1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Ignition switch

4.7L V-8
(1) Clean throttle body-to-intake manifold o-ring.(2) Clean mating surfaces of throttle body and
intake manifold.
(3) Install throttle body to intake manifold by posi-
tioning throttle body to manifold alignment pins.
(4) Install three mounting bolts. Tighten bolts to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install control cables.
(6) Install vacuum line to throttle body.
(7) Install electrical connectors.
(8) Install air plenum.
5.7L V-8
CAUTION: Do not use spray (carb) cleaners on any
part of the throttle body. Do not apply silicone lubri-
cants to any part of the throttle body.
(1) Clean and check condition of throttle body-to-
intake manifold o-ring.
(2) Clean mating surfaces of throttle body and
intake manifold.
(3) Install throttle body to intake manifold by posi-
tioning throttle body to manifold alignment pins.
(4) Install 4 mounting bolts. Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications.
(5) Install electrical connector.
(6) Install air plenum.
(7)If the throttle body has been changed, the
following procedure must be performed:
(a) Disconnect negative battery cable from bat-
tery. Leave cable disconnected for approximately 90
seconds.
(b) Reconnect cable to battery.
(c) Turn ignition switch ON, but do not crank
engine.
(d) Leave ignition switch ON for a minimum of
10 seconds. This will allow PCM to learn throttle
body electrical parameters.
THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage or kink cable
core wire (within cable sheathing) while servicing
accelerator pedal or throttle cable.
(1) From inside vehicle, hold up accelerator pedal.
Remove plastic cable retainer (clip) and throttle cable
core wire from upper end of pedal arm (Fig. 1). Plas-
tic cable retainer snaps into top of pedal arm.
(2) Remove cable core wire at pedal arm.
(3) From inside vehicle, remove metal clip holding
cable to dashpanel (Fig. 1).
Fig. 31 5.7L V-8 THROTTLE BODY
1 - THROTTLE BODY
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - SILICONE SEAL
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
Fig. 32 5.7L V-8 THROTTLE BODY O-RING
1 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - THROTTLE BODY O-RING
14 - 38 FUEL INJECTION - GASDR
THROTTLE BODY (Continued)

(b) Install new o-ring to canister lid and lubri-
cate o-ring with clean engine oil.
(c) Position new element to canister lid. Place
this assembly into canister by rotating clockwise.
(d) Tighten cap to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque. Do
not overtighten cap.
(3)Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor:
(a) Install new o-ring seal to WIF sensor.
(b) Apply a light film of clean oil to o-ring seal.
(c) Install sensor into housing.
(d) Tighten sensor to 2.5 N´m (25 in. lbs.) torque.
(e) Connect electrical connector to WIF sensor.
(4)Fuel Heater Element:
(a) Install fuel heater into fuel filter housing.
(b) Install fuel heater thermostat into fuel filter
housing.
(c) Install fuel heater mounting screws and
tighten to 1-1.5 N´m (13 in. lbs.) torque.
(d) Connect electrical connector to fuel heater
thermostat.
(e) Install new filter cover O-ring onto fuel filter
housing cover and lubricate with clean engine oil.
(f) Tighten fuel filter housing cover (lid) to 34
N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(5)Drain Valve:
(a) Install 2 new o-rings to valve and filter hous-
ing.
(b) Lubricate with silicon grease.
(c) Install fuel drain valve.
(d) Install 4 mounting screws and tighten to
1±1.5 N´m (8±13 in. lbs.) torque.
(e) Connect drain hose to drain valve.
(6) Start engine and check for leaks.
FUEL HEATER
DESCRIPTION
The fuel heater assembly is located on the side of
the fuel filter housing (Fig. 3).
The heater/element assembly is equipped with a
temperature sensor (thermostat) that senses fuel
temperature. This sensor is attached to the fuel heat-
er/element assembly.
OPERATION
The fuel heater is used to prevent diesel fuel from
waxing during cold weather operation.
When the temperature is below 45  8 degrees F,
the temperature sensor allows current to flow to the
heater element warming the fuel. When the temper-
ature is above 75  8 degrees F, the sensor stops cur-
rent flow to the heater element.
Battery voltage to operate the fuel heater element
is supplied from the ignition switch and through the
fuel heater relay. Also refer to Fuel Heater Relay.
Fig. 3 FILTER HOUSING
1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - FUEL HEATER AND THERMOSTAT
3 - FUEL HEATER MOUNTING SCREWS
4 - FUEL HEATER ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - WIF SENSOR
6 - WIF SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR
7 - DRAIN HOSE
8 - DRAIN VALVE MOUNTING SCREWS
9 - DRAIN VALVE
Fig. 4 FILTER COVER (LID)
1 - FILTER COVER
2 - ATTACH SOCKET HERE
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 51
FUEL FILTER / WATER SEPARATOR (Continued)

