Market Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck, designed for commercial, towing, and heavy hauling applications.
Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust chassis, powerful engine options, high towing and payload capacities, suitable for demanding tasks.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engine variants, including troubleshooting, diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and specifications.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions, including NV4500, NV5600, and 48RE/47RE, with repair procedures and torque specifications.
Drivetrain:
Four-wheel drive systems (NV241DHD, NV273DHD), transfer case, axles, differentials, driveshafts, and CV joints.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc, drum), ABS, hydraulic systems, parking brake, and related components.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering components, power steering system, alignment specifications, and wheel bearings.
Electrical Electronics:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, and control modules.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, diesel fuel system (if applicable), and emission controls.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, and cooling fan operation.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and emissions control systems.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, frame, and corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and common fault identification.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, and diagnostic tool usage.
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete instructions for component removal, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Options:
8.0L V10 Triton gasoline, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.
8.0L V10 Horsepower:
305 hp @ 4000 rpm
8.0L V10 Torque:
450 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
235 hp @ 2600 rpm (depending on configuration)
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
460 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (depending on configuration)
Gasoline Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection
Diesel Fuel System:
High-pressure common rail (later models) or direct injection with Bosch VP44 injection pump (early 5.9L variants).
Standard Transmission:
NV4500 5-speed manual transmission (common with diesel).
Optional Transmission Automatic:
47RE or 48RE 4-speed automatic transmission (common with V10 and diesel).
Optional Transmission Manual:
NV5600 6-speed manual transmission (available on higher trims).
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
NV4500: Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - consult manual for specific viscosity. NV5600: Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - consult manual for specific viscosity.
Wheelbase Options:
134.2 inches (standard cab), 154.6 inches (quad cab 4x2), 159.0 inches (quad cab 4x4), 177.3 inches (long bed).
Gvwr:
Over 10,000 lbs, varying by configuration (e.g., up to 11,500 lbs or higher).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,000 - 7,000 lbs depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 13,000 - 14,000 lbs (with proper equipment and configuration).
Payload Capacity:
Up to 4,000 - 5,000 lbs (depending on configuration).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (2002 model year review).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (2002 model year review).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 6 months (depending on oil quality and driving conditions, with Cummins often recommending 15,000 miles with synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspections.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (crucial for diesel longevity).
Engine Oil Spec Gasoline:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A compliant. Viscosity: 5W-30 (preferred for V10).
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
API CJ-4/CK-4 or newer, SAE 15W-40 (conventional) or 5W-40 (synthetic for colder climates/extended intervals).
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a long-life pink or orange formulation.
Common Issues Diesel:
VP44 injection pump failures (if equipped with older 5.9L), injector issues, vacuum pump leaks, potential for cylinder head lifting on high-output tunes.
Common Issues Gasoline:
Spark plug issues (if not replaced on schedule), occasional transmission solenoid issues, exhaust manifold leaks.
Common Issues General:
Rust on body panels (especially around wheel wells and cab corners), rear axle seal leaks, ball joint wear, HVAC blend door actuator failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing history in the truck market, known for robust and capable vehicles, culminating in the development of the Ram brand in 1994.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2002 model year falls within the third generation of the Dodge Ram (DN platform, 2002-2008), which introduced significant chassis and styling updates, including a more integrated frame and suspension design.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly, Mexico.
