1998 DODGE RAM 1500 headlamp

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HEADLAMPS DO NOT
ILLUMINATE1. No voltage to headlamps. 1. Repair open headlamp circuit, refer to
Electrical, Wiring Information.
2. No ground at headlamps. 2. Repair circuit ground, refer to Electrical,
Wiring Information.
3. Broken connector terminal or
wire splice in headlamp circuit.3. Repair connector terminal or wire splice.
4. Faulty or burned out bulb. 4. Replace headlamp bulb(s).
5. Integrated Control Module
malfunction.5. Refer to appropriate Body Control Module
diagnostics.
6. J1850 Bus Communication 6. Verify messages being transmitted by
Instrument Cluster and received by FCM.
7. Front Control Module
Malfunction.7. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
HEADLAMPS ON WITH
IGNITION IN RUN, WITH
HEADLAMP SWITCH
OFF1. Faulty headlamp switch. 1. Replace headlamp switch (review Instrument
Cluster logged faults).
2. Diagnostic tool indicates (4.7 -
5.0V) on headlamp switch input to
Instrument Cluster.2. Inspect and repair terminals, connectors and
open circuits.
3. J1850 Bus Communication. 3. Verify messages being transmitted by
Instrument Cluster and received by FCM.
4. Front Control Module
Malfunction.4. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
FOG LAMP DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE IDLING
OR IGNITION TURNED
OFF.1. Loose or corroded battery
cables.1. Clean and secure battery cable clamps and
posts.
2. Loose or worn generator drive
belt.2. Adjust or replace generator drive belt.
3. Charging system output too low. 3. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging,
4. Battery has insufficient charge. 4. Test battery state-of-charge. Refer to
Electrical, Battery System.
5. Battery is sulfated or shorted. 5. Load test battery. Refer to Electrical, Battery
System.
6. Poor lighting circuit ground. 6. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
FOG LAMP BULBS
BURN OUT
FREQUENTLY1. Charging system output too
high.1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging.
2. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.2. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 5
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE
RUNNING ABOVE IDLE1. Charging system output too low. 1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging.
2. Poor lighting circuit ground. 2. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
3. High resistance in fog lamp
circuit.3. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
FOG LAMPS FLASH
RANDOMLY1. Poor lighting circuit ground. 1. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. Variable resistance in fog lamp
circuit.2. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.4. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
5. Is relay engaging properly? 5. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
6. J1850 Bus Communication. 6. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
FOG LAMPS DO NOT
ILLUMINATE1. Blown fuse for fog lamp. 1. Replace fuse. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. No ground at fog lamps. 2. Repair circuit ground. Refer to Electrical,
Wiring Information.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Broken connector terminal or
wire splice in fog lamp circuit.4. Repair connector terminal or wire splice.
5. Faulty or burned out bulb. 5. Replace bulb.
6. Is relay engaging? 6. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
7. J1850 Bus Communication. 7. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (CANADA ONLY) DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DAYTIME RUNNING
LAMPS DO NOT
OPERATE1. Parking brake engaged. 1. Disengage parking brake.
2. Parking brake circuit shorted
to ground.2. Check cluster telltale, refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
3. Headlamp circuit shorted to
ground.3. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
4. FCM, Instrument Cluster not
programed with Canadian
country code.4. Check country code.
8L - 6 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

(1) Position the front fog lamp relay to the proper
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
(2) Align the front fog lamp relay terminals with
the terminal cavities in the PDC.
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the top of the front
fog lamp relay until the terminals are fully seated in
the PDC.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
HAZARD SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The hazard switch is activated by a push button
located in the multifunction switch on the top of the
steering column between the steering wheel and
instrument cluster.
The hazard warning system allows the vehicle
operator to provide other vehicle operators in the
near proximity an optical indication that the vehicle
is disabled or an obstacle to traffic flow. The hazard
warning system has battery voltage at all times,
regardless of ignition position.
OPERATION
The instrument cluster monitors the multiplexed
multifunction switch operation. When the hazard
warning switch is activated, the instrument cluster
will send a J1850 bus message to the Front Control
Module (FCM), then activate the two turn signal
indicators and audible click in the instrument clus-
ter.
The FCM will then activate the necessary relays in
the Power Distribution Center (PDC) to begin flash-
ing both the front and rear turn signal indicator
lamps.
HEADLAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negitive battery
cable.
(2) Remove the headlamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Seperate the socket from the headlamp unit.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do Not Touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Install the socket into the headlamp unit.
(2) Install the headlamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).(3) Connect the negitive battery cable.
HEADLAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The multiplexed headlamp switch is located on the
instrument panel. The headlamp switch controls the
parking lamps, fog lamps and the headlamps. A sep-
arate switch in the module controls the interior
lamps and instrument cluster illumination. This
switch also contains a rheostat for controlling the
illumination level of the cluster lamps.
OPERATION
The multiplexed headlamp switch has an off, park-
ing lamp, fog lamp and a headlamp on position. High
beams are controlled by the multiplexed multifunc-
tion switch on the steering column. The fog lamps
are illuminated by pulling back on the headlamp
switch knob when in the parking lamp or headlamp
ON position.The headlamp switch cannot be
repaired. It must be replaced.
The Instrument Cluster monitors the headlamp
and multifunction switch operation. When the head-
lamp switch is rotated to the parking lamp or On
position the Instrument Cluster sends a J1850 mes-
sage to the Front Control Module, which is mated to
the power distribution center to become the Inte-
grated Control Module, to illuminate the appropriate
bulbs. When the multifunction switch is activated to
the optical horn or high beam position the Instru-
ment Cluster illuminates the high beam indicator
and sends a J1850 message to the Front Control
Module to illuminate the appropriate bulbs.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
8L - 14 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
FOG LAMP RELAY (Continued)

(2) Remove the left instrument panel bezel. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER
BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the harness connector.
(4) Remove the screws that secure the headlamp
switch to the instrument panel bezel (Fig. 10).
(5) Remove the headlamp switch from the instru-
ment panel bezel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the headlamp switch to the left instru-
ment panel bezal and secure with screws.Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the headlamp switch.
(3) Position the left instrument panel bezal on to
the instrument panel.
(4) Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel (Fig. 10).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
HEADLAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the push pins attaching the seal to the
fender.
(3) Remove the bolts attaching the headlamp unit
to the fender (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove the bulb sockets from the headlamp
unit
(5) Separate headlamp unit from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Install the bulb sockets for the front park/turn
signal and headlamp.
(2) Position headlamp unit in inner fender panel.
Fig. 10 Headlamp Switch Removal
1 - DASH BOARD
2 - HEADLAMP SWITCH
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL BEZAL
Fig. 11 Headlamp - Typical
1 - SEAL
2 - PUSH PIN
3 - SCREW
4 - HEADLAMP UNIT
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 15
HEADLAMP SWITCH (Continued)

(3) Install the bolts attaching headlamp unit to the
fender (Fig. 11).
(4) Align the seal and install the push pins.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
ADJUSTMENTS
Headlamps can be aligned using the screen method
provided in this section.
LAMP ALIGNMENT SCREEN PREPARATION
(1) Position vehicle on a level surface perpendicu-
lar to a flat wall 7.62 meters (25 ft) away from front
of headlamp lens (Fig. 12).
(2) If necessary, tape a line on the floor 7.62
meters (25 ft) away from and parallel to the wall.
(3) Up 1.27 meters (5 feet) from the floor, tape a
line on the wall at the centerline of the vehicle. Sight
along the centerline of the vehicle (from rear of vehi-
cle forward) to verify accuracy of the line placement.
(4) Rock vehicle side-to-side three times to allow
suspension to stabilize.
(5) Jounce front suspension three times by pushing
downward on front bumper and releasing.
(6) Measure the distance from the center of head-
lamp lens to the floor. Transfer measurement to thealignment screen (with tape). Use this line for
up/down adjustment reference.
(7) Measure distance from the centerline of the
vehicle to the center of each headlamp being aligned.
Transfer measurements to screen (with tape) to each
side of vehicle centerline. Use these lines for left/
right adjustment reference.
VEHICLE PREPARATION FOR HEADLAMP
ALIGNMENT
(1) Verify headlamp dimmer switch and high beam
indicator operation.
(2) Correct defective components that could hinder
proper headlamp alignment.
(3) Verify proper tire inflation.
(4) Clean headlamp lenses.
(5) Verify that luggage area is not heavily loaded.
(6) Fuel tank should be FULL. Add 2.94 kg (6.5
lbs.) of weight over the fuel tank for each estimated
gallon of missing fuel.
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
A properly aimed low beam headlamp will project
top edge of high intensity pattern on screen from 50
mm (2 in.) above to 50 mm (2 in.) below headlamp
Fig. 12 Headlamp Alignment Screen - Typical
1 - CENTER OF VEHICLE
2 - CENTER OF HEADLAMP3 - 7.62 METERS (25 FT.)
4 - FRONT OF HEADLAMP
8L - 16 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
HEADLAMP UNIT (Continued)

centerline. The side-to-side outboard edge of high
intensity pattern should be from 150 mm (6 in.) left
to 150 mm (6 in.) right of headlamp centerline (Fig.
12).The preferred headlamp alignment is 1(
down for the up/down adjustment and 0 for the
left/right adjustment.The high beam pattern
should be correct when the low beams are aligned
properly.
To adjust low beam headlamp, rotate vertical align-
ment screw to achieve the specified aim.
LICENSE PLATE LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Grasp license plate bulb socket and 1/4 turn
left to release from the license plate lamp unit.
(3) Pull bulb from license plate lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the bulb in the socket.
(2) Install the socket in to the license plate lamp
unit and 1/4 turn to lock.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the harness connector.
(3) Remove the retaining clip. (Fig. 13).
(4) Separate license plate lamp from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position license plate lamp on the bumper.
(2) Install the clip.
(3) Reconnect the harness connector.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
MARKER LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FENDER MARKER LAMP
(1) Grasp the lens assembly firmly and push it
rearward to remove the lens assembly from the
fender (Fig. 14).
(2) Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise a quar-
ter turn and remove the bulb socket from the lens
assembly.
Fig. 13 License Plate Lamp Panel
1 - REAR BUMPER
2 - WIRING CONNECTOR
3 - CLIP
4 - LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNIT
Fig. 14 Fender Extension And Marker Lamp
Assembly
1 - WIRING HARNESS AND BULB SOCKET
2 - MARKER LAMP LENS ASSEMBLY
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 17
HEADLAMP UNIT (Continued)

REMOVAL - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Remove the two screws that secure the lens
assembly to the tailgate (Fig. 15).
(2) Turn the bulb sockets counterclockwise a quar-
ter turn and remove the bulb sockets from the lens
assembly.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FENDER MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb socket to the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb socket a quarter turn clockwise.
(2) Position the lens assembly against the fender.
Using firm pressure, push the lens assembly into the
fender.
INSTALLATION - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb sockets into the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb sockets a quarter turn clockwise.(2) Position the lens assembly to the tailgate.
Install and tighten the two screws securely.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The multi-function switch is a resistive MUX
switch that is monitored by the Instrument Cluster.
The turn signals are actuated with the lever on
Multi-Function Switch. The signals are automatically
turned off by a canceling cam (two lobes molded to
the back of the clock spring mechanism). The cam
comes in contact with the cancel actuator on the turn
signal (multi-function) switch assembly. Either cam
lobe, pushing on the cancel actuator, returns the
switch to the OFF position.
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The Instrument Cluster monitors the multiplexed
multifunction switch. In a turning event the Instru-
ment Cluster senses a change in the turn signal
lever and illuminates the appropriate turn signal
indicator. At the same time, the Instrument Cluster
will send a J1850 message on the PCI bus to the
Front Control Module (FCM). The FCM will respond
by activating the appropriate relay in the Power Dis-
tribution Center.
A chime will sound after the turn is completed if
vehicle has traveled a distance of approximately 1.0
mile and a speed of 15 mph, with the turn signal ON.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH
To test the turn signal, headlamp beam select and
optical horn portion of the multi-function switch:
(1) Remove the multi-function switch, refer to
Electrical, Lamps/Lighting - Exterior, Multi-Function
Switch, Removal, and Installation.
(2) Using an ohmmeter check the resistance read-
ings between multi-function switch pins. Refer to
Wiring Diagrams for proper pin numbers and the
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS table.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING FUNCTIONS
SWITCH POSITION CONNECTOR PINS RESISTANCE (OHMS)
Off 1 - 2 Open
Headlamp High Beams On 1 - 2 518 - 575
Hazard 3 - 2 115 - 128
Fig. 15 Tailgate Marker Lamp Housing
1 - RETAINING NUT (2)
2 - TAILGATE
3 - WIRING HARNESS AND BULB SOCKET
4 - SCREW (2)
5 - LENS ASSEMBLY
8L - 18 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
MARKER LAMP UNIT (Continued)

PARK LAMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The park lamp relay is located in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) of the vehicle. The park lamp
relay is a conventional International Standards
Organization (ISO) micro relay (Fig. 17). Relays con-
forming to the ISO specifications have common phys-
ical dimensions, current capacities, terminal
patterns, and terminal functions.
The park lamp relay cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The park lamp relay is an electromechanical
switch that uses a low current input from the Front
Control Module (FCM) to control a high current out-
put to the park lamps. The movable common feed
contact point is held against the fixed normally
closed contact point by spring pressure. When the
relay coil is energized, an electromagnetic field is
produced by the coil windings. This electromagnetic
field draws the movable relay contact point away
from the fixed normally closed contact point, and
holds it against the fixed normally open contact
point. When the relay coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns the movable contact point back
against the fixed normally closed contact point. A
resistor is connected in parallel with the relay coil in
the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes and
electromagnetic interference that can be generated as
the electromagnetic field of the relay coil collapses.The park lamp relay terminals are connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a connector in
the Junction Block (JB). The inputs and outputs of
the headlamp low beam relay include:
²Common Feed Terminal- The common feed
terminal (30) is connected to the park lamps through
the park lamp relay output circuit and provides
ground to the park lamps when the relay is de-ener-
gized, and battery current to the park lamps when-
ever the relay is energized.
²Coil Ground Terminal- The coil ground termi-
nal (85) is connected to a control output of the Front
Control Module (FCM) through a park lamp relay
control circuit. The FCM controls park lamp opera-
tion by controlling a ground path through this cir-
cuit.
²Coil Battery Terminal- The coil battery ter-
minal (86) receives battery current at all times from
a fuse in the PDC through a fused B(+) circuit.
²Normally Open Terminal- The normally open
terminal (87) receives battery current at all times
from a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
through a fused B(+) circuit.
²Normally Closed Terminal- The normally
closed terminal (87A) is connected to ground at all
times.
The park lamp relay can be diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PARK LAMP
RELAY
The park lamp relay (Fig. 18) is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the appro-
priate wiring information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Remove the park lamp relay from the PDC.
(2) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
Fig. 17 ISO Micro Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
8L - 20 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR