1998 DODGE RAM 1500 brakes

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
brake indicator condition. If there are problems with
several indicators in the instrument cluster, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). If the brake indicator stays
on with the ignition switch in the On position and
the park brake released, or comes on while driving,
the brake system must be diagnosed and repaired
prior to performing the following tests. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If no brake
system problem is found, the following procedures
will help to locate a shorted or open circuit, or a
faulty park brake switch input. Refer to the appropri-
ate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector
repair procedures, details of wire harness routing
and retention, connector pin-out information and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
INDICATOR ILLUMINATES DURING BULB TEST, BUT DOES
NOT WHEN PARK BRAKE APPLIED
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the park brake switch from the switch terminal.
Apply the parking brake. Check for continuity
between the park brake switch terminal and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake switch.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster
from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for con-
tinuity between the park brake switch sense circuit
cavities of the body wire harness connector for the
park brake switch and the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the instrument cluster. There
should be continuity. If not OK, repair the open parkbrake switch sense circuit between the park brake
switch and the instrument cluster as required.
INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED - BRAKE SYSTEM
CHECKS OK
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the park brake switch from the switch terminal.
Check for continuity between the terminal of the
park brake switch and a good ground. There should
be no continuity with the park brake released, and
continuity with the park brake applied. If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake
switch.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster
from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for con-
tinuity between the park brake switch sense circuit
cavity of the body wire harness connector for the
park brake switch and a good ground. There should
be no continuity. If not OK, repair the shorted park
brake switch sense circuit between the park brake
switch and the instrument cluster as required.
CARGO LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A cargo lamp indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters (Fig. 11). The cargo lamp
indicator is located on the right side of the instru-
ment cluster, to the right of the oil pressure gauge.
The cargo lamp indicator consists of a stencil-like
cutout of the words ªCARGO LAMPº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. An
amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
ªCARGO LAMPº text to appear in amber through the
translucent outer layer of the overlay when the indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by the LED, which
is soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The cargo lamp indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The cargo lamp indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the exterior cargo lamp is illu-
minated. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
Fig. 11 Cargo Lamp Indicator
8J - 20 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)

BRAKE LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the brake lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 3).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the brake lamp bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the brake lamp bulb from the brake
lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the brake lamp bulb into the lamp back
plate.
(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.
(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the brake lamp bulb into the brake
lamp socket by pushing inward and rotating it clock-
wise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The plunger type brake lamp switch is mounted on
a bracket attached to the base of the steering col-
umn, under the instrument panel.
CAUTION: The switch can only be adjusted during
initial installation. If the switch is not adjusted prop-
erly a new switch must be installed.
OPERATION
The brake lamp switch is hard wired to the Center
High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) and also moni-
tored by the Instrument Cluster for use by the brake
lamp, speed control brake sensor circuits and elec-
tronic brake distribution (EBD). The brake lamp cir-
cuit is open until the plunger is depressed. The speed
control and brake sensor circuits are closed until the
plunger is depressed. When the brake lamp switch
transitions, the CHMSL transitions and instrument
cluster transmits a brake applied/released message
on the bus. The Integrated Power Module (IPM) will
then transition the brake lamps.
When the brake light switch is activated, the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) receives an input indi-
cating that the brakes are being applied. After
receiving this input, the PCM maintains idle speed to
a scheduled rpm through control of the Idle Air Con-
trol (IAC) motor. The brake switch input is also used
to disable vent and vacuum solenoid output signals
to the speed control servo.
Fig. 3 Tail Lamp Lens
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 9

Vehicles equipped with the speed control option use
a dual function brake lamp switch. The PCM moni-
tors the state of the dual function brake lamp switch.
The brake switch is equipped with three sets of
contacts, one normally open and the other two nor-
mally closed (brakes disengaged). The PCM sends a
12 volt signal to one of the normally closed contacts
in the brake switch, which is returned to the PCM as
a brake switch state signal. With the contacts closed,
the 12 volt signal is pulled to ground causing the sig-
nal to go low. The low voltage signal, monitored by
the PCM, indicates that the brakes are not applied.
When the brakes are applied, the contacts open,
causing the PCM's output brake signal to go high,
disengaging the speed control, cutting off PCM power
to the speed control solenoids.
The second set of normally closed contacts supplies
12 volts from the PCM any time speed control is
turned on. Through the brake switch, voltage is
routed to the speed control servo solenoids. The
speed control solenoids (vacuum, vent and dump) are
provided this voltage any time the speed control is
ON and the brakes are disengaged.
When the driver applies the brakes, the contacts
open and voltage is interrupted to the solenoids. The
normally open contacts are fed battery voltage. When
the brakes are applied, battery voltage is supplied to
the brake lamps.
The brake lamp switch can only be adjusted once.
That is at the initial installation of the switch. If the
switch is not adjusted properly or has been removed,
a new switch must be installed and adjusted.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE LAMP
SWITCH
The brake lamp switch can be tested with an ohm-
meter. The ohmmeter is used to check continuity
between the pin terminals (Fig. 4).
SWITCH CIRCUIT IDENTIFICATION
²Terminals 1 and 2: brake lamp circuit
²Terminals 3 and 4: RWAL/ABS module and Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) circuit
²Terminals 5 and 6: speed control circuit
SWITCH CONTINUITY TEST
NOTE: Disconnect switch harness before testing
switch continuity.
With switch plunger extended, attach test leads to
pins 1 and 2. Replace switch if meter indicates no
continuity.
With switch plunger retracted, attach test leads to
pins 3 and 4. Replace switch if meter indicates no
continuity.With switch plunger retracted, attach test leads to
pins 5 and 6. Replace switch if meter indicates no
continuity.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the switch harness (Fig. 5).
(2) Press and hold the brake pedal in applied posi-
tion.
(3) Rotate the switch counterclockwise about 30É to
align the switch lock tab with the notch in bracket.
(4) Pull the switch rearward out of the mounting
bracket and release the brake pedal.
Fig. 4 Brake Lamp Switch Terminal Identification
1 - TERMINAL PINS
2 - PLUNGER TEST POSITIONS
Fig. 5 Brake Lamp Switch & Bracket
1 - RELEASE LEVER
2 - BRACKET
3 - BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT
4 - BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
8L - 10 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH (Continued)