The fuel heater element and fuel heater relay
are not computer controlled.
The heater element operates on 12 volts, 300 watts
at 0 degrees F.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL HEATER
The fuel heater is used to prevent diesel fuel from
waxing during cold weather operation.
NOTE: The fuel heater element, fuel heater relay
and fuel heater temperature sensor are not con-
trolled by the Engine Control Module (ECM).
A malfunctioning fuel heater can cause a wax
build-up in the fuel filter/water separator. Wax
build-up in the filter/separator can cause engine
starting problems and prevent the engine from rev-
ving up. It can also cause blue or white fog-like
exhaust. If the heater is not operating in cold tem-
peratures, the engine may not operate due to fuel
waxing.
The fuel heater assembly is located on the side of
fuel filter housing.
The heater assembly is equipped with a built-in
fuel temperature sensor (thermostat) that senses fuel
temperature. When fuel temperature drops below 45
degrees   8 degrees F, the sensor allows current to
flow to built-in heater element to warm fuel. When
fuel temperature rises above 75 degrees   8 degrees
F, the sensor stops current flow to heater element
(circuit is open).
Voltage to operate fuel heater element is supplied
from ignition switch, through fuel heater relay (also
refer to Fuel Heater Relay), to fuel temperature sen-
sor and on to fuel heater element.
The heater element operates on 12 volts, 300 watts
at 0 degrees F. As temperature increases, power
requirements decrease.
A minimum of 7 volts is required to operate the
fuel heater. The resistance value of the heater ele-
ment is less than 1 ohm (cold) and up to 1000 ohms
warm.
TESTING
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from thermostat
(Fig. 3).
Ambient temperature must be below the circuit
close temperature. If necessary, induce this ambient
temperature by placing ice packs on thermostat to
produce an effective ambient temperature below cir-
cuit close temperature.
Measure resistance across two pins. Operating
range is 0.3 Ð 0.45 Ohms.
(2) If resistance is out of range, remove thermostat
and check resistance across terminal connections of
heater. The heater can be checked at room tempera-
ture. Operating range is 0.3 - 0.45 Ohms.(3) Replace heater if resistance is not within oper-
ating range.
(4) If heater is within operating range, replace
heater thermostat.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
The fuel heater/element/sensor assembly is located
inside of the fuel filter housing. Refer to Fuel Filter/
Water Separator Removal/Installation for procedures.
FUEL HEATER RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The fuel heater relay is located in Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) (Fig. 5). Refer to label on inside of
PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
Battery voltage to operate the fuel heater element
is supplied from the ignition switch through the fuel
heater relay.The fuel heater element and fuel
heater relay are not computer controlled.
REMOVAL
The fuel heater relay is located in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) (Fig. 6). Refer to label under
PDC cover for relay location.
(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
Fig. 5 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER LOCATION
1 - CLIP
2 - BATTERY
3 - TRAY
4 - NEGATIVE CABLE
5 - POSITIVE CABLE
6 - CLIP
7 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
8 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
14 - 52 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL HEATER (Continued)

COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION..........................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
COLUMN.............................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................9
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION
SWITCH.............................9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION
SWITCH AND KEY LOCK CYLINDER.......11
KEY CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
UPPER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
LOWER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4 HD . 14
REMOVAL - 4X4 HD...................14
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4
HD.................................14
INSTALLATION - 4X4 HD................15
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
TILT LEVER KNOB RELEASE
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
The tilt and standard column (Fig. 1) has been
designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring,
switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering
column components can be serviced without remov-
ing the steering column from the vehicle.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag,
refer to Restraints and follow all WARNINGS and
CAUTIONS.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT INACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COAT-
INGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
BOOKS.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column
shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bear-
ing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not
remove shaft lock plate or plate retainer. This will
damage the column.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or modify the
park lock slider or link.
19 - 6 COLUMNDR

(17) Remove the steering column assembly from
the vehicle. (Fig. 7)
INSTALLATION
WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING
COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DIS-
ARMED. REFER TO ELECTRICAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO DO
SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specifi-
cation to ensure proper operation of the steering
column.
(1) Position the steering column on the dash panel
support and loosely install the mounting nuts.
(2) Firmly slide the steering column upward
against the studs in dash panel and hand tighten the
nuts.
(3) Install the steering shaft coupler on the steer-
ing shaft and loosely install anewbolt.
(4) Center steering column in dash opening and
tighten mounting nuts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Torque the upper left nut first then the lower
right nut. Then torque the lower left nut then the
upper right nut.
NOTE: A new bolt must be used for reinstallation.
(5) Tighten the coupler bolt to 57 N´m (42 ft. lbs.).(6) Install a new brake light switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(7) Install the shifter cable. (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 32RH/GEAR
SHIFT CABLE - INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect the wiring harness to the column.
(9) Install the SKIM module.
(10) Install the clockspring(Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(11) Install the shrouds.
(12) Install the steering column opening cover
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Align the spline on the wheel hub to shaft.
(14) Then install the steering wheel and install a
newbolt. Tighten the bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(15) Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(16) Install the two steering wheel switches.
(17) Install the tilt lever handle.
(18) Install the negative battery terminal.
(19) Test the operation of the horn, Electronic
PRNDL Indicator, lights and any other functions that
are steering column operated.
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The ignition switch is located on the steering col-
umn. It is used as the main on/off switching device
for most electrical components. The mechanical key
cylinder is used to engage/disengage the electrical
ignition switch.
OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a steering column mounted shifter:
an interlock device is located within the shift cable.
This interlock device is used to lock the transmission
shifter in the PARK position when the key cylinder is
in any position and the brake pedal is not depressed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH
TEST AND REPAIR
If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle
with a automatic transmission first adjust the shift
linkage, (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE -
ADJUSTMENTS).
If the ignition switch effort is excessive remove the
ignition key cylinder from the steering column. (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER
Fig. 7 STEERING COLUMN
1 - Steering Wheel
2 - Key Cylinder
3 - Gear Shift Lever
4 - Steering Column
5 - Tilt Lever Cable
DRCOLUMN 19 - 9
COLUMN (Continued)

HOUSING - REMOVAL). Check the turning effort of
the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is
excessive replace the key cylinder.
REMOVAL
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission is not equipped
with an internal locking shaft with the ignition cyl-
inder. Alternative methods of locking the steering
wheel for service will have to be used.
The tilt and standard column (Fig. 8) have been
designed to be serviced as an assembly; without wir-
ing, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most
steering column components can be serviced without
removing the steering column from the vehicle.
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when
working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag,
Refer to Electrical Restraints and follow all WARN-
INGS and CAUTIONS.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG ANDPOSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COAT-
INGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
BOOKS.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column
shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bear-
ing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts
to disassemble the tilting mechanism.
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed
first before removing ignition switch.
(1) Remove the negative (ground) cable from the
battery.
(2) Disable the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
(4) Remove key cylinder. (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
(6) Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever
bracket.
(7) Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain
access to the ignition switch mounting screws. (Fig.
9)
Fig. 8 STEERING COLUMN
1 - KEY CYLINDER
2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
3 - MOUNTING HOLES
4 - STEERING COLUMN
5 - IGNITION SWITCH
Fig. 9 IGNITION SWITCH WITH TILT
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - TILT LEVER MECHANISM
19 - 10 COLUMNDR
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

