Vehicle Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, highly popular in the North American market
Manual Target Audience:
Dodge Ram owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians, fleet maintenance personnel
Key Competitors During Era:
Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust chassis, powerful engine options, towing and payload capability, distinctive styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle, saving time and money on repairs.
Model Years Covered:
2002, 2003, 2004
Trim Levels Covered:
All Models (e.g., SLT, Laramie, ST, Sport, TRX)
Body Styles Covered:
All body styles (e.g., Standard Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for full workshop manuals covering all models/engines)
Manual Type:
Comprehensive Workshop Repair and Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emission control systems
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual Transmission diagnostics, repair, and overhaul; Transfer Case operation and repair
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, U-joints, axles, differentials (rear and front for 4x4)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering linkage, shocks, springs, leveling systems
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems (front disc, rear disc/drum), ABS, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, glass replacement
Chassis:
Frame, structural components, alignment specifications
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for major and minor components
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Adjustment:
Adjustment procedures for brakes, clutch, steering, etc.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical faults
Replacement:
Component replacement guidelines (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, sensors)
Depth Of Information:
Professional-level technical detail, suitable for dealership technicians and experienced DIY mechanics
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts, wiring schematics, and specification tables for accurate fault diagnosis
Special Tools:
Lists required special tools for specific repair and diagnostic procedures
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8 (OHV/OHC variants), 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
3.7L Magnum V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 205 hp @ 5200 rpm
3.7L Magnum V6 Torque:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
4.7L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm (depending on year/variant)
4.7L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (depending on year/variant)
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 245-245 hp @ 4200-4800 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 335-335 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 235-250 hp @ 2900-3000 rpm
5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel Torque:
Approx. 460-475 lb-ft @ 1400-1600 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual)
Fuel System Diesel:
High-pressure common rail injection system
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel fuel (refer to manual for specific grades/standards)
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 45RFE, 48RE) and 5-speed manual (NV3500/NV4500) depending on engine and configuration
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 42RE for lower output engines), 4-speed automatic heavy-duty (e.g., 47RE/48RE for higher output engines)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD (NV241DHD), Full-time 4WD (NV244 transfer case with electronic range selection - select models)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified by Chrysler)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
ATF+4 for NV244, Mopar Gear Oil 75W-90 for NV241DHD (verify with manual)
Wheelbase Options:
134.2 inches (Standard Bed), 140.5 inches (Long Bed - 2WD), 153.7 inches (Mega Cab - if applicable)
Overall Length Options:
222.2 inches (Standard Bed), 230.5 inches (Long Bed)
Width Excluding Mirrors:
Approx. 79.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 74.6 inches (varies with trim and 4WD)
Ground Clearance:
Varies by configuration, typically 8-10 inches
Bed Length Options:
6.3 feet (Standard Box), 8.0 feet (Long Box)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 6,500 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Max Gvw Range:
Approx. 6,000 - 8,800 lbs (depending on model/payload package)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 8,700 lbs (for properly equipped 2500 models with 5.9L Cummins Diesel)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 3,300 lbs (for properly equipped models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (2002-2004 models, varies slightly by year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (2002-2004 models, varies slightly by year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most models, 4-wheel disc brakes available on some configurations
Traction Control:
Available on some models
Stability Control:
Not commonly available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags; available side curtain airbags on later models/configurations
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; rear seat belts
Audio Systems:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (early models), optional premium audio systems, SiriusXM Satellite Radio availability.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Power Outlets:
12V accessory power outlets.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Factory-integrated trailer brake controller option available on higher trims, especially with diesel engines.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically 3,000 miles (severe duty) or 6,000 miles (normal duty) with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil, depending on usage and oil type.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles, depending on operating conditions.
Transmission Fluid Service Automatic:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on towing and driving conditions.
Transfer Case Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-5 years.
Engine Oil Gasoline Viscosity:
5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), 10W-30 (for higher ambient temperatures)
Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:
15W-40 (API CI-4 or higher)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (Chrysler HOAT - Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) in a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Issues Gasoline Engines:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on 4.7L V8), distributorless ignition system failures, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil cooler line leaks (4.7L).
Common Issues Diesel Engines:
Lift pump failures, injector issues, coolant leaks (often at intake manifold or oil cooler), turbocharger wear (especially with high mileage).
Common Issues Transmission:
Overdrive planetary gear failures (45RFE/48RE), torque converter shudder, solenoid pack issues.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering box; front end shimmy or death wobble (especially on 4WD models with wear).
Common Issues Electrical:
Instrument cluster failures, power window/lock motor failures, TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) issues on later models of this generation.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks dating back to the 1930s.
Ram Pickup Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation Ram (2002-2008) marked a significant redesign with a bolder, more muscular styling and improved aerodynamics, introducing the 'Mega Cab' configuration and updated powertrains.
Generation Design Emphasis:
This generation was designed to compete directly with Ford and Chevrolet on styling, capability, and technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Michigan, USA) and St. Louis Assembly (Missouri, USA) during this period.
Sales Performance:
The Ram Truck consistently ranked among the top-selling pickup trucks in North America.