1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Ignition system

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO SEAT BELT WARNING
CHIME WITH SEAT BELT
UNBUCKLED, BUT OTHER
CHIME FEATURES OK1. Seat belt switch ground
circuit open.1. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit for the driver seat belt switch and a good
ground. Repair open ground circuit, if required.
2. Seat belt switch sense
circuit open.2. Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit for the driver seat belt switch
and the instrument cluster connector. Repair the
open seat belt switch sense circuit, if required.
3. Faulty seat belt switch. 3. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit and the driver seat belt switch sense
circuit of the seat belt switch. There should be
continuity with the seat belt unbuckled. Replace
the faulty seat belt, if required.
SEAT BELT WARNING
CHIME WITH SEAT BELT
BUCKLED1. Seat belt switch sense
circuit shorted.1. With the driver seat belt switch and the
instrument cluster connector disconnected, there
should be no continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit and a good ground. Repair
the shorted seat belt switch sense circuit, if
required.
2. Faulty seat belt switch. 2. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit cavity and the seat belt switch sense
circuit of the driver seat belt switch. There should
be no continuity with the seat belt buckled.
Replace the faulty seat belt, if required.
NO KEY-IN IGNITION
WARNING CHIME, BUT
OTHER CHIME FEATURES
OK1. Driver door ajar switch
sense circuit open.1. Check for continuity between the driver door
ajar switch sense circuit connector and the
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
driver door ajar switch sense circuit, if required.
2. Key-in ignition switch
sense circuit open.2. Check for continuity between the key-in
ignition switch sense circuit connector and
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
key-in ignition switch sense circuit, if required.
3. Key-in ignition switch
ground circuit open.3. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit cavity of the ignition switch connector and
a good ground. Repair the open ground circuit, if
required
4. Faulty ignition switch. 4. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit terminal and the key-in ignition switch
sense circuit terminal in the ignition switch
connector. There should be continuity with a key
in the ignition lock cylinder. Replace the faulty
ignition switch, if required.
8B - 4 CHIME/BUZZERDR
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
1. Driver door ajar switch
sense circuit open.1. Check for continuity between the driver door
ajar switch sense circuit connector and the
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
driver door ajar switch sense circuit, if required.
2. Headlamp switch signal
circuit open.2. Check for continuity between the headlamp
switch output circuit connector and the and the
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
headlamp switch signal circuit, if required.
NO CHIMES AND OTHER
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
FEATURES ERRATIC OR
DISABLED1. Instrument cluster ground
circuit(s) open.1. Check for continuity between the ground
circuits of the instrument cluster connector and a
good ground. Repair the open ground circuits(s),
if required.
2. Instrument cluster fused
B(+) circuit(s) open.2. Check for battery voltage at the B(+) circuits of
the instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
fused B(+) circuit(s), if required.
3. Instrument cluster fused
ignition switch output
(run-start) circuit open.3. With the ignition switch in the On position,
check for battery voltage at the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit of the instrument
cluster connector. Repair the open fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit, if required.
4. Faulty instrument cluster. 4. Replace the faulty instrument cluster, if
required.
NO CHIMES, BUT ALL
OTHER INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER FEATURES OK1. Faulty instrument cluster. 1. Replace the faulty instrument cluster, if
required.
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 5
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK BRAKE
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR.....3
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR......3
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM.....................3
OPERATION - ECM......................3
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT
CONTROL MODULE....................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
HEATED SEAT MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
MODULE.............................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PCM...................7DESCRIPTION - MODES OF OPERATION....7
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.......10
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . 10
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS......10
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN.......10
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM....................10
OPERATION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.........11
OPERATION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . . . 11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKIM
PROGRAMMING......................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TCM QUICK
LEARN..............................23
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRIVE LEARN . . 23
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION
The DaimlerChrysler Programmable Communica-
tion Interface (PCI) data bus system is a single wire
multiplex system used for vehicle communications on
many DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles. Multi-
plexing is a system that enables the transmission of
several messages over a single channel or circuit. All
DaimlerChrysler vehicles use this principle for com-
munication between various microprocessor-based
electronic control modules. The PCI data bus exceeds
the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1850
Standard for Class B Multiplexing.Many of the electronic control modules in a vehicle
require information from the same sensing device. In
the past, if information from one sensing device was
required by several controllers, a wire from each con-
troller needed to be connected in parallel to that sen-
sor. In addition, each controller utilizing analog
sensors required an Analog/Digital (A/D) converter in
order to9read9these sensor inputs. Multiplexing
reduces wire harness complexity, sensor current
loads and controller hardware because each sensing
device is connected to only one controller, which
reads and distributes the sensor information to the
other controllers over the data bus. Also, because
each controller on the data bus can access the con-
troller sensor inputs to every other controller on the
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 1

The PCI data bus can be monitored using the
DRBIIItscan tool. It is possible, however, for the bus
to pass all DRBIIIttests and still be faulty if the
voltage parameters are all within the specified range
and false messages are being sent.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The Controler Antilock Brake (CAB) is mounted to
the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and operates the
ABS system (Fig. 1).
OPERATION
The CAB voltage source is through the ignition
switch in the RUN position. The CAB contains a self
check program that illuminates the ABS warning
light when a system fault is detected. Faults are
stored in a diagnostic program memory and are
accessible with the DRB III scan tool. ABS faults
remain in memory until cleared, or until after the
vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the negative battery cable from the
battery.
(2) Pull up on the CAB harness connector release
and remove connector.
(3) Remove the CAB mounting bolts.
(4) Remove the pump connector from the CAB.
(5) Remove the CAB from the HCU.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
(1) Install CAB to the HCU.
(2) Install the pump connector to the CAB.
(3) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 2 N´m (16 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install the wiring harness connector to the
CAB and push down on the release to secure the con-
nector.
(5) Install negative battery cable to the battery.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is located at the
lower edge of the instrument panel near the steering
column.
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The 16±way data link connector (diagnostic scan
tool connector) links the Diagnostic Readout Box
(DRB) scan tool or the Mopar Diagnostic System
(MDS) with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM
The engine control module (ECM) for the 5.9L Die-
sel engine is bolted to the left side of the engine
below the intake manifold.
OPERATION - ECM
The main function of the Engine Control Module
(ECM) is to electrically control the fuel system. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)does notcontrol
the fuel system.
The ECM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.If the ECM has
been replaced, flashed or re-calibrated, the
ECM must learn the Accelerator Pedal Position
Sensor (APPS) idle voltage. Failure to learn
this voltage may result in unnecessary diagnos-
tic trouble codes. Refer to ECM Removal/Instal-
lation for learning procedures.
The ECM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
ECM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to asECM Outputs.The sensors
and switches that provide inputs to the ECM are
consideredECM Inputs.
Fig. 1 HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
1 - HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 3
COMMUNICATION (Continued)

FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a micro con-
troller based module located in the left front corner
of the engine compartment. On this model the inte-
grated power module must be positioned aside in
order to access the front control module. The front
control module mates to the power distribution cen-
ter to form the Integrated Power Module (IPM). The
integrated power module connects directly to the bat-
tery and provides the primary means of circuit pro-
tection and power distribution for all vehicle
electrical systems. The front control module controls
power to some of these vehicle systems electrical and
electromechanical loads based on inputs received
from hard wired switch inputs and data received on
the PCI bus circuit (J1850).
For information on theIntegrated Power Mod-
ule Refer to the Power Distribution Sectionof
the service manual.
OPERATION
As messages are sent over the PCI bus circuit, the
front control module reads these messages and con-
trols power to some of the vehicles electrical systems
by completing the circuit to ground (low side driver)
or completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side
driver). The following functions areControlledby
the Front Control Module:
²Headlamp Power with Voltage Regulation
²Windshield Wiper ªON/OFFº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Wiper ªHI/LOº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Washer Pump Motor
²Fog Lamp Relay Actuation
²Park Lamp Relay Actuation
²Horn Relay Actuation
The following inputs areReceived/Monitoredby
the Front Control Module:
²B+ Connection Detection
²Power Ground
²Ambient Temperature Sensing
²Ignition Switch Run
²Washer Fluid Level Switch
²Windshield Wiper Park Switch
²PCI Bus Circuit
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT CONTROL
MODULE
The front control module is a printed circuit board
based module with a on-board micro-processor. The
front control module interfaces with other electronic
modules in the vehicle via the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus (J1850). In
order to obtain conclusive testing the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network
and all of the electronic modules that provide inputs
to, or receive outputs from the front control module
must be checked. All PCI (J1850) communication
faults must be resolved prior to further diagnosing
any front control module related issues.
