1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Glass

BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Charging
Amperage5 Amps10
Amps20 Amps
Open Circuit
VoltageHours Charging @ 21É C (70É
F)
12.25 to 12.49 6 hours 3 hours 1.5
hours
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours 5 hours 2.5
hours
10.00 to 11.99 14 hours 7 hours 3.5
hours
Below 10.00 18 hours 9 hours 4.5
hours
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUILT-IN
INDICATOR TEST
If equipped, an indicator (hydrometer) built into
the top of the battery case provides visual informa-
tion for battery testing (Fig. 6). Like a hydrometer,
the built-in indicator measures the specific gravity of
the battery electrolyte. The specific gravity of the
electrolyte reveals the battery state-of-charge; how-
ever, it will not reveal the cranking capacity of the
battery. A load test must be performed to determine
the battery cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Pro-
cedures for the proper battery load test procedures.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. In order to
obtain correct indications from the built-in indicator,
it is important that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass. Additional light may be required to
view the indicator.Do not use open flame as a
source of additional light.To read the built-in indicator, look into the sight
glass and note the color of the indication (Fig. 7). The
battery condition that each color indicates is
described in the following list:
²Green- Indicates 75% to 100% battery state-of-
charge. The battery is adequately charged for further
testing or return to service. If the starter will not
crank for a minimum of fifteen seconds with a fully-
charged battery, the battery must be load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
load test procedures.
²Black or Dark- Indicates 0% to 75% battery
state-of-charge. The battery is inadequately charged
and must be charged until a green indication is visi-
ble in the sight glass (12.4 volts or more), before the
battery is tested further or returned to service. Refer
to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charg-
ing procedures. Also refer to Diagnosis and Testing
for more information on the possible causes of the
discharged battery condition.
²Clear or Bright- Indicates a low battery elec-
trolyte level. The electrolyte level in the battery is
below the built-in indicator. A maintenance-free bat-
tery with non-removable cell caps must be replaced if
the electrolyte level is low. Water must be added to a
low-maintenance battery with removable cell caps
before it is charged. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery filling procedures. A low electro-
lyte level may be caused by an overcharging condi-
tion. Refer to Charging System for the proper
charging system diagnosis and testing procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 6 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC ROD
Fig. 7 Built-In Indicator Sight Glass Chart
8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY (Continued)

(6) Remove the battery hold down retaining bolt.
WARNING: WEAR A SUITABLE PAIR OF RUBBER
GLOVES (NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE) WHEN
REMOVING A BATTERY BY HAND. SAFETY
GLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE WORN. IF THE BAT-
TERY IS CRACKED OR LEAKING, THE ELECTRO-
LYTE CAN BURN THE SKIN AND EYES.
(7) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery.
(2) Position the battery onto the battery tray.
Ensure that the battery positive and negative termi-
nal posts are correctly positioned. The battery cable
terminal clamps must reach the correct battery ter-
minal post without stretching the cables.
(3) Position the battery hold down and install the
retaining bolt.
CAUTION: Be certain that the battery cable terminal
clamps are connected to the correct battery termi-
nal posts. Reversed battery polarity may damage
electrical components of the vehicle.
(4) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps and
the battery terminal posts.
(5) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.).
(7) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or chas-
sis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery cable
terminal clamps and the battery terminal posts.
(8) Obtain a DRB IIItscan tool and check the
PCM for any stored battery disconnect trouble code,
if required.
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION
The battery hold down hardware includes a bolt
and a molded plastic hold down bracket which
meshes with the battery tray when properly
installed. The battery tray and hold down hardware
combine to form a very stable and secure battery
hold down assembly.
OPERATION
The battery holddown secures the battery in the
battery tray. This holddown is designed to prevent
battery movement during the most extreme vehicle
operation conditions. Periodic removal and lubrica-
tion of the battery holddown hardware is recom-
mended to prevent hardware seizure at a later date.
CAUTION: Never operate a vehicle without a battery
holddown device properly installed. Damage to the
vehicle, components and battery could result.
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen and remove the battery hold down
retaining bolt.
(2) Remove the battery hold down bracket from
the battery case.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery hold down hard-
ware (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM
- CLEANING).
(2) Position the battery hold down bracket in the
battery tray. Be certain that the hold down bracket is
properly positioned in the battery tray before tight-
ening the hold down hardware.
(3) Install and tighten the battery hold down
retaining bolt.
BATTERY CABLES
DESCRIPTION
The battery cables are large gauge, stranded cop-
per wires sheathed within a heavy plastic or syn-
thetic rubber insulating jacket. The wire used in the
battery cables combines excellent flexibility and reli-
ability with high electrical current carrying capacity.
Refer to Wiring for the location of the proper battery
cable wire gauge information.
The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available for
service replacement only as a unit with the battery
positive cable wire harness or the battery negative
cable wire harness, which may include portions of
the wiring circuits for the generator and other com-
ponents on some models.
Most models feature a stamped brass clamping
type female battery terminal crimped onto one end of
the battery cable wire and then solder-dipped. A
pinch-bolt and hex nut are installed at the open end
of the female battery terminal clamp. The battery
positive cable also includes a red molded rubber pro-
tective cover for the female battery terminal clamp.
8F - 14 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY (Continued)

HEATED SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED GLASS........................... 1
HEATED MIRRORS......................... 6HEATED SEAT SYSTEM..................... 7
HEATED GLASS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED GLASS
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER SYSTEM...................2
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................3REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................4
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................4
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - GRID LINE AND
TERMINAL REPAIR.....................4
HEATED GLASS
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION:Grid lines can be damaged or scraped off
with sharp instruments. Care should be taken in
cleaning glass or removing foreign materials, decals
or stickers. Normal glass cleaning solvents or hot
water used with rags or toweling is recommended.
The rear window defogger system consists of a
back glass with two vertical electrical bus bars linked
by a series of grid lines fired onto the inside surface
of the optional heated rear window.
The rear window defogger system is turned On or
Off by a switch and a timing circuit integral to the
A/C-heater control located at the center of the instru-
ment panel.
Circuit protection is provided by a cartridge fuse
located in the power distribution center (PDC) for the
heated grid circuit, and a fuse located in the fuse
block for the control circuit.
OPERATION
The rear window defogger system is turned on by a
momentary switch located in the A/C-heater control
on the instrument panel. When the rear windowdefogger switch is pressed to the On position, current
is directed through the rear window defogger relay to
the rear defogger grid lines. The heated grid lines
heat the rear glass to help clear the rear window sur-
face of fog or frost.
A yellow indicator above the switch will illuminate
to indicate when the rear window defogger system is
turned on. The A/C-heater control contains the rear
window defogger system control circuitry.
NOTE: The rear window defogger turns off automat-
ically after approximately 10 minutes of initial oper-
ation. Each following activation cycle of the
defogger system will last approximately ten minutes
also.
The rear window defogger system will be automat-
ically turned off after a programmed time interval of
about ten minutes. After the initial time interval has
expired, if the defogger switch is pressed to the On
position again during the same ignition cycle, the
rear window defogger system will automatically turn
off after about ten minutes also.
The rear window defogger system will automati-
cally shut off if the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, or it can be turned off manually by
pressing the defogger switch a second time.
DRHEATED SYSTEMS 8G - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER SYSTEM
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Rear
Window Defogger in Wiring Diagrams. The operation
of the electrically heated rear window defogger sys-
tem can be confirmed in one of the following man-
ners:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter, set
the defogger switch in the On position. When the
defogger switch is turned On, a distinct voltmeter
needle deflection should be noted.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Set
the defogger switch in the On position. The rear win-
dow defogger operation can be checked by feeling the
rear window or outside rear view mirror glass. A dis-
tinct difference in temperature between the grid lines
and the adjacent clear glass or the mirror glass can
be detected within three to four minutes of operation.
3. Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the rear
glass heating grid terminal A (right side) with the
negative lead, and terminal B (left side) with the pos-
itive lead (Fig. 1). The voltmeter should read battery
voltage.
The above checks will confirm system operation.
Illumination of the defogger switch indicator lamp
means that there is electrical current available at the
output of the rear window defogger logic and timer
circuitry, but does not confirm that the electrical cur-
rent is reaching the rear glass heating grid lines.
If the defogger system does not operate, the prob-
lem should be isolated in the following manner:(1) Confirm that the ignition switch is in the On
position.
(2) Make sure that the rear glass heating grid feed
and ground wires are connected to the glass. Confirm
that the ground wire has continuity to ground.
(3) Check the fuses in the power distribution cen-
ter (PDC) and in the junction block. The fuses must
be tight in their receptacles and all electrical connec-
tions must be secure.
When the above steps have been completed and the
rear glass heating grid is still inoperative, one or
more of the following could be faulty:
²Rear window switch in the A/C-heater control..
²Rear window grid lines (all grid lines would
have to be broken or one of the feed wires discon-
nected for the entire system to be inoperative).
If setting the defogger switch to the On position
produces a severe voltmeter deflection, check for a
short circuit between the rear window switch defog-
ger relay output and the rear glass heating grid.
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The rear window defogger relay (Fig. 2) is a Inter-
national Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay.
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 rear window defogger relay is located in the
power distribution center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment. Refer to the PDC label for rear window
defogger relay identification and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the rear window defogger relay. Five
male 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.
Fig. 1 Grid Line Test - Typical
1 - VIEW FROM INSIDE VEHICLE
2 - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
3 - BUS BARS
4 - VOLTAGE FEED (A)
5 - VOLTMETER
6 - MID-POINT (C)
7 - PICK-UP LEADS
8 - GROUND (B)
8G - 2 HEATED GLASSDR
HEATED GLASS (Continued)

²87A (Normally Closed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally closed fixed contact point of
the relay.
The rear window defogger relay cannot be adjusted
or repaired. If the relay is damaged or faulty, it must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The rear window defogger relay is an electrome-
chanical switch that uses a low current input from
the integrated power module (IPM) to control the
high current output to the rear window defogger
grid. 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 wind-
ings. 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 spikes and electromagnetic interfer-
ence that can be generated as the electromagnetic
field of the relay coil collapses.
The rear window defogger relay terminals are con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a
receptacle in the IPM. The inputs and outputs of the
rear window defogger relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from fuse 27 (15 amp) in the IPM
through a fused B(+) circuit at all times.²The coil ground terminal (87) receives a ground
input from the A/C-heater control when the A/C-
heater control electronically pulls the control circuit
to ground.
²The coil battery terminal (85) receives a battery
current input from fuse 36 (10 amp) in the IPM
through a fused B(+) circuit only when the ignition
switch is in the Run position.
²The normally open terminal (86) provides a bat-
tery current output to the rear window defogger and
heated power mirrors (when equipped) through the
relay output circuit only when the rear window
defogger 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 rear window
defogger relay coil is de-energized.
The rear window defogger relay cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. Refer
to the appropriate wiring information for diagnosis
and testing of the micro-relay and for complete rear
window defogger system wiring diagrams.
REMOVAL
(1)Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the integrated power
module (IPM) (Fig. 3).
(3) Refer to the fuse and relay layout map on the
inner surface of the IPM cover for rear window defog-
ger relay identification and location.
(4) Remove the rear window defogger relay from
the IPM.
Fig. 2 Rear Window Defogger Relay
1 - RELAY TERMINALS
2 - RELAY CAVITIES
Fig. 3 Integrated Power Module (IPM)
1 - BATTERY
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
DRHEATED GLASS 8G - 3
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Refer to the fuse and relay layout map on the
inner surface of the integrated power module (IPM)
for rear window defogger relay identification and
location.
(2) Position the rear window defogger relay into
the proper receptacle in the IPM.
(3) Align the rear window defogger relay terminals
with the terminal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(4) Push down firmly on the rear window defogger
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.
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The rear window defogger switch is integrated into
the A/C-heater control mounted in the center of the
instrument panel. The rear window defogger switch
and the rear window defogger LED indicator cannot
be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the A/C-heater
control must be replaced.
OPERATION
An LED indicator will illuminate when the rear
window defogger switch is activated. The switch
energizes the timing circuit integral to the A/C-
heater control which then activates the rear window
defogger relay. The rear window defogger relay con-
trols the current to flow to the grids of the rear win-
dow defogger. The rear window defogger system will
operate for approximately ten minutes or until the
rear window defogger switch or ignition switch is
turned off. Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HEATED
GLASS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING for diagnosis
and testing of the rear window defogger switch.
The rear window defogger switch cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS/A/C HEATER CONTROL -
REMOVAL).
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
GRID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - GRID LINE AND
TERMINAL REPAIR
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID LINE REPAIR
WARNING: THE REPAIR KIT CONTAINS EPOXY
RESIN AND AMINE TYPE HARDENER WHICH MAY
CAUSE SKIN OR EYE IRRITATION AND CAN BE
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. USE WITH ADEQUATE
VENTILATION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR OPEN
FLAME THE CONTENTS CONTAIN FLAMMABLE
SOLVENTS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
²DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY, IF SWALLOWED
INDUCE VOMITING AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMME-
DIATELY.
²IF SKIN CONTACT OCCURS, WASH AFFECTED
AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER.
²IF EYE CONTACT OCCURS, FLUSH WITH
PLENTY OF WATER.
The repair of the grid lines is possible using the
MopartGrid Line Repair Package or an equivalent.
(1) Mask the repair area so the conductive epoxy
can be extended onto the grid line(s) or the bus bar
(Fig. 4).
(2) Follow the instructions in the repair kit for
preparing the damaged area.
(3) Remove the package separator clamp and mix
the conductive epoxy thoroughly. Fold in half and cut
the center corner to dispense the epoxy.
