Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Key Competitors 2002:
Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra
Strengths:
Robust platform, strong engine options, significant towing and payload capacity, distinctive styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for DIY owners and independent repair shops seeking in-depth technical data to maintain and repair their 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 effectively.
Engine:
All gasoline engine variants (4.7L V8 Magnum, 5.7L V8 HEMI - though HEMI was phased in late 2002, manual should cover it if applicable)
Transmission:
Automatic transmissions (42RE, 45RFE, 48RE) and Manual transmissions (NV3500)
Drivetrain:
4x2 and 4x4 systems, front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering linkage
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc), ABS, hydraulic systems
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, bumpers
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault codes, symptom analysis
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, overhaul, and rebuild procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Assembly Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for taking apart and putting together vehicle components
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 16-valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2:
5.7L V8 HEMI (introduced late 2002 model year)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 16-valve
Engine 2 Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pump:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (42RE for 4.7L, 45RFE for 4.7L and 5.7L)
Transmission Type Manual:
5-speed Manual (NV3500)
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear)
Transfer Case:
Available 4WD with either part-time manual shift (NV235) or full-time (NV244 with Front Helical limited-slip differential) transfer cases
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MS-9224 (90W GL-3)
Wheelbase 130.5:
130.5 inches (3315 mm)
Wheelbase 140.5:
140.5 inches (3569 mm)
Length Regular Cab:
Approx. 200-220 inches (Varies by bed length)
Length Extended Cab:
Approx. 220-240 inches (Varies by bed length)
Bed Lengths:
6.3 ft (75.9 in) and 8.0 ft (95.8 in)
Curb Weight Range:
4,600 - 5,200 lbs (approx.)
Gvwr Range:
6,000 - 6,500 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:
4 Stars (2002 Model Year)
NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact:
4 Stars (2002 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars (2002 Model Year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (2002 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control (on select models)
Airbags:
Standard driver and passenger front airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, standard rear seat belts
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player optional; Premium Infinity sound system available.
Navigation:
No factory navigation system offered in 2002.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional, depending on trim level.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000 to 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 30,000 miles)
Spark Plugs 4.7L:
Replace every 100,000 miles (using Champion Copper Plus or equivalent)
Spark Plugs 5.7L Hemi:
Replace every 100,000 miles (using Champion Platinum Plus or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L Hemi:
7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter (API SN or newer, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30)
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Coolant, Mopar OAT 50/50 mix (MS-9769)
Cluster Cracks:
Instrument cluster circuit board issues, leading to gauge failure or erratic behavior.
Transmission Cooler Lines:
Leaking transmission cooler lines, particularly in cold weather.
Ignition Coil Packs:
Premature failure of ignition coil packs on V8 engines.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Potential for rear main crankshaft seal leaks on V8 engines.
Radiator Fan Clutch:
Failure of the radiator fan clutch, leading to overheating.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2002 model year represents the second year of the third generation (2002-2008) Dodge Ram trucks, which featured a significant redesign with a more aggressive exterior and improved interior.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, Fenton, Missouri, USA
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Not applicable for 2002 (the redesigned 2003 Ram won MotorTrend Truck of the Year).
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied, with some powertrain components receiving average to below-average marks in early model years of this generation. The manual will help address common concerns.