Vehicle Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Purpose:
Designed for work, towing, and heavy-duty hauling.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Powertrain Options:
Robust gasoline and Cummins turbodiesel engines, heavy-duty transmissions.
Durability:
Known for its strong frame, solid axles, and overall rugged construction.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, lubrication system, ignition system, engine control systems (PCM), transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case (4WD), driveline components (axles, driveshafts, U-joints).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear discs, ABS), wheels and tires, frame and body structure.
Electrical:
Battery and charging system, starting system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation and gauges, body control modules (BCM), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, trailer towing wiring.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation and repair.
Body And Trim:
Exterior panels, interior trim, seats, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault codes (DTCs) and their meanings.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, assembly, and adjustment.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic strategies, use of scan tools, electrical circuit testing, component testing procedures.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, adjustments, diagnostic specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians, experienced DIY mechanics.
Special Tools:
Lists and describes required special tools and equipment for specific repair procedures.
File Type:
Likely a digital format such as PDF, or a professionally bound printed manual.
Searchability:
If PDF, typically features searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality:
High-quality, designed for durability in a workshop environment.
Diagram Quality:
Features detailed, high-quality diagrams and illustrations crucial for understanding complex systems and procedures.
Binding:
Typically a sturdy comb binding or stitched and glued binding for printed versions.
Paper Quality:
Durable paper stock, often coated to resist grease and shop grime.
Engine Type:
8.0L V10 Triton (Gasoline)
Horsepower Gas:
305 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque Gas:
450 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Engine Type:
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (I6)
Horsepower Diesel:
235-250 hp @ 2700 rpm (depending on variant)
Torque Diesel:
460-520 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (depending on variant)
Gasoline Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel System:
High-pressure common rail (HPCR) injection system
Wheelbase Options:
134.0" (Regular Cab), 154.5" (Club Cab), 167.5" (Quad Cab)
Bed Length Options:
8.0 ft (standard), 6.0 ft (short bed)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Starts around 8,800 lbs (2500) and up to 11,500 lbs (3500) depending on configuration.
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically 6,000-8,000 lbs.
NHTSA Front Driver:
Not directly rated under current NHTSA methodology for this era, but generally considered robust.
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Not directly rated under current NHTSA methodology for this era, but generally considered robust.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, some models with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Base AM/FM radio, optional cassette/CD player, premium Infinity sound system available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Rarely offered, typically aftermarket or dealer-installed in this era.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Trailer Tow Features:
Integrated trailer brake controller wiring harness often available, tow mirrors.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, typically aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Gas:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins, with some recommending up to 10,000 miles with high-quality synthetic oil and filters.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect as needed, fluid change typically at 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Gas:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CJ-4 or CI-4 rated heavy-duty diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-40 (synthetic 5W-40 recommended in colder climates).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (MS-9224)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
NV4500: SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (GL-4 spec).
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent.
Diesel Injection Pump:
VP44 Injection Pump failure on early 2002 Cummins models, often due to low fuel pressure or debris.
Rear Main Seal:
Potential for rear main seal leaks, especially on the Cummins diesel.
Brake Wear:
Heavy-duty applications can lead to accelerated brake pad and rotor wear.
Nv4500 Issues:
The 2-3 shift collar can wear, leading to popping out of gear. The reverse idler gear is also a known failure point.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of building robust trucks, with the Ram nameplate representing their heavy-duty offerings.
Third Gen Ram:
The 2002 models are part of the third generation Ram (DB/DH/D1), introduced for the 2002 model year. This generation featured a completely new chassis and body style, including a more aerodynamic and integrated front-end design. The introduction of the Quad Cab also expanded passenger capacity.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
