🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck 1500

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

DR

Generation Name:

Third Generation (Ram BR/BE)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Competitive Landscape:

Competed directly with Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan.

Vehicle Design:

Bold, aggressive styling with a distinctive grille and prominent Ram logo. Offered in various cab styles (Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab) and bed lengths.

Powertrain Options:

Renowned for its powerful engine options, particularly the V8 HEMI.

Interior Comfort:

Improved interior comfort and refinement over previous generations, with various trim levels offering different levels of amenities.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Trim Level Coverage:

All trim levels of the 1500 series

Engine Coverage:

All factory-installed engines for 2002 Ram 1500

Transmission Coverage:

All factory-installed transmissions for 2002 Ram 1500

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical, automatic and manual transmissions, transfer case, driveshafts, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear disc, ABS), wheels and tires.

Body And Frame:

Frame and body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, airbags, climate control system.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), anti-theft systems, trailer wiring.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meaning, wiring diagrams for diagnostics.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component replacement.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, belt tensioning, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement.

Installation Procedures:

Installation guides for common replacement parts and accessories.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed specifications, torque values, and specialized tool requirements.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics, including PCM and BCM programming, sensor testing, and circuit analysis using wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and images.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 (introduced later in the generation, may be present in some early 2002 models or subsequent updates)

4.7L Magnum V8:

SOHC, 16-valve, Displacement: 4.7L (287 cu in), Horsepower: ~235 hp @ 4500 rpm, Torque: ~305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.9L Magnum V8:

OHV, 16-valve, Displacement: 5.9L (360 cu in), Horsepower: ~245-250 hp @ 4400 rpm, Torque: ~330-335 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.7L Hemi V8:

OHV, 16-valve, Displacement: 5.7L (345 cu in), Horsepower: ~345 hp @ 5000 rpm, Torque: ~375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (typical for later models in this generation)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

ECU:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE/44RE/45RFE)

Optional Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500 for some configurations)

Transfer Case:

Part-time 4WD with Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) or manual transfer case lever depending on configuration.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent manual transmission fluid (check specific manual for exact type).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by configuration (e.g., 124.5 inches for standard cab, 140.5 inches for Quad Cab)

Overall Length:

Varies by configuration (e.g., 200.2 inches for standard cab, 220.2 inches for Quad Cab)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (75.7 inches), 8.0 ft (96.0 inches)

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approximately 4,500 to 5,500 lbs depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, typically around 6,000-7,000+ lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not extensively tested or rated by NHTSA for this specific model year in the same comprehensive manner as modern vehicles; early reports may indicate good performance for its era.

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Similar to driver rating for the era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags. Some models may offer side airbags (optional or standard on higher trims).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, upgraded Infinity sound systems available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some higher-trim models.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Standard or optional remote keyless entry system.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were available, often standard on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine: 4.7L Magnum (approx. 100,000 miles), 5.9L Magnum (approx. 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type), HEMI (approx. 100,000 miles).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per severe duty schedule.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check specific engine and climate recommendations in the manual).

Coolant Specification:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT, or equivalent; typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Issues:

Some early models may have experienced issues with the 45RFE transmission solenoid packs or torque converters. The 5.9L Magnum could develop intake manifold gasket leaks.

Interior Issues:

Dashboard cracks (common in hot climates), HVAC blend door actuator failures.

Electrical Issues:

Occasional issues with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) or body control module failures, especially on later models of this generation.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate evolving from the Dodge D-Series.

Third Generation Introduction:

The 2002 model year marked the debut of the third generation of the Ram pickup (DB/DH series), a significant redesign from the second generation.

Design Philosophy:

The third generation introduced a more integrated design, moving away from the bolt-on fender look of previous generations and featuring a more aerodynamic, yet still imposing, front end.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo Truck Assembly, Coahuila, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 2002 model year might be less publicized than later years, the Ram platform generally received positive reviews for its styling and powertrain options, especially the HEMI engine when it became more widely available in the generation.