Positioning:
A full-size pickup truck designed for work and personal use, known for its robust construction and towing capabilities.
Competitors:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Design Philosophy:
Bold styling, powerful engine options, and a reputation for durability and towing prowess.
Strengths:
Strong V8 engine options, comfortable ride for a truck, impressive towing and payload capacities, extensive aftermarket support.
Engine Coverage:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8
Transmission Coverage:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE), 5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)
Body Style Coverage:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Quad Cab (Crew Cab)
Trim Level Coverage:
ST, SLT, Laramie
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (3.7L, 4.7L, 5.9L), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine electrical, automatic and manual transmission service, drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials, axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear disc/drum, ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, wipers and washers, horn, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, audio system, climate control electronics, body control module (BCM), fuse and relay layouts, wiring diagrams
Body:
Interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, body panels, bumpers, glass, frame and underbody, collision repair information
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, engine performance problems, transmission faults, electrical system malfunctions, brake issues, and HVAC problems; diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, and body panel repair
Installation:
Procedures for installing optional equipment, accessory components, and replacement parts
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical schematics)
Engine 1 Variant:
3.7L Magnum V6
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7 Liters (226 cu. in.)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 1 Configuration:
SOHC V6
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Variant:
4.7L Magnum V8
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 cu. in.)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Configuration:
SOHC V8
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 3 Variant:
5.9L Magnum V8
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.9 Liters (360 cu. in.)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
245 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Configuration:
OHV V8
Engine 3 Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 8,950 lbs (depending on configuration)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 2,590 lbs (depending on configuration)
Transmission 1:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE)
Transmission 2:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Overdrive:
Yes (on automatic transmissions)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
NV244 (full-time 4WD), NV241 (part-time 4WD)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles
Engine Oil Recommendation:
SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine)
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), e.g., NV3500 requires specific MTF
Common Problems:
Water pump leaks, manifold gasket leaks, starter issues, ball joint wear, ABS sensor failures, transmission solenoid issues (especially in earlier 45RFE), rust on rocker panels and cab corners.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate becoming synonymous with heavy-duty performance.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2002 Ram 1500 is part of the third generation (2002-2008), which introduced a completely redesigned exterior and interior, with a focus on improved aerodynamics, interior comfort, and updated technology.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA.
