🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 Series

Model Years Covered:

2002, 2003, 2004

Body Styles Covered:

All Body Styles (e.g., Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab)

Chassis Code:

DR

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck.

Target Audience:

Owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.

Competitors:

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

Durability:

Known for robust construction and heavy-duty capabilities.

Engine Options:

Offered with powerful V8 engine options, catering to towing and hauling needs.

Off Road Capability:

Available with 4WD systems, suitable for off-road use.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all systems.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 2000 pages (typical for a full workshop manual of this era).

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, timing, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system, emission control, turbocharging (if applicable), diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, manual transmission operation, disassembly, repair, overhaul.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, hydraulic control, torque converter, disassembly, repair, overhaul, shift control.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive system (transfer case, front axle), rear axle, driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, differentials.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS, hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hinges, latches, interior trim, exterior trim, frame repair, collision repair basics.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling, diagnostics.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS components, diagnostics and safety precautions.

Maintenance:

Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem resolution.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for various systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Factory-level technical information, including torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and diagnostic procedures.

Rebuild Procedures:

Comprehensive rebuild instructions for engines, transmissions, and differentials.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, suitable for printing and digital viewing.

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick access to specific information.

Printability:

Designed for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

4.7L Magnum V8 (P-Code)

Displacement 1:

4.7 Liters (285 cu in)

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 235-245 hp (varies slightly by year/tune)

Torque 1:

Approx. 295-305 lb-ft (varies slightly by year/tune)

Engine Option 2:

5.9L Magnum V8 (ISB Diesel - for certain models/years, less common in 1500) or 5.7L HEMI V8 (introduced later in the generation, mainly 2003/2004)

Displacement 2:

5.9 Liters (360 cu in) for the gas V8; 5.7 Liters (345 cu in) for HEMI

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 245-250 hp for 5.9L gas; Approx. 345-350 hp for 5.7L HEMI

Torque 2:

Approx. 345-350 lb-ft for 5.9L gas; Approx. 375-380 lb-ft for 5.7L HEMI

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Option 1:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RE or 44RE)

Transmission Option 2:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV3500)

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD system (NV241DHD)

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

Approx. 120.5 inches (standard cab/short bed)

Wheelbase Long:

Approx. 135.5 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab or long bed)

Bed Lengths:

Approx. 6.3 ft (short bed) and 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight:

Varies by configuration, typically 4,500 - 5,500 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 8,000 - 9,000+ lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Typically 3 out of 5 stars (as rated by NHTSA for this era).

ABS:

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

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on select models/trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, available premium audio systems.

Display:

Basic digital odometer and trip computer displays, no large central infotainment screen as found in modern vehicles.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assist:

Not typically available on models of this era.

Aux Input:

Limited, typically no standard aux input; aftermarket solutions often required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Consult manual for specifics.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on transmission type and driving conditions; severe service often requires more frequent changes). Consult manual.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approximately 100,000 miles for standard plugs, potentially longer for premium plugs.

Engine Oil Spec 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395)

Engine Oil Spec 5.7L:

SAE 5W-20 (API certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395)

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) OAT coolant, typically purple or orange.

Common Issues 1:

Crankshaft position sensor failures (leading to stalling/no-start), water pump leaks, differential pinion seal leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on early 4.7L).

Common Issues 2:

Transmission solenoid pack failures (in automatic transmissions), heater core leaks, ABS sensor failures, potential for steering/suspension wear due to heavy usage.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long-standing history in the truck market, dating back to the 1930s.

Third Generation Ram:

This generation (DS) of the Ram pickup (2002-2008) represented a significant redesign with a more aggressive styling and improved aerodynamics over its predecessor.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards History:

While specific awards for the 2002-2004 model years might be less publicized than later generations, the Ram platform consistently received accolades for its styling and capabilities during its run.

Jd Power Ratings:

Ratings varied by year and specific configurations, with some praise for performance and value but also common reports of reliability issues in certain components typical for the brand during this period.