1998 DODGE RAM 1500 power train control module

(6) Install both negative battery cables to both bat-
teries.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) is not a
separate component. It is actually a voltage regulat-
ing circuit located within the PCM (Powertrain Con-
trol Module) (within the ECM for diesel engines). The
EVR is not serviced separately. If replacement is nec-
essary, the PCM must be replaced.
OPERATION
The amount of direct current produced by the gen-
erator is controlled by EVR circuitry contained
within the PCM. This circuitry is connected in series
with the generators second rotor field terminal and
its ground.Voltage is regulated by cycling the ground path to
control the strength of the rotor magnetic field. The
EVR circuitry monitors system line voltage (B+) and
battery temperature (refer to Battery Temperature
Sensor for more information). It then determines a
target charging voltage. If sensed battery voltage is
0.5 volts or lower than the target voltage, the PCM
grounds the field winding until sensed battery volt-
age is 0.5 volts above target voltage. A circuit in the
PCM cycles the ground side of the generator field up
to 100 times per second (100Hz), but has the capabil-
ity to ground the field control wire 100% of the time
(full field) to achieve the target voltage. If the charg-
ing rate cannot be monitored (limp-in), a duty cycle
of 25% is used by the PCM in order to have some
generator output. Also refer to Charging System
Operation for additional information.
DRCHARGING 8F - 25
GENERATOR (Continued)

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION....3
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER ± 4.7L V-8........4
FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING ± 5.7L
V-8 ENGINE...........................4
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........4
SPARK PLUGS........................4
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....5
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8.....5
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8.....5
IGNITION TIMING......................5
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............5
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............5
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................5
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................14
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................17
REMOVAL.............................19
CLEANING
CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT...........20
INSTALLATION.........................20
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
3.7L V-6 ENGINE
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses a separate ignition coil
for each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to
the cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary
terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark
plugs. A separate electrical connector is used for each
coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 3.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²6 Spark Plugs
²6 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
4.7L V-8 ENGINE
The 4.7L V-8 engine uses a separate ignition coil
for each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to
the cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary
terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 8 spark
plugs. A separate electrical connector is used for each
coil.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 4.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²8 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.7L V-8 ENGINE
For additional information, also refer to Igni-
tion Coil Description and Operation.
The 5.7L V-8 engine is equipped with 16 spark
plugs. Two plugs are used for each cylinder. The 5.7L
is also equipped with 8 separate and independent
ignition coils. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head cover and attaches the coils secondary
output terminal directly to a spark plug using a rub-
ber boot seal. Each coil is also equipped with a sec-
ond output terminal. This second terminal connects a
conventional spark plug cable directly to a spark
plug on the opposite cylinder bank. A separate pri-
mary electrical connector is used for each coil.
Eight conventional spark plug cables are used with
the 5.7L. These cables connect a coil on one cylinder
bank, directly to a spark plug on the opposite cylin-
der bank. The cables are placed and routed in a spe-
cial plastic loom to keep them separated. This loom is
clipped to the intake manifold. To prevent a miss-
match of cables, a corresponding spark plug / coil
number is displayed on each plug cable: 1/6, 2/3, 4/7
and 5/8. These numbers can also be found on the top
of the intake manifold to the right of the throttle
body (Fig. 1).Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The 5.7L engine will not use a conventional distrib-
utor.
The ignition system consists of:
²16 Spark Plugs (2 per cylinder)
²8 Separate, Dual-Secondary Output, Ignition
Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²8 Secondary Ignition Cables
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
Fig. 1 FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING - 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
1 - TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - CYLINDER FIRING ORDER (IGNITION COIL NUMBER)
3 - CORRESPONDING SPARK PLUG NUMBER
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8
PRIMARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8
PRIMARY RESISTANCE @ 21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)
0.558 - 0.682 Ohms
(Plus or Minus 10% @ 70-80É F)
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is not adjustable on any engine.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN
RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements.
The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
The ASD relay will be shut±down, meaning the
12±volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-ac-
tivated by the PCM if:
²the ignition key is left in the ON position. This
is if the engine has not been running for approxi-
mately 1.8 seconds.
²there is a crankshaft position sensor signal to
the PCM that is lower than pre-determined values.
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT
A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM
that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to
connect the oxygen sensor heater element, ignition
coil and fuel injectors to 12 volt + power supply.
This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay
is energized. If the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) does not see 12 volts at this input when the
ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS
The following description of operation and
tests apply only to the Automatic Shutdown
(ASD) and fuel pump relays. The terminals on the
bottom of each relay are numbered. Two different
types of relays may be used, (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 4).
²Terminal number 30 is connected to battery volt-
age. For both the ASD and fuel pump relays, termi-
nal 30 is connected to battery voltage at all times.
²The PCM grounds the coil side of the relay
through terminal number 85.
²Terminal number 86 supplies voltage to the coil
side of the relay.
²When the PCM de-energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal number 87A connects to termi-
nal 30. This is the Off position. In the off position,
voltage is not supplied to the rest of the circuit. Ter-
minal 87A is the center terminal on the relay.
²When the PCM energizes the ASD and fuel
pump relays, terminal 87 connects to terminal 30.
This is the On position. Terminal 87 supplies voltage
to the rest of the circuit.
The following procedure applies to the ASD and
fuel pump relays.
(1) Remove relay from connector before testing.
Fig. 3 TYPE 1 RELAY (ISO MICRO RELAY)
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 5
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
6-cylinder engine is bolted to the right-front side of
the right cylinder head.
4.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V-8 engine is bolted to the right-front side of the
right cylinder head.
5.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.7L
V-8 engine is located below the generator on the tim-
ing chain / case cover on the right/front side of
engine.
5.9L Diesel
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.9L
diesel engine is located below the fuel injection
pump. It is bolted to the back of the timing gear
cover.
OPERATION
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) sensor on the
3.7L V-6 engine contains a hall effect device referred
to as a sync signal generator. A rotating target wheel
(tonewheel) for the CMP is located at the front of the
camshaft for the right cylinder head (Fig. 6). This
sync signal generator detects notches located on a
tonewheel. As the tonewheel rotates, the notches
pass through the sync signal generator. The signal
from the CMP sensor is used in conjunction with the
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) to differentiate
between fuel injection and spark events. It is also
used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their
respective cylinders.
When the leading edge of the tonewheel notch
enters the tip of the CMP, the interruption of mag-
netic field causes the voltage to switch high, result-
ing in a sync signal of approximately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the tonewheel notch
leaves then tip of the CMP, the change of the mag-
netic field causes the sync signal voltage to switch
low to 0 volts.
4.7L V-8
The CMP sensor on the 4.7L engine contains a hall
effect device called a sync signal generator to gener-
ate a fuel sync signal. This sync signal generator
detects notches located on a tonewheel. The tone-wheel is located at the front of the camshaft for the
right cylinder head (Fig. 7). As the tonewheel rotates,
the notches pass through the sync signal generator.
The pattern of the notches (viewed counter-clockwise
from front of engine) is: 1 notch, 2 notches, 3 notches,
3 notches, 2 notches 1 notch, 3 notches and 1 notch.
The signal from the CMP sensor is used in conjunc-
tion with the crankshaft position sensor to differenti-
ate between fuel injection and spark events. It is also
used to synchronize the fuel injectors with their
respective cylinders.
5.7L V-8
The CMP sensor is used in conjunction with the
crankshaft position sensor to differentiate between
fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to syn-
chronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylin-
ders. The sensor generates electrical pulses. These
pulses (signals) are sent to the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM will then determine crank-
shaft position from both the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor.
The tonewheel is located at the front of the cam-
shaft (Fig. 8). As the tonewheel rotates, notches (Fig.
8) pass through the sync signal generator.
When the cam gear is rotating, the sensor will
detect the notches. Input voltage from the sensor to
the PCM will then switch from a low (approximately
0.3 volts) to a high (approximately 5 volts). When the
sensor detects a notch has passed, the input voltage
switches back low to approximately 0.3 volts.
Fig. 6 CMP OPERATION- 3.7L V-6
1 - NOTCHES
2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
3 - CMP
4 - TONEWHEEL (TARGET WHEEL)
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 7

OPERATION
3.7L V-6
Battery voltage is supplied to the 6 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 3.7L V-6 engine.
4.7L V-8
Battery voltage is supplied to the 8 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Fig. 17 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 4.7L V-8
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - COIL MOUNTING STUD/NUT
Fig. 18 IGNITION COIL - 5.7L V-8
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - BOOT TO SPARK PLUG
Fig. 19 IGNITION COIL R/I Ð 5.7L V-8
1 - SLIDE LOCK (SLIDE OUTWARD TO UNLOCK)
2 - SPARK PLUG CABLE (TO OPPOSITE CYLINDER BANK
SPARK PLUG)
3 - RELEASE LOCK / TAB (PUSH HERE)
4 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - IGNITION COIL
6 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
7 - SPARK PLUG CABLE (TO OPPOSITE CYLINDER BANK
IGNITION COIL)
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 4.7L V-8 engine.
5.7L V-8
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
A ªwasted sparkº system is used on the 5.7L
engine combining paired, or dual-firing coils, and 2
spark plugs per cylinder. The coils and spark plugs
are connected with paired, secondary high-voltage
cables.
Each cylinder is equipped with 1 dual-output coil.
Meaning one coil mounts directly over one of the
dual spark plugs for 1 high-voltage output. A second
high-voltage output is supplied directly from the
same coil (using a plug cable) to one of the dual
spark plugs on a corresponding (paired) cylinder on
the opposite cylinder bank.
Each coil fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously on
each of the cylinder banks (one cylinder on compres-
sion stroke and one cylinder on exhaust stroke).
EXAMPLE :When the #1 cylinder is on compression
stroke and ready for spark, the #1 coil will fire one of
the dual spark plugs on the #1 cylinder (directly
below the coil). The other dual spark plug on the #1
cylinder will be fired by the #6 coil. At the same
time, the #1 coil will fire a ªwasted sparkº to one of
the dual spark plugs at the #6 cylinder as coil #6 also
fires a ªwasted sparkº to one of the dual spark plugs
at the #6 cylinder.
The firing order is paired at cylinders 1/6, 2/3, 4/7,
5/8. Basic cylinder firing order is 1±8±4±3±6±5±7±2.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
5.7L V-8 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)²The camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 15). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 16). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
15) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil by
pushing downward on release lock on top of connec-
tor and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 16).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
4.7L V-8
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 15). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 17). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
15) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 17) from
coil by pushing downward on release lock on top of
connector and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 17).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
5.7L V-8
Before removing or disconnecting any spark plug
cables, note their original position. Remove cables
one-at-a-time. To prevent ignition crossfire, spark
plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray (routing
loom) into their original position.
An individual ignition coil (Fig. 18) is used at each
cylinder. The coil mounts to the top of the valve cover
with 2 bolts (Fig. 19). The bottom of the coil is
equipped with a rubber boot to seal the spark plug to
the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The
spring is used for a mechanical contact between the
coil and the top of the spark plug.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Unlock electrical connector (Fig. 19) by moving
slide lock first. Press on release lock (Fig. 19) while
pulling electrical connector from coil.
(3) Disconnect secondary high-voltage cable from
coil with a twisting action.
(4) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(5) Remove 2 mounting bolts (note that mounting
bolts are retained to coil).
(6) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(7) Remove coil from vehicle.
(8) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
4.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Twist coil into position.
(4) Install 2 coil mounting bolts. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) Install cable to coil. To prevent ignition cross-
fire, spark plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray
(routing loom) into their original position. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for a graphic.
(7) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The sensors are used only with 3.7L V-6, 4.7L V-8
and 5.7L V-8 engines. On 3.7L V-6 and 4.7L V-8
engines, the 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cyl-
inder block under the intake manifold.
On 5.7L V-8 engines, 2 knock sensors are also
used. These are bolted into each side of the cylinder
block (outside) under the exhaust manifold.
OPERATION
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8 / 5.7L V-8 Engines Only
Two knock sensors are used; one for each cylinder
bank. When the knock sensor detects a knock in one
of the cylinders on the corresponding bank, it sends
an input signal to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). In response, the PCM retards ignition timing
for all cylinders by a scheduled amount.
8I - 14 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)