1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Electrical

(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft
using the marks made in the removal process.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION - 4X4 HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering gear.
(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disable and remove the driver's side air-
bag.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Partially remove the steering wheel bolt and
leave the bolt in the column.
(3) Install puller CJ98-1 or equivalent using the
top of the bolt to push on. (Fig. 21)
(4) Remove and discard the steering wheel bolt.
(5) Remove the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a
new bolt must be used)
(1) Install steering wheel to the column
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification
to ensure proper clockspring operation.
(2) Install the new steering wheel bolt. Tighten the
bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the driver's side air bag. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 20 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
1 - UPPER COUPLING BOOT AND BOLT
2 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
3 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
4 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 21 STEERING WHEEL PULLER
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL CJ98-1
DRCOLUMN 19 - 15
LOWER STEERING COUPLING (Continued)

TILT LEVER KNOB RELEASE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the tilt lever handle.
(2) Remove the steering column opening cover
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lower shroud.
NOTE: Use special care not to pry on the clock-
spring electrical connector when removing or
installing the mounting screw located next to the
clockspring.
(4) Remove the two mounting screws from the tilt
lever knob release bracket (Fig. 22).
(5) Disconnect the electrical harness plastic
mounting tab from the the bracket (Fig. 22).
(6) Unsnap the cable from the bracket (Fig. 23).
(7) Remove the end of the cable from the tilt lever
knob release bracket (Fig. 24).
INSTALLATION
(1) Route the cable into the tilt lever release knob
bracket (Fig. 24).
(2) Snap the cable end into the bracket (Fig. 23).
NOTE: Use special care not to pry on the clock-
spring electrical connector when removing or
installing the mounting screw located next to the
clockspring.
NOTE: New screws should be used when installing
the tilt lever release knob bracket to the column.(3) Install the tilt lever release knob bracket to the
column and install the two new mounting screws
(Fig. 22) Tighten the two new screws to 4.5 N´m (40
in. lbs.).
(4) Install the electrical harness plastic mounting
tab to the bracket (Fig. 22).
(5) Install the lower shroud.
(6) Install the steering column opening cover
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Install the tilt lever handle.
Fig. 22 TILT LEVER KNOB RELEASE BRACKET
1 - TILT LEVER RELEASE KNOB BRACKET
2 - ELECTRICAL HARNESS TAB
3 - MOUNTING SCREWS (2)
Fig. 23 CABLE UNSNAPPED
1 - TILT LEVER RLEASE KNOB BRACKET
2 - TILT LEVER CABLE REMOVAL/INSTALL
Fig. 24 END OF CABLE TO THE TILT LEVER
RELEASE KNOB
1 - TILT LEVER RELEASE KNOB BRACKET
2 - END OF CABLE REMOVAL/INSTALL
19 - 16 COLUMNDR

(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(5) Reconnect the return hose at the reservoir.
(6) Refill the power steering system,(Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
POWER STEERING PRESSURE
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
A pressure sensing switch is used in the power
steering system. It is mounted on the high-pressure
steering hose (Fig. 9). This switch will be used with
both 3.7L and 5.7L engines. There is no pressure
switch used for the 4.7L or the 5.9L pump.
OPERATION
The switch is used on the 3.7L V-6 & 5.7L V-8
engines.
The power steering pressure switch provides an
input to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This
input is provided during periods of high steering
pump load and low engine rpm; such as during park-
ing maneuvers. The PCM increases the idle speed
through the Idle Air Control (IAC) motor. This is
done to prevent the engine from stalling under the
increased load.
When steering pump pressure exceeds 3275 kPa  
690 kPa (475 psi   100 psi), the Normally Closed
(NC) switch will open and the PCM will increase the
engine idle speed. This will prevent the engine from
stalling.
When pump pressure drops to approximately 1379
kPa (200 psi), the switch circuit will re-close and
engine idle speed will return to its previous setting.
REMOVAL - 3.7L & 5.7L
The power steering pressure switch is installed in
the power steering high-pressure hose (Fig. 9).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from power
steering pressure switch.(2) Place a small container or shop towel beneath
switch to collect any excess fluid.
(3) Remove switch. Use back-up wrench on power
steering line to prevent line bending.
INSTALLATION - 3.7L & 5.7L
This switch is used only with the 3.7L V±6 and the
5.7L V-8 engines.
(1) Install power steering switch into power steer-
ing line.
(2) Tighten to 8±11 N´m (70±100 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to switch.
(4) Check power steering fluid and add as neces-
sary.
(5) Start engine and again check power steering
fluid. Add fluid if necessary.
Fig. 9 PRESSURE SWITCH
1 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP HOUSING
3 - POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
4 - RETURN HOSE
5 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WITH PRESSURE SWITCH
19 - 46 PUMPDR
HOSES - LINK/COIL (Continued)

OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING
REMOVAL............................216
INSTALLATION........................216
OUTPUT SHAFT REAR BEARING
REMOVAL............................216
INSTALLATION........................217
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION........................217
OPERATION..........................217
OVERDRIVE UNIT
REMOVAL............................218
DISASSEMBLY........................218
CLEANING...........................225
INSPECTION.........................225
ASSEMBLY...........................226
INSTALLATION........................235
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE
PISTON RETAINER
DESCRIPTION........................236
OPERATION..........................236
DISASSEMBLY........................236
CLEANING...........................236
INSPECTION.........................237
ASSEMBLY...........................237
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION........................239
OPERATION..........................239
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN/OUTPUