1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Cargo

STANDARD PROCEDURE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not touch the glass of halogen bulbs
with fingers or other possibly oily surface, reduced
bulb life will result.Do not use bulbs with higher
candle power than indicated in the Bulb Application
table . Damage to lamp and/or Daytime Running
Lamp Module can result.Do not use fuses, circuit
breakers or relays having greater amperage value
than indicated on the fuse panel or in the Owners
Manual.
When it is necessary to remove components to ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges are not holding the com-
ponent in place.
SPECIFICATIONS
EXTERIOR LAMPS
CAUTION: Do not use bulbs that have a higher can-
dle power than the bulb listed in the Bulb Applica-
tion Table. Damage to lamp can result. Do not touch
halogen bulbs with fingers or other oily surfaces.
Bulb life will be reduced.
The following Bulb Application Table lists the lamp
title on the left side of the column and trade number
or part number on the right.
BULB APPLICATION TABLE
LAMP BULB
Backup - w/cargo box 3057
Backup - w/box off 1156
Center High Mounted
Stop lamp912
Fog lamp 9006LL
Front Park/Turn Signal 3157NA
Head lamp 9007
License Plate 168
Tail, Brake, Turn Signal -
w/cargo box3057
LAMP BULB
Tail, Brake, Turn Signal -
w/box off1157
Side Marker, Tail Gate,
Cab Clearance168
BACKUP LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Remove and isolate the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the taillamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the backup lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 1).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the backup lamp bulb inward and rotate
it counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the backup lamp bulb from the backup
lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the backup lamp bulb into the lamp
back plate.
Fig. 1 Tail Lamp Lens
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 7
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.
(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the backup lamp bulb into the backup
lamp socket by pushing inward and rotating it clock-
wise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
BACKUP LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission
have a normally open, spring-loaded plunger typeback-up lamp switch (Fig. 2). The backup lamp
switch is located in a threaded hole on the side of the
manual transmission housing. The backup lamp
switch has a threaded body and a hex formation near
the plunger end of the switch, and an integral con-
nector at the opposite end of the switch. When
installed, only the connector and the hex formation
are visible on the outside of the transmission hous-
ing. Vehicles with an optional electronic automatic
transmission have a Transmission Range Sensor
(TRS) that is used to perform several functions,
including that of the backup lamp switch. The TRS is
described in further detail elsewhere in this service
information. The backup lamp switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire switch unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The backup lamp switch controls the flow of bat-
tery voltage to the backup lamp bulbs through an
output on the back-up lamp feed circuit. The switch
plunger is mechanically actuated by the gearshift
mechanism within the transmission, which will
depress the switch plunger and close the switch con-
tacts whenever the reverse gear has been selected.
The switch receives battery voltage through a fuse in
the Integrated Power Module (IPM) on a fused igni-
tion switch output (run) circuit whenever the ignition
switch is in the On position. A take out of the engine
wire harness connects the backup lamp switch to the
vehicle electrical system. The backup lamp switch
and circuits can be tested using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BACKUP LAMP
SWITCH
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Locate and disconnect the engine wire harness
connector for the backup lamp switch.
(4) Check for continuity between the two terminal
pins in the backup lamp switch connector.
(a) With the gear selector lever in the Reverse
position, there should be continuity.
(b) With the gear selector lever in any position
other than Reverse, there should be no continuity.
Fig. 2 Backup Lamp Switch - Typical
1 - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2 - BACKUP LAMP SWITCH
3 - ENGINE WIRE HARNESS
8L - 8 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
BACKUP LAMP (Continued)

BRAKE LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the brake lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 3).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the brake lamp bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the brake lamp bulb from the brake
lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the brake lamp bulb into the lamp back
plate.
(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.
(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the brake lamp bulb into the brake
lamp socket by pushing inward and rotating it clock-
wise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The plunger type brake lamp switch is mounted on
a bracket attached to the base of the steering col-
umn, under the instrument panel.
CAUTION: The switch can only be adjusted during
initial installation. If the switch is not adjusted prop-
erly a new switch must be installed.
OPERATION
The brake lamp switch is hard wired to the Center
High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) and also moni-
tored by the Instrument Cluster for use by the brake
lamp, speed control brake sensor circuits and elec-
tronic brake distribution (EBD). The brake lamp cir-
cuit is open until the plunger is depressed. The speed
control and brake sensor circuits are closed until the
plunger is depressed. When the brake lamp switch
transitions, the CHMSL transitions and instrument
cluster transmits a brake applied/released message
on the bus. The Integrated Power Module (IPM) will
then transition the brake lamps.
When the brake light switch is activated, the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) receives an input indi-
cating that the brakes are being applied. After
receiving this input, the PCM maintains idle speed to
a scheduled rpm through control of the Idle Air Con-
trol (IAC) motor. The brake switch input is also used
to disable vent and vacuum solenoid output signals
to the speed control servo.
Fig. 3 Tail Lamp Lens
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 9

