The 2002 Dodge Ram Van is a workhorse built on the old B-series platform that ran from 1971-2003. These vans are simple and serviceable, but transmission durability and intake manifold gasket failures are the defining headaches, especially on the 5.2L and 5.9L V8 models.
46RE/47RE Transmission Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 2nd to 3rd gear, Slipping under load or when hot, Metal shavings in fluid, burnt smell, Complete loss of forward gears in severe cases
Fix: Rebuild or replacement required. The 46RE (5.2L) and 47RE (5.9L) are known for overdrive clutch pack failures and governor pressure sensor issues. Expect 12-16 hours labor for a complete rebuild with hard parts kit, plus torque converter. Transmission cooler replacement is mandatory during this job to prevent repeat failures.
Symptoms: Rough idle and stalling when warm, Engine stumble on acceleration, Lean codes (P0171/P0174) with no vacuum leaks found elsewhere, Coolant smell from engine bay without visible external leaks
Fix: The lower plenum gasket deteriorates and causes vacuum leaks or coolant intrusion into cylinders. Requires removal of upper plenum, throttle body, and fuel rail. 4-6 hours labor. Use Hughes Engines or Fel-Pro updated gaskets, not Mopar OEM which will fail again. This is a when-not-if issue on these Magnum V8s.
Estimated cost: $650-1,100
Transmission Overdrive Solenoid and Wiring Harness
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0750 or P0755 codes, Transmission stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode), No overdrive engagement on highway, Intermittent issues that worsen in hot weather
Fix: The overdrive solenoid pack and internal wiring harness connectors corrode or short out. Can be replaced without full teardown—drop the valve body (4-5 hours). Often misdiagnosed as needing full rebuild when it's just electrical. Replace both solenoid pack and harness connector as a set.
Estimated cost: $550-950
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion and Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: null
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping from front of vehicle, Fluid level dropping without visible pan leaks, Crusty rust at cooler line connections to radiator, Pink or red fluid mixing with coolant in severe cases
Fix: Steel transmission cooler lines rust through at bends and mounting points, especially in salt states. The radiator-mounted cooler can also leak internally, mixing coolant and ATF (death sentence for transmission). Replace lines and add external auxiliary cooler. 2-3 hours labor for lines, 4-5 if radiator is also compromised.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Fuel Pump Failure (In-Tank)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with crank but no fire, Engine stalling at operating temperature, Loss of power under acceleration or uphills, Fuel pressure below 49 psi at key-on
Fix: In-tank pump assembly fails, often the pump motor itself. Requires dropping the 35-gallon fuel tank (3-4 hours labor). Always replace the sock filter and check tank for rust/sediment. If rust is present, tank replacement adds another $300-500. Common failure point at high mileage.
Estimated cost: $550-850
Rear Door Hinge and Latch Wear
Common · low severity
Typical onset: null
Symptoms: Rear doors sag and don't close flush, Excessive play in door when opened, Door won't stay latched on bumps, Grinding or binding when opening/closing
Fix: The heavy rear doors wear out hinges and latch mechanisms due to weight and repeated cycles. Hinges can be welded and re-drilled or replaced with heavy-duty aftermarket units. Latch assemblies need replacement. 2-3 hours per door. Not safety-critical but annoying and lets weather in.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Front Lower Ball Joints
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Wandering or loose steering feel, Excessive tire wear on inner edges, Grease boot torn with visible rust on stud
Fix: Heavy payload and rough roads kill lower ball joints. These are load-bearing on the Dodge van front end. Replacement requires press or ball joint service kit. 3-4 hours for both sides plus alignment. Moog Problem Solver K7397 or equivalent heavy-duty parts recommended.
Estimated cost: $550-850
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles religiously—these transmissions cannot tolerate neglect
Install an auxiliary transmission cooler if towing or running in hot climates; the factory cooler is marginal
Inspect intake plenum gasket area for oil seepage or vacuum leaks every oil change on V8 models
Flush coolant every 2 years to minimize internal corrosion of cooler lines and radiator
Keep fuel tank above 1/4 full to prolong fuel pump life and prevent sediment pickup
Buy one if you need cargo space on a budget and can wrench, but budget $2,000-3,000 for transmission work within the first year—it's almost guaranteed at this age.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Full-size van application; verify clearance for battery height
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 1996-2003 Dodge Ram Van — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Anti-Lock Brake System Controller (ABS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side inner fender or frame rail
🔧 DRB-III or drive cycle relearn
⚠️ Requires brake bleeding and sensor calibration. Most models plug-and-play with drive cycle.
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall or mounted on transmission
🔧 DRB-III or capable aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Requires adaptive relearn and VIN programming on later models. Some Ram Vans still used hydraulic-only transmissions.
Trailer Tow Module (TTM)0.8 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Behind rear interior panel or under vehicle near hitch
⚠️ Optional equipment on tow-package equipped vehicles. Controls trailer brake and lighting functions. Plug-and-play.
Occupant Restraint Controller / Air Bag Control Module (ORC/ACM)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under center console or behind kick panel
🔧 DRB-III or capable aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Requires crash data clear and system verification. SRS precautions mandatory.
Radio / Audio System (RAD)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dash
🔧 Radio security code entry
⚠️ Theft-deterrent radios require security code after replacement or battery disconnect.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 07V555000
2007-12-04
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
11mpg
Highway
14mpg
Combined
12mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Vans, Cargo Type
Wiper blades
1995-2003 Ram Van/Wagon (B-series) uses symmetric 18-inch blades on both sides. Cargo vans have no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2002 Dodge Ram Van 5.2L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.