🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 1500 Pickup

Year:

2002

Generation Code:

Second Generation (DN) Facelift

Platform Code:

Ram Truck Platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 was a highly popular half-ton pickup truck known for its bold styling, robust construction, and strong V8 engine options, competing directly with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Competitive Analysis:

At its release, the Ram 1500 distinguished itself with its 'big rig' inspired exterior design and the availability of the Magnum V8 engines, offering a compelling blend of power and towing capability. This manual provides the technical foundation to maintain and repair this segment leader.

Key Features:

Distinctive styling, powerful V8 engine options, capable truck chassis, and a wide range of configurations catering to various work and personal needs.

Engine Performance Emphasis:

The manual details the performance characteristics and tuning information for both the 4.7L and 5.9L Magnum V8 engines, focusing on optimizing power and efficiency.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems for the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup.

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era, exact count not provided in product info).

Manual Type:

Professional Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Instant Download (Digital PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emission control systems, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain (4x2 and 4x4), axles, suspension, steering, brakes (ABS, rear drum, front disc), body (exterior and interior components), electrical system (wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories), HVAC system, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Chassis And Frame:

Detailed specifications and repair procedures for the frame, suspension components (front and rear), steering linkage, and wheel bearings.

Body And Trim:

Information on exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, door panels, glass, and related fasteners and mounting points.

Exhaust System:

Repair and replacement procedures for exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, and pipes, including torque specifications for mounting hardware.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, component diagnostics, disassembly and reassembly of major components, repair procedures, troubleshooting guides with flowcharts, electrical system diagnosis, torque specifications, special tool requirements, alignment procedures, and component testing.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting procedures for common drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Diagnostics:

Procedures for using diagnostic scan tools (OBD-II) to retrieve and interpret trouble codes, monitor live data, and perform system tests.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance tasks to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, color-coded electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component locations and connector views.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content, allowing quick access to specific topics and keywords.

Print Quality:

Searchable, high-resolution text and diagrams, optimized for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Option 1:

4.7L Magnum V8 (P) SOHC EFI

Engine Code 1:

EVC

Displacement 1:

4.7 Liters (287 CID)

Horsepower 1:

235 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque 1:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Primary Engine Option 2:

5.9L Magnum V8 (B) OHV EFI

Engine Code 2:

360

Displacement 2:

5.9 Liters (360 CID)

Horsepower 2:

245 hp @ 4000 rpm

Torque 2:

345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel System Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron (both 4.7L and 5.9L)

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum (4.7L Magnum V8), Cast Iron (5.9L Magnum V8)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Option:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE for 4.7L, 46RE for 5.9L)

Optional Transmission Option:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500 for 4.7L, NV4500 for 5.9L, less common on 1500)

Overdrive Gears:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic shift-on-the-fly (NV241DHD for 5.9L, NV243 for 4.7L) or available full-time 4WD. 2WD models also available.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

134.0 inches (Regular Cab, Standard Bed), 145.0 inches (Club Cab, Standard Bed), 164.0 inches (Club Cab, Long Bed)

Overall Length Approx:

209.4 - 228.4 inches

Bed Length Options:

6.3 feet (Standard Bed), 8.0 feet (Long Bed)

Curb Weight Approx:

4,500 - 5,200 lbs

Max Gvw Approx:

6,050 - 6,400 lbs

Towing Capacity Max Approx:

Up to 8,000 lbs, depending on configuration (engine, axle ratio, 2WD/4WD).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:

Four stars (may vary slightly by year/configuration)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:

Four stars (may vary slightly by year/configuration)

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette tape player, and optional premium Infinity sound system. Basic climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were available.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity, primarily focused on audio inputs. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports in standard factory systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-4 years, depending on coolant type.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approximately 100,000 miles for 4.7L V8 (Iridium), and 30,000-60,000 miles for 5.9L V8 (depending on spark plug type).

Engine Oil Specification 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 API SP or SN, ILSAC GF-6A, ACEA A3/B4 (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-6395).

Engine Oil Specification 5.9L:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (for heavier loads/hot weather), SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (for colder weather) API SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3 (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-6395).

Transmission Fluid Automatic 42Re/46Re:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transfer Case Fluid Nv241:

Mopar TF-9754 (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9224)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-5901)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Orange (MS-9769) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) equivalent.

Differential Fluid Rear:

Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5). May require friction modifier for limited-slip differentials (check manual).

Differential Fluid Front:

Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5). For 4x4 models.

Common Issues Engine 4.7L:

Piston slap at cold start, cracked cylinder heads (early versions), intake manifold gasket leaks.

Common Issues Engine 5.9L:

Valve seat recession (with lead-free fuel), exhaust manifold cracks, oil filter bypass valve failure.

Common Issues Transmission:

Slipping or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions (often related to solenoids, clutch packs, or valve body issues); clutch wear in manual transmissions.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, shock absorber failure, steering gear play.

Common Issues Electrical:

Instrument cluster failures, power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor issues, ABS sensor faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram line dating back to the 1980s, evolving from basic utility vehicles to feature-rich, powerful trucks.

Model Evolution:

The 2002 model represents the facelifted second generation (DN) of the Dodge Ram, which debuted in 1994. This facelift introduced updated styling, interior refinements, and improved powertrain options, including the introduction of the 4.7L Magnum V8.

Interior Updates 2002:

The 2002 model year continued with the refreshed interior introduced in 1998, featuring improved ergonomics and materials compared to earlier second-generation models.

Production Location:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri (assembly plants for Dodge Ram trucks).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Dodge Ram series has historically received various awards for its design, performance, and value from automotive publications and organizations, though specific awards for the 2002 model year would need detailed research beyond the product description.