INSTALLATION
(1) Press and hold the brake pedal down.
(2) Align the tab on thenewswitch with the notch
in the switch bracket. Insert the switch in the
bracket and turn it clockwise about 30É to lock it in
place.
(3) Connect the harness wires to the switch.
(4) Release the brake pedal.
(5) Move the release lever on the switch parallel
with the connector to engage the switch plunger. The
switch is now adjusted andcan notbe adjusted
again.
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED
STOP LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the CHMSL from the roof panel. Refer
to (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR/CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP
LAMP UN - REMOVAL).
(3) Turn the bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
(4) Separate the socket from the lamp.
(5) Remove the bulb.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the bulb in the socket and press into
place.
(2) Position the socket in the lamp.
(3) Turn the bulb socket 1/4 turn clockwise.
(4) Install the CHMSL. Refer to (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP UN -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED
STOP LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove screws holding CHMSL to roof panel
(Fig. 6).(3) Separate CHMSL from roof.
(4) Disengage wire connector from body wire har-
ness.
(5) Separate CHMSL from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position lamp at cab roof and connect wire con-
nector.
(2) Install screws holding CHMSL to roof panel.
Tighten securely.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
CAB CLEARANCE LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove both retaining screws and separate the
lamp from the roof.
(2) Quarter turn counter clockwise to separate
bulb socket from lamp.
Fig. 6 Center High Mount Stop Lamp - Typical
1 - CHMSL CARGO LAMP HOUSING
2 - CHMSL
3 - CARGO LAMPS
4 - SCREW
5 - CLIP
6 - CAB
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 11
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH (Continued)

(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
TAIL LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the tail lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 20).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the tail lamp bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the tail lamp bulb from the tail lamp
socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the tail lamp bulb into the lamp back
plate.
(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the tail lamp bulb into the tail lamp
socket by pushing inward and rotating it clockwise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
TAIL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Lower the tailgate.
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the tail
lamp unit to the cargo box.
(4) Remove the tail lamp unit from the cargo box.
(5) Disconnect the body wire harness connector
from the lamp back plate connector (Fig. 21).
Fig. 19 Park Turn Signal Bulb
1 - BULB SOCKET
2 - BULB
Fig. 20 Tail Lamp Lens
8L - 22 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP (Continued)

REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Disconnect the body wire harness connector
from the tail lamp wire harness connector (Fig. 22).
(3) Remove the tail lamp unit connector from the
frame rail.
(4) Remove the two nuts that secure the tail lamp
housing to the mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the tail lamp unit from the mounting
bracket while routing the wire harness through the
bracket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Connect the body wire harness connector to the
lamp back plate connector.
(2) Position the tail lamp unit into the cargo box.(3) Install the two screws that secure the tail lamp
unit to the cargo box.
(4) Raise the tailgate.
(5) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Position the tail lamp unit onto the mounting
bracket while routing the wire harness through the
bracket.
(2) Install the two nuts that secure the tail lamp
housing to the mounting bracket.
(3) Connect the tail lamp wire harness connector
to the body wire harness connector.
(4) Install the tail lamp connector retainer to the
frame rail.
(5) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 21 Tail Lamp Unit
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - TAIL LAMP UNIT
Fig. 22 Tail Lamp Unit - RH Side Shown, LH Side
Typical
1 - TAIL LAMP UNIT
2 - MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - TRAILER HITCH BRACKET
4 - WIRE HARNESS
5 - NUT (2)
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 23
TAIL LAMP UNIT (Continued)

TRAILER TOW WIRING
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with an optional factory-in-
stalled trailer towing package have a rear body wire
harness that includes an integral trailer tow wiring
take out that connects to a heavy duty, sealed, 7-pin
trailer tow connector located in the rear bumper (Fig.
23). This harness includes an adapter harness that
adapts the 7-pin trailer tow connector to a standard,
light-duty, 4-pin trailer tow connector. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
TURN LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the turn signal bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 24).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the turn signal bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the turn signal bulb from the tail lamp
socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the turn signal bulb into the lamp back
plate.
(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.
(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the turn signal bulb into the tail lamp
socket by pushing inward and rotating it clockwise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 23 Trailer Tow Wiring
1 - RETAINER CLIP (4)
2 - REAR BODY HARNESS (TRAILER TOW TAKE OUT)
3 - RETAINER CLIP (2)
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 24 Tail Lamp Lens
8L - 24 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR

8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX
Component Page
A/C Compressor Clutch................. 8W-42
A/C Compressor Clutch Relay............ 8W-42
A/C Pressure Transducer................ 8W-42
A/C-Heater Control.................... 8W-42
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor......... 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Motor................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Relay................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Switch................ 8W-30
Airbag Control Module................. 8W-43
Airbag-Squibs........................ 8W-43
Airbag-Curtains....................... 8W-43
Airbag-Passenger On/Off Switch.......... 8W-43
Ambient Temperature Sensor............ 8W-49
Amplifier Audio....................... 8W-47
Ashtray Lamp........................ 8W-44
Auto Shut Down Relay................. 8W-30
Automatic Day/Night Mirror.......... 8W-49, 55
Auxiliary Battery..................... 8W-20
Backup Lamp Switch.................. 8W-51
Battery............................. 8W-20
Battery Temperature Sensor............. 8W-30
Blend Door Actuators.................. 8W-42
Blower Motor......................... 8W-42
Blower Motor Resistor Block............. 8W-42
Brake Fluid Level Switch............ 8W-34, 35
Brake Lamp Switch.................... 8W-33
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
Solenoid........................... 8W-40
Camshaft Position Sensor............... 8W-30
Capacitor............................ 8W-30
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp-
Aftermarket........................ 8W-51
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp/Cargo
Lamp.......................... 8W-44, 51
Cigar Lighter Outlet................... 8W-41
Circuit Breaker....................... 8W-10
Clearance Lamps...................... 8W-50
Clockspring................. 8W-33, 41, 43, 47
Clutch Interlock Brake Switch........... 8W-21
Coil On Plugs........................ 8W-30
Compass/Mini-Trip Computer............ 8W-49
Condenser Fan....................... 8W-42
Condenser Fan Relay.................. 8W-42
Controller Antilock Brake............ 8W-34, 35
Crankshaft Position Sensor.............. 8W-30
Cylinder Lock Switch-Driver............. 8W-61
Data Link Connector................... 8W-18
Data Link Connector-Engine............. 8W-18
Dome Lamp....................... 8W-44, 49
Door Ajar Switches.................... 8W-40
Door Lock Motor/Ajar Switches........ 8W-40, 61
Door Lock Switch-Passenger............. 8W-61Component Page
Door Module................... 8W-60, 61, 62
EGR Solenoid........................ 8W-30
Electric Backlight..................... 8W-48
Electric Brake Provision................ 8W-54
Electronic Throttle Control Module........ 8W-30
Engine Control Module................. 8W-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor....... 8W-30
Engine Oil Pressure Switch.............. 8W-30
EVAP/Purge Solenoid.................. 8W-30
Evaporator Temperature Sensor.......... 8W-42
Fender Lamps........................ 8W-51
Fog Lamp Relay...................... 8W-50
Fog Lamps.......................... 8W-50
Front Control Module.................. 8W-10
Fuel Control Actuator.................. 8W-30
Fuel Heater.......................... 8W-30
Fuel Heater Relay..................... 8W-30
Fuel Injector Packs.................... 8W-30
Fuel Injectors........................ 8W-30
Fuel Pump Module.................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Motor..................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Relay...................... 8W-30
Fuses............................ 8W-10, 33
Fusible Link......................... 8W-10
Generator........................... 8W-20
Glove Box Lamp And Switch............. 8W-44
Grounds............................ 8W-15
Hands Free Module.................... 8W-55
Headlamp Switch.................. 8W-40, 50
Headlamps.......................... 8W-50
Heated Mirror Relay................... 8W-62
Heated Seat Cushions.................. 8W-63
Horn Relay.......................... 8W-41
Horn Switch......................... 8W-41
Horn-High Note....................... 8W-41
Horn-Low Note....................... 8W-41
Idle Air Control Motor.................. 8W-30
Ignition Switch....................... 8W-10
Inlet Air Temperature Sensor............ 8W-30
Input Speed Sensor.................... 8W-31
Instrument Cluster.................... 8W-40
Intake Air Heater Relays............... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature Sensor........... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature/Manifold Absolute
Pressure Sensor..................... 8W-30
Integrated Power Module............... 8W-10
Knock Sensosr........................ 8W-30
License Lamps....................... 8W-51
Lift Pump Motor...................... 8W-30
Line Pressure Sensor................ 8W-30, 31
Lumbar Motors....................... 8W-63
Lumbar Switch....................... 8W-63
DR8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX 8W - 02 - 1