(4) Apply the conductive epoxy through the slit in
the masking tape. Overlap both ends of the break(s)
by 19 mm (3/4 inch).
(5) Carefully remove the masking tape from the
grid line(s).
CAUTION: To prevent the glass from fracturing, do
not allow the glass surface to exceed 204É C (400É
F).
(6) Allow the epoxy to cure 24 hours at room tem-
perature or use a heat gun with a 260É to 371É C
(500É to 700É F) range for 15 minutes. Hold the heat
gun approximately 254 mm (10 inches) from the
repaired area.
(7) After the conductive epoxy is properly cured,
verify operation of the rear window defogger.
8G - 4 HEATED GLASSDR
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY (Continued)

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID TERMINAL REPAIR
WARNING: THE REPAIR KIT CONTAINS EPOXY
RESIN AND AMINE TYPE HARDENER WHICH MAY
CAUSE SKIN OR EYE IRRITATION AND CAN BE
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. USE WITH ADEQUATE
VENTILATION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR OPEN
FLAME THE CONTENTS CONTAIN FLAMMABLE
SOLVENTS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
²DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY, IF SWALLOWED
INDUCE VOMITING AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMME-
DIATELY.
²IF SKIN CONTACT OCCURS, WASH AFFECTED
AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER.
²IF EYE CONTACT OCCURS, FLUSH WITH
PLENTY OF WATER.If the rear window defogger grid terminal(s) is
damaged or separated from the rear window, the
repair of the grid terminals is possible using the
MopartGrid Line Repair Package or an equivalent.
(1) If the grid terminal(s) is broken and a portion
of the terminal is still attached to the heating grid,
remove the portion of the clip remaining in the wire
harness connector(s).
(2) Mask the areas so the conductive epoxy can be
extended onto the adjacent grid line(s) as well as the
bus bar.
(3) Apply a thin layer of conductive epoxy to the
area where the terminal(s) where fastened and to the
adjacent grid line(s).
NOTE: To prevent the terminal(s) from moving while
the epoxy is curing, a wedge or clamp must be
used.
(4) Apply a thin layer of conductive epoxy on the
terminal(s) and properly orient the terminal(s) at the
desired location(s).
CAUTION: To prevent the glass from fracturing, do
not allow the glass surface to exceed 204É C (400É
F).
(5) Allow the epoxy to cure 24 hours at room tem-
perature or use a heat gun with a 260É to 371É C
(500É to 700É F) range for 15 minutes. Hold the heat
gun approximately 254 mm (10 inches) from repaired
area.
NOTE: To ensure proper installation, do not attach
the wire harness connector(s) to the terminal(s)
until the epoxy is completely cured.
(6) After the conductive epoxy has properly cured,
remove the wedge or clamp from the terminal(s),
reconnect the wire harness connector(s) and verify
operation of the rear window defogger.
Fig. 4 Grid Line Repair
1 - BREAK
2 - GRID LINE
3 - MASKING TAPE
DRHEATED GLASS 8G - 5
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID (Continued)

HEATED MIRRORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION..........................6OPERATION............................6
HEATED MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION
Electrically heated outside rear view mirrors are
an additional factory-installed option on models that
are equipped with factory-installed dual power mir-
rors and the heated rear window defogger system.
Vehicles with this option can be visually identified by
the International Control and Display Symbol icon
for rear window defogger, which appears on the lower
inboard corner of each outside mirror glass (Fig. 1).
The optional heated mirror system operates in con-
cert with the rear window defogger system, and will
be automatically shut off after a programmed time
interval of about ten minutes. After the initial time
interval has expired, if the defogger switch is turned
on again during the same ignition cycle, the heated
mirror system will automatically shut off after about
ten minutes also.
The heated mirror system will automatically shut
off if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
or it can be shut off manually by pressing the rear
window defogger switch a second time.
OPERATION
When the rear window defogger switch is in the
On position, an electric heater grid located behind
the glass of each of the outside rear view mirrors is
energized. When energized, each of these heater
grids produce heat to help clear the outside rear view
mirrors of ice, snow, or fog.
The heated mirror system is controlled by a
momentary rear window defogger switch on the A/C-
heater control. An amber indicator lamp in the
switch will illuminate to indicate when the defogger
system is turned on.If the outside mirror heating grids are both inoper-
ative, refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR
WINDOW DEFOGGER SYSTEM in his group. If
only one of the outside mirror heating grids is inop-
erative, Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER MIR-
RORS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.
The heating grid behind each outside mirror glass
cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire power mirror unit must be replaced.
Fig. 1 Heated Mirror - Typical
1 - POWER HEATED OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
2 - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ICON
8G - 6 HEATED MIRRORSDR