1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Test mode

ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing. An engine
with the thermostat removed will operate in the
radiator bypass mode, causing an overheat condi-
tion.
The thermostat of the 5.9L diesel engine is located
in the front of the cylinder head, underneath the
thermostat housing (Fig. 25).
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat will cause overheat-
ing.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
Fig. 24 Thermostat and Thermostat Housing 3.7L/4.7L
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - THERMOSTAT LOCATION3 - THERMOSTAT AND GASKET
4 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
Fig. 25 Thermostat±5.9L Diesel-Typical
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - THERMOSTAT
7 - 46 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.7L/4.7L (Continued)

(7) Start the engine and check for coolant leaks.
Run engine to check for proper thermostat operation.
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on all gas powered engines is
located beneath the thermostat housing at the front
of the intake manifold (Fig. 27).
The thermostat is a moveable sleeve type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - THERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes. For other DTC numbers, (Refer to 25 - EMIS-
SIONS CONTROL - DESCRIPTION).
Fig. 26 Thermostat Removal/Installation
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - THERMOSTAT
Fig. 27 Thermostat - 8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
7 - 48 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

LEAKS
Viscous fan drive operation is not affected by small
oil stains near the drive bearing. If leakage appears
excessive, replace the fan drive unit.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS DRIVE
If the fan assembly free-wheels without drag (the
fan blades will revolve more than five turns when
spun by hand), do not replace the fan drive. This
spin test must be performed when the engine is cool.
If the fan assembly does not free-wheel and a
metallic grinding sound exists, replace the electroni-
cally controlled fan drive (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
NOTE: The following test may take up to 15 minutes
to perform.
The engine should be at normal operating temper-
ature.
(1) Set the parking brake and verify the transmis-
sion is in park or neutral.
(2) Set air conditioner (if equipped) and blower fan
to OFF.
(3) Start and allow engine to reach normal operat-
ing temperatures.
(4) Stop engine, connect the DRB III and select
appropriate model year and engine option.
(5) Check for and correct existing DTC's
(6) Using Tool 6801, connect pin 1 of the electron-
ically controlled viscous fan drive connector, located
at the lower fan shroud to battery ground (Fig. 35).
(7) Using the DRB III, verify that DTC 0480 set.
(8) Start the engine.
(9) Go to the SENSOR screen and observe the fan
speed.
(10) Run the engine at 2500 rpm.
NOTE: It maybe take 15 minutes before fan speed
increases.
(11) The fan speed should increase according to
the table below.
(12) If fan speed does not increase, replace the
electronically control viscous fan drive.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE SPEEDS
ENGINE RPM FAN RPM(Min)
500 490
1000 950
1500 1420
2000 1850
2500 2230
3000 2440
(13) If the fan speed does increase and there is
still a concern, refer to the appropriate Powertrain
Diagnosis Manual to diagnosis the electronically con-
trolled viscous fan drive control circuit.
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks or chips that could result in excessive vibra-
tion. Replace fan blade assembly if any of these
conditions are found.
Fig. 35 Electronically Controlled Viscous Fan Drive
Connector
1 - ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
CONNECTOR
2 - TOOL 6801
3 - PIN 1
DRENGINE 7 - 53
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

REMOVAL
NOTE:
The water pump on all models can be removed
without discharging the air conditioning system (if
equipped).
The water pump on all gas powered engines is
bolted directly to the engine timing chain case/
cover.
On the 8.0L V-10 engine, a rubber o-ring (instead of
a gasket) is used as a seal between the water pump
and timing chain case/cover.
If water pump is replaced because of bearing/shaft
damage or leaking shaft seal, the mechanical cooling
fan assembly should also be inspected. Inspect for
fatigue cracks, loose blades or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan if
any of these conditions are found. Also check condi-
tion of the thermal viscous fan drive (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean,
drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
(3) Remove windshield washer reservoir tank from
radiator fan shroud.
(4) Remove the four fan shroud mounting bolts at
the radiator (Fig. 51). Do not attempt to remove
shroud from vehicle at this time.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL NUMBER
6094. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with a matching number or letter.
(5) Remove radiator upper hose at radiator.
(6) The thermal viscous fan drive is threaded on to
the water pump hub shaft (Fig. 53). Remove the fan/
fan drive assembly from water pump by turning the
mounting nut counterclockwise (as viewed from
front). Threads on the fan drive areRIGHT-HAND.
A 36 MM fan wrench can be used with Tool 6958
Spanner Wrench and Adapter Pins 8346 (Fig. 52) to
prevent the pulley from rotating.
(7) If water pump is being replaced, do not unbolt
fan blade assembly (Fig. 53) from the thermal control
fan drive.
(8) Remove fan blade/fan drive and fan shroud as
an assembly from vehicle.
After removing fan blade/fan drive assembly,do
notplace the thermal viscous fan drive in the hori-
zontal position. If stored horizontally, the silicone
Fig. 51 Typical Fan Shroud Mounting
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - RADIATOR
3 - BOLTS (4)
4 - FAN SHROUD
Fig. 52 Using Special Tool 6958 Spanner Wrench
and Adapter Pins 8346
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
7 - 64 ENGINEDR
WATER PUMP - 8.0L (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)

NOTE: This model has a two-piece antenna coaxial
cable. Tests 2 and 4 must be conducted in two
steps to isolate an antenna cable problem. First,
test the primary antenna cable (integral to the
antenna body and cable) from the coaxial cable
connector behind the right side kick panel to the
antenna body. Then, test the secondary antenna
cable (instrument panel antenna cable) from the
coaxial cable connector behind the right side kick
panel to the coaxial cable connector at the radio.
TEST 1
Test 1 determines if the antenna mast is insulated
from ground. Proceed as follows:
(1) Disconnect and isolate the antenna coaxial
cable connector behind the right side kick panel.
(2) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to the tip of the
antenna mast. Touch the other test lead to known
ground. Check the ohmmeter reading for continuity.
(3) There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Test
2. If not OK, replace the faulty antenna body and
cable.
TEST 2
Test 2 checks the antenna conductor components
for an open circuit. This test should be performed
first on the entire antenna circuit, from the antenna
mast to the center conductor of the coaxial cable con-
nector at the radio. If an open circuit is detected,
each of the three antenna conductor components
(antenna mast, antenna body and cable, instrument
panel antenna cable) should be isolated and tested
individually to locate the exact component that is the
source of the open circuit. To begin this test, proceed
as follows:(1) Disconnect the instrument panel antenna cable
coaxial connector from the back of the radio.
(2) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to the tip of the
antenna mast. Touch the other test lead to the center
conductor pin of the instrument panel antenna cable
coaxial connector for the radio. Check the ohmmeter
reading for continuity.
(3) There should be continuity. The ohmmeter
should register only a fraction of an ohm resistance.
High or infinite resistance indicates a damaged or
open antenna conductor. If OK, go to Test 3. If not
OK, isolate and test each of the individual antenna
conductor components. Replace only the faulty
antenna conductor component.
TEST 3
Test 3 checks the condition of the vehicle body
ground connection. To begin this test, proceed as fol-
lows:
(1) This test must be performed with the battery
positive cable disconnected from the battery. Discon-
nect and isolate both battery cables, negative cable
first.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(3) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to a good clean
ground point on the vehicle fender. Touch the other
test lead to the battery negative terminal post. Check
the ohmmeter reading for continuity.
(4) There should be continuity. The ohmmeter
should register less than one ohm resistance. High or
infinite resistance indicates a loose, corroded, or
damaged connection between the battery negative
terminal and the vehicle body. If OK, go to Test 4. If
not OK, check the battery negative cable connection
to the vehicle body and the radio noise suppression
ground strap connections to the engine and the vehi-
cle body for being loose or corroded. Clean or tighten
these connections as required.
TEST 4
Test 4 checks the condition of the connection
between the antenna coaxial cable shield and the
vehicle body ground as follows:
(1) Disconnect and isolate the antenna coaxial
cable connector behind the right side kick panel.
(2) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to a good clean
ground point on the vehicle fender. Touch the other
test lead to the outer crimp on the antenna coaxial
cable connector. Check the ohmmeter reading for con-
tinuity.
(3) There should be continuity. The ohmmeter
should register less than one ohm resistance. High or
infinite resistance indicates a loose, corroded, or
damaged connection between the antenna body and
the vehicle body or between the antenna body and
the antenna coaxial cable shield. If not OK, clean the
Fig. 2 Antenna Tests - Typical
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 5
ANTENNA BODY & CABLE (Continued)

OPERATION
The six switches in the two remote radio switch
units are normally open, resistor multiplexed
momentary switches that are hard wired to the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM) through the clockspring.
The IPM sends a five volt reference signal to both
switch units on one circuit, and senses the status of
all of the switches by reading the voltage drop on a
second circuit.
When the IPM senses an input (voltage drop) from
any one of the remote radio switches, it sends the
proper switch status messages on the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) data bus network to
the radio receiver. The electronic circuitry within the
radio receiver is programmed to respond to these
remote radio switch status messages by adjusting the
radio settings as requested. For diagnosis of the IPM
or the PCI data bus, the use of a DRB IIItscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE
SWITCHES
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.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appro-
priate 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the remote radio switch(es) (Fig. 15)
from the steering wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/REMOTE SWITCHES - REMOVAL).
(2) Use an ohmmeter to check the switch resis-
tances as shown in the Remote Radio Switch Test
chart. If the remote radio switch resistances check
OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty
switch.
Fig. 14 Remote Radio Switch Operational View
1 - PRESET SEEK
2 - SEEK UP
3 - VOLUME UP
4 - MODE
5 - VOLUME DOWN
6 - SEEK DOWN
Fig. 15 Remote Radio Switches
1 - BLACK (LEFT) SWITCH
2 - WHITE (RIGHT) SWITCH
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 11
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)

REMOTE RADIO SWITCH TEST TABLE
Switch Switch Position Resistance
Right
(White)Volume Up1.210 Kilohms
 1%
Right
(White)Volume Down3.010 Kilohms
 1%
Right
(White)Mode Advance0.0511 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Seek Up0.261 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Seek Down0.681 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Pre-Set Station
Advance0.162 Kilohms
 1%
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for 5 volts
at the radio control mux circuit cavities of the steer-
ing wheel wire harness connectors for both remote
radio switches. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair
the open or shorted radio control mux circuit to the
Integrated Power Module (IPM) as required.
(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the 22-way instrument panel wire
harness connector from the IPM. Check for continu-
ity between the remote radio switch ground circuit
cavities of the steering wheel wire harness connec-
tors for both remote radio switches and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted remote radio
switch ground circuit to the IPM as required.
(5) Check for continuity between the remote radio
switch ground circuit cavities of the steering wheel
wire harness connectors for both remote radio
switches and the 22-way instrument panel wire har-
ness connector for the IPM. There should be continu-
ity. If OK, refer to the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual to test the IPM and the PCI data bus. If not
OK, repair the open remote radio switch ground cir-
cuit as required.
REMOVAL
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 AIRBAGSYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the vehicle
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the speed control switches (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/SPEED CONTROL/SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
(4) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
remote radio switch(es).
(5) Depress the tabs on each side of each switch
and push the switch through the rear steering wheel
cover (Fig. 16).
INSTALLATION
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.
Fig. 16 REMOTE SWITCHES
1 - REMOTE SWITCH
2 - SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
3 - BOLT
8A - 12 AUDIO/VIDEODR
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)