1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Engine control 2

REMOVAL
NOTE:
The water pump on all models can be removed
without discharging the air conditioning system (if
equipped).
The water pump on all gas powered engines is
bolted directly to the engine timing chain case/
cover.
On the 8.0L V-10 engine, a rubber o-ring (instead of
a gasket) is used as a seal between the water pump
and timing chain case/cover.
If water pump is replaced because of bearing/shaft
damage or leaking shaft seal, the mechanical cooling
fan assembly should also be inspected. Inspect for
fatigue cracks, loose blades or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan if
any of these conditions are found. Also check condi-
tion of the thermal viscous fan drive (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean,
drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
(3) Remove windshield washer reservoir tank from
radiator fan shroud.
(4) Remove the four fan shroud mounting bolts at
the radiator (Fig. 51). Do not attempt to remove
shroud from vehicle at this time.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL NUMBER
6094. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with a matching number or letter.
(5) Remove radiator upper hose at radiator.
(6) The thermal viscous fan drive is threaded on to
the water pump hub shaft (Fig. 53). Remove the fan/
fan drive assembly from water pump by turning the
mounting nut counterclockwise (as viewed from
front). Threads on the fan drive areRIGHT-HAND.
A 36 MM fan wrench can be used with Tool 6958
Spanner Wrench and Adapter Pins 8346 (Fig. 52) to
prevent the pulley from rotating.
(7) If water pump is being replaced, do not unbolt
fan blade assembly (Fig. 53) from the thermal control
fan drive.
(8) Remove fan blade/fan drive and fan shroud as
an assembly from vehicle.
After removing fan blade/fan drive assembly,do
notplace the thermal viscous fan drive in the hori-
zontal position. If stored horizontally, the silicone
Fig. 51 Typical Fan Shroud Mounting
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - RADIATOR
3 - BOLTS (4)
4 - FAN SHROUD
Fig. 52 Using Special Tool 6958 Spanner Wrench
and Adapter Pins 8346
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6958 SPANNER WRENCH WITH ADAPTER
PINS 8346
2-FAN
7 - 64 ENGINEDR
WATER PUMP - 8.0L (Continued)

OPERATION
The transmission oil is routed through the main
cooler first, then the auxiliary cooler where addi-
tional heat is removed from the transmission oil
before returning to the transmission. The auxiliary
cooler has an internal thermostat that controls fluid
flow through the cooler. When the transmission fluid
is cold (less then operating temperature), the fluid is
routed through the cooler bypass. When the trans-
mission fluid reaches operating temperatures and
above, the thermostat closes off the bypass allowing
fluid flow through the cooler. The thermostat is ser-
vicable.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - AIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Remove Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
REMOVAL).
(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Disconnect the oil cooler quick-connect fittings
from the transmission lines.
(5) Remove the charge air cooler-to-oil cooler bolt
(Fig. 5).
(6) Remove two mounting nuts.
(7) Remove the oil cooler and line assembly
towards the front of vehicle. Cooler must be rotated
and tilted into position while removing.
REMOVAL - WATER TO OIL COOLER
CAUTION: If a leak should occur in the water-to-oil
cooler mounted to the side of the engine block,
engine coolant may become mixed with transmis-
sion fluid. Transmission fluid may also enter engine
cooling system. Both cooling system and transmis-
sion should be drained and inspected in case of oil
cooler leakage.
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove starter (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(3) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Disconnect coolant lines from cooler.
(5) Disconnect transmission oil lines from cooler.
Plug cooler lines to prevent oil leakage.
(6) Remove cooler bracket to transmission adapter
bolt.
(7) Remove two cooler bracket to block bolts.
(8) Remove cooler assembly from vehicle. (Fig. 6)
Fig. 5 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE
3 - RADIATOR
4 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
5 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
Fig. 6 Transmission Water-To- Oil Cooler - Diesel
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
DRTRANSMISSION 7 - 69
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY - 5.9L DIESEL ONLY
NOTE: The transmission oil cooler uses an internal
thermostat to control transmission oil flow through
the cooler. This thermostat is servicable.
(1) Remove the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the snap ring retaining the thermostat
end plug (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove the end plug, thermostat and spring
from transmission oil cooler (Fig. 7).
ASSEMBLY - 5.9L DIESEL ONLY
(1) Throughly clean the thermostat bore on the
transmission oil cooler.
(2) Install the new spring, thermostat, end plug
and snap ring.
(3) Install the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - AIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Carefully position the oil cooler assembly to the
vehicle.
(2) Install two nuts and one bolt. Tighten to 11
N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect the quick-connect fittings to the trans-
mission cooler lines.
(4) Install Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Start the engine and check all fittings for
leaks.
(6) Check the fluid level in the automatic trans-
mission (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - WATER-TO-AIR COOLER
(1) Position oil cooler on cylinder block.
(2) Install lower mounting bolt to cooler at the cyl-
inder block. Torque bolt to 77 N´m (57 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install upper mounting bolt at the cylinder
block. Torque bolt to 24 N´m (19 ft. lbs.)
(4) Install cooler bracket to transmission adapter
bolt. Tighten to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect transmission oil lines to cooler.
(6) Connect coolant hoses to cooler.
(7) Install starter motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Connect battery negative cables.
(9) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Check transmission oil level and fill as neces-
sary (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 7 Transmission Oil Cooler Thermostat
Removal/Installation
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - SPRING
3 - END PLUG
4 - SNAP RING
5 - THERMOSTAT
7 - 70 TRANSMISSIONDR
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION
GROUND STRAP
DESCRIPTION
Radio noise suppression devices are factory-in-
stalled standard equipment on this vehicle. Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI) and ElectroMagnetic
Interference (EMI) can be produced by any on-board
or external source of electromagnetic energy. These
electromagnetic energy sources can radiate electro-
magnetic signals through the air, or conduct them
through the vehicle electrical system.
When the audio system converts RFI or EMI to an
audible acoustic wave form, it is referred to as radio
noise. This undesirable radio noise is generally man-
ifested in the form of ªbuzzing,º ªhissing,º ªpopping,º
ªclicking,º ªcrackling,º and/or ªwhirringº sounds. In
most cases, RFI and EMI radio noise can be sup-
pressed using a combination of vehicle and compo-
nent grounding, filtering and shielding techniques.
This vehicle is equipped with factory-installed radio
noise suppression devices that were designed to min-
imize exposure to typical sources of RFI and EMI;
thereby, minimizing radio noise complaints.
Factory-installed radio noise suppression is accom-
plished primarily through circuitry or devices that
are integral to the factory-installed radios, audio
power amplifiers and other on-board electrical com-
ponents such as generators, wiper motors, blower
motors, and fuel pumps that have been found to be
potential sources of RFI or EMI. External radio noise
suppression devices that are used on this vehicle to
control RFI or EMI, and can be serviced, include the
following:
²Engine-to-body ground strap- This length of
braided ground strap has an eyelet terminal connec-
tor crimped to each end. One end is secured to the
engine cylinder head(s). The other is secured to the
plenum at the exhaust heat shield forward/outer
attaching stud.
²Resistor-type spark plugs- This type of spark
plug has an internal resistor connected in series
between the spark plug terminal and the center elec-
trode to help reduce the production of electromag-
netic radiation that can result in radio noise.
OPERATION
There are two common strategies that can be used
to suppress Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and
ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) radio noise. The
first suppression strategy involves preventing the
production of RFI and EMI electromagnetic signals
at their sources. The second suppression strategy
involves preventing the reception of RFI and EMIelectromagnetic signals by the audio system compo-
nents.
The use of braided ground straps in key locations
is part of the RFI and EMI prevention strategy.
These ground straps ensure adequate ground paths,
particularly for high current components such as
many of those found in the starting, charging, igni-
tion, engine control and transmission control sys-
tems. An insufficient ground path for any of these
high current components may result in radio noise
caused by induced voltages created as the high cur-
rent seeks alternative ground paths through compo-
nents or circuits intended for use by, or in close
proximity to the audio system components or circuits.
Preventing the reception of RFI and EMI is accom-
plished by ensuring that the audio system compo-
nents are correctly installed in the vehicle. Loose,
corroded or improperly soldered wire harness connec-
tions, improperly routed wiring and inadequate audio
system component grounding can all contribute to
the reception of RFI and EMI. A properly grounded
antenna body and radio chassis, as well as a shielded
antenna coaxial cable with clean and tight connec-
tions will each help reduce the potential for reception
of RFI and EMI.
REMOVAL
BED TO CAB
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the attaching bolts and strap (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10 BED TO CAB GROUND STRAP
1 - BED
2 - CAB
3 - GROUND STRAP
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 9

ENGINE TO HEAT SHIELD - 3.7L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the attaching bolts from the cylinder
heads (Fig. 11).
(3) Remove nut from heat shield and remove strap
(Fig. 12).
ENGINE TO HEAT SHIELD - 4.7L AND 5.7L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the attaching bolts from the cylinder
heads (Fig. 13).
(3) Remove nut from heat shield and remove strap
(Fig. 12).
INSTALLATION
BED TO CAB
(1) Install the ground strap and retaining bolts.
Tighten to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(2) Connect the battery negative cable.
ENGINE TO HEAT SHIELD
(1) Install the retaining nut and ground strap to
the plenum. Tighten to 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the retaining bolt and ground strap to
the engine cylinder heads. Tighten to 12 N´m (106 in.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
REMOTE SWITCHES
DESCRIPTION
A remote radio control switch option is available on
some models. Two rocker-type switches are mounted
on the back (instrument panel side) of the steering
wheel spokes (Fig. 14). The switch on the left spoke
is the seek switch and has seek up, seek down, and
preset station advance functions. The switch on the
right spoke is the volume control switch and has vol-
ume up, and volume down functions. The switch on
the right spoke also includes a ªmodeº control that
allows the driver to sequentially select AM radio, FM
radio, cassette player, CD player or CD changer (if
equipped).
Fig. 11 ENGINE GROUND STRAP - 3.7L
1 - GROUND STRAP
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 12 GROUND STRAP TO HEAT SHIELD
1 - STUD
2 - GROUND STRAP
3 - NUT
Fig. 13 ENGINE GROUND STRAP - 4.7L AND 5.7L
1 - GROUND STRAP
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
8A - 10 AUDIO/VIDEODR
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION GROUND STRAP (Continued)

CHIME/BUZZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME
WARNING SYSTEM.....................3
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A chime warning system is standard factory-in-
stalled equipment on this model. The chime warning
system uses a single chime tone generator that is
integral to the instrument cluster to provide an audi-
ble indication of various vehicle conditions that may
require the attention of the vehicle operator. The
chime warning system includes the following major
components, which are described in further detail
elsewhere in this service information:
²Door Ajar Switch- A door ajar switch is inte-
gral to each door latch. This switch provides an input
to the chime warning system indicating whether the
front doors are open or closed.
²Ignition Switch- A key-in ignition switch is
integral to the ignition switch. The key-in ignition
switch provides an input to the chime warning sys-
tem indicating whether a key is present in the igni-
tion lock cylinder.
²Instrument Cluster- The instrument cluster
contains an integral chime tone generator, integrated
circuitry, a central processing unit and the program-
ming to provide all of the proper chime warning sys-
tem features based upon the monitored inputs. The
instrument cluster circuitry monitors hard-wired
switch inputs, as well as message inputs received
from other vehicle electronic modules on the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network.
²Headlamp Switch- The headlamp switch pro-
vides an input to the chime warning system indicat-
ing when the exterior lamps are turned On or Off.
²Seat Belt Switch- A seat belt switch is inte-
gral to the driver seat belt buckle-half unit. The seat
belt switch provides an input to the chime warning
system indicating whether the driver seat belt is fas-
tened.
Hard wired circuitry connects many of the chime
warning system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained bymany different methods. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
The instrument cluster chime warning system cir-
cuitry and the integral chime tone generator cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If the instrument cluster or
the chime tone generator are damaged or faulty, the
instrument cluster must be replaced.
OPERATION
The chime warning system is designed to provide
an audible output as an indication of various condi-
tions that may require the attention or awareness of
the vehicle operator. The chime warning system com-
ponents operate on battery voltage received through
the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC) so that the system may operate
regardless of the ignition switch position.
The chime warning system provides an audible
warning to the vehicle operator under the following
conditions:
²Air Bag Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the airbag indicator is illuminated for an
airbag system fault condition. The instrument cluster
uses airbag indicator lamp-on and lamp-off message
inputs received from the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus indicating that the airbag
indicator should be illuminated for an airbag system
fault condition.
²Door Ajar Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chimes to
announce that the hard wired inputs from the door
ajar switches and the ignition switch as well as an
engine speed message input received from the PCM
over the PCI data bus indicate that a driver or pas-
senger door is opened with the ignition switch in the
On position and vehicle speed present.
²Engine Coolant Temperature High Warning
(Diesel Engine Only)- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the check gauges indicator is illuminated
for a high or critical engine coolant temperature con-
dition. The instrument cluster uses engine coolant
temperature message inputs received from the diesel
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 1

Engine Control Module (ECM) over the PCI data bus
to illuminate the check gauges indicator for a coolant
temperature high condition.
²Fasten Seat Belt Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On or Start positions to announce that
the hard wired inputs from the seat belt switch and
the ignition switch indicate that the driver side front
seat belt is not fastened. The chimes will continue to
sound for a duration of about six seconds, until the
driver side front seat belt is fastened, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Head/Park Lamps-On Warning- The instru-
ment cluster chime tone generator will generate
repetitive chimes at a slow rate to announce that the
hard wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch,
the ignition switch, and the exterior lighting circuitry
of the headlamp switch indicate that the exterior
lamps are turned On with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the exterior
lamps are turned Off, the driver door is closed, or the
ignition switch is turned to the On position, or the
battery protection time-out expires, whichever occurs
first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch, the
ignition switch, and the key-in ignition circuitry of
the ignition switch indicate that the key is in the
ignition lock cylinder with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the key is
removed from the ignition lock cylinder, the driver
door is closed, or the ignition switch is turned to the
On position, whichever occurs first.
²Low Fuel Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low fuel indicator is illuminated by the
instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
percent tank full message input received from the
PCM over the PCI data bus indicating that there is
less than about one-eighth tank of fuel remaining to
illuminate the low fuel indicator. This chime feature
will only occur once in an ignition cycle.
²Low Oil Pressure Warning (Diesel Engine
Only)- The instrument cluster chime tone generator
will generate repetitive chimes at a fast rate when
the check gauges indicator is illuminated for a low oil
pressure condition. The instrument cluster uses
engine speed and oil pressure message inputs
received from the diesel Engine Control Module
(ECM) over the PCI data bus indicating that theengine is running and that the oil pressure is low to
illuminate the check gauges indicator. The chimes
will continue to sound for five seconds, until the
engine oil pressure message indicates that the oil
pressure is not low, or until the engine speed mes-
sage indicates that the engine is not running, which-
ever occurs first. This chime tone will only occur once
in an ignition cycle.
²Low Wash Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low washer fluid indicator is illuminated by
the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
message input received from the Front Control Mod-
ule (FCM) over the PCI data bus indicating that
washer fluid level is low within the washer reservoir.
This chime feature will only occur once in an ignition
cycle.
²Overspeed Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone to
announce that a vehicle speed message input
received from the PCM over the PCI data bus indi-
cates that the vehicle speed is above a pre-programed
limit.
²Park Brake Reminder- The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate ten repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired input from the park brake switch and a vehicle
speed message input received from the PCM over the
PCI data bus indicates that the park brake is applied
and the vehicle is moving. This chime feature will
repeat each time the input conditions are met.
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System ªCustomer
Learnº Mode Announcement- This chime feature
is only active on vehicles equipped with the optional
Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) and sold in
markets where the optional ªCustomer Learnº pro-
gramming feature is available. The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate one chime to
announce that a status message input received from
the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) over the
PCI data bus indicates that the SKIS is in the ªCus-
tomer Learnº mode, which is used for programming
additional sentry key transponders.
²Transmission Temperature High Warning
(Automatic Transmission only)- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate when the transmission temper-
ature indicator is illuminated for a high or critical
transmission fluid temperature condition. The instru-
ment cluster uses transmission temperature message
inputs received from the Transmission Control Mod-
ule (TCM) over the PCI data bus to illuminate the
indicator for a transmission temperature high condi-
tion.
²Turn Signal On Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERDR
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