Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Dodge Ram owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.
Competitors 2002:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust chassis, powerful engine options, comfortable ride for a truck, distinctive styling, extensive towing and hauling capabilities.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, factory-level repair and maintenance information crucial for preserving the longevity and performance of the 2002 Dodge Ram.
Engines Covered:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8 (Gasoline)
Transmissions Covered:
NV3500 5-speed Manual, 42RE 4-speed Automatic, 48RE 4-speed Automatic
Body Styles Covered:
Standard Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab; 1500, 2500, 3500 Series
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (PCM), transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case (4WD models), drivelines, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Steering system, suspension (front and rear), brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), power windows, locks, mirrors, audio systems, trailer wiring, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Interior trim, exterior trim, doors, glass, seats, bumpers, body panels, structural repairs, paint and finish.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks, tire rotation, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, filter replacement (air, fuel, cabin).
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations and diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Rebuilding:
Complete engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul procedures, differential rebuilds.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
3.7L Magnum V6:
Displacement: 3.7L (226 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.32 in, Compression Ratio: 9.1:1, Horsepower: 215 hp @ 5200 rpm, Torque: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
4.7L Magnum V8:
Displacement: 4.7L (287 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.32 in, Compression Ratio: 8.8:1, Horsepower: 235 hp @ 4800 rpm, Torque: 305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
5.9L Magnum V8:
Displacement: 5.9L (360 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 4.00 x 3.58 in, Compression Ratio: 8.9:1, Horsepower: 245 hp @ 4000 rpm, Torque: 345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Nv3500 5 Speed Manual:
Available on 1500 models, particularly with the 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8. Known for durability.
42Re 4 Speed Automatic:
Commonly paired with the 4.7L V8 and standard on some 1500 models. Electronically controlled.
48Re 4 Speed Automatic:
Heavy-duty automatic transmission typically found on 2500 and 3500 models, especially with the 5.9L V8. Robust design for towing.
Transfer Case 4Wd:
New Process Gear (NP) 241 or Magna Powertrain NV244 (electronically controlled).
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Three-star rating for 2WD and 4WD models (significant rollover risk for trucks of this era).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models, typically 4-wheel disc with rear drum configuration for 1500, 4-wheel disc for 2500/3500.
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Audio Options:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity speaker systems, available premium audio with subwoofer.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Trailer Wiring:
Factory trailer wiring harness provisions, typically 4-pin and 7-pin connectors available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendations based on Severe vs. Normal service).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Automatic: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Manual: Check as needed, fluid typically lasts the life of the transmission if not leaking.
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.7L V6: 100,000 miles; 4.7L V8: 100,000 miles; 5.9L V8: 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil 3.7L 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (preferred for performance and longevity), meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Capacity: 6 quarts (3.7L), 7 quarts (4.7L).
Engine Oil 5.9L:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 Conventional or Synthetic, meeting Chrysler MS-6395. Capacity: 7 quarts.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602). Capacity: Approximately 4-5 quarts for a fluid change (depends on torque converter drain plug access).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
NV3500: Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), SAE 75W-90 Synthetic GL-3 or GL-4 specification. Capacity: 2.2 quarts.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT formulation, typically orange or pink in color. Pre-diluted 50/50. Capacity: Varies by engine, approx. 14-17 quarts.
Common Problems General:
Heater core leaks, dashboard cracking (especially on higher trim levels), ball joint wear, steering linkage issues, potential for manifold leaks on V8s, PCM failure (less common but can occur).
Common Problems Powertrain:
4.7L V8: Oil sludging if maintenance is neglected, potential for cylinder head issues. 5.9L V8: Lifter noise, occasional ignition coil failure (on earlier versions of this generation). Automatic transmissions (42RE/48RE): Can develop torque converter shudder or clutch pack wear with high mileage.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building tough and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981.
Third Generation Intro:
The 2002 model year marked the introduction of the all-new third generation of the Dodge Ram, featuring a significantly revised exterior design, a more refined interior, and updated powertrains.
Manufacturing Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA.
