1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Electrical

Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 4.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²8 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.7L V-8 ENGINE
For additional information, also refer to Igni-
tion Coil Description and Operation.
The 5.7L V-8 engine is equipped with 16 spark
plugs. Two plugs are used for each cylinder. The 5.7L
is also equipped with 8 separate and independent
ignition coils. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head cover and attaches the coils secondary
output terminal directly to a spark plug using a rub-
ber boot seal. Each coil is also equipped with a sec-
ond output terminal. This second terminal connects a
conventional spark plug cable directly to a spark
plug on the opposite cylinder bank. A separate pri-
mary electrical connector is used for each coil.
Eight conventional spark plug cables are used with
the 5.7L. These cables connect a coil on one cylinder
bank, directly to a spark plug on the opposite cylin-
der bank. The cables are placed and routed in a spe-
cial plastic loom to keep them separated. This loom is
clipped to the intake manifold. To prevent a miss-
match of cables, a corresponding spark plug / coil
number is displayed on each plug cable: 1/6, 2/3, 4/7
and 5/8. These numbers can also be found on the top
of the intake manifold to the right of the throttle
body (Fig. 1).Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The 5.7L engine will not use a conventional distrib-
utor.
The ignition system consists of:
²16 Spark Plugs (2 per cylinder)
²8 Separate, Dual-Secondary Output, Ignition
Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²8 Secondary Ignition Cables
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
Fig. 1 FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING - 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
1 - TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - CYLINDER FIRING ORDER (IGNITION COIL NUMBER)
3 - CORRESPONDING SPARK PLUG NUMBER
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
6-cylinder engine is bolted to the right-front side of
the right cylinder head.
4.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V-8 engine is bolted to the right-front side of the
right cylinder head.
5.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.7L
V-8 engine is located below the generator on the tim-
ing chain / case cover on the right/front side of
engine.
5.9L Diesel
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.9L
diesel engine is located below the fuel injection
pump. It is bolted to the back of the timing gear
cover.
OPERATION
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) sensor on the
3.7L V-6 engine contains a hall effect device referred
to as a sync signal generator. A rotating target wheel
(tonewheel) for the CMP is located at the front of the
camshaft for the right cylinder head (Fig. 6). This
sync signal generator detects notches located on a
tonewheel. As the tonewheel rotates, the notches
pass through the sync signal generator. The signal
from the CMP sensor is used in conjunction with the
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) to differentiate
between fuel injection and spark events. It is also
used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their
respective cylinders.
When the leading edge of the tonewheel notch
enters the tip of the CMP, the interruption of mag-
netic field causes the voltage to switch high, result-
ing in a sync signal of approximately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the tonewheel notch
leaves then tip of the CMP, the change of the mag-
netic field causes the sync signal voltage to switch
low to 0 volts.
4.7L V-8
The CMP sensor on the 4.7L engine contains a hall
effect device called a sync signal generator to gener-
ate a fuel sync signal. This sync signal generator
detects notches located on a tonewheel. The tone-wheel is located at the front of the camshaft for the
right cylinder head (Fig. 7). As the tonewheel rotates,
the notches pass through the sync signal generator.
The pattern of the notches (viewed counter-clockwise
from front of engine) is: 1 notch, 2 notches, 3 notches,
3 notches, 2 notches 1 notch, 3 notches and 1 notch.
The signal from the CMP sensor is used in conjunc-
tion with the crankshaft position sensor to differenti-
ate between fuel injection and spark events. It is also
used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their
respective cylinders.
5.7L V-8
The CMP sensor is used in conjunction with the
crankshaft position sensor to differentiate between
fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to syn-
chronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylin-
ders. The sensor generates electrical pulses. These
pulses (signals) are sent to the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM will then determine crank-
shaft position from both the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor.
The tonewheel is located at the front of the cam-
shaft (Fig. 8). As the tonewheel rotates, notches (Fig.
8) pass through the sync signal generator.
When the cam gear is rotating, the sensor will
detect the notches. Input voltage from the sensor to
the PCM will then switch from a low (approximately
0.3 volts) to a high (approximately 5 volts). When the
sensor detects a notch has passed, the input voltage
switches back low to approximately 0.3 volts.
Fig. 6 CMP OPERATION- 3.7L V-6
1 - NOTCHES
2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
3 - CMP
4 - TONEWHEEL (TARGET WHEEL)
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 7

REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
V-6 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 10).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 10).
(3) Carefully twist sensor from cylinder head.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
4.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V±8 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 11).
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor
(Fig. 11).
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 11).
(4) Carefully twist sensor from cylinder head.
(5) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
5.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.7L
V-8 engine is located on right side of timing chain
cover below generator (Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 13).
(3) Carefully twist sensor from cylinder head.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
Fig. 10 CMP LOCATION - 3.7L
1 - RIGHT/FRONT OF RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CMP MOUNTING BOLT
3 - CMP LOCATION
Fig. 11 CMP LOCATION - 4.7L
1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - MOUNTING BOLT
4 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
Fig. 12 CMP LOCATION ± 5.7L
1 - GENERATOR
2 - CMP LOCATION
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 9
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

5.9L Diesel
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.9L
diesel engine is located below the fuel injection
pump. It is bolted to the back of the timing gear
cover (Fig. 14).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor
(Fig. 14).
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt.
(3) Carefully twist sensor from timing gear cover.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
V-6 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 10).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking and twisting action.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
torque specifications.(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
4.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V-8 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 11).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking action. Do not twist sensor into position as
damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
5.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.7L
V-8 engine is bolted to the right / front side of the
timing chain cover (Fig. 12) or (Fig. 13).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
Fig. 13 CMP REMOVAL / INSTALLATION ± 5.7L V-8
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER (RIGHT/FRONT)
2 - CMP SENSOR
3 - MOUNTING BOLT
Fig. 14 5.9L DIESEL CMP
1 - CMP
2 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP (BOTTOM)
3 - ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
4 - ECM ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - CMP ELEC. CONNECTOR
6 - CMP MOUNTING BOLT
7 - BACK OF TIMING GEAR COVER
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLDR
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking action. Do not twist sensor into position as
damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to timing chain
cover. If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor
mounting tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
5.9L Diesel
The CMP is located on the back of the timing gear
cover (Fig. 14).
(1) Clean out machined hole in back of timing gear
cover.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into timing gear cover with a
slight rocking action. Do not twist sensor into posi-
tion as damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to back of timing
chain cover. If sensor is not flush, damage to sen-
sor mounting tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
3.7L V-6
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses 6 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil for each spark plug (Fig. 15). Each
coil is mounted directly into the cylinder head and
onto the top of each spark plug (Fig. 16).
4.7L V-8
The 4.7L V±8 engine uses 8 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil (Fig. 15) for each spark plug. Each
coil is mounted directly to the top of each spark plug
(Fig. 17).
5.7L V-8
The 5.7L V±8 engine uses 8 dedicated, and individ-
ually fired coil (Fig. 18) for each pair of spark plugs.
Each coil is mounted directly to the top of each spark
plug (Fig. 19). Each coil is bolted to the valve cover.
Fig. 15 IGNITION COIL - 3.7L V-6/ 4.7L V-8
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 16 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 3.7L V-6
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING NUT
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

OPERATION
3.7L V-6
Battery voltage is supplied to the 6 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating 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.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 3.7L V-6 engine.
4.7L V-8
Battery voltage is supplied to the 8 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Fig. 17 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 4.7L V-8
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - COIL MOUNTING STUD/NUT
Fig. 18 IGNITION COIL - 5.7L V-8
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - BOOT TO SPARK PLUG
Fig. 19 IGNITION COIL R/I Ð 5.7L V-8
1 - SLIDE LOCK (SLIDE OUTWARD TO UNLOCK)
2 - SPARK PLUG CABLE (TO OPPOSITE CYLINDER BANK
SPARK PLUG)
3 - RELEASE LOCK / TAB (PUSH HERE)
4 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - IGNITION COIL
6 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
7 - SPARK PLUG CABLE (TO OPPOSITE CYLINDER BANK
IGNITION COIL)
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating 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.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 4.7L V-8 engine.
5.7L V-8
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
A ªwasted sparkº system is used on the 5.7L
engine combining paired, or dual-firing coils, and 2
spark plugs per cylinder. The coils and spark plugs
are connected with paired, secondary high-voltage
cables.
Each cylinder is equipped with 1 dual-output coil.
Meaning one coil mounts directly over one of the
dual spark plugs for 1 high-voltage output. A second
high-voltage output is supplied directly from the
same coil (using a plug cable) to one of the dual
spark plugs on a corresponding (paired) cylinder on
the opposite cylinder bank.
Each coil fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously on
each of the cylinder banks (one cylinder on compres-
sion stroke and one cylinder on exhaust stroke).
EXAMPLE :When the #1 cylinder is on compression
stroke and ready for spark, the #1 coil will fire one of
the dual spark plugs on the #1 cylinder (directly
below the coil). The other dual spark plug on the #1
cylinder will be fired by the #6 coil. At the same
time, the #1 coil will fire a ªwasted sparkº to one of
the dual spark plugs at the #6 cylinder as coil #6 also
fires a ªwasted sparkº to one of the dual spark plugs
at the #6 cylinder.
The firing order is paired at cylinders 1/6, 2/3, 4/7,
5/8. Basic cylinder firing order is 1±8±4±3±6±5±7±2.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
5.7L V-8 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)²The camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 15). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 16). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
15) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil by
pushing downward on release lock on top of connec-
tor and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 16).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
4.7L V-8
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 15). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 17). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
15) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 17) from
coil by pushing downward on release lock on top of
connector and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 17).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
5.7L V-8
Before removing or disconnecting any spark plug
cables, note their original position. Remove cables
one-at-a-time. To prevent ignition crossfire, spark
plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray (routing
loom) into their original position.
An individual ignition coil (Fig. 18) is used at each
cylinder. The coil mounts to the top of the valve cover
with 2 bolts (Fig. 19). The bottom of the coil is
equipped with a rubber boot to seal the spark plug to
the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The
spring is used for a mechanical contact between the
coil and the top of the spark plug.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Unlock electrical connector (Fig. 19) by moving
slide lock first. Press on release lock (Fig. 19) while
pulling electrical connector from coil.
(3) Disconnect secondary high-voltage cable from
coil with a twisting action.
(4) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(5) Remove 2 mounting bolts (note that mounting
bolts are retained to coil).
(6) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(7) Remove coil from vehicle.
(8) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
4.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Twist coil into position.
(4) Install 2 coil mounting bolts. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) Install cable to coil. To prevent ignition cross-
fire, spark plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray
(routing loom) into their original position. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for a graphic.
(7) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The sensors are used only with 3.7L V-6, 4.7L V-8
and 5.7L V-8 engines. On 3.7L V-6 and 4.7L V-8
engines, the 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cyl-
inder block under the intake manifold.
On 5.7L V-8 engines, 2 knock sensors are also
used. These are bolted into each side of the cylinder
block (outside) under the exhaust manifold.
OPERATION
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8 / 5.7L V-8 Engines Only
Two knock sensors are used; one for each cylinder
bank. When the knock sensor detects a knock in one
of the cylinders on the corresponding bank, it sends
an input signal to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). In response, the PCM retards ignition timing
for all cylinders by a scheduled amount.
8I - 14 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)