1998 DODGE RAM 1500 brake

ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK
Correct cable adjustment is important to proper
interlock operation. The gearshift cable must be cor-
rectly adjusted in order to shift out of PARK.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
(1) Remove the steering column trim as necessary
for access to the brake transmission shift interlock.
(2) Shift the transmission into the PARK position.
(3) Pull upward on both the BTSI lock tab and the
gearshift cable lock tab (Fig. 65).
(4) Verify that the shift lever is in the PARK posi-
tion.
(5) Verify positive engagement of the transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate the propeller shaft.
The shaft will not rotate when the park lock is
engaged.
(6) Turn ignition switch to LOCK position.Be
sure ignition key cylinder is in the LOCK posi-
tion. Cable will not adjust correctly in any
other position.
(7) Ensure that the cable is free to self-adjust by
pushing cable rearward and releasing.
(8) Push the gearshift cable lock tab down until it
snaps in place.
(9) Locate the BTSI alignment hole in the bottom
of the BTSI mechanism between the BTSI lock tab
and the BTSI connector.(10) Move the BTSI assembly up or down on the
gearshift cable until an appropriate size drill bit can
be inserted into the alignment hole and through the
assembly.
(11) Push the BTSI lock tab down until it snaps
into place and remove the drill bit.
(12) Install any steering column trim previously
removed.
BTSI FUNCTION CHECK
(1) Verify removal of ignition key allowed in PARK
position only.
(2) When the shift lever is in PARK, the ignition
key cylinder should rotate freely from off to lock.
When the shifter is in any other position, the ignition
key should not rotate from off to lock.
(3) Shifting out of PARK should be possible when
the ignition key cylinder is in the off position.
(4) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
while applying normal force, and ignition key cylin-
der is in the run or start positions, unless the foot
brake pedal is depressed approximately 1/2 inch
(12mm).
(5) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the accessory or
lock position.
(6) Shifting between any gear and NEUTRAL, or
PARK, may be done without depressing foot brake
with ignition switch in run or start positions.
(7) Engine starts must be possible with shifter
lever in PARK or NEUTRAL positions only. Engine
starts must not be possible in any position other than
PARK or NEUTRAL.
(8) With shifter lever in the:
²PARK position - Apply upward force on the shift
arm and remove pressure. Engine starts must be
possible.
²PARK position - Apply downward force on the
shift arm and remove pressure. Engine starts must
be possible.
²NEUTRAL position - Normal position. Engine
starts must be possible.
²NEUTRAL position - Engine running and brakes
applied, apply upward force on the shift arm. Trans-
mission shall not be able to shift from neutral to
reverse.
Fig. 65 Brake Transmission Interlock Mechanism
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 365
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM (Continued)

imately at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at
70É F fluid temperature.
NOTE: Engine and Transmission should be at nor-
mal operating temperature before performing this
procedure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approxi-
mately 2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into REVERSE for
approximately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into PARK.
(5) Hook up DRBtscan tool and select transmis-
sion.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart. (Fig. 66)
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the chart.
NOTE: After adding any fluid to the transmission,
wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the oil to fully
drain from the fill tube into the transmission before
rechecking the fluid level.
(10) Check transmission for leaks.STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
REPLACEMENT
For proper service intervals (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE SCHED-
ULES - DESCRIPTION).
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Place a large diameter shallow drain pan
beneath the transmission pan.
(3) Remove bolts holding front and sides of pan to
transmission.
(4) Loosen bolts holding rear of pan to transmis-
sion.
(5) Slowly separate front of pan away from trans-
mission allowing the fluid to drain into drain pan.
(6) Hold up pan and remove remaining bolts hold-
ing pan to transmission.
(7) While holding pan level, lower pan away from
transmission.
(8) Pour remaining fluid in pan into drain pan.
(9) Remove screw holding filter to valve body (Fig.
67).
(10) Separate filter from valve body and oil pump
and pour fluid in filter into drain pan.
Fig. 66 Transmission Fluid Temperature Chart
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 367
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

