styling, a revised frame, and updated powertrains.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for the 2002 model may vary by publication, the Dodge Ram generation as a whole consistently received positive reviews for its styling, capability, and towing prowess, often placing it competitively against its rivals.

Konsumen Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for Dodge trucks of this era could be mixed, with specific engine and transmission combinations showing varying degrees of long-term durability. The manual is crucial for proper maintenance to mitigate potential issues.