1998 DODGE RAM 1500 spark plugs

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)

SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Camshaft Position Sensor
- 3.7L V-6 Engine12 - 106
Camshaft Position Sensor
- 4.7L V-8 Engine12 - 106
Camshaft Position Sensor
- 5.7L V-8 Engine12 9 105
Crankshaft Position
Sensor - 3.7L V-6 Engine28 21 205
Crankshaft Position
Sensor - 4.7L V-8 Engine28 21 205
Crankshaft Position
Sensor - 5.7L V-8 Engine12 9 105
Ignition Coil Mounting -
3.7L V-6 Engine8-70
Ignition Coil Mounting -
4.7L V-8 Engine8-70
Ignition Coil Mounting -
5.7L V-8 Engine12 9 105 (  20)
* Knock Sensor - 3.7L V-6
Engine20 15 176
* Knock Sensor - 4.7L V-8
Engine20 15 176
* Knock Sensor - 5.7L V-8
Engine20 15 176
Spark Plugs - 3.7L V-6
Engine27 20 -
Spark Plugs - 4.7L V-8
Engine27 20 -
** Spark Plugs - 5.7L V-8
Engine18 (  3) 13 (  2) -
* Do not apply any sealant, thread-locker or adhesive to bolts. Poor sensor performance may result.
** Torque critical tapered design. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6
1-6-5-4-3-2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER ± 4.7L V-8
FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING ± 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
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. 2).
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
250 Ohms Per Inch 1000 Ohms Per Inch
3000 Ohms Per Foot 12,000 Ohms Per Foot
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE PLUG TYPE ELECTRODE GAP
3.7L V-6 ZFR6F - 11G (NGK) 1.1 (0.042 in.)
4.7L V-8 RC12MCC4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
5.7L V-8 Champion - RE14MCC4 1.14 mm (.045 in.)
Fig. 2 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 - 4 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (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)

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)

SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used on all engines.
Sixteen spark plugs (2 per cylinder) are used with
5.7L V-8 engines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. Incorrect torque can distort the
spark plug and change plug gap. It can also pull the
plug threads and do possible damage to both the
spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-
gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
the Lubrication and Maintenance section.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 23). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basi-
cally carbon (Fig. 23). A dry, black deposit on one or
two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves
or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling
of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused by a
clogged air cleaner element or repeated short operat-
ing times (short trips).
WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING
A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil
is wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings,
leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear
can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled
engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (nor-
mal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usu-
ally be resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the
fouled plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash
encrusted (Fig. 24), evaluate engine condition for the
cause of oil entry into that particular combustion
chamber.
Fig. 23 NORMAL OPERATION AND COLD (CARBON)
FOULING
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 17

ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose
deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits
accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous
stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 25).
This short circuits the electrodes. Spark plugs with
electrode gap bridging can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yel-
low (Fig. 26). They may appear to be harmful, but
this is a normal condition caused by chemical addi-
tives in certain fuels. These additives are designed to
change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease
spark plug misfire tendencies. Notice that accumula-
tion on the ground electrode and shell area may be
heavy, but the deposits are easily removed. Spark
plugs with scavenger deposits can be considered nor-
mal in condition and can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation can also separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 27). Spark plugs with
this condition must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive
combustion chamber temperature. The center elec-
trode dissolves first and the ground electrode dis-
solves somewhat latter (Fig. 28). Insulators appear
relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug
has the correct heat range rating for the engine.
Determine if ignition timing is over advanced or if
other operating conditions are causing engine over-
heating. (The heat range rating refers to the operat-
ing temperature of a particular type spark plug.
Spark plugs are designed to operate within specific
temperature ranges. This depends upon the thick-
ness and length of the center electrodes porcelain
insulator.)
Fig. 24 OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
Fig. 25 ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - DEPOSITS
3 - CENTER ELECTRODE
Fig. 26 SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE COVERED WITH WHITE OR YELLOW
DEPOSITS
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
8I - 18 IGNITION CONTROLDR
SPARK PLUG (Continued)