(11) Remove and discard the oil filter seal from the
bottom of the oil pump.
(12) If replacing the cooler return filter, use Oil
Filter Wrench 8321 to remove the filter from the
transmission.
(13) Dispose of used trans fluid and filter(s) prop-
erly.
INSPECTION
Inspect bottom of pan and magnet for excessive
amounts of metal. A light coating of clutch material
on the bottom of the pan does not indicate a problem
unless accompanied by a slipping condition or shift
lag. If fluid and pan are contaminated with excessive
amounts of debris, refer to the diagnosis section of
this group.
CLEANING
(1) Using a suitable solvent, clean pan and mag-
net.
(2) Using a suitable gasket scraper, clean original
sealing material from surface of transmission case
and the transmission pan.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The primary oil filter seal MUST be fully
installed flush against the oil pump body. DO NOT
install the seal onto the filter neck and attempt to
install the filter and seal as an assembly. Damage to
the transmission will result.
(1) Install a new primary oil filter seal in the oil
pump inlet bore. Seat the seal in the bore with the
butt end of a hammer, or other suitable tool.(2) Place replacement filter in position on valve
body and into the oil pump.
(3) Install screw to hold filter to valve body (Fig.
67). Tighten screw to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install new cooler return filter onto the trans-
mission, if necessary. Torque the filter to 14.12 N´m
(125 in.lbs.).
(5) Place bead of MopartRTV sealant onto the
transmission case sealing surface.
(6) Place pan in position on transmission.
(7) Install bolts to hold pan to transmission.
Tighten bolts to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Lower vehicle and fill transmission with
MopartATF +4.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL
To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:
(1) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(2) Add following initial quantity of MopartAT F
+4 to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add10
pints (5 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled
and the torque converter was replaced or drained,
add24 pints (12 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmis-
sion.
(3) Check the transmission fluid (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC - RFE/FLUID -
STANDARD PROCEDURE) and adjust as required.
GEARSHIFT CABLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GEARSHIFT
CABLE
(1) Engine starts must be possible with shift lever
in PARK or NEUTRAL positions only. Engine starts
must not be possible in any other gear position.
(2) With the shift lever in the:
(a) PARK position - Apply upward force on the
shift arm and remove pressure. Engine starts must
be possible.
(b) PARK position - Apply downward force on
the shift arm and remove pressure. Engine starts
must be possible.
(c) NEUTRAL position - Normal position. Engine
starts must be possible.
(d) NEUTRAL position - Engine running and
brakes applied, apply upward force on the shift
arm. Transmission shall not be able to shift from
neutral to reverse.
Fig. 67 Transmission Filters - 4X4 Shown
1 - PRIMARY OIL FILTER
2 - COOLER RETURN FILTER
3 - COOLER RETURN FILTER BYPASS VALVE
4 - VALVE BODY
21 - 368 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Route the transmission end of the gearshift
cable through the opening in the dash panel (Fig.
72).
(2) Seat the cable grommet into the dash panel
opening.
(3) Snap the cable into the steering column
bracket so the retaining ears (Fig. 73) are engaged
and snap the cable eyelet onto the shift lever ball
stud.(4) Raise the vehicle.
(5) Place the transmission manual shift lever in
the ªPARKº detent (rearmost) position and rotate
prop shaft to ensure transmission is in PARK.
(6) Route the gearshift cable through the transmis-
sion mounting bracket and secure the cable by snap-
ping the cable retaining ears into the transmission
bracket and snapping the cable eyelet on the manual
shift lever ball stud.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Lock the shift cable adjustment by pressing the
cable adjuster lock tab downward until it snaps into
place.
(9) Check for proper operation of the transmission
range sensor.
(10) Adjust the gearshift cable (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/GEAR SHIFT
CABLE - ADJUSTMENTS) and BTSI mechanism
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SYS-
TEM - ADJUSTMENTS) as necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE
Check adjustment by starting the engine in PARK
and NEUTRAL. Adjustment is CORRECT if the
engine starts only in these positions. Adjustment is
INCORRECT if the engine starts in one but not both
positions. If the engine starts in any position other
than PARK or NEUTRAL, or if the engine will not
start at all, the transmission range sensor may be
faulty.
Gearshift Adjustment Procedure
(1) Shift transmission into PARK.
(2) Release cable adjuster lock tab (underneath the
steering column) (Fig. 74) to unlock cable.
(3) Raise vehicle.
(4) Disengage the cable eyelet from the transmis-
sion manual shift lever.
(5) Verify transmission shift lever is in PARK
detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward
detent is PARK position.
(6) Verify positive engagement of transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft.
Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
(7) Snap the cable eyelet onto the transmission
manual shift lever.
Fig. 72 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 73 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
21 - 370 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)

