Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Unique Selling Points:
Industry-first V8 engine in its class (4.7L Magnum), robust construction, available Magnum V6 power, strong towing capacity.
Engine:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 4.9L (300) Inline 6 (export only)
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (42RE, 45RFE, 48RE), 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with NV231HD transfer case
Brakes:
Front vented discs, rear drums (standard), rear discs (optional on some models)
Suspension:
Front independent torsion bar (4WD) or independent coil springs (RWD), solid rear axle with leaf springs
Steering:
Power-assisted recirculating ball
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories
Body:
Body and frame construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC, cooling system, fuel system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), fault code interpretation, troubleshooting guides for all major systems
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, inspection, repair, and reinstallation
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical troubleshooting and diagnostics.
Engine 1 Details:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves, 230 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Details:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 16 valves, 230 hp @ 4800 rpm, 295 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm (early models), 240 hp @ 4800 rpm, 315 lb-ft torque @ 3600 rpm (later models)
Engine 3:
4.9L (300) Inline 6 (Rare, primarily export)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil packs
Cooling:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostatically controlled fan
Emissions:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emission control system
Automatic:
4-speed Automatic (42RE for 3.7L, 45RFE/48RE for 4.7L)
Manual:
5-speed Manual (NV3500)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Automatic Capacity:
Approximately 10.8 US quarts (10.2 Liters) for 45RFE/48RE, 10.4 US quarts (9.8 Liters) for 42RE
Manual Fluid:
MS-9224 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Wheelbase:
124.0 inches (3150 mm)
Length:
198.7 inches (5047 mm)
Width:
71.8 inches (1824 mm)
Height:
67.0 inches (1702 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,000 - 4,500 lbs (1814 - 2041 kg), varies by configuration
Bed Length:
6.25 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,660 lbs (753 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,150 lbs (3243 kg) with V8 and appropriate towing package
NHTSA Front Impact:
Good (Driver), Acceptable (Passenger) for 2003 models (based on available data for similar vehicles)
IIHS Offset Frontal:
Acceptable (for 2003 models, check specific test results)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Side guard door beams
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available
Traction Control:
Traction control system available on some models
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (or consult owner's manual for severe duty).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plugs:
3.7L V6: Platinum plugs, typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km). 4.7L V8: Platinum plugs, typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), change fluid and filter typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or under severe service conditions.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (for 3.7L and 4.7L engines, consult manual for temperature variations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7L V6: 5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters). 4.7L V8: 6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters).
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) may be acceptable if compatible.
Engine Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially 4.7L V8, though less common than earlier Magnum engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, camshaft position sensor failures.
Transmission Common Issues:
Torque converter shudder or failure, solenoid pack issues (45RFE/48RE).
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, especially on 4WD models. Leaf spring fatigue.
Electrical Common Issues:
Power window motor failures, instrument cluster issues, PCM failures.
Oil Filter 3.7L:
Mopar MO-090 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH16, Wix 51515)
Oil Filter 4.7L:
Mopar MO-349 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH3600, Wix 51348)
Brand:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Generation Change:
Second generation (AN) introduced for the 2002 model year, featuring a significant redesign and updated powertrains.
Design Updates:
For 2003, minor updates included revised interior features and potentially new option packages. For 2004, there were further enhancements to available features and powertrains.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