5.9L Diesel With Manual Trans.
The speed control system is fully electronically con-
trolled by the Engine Control Module (ECM).A
cable and a vacuum controlled servo are not
used if the vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission and a diesel engine. This is a ser-
vo-less system.The controls consist of two steering
wheel mounted switches. The switches are labeled:
ON/OFF, RES/ACCEL, SET, COAST, and CANCEL.
The system is designed to operate at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h).
WARNING: THE USE OF SPEED CONTROL IS NOT
RECOMMENDED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS DO
NOT PERMIT MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED,
SUCH AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ROADS THAT
ARE WINDING, ICY, SNOW COVERED, OR SLIP-
PERY.
OPERATION
When speed control is selected by depressing the
ON switch, the PCM (the ECM with a diesel engine)
allows a set speed to be stored in its RAM for speed
control. To store a set speed, depress the SET switch
while the vehicle is moving at a speed between 35
and 85 mph. In order for the speed control to engage,
the brakes cannot be applied, nor can the gear selec-
tor be indicating the transmission is in Park or Neu-
tral.
The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
²Stepping on the brake pedal
²Depressing the OFF switch
²Depressing the CANCEL switch.
²Depressing the clutch pedal (if equipped).
NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch or turning off the
ignition switch will erase the set speed stored in
the PCM (the ECM with a diesel engine).
For added safety, the speed control system is pro-
grammed to disengage for any of the following condi-
tions:
²An indication of Park or Neutral
²A rapid increase rpm (indicates that the clutch
has been disengaged)
²Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear)
²The speed signal increases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the coefficient of friction
between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
²The speed signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the RES/ACCEL switch (when speed is
greater than 30 mph) restores the vehicle to the tar-
get speed that was stored in the PCM (the ECM with
a diesel engine).
While the speed control is engaged, the driver can
increase the vehicle speed by depressing the RES/AC-
CEL switch. The new target speed is stored in the
PCM (the ECM with a diesel engine) when the RES/
ACCEL is released. The PCM (the ECM with a diesel
engine) also has a9tap-up9feature in which vehicle
speed increases at a rate of approximately 2 mph for
each momentary switch activation of the RES/AC-
CEL switch.
A ªtap downº feature is used to decelerate without
disengaging the speed control system. To decelerate
from an existing recorded target speed, momentarily
depress the COAST switch. For each switch activa-
tion, speed will be lowered approximately 1 mph.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM SUPPLY
TEST
3.7L / 4.7L Gas Powered Engines
3.7L/4.7L gas powered engines: actual engine vac-
uum, a vacuum reservoir, a one-way check valve and
vacuum lines are used to supply vacuum to the speed
control servo.
(1) Disconnect vacuum hose at speed control servo
and install a vacuum gauge into the disconnected
hose.
(2) Start engine and observe gauge at idle. Vac-
uum gauge should read at least ten inches of mer-
cury.
(3) If vacuum is less than ten inches of mercury,
determine source of leak. Check vacuum line to
engine for leaks. Also check actual engine intake
manifold vacuum. If manifold vacuum does not meet
this requirement, check for poor engine performance
and repair as necessary.
(4) If vacuum line to engine is not leaking, check
for leak at vacuum reservoir. To locate and gain
access to reservoir, refer to Vacuum Reservoir Remov-
al/Installation in this group. Disconnect vacuum line
at reservoir and connect a hand-operated vacuum
pump to reservoir fitting. Apply vacuum. Reservoir
vacuum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace reservoir.
8P - 2 SPEED CONTROLDR
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)

