1998 DODGE RAM 1500 check engine

FUEL FILTER / WATER
SEPARATOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel filter/water separator assembly is located
on left side of engine above the starter motor. The
assembly also includes the fuel heater, Water-In-Fuel
(WIF) sensor, and fuel transfer pump.
OPERATION
The fuel filter/water separator protects the fuel
injection pump by removing water and contaminants
from the fuel. The construction of the filter/separator
allows fuel to pass through it, but helps prevent
moisture (water) from doing so. Moisture collects at
the bottom of the canister.
Refer to the maintenance schedules in the owners
manual for the recommended fuel filter replacement
intervals.
For draining of water from canister, refer to Fuel
Filter/Water Separator Removal/Installation section.
A Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is attached to the
side of fuel filter housing. Refer to Water-In-Fuel
Sensor Description/Operation.
The fuel heater is installed into the top of the fil-
ter/separator housing. Refer to Fuel Heater Descrip-
tion/Operation.
REMOVAL
Refer to maintenance schedules in this manual, or
the owners manual for recommended fuel filter
replacement intervals.
Draining water from fuel filter/water separa-
tor housing:
The housing drain valve (Fig. 3) serves two pur-
poses. One is topartiallythe drain filter housing of
excess water. The other is tocompletelythe drain
housing for fuel filter, drain valve, heater element, ,
water-in-fuel sensor replacement or transfer pump
replacement.
The filter housing should be partially drained
whenever the water-in-fuel warning lamp remains
illuminated. (Note that lamp will be illuminated for
approximately two seconds when ignition key is ini-
tially placed in ON position for a bulb check).(1) A drain hose (Fig. 3) is located at the bottom of
drain valve. Place drain pan under drain hose.
(2)With engine not running,rotate drain valve
handle counter-clockwise (rearward) to OPEN
(DRAIN) position. Hold drain valve open until all
water and contaminants have been removed and
clean fuel exits.
(3) If drain valve, fuel heater element or Water-In-
Fuel (WIF) sensor is being replaced, drain housing
completely. Dispose of mixture in drain pan according
to applicable regulations.
(4) After draining operation, rotate valve handle
clockwise (forward) to the CLOSE position.
(5)Fuel Filter Replacement:The fuel filter is
located inside of the fuel filter housing.
(a) Clean all debris from around canister.
(b) Remove filter lid (Fig. 4) using a socket.
Attach socket to large hex on top of lid (Fig. 4).
Rotate counter-clockwise for removal. Remove
o-ring. Discard o-ring.
(c) Remove filter element by twisting element
sideways from filter lid.
(6)Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor Replacement:
The WIF sensor is located on the side of the fuel fil-
ter housing (Fig. 3).
(a) Disconnect electrical connector at sensor.
(b) Clean area around sensor.
(c) Remove sensor by rotating counter-clockwise.
(d) Check condition of sensor o-ring. Replace if
damaged.
(7)Fuel Heater Element Replacement:The
heater element is located in the fuel filter housing
(Fig. 3).
(a) Remove fuel filter. See previous steps.
(b) Disconnect electrical connector.
(c) Remove two T-15 Torx head mounting screws
from fuel heater element.
(d) Remove fuel heater.
(8)Drain Valve Replacement:The drain valve
assembly is located on the side of the fuel filter hous-
ing (Fig. 3).
(a) Disconnect drain hose from the fuel drain
valve.
(b) Remove 4 drain valve mounting screws (T-15
Torx head).
(c) Remove drain valve from filter housing.
INSTALLATION
Refer to maintenance schedules for recommended
fuel filter replacement intervals.
(1) Thoroughly clean inside of filter housing, filter
cap and all related components.
(2)Fuel Filter:
(a)The engine has a self-priming low-pres-
sure fuel system. Refer to Standard Proce-
dures-Fuel System Priming.
ENGINE ROTATING (BARRING) TOOL - #7471B
(ALSO PART OF KIT #6860)
14 - 50 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL (Continued)

(b) Install new o-ring to canister lid and lubri-
cate o-ring with clean engine oil.
(c) Position new element to canister lid. Place
this assembly into canister by rotating clockwise.
(d) Tighten cap to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque. Do
not overtighten cap.
(3)Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor:
(a) Install new o-ring seal to WIF sensor.
(b) Apply a light film of clean oil to o-ring seal.
(c) Install sensor into housing.
(d) Tighten sensor to 2.5 N´m (25 in. lbs.) torque.
(e) Connect electrical connector to WIF sensor.
(4)Fuel Heater Element:
(a) Install fuel heater into fuel filter housing.
(b) Install fuel heater thermostat into fuel filter
housing.
(c) Install fuel heater mounting screws and
tighten to 1-1.5 N´m (13 in. lbs.) torque.
(d) Connect electrical connector to fuel heater
thermostat.
(e) Install new filter cover O-ring onto fuel filter
housing cover and lubricate with clean engine oil.
(f) Tighten fuel filter housing cover (lid) to 34
N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(5)Drain Valve:
(a) Install 2 new o-rings to valve and filter hous-
ing.
(b) Lubricate with silicon grease.
(c) Install fuel drain valve.
(d) Install 4 mounting screws and tighten to
1±1.5 N´m (8±13 in. lbs.) torque.
(e) Connect drain hose to drain valve.
(6) Start engine and check for leaks.
FUEL HEATER
DESCRIPTION
The fuel heater assembly is located on the side of
the fuel filter housing (Fig. 3).
The heater/element assembly is equipped with a
temperature sensor (thermostat) that senses fuel
temperature. This sensor is attached to the fuel heat-
er/element assembly.
OPERATION
The fuel heater is used to prevent diesel fuel from
waxing during cold weather operation.
When the temperature is below 45  8 degrees F,
the temperature sensor allows current to flow to the
heater element warming the fuel. When the temper-
ature is above 75  8 degrees F, the sensor stops cur-
rent flow to the heater element.
Battery voltage to operate the fuel heater element
is supplied from the ignition switch and through the
fuel heater relay. Also refer to Fuel Heater Relay.
Fig. 3 FILTER HOUSING
1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - FUEL HEATER AND THERMOSTAT
3 - FUEL HEATER MOUNTING SCREWS
4 - FUEL HEATER ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - WIF SENSOR
6 - WIF SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR
7 - DRAIN HOSE
8 - DRAIN VALVE MOUNTING SCREWS
9 - DRAIN VALVE
Fig. 4 FILTER COVER (LID)
1 - FILTER COVER
2 - ATTACH SOCKET HERE
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 51
FUEL FILTER / WATER SEPARATOR (Continued)

The fuel heater element and fuel heater relay
are not computer controlled.
The heater element operates on 12 volts, 300 watts
at 0 degrees F.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL HEATER
The fuel heater is used to prevent diesel fuel from
waxing during cold weather operation.
NOTE: The fuel heater element, fuel heater relay
and fuel heater temperature sensor are not con-
trolled by the Engine Control Module (ECM).
A malfunctioning fuel heater can cause a wax
build-up in the fuel filter/water separator. Wax
build-up in the filter/separator can cause engine
starting problems and prevent the engine from rev-
ving up. It can also cause blue or white fog-like
exhaust. If the heater is not operating in cold tem-
peratures, the engine may not operate due to fuel
waxing.
The fuel heater assembly is located on the side of
fuel filter housing.
The heater assembly is equipped with a built-in
fuel temperature sensor (thermostat) that senses fuel
temperature. When fuel temperature drops below 45
degrees   8 degrees F, the sensor allows current to
flow to built-in heater element to warm fuel. When
fuel temperature rises above 75 degrees   8 degrees
F, the sensor stops current flow to heater element
(circuit is open).
Voltage to operate fuel heater element is supplied
from ignition switch, through fuel heater relay (also
refer to Fuel Heater Relay), to fuel temperature sen-
sor and on to fuel heater element.
The heater element operates on 12 volts, 300 watts
at 0 degrees F. As temperature increases, power
requirements decrease.
A minimum of 7 volts is required to operate the
fuel heater. The resistance value of the heater ele-
ment is less than 1 ohm (cold) and up to 1000 ohms
warm.
TESTING
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from thermostat
(Fig. 3).
Ambient temperature must be below the circuit
close temperature. If necessary, induce this ambient
temperature by placing ice packs on thermostat to
produce an effective ambient temperature below cir-
cuit close temperature.
Measure resistance across two pins. Operating
range is 0.3 Ð 0.45 Ohms.
(2) If resistance is out of range, remove thermostat
and check resistance across terminal connections of
heater. The heater can be checked at room tempera-
ture. Operating range is 0.3 - 0.45 Ohms.(3) Replace heater if resistance is not within oper-
ating range.
(4) If heater is within operating range, replace
heater thermostat.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
The fuel heater/element/sensor assembly is located
inside of the fuel filter housing. Refer to Fuel Filter/
Water Separator Removal/Installation for procedures.
FUEL HEATER RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The fuel heater relay is located in Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) (Fig. 5). Refer to label on inside of
PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
Battery voltage to operate the fuel heater element
is supplied from the ignition switch through the fuel
heater relay.The fuel heater element and fuel
heater relay are not computer controlled.
REMOVAL
The fuel heater relay is located in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) (Fig. 6). Refer to label under
PDC cover for relay location.
(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
Fig. 5 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER LOCATION
1 - CLIP
2 - BATTERY
3 - TRAY
4 - NEGATIVE CABLE
5 - POSITIVE CABLE
6 - CLIP
7 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
8 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
14 - 52 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL HEATER (Continued)

(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
The fuel heater relay is located in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) (Fig. 6). Refer to label under
PDC cover for relay location.
(1) Install relay to PDC.
(2) Install cover to PDC.
FUEL INJECTION PUMP
DESCRIPTION
A Robert Bosch high-pressure fuel injection pump
is used. The pump is attached to the back of the tim-
ing gear cover at the left / rear side of the engine.
OPERATION
The fuel injection pump supplies high pressure to
the fuel rail independent of engine speed. This high
pressure is then accumulated in the fuel rail. High
pressure fuel is constantly supplied to the injectors
by the fuel rail. The Engine Control Module (ECM)
controls the fueling and timing of the engine by actu-
ating the injectors.
Fuel enters the system from the electric fuel trans-
fer (lift) pump, which is attached to the fuel filter
assembly. Fuel is forced through the fuel filter ele-
ment and then enters the Fuel Pump/Gear Pump,
which is attached to the rear of the fuel injection
pump. The Fuel Pump/Gear Pump is a low-pressure
pump and produce pressures ranging from 551.5 kpa
(80 psi) to 1241 kpa (180) psi. Fuel then enters the
fuel injection pump. Low pressure fuel is then sup-
plied to the FCA (Fuel Control Actuator).
The FCA is an electronically controlled solenoid
valve. The ECM controls the amount of fuel that
enters the high-pressure pumping chambers by open-
ing and closing the FCA based on a demanded fuel
pressure. The FPS (Fuel Pressure Sensor) on the fuel
rail provides the actual fuel pressure. When the
actuator is opened, the maximum amount of fuel is
being supplied to the fuel injection pump. Any fuel
that does not enter the injection pump is directed to
the cascade overflow valve. The cascade overflow
valve regulates how much excess fuel is used for
lubrication of the pump and how much is returned to
the tank through the drain manifold.
Fuel entering the injection pump is pressurized to
between 300-1600 bar (4351-23206 psi) by three
radial pumping chambers. The pressurized fuel is
then supplied to the fuel rail.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL INJECTION
PUMP TIMING
With the Bosch injection pump, there are no
mechanical adjustments needed or necessary to
accomplish fuel injection timing. All timing and fuel
adjustments are electrically made by the engine
mounted Engine Control Module (ECM).
Fig. 6 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER LOCATION
1 - CLIP
2 - BATTERY
3 - TRAY
4 - NEGATIVE CABLE
5 - POSITIVE CABLE
6 - CLIP
7 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
8 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 53
FUEL HEATER RELAY (Continued)

This will ensure proper gear-to-shaft tighten-
ing.
(5) Clean pump gear and pump shaft at machined
tapers with an evaporative type cleaner such as
brake cleaner.
(6) Position injection pump to mounting flange on
gear housing while aligning injection pump shaft
through back of injection pump gear.
(7) After pump is positioned flat to mounting
flange, install 3 pump mounting nuts and tighten
finger tight only.Do not attempt a final tightening
at this time.Do not attempt to tighten (pull)
pump to gear housing using mounting nuts.
Damage to pump or gear cover may occur. The
pump must be positioned flat to its mounting
flange before attempting to tighten 3 mounting
nuts.
(8) To prevent damage or cracking of components,
install and tighten nuts in the following sequence:
(a) Install injection pump shaft washer and nut
to pump shaft. Tighten nutfinger tight only.
(b) Do preliminary (light) tightening of injection
pump shaft nut.
(c) Tighten 3 injection pump mounting nuts to
24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).(d) Do a final tightening of pump shaft nut to
105 N´m (77 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install drive gear access cover (plate) using a
3/8º drive ratchet. Plate is threaded to timing gear
cover. Tighten to 8 N´m (71 in. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install fuel line (injection pump-to-pressure
limiting valve). Tighten bolts to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(11) Install fuel line (injection pump-to-fuel rail).
(a) Tighten fitting at fuel pump to 37 N´m (27 ft.
lbs.) torque. Use a back-up wrench.
(b) Tighten fitting at fuel rail to 37 N´m (27 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(12) Install fuel line (injection pump-to-fuel filter
housing). Tighten to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Connect Fuel Control Actuator (FCA) electri-
cal connector to rear of injection pump.
(14) Install intake manifold air intake tube (above
injection pump). Tighten clamps.
(15) Install accessory drive belt.
(16) Install cooling fan shroud.
(17) Install cooling fan assembly.
(18) Connect both negative battery cables to both
batteries.
(19) Check system for fuel or engine oil leaks.
Fig. 12 FUEL INJECTION PUMP REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - PUMP DRIVE GEAR NUT
2 - WASHER
3 - PUMP DRIVE GEAR
4 - RUBBER O-RING
5 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP6 - PUMP MOUNTING NUTS (3)
7 - PUMP MOUNTING STUDS (3)
8 - O-RING MACHINED GROOVE
9 - FRONT TIMING GEAR HOUSING
14 - 56 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL INJECTION PUMP (Continued)

WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
INSPECTING FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS.
INSPECT FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH
A SHEET OF CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION
PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF
CONTACT IS MADE WITH THE SKIN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HIGH-PRESSURE
FUEL LINE LEAKS
High-pressure fuel line leaks can cause starting
problems and poor engine performance.
WARNING: DUE TO EXTREME FUEL PRESSURES
OF UP TO 160,000 kPa (23,206 PSI), USE EXTREME
CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING FOR HIGH-PRES-
SURE FUEL LEAKS. DO NOT GET YOUR HAND OR
A FINGER NEAR A SUSPECTED LEAK. INSPECT
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH A SHEET
OF CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION PRES-
SURE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF CON-
TACT IS MADE WITH THE SKIN.
Start the engine. Move the cardboard (Fig. 13) over
the suspected high-pressure fuel line leak, and check
for fuel spray onto the cardboard. If line is leaking,
retorque line. Replace damaged, restricted or leaking
high-pressure fuel lines with the correct replacement
line.
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines must be
clamped securely in place in the holders. The lines
cannot contact each other or other components. Do
not attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to
repair lines that are damaged. Only use the recom-
mended lines when replacement of high-pressure
fuel line is necessary.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
(1) Disconnect both negative battery cables from
both batteries. Cover and isolate ends of cables.(2) Thoroughly clean fuel lines at both ends.
(3) If removing fuel line at either #1 or #2 cylinder,
the intake manifold air heater elements must first be
removed from top of intake manifold. Refer to Intake
Air Heater Removal / Installation for procedures.
(4) If removing fuel line at #6 cylinder, a bracket
(Fig. 14) is located above fuel line connection at cyl-
inder head. Two bolts secure this bracket to rear of
cylinder head. The upper bolt hole is slotted. Loosen
(but do not remove) these 2 bracket bolts. Tilt
bracket down to gain access to #6 fuel line connec-
tion.
(5) Remove engine lift bracket (if necessary).
(6) Remove necessary insulated fuel line support
clamps (Fig. 15) and bracket bolts at intake manifold.
DO NOT remove insulators from fuel lines.
(7) Place shop towels around fuel lines at fuel rail
and injectors. If possible, do not allow fuel to drip
down side of engine.
CAUTION: WHEN LOOSENING OR TIGHTENING
HIGH-PRESSURE LINES ATTACHED TO A SEPA-
RATE FITTING (Fig. 16) , USE A BACK-UP WRENCH
ON FITTING. DO NOT ALLOW FITTING TO ROTATE.
DAMAGE TO BOTH FUEL LINE AND FITTING WILL
RESULT.
(8) Carefully remove each fuel line from engine.
Note position of each while removing.Do not bend
lines while removing.
Fig. 13 TYPICAL TEST FOR LEAKS USING
CARDBOARD
1 - HIGH-PRESSURE LINE
2 - CARDBOARD
3 - TYPICAL HIGH-PRESSURE FITTING
14 - 58 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL LINES (Continued)

INSTALLATION
All high-pressure fuel lines are of the same length
and inside diameter. Correct high-pressure fuel line
usage and installation is critical to smooth engine
operation.
CAUTION: Anytime a high-pressure line is removed
from the engine, its fuel connector nut at the cylin-
der head must first be retorqued. Refer to Torque
Specifications.
(1) Tighten fuel lines at high pressure injector con-
nector. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(2) Position fuel line support clamp(s) to fuel
line(s). Install clamp nuts/bolts and tighten finger
tight.
(3) Position proper fuel line to proper injector on
engine. Tighten fittings hand tight at both ends of
line.
(4) Tighten fuel lines at fuel rail. Refer to Torque
Specifications.
(5) Tighten clamp/support nuts and bolts. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(6) Install engine lifting bracket and bolt. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(7) If fuel line at either #1 or #2 cylinder has been
replaced, install intake manifold air heater elements
to top of intake manifold. Refer to Intake Air Heater
Removal / Installation for procedures.
(8) If fuel line at #6 cylinder has been replaced, tilt
metal bracket upward and tighten 2 bolts at rear of
cylinder head. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(9) Install remaining fuel line support clamps and
bracket bolts at intake manifold. Refer to Torque
Specifications.
(10) Connect both negative battery cables to both
batteries.
(11) Prime fuel system. Refer to Fuel System
Priming.
(12) Check lines/fittings for leaks.
FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pressure sensor is mounted vertically near
the top/center of the fuel rail.
OPERATION
The fuel pressure sensor monitors actual high-
pressure within the fuel rail. An output signal from
this sensor (relating to fuel pressure) is sent to the
Engine Control Module (ECM).
REMOVAL
The fuel pressure sensor is mounted vertically near
the top/center of the fuel rail (Fig. 17).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at sensor.
(2) Remove sensor from fuel rail.
(3) Inspect sensor sealing ring and its sealing sur-
face.
Fig. 17 FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR/FUEL PRES.
LIMIT. VALVE
1 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
2 - BANJO BOLT
3 - FUEL PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE
4 - FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
5 - TOP OF INTAKE HEATER MANIFOLD
14 - 60 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL LINES (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect fuel pressure sensor sealing surface.
(2) Lubricate sensor threads with clean diesel fuel.
(3) Install sensor into fuel rail.
(4) To prevent leaks, sensormustbe tightened to
prescribed torque. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(6) Start engine and check for fuel leaks.
FUEL PRESSURE LIMITING
VA LV E
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pressure limiting valve is located on the
top of the fuel rail.
OPERATION
Fuel pressure at the fuel rail is monitored by the
fuel rail pressure sensor. If fuel pressure becomes
excessive, the pressure limiting valve opens and
vents excess pressure into the fuel drain circuit.
REMOVAL
The fuel pressure limiting valve is located on the
top of the fuel rail (Fig. 18).
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
(1) Thoroughly clean area at pressure limiting
valve.
(2) Remove banjo bolt (Fig. 18) at banjo fitting.
(3) Remove pressure limiting valve from fuel rail.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure both top of manifold and limiting valve
are clean.
(2) Install valve. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(3) Assemble banjo bolt and new sealing washers
to limiting valve.
(4) Tighten banjo bolt. Refer to Torque Specifica-
tions.
Fig. 18 FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR/FUEL
PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE
1 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
2 - BANJO BOLT
3 - FUEL PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE
4 - FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
5 - TOP OF INTAKE HEATER MANIFOLD
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 61
FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR (Continued)