1998 DODGE RAM 1500 ECU

(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 backup lamp bulb into the backup
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.
BACKUP LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission
have a normally open, spring-loaded plunger typeback-up lamp switch (Fig. 2). The backup lamp
switch is located in a threaded hole on the side of the
manual transmission housing. The backup lamp
switch has a threaded body and a hex formation near
the plunger end of the switch, and an integral con-
nector at the opposite end of the switch. When
installed, only the connector and the hex formation
are visible on the outside of the transmission hous-
ing. Vehicles with an optional electronic automatic
transmission have a Transmission Range Sensor
(TRS) that is used to perform several functions,
including that of the backup lamp switch. The TRS is
described in further detail elsewhere in this service
information. The backup lamp switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire switch unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The backup lamp switch controls the flow of bat-
tery voltage to the backup lamp bulbs through an
output on the back-up lamp feed circuit. The switch
plunger is mechanically actuated by the gearshift
mechanism within the transmission, which will
depress the switch plunger and close the switch con-
tacts whenever the reverse gear has been selected.
The switch receives battery voltage through a fuse in
the Integrated Power Module (IPM) on a fused igni-
tion switch output (run) circuit whenever the ignition
switch is in the On position. A take out of the engine
wire harness connects the backup lamp switch to the
vehicle electrical system. The backup lamp switch
and circuits can be tested using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BACKUP LAMP
SWITCH
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Locate and disconnect the engine wire harness
connector for the backup lamp switch.
(4) Check for continuity between the two terminal
pins in the backup lamp switch connector.
(a) With the gear selector lever in the Reverse
position, there should be continuity.
(b) With the gear selector lever in any position
other than Reverse, there should be no continuity.
Fig. 2 Backup Lamp Switch - Typical
1 - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2 - BACKUP LAMP SWITCH
3 - ENGINE WIRE HARNESS
8L - 8 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
BACKUP LAMP (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

INSTALLATION
(1) Press and hold the brake pedal down.
(2) Align the tab on thenewswitch with the notch
in the switch bracket. Insert the switch in the
bracket and turn it clockwise about 30É to lock it in
place.
(3) Connect the harness wires to the switch.
(4) Release the brake pedal.
(5) Move the release lever on the switch parallel
with the connector to engage the switch plunger. The
switch is now adjusted andcan notbe adjusted
again.
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED
STOP LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the CHMSL from the roof panel. Refer
to (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR/CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP
LAMP UN - REMOVAL).
(3) Turn the bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
(4) Separate the socket from the lamp.
(5) Remove the bulb.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the bulb in the socket and press into
place.
(2) Position the socket in the lamp.
(3) Turn the bulb socket 1/4 turn clockwise.
(4) Install the CHMSL. Refer to (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP UN -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED
STOP LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove screws holding CHMSL to roof panel
(Fig. 6).(3) Separate CHMSL from roof.
(4) Disengage wire connector from body wire har-
ness.
(5) Separate CHMSL from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position lamp at cab roof and connect wire con-
nector.
(2) Install screws holding CHMSL to roof panel.
Tighten securely.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
CAB CLEARANCE LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove both retaining screws and separate the
lamp from the roof.
(2) Quarter turn counter clockwise to separate
bulb socket from lamp.
Fig. 6 Center High Mount Stop Lamp - Typical
1 - CHMSL CARGO LAMP HOUSING
2 - CHMSL
3 - CARGO LAMPS
4 - SCREW
5 - CLIP
6 - CAB
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 11
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH (Continued)

(2) Remove the left instrument panel bezel. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER
BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the harness connector.
(4) Remove the screws that secure the headlamp
switch to the instrument panel bezel (Fig. 10).
(5) Remove the headlamp switch from the instru-
ment panel bezel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, 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.
(1) Position the headlamp switch to the left instru-
ment panel bezal and secure with screws.Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the headlamp switch.
(3) Position the left instrument panel bezal on to
the instrument panel.
(4) Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel (Fig. 10).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
HEADLAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the push pins attaching the seal to the
fender.
(3) Remove the bolts attaching the headlamp unit
to the fender (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove the bulb sockets from the headlamp
unit
(5) Separate headlamp unit from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Install the bulb sockets for the front park/turn
signal and headlamp.
(2) Position headlamp unit in inner fender panel.
Fig. 10 Headlamp Switch Removal
1 - DASH BOARD
2 - HEADLAMP SWITCH
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL BEZAL
Fig. 11 Headlamp - Typical
1 - SEAL
2 - PUSH PIN
3 - SCREW
4 - HEADLAMP UNIT
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 15
HEADLAMP SWITCH (Continued)

