🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram 2500 / 3500

Year:

2002

Vehicle Type:

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck

Chassis Code:

DR (Third Generation Ram)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Heavy Duty (Class 2b/3) Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, fleet managers, and professional automotive technicians working on Dodge Ram 2500/3500 models.

Key Competitors:

Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD.

Manual Advantage:

Directly from factory specifications, offering unparalleled accuracy and completeness for maintenance, diagnostics, and repair procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual (implied by product description)

Page Count:

Not explicitly stated, but described as '100 percents complete and intact,' indicating a comprehensive volume, typically 1000+ pages for this era and vehicle type.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, and transmission (manual and automatic).

Chassis:

Steering system, suspension system (front and rear), braking system (ABS, hydraulic, and parking brake), wheels, and tires.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, interior and exterior controls, power accessories, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, and safety restraints.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacements, and lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based diagnostics, and interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, suspension repair, and electrical system fixes.

Disassembly Reassembly:

Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling major assemblies and components, with torque specifications and special tool requirements.

Scope:

Comprehensive factory-level repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Illustrations:

Detailed illustrations, diagrams, and exploded views to aid in understanding complex procedures and component identification.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-to-cause correlation tables for efficient problem identification.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Print (assumed from description 'complete and intact', typical for this product type)

Searchability:

N/A (for printed manuals, index and table of contents provide navigation)

Paper Quality:

Likely durable, potentially glossy paper for diagrams and photographs. Designed for shop use.

Print Clarity:

High, with clear text and sharp illustrations typical of factory manuals.

Binding:

Likely a durable comb or spiral binding, or a robust stitched and glued paperback binding, designed for frequent use and to lay flat.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

8.0L V10 Magnum (PowerTech)

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 310 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm

Engine Option 2:

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel (ISB)

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 235-250 hp @ 2,500-2,700 rpm (depending on specific rating)

Engine Option 2 Torque:

Approx. 460-505 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm (depending on specific rating)

Engine Cooling System:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled with thermostatically controlled fan.

V10 Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Cummins Fuel System:

High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) with Bosch VP44 injection pump or Bosch CP3 pump depending on exact 5.9L variant and emissions standards for the year.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

NV4500 5-speed Manual Transmission (for select configurations)

Optional Transmission Gas:

47RE 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with V10)

Optional Transmission Diesel:

47RE 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with 5.9L Cummins Diesel)

Transfer Case:

New Process Gear (NP) 271 Manual Shift or NP273 Electronic Shift (4WD models).

Torque Converter Lockup:

Torque converter lockup clutch for improved fuel economy on automatic transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Various, including 134.1", 145.2", 162.2", and 177.9" depending on cab and bed configuration.

Overall Length:

Varies significantly by configuration (e.g., 229.7" for a Regular Cab Long Bed).

Bed Length Options:

6.3 ft (Standard Box) and 8.0 ft (Long Box).

Gvwr 2500:

Approx. 8,510 - 8,800 lbs (varies by configuration).

Gvwr 3500:

Approx. 9,600 - 11,000 lbs (varies by configuration).

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by engine, cab, drivetrain, and payload package, typically ranging from 6,000 to 7,500+ lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating:

Likely 3-star (typical for large trucks of this era, highly dependent on configuration).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Trailer Tow Package:

Often included integrated trailer brake controller wiring, heavy-duty cooling, and hitch provisions.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point height-adjustable seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player, and Sirius Satellite Radio readiness. Premium Infinity speaker systems were available.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (HVAC) systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control.

Towing Features:

Integrated trailer brake controller options were available for factory-equipped trucks.

Power Outlets:

12V power outlets for accessory charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific type.

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically 7,500-15,000 miles or 12 months for the 5.9L Cummins, depending on oil quality and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific type.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, or more frequently under heavy towing conditions. Refer to manual for specific fluid type (e.g., ATF+4).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years. Refer to manual for specific coolant type (e.g., Mopar OAT).

Engine Oil Gas:

API Service SG or higher; viscosity 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on temperature).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API Service CI-4 or CH-4; viscosity 15W-40 (common, but manual will specify exact requirement).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar Material Standard MS-9602).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity required, e.g., 75W-90 for NV4500).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Diesel Issue:

VP44 injection pump failure on early 5.9L Cummins models, often exacerbated by fuel pressure issues or contaminated fuel. Indicator lights for power loss or no-start.

Common Transmission Issue:

47RE automatic transmission issues can include torque converter clutch shudder or failure, solenoid issues, and planetary gear failures under heavy use.

Common Suspension Issue:

Front suspension components, especially ball joints and tie rod ends, can wear prematurely due to the weight of these trucks and intended use.

Common Electrical Issue:

Corrosion on wiring connectors, particularly in the engine bay and undercarriage, can lead to intermittent electrical problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate establishing a strong reputation for durability and power, especially in heavy-duty applications.

Third Generation Ram:

The 2002 model year falls within the third generation of the Dodge Ram (DB platform), introduced in 2002. This generation featured a significant redesign with a more aggressive styling, improved chassis, and updated powertrains.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA (depending on specific model/cab config).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While specific awards for the 2002 model year for this exact trim might be hard to pinpoint without deep historical data, the Ram platform generally received positive reviews for its styling, power, and towing capabilities upon its redesign.

Diesel Engine Reputation:

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and durable diesel engines ever produced, known for its longevity and ease of modification.