1998 DODGE RAM 1500 air conditioning

PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The rearward facing surface of the injection
molded, thermoplastic passenger airbag door is the
most visible part of the passenger airbag (Fig. 34).
The passenger airbag door is located above the glove
box opening on the instrument panel in front of the
front seat passenger seating position. The upper and
outboard edges of the airbag door are secured with
seven integral snap features to the instrument panel
base trim, while two screws secure the integral
inboard mounting flange to the base trim, and four
screws secure the lower mounting flange to the upper
glove box opening reinforcement integral to the
instrument panel structural support. The passenger
airbag door includes an air conditioning panel outlet
and housing. The panel outlet housing features four
snap features that secure it to the back of the airbag
door and a mounting tab that is also secured with
one screw to the upper glove box opening reinforce-
ment.
Located behind the passenger airbag door within
the instrument panel is the passenger airbag unit
(Fig. 35). The passenger airbag housing fits into a
molded receptacle on the back of the airbag door,
where six stamped hook formations on the upper and
lower edges of the airbag housing are engaged in six
small window openings on the upper and lower
flanges of the receptacle to secure the airbag door to
the airbag housing. The inboard airbag door fasten-
ers and mounting flange are concealed beneath the
instrument panel center bezel, while the lower fas-
teners and mounting flange are concealed beneath
the instrument panel lower surround. The passengerairbag unit is secured by four screws through four
brackets (two front and two rear) that are integral to
the base of the airbag housing to the instrument
panel structural support.
The passenger airbag unit used in this model is a
multistage, Next Generation-type that complies with
revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less
force than those used in some prior models. The pas-
senger airbag unit consists of a stamped and welded
metal housing, the airbag cushion, the airbag infla-
tor, and a stamped metal airbag and inflator retainer
plate that is secured to the airbag housing with six
studs and nuts. The airbag housing contains the air-
bag inflator and the folded airbag cushion. An
approximately 80 centimeter (31.5 inch) wide by 90
centimeter (35.5 inch) high rectangular fabric cush-
ion is used.
The airbag inflator is a non-azide, pyrotechnic-type
unit that is secured to and sealed within the airbag
housing. A short four-wire pigtail harness with a
keyed, yellow connector insulator connects the two
inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system
through a dedicated take out and connector of the
instrument panel wire harness.
The passenger airbag includes the airbag door and
the panel outlet housing. This unit cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
in any way damaged.
Fig. 34 Passenger Airbag Door
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - PANEL OUTLET
3 - GLOVE BOX DOORFig. 35 Passenger Airbag Unit
1 - DOOR
2 - PANEL OUTLET HOUSING
3 - SNAP FEATURE (7)
4 - REAR BRACKET (2)
5 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
6 - INITIATOR (2)
7 - FRONT BRACKET (2)
8 - HOUSING
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 39

VACUUM RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION
The vacuum reservoir is a plastic storage tank con-
nected to an engine vacuum source by vacuum lines.
A vacuum reservoir is not used with diesel engines or
the 5.7L gas powered engine.
OPERATION
The vacuum reservoir is used to supply the vac-
uum needed to maintain proper speed control opera-
tion when engine vacuum drops, such as in climbing
a grade while driving. A one-way check valve is used
in the vacuum line between the reservoir and the
vacuum source. This check valve is used to trap
engine vacuum in the reservoir. On certain vehicle
applications, this reservoir is shared with the heat-
ing/air-conditioning system. The vacuum reservoir
cannot be repaired and must be replaced if faulty.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM
RESERVOIR
(1) Disconnect vacuum hose at speed control servo
and install a vacuum gauge into the disconnected
hose.
(2) Start engine and observe gauge at idle. Vac-
uum gauge should read at least ten inches of mer-
cury.
(3) If vacuum is less than ten inches of mercury,
determine source of leak. Check vacuum line to
engine for leaks. Also check actual engine intake
manifold vacuum. If manifold vacuum does not meet
this requirement, check for poor engine performance
and repair as necessary.
(4) If vacuum line to engine is not leaking, check
for leak at vacuum reservoir. To locate and gain
access to reservoir, refer to Vacuum Reservoir Remov-
al/Installation in this group. Disconnect vacuum line
at reservoir and connect a hand-operated vacuum
pump to reservoir fitting. Apply vacuum. Reservoir
vacuum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace reservoir.
(5) Verify operation of one-way check valve and
check it for leaks.Certain models may be
equipped with 2 check-valves.
(a) Locate one-way check valve. The valve is
located in vacuum line between vacuum reservoir
and engine vacuum source. Disconnect vacuum
hoses (lines) at each end of valve.(b) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
reservoir end of check valve. Apply vacuum. Vac-
uum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace one-way check valve.
(c) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
vacuum source end of check valve. Apply vacuum.
Vacuum should flow through valve. If vacuum is
not flowing, replace one-way check valve. Seal the
fitting at opposite end of valve with a finger and
apply vacuum. If vacuum will not hold, diaphragm
within check valve has ruptured. Replace valve.
REMOVAL
The vacuum reservoir is located in the engine com-
partment under the fresh air cowl grill panel (Fig.
10).
(1) Remove wiper blades and arms. Refer to Wiper
Arm Removal / Installation in the Wipers / Washers
section.
(2) Remove fresh air cowl grill. Refer to Cowl Grill
Removal / Installation.
(3) Disconnect vacuum line at reservoir (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove 2 reservoir mounting nuts (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove reservoir from cowl.
Fig. 10 VACUUM RESERVOIR LOCATION
1 - COWL GRILL
2 - WIPER ARMS / BLADES
3 - VACUUM RESERVOIR
DRSPEED CONTROL 8P - 9