METHOD 1 (RELOCATE WHEEL ON HUB)
(1) Drive vehicle a short distance to eliminate tire
flat spotting from a parked position.
(2) Check wheel bearings and adjust if adjustable
or replace if necessary.
(3) Check the wheel mounting surface.
(4) Relocate wheel on the mounting, two studs
over from the original position.
(5) Tighten wheel nuts until all are properly
torqued, to eliminate brake distortion.
(6) Check radial runout. If still excessive, mark
tire sidewall, wheel, and stud at point of maximum
runout and proceed to Method 2.
METHOD 2 (RELOCATE TIRE ON WHEEL)
NOTE: Rotating the tire on wheel is particularly
effective when there is runout in both tire and
wheel.
(1) Remove tire from wheel and mount wheel on
service dynamic balance machine.
(2) Check wheel radial runout (Fig. 2) and lateral
runout (Fig. 3).
²STEEL WHEELS: Radial runout 0.031 in., Lat-
eral runout 0.031 in. (maximum)
²ALUMINUM WHEELS: Radial runout 0.020 in.,
Lateral runout 0.025 in. (maximum)
(3) If point of greatest wheel lateral runout is near
original chalk mark, remount tire 180 degrees.
Recheck runout, Refer to match mounting procedure.
Fig. 1 Checking Tire/Wheel/Hub Runout
1 - RADIAL RUNOUT
2 - LATERAL RUNOUT
Fig. 2 Radial Runout
1 - MOUNTING CONE
2 - SPINDLE SHAFT
3 - WING NUT
4 - PLASTIC CUP
5 - DIAL INDICATOR
6 - WHEEL
7 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 3 Lateral Runout
1 - MOUNTING CONE
2 - SPINDLE SHAFT
3 - WING NUT
4 - PLASTIC CUP
5 - DIAL INDICATOR
6 - WHEEL
7 - DIAL INDICATOR
22 - 2 TIRES/WHEELSDR
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)

TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE / TEMPORARY
The temporary spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use only. The original tire should be repaired
or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 M.P.H. when using the
temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner's Manual for
complete details.
DESCRIPTION - TIRES
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe brake applications
²High speed driving
²Excessive speeds on turns
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
This will help to achieve a greater tread life.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 11).
Performance tires have a speed rating letter after
the aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not
always printed on the tire sidewall. These ratings
are:
²Qup to 100 mph
²Rup to 106 mph
²Sup to 112 mph
²Tup to 118 mph
²Uup to 124 mph
²Hup to 130 mph
²Vup to 149 mph
²Zmore than 149 mph (consult the tire manu-
facturer for the specific speed rating)An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M
&SorM±S(indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
Tire snow chains may be used oncertainmodels.
Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL ± PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and
ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of
four. Under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. They may be mixed with temporary
spare tires when necessary. A maximum speed of 50
MPH is recommended while a temporary spare is in
use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
The use of oversized tires, either in the front or
rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train fail-
ure. This could also cause inaccurate wheel speed
signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The use of tires from different manufactures on the
same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire
pressure should be maintained on all four tires.
Fig. 11 Tire Identification
22 - 6 TIRES/WHEELSDR