The front control module was designed to be diag-
nosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool, such
as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the front control module
requires the use of a DRB IIItscan tool and the
proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
Before any testing of the front control module is
attempted, the battery should be fully charged and
all wire harness and ground connections inspected
around the affected areas on the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the positive and negative battery
cables from the battery.
(2) Partially remove the integrated power module
from the engine compartment (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED
POWER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the front control module retaining
screws.
(4) Using both hands, pull the front control module
straightfrom the integrated power module assembly
to disconnect the 49-way electrical connector and
remove the front control module from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front control module on the inte-
grated power module assembly by pushing the
49-way electrical connector straight in.
(2) Install the front control module retaining
screws. Torque the screws to 7 in. lbs.
(3) Install the integrated power module (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Connect the positive and negative battery
cables.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 5

(2) Check the heated seat sensor (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/HEATED SEAT
SENSOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(3) Check the heated seat switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
NOTE: Refer to Wiring for the location of complete
heated seat system wiring diagrams and connector
pin-out information.
(4) Using a voltmeter, backprobe the appropriate
heated seat module connector, do not disconnect.
Check for voltage at the appropriate pin cavities. 12v
should be present. If OK go to Step 5, if Not, Repair
the open or shorted voltage supply circuit as
required.
(5) Using a ohmmeter, backprobe the appropriate
heated seat module connector, do not disconnect.
Check for proper continuity to ground on the ground
pin cavities. Continuity should be present. If OK
replace the heated seat module with a known good
unit and retest system, if Not OK, Repair the open or
shorted ground circuit as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Position the driver seat to the full rearward
and inclined position.
(2) Working under the driver front seat, remove
the two heated seat module retaining screws. Due to
the fact that the retaining screws are installed with
the seat cushion pan removed, a small right angle
screwdriver will be required to access and remove the
screws.
(3) Disconnect the seat wire harness connector
from the connector receptacle on the back of the
heated seat module. Depress the connector retaining
tab and pull straight apart.
(4) Remove the heated seat module from under the
front seat.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the heated seat module under the
front seat.
(2) Connect the seat wire harness connector on the
connector receptacle on the back of the heated seat
module.
(3) Working under the driver front seat, install the
heated seat module retaining screws.
(4) Re-position the driver seat.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PCM
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located
in the right-rear section of the engine compartment
under the cowl (Fig. 4).
Two different PCM's are used (JTEC and
NGC). These can be easily identified. JTEC's
use three 32±way connectors, NGC's use four
38±way connectors
DESCRIPTION - MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) change, the PCM adjusts its response to the
output devices. For example, the PCM must calculate
different injector pulse width and ignition timing for
idle than it does for wide open throttle (WOT).
The PCM will operate in two different modes:
Open Loop and Closed Loop.
During Open Loop modes, the PCM receives input
signals and responds only according to preset PCM
programming. Input from the oxygen (O2S) sensors
is not monitored during Open Loop modes.
Fig. 4 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
LOCATION
1 - COWL GRILL
2 - PCM
3 - COWL (RIGHT-REAR)
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 7
HEATED SEAT MODULE (Continued)

During Closed Loop modes, the PCM will monitor
the oxygen (O2S) sensors input. This input indicates
to the PCM whether or not the calculated injector
pulse width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio. This
ratio is 14.7 parts air-to-1 part fuel. By monitoring
the exhaust oxygen content through the O2S sensor,
the PCM can fine tune the injector pulse width. This
is done to achieve optimum fuel economy combined
with low emission engine performance.
The fuel injection system has the following modes
of operation:
²Ignition switch ON
²Engine start-up (crank)
²Engine warm-up
²Idle
²Cruise
²Acceleration
²Deceleration
²Wide open throttle (WOT)
²Ignition switch OFF
The ignition switch On, engine start-up (crank),
engine warm-up, acceleration, deceleration and wide
open throttle modes are Open Loop modes. The idle
and cruise modes, (with the engine at operating tem-
perature) are Closed Loop modes.