WIRING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION....... 8W-01-1
COMPONENT INDEX.................. 8W-02-1
POWER DISTRIBUTION............... 8W-10-1
GROUND DISTRIBUTION.............. 8W-15-1
BUS COMMUNICATIONS.............. 8W-18-1
CHARGING SYSTEM.................. 8W-20-1
STARTING SYSTEM.................. 8W-21-1
FUEL/IGNITION SYSTEM.............. 8W-30-1
TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM..... 8W-31-1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL............ 8W-33-1
REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES....... 8W-34-1
ALL WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES........ 8W-35-1
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM..... 8W-39-1
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER............... 8W-40-1
HORN/CIGAR LIGHTER/POWER OUTLET . . 8W-41-1
AIR CONDITIONING.................. 8W-42-1
AIRBAG SYSTEM.................... 8W-43-1
INTERIOR LIGHTING.................. 8W-44-1AUDIO SYSTEM..................... 8W-47-1
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER............ 8W-48-1
OVERHEAD CONSOLE................. 8W-49-1
FRONT LIGHTING.................... 8W-50-1
REAR LIGHTING..................... 8W-51-1
TURN SIGNALS...................... 8W-52-1
WIPERS............................ 8W-53-1
TRAILER TOW....................... 8W-54-1
NAVIGATION/TELECOMMUNICATION..... 8W-55-1
POWER WINDOWS................... 8W-60-1
POWER DOOR LOCKS................ 8W-61-1
POWER MIRRORS................... 8W-62-1
POWER SEATS...................... 8W-63-1
SPLICE INFORMATION................ 8W-70-1
CONNECTOR PIN-OUTS............... 8W-80-1
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE
LOCATION........................ 8W-91-1
POWER DISTRIBUTION............... 8W-97-1 DRWIRING 8W - 1

8W-42 AIR CONDITIONING
Component Page
A/C Compressor Clutch............... 8W-42-7
A/C Compressor Clutch Relay.......... 8W-42-7
A/C Pressure Transducer............ 8W-42-8, 9
A/C-Heater Control........... 8W-42-2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Blend Door Actuator.................. 8W-42-6
Blower Motor....................... 8W-42-2
Blower Motor Resistor Block........... 8W-42-2
Condenser Fan..................... 8W-42-10
Condenser Fan Relay................ 8W-42-10
Data Link Connector............. 8W-42-3, 4, 8
Driver Blend Door Actuator............ 8W-42-5
Engine Control Module.............. 8W-42-7, 9
EVAPorator Temperature Sensor........ 8W-42-4
Fuse 12........................... 8W-42-10
Fuse 16............................ 8W-42-7Component Page
Fuse 36.......................... 8W-42-3, 4
G104............................. 8W-42-10
G107.............................. 8W-42-7
G120.............................. 8W-42-7
G202.......................... 8W-42-2, 3, 4
Heated Mirror Relay............... 8W-42-3, 4
Ignition Switch...................... 8W-42-2
Instrument Cluster................... 8W-42-2
Integrated Power Module....... 8W-42-3, 4, 7, 10
Mode Door Actuator 1............... 8W-42-5, 6
Mode Door Actuator 2............... 8W-42-5, 6
Passenger Blend Door Actuator......... 8W-42-5
Powertrain Control Module........ 8W-42-7, 8, 10
PTCNo.1.......................... 8W-42-7
Recirculation Door Actuator.......... 8W-42-5, 6
DR8W-42 AIR CONDITIONING 8W - 42 - 1

(17) Connect the engine to body ground straps at
the left side of the cowl.
(18) Install the intake manifold.
(19) Install the engine oil dipstick tube.
(20) Install the power brake booster vacuum hose.
(21) Install the breather hoses.
(22) Install the PCV hose.
(23) Install the fuel rail.
(24) Install the coil over plugs.
(25) Connect the engine wiring harness at the fol-
lowing points:
²Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
²Fuel Injectors
²Throttle Position (TPS) Switch
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Engine Oil Pressure Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Coil Over Plugs
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
(26) Reinstall the radiator/cooling module assem-
bly.
(27) Connect lower radiator hose.
(28) Connect upper radiator hose.
(29) Connect throttle and speed control cables.
(30) Install the heater hose assembly.
(31) Install coolant recovery bottle.
(32) Install the power steering pump.
(33) Install the generator.
(34) Install the A/C compressor.
(35) Install the drive belt.
(36) Install the fan shroud with the viscous fan
assembly.
(37) Install the radiator core support bracket.
(38) Install the air cleaner assembly.
(39) Refill the engine cooling system.
(40) Recharge the air conditioning.
(41) Install the hood.
(42) Check and fill engine oil.
(43) Connect the battery negative cable.
(44) Start the engine and check for leaks.SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - 3.7L ENGINE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Type 90É SOHC V6 12 Valve
Number of
Cylinders4
Firing Order 1-6-5-4-3-2
Lead Cylinder No. 1 Left Bank
Compression
Ratio9.1:1
Max. Variation
Between
Cylinders25%
Metric Standard
Displacement 3.7 Liters 226 Cubic
Inches
Bore 93.0 mm 3.66 in.
Stroke 90.8 mm 3.40 in.
Horsepower 210@5200 RPM
Torque 225ft. lbs.@4200 PRM
Compression
Pressure1172-1551 kPa 170-225 psi
CYLINDER BLOCK
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
Bore Diameter 93.0   .0075
mm3.6619   0.0003
in.
Out of Round
(MAX)0.076 mm 0.003 in.
Taper (MAX) 0.051 mm 0.002 in.
9 - 12 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove air cleaner assembly, resonator assem-
bly and air inlet hose.
(3) Drain cooling system, below the level of the
heater hoses(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(4)
Remove accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove air conditioning compressor retaining
bolts and move compressor to the left.
(6) Remove heater hoses.
(7) Disconnect injector and ignition coil connectors.
(8) Disconnect and remove positive crankcase ven-
tilation (PCV) hose.
(9) Remove oil fill tube.
(10) Un-clip injector and ignition coil harness and
move away from cylinder head cover.
(11) Remove right rear breather tube and filter
assembly.
(12) Remove cylinder head cover retaining bolts.
(13) Remove cylinder head cover.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not use harsh cleaners to clean the
cylinder head covers. Severe damage to covers
may occur.
NOTE: The gasket may be used again, provided no
cuts, tears, or deformation has occurred.
(1) Clean cylinder head cover and both sealing sur-
faces. Inspect and replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts and double
ended studs to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs).
(3) Install right rear breather tube and filter
assembly.
(4) Connect injector, ignition coil electrical connec-
tors and harness retaining clips.
(5) Install the oil fill tube.
(6) Install PCV hose.
(7) Install heater hoses.
(8) Install air conditioning compressor retaining
bolts.
(9) Install accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(10) Fill Cooling system(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Install air cleaner assembly, resonator assem-
bly and air inlet hose.
(12) Connect battery negative cable.
ROCKER ARM
DESCRIPTION
The rocker arms are steel stampings with an inte-
gral roller bearing. The rocker arms incorporate a 2.8
mm (0.11 inch) oil hole in the lash adjuster socket for
roller and camshaft lubrication.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Disconnect the battery negative cable to pre-
vent accidental starter engagement.
(1) Remove the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) For rocker arm removal on cylinder No. 4,
Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at BDC
intake stroke.
(3) For rocker arm removal on cylinder No. 1,
Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at BDC
combustion stroke.
(4) For rocker arm removal on cylinders No. 3 and
No. 5, Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at
TDC exhaust stroke.
(5) For rocker arm removal on cylinders No. 2 and
No. 6, Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at
TDC ignition stroke.
(6) Using special tool 8516 Rocker Arm Remover,
press downward on the valve spring, remove rocker
arm (Fig. 28).
Fig. 28 Rocker Arm - Removal
1 - CAMSHAFT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8516
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 37

(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water (spray bottle) at
the suspected leak area.
(3) If engine RPM'S change, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove resonator assembly and air inlet hose.
(3) Disconnect throttle and speed control cables.
(4) Disconnect electrical connectors for the follow-
ing components: Refer to FUEL SYSTEM for compo-
nent locations.
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
²Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
²Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor
²Coolant Temperature (CTS) Sensor
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
(5) Disconnect vapor purge hose, brake booster
hose, speed control servo hose, positive crankcase
ventilation (PCV) hose.
(6) Disconnect generator electrical connections.
(7) Disconnect air conditioning compressor electri-
cal connections.
(8) Disconnect left and right radio suppressor
straps.
(9) Disconnect and remove ignition coil towers.
(10) Remove top oil dipstick tube retaining bolt
and ground strap.
(11) Bleed fuel system (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(12) Remove fuel rail.
(13) Remove throttle body assembly and mounting
bracket.
(14) Drain cooling system below coolant tempera-
ture level (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(15) Remove the heater hoses from the engine
front cover and the heater core.
(16) Unclip and remove heater hoses and tubes
from intake manifold.
(17) Remove coolant temperature sensor (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINE COOLANT TEMP
SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(18) Remove intake manifold retaining fasteners in
reverse order of tightening sequence.
(19) Remove intake manifold.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install intake manifold gaskets.
(2) Install intake manifold.
(3) Install intake manifold retaining bolts and
tighten in sequence shown in to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.)
(Fig. 89).(4) Install left and right radio suppressor straps.
(5) Install throttle body assembly.
(6) Connect throttle cable and speed control cable
to throttle body.
(7) Install fuel rail.
(8) Install ignition coil towers.
(9) Position and install heater hoses and tubes
onto intake manifold.
(10) Install the heater hoses to the heater core and
engine front cover.
(11) Connect electrical connectors for the following
components:
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
²Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
²Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor
²Coolant Temperature (CTS) Sensor
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Ignition coil towers
²Fuel injectors
(12) Install top oil dipstick tube retaining bolt and
ground strap.
(13) Connect generator electrical connections.
(14) Connect Vapor purge hose, Brake booster
hose, Speed control servo hose, Positive crankcase
ventilation (PCV) hose.
(15) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) Install resonator assembly and air inlet hose.
(17) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 89 Intake Manifold Tightening Sequence
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 73
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)

IDLER SHAFT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the primary and secondary timing
chains and sprockets. Refer to procedure in this sec-
tion.
NOTE: To remove the idler shaft, it is necessary to
tap threads into the shaft, to install the removal
tool.
(2) Using a 12 mm X 1.75 tap, cut threads in the
idler shaft center bore.
(3) Cover the radiator core with a suitable cover.
CAUTION: Use care when removing the idler shaft,
Do not strike the radiator cooling fins with the slide
hammer.
(4) Using Special Tool 8517 Slide Hammer, remove
the idler shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean the idler shaft bore.
(2) Position the idler shaft in the bore.
NOTE: The two lubrication holes in the idler shaft
do not require any special alignment.
NOTE: Before using the retaining bolt to install the
idler shaft, coat the threads and the pilot on the
idler shaft, with clean engine oil.
(3) Using the primary idler sprocket retaining bolt
and washer, carefully draw the idler shaft into the
bore until fully seated.
(4) Coat the idler shaft with clean engine oil.
(5) Install the timing chains and sprockets. Refer
to procedure in this section.
TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove electric cooling fan and fan shroud
assembly.
(4) Remove fan and fan drive assembly (Refer to 7
- COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect both heater hoses at timing cover.
(6) Disconnect lower radiator hose at engine.(7) Remove accessory drive belt tensioner assembly
(Fig. 103).
(8) Remove crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove A/C compressor (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: The 3.7L engine uses an anerobic sealer
instead of a gasket to seal the front cover to the
engine block, from the factory. For service, MoparT
Engine RTV sealant must be substituted.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the water
pump for timing cover removal.
(11) Remove the bolts holding the timing cover to
engine block (Fig. 104).
(12) Remove the timing cover.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not use oil based liquids to clean tim-
ing cover or block surfaces. Use only rubbing alco-
hol, along with plastic or wooden scrapers. Use no
wire brushes or abrasive wheels or metal scrapers,
or damage to surfaces could result.
Fig. 103 ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT TENSIONER
1 - TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
2 - FASTENER TENSIONER TO FRONT COVER
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 81