(11) Before starting engine, operate accelerator
pedal to check for any binding.
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Two separate switch pods operate the speed control
system. The steering-wheel-mounted switches use
multiplexed circuits to provide inputs to the PCM (to
the ECM for diesel) for ON, OFF, RESUME, ACCEL-
ERATE, SET, DECEL and CANCEL modes. Refer to
the owner's manual for more information on speed
control switch functions and setting procedures.
The individual switches cannot be repaired. If one
switch fails, the entire switch module must be
replaced.
Depending on engine control computer (JTEC
having a 3± plug connector or NGC having a 4±
plug connector), 2 types of switches are used.
Both types of switches are internally and exter-
nally different. The switch used with the NGC
system has an attached pigtail lead. The switch
used with the JTEC system does not have an
attached pigtail lead.
OPERATION
When speed control is selected by depressing the
ON, OFF switch, the PCM(ECM for diesel)allows
a set speed to be stored in its RAM for speed control.
To store a set speed, depress the SET switch while
the vehicle is moving at a speed between approxi-
mately 35 and 85 mph. In order for the speed control
to engage, the brakes cannot be applied, nor can the
gear selector be indicating the transmission is in
Park or Neutral.
The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
²Stepping on the brake pedal
²Depressing the OFF switch
²Depressing the CANCEL switch.
The speed control can be disengaged also by any of
the following conditions:
²An indication of Park or Neutral (auto. trans.)
²The VSS signal increases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the co-efficient of friction
between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
²Depressing the clutch pedal (manual trans.).
²Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear)
²The VSS signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)
²If the actual speed is not within 20 mph of the
set speed
Fig. 6 SPEED CONTROL SERVO LOCATION
1 - BATTERY TRAY
2 - MOUNTING LUGS
3 - SERVO
4 - ELEC. CONNEC.
5 - MOUNTING SCREWS (3)
6 - MOUNTING BRACKET
7 - VACUUM LINE
Fig. 7 SERVO CABLE CLIP REMOVE/INSTALL Ð
TYPICAL
1 - SERVO MOUNTING NUTS (2)
2 - SERVO
3 - CABLE RETAINING CLIP
4 - SERVO CABLE AND SLEEVE
DRSPEED CONTROL 8P - 7
SERVO (Continued)

WIRING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION....... 8W-01-1
COMPONENT INDEX.................. 8W-02-1
POWER DISTRIBUTION............... 8W-10-1
GROUND DISTRIBUTION.............. 8W-15-1
BUS COMMUNICATIONS.............. 8W-18-1
CHARGING SYSTEM.................. 8W-20-1
STARTING SYSTEM.................. 8W-21-1
FUEL/IGNITION SYSTEM.............. 8W-30-1
TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM..... 8W-31-1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL............ 8W-33-1
REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES....... 8W-34-1
ALL WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES........ 8W-35-1
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM..... 8W-39-1
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER............... 8W-40-1
HORN/CIGAR LIGHTER/POWER OUTLET . . 8W-41-1
AIR CONDITIONING.................. 8W-42-1
AIRBAG SYSTEM.................... 8W-43-1
INTERIOR LIGHTING.................. 8W-44-1AUDIO SYSTEM..................... 8W-47-1
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER............ 8W-48-1
OVERHEAD CONSOLE................. 8W-49-1
FRONT LIGHTING.................... 8W-50-1
REAR LIGHTING..................... 8W-51-1
TURN SIGNALS...................... 8W-52-1
WIPERS............................ 8W-53-1
TRAILER TOW....................... 8W-54-1
NAVIGATION/TELECOMMUNICATION..... 8W-55-1
POWER WINDOWS................... 8W-60-1
POWER DOOR LOCKS................ 8W-61-1
POWER MIRRORS................... 8W-62-1
POWER SEATS...................... 8W-63-1
SPLICE INFORMATION................ 8W-70-1
CONNECTOR PIN-OUTS............... 8W-80-1
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE
LOCATION........................ 8W-91-1
POWER DISTRIBUTION............... 8W-97-1 DRWIRING 8W - 1

8W-34 REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES
Component Page
Brake Fluid Level Switch.............. 8W-34-2
Brake Lamp Switch.................. 8W-34-3
Controller Antilock Brake............ 8W-34-2, 3
Data Link Connector................. 8W-34-2
Engine Control Module.............. 8W-34-2, 3
Fuse 6............................ 8W-34-2Component Page
Fuse 35............................ 8W-34-2
G104.............................. 8W-34-2
G201.............................. 8W-34-3
Integrated Power Module.............. 8W-34-2
Powertrain Control Module.......... 8W-34-2, 3
Wheel Speed Sensor-Rear.............. 8W-34-3
DR8W-34 REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES 8W - 34 - 1

8W-35 ALL WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES
Component Page
Brake Fluid Level Switch.............. 8W-35-2
Brake Lamp Switch.................. 8W-35-3
Controller Antilock Brake............ 8W-35-2, 3
Data Link Connector................. 8W-35-2
Engine Control Module.............. 8W-35-2, 3
Fuse 6............................ 8W-35-2
Fuse 35............................ 8W-35-2Component Page
G104.............................. 8W-35-2
G201.............................. 8W-35-3
Integrated Power Module.............. 8W-35-2
Powertrain Control Module.......... 8W-35-2, 3
Wheel Speed Sensor-Left Front......... 8W-35-3
Wheel Speed Sensor-Rear.............. 8W-35-3
Wheel Speed Sensor-Right Front........ 8W-35-3
DR8W-35 ALL WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES 8W - 35 - 1