Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet owners, enthusiasts
Competitors 2002:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan (introduced later)
Design Philosophy:
Rugged, powerful, customizable, family-friendly (depending on configuration)
Manual Advantage:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge crucial for maintaining and repairing the specific complexities of the 2002 Ram Truck
Engine Mechanical:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8 (Gasoline)
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics (OBD-II)
Transmission Manual:
NV3500 (5-speed manual), NV4500 (5-speed manual)
Transmission Automatic:
42RE (4-speed automatic), 44RE (4-speed automatic), 46RE (4-speed automatic), NV3500 (5-speed automatic)
Drivetrain:
4x2, 4x4 systems, transfer cases (NV235, NV244, NV245), front and rear axles, driveshafts, differentials
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (IFS), rear solid axle, springs, shock absorbers, steering linkage
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (vented), rear drum brakes, ABS system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, trailer wiring
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system components and controls
Body And Frame:
Frame construction, body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, interior trim, bed liners
Body Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), power locks, power windows, mirrors, seat adjustments
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all mechanical and electrical components
Rebuild:
Engine, transmission, transfer case, and differential rebuild procedures with specifications
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including wiring diagrams and pin-out data for various modules
Installation:
Guidance on the installation of replacement parts and some aftermarket accessories
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and electrical system diagnostics)
Transmission Standard Engine 3.7L:
42RE 4-speed automatic
Transmission Standard Engine 4.7L:
44RE 4-speed automatic
Transmission Standard Engine 5.9L:
46RE 4-speed automatic
Transmission Optional Manual:
NV3500 (5-speed manual) for 3.7L and some 4.7L; NV4500 (5-speed manual) for 5.9L Cummins Diesel (not covered in this gasoline manual)
Overdrive Gears:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear)
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Refer to manual for specific manual transmission fluid type (e.g., 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for comparable models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for comparable models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels
Traction Control:
Optional (depending on trim and drivetrain)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, refer to manual
Engine Oil Spec 3.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Spec 4.7L V8:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Spec 5.9L V8:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API certified)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Issue 1:
Transmission issues (especially in early 4-speed automatics, e.g., solenoid failure, torque converter shudder)
Common Issue 2:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends) due to vehicle weight and usage
Common Issue 3:
Rust and corrosion, particularly on the frame and body panels in areas with road salt
Common Issue 4:
Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets)
Common Issue 5:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (particularly on V8 engines)
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2002 model year marks the beginning of the third generation (2002-2008) of the Dodge Ram, featuring a significant redesign with a larger, more aggressive appearance, improved interior, and updated powertrains.
Assembly Locations:
Saltillo Truck Assembly, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly, Michigan, USA