IGNITION SWITCH (KEY-ON) MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. When the fuel system
is activated by the ignition switch, the following
actions occur:
²The PCM pre-positions the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
²The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel
strategy.
²The PCM monitors the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor input. The PCM modifies fuel strategy
based on this input.
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor input is
monitored.
²Throttle position sensor (TPS) is monitored.
²The auto shutdown (ASD) relay is energized by
the PCM for approximately three seconds.
²The fuel pump is energized through the fuel
pump relay by the PCM. The fuel pump will operate
for approximately three seconds unless the engine is
operating or the starter motor is engaged.
²The O2S sensor heater element is energized via
the ASD or O2S heater relay. The O2S sensor input
is not used by the PCM to calibrate air-fuel ratio dur-
ing this mode of operation.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The following actions
occur when the starter motor is engaged.
The PCM receives inputs from:²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
The PCM monitors the crankshaft position sensor.
If the PCM does not receive a crankshaft position
sensor signal within 3 seconds of cranking the
engine, it will shut down the fuel injection system.
The fuel pump is activated by the PCM through
the fuel pump relay.
Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
The PCM determines the proper ignition timing
according to input received from the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During engine warm-
up, the PCM receives inputs from:
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
Based on these inputs the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
²The PCM adjusts engine idle speed through the
idle air control (IAC) motor and adjusts ignition tim-
ing.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the A/C compressor clutch relay. This is done
if A/C has been selected by the vehicle operator and
specified pressures are met at the high and low±pres-
sure A/C switches. Refer to Heating and Air Condi-
tioning for additional information.
²When engine has reached operating tempera-
ture, the PCM will begin monitoring O2S sensor
input. The system will then leave the warm-up mode
and go into closed loop operation.
8E - 8 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During wide open
throttle operation, the PCM receives the following
inputs.
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
During wide open throttle conditions, the following
occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off. The PCM ignores the oxygen sensor input
signal and provides a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel. This is done by adjusting injector pulse
width.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil(s) on and off.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When ignition switch is turned to OFF position,
the PCM stops operating the injectors, ignition coil,
ASD relay and fuel pump relay.
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Two different Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
five volt supply circuits are used; primary and sec-
ondary.
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
This circuit ties the ignition switch to the Power-
train Control Module (PCM).
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has 2 main
grounds. Both of these grounds are referred to as
power grounds. All of the high-current, noisy, electri-
cal devices are connected to these grounds as well as
all of the sensor returns. The sensor return comes
into the sensor return circuit, passes through noise
suppression, and is then connected to the power
ground.
The power ground is used to control ground cir-
cuits for the following PCM loads:
²Generator field winding
²Fuel injectors
²Ignition coil(s)
²Certain relays/solenoids
²Certain sensors
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN
The Sensor Return circuits are internal to the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM).
Sensor Return provides a low±noise ground refer-
ence for all engine control system sensors. Refer to
Power Grounds for more information.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM
The PCM operates the fuel system. The PCM is a
pre-programmed, triple microprocessor digital com-
puter. It regulates ignition timing, air-fuel ratio,
emission control devices, charging system, certain
transmission features, speed control, air conditioning
compressor clutch engagement and idle speed. The
PCM can adapt its programming to meet changing
operating conditions.
The PCM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
PCM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to as Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Outputs. The sensors and switches that pro-
vide inputs to the PCM are considered Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) Inputs.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based upon
inputs it receives from sensors that react to: engine
rpm, manifold absolute pressure, engine coolant tem-
perature, throttle position, transmission gear selec-
tion (automatic transmission), vehicle speed, power
steering pump pressure, and the brake switch.
The PCM adjusts idle speed based on inputs it
receives from sensors that react to: throttle position,
vehicle speed, transmission gear selection, engine
coolant temperature and from inputs it receives from
the air conditioning clutch switch and brake switch.
Based on inputs that it receives, the PCM adjusts
ignition coil dwell. The PCM also adjusts the gener-
ator charge rate through control of the generator
field and provides speed control operation.
NOTE: PCM Inputs:
²ABS module (if equipped)
²A/C request (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C select (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C pressure transducer
²Auto shutdown (ASD) sense
²Battery temperature sensor
²Battery voltage
²Brake switch
²J1850 bus (+) circuits
²J1850 bus (-) circuits
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Crankshaft position sensor
8E - 10 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)