STUDS
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper, caliper adapter and
rotor, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHAN-
ICAL/ROTORS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the stud from the hub with Remover
C-4150A (Fig. 25).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the new stud into the hub flange.
(2) Install the three washers onto the stud, then
install the lug nut with the flat side of the nut
against the washers.
(3) Tighten the lug nut until the stud is pulled
into the hub flange. Verify that the stud is properly
seated into the flange.
(4) Remove the lug nut and washers.
(5) Install the brake rotor, caliper adapter, and cal-
iper, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHAN-
ICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE), use new the lug nut on stud or studs that
were replaced.
(7) Remove the support and lower vehicle.
WHEEL COVER
REMOVAL
NOTE: The hub caps must be removed before rais-
ing the vehicle off the ground.NOTE: You must use the flat end of the hub/cap
remover/installer combination tool to pry off the
wheel skins. Insert the flat tip completely and using
a back and forth motion, loosen the wheel skin.
repeat this procedure around the tire until the wheel
skin pops off.
(1) On 2500/3500 single rear wheel (SRW) models,
insert a hub/cap remover/installer combination tool
using the blade on the end of the tool to pry the cap
off in a back and forth motion.
(2) On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW),
you must first remove the hub caps. The hub/cap
remover/installer combination tool must be inserted
in the pry off notch of the rear hub caps.
(3) Position the hub/cap remover/installer combina-
tion tool and pull out on the tool firmly. The cap
should come off.
(4) The wheel skins can now be removed from the
wheel.
(5) On 3500 models front hub caps use the hub/cap
remover/installer combination tool to pry off the cap
in a back and forth motion. The wheel skins can now
be removed.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Install one 1 1/2 in. valve stem extension on
each rear inner wheel.
NOTE: A 3/8 in. drive 10mm deep wheel socket with
a 10 in. or greater extension can be used to remove
the existing valve stem cap and install the exten-
sion.
(2) Install one 1 in. valve stem extension on each
outer wheel.
(3) Align the cooling windows of the wheel skin
with the cooling windows of the wheel. Seat one side
of the wheel skin's retainer onto the wheel. Using a
rubber mallet, strike thew wheel skin on the outer
circumference. Strike at several locations around the
circumference until the skin is fully seated.
NOTE: The wheel skin and the hub cap are fully
seated when there is a consistent gap between the
skin/cap and the wheel.
(4) Tug on the hub/cap wheel skin to ensure that
they are properly installed.
INSTALLATION - FRONT
(1) Align the valve stem with the notch in the
wheel skin.
Fig. 25 Wheel Stud Removal
1 - REMOVER
2 - WHEEL STUD
22 - 14 TIRES/WHEELSDR

(1) Remove the left a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM/GRAB HANDLE
- REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the top cover. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER - REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect the headliner harness electrical con-
nector at the a-pillar.
(4) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, from
the notch on the bottom, remove the left side cover.
(Fig. 20)
(5) Remove the steering column. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the two bolts at the column support
bracket. (Fig. 7)
(7) Remove the left cowl trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the instrument panel drivers side
bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL DRIVERS SIDE BEZEL -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the left side mounting bolts. (Fig. 8)
(10) Disconnect the wire harness electrical connec-
tors above the brake pedal. (Fig. 9)
(11) Loosen the screws and remove the hood
release handle from the bracket.
(12) Disconnect the park brake release handle
actuator rod.(13) Remove the air bag control module trim cover,
if equipped. (Fig. 20)
Fig. 7 COLUMN SUPPORT
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER BEZEL
2 - STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT BRACKET
3 - BOLTS
Fig. 8 LEFT SIDE MOUNTING
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 9 WIRE HARNESS CONNECTORS
1 - BULKHEAD CONNECTORS
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL HARNESS CONNECTORS
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 53
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)