1993 DODGE TRUCK ignition

8D
- 2
IGNITION
SYSTEMS

•

A/C
CLUTCH RELAY STARTER RELAY
DATA LINK CONTROL

CONNECTOR
MODULE J9314-164
Fig.
1
Auto
Shut Down
Relay

CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor is located in the igni­
tion distributor (Fig. 2) on all engines.
Fig.
2 Camshaft Position
Sensor—
Typical

The camshaft position sensor contains a hall effect
device called a sync signal generator to generate a
fuel sync signal. This sync signal generator detects a
rotating pulse ring (shutter) on the distributor shaft.
The pulse ring rotates 180 degrees through the sync signal generator. Its signal is used in conjunction
with the crankshaft position sensor to differentiate
between fuel injection and spark events. It is also
used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their re­ spective cylinders.
When the leading edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
enters the sync signal generator, the following oc­

curs:
The interruption of magnetic field causes the
voltage to switch high resulting in a sync signal of approximately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
leaves the sync signal generator, the following oc­

curs:
The change of the magnetic field causes the sync signal voltage to switch low to 0 volts. For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group. For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of this group.

CRANKSHAFT
POSITION
SENSOR
The sensor is bolted to the top of cylinder block
near the rear of the right cylinder head (Fig. 3).

Fig.
3 Crankshaft Position Sensor—Typical

*
Engine speed and crankshaft position are provided
through the crankshaft position sensor. The sensor generates pulses that are the input sent to the pow­
ertrain control module (PCM). The PCM interprets
the sensor input to determine the crankshaft posi­
tion. The PCM then uses this position, along with other inputs, to determine injector sequence and ig­
nition timing.
The sensor is a hall effect device combined with an
internal magnet. It is also sensitive to steel within a
certain distance from it.

SENSOR
OPERATION-3.9L
ENGINE
The flywheel/drive plate has groups of notches at
its outer edge. On 3.9L V-6 engines, there are three sets of double notches and three sets of single
notches (Fig.
4).

The notches cause a pulse to be generated when
they pass under the sensor. The pulses are the input to the PCM.
The engine will not operate if the PCM does not re­
ceive a crankshaft position sensor input.
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group.

•

IGNITION
SYSTEMS
8D - 3 For removal and installation of this sensor, refer to
the Component Removal/Installation section of this
group.
CRANKSHAFT
POSITION
SENSOR

NOTCHES- FLYWHEEL CRANKSHAFT
POSITION-
SENSOR

NOTCHES* .FLYWHEEL

J9314-88
—^^j^jV^
J9314-89

Fig.
4
Sensor
Operation—3.9L
Engine

SENSOR
OPERATION'-5.2U5.9L
ENGINES On 5.2L and 5.9L engines, the flywheel/drive plate
has 8 single notches, spaced every 45 degrees, at its outer edge (Fig. 5).
The notches cause a pulse to be generated when
they pass under the sensor. The pulses are the input to the PCM. For each engine revolution, there are 8
pulses generated on V-8 engines.
The engine will not operate if the PCM does not re­
ceive a crankshaft position sensor input. For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group.
For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.

DISTRIBUTORS
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group.

ALL
ENGINES All engines are equipped with a camshaft driven
mechanical distributor, containing a shaft driven dis­
tributor rotor. They are equipped with an internal camshaft position (fuel sync) sensor. This sensor pro­
vides fuel injection synchronization and cylinder identification.
Distributors do not have built in centrifugal or vac­
uum assisted advance. Base ignition timing and all
timing advance is controlled by the powertrain con­
trol module (PCM). Because ignition timing is con-
Fig.
5
Sensor
Opera tion—5.2L/5.9L
Engine

trolled by the PCM, base ignition timing is not adjustable on any of these engines.
The distributor is held to the engine in the conven­
tional method using a holddown clamp and bolt. Al­
though the distributor can be rotated, it will
have no effect on ignition timing.
All distributors contain an internal oil seal that
prevents oil from entering the distributor housing.
The seal is not serviceable.
For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.

IGNITION
COIL
Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil pos­
itive terminal from the ASD relay. The powertrain control module (PCM) opens and
closes the ignition coil ground circuit for ignition coil operation. Base ignition timing is not adjustable on any
engine. By controlling the coil ground circuit, the
PCM is able to set the base timing and adjust the ig­ nition timing advance. This is done to meet changing engine operating conditions. The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine. • 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L LDC-Gas Engines: The coil is
mounted to a bracket that is bolted to the front of the right engine cylinder head (Fig. 6). This bracket is also used to mount the automatic belt tensioner.

8D
- 4
IGNITION
SYSTEMS

•
Fig. 6 ignition Coil—3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
LDC-Gas
Engines Fig. 7 Ignition Coil—5.9L
HDC-Gas
Engine
• 5.9L HDC-Gas Engines: The coil is mounted to a
bracket that is bolted to the automatic belt tensioner mounting bracket (Fig. 7).
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group.
For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
The sensor provides an input voltage to the power-
train control module (PCM) relating coolant temper­ ature. The PCM uses this input, along with inputs
from other sensors, to determine injector pulse width and ignition timing. As coolant temperature varies,
the coolant temperature sensor resistance will
change, resulting in a different input voltage to the
PCM. When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
the Open Loop Cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds, until nor­ mal operating temperatures are reached. Refer to
Modes Of Operation in Group 14, Fuel System for a
description of Open and Closed Loop operation.
The sensor is installed in the intake manifold near
the thermostat housing (Fig. 8).
Fig. 8 Coolant Temperature Sensor—Typical
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group. For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.

INTAKE MANIFOLD CHARGE
AIR
TEMPERATURE

SENSOR
The sensor element extends into the intake mani­
fold air stream. It provides an input voltage to the
powertrain control module (PCM) indicating intake
manifold air temperature. The input from this sensor is used along with inputs from other sensors to de­
termine injector pulse width. As the temperature of
the air-fuel stream in the manifold varies, the sensor
resistance will change. This will result in a different input voltage to the PCM. For more information, re­
fer to Group 14, Fuel System. This sensor is installed in the intake manifold

(Figs.
9 or 10). For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group. For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.

MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE
PRESSURE
(MAP)
SENSOR
The MAP sensor reacts to absolute pressure in the
intake manifold and provides an input voltage to the
powertrain control module (PCM). As engine load changes, manifold pressure varies, causing the MAP
sensor voltage to change. This change results in a
different input voltage to the PCM. The input volt­ age level supplies the PCM with information. This
relates to ambient barometric pressure during engine

•

IGNITION
SYSTEMS
8D - 5

THROTTLE
^
BODY
u

BRACKET
y^SUPPORT
BRACKET
/ |

CHARGE
AIR

ijmmmmk
TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
THROTTLE

BODY

Fig.
9
Sensor
Location—3.9L Engine—Typical
INTAKE MANIFOLD
'b AIR TEMPERATURE

SENSOR

J9314-162

Fig.
10
Sensor
Location—5.2L/5.9L
Engines—Typical
start-up (cranking) and to engine load while the en­
gine is running. The PCM uses this input, along with
inputs from other sensors, to adjust air-fuel mixture.
For more information, refer to Group 14, Fuel Sys­
tem.
The MAP sensor is mounted to the throttle body
(Fig. 11). It is connected to the throttle body with an
L-shaped rubber fitting and to the PCM electrically. For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group. For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
(PCM) The powertrain control module (PCM) is located in
the engine compartment behind the battery (Fig. 12).
The PCM was formerly referred to as the SBEC or engine controller. The ignition system is controlled by the PCM. Base ignition timing by rotation of distributor
is not adjustable.
MANIFOLD

ABSOLUTE
PRESSURE
SENSOR

TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH RELAY
ELECTRICAL
Jlp^

CONNECTOR
^gis!—

Fig.
11 MAP Sensor—Typical
A/C
CLUTCH RELAY STARTER RELAY
AUTO
SHUTDOWN RELAY FUEL PUMP RELAY
DATA LINK
CONNECTOR POWERTRAIN
CONTROL
MODULE
J9314-164

Fig.
12 PCM Location—Typical The PCM opens and closes the ignition coil ground
circuit to operate the ignition coil. This is done to ad­
just ignition timing, both initial (base) and advance, for changing engine operating conditions.
The amount of electronic spark advance provided
by the PCM is determined by five input factors: Cool­ ant temperature, engine rpm, intake manifold tem­
perature, manifold absolute pressure and throttle
position.
For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.
For diagnostics, refer to the appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures service manual for operation
of the DRB II scan tool.

THROTTLE
POSITION
SENSOR
The sensor is mounted on the throttle body (Fig.

13).
It is connected to the throttle blade shaft. The
sensor is a variable resistor. It provides the power-
train control module (PCM) with an input signal (voltage) that represents throttle blade position. As

8D
- 6
IGNITION
SYSTEMS

• the position of the throttle blade changes, the resis­
tance of the sensor changes.
The PCM supplies approximately 5 volts to the
sensor. The sensor output voltage (input signal to the
PCM) represents the throttle blade position. The
PCM receives an input signal voltage from the sen­ sor. This will vary in an approximate range of from 1
volt at minimum throttle opening (idle), to 4 volts at
wide open throttle. Along with inputs from other sen­
sors,
the PCM uses the sensor input to determine
current engine operating conditions. It also will ad­
just fuel injector pulse width and ignition timing.
For component testing, refer to the Diagnostics/Ser­
vice Procedures section of this group.
For removal and installation of this component, re­
fer to the Component Removal/Installation section of
this group.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE
Fig.
13
Throttle
Position
Sensor—
Typical

•

IGNITION
SYSTEMS
80 - 7
DIAGNOSTICS/SERW1CE
PROCEDURES

INDEX

page

Automatic Shut Down (ASD) Relay
7
Camshaft Position
Sensor
Test
...............
7

Crankshaft Position
Sensor
Test
8

Distributor
Cap
8

Distributor
Rotor
8
Engine
Coolant Temperature
Sensor
Test
10

General
Information
7

Ignition
Coil
8

Ignition
Secondary
Circuit
Diagnosis
10

GENERAL
INFORMATION
This section
of the
group, Diagnostics/Service Pro­
cedures, will discuss basic ignition system diagnos­
tics
and
service adjustments. For system operation
and
component identification,
refer
to the
Component Identification/System Opera­
tion section
of
this group. For removal
or
installation
of
ignition system com­
ponents, refer
to the
Component Removal/Installa­
tion section
of
this group. For other useful information, refer
to
On-Board
Di­

agnostics
in the
General Diagnosis sections
of
Group
14,
Fuel System
in
this manual. For operation
of the DRB II
Diagnostic Scan Tool,
refer
to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce­
dures service manual.

AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN
(ASD)
RELAY
Refer
to
Relays—Operation/Testing
in the
Group

14,
Fuel System section
of
this service manual.

CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TEST
The camshaft position sensor
is
located
in the
dis­
tributor
on all
engines. To perform
a
complete test
of
this sensor
and its

circuitry, refer
to the DRB II
diagnostic scan tool.
Also refer
to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics
Procedures manual.
To
test
the
sensor only, refer
to

the following: For this test,
an
analog (non-digital) voltmeter
is needed.
Do not
remove
the
distributor connector from
the
distributor. Using small paper clips, insert
them into
the
backside
of the
distributor wire har­ ness connector
to
make contact with
the
terminals.
Be sure that
the
connector
is not
damaged when
in­
serting
the
paper clips. Attach voltmeter leads
to

these paper clips. (1) Connect
the
positive (
+
)
voltmeter lead into
the sensor output wire. This
is at
done
the
distribu­ tor wire harness connector.
For
wire identification,
refer
to
Group
8W,
Wiring Diagrams.
page

Ignition
Timing
12

Intake Manifold Charge
Air
Temperature
Sensor
Test
12

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
Sensor
Test
. 12

Oxygen
Sensor
Tests
17
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
............
14

Spark
Plug Secondary Cables
16

Spark
Plugs
............................
14

Throttle
Position
Sensor
Test
17

(2) Connect
the
negative
(-)
voltmeter lead into
the

ground wire.
For
wire identification, refer
to
Group
8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(3)
Set the
voltmeter
to the 15
Volt
DC
scale. (4) Remove distributor
cap
from distributor
(two

screws). Rotate (crank)
the
engine until
the
distribu­
tor rotor
is
pointed towards
the
rear
of
vehicle.
The

movable pulse ring should
now be
within
the
sensor
pickup.
(5) Turn ignition
key to ON
position. Voltmeter
should read approximately
5.0
volts.
(6)
If
voltage
is not
present, check
the
voltmeter
leads
for a
good connection.
(7)
If
voltage
is
still
not
present, check
for
voltage
at
the
supply wire.
For
wire identification, refer
to

Group
8W,
Wiring Diagrams.
(8)
If
voltage
is not
present
at
supply wire, check
for voltage
at
pin-7
of
powertrain control module (PCM) 60-way connector. Leave
the PCM
connector
connected
for
this test. (9)
If
voltage
is
still
not
present, perform vehicle
test using
the DRB II
diagnostic scan tool. (10)
If
voltage
is
present
at
pin-7,
but not at the

supply wire: (a) Check continuity between
the
supply wire.
This
is
checked between
the
distributor connector and pin-7
at the PCM. If
continuity
is not
present,
repair
the
harness
as
necessary. (b) Check
for
continuity between
the
camshaft
position sensor output wire
and
pin-44
at the PCM.
If continuity
is not
present, repair
the
harness
as
necessary. (c) Check
for
continuity between
the
ground cir­
cuit wire
at the
distributor connector
and
ground.
If continuity
is not
present, repair
the
harness
as
necessary. (11) While observing
the
voltmeter, crank
the en­

gine with ignition switch.
The
voltmeter needle should fluctuate between
0 and 5
volts while
the en­

gine
is
cranking. This verifies that
the
camshaft
po­
sition sensor
in the
distributor
is
operating properly
and
a
sync pulse signal
is
being generated.

8D
- 8
IGNITION
SYSTEMS

• If sync pulse signal is not present, replacement of
the camshaft position sensor is necessary. For removal or installation of ignition system com­
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa­
tion section of this group.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera­
tion section of this group.

CRANKSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
TEST
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB II diagnostic scan tool.
Also refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics
Procedures manual. To test the sensor only, refer to
the following: The sensor is located on the top of cylinder block
near the rear of right cylinder head (Fig. 1). (1) Near the rear of intake manifold, disconnect
sensor pigtail harness connector from main wiring
harness. Fig. 1 Crankshaft Position Sensor—Typical
(2) Place an ohmmeter across terminals B and C
(Fig. 2). Ohmmeter should be set to lK-to-lOK scale
for this test. The meter reading should be open (no
resistance). Replace sensor if a low resistance is indi­ cated.

DISTRIBUTOR
CAP INSPECTION Remove the distributor cap and wipe it clean with
a dry lint free cloth. Visually inspect the cap for
cracks, carbon paths, broken towers, or damaged ro­
tor button (Figs. 3 and 4). Also check for white de­
posits on the inside (caused by condensation entering VIEW LOOKING INTO

CPS
CONNECTOR
J938D-7

Fig. 2 Sensor Connector the cap through cracks). Replace any cap that dis­
plays charred or eroded terminals. The machined surface of a terminal end (faces toward rotor) will in­
dicate some evidence of erosion from normal opera­
tion. Examine the terminal ends for evidence of mechanical interference with the rotor tip. Fig. 3 Cap Inspection—External—Typical

DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 5) for cracks, evi­
dence of corrosion, or the effects of arcing on the
metal tip. Also check for evidence of mechanical in­
terference with the cap. Some charring is normal on
the end of the metal tip. The silicone-dielectric-var­ nish-compound applied to the rotor tip for radio in­
terference noise suppression, will appear charred.
This is normal. Do not remove the charred com­ pound. Test the spring for insufficient tension. Re­
place a rotor that displays any of these adverse conditions.
IGNITION COIL

To perform a complete test of the ignition coil and
its circuitry, refer to the DRB II diagnostic scan tool.

•

IGNITION
SYSTEMS
80 - 9

Fig.
4 Cap Inspection—internal—Typical
INSUFFICIENT
SPRING

TENSION

CORRODED
EVIDENCE
OF
PHYSICAL

CONTACT
WITH
CAP
J908D-48

Fig.
5 Rotor Inspection—Typical
Also refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics
Procedures manual. To test the coil only, refer to the
following:
The ignition coil (Figs. 6 or 7) is designed to oper­
ate without an external ballast resistor.
Fig.
6 Ignition Coil-3.9U5.2U5.9L
LDC-Gas
Engine

Fig.
7 Ignition Coil—5.9L
HDC-Gas
Engine
Inspect the ignition coil for arcing. Test the coil ac­
cording to coil tester manufacturer's instructions.
Test the coil primary and secondary resistance. Re­
place any coil that does not meet specifications. Refer
to the Ignition Coil Resistance chart.
If the ignition coil is being replaced, the secondary
spark plug cable must also be checked. Replace cable
if it has been burned or damaged.

IGNITION
COIL RESISTANCE

PRIMARY RESISTANCE SECONDARY RESISTANCE

COIL
(MANUFACTURER)
2!-27°C (70-80°F)
21-27°C
(70-80°F)

Diamond
0.97 - 1.18
Ohms
11,300-
15,300
Ohms

Toyodenso
0.95- 1.20
Ohms
11,300-
13,300
Ohms
J918D-2