1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Electronic control module

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
6Clutch
7Cooling
8AAudio/Video
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8TNavigation/Telecommunication
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission and Transfer Case
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)

OPERATION
OPERATION - COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system regulates engine operating tem-
perature. It allows the engine to reach normal oper-
ating temperature as quickly as possible. It also
maintains normal operating temperature and pre-
vents overheating.
The cooling system also provides a means of heat-
ing the passenger compartment and cooling the auto-
matic transmission fluid (if equipped). The cooling
system is pressurized and uses a centrifugal water
pump to circulate coolant throughout the system.
All engines utilize an ambient overflow bottle for
coolant recovery/reserve.
An optional factory installed maximum duty cool-
ing package is available on most models. This pack-
age will provide additional cooling capacity for
vehicles used under extreme conditions such as
trailer towing in high ambient temperatures.
OPERATION - HOSE CLAMPS
The spring type hose clamp applies constant ten-
sion on a hose connection. To remove a spring type
hose clamp, only use constant tension clamp pliers
designed to compress the hose clamp.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTICS (OBD)
COOLING SYSTEM RELATED DIAGNOSTICS
The Engine Control Module (ECM) has been pro-
grammed to monitor certain cooling system compo-
nents:
²If the engine has remained cool for too long a
period, such as with a stuck open thermostat, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.
²If an open or shorted condition has developed in
the electronically controlled viscous fan clutch circuit,
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.
²If fan speed is not detected a DTC will be set.
²Coolant temperature sensor circuit problems can
set a DTC.
If the problem is sensed in a monitored circuit
often enough to indicated an actual problem, a DTC
is stored. The DTC will be stored in the ECM mem-
ory for eventual display to the service technician.
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ACCESSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
To read DTC's and to obtain cooling system data,
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ERASING TROUBLE CODES
After the problem has been repaired, use the
DRBIIItscan tool to erase a DTC. Refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice information for operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
- TESTING FOR LEAKS
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT METHOD
A leak detection additive is available through the
parts department that can be added to cooling sys-
tem. The additive is highly visible under ultraviolet
light (black light). Pour one ounce of additive into
cooling system. Place heater control unit in HEAT
position. Start and operate the engine until the radi-
ator upper hose is warm to the touch. Aim the com-
mercially available black light tool at the components
to be checked. If leaks are present, the black light
will cause the additive to glow a bright green color.
The black light can be used in conjunction with a
pressure tester to determine if any external leaks
exist (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 Spring Clamp Size Location
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
DRCOOLING 7 - 5
COOLING (Continued)

CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found. Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft
assembly for any related damage due to a viscous
fan drive malfunction.
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH
- 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The electronically controlled viscous fan drive (Fig.
34) and (Fig. 33)is attached to the fan drive pulley
mounted to the engine. The coupling allows the fan
to be driven in a normal manner. The fan speed is
controlled by the electronic control module.
OPERATION
The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the
level of engagement of the electronically controlled
viscous fan clutch by monitoring coolant tempera-
ture, intake manifold temperature, and air condition-
ing status. Based on cooling requirements, the ECMsends a signal to the viscous fan clutch to increase or
decrease the fan speed.
Fan speed is monitored by the ECM. Fan speeds
above or below a calibrated threshold will set a DTC.
Circuit concerns will also set fan clutch DTC's.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRONICALLY
CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
NOISE
NOTE: It is normal for fan noise to be louder (roar-
ing) when:
²Fan duty cycle high. This may occur when ambi-
ent (outside air temperature) is very high.
²Engine loads and temperatures are high such as
when towing a trailer.
²Aggressive engine braking down a steep grade
where transmission temperatures may be high
²Cool silicone fluid within the fan drive unit is
being redistributed back to its normal disengaged
(warm) position. This can occur during the first 15
seconds to one minute after engine start-up on a cold
engine.
Fig. 33 Electronically Controlled Viscous Drive
1 - ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
2 - MOUNTING NUT
3 - WIRING SUPPORT BRACKET
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 34 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive - 5.9L Diesel
Engine
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - BOLT (6)
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
7 - 52 ENGINEDR
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH-GAS ENGINES (Continued)

The optional navigation radio system receives GPS
signals from up to eight satellites to display the posi-
tion and direction of the vehicle. Map information is
supplied through a DVD-ROM. An electronic gyro-
sensor and the vehicle's speed sensor enable the sys-
tem to display the present vehicle position even in
locations where GPS signals may be blocked.
When a destination is selected, the navigation sys-
tem uses information from the map to quickly calcu-
late a route. As the vehicle is driven along the chosen
route, the operator is guided with pictorial displays
and voice prompts. For complete operating instruc-
tions, refer to the manual included with the vehicle.
On vehicles that are equipped with the optional
remote radio switches, the Instrument Cluster
receives hard wired resistor multiplexed inputs from
the remote radio switches. The programming in the
Instrument Cluster allows it to process those inputs
and send the proper messages to the radio receiver
over the Programmable Communication Interface
(PCI) bus network to control the radio volume up or
down, station seek up or down, preset station
advance, and mode advance functions.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUDIO
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of the DRB IIItdiagnostic
tool. For information on the use of the
DRB IIIt, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic
Service Manual.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
AUDIO SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO AUDIO 1. Fuse faulty. 1. Check radio fuse and Ignition-Off Draw (IOD)
fuse in the Integrated Power Module (IPM).
Replace fuses, if required.
2. Radio/amplifier (if
equipped) connector faulty.2. Check for loose or corroded radio/amplifier
connector. Repair, if required.
3. Wiring faulty. 3. Check for shorted or open wires. Repair wiring,
if required.
4. Radio/amplifier (if
equipped) ground faulty.4. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
5. Radio/amplifier (if
equipped) faulty.5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
6. Speakers faulty. 6. Replace speaker as necessary.
NO RADIO DISPLAY 1. Fuse faulty. 1. Check radio fuse and Ignition-Off Draw (IOD)
fuse in Integrated Power Module (IPM). Replace
fuses, if required.
2. Radio connector faulty. 2. Check for loose or corroded radio connector.
Repair, if required.
3. Wiring faulty. 3. Check for battery voltage at radio connector.
Repair wiring, if required.
4. Radio ground faulty. 4. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
5. Radio faulty. 5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
8A - 2 AUDIO/VIDEODR
AUDIO (Continued)

CHIME/BUZZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME
WARNING SYSTEM.....................3
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A chime warning system is standard factory-in-
stalled equipment on this model. The chime warning
system uses a single chime tone generator that is
integral to the instrument cluster to provide an audi-
ble indication of various vehicle conditions that may
require the attention of the vehicle operator. The
chime warning system includes the following major
components, which are described in further detail
elsewhere in this service information:
²Door Ajar Switch- A door ajar switch is inte-
gral to each door latch. This switch provides an input
to the chime warning system indicating whether the
front doors are open or closed.
²Ignition Switch- A key-in ignition switch is
integral to the ignition switch. The key-in ignition
switch provides an input to the chime warning sys-
tem indicating whether a key is present in the igni-
tion lock cylinder.
²Instrument Cluster- The instrument cluster
contains an integral chime tone generator, integrated
circuitry, a central processing unit and the program-
ming to provide all of the proper chime warning sys-
tem features based upon the monitored inputs. The
instrument cluster circuitry monitors hard-wired
switch inputs, as well as message inputs received
from other vehicle electronic modules on the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network.
²Headlamp Switch- The headlamp switch pro-
vides an input to the chime warning system indicat-
ing when the exterior lamps are turned On or Off.
²Seat Belt Switch- A seat belt switch is inte-
gral to the driver seat belt buckle-half unit. The seat
belt switch provides an input to the chime warning
system indicating whether the driver seat belt is fas-
tened.
Hard wired circuitry connects many of the chime
warning system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained bymany different methods. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
The instrument cluster chime warning system cir-
cuitry and the integral chime tone generator cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If the instrument cluster or
the chime tone generator are damaged or faulty, the
instrument cluster must be replaced.
OPERATION
The chime warning system is designed to provide
an audible output as an indication of various condi-
tions that may require the attention or awareness of
the vehicle operator. The chime warning system com-
ponents operate on battery voltage received through
the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC) so that the system may operate
regardless of the ignition switch position.
The chime warning system provides an audible
warning to the vehicle operator under the following
conditions:
²Air Bag Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the airbag indicator is illuminated for an
airbag system fault condition. The instrument cluster
uses airbag indicator lamp-on and lamp-off message
inputs received from the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus indicating that the airbag
indicator should be illuminated for an airbag system
fault condition.
²Door Ajar Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chimes to
announce that the hard wired inputs from the door
ajar switches and the ignition switch as well as an
engine speed message input received from the PCM
over the PCI data bus indicate that a driver or pas-
senger door is opened with the ignition switch in the
On position and vehicle speed present.
²Engine Coolant Temperature High Warning
(Diesel Engine Only)- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the check gauges indicator is illuminated
for a high or critical engine coolant temperature con-
dition. The instrument cluster uses engine coolant
temperature message inputs received from the diesel
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 1

ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK BRAKE
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR.....3
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR......3
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM.....................3
OPERATION - ECM......................3
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT
CONTROL MODULE....................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
HEATED SEAT MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
MODULE.............................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PCM...................7DESCRIPTION - MODES OF OPERATION....7
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.......10
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . 10
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS......10
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN.......10
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM....................10
OPERATION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.........11
OPERATION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . . . 11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKIM
PROGRAMMING......................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TCM QUICK
LEARN..............................23
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRIVE LEARN . . 23
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION
The DaimlerChrysler Programmable Communica-
tion Interface (PCI) data bus system is a single wire
multiplex system used for vehicle communications on
many DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles. Multi-
plexing is a system that enables the transmission of
several messages over a single channel or circuit. All
DaimlerChrysler vehicles use this principle for com-
munication between various microprocessor-based
electronic control modules. The PCI data bus exceeds
the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1850
Standard for Class B Multiplexing.Many of the electronic control modules in a vehicle
require information from the same sensing device. In
the past, if information from one sensing device was
required by several controllers, a wire from each con-
troller needed to be connected in parallel to that sen-
sor. In addition, each controller utilizing analog
sensors required an Analog/Digital (A/D) converter in
order to9read9these sensor inputs. Multiplexing
reduces wire harness complexity, sensor current
loads and controller hardware because each sensing
device is connected to only one controller, which
reads and distributes the sensor information to the
other controllers over the data bus. Also, because
each controller on the data bus can access the con-
troller sensor inputs to every other controller on the
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 1

data bus, more function and feature capabilities are
possible.
In addition to reducing wire harness complexity,
component sensor current loads and controller hard-
ware, multiplexing offers a diagnostic advantage. A
multiplex system allows the information flowing
between controllers to be monitored using a diagnos-
tic scan tool. The DaimlerChrysler system allows an
electronic control module to broadcast message data
out onto the bus where all other electronic control
modules can9hear9the messages that are being sent.
When a module hears a message on the data bus
that it requires, it relays that message to its micro-
processor. Each module ignores the messages on the
data bus that are being sent to other electronic con-
trol modules.
OPERATION
Data exchange between modules is achieved by serial
transmission of encoded data over a single wire broad-
cast network. The wire colors used for the PCI data bus
circuits are yellow with a violet tracer, or violet with a
yellow tracer, depending upon the application. The PCI
data bus messages are carried over the bus in the form
of Variable Pulse Width Modulated (VPWM) signals.
The PCI data bus speed is an average 10.4 Kilo-bits per
second (Kbps). By comparison, the prior two-wire
Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus system is
designed to run at 7.8125 Kbps.
The voltage network used to transmit messages
requires biasing and termination. Each module on
the PCI data bus system provides its own biasing
and termination. Each module (also referred to as a
node) terminates the bus through a terminating
resistor and a terminating capacitor. There are two
types of nodes on the bus. The dominant node termi-
nates the bus througha1KWresistor and a 3300 pF
capacitor. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is
the only dominant node for the PCI data bus system.
A standard node terminates the bus through an 11
KW resistor and a 330 pF capacitor.
The modules bias the bus when transmitting a
message. The PCI bus uses low and high voltage lev-
els to generate signals. Low voltage is around zero
volts and the high voltage is about seven and one-
half volts. The low and high voltage levels are gener-
ated by means of variable-pulse width modulation to
form signals of varying length. The Variable Pulse
Width Modulation (VPWM) used in PCI bus messag-
ing is a method in which both the state of the bus
and the width of the pulse are used to encode bit
information. A9zero9bit is defined as a short low
pulse or a long high pulse. A9one9bit is defined as a
long low pulse or a short high pulse. A low (passive)
state on the bus does not necessarily mean a zero bit.
It also depends upon pulse width. If the width isshort, it stands for a zero bit. If the width is long, it
stands for a one bit. Similarly, a high (active) state
does not necessarily mean a one bit. This too depends
upon pulse width. If the width is short, it stands for
a one bit. If the width is long, it stands for a zero bit.
In the case where there are successive zero or one
data bits, both the state of the bus and the width of
the pulse are changed alternately. This encoding
scheme is used for two reasons. First, this ensures
that only one symbol per transition and one transi-
tion per symbol exists. On each transition, every
transmitting module must decode the symbol on the
bus and begin timing of the next symbol. Since tim-
ing of the next symbol begins with the last transition
detected on the bus, all of the modules are re-syn-
chronized with each symbol. This ensures that there
are no accumulated timing errors during PCI data
bus communication.
The second reason for this encoding scheme is to
guarantee that the zero bit is the dominant bit on
the bus. When two modules are transmitting simul-
taneously on the bus, there must be some form of
arbitration to determine which module will gain con-
trol. A data collision occurs when two modules are
transmitting different messages at the same time.
When a module is transmitting on the bus, it is read-
ing the bus at the same time to ensure message
integrity. When a collision is detected, the module
that transmitted the one bit stops sending messages
over the bus until the bus becomes idle.
Each module is capable of transmitting and receiv-
ing data simultaneously. The typical PCI bus mes-
sage has the following four components:
²Message Header- One to three bytes in length.
The header contains information identifying the mes-
sage type and length, message priority, target mod-
ule(s) and sending module.
²Data Byte(s)- This is the actual message that
is being sent.
²Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Byte- This
byte is used to detect errors during a message trans-
mission.
²In-Frame Response (IFR) byte(s)-Ifa
response is required from the target module(s), it can
be sent during this frame. This function is described
in greater detail in the following paragraph.
The IFR consists of one or more bytes, which are
transmitted during a message. If the sending module
requires information to be received immediately, the
target module(s) can send data over the bus during
the original message. This allows the sending module
to receive time-critical information without having to
wait for the target module to access the bus. After
the IFR is received, the sending module broadcasts
an End of Frame (EOF) message and releases control
of the bus.
8E - 2 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
COMMUNICATION (Continued)

The PCI data bus can be monitored using the
DRBIIItscan tool. It is possible, however, for the bus
to pass all DRBIIIttests and still be faulty if the
voltage parameters are all within the specified range
and false messages are being sent.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The Controler Antilock Brake (CAB) is mounted to
the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and operates the
ABS system (Fig. 1).
OPERATION
The CAB voltage source is through the ignition
switch in the RUN position. The CAB contains a self
check program that illuminates the ABS warning
light when a system fault is detected. Faults are
stored in a diagnostic program memory and are
accessible with the DRB III scan tool. ABS faults
remain in memory until cleared, or until after the
vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the negative battery cable from the
battery.
(2) Pull up on the CAB harness connector release
and remove connector.
(3) Remove the CAB mounting bolts.
(4) Remove the pump connector from the CAB.
(5) Remove the CAB from the HCU.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
(1) Install CAB to the HCU.
(2) Install the pump connector to the CAB.
(3) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 2 N´m (16 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install the wiring harness connector to the
CAB and push down on the release to secure the con-
nector.
(5) Install negative battery cable to the battery.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is located at the
lower edge of the instrument panel near the steering
column.
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The 16±way data link connector (diagnostic scan
tool connector) links the Diagnostic Readout Box
(DRB) scan tool or the Mopar Diagnostic System
(MDS) with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM
The engine control module (ECM) for the 5.9L Die-
sel engine is bolted to the left side of the engine
below the intake manifold.
OPERATION - ECM
The main function of the Engine Control Module
(ECM) is to electrically control the fuel system. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)does notcontrol
the fuel system.
The ECM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.If the ECM has
been replaced, flashed or re-calibrated, the
ECM must learn the Accelerator Pedal Position
Sensor (APPS) idle voltage. Failure to learn
this voltage may result in unnecessary diagnos-
tic trouble codes. Refer to ECM Removal/Instal-
lation for learning procedures.
The ECM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
ECM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to asECM Outputs.The sensors
and switches that provide inputs to the ECM are
consideredECM Inputs.
Fig. 1 HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
1 - HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 3
COMMUNICATION (Continued)