(8) For columns without tilt remove the bracket to
gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws.
(Fig. 10)
(9) Disconnect the electrical connector at rear of
ignition switch (Fig. 11).
(10) Remove ignition switch mounting screw.
(11) Using a small screwdriver, push on locking
tab and remove switch from steering column.
INSTALLATION
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed
first before installing ignition switch.
(1) Before installing ignition switch, rotate the slot
in the switch to the ON position.(2) Connect the electrical connector to rear of the
ignition switch. Make sure that locking tabs are fully
seated into wiring connector.
(3) Position switch to column and install the
mounting screw. Tighten screw to 3 N´m (26 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the tilt lever bracket mounting screws.
Tighten screws to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(5) If the column is non-tilt install the bracket.
Tighten screws to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.) (Fig. 10)
(6) Position the wire retainer into the tilt lever
bracket.
(7) Reconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
(8) Install the key cylinder.
(9) Install steering column upper and lower
shrouds.
(10) Enable the airbag system. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTAL-
LATION).
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The key-in ignition switch is integral to the igni-
tion switch, which is mounted on the left side of the
steering column. It closes a path to ground for the
Central Timer Module (CTM) when the ignition key
is inserted in the ignition key cylinder and the driver
door ajar switch is closed (driver door is open). The
key-in ignition switch opens the ground path when
the key is removed from the ignition key cylinder.
The ground path is also opened when the driver door
ajar switch is open (driver door is closed).
The key-in ignition switch cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, the entire ignition switch must
be replaced, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/IG-
NITION SWITCH - REMOVAL).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH
AND KEY LOCK CYLINDER
ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
For ignition switch electrical schematics, refer to
Ignition Switch in the appropriate section of Electri-
cal Wiring Diagrams.
MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO
ROTATE)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/IGNITION
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Fig. 10 IGNITION SWITCH WITHOUT TILT
1 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws
2 - Non-Tilt Mounitng Bracket Screws
Fig. 11 IGNITION SWITCH
1 - Ignition Switch
2 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws
DRCOLUMN 19 - 11
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

KEY CYLINDER
REMOVAL
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from
steering column.
(3) Place shifter in PARK position.
(4) A retaining pin (Fig. 12) is located at side of
key cylinder assembly.
(a) Rotate key to RUN position.
(b) Press in on retaining pin while pulling key
cylinder from ignition switch (Fig. 13).
INSTALLATION
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder installation.
(1) Install the key cylinder into the housing using
care to align the end of the key cylinder with the
ignition switch.
(2) Push the key cylinder in until it clicks.
(3) Replace the upper and lower shrouds.
(4) Reconnect the battery.
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the kneeblocker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE BLOCKER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the upper and lower column shroud.
(3) Remove and discard the brake light switch.
(4) Loosen the column bolts and lower the column
enough to allow clearance for the gear shift lever
removal.
(5) Disconnect the overdrive switch harness (if
equipped).
(6) Disconnect the shift cable from the shift lever.
(7) Remove the SKIM.
(8) Remove the gear shift lever mounting screws
and remove the lever. (Fig. 14)
(9) Remove the blocker pin from the inhibit link
slot (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lever assembly using care to install
the pin in the blocker to slider slot (Fig. 15) and
install the mounting screws and tighten to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
Fig. 12 KEY CYLINDER
1 - KEY
2 - KEY CYLINDER
3 - RETAINING PIN HOLE
Fig. 13 KEY CYLINDER
1 - KEY CYLINDER
2 - PUNCH
Fig. 14 GEAR SHIFT LEVER
1 - PARK INHIBIT BLOCKER SPRING
2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
19 - 12 COLUMNDR