REMOVAL - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Remove the two screws that secure the lens
assembly to the tailgate (Fig. 15).
(2) Turn the bulb sockets counterclockwise a quar-
ter turn and remove the bulb sockets from the lens
assembly.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FENDER MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb socket to the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb socket a quarter turn clockwise.
(2) Position the lens assembly against the fender.
Using firm pressure, push the lens assembly into the
fender.
INSTALLATION - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb sockets into the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb sockets a quarter turn clockwise.(2) Position the lens assembly to the tailgate.
Install and tighten the two screws securely.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The multi-function switch is a resistive MUX
switch that is monitored by the Instrument Cluster.
The turn signals are actuated with the lever on
Multi-Function Switch. The signals are automatically
turned off by a canceling cam (two lobes molded to
the back of the clock spring mechanism). The cam
comes in contact with the cancel actuator on the turn
signal (multi-function) switch assembly. Either cam
lobe, pushing on the cancel actuator, returns the
switch to the OFF position.
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The Instrument Cluster monitors the multiplexed
multifunction switch. In a turning event the Instru-
ment Cluster senses a change in the turn signal
lever and illuminates the appropriate turn signal
indicator. At the same time, the Instrument Cluster
will send a J1850 message on the PCI bus to the
Front Control Module (FCM). The FCM will respond
by activating the appropriate relay in the Power Dis-
tribution Center.
A chime will sound after the turn is completed if
vehicle has traveled a distance of approximately 1.0
mile and a speed of 15 mph, with the turn signal ON.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH
To test the turn signal, headlamp beam select and
optical horn portion of the multi-function switch:
(1) Remove the multi-function switch, refer to
Electrical, Lamps/Lighting - Exterior, Multi-Function
Switch, Removal, and Installation.
(2) Using an ohmmeter check the resistance read-
ings between multi-function switch pins. Refer to
Wiring Diagrams for proper pin numbers and the
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS table.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING FUNCTIONS
SWITCH POSITION CONNECTOR PINS RESISTANCE (OHMS)
Off 1 - 2 Open
Headlamp High Beams On 1 - 2 518 - 575
Hazard 3 - 2 115 - 128
Fig. 15 Tailgate Marker Lamp Housing
1 - RETAINING NUT (2)
2 - TAILGATE
3 - WIRING HARNESS AND BULB SOCKET
4 - SCREW (2)
5 - LENS ASSEMBLY
8L - 18 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
MARKER LAMP UNIT (Continued)

(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
TAIL 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 tail 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. 20).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the tail lamp bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the tail lamp bulb from the tail lamp
socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the tail 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 tail lamp bulb into the tail lamp
socket by pushing inward and rotating it clockwise.
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.
TAIL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Lower the tailgate.
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the tail
lamp unit to the cargo box.
(4) Remove the tail lamp unit from the cargo box.
(5) Disconnect the body wire harness connector
from the lamp back plate connector (Fig. 21).
Fig. 19 Park Turn Signal Bulb
1 - BULB SOCKET
2 - BULB
Fig. 20 Tail Lamp Lens
8L - 22 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP (Continued)

REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Disconnect the body wire harness connector
from the tail lamp wire harness connector (Fig. 22).
(3) Remove the tail lamp unit connector from the
frame rail.
(4) Remove the two nuts that secure the tail lamp
housing to the mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the tail lamp unit from the mounting
bracket while routing the wire harness through the
bracket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Connect the body wire harness connector to the
lamp back plate connector.
(2) Position the tail lamp unit into the cargo box.(3) Install the two screws that secure the tail lamp
unit to the cargo box.
(4) Raise the tailgate.
(5) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Position the tail lamp unit onto the mounting
bracket while routing the wire harness through the
bracket.
(2) Install the two nuts that secure the tail lamp
housing to the mounting bracket.
(3) Connect the tail lamp wire harness connector
to the body wire harness connector.
(4) Install the tail lamp connector retainer to the
frame rail.
(5) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 21 Tail Lamp Unit
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - TAIL LAMP UNIT
Fig. 22 Tail Lamp Unit - RH Side Shown, LH Side
Typical
1 - TAIL LAMP UNIT
2 - MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - TRAILER HITCH BRACKET
4 - WIRE HARNESS
5 - NUT (2)
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 23
TAIL LAMP UNIT (Continued)

TRAILER TOW WIRING
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with an optional factory-in-
stalled trailer towing package have a rear body wire
harness that includes an integral trailer tow wiring
take out that connects to a heavy duty, sealed, 7-pin
trailer tow connector located in the rear bumper (Fig.
23). This harness includes an adapter harness that
adapts the 7-pin trailer tow connector to a standard,
light-duty, 4-pin trailer tow connector. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
TURN 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 turn signal 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. 24).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the turn signal bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the turn signal bulb from the tail lamp
socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the turn signal 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 turn signal bulb into the tail lamp
socket by pushing inward and rotating it clockwise.
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.
Fig. 23 Trailer Tow Wiring
1 - RETAINER CLIP (4)
2 - REAR BODY HARNESS (TRAILER TOW TAKE OUT)
3 - RETAINER CLIP (2)
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 24 Tail Lamp Lens
8L - 24 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR