1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Asd relay

²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
procedure must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.Note: Cer-
tain diesel equipped models use dual batteries.
If equipped with dual battery system, this pro-
cedure must be performed twice, once for each
battery.
(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery
terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable
connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
this procedure must be performed on driver
side battery only.(4) Connect voltmeter to measure between nega-
tive battery terminal post and a good clean ground
on engine block (Fig. 5). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative bat-
tery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative
battery cable.Note: Certain diesel equipped mod-
els use dual batteries. If equipped with dual
battery system, this procedure must be per-
formed twice, once for each battery.
Fig. 2 TEST BATTERY NEGATIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 4 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
8F - 30 STARTINGDR
STARTING (Continued)

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION....3
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER ± 4.7L V-8........4
FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING ± 5.7L
V-8 ENGINE...........................4
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........4
SPARK PLUGS........................4
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....5
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8.....5
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8.....5
IGNITION TIMING......................5
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............5
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............5
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................5
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................14
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................17
REMOVAL.............................19
CLEANING
CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT...........20
INSTALLATION.........................20
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
3.7L V-6 ENGINE
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses a separate ignition coil
for each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to
the cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary
terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark
plugs. A separate electrical connector is used for each
coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 3.7L 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:
²6 Spark Plugs
²6 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
4.7L V-8 ENGINE
The 4.7L V-8 engine uses a separate ignition coil
for each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to
the cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary
terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 8 spark
plugs. A separate electrical connector is used for each
coil.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

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)

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8
PRIMARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8
PRIMARY RESISTANCE @ 21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)
0.558 - 0.682 Ohms
(Plus or Minus 10% @ 70-80É F)
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is not adjustable on any engine.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN
RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements.
The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
The ASD relay will be shut±down, meaning the
12±volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-ac-
tivated by the PCM if:
²the ignition key is left in the ON position. This
is if the engine has not been running for approxi-
mately 1.8 seconds.
²there is a crankshaft position sensor signal to
the PCM that is lower than pre-determined values.
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT
A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM
that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to
connect the oxygen sensor heater element, ignition
coil and fuel injectors to 12 volt + power supply.
This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay
is energized. If the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) does not see 12 volts at this input when the
ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS
The following description of operation and
tests apply only to the Automatic Shutdown
(ASD) and fuel pump relays. The terminals on the
bottom of each relay are numbered. Two different
types of relays may be used, (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4).
²Terminal number 30 is connected to battery volt-
age. For both the ASD and fuel pump relays, termi-
nal 30 is connected to battery voltage at all times.
²The PCM grounds the coil side of the relay
through terminal number 85.
²Terminal number 86 supplies voltage to the coil
side of the relay.
²When the PCM de-energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal number 87A connects to termi-
nal 30. This is the Off position. In the off position,
voltage is not supplied to the rest of the circuit. Ter-
minal 87A is the center terminal on the relay.
²When the PCM energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal 87 connects to terminal 30.
This is the On position. Terminal 87 supplies voltage
to the rest of the circuit.
The following procedure applies to the ASD and
fuel pump relays.
(1) Remove relay from connector before testing.
Fig. 3 TYPE 1 RELAY (ISO MICRO RELAY)
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 5
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

(2) With the relay removed from the vehicle, use
an ohmmeter to check the resistance between termi-
nals 85 and 86. The resistance should be 75 ohms +/-
5 ohms.
(3) Connect the ohmmeter between terminals 30
and 87A. The ohmmeter should show continuity
between terminals 30 and 87A.
(4) Connect the ohmmeter between terminals 87
and 30. The ohmmeter should not show continuity at
this time.
(5) Connect one end of a jumper wire (16 gauge or
smaller) to relay terminal 85. Connect the other end
of the jumper wire to the ground side of a 12 volt
power source.
(6) Connect one end of another jumper wire (16
gauge or smaller) to the power side of the 12 volt
power source.Do not attach the other end of the
jumper wire to the relay at this time.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW OHMMETER TO CON-
TACT TERMINALS 85 OR 86 DURING THIS TEST.
DAMAGE TO OHMMETER MAY RESULT.
(7) Attach the other end of the jumper wire to
relay terminal 86. This activates the relay. The ohm-
meter should now show continuity between relay ter-
minals 87 and 30. The ohmmeter should not show
continuity between relay terminals 87A and 30.
(8) Disconnect jumper wires.(9) Replace the relay if it did not pass the continu-
ity and resistance tests. If the relay passed the tests,
it operates properly. Check the remainder of the ASD
and fuel pump relay circuits. Refer to 8, Wiring Dia-
grams.
REMOVAL
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 5). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.
(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 5). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.
(1) Install relay to PDC.
(2) Install cover to PDC.
Fig. 4 ASD AND FUEL PUMP RELAY TERMINALSÐ
TYPE 2
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 5 PDC LOCATION
1 - BATTERY
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
8I - 6 IGNITION CONTROLDR
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN RELAY (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)

CLOCKSPRING C2 - YELLOW 4 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 R61 20LG/VT DRIVER SQUIB 2 LINE 1
2 R63 20LG/WT DRIVER SQUIB 2 LINE 2
3 R43 20LG/BR DRIVER SQUIB 1 LINE 1
4 R45 20LG/OR DRIVER SQUIB 1 LINE 2
CLOCKSPRING C3 - BLACK 4 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 X3 20DG/VT HORN SWITCH SENSE
2 V937 20VT/BR S/C SWITCH RETURN
3 V37 20VT S/C SWITCH NO. 1 SIGNAL
4 V38 20VT/OR (DSAB ETC) S/C SWITCH NO. 2 SIGNAL
CLOCKSPRING C4-2WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 Z909 22BK GROUND
2 X20 22GY/WT RADIO CONTROL MUX
CLUTCH INTERLOCK BRAKE SWITCH-2WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 T41 20YL/DB TRS T41 SENSE
2 Z911 18BK GROUND
COIL ON PLUG NO. 1 (3.7L/4.7L) - BLACK 3 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 K19 18DB/DG COIL CONTROL NO. 1
2 K342 16BR/WT ASD RELAY OUTPUT
3- -
DR8W-80 CONNECTOR PIN-OUTS 8W - 80 - 47