1998 DODGE RAM 1500 fig

ber above the heating, ventilation and air condition-
ing (HVAC) housing. On models equipped with air
conditioning, the air passes through the evaporator
coil. Air flow can be directed either through or
around the heater core. This is done by adjusting the
blend door with the temperature control knob on the
A/C-heater control located the instrument panel. The
air flow can then be directed from the panel, floor
and defrost outlets in various combinations using the
mode control knob located on the A/C-heater control.
Air flow velocity can be adjusted with the blower
speed selector located on the A/C-heater control.
NOTE: It is important to keep the air intake opening
clear of debris. Leaf particles and other debris that
is small enough to pass through the cowl opening
screen can accumulate within the HVAC housing.
The closed, warm, damp and dark environment cre-
ated within the housing is ideal for the growth of
certain molds, mildews and other fungi. Any accu-mulation of decaying plant matter provides an addi-
tional food source for fungal spores, which enter
the housing with the fresh intake-air. Excess debris,
as well as objectionable odors created by decaying
plant matter and growing fungi can be discharged
into the passenger compartment during heater-A/C
operation if the air intake opening is not kept clear
of debris.
The heater and air conditioning systems are blend-
air type systems. In a blend-air system, a blend door
controls the amount of unconditioned air (or cooled
air from the evaporator on models with air condition-
ing) that is allowed to flow through, or around, the
heater core. A temperature control knob determines
the discharge air temperature by actuating an elec-
tric motor, which operates the blend door. This allows
an almost immediate control of the output air tem-
perature of the system.
On all models, the outside air intake can be shut
off by selecting the Recirculation Mode with the
mode control knob. This will operate a electric actu-
ated recirculation air door that closes off the outside
fresh air intake and recirculates the air that is
already inside the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor can be engaged in
any mode by pressing the snowflake, A/C on/off but-
ton. It can also be engaged by placing the mode con-
trol in the mix to defrost positions. This will remove
heat and humidity from the air before it is directed
through or around the heater core. The mode control
knob on the A/C-heater control is used to also direct
the conditioned air to the selected system outlets.
The mode control switch uses an electric motor to
control the mode doors.
The defroster outlet receives airflow from the
HVAC housing through the molded plastic defroster
duct, which connects to the HVAC housing defroster
outlet. The airflow from the defroster outlets is
directed by fixed vanes in the defroster outlet grilles
and cannot be adjusted. The defroster outlet grilles
are integral to the instrument panel top cover.
The side window demister outlets receive airflow
from the HVAC housing through the molded plastic
defroster duct and two molded plastic demister ducts.
The airflow from the side window demister outlets is
directed by fixed vanes in the demister outlet grilles
and cannot be adjusted. The side window demister
outlet grilles are integral to the instrument panel.
The demisters direct air from the HVAC housing
through the outlets located on the top corners of the
instrument panel. The demisters operate when the
mode control knob is positioned in the floor-defrost
and defrost-only settings. Some air may be noticeable
from the demister outlets when the mode control is
in the bi-level to floor positions.
Fig. 1 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown, Single
Zone Typical
1 - NUT
2 - PASSENGER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - NUT
4 - INLET BAFFLE
5 - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
6 - RECIRCULATION DOOR
7 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
8 - HVAC HOUSING
9 - BOLT
10 - DEFROSTER DOOR ACTUATOR
11 - MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGDR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

CONTROLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL...........10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH BREAK-IN.......10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSPECTION..........................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION.........................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................18OPERATION...........................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK..............19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR SWITCH......................20
DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................25
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/
COIL
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch assembly consists of a sta-
tionary electromagnetic coil, a pulley bearing and
pulley assembly, and a clutch plate (Fig. 1). The elec-
tromagnetic coil and the pulley bearing and pulley
assembly are each retained on the nose of the com-
pressor front housing with snap rings. The clutch
plate is keyed to the compressor shaft and secured
with a nut. These components provide the means toengage and disengage the compressor from the
engine serpentine accessory drive belt.
OPERATION
The A/C compressor clutch provides the means to
engage and disengage the A/C compressor from the
engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
clutch into contact with the pulley and drives the
compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the
pulley freewheels on the pulley bearing, which is
part of the pulley assembly. The compressor clutch
DRCONTROLS 24 - 9

and coil are the only serviced parts on the compres-
sor.
A/C compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the A/C-heater control, A/C pres-
sure transducer, A/C compressor clutch relay, evapo-
rator temperature sensor and the powertrain control
module (PCM). The PCM may delay compressor
clutch engagement for up to thirty seconds (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The battery must
be fully-charged before performing the following
tests. Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.
(2) With the A/C-heater controls in any A/C mode,
and the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, start the engine and run it at normal idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRB IIItscan tool and (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing of thecompressor clutch circuit and PCM control. The fol-
lowing components must be checked and repaired as
required before you can complete testing of the clutch
coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the power distri-
bution center (PDC)
²A/C-heater control
²A/C compressor clutch relay
²A/C pressure transducer
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²Powertrain control module (PCM)
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is within
specifications with the electrical system voltage at
11.5 to 12.5 volts (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - SPECIFICATIONS). This should
only be checked with the work area temperature at
21É C (70É F). If system voltage is more than 12.5
volts, add electrical loads by turning on electrical
accessories until the system voltage drops below 12.5
volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is above
specifications, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the A/C-heater control to the
Recirculation Mode, the blower motor switch in the
highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500
to 2000 rpm. This procedure (burnishing) will seat
the opposing friction surfaces and provide a higher
compressor clutch torque capability.
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged
during compressor clutch, rotor, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the compressor clutch coil wire har-
ness connector.
(4) Remove the bolts that secure the compressor to
the mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the compressor from the mounting
bracket. Support the compressor in the engine com-
partment while servicing the clutch.
Fig. 1 Compressor Clutch - Typical
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY (not used on KJ)
3 - ROTOR
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
24 - 10 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

(6) Insert the two pins of the spanner wrench
(Special Tool C-4489 or equivalent) into the holes of
the clutch plate. Hold the clutch plate stationary and
remove the hex nut (Fig. 2).
(7) Remove the clutch plate.
(8) Remove the compressor clutch shims.
(9) Remove the external front housing snap ring
with snap ring pliers (Fig. 3).
(10) Install the lip of the rotor puller (Special Tool
C-6141-1 or equivalent) into the snap ring groove
exposed in the previous step, and install the shaft
protector (Special Tool C-6141-2 or equivalent) (Fig.
4).
(11) Install the puller through-bolts (Special Tool
C-6461 or equivalent) through the puller flange and
into the jaws of the rotor puller and tighten (Fig. 5).Turn the puller center bolt clockwise until the rotor
is free.
CAUTION: DO NOT APPLY FORCE TO THE END OF
THE COMPRESSOR SHAFT.
(12) Remove the screw and retainer from the
clutch coil lead wire harness on the compressor front
housing (Fig. 6).
(13) Remove the snap ring from the compressor
hub and remove the clutch field coil (Fig. 7). Slide
the clutch field coil off of the compressor hub.
INSPECTION
Examine the friction surfaces of the clutch pulley
and the clutch plate for wear. The pulley and clutch
plate should be replaced if there is excessive wear or
scoring.
Fig. 2 Clutch Nut Remove - Typical
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SPANNER
Fig. 3 External Snap Ring Remove - Typical
1 - PULLEY
2 - SNAP RING PLIERS
Fig. 4 Shaft Protector and Puller - Typical
1 - PULLER JAW
2 - SHAFT PROTECTOR
Fig. 5 Install Puller Plate - Typical
1 - PULLER JAW
2 - PULLER
DRCONTROLS 24 - 11
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

If the friction surfaces are oily, inspect the shaft
and nose area of the A/C compressor for oil. Remove
the felt from the front cover. If the felt is saturated
with oil, the shaft seal is leaking and the A/C com-
pressor must be replaced.
Check the pulley bearing for roughness or exces-
sive leakage of grease. Replace the pulley and clutch
plate, if required.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the clutch field coil and snap ring.
(2) Install the screw and retainer on the clutch coil
lead wire harness on the compressor front housing.
Tighten screw to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Align the rotor assembly squarely on the front
compressor housing hub.
(4) Install the rotor bearing assembly with the
installer (Special Tool C-6871 or equivalent) (Fig. 8).
Thread the installer on the shaft, then turn the nut
until the rotor assembly is seated.
(5) Install the external front housing snap ring
with snap ring pliers. The bevel side of the snap ring
must be facing outward. Press the snap ring to make
sure it is properly seated in the groove.
CAUTION: If the snap ring is not fully seated in the
groove it will vibrate out, resulting in a clutch fail-
ure and severe damage to the front housing of the
compressor.
(6) Install the original clutch shims on the com-
pressor shaft.
(7) Install the clutch plate. Install the shaft hex
nut and tighten to 15±20 N´m (11±15 ft. lbs.).
(8) Check the clutch air gap with a feeler gauge
(Fig. 9). If the air gap does not meet specifications,
add or subtract shims as required (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).
Fig. 6 Clutch Coil Lead Wire Harness - Typical
1 - COIL
2 - COIL WIRE
3 - RETAINER SCREW
Fig. 7 Clutch Field Coil Snap Ring Remove - Typical
1 - COIL
2 - SNAP RING PLIERS
Fig. 8 Clutch Pulley Install - Typical
1 - ROTOR BEARING ASSEMBLY
2 - INSTALLER
24 - 12 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

NOTE: The air gap is determined by the spacer
shims. When installing an original, or a new clutch
assembly, try the original shims first. When install-
ing a new clutch onto a compressor that previously
did not have a clutch, use a 1.0, 0.50, and 0.13 mil-
limeter (0.040, 0.020, and 0.005 inch) shims from the
new clutch hardware package that is provided with
the new clutch.
(9) To complete the procedure (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - INSTALLATION).
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The A/C compressor clutch relay (Fig. 10) is a
International Standards Organization (ISO) micro-re-
lay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO
micro-relay terminal functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the ISO micro-relay
terminal pattern (or footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the physical dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The A/C compressor clutch relay is located in the
intergrated power module (IPM) in the engine com-
partment. See the fuse and relay layout label affixed
to the inside surface of the IPM cover for A/C com-
pressor clutch relay identification and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Fivemale spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of
the base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical
system, and the ISO designation for each terminal is
molded into the base adjacent to each terminal. The
ISO terminal designations are as follows:
²30 (Common Feed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the movable contact point of the relay.
²85 (Coil Ground)- This terminal is connected
to the ground feed side of the relay control coil.
²86 (Coil Battery)- This terminal is connected
to the battery feed side of the relay control coil.
²87 (Normally Open)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally open fixed contact point of the
relay.
²87A (Normally Closed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally closed fixed contact point of
the relay.
OPERATION
The A/C compressor clutch relay is an electrome-
chanical switch that uses a low current input from
the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine con-
trol module (ECM) depending on engine application,
to control the high current output to the compressor
clutch electromagnetic coil. The movable common
feed contact point is held against the fixed normally
closed contact point by spring pressure. When the
relay coil is energized, an electromagnetic field is
produced by the coil windings. This electromagnetic
field draws the movable relay contact point away
from the fixed normally closed contact point, and
holds it against the fixed normally open contact
point. When the relay coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns the movable contact point back
against the fixed normally closed contact point. The
resistor or diode is connected in parallel with the
relay coil in the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage
Fig. 9 Check Clutch Air Gap - Typical
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 10 A/C Compressor Clutch Micro-Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
DRCONTROLS 24 - 13
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

spikes and electromagnetic interference that can be
generated as the electromagnetic field of the relay
coil collapses.
The A/C compressor clutch relay terminals are con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a
receptacle in the integrated power module (IPM). The
inputs and outputs of the A/C compressor clutch
relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from a fuse in the IPM through a
fused B(+) circuit at all times.
²The coil ground terminal (86) receives a ground
input from the PCM/ECM through the A/C compres-
sor clutch relay control circuit only when the PCM/
ECM electronically pulls the control circuit to
ground.
²The coil battery terminal (85) receives a battery
current input from PTC 1 in the IPM through a
fused ignition switch output (run) circuit only when
the ignition switch is in the On position.
²The normally open terminal (87) provides a bat-
tery current output to the compressor clutch coil
through the A/C compressor clutch relay output cir-
cuit only when the A/C compressor clutch relay coil is
energized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
a battery current output only when the A/C compres-
sor clutch relay coil is de-energized.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
diagnosis and testing of the micro-relay and for com-
plete HVAC wiring diagrams.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the integrated power
module (IPM) (Fig. 11).
(3) Refer to the fuse and relay layout label on the
IPM cover for compressor clutch relay identification
and location.
(4) Remove the A/C compressor clutch relay from
the IPM.
INSTALLATION
(1) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to
the underside of the IPM cover for A/C compressor
clutch relay location.
(2) Position the A/C compressor clutch relay in the
proper receptacle in the IPM.
(3) Align the A/C compressor clutch relay termi-
nals with the terminal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(4) Push down firmly on the A/C compressor clutch
relay until the terminals are fully seated in the ter-
minal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(5) Install the cover onto the IPM.(6) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The heater and air conditioning systems use elec-
trical controls. These controls provide the vehicle
operator with a number of setting options to help
control the climate and comfort within the vehicle.
The A/C-heater control for the Single Zone system
(Fig. 12) or Dual Zone system (Fig. 13) is located to
the right of the instrument cluster on the instrument
panel.
The Single Zone control panel contains a rotary-
type temperature control switch, a rotary-type mode
control switch and a rotary-type blower motor speed
switch. The A/C-heater control also has a push but-
ton to activate the optional heated side view mirror
defroster elements and to turn the A/C on.
The Dual Zone control panel contains a pair of slid-
er-type temperature control switches, a rotary-type
mode control switch and a rotary-type blower motor
speed switch. The control also has buttons to activate
the optional heated sideview mirror defroster ele-
ments, turn the A/C on and set the system to Max
A/C.
The A/C-heater control panel cannot be repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the entire unit must be replaced.
Fig. 11 Integrated Power Module (IPM)
1 - BATTERY
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
24 - 14 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY (Continued)

The illumination lamps are available for service
replacement.
REMOVAL
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screws that secure the A/C-heater
control to the instrument panel (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the A/C-heater control onto the instru-
ment panel center bezel and install the retaining
screws. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the instrument panel center bezel (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION
The A/C pressure transducer is a switch that is
installed on a fitting located on the refrigerant dis-
charge line between the compressor and the con-
denser in the front corner of the engine
compartment. An internally threaded hex fitting on
the transducer connects it to the externally threaded
Schrader-type fitting on the discharge line. A rubber
O-ring seals the connection between the transducer
and the discharge line fitting. Three terminals within
a molded plastic connector receptacle on the top of
the transducer connect it to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a wire lead and connector of the head-
lamp and dash wire harness.
Fig. 12 Single Zone HVAC Control
1 - MOUNTING TAB (4)
2 - A/C BUTTON
3 - SIDEVIEW MIRROR DEFROSTER BUTTON (IF EQUIPED)
4 - MODE CONTROL SWITCH
5 - TEMPERATURE CONTROL SWITCH
6 - BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
Fig. 13 Dual Zone A/C Control
1 - A/C BUTTON
2 - MAX. A/C BUTTON
3 - SIDEVIEW MIRROR DEFROSTER BUTTON (IF EQUIPED)
4 - MOUNTING TABS (4)
5 - DRIVERSIDE TEMPERATURE CONTROL
6 - PASSENGERSIDE TEMPERATURE CONTROL
7 - MODE CONTROL SWITCH
8 - BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
Fig. 14 A/C-Heater Control - Typical, Rear View
1 - MOUNTING TAB (4)
2 - SCREW (4)
3 - A/C-HEATER CONTROL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - HEATED SIDEVIEW MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
5 - A/C-HEATER CONTROL
DRCONTROLS 24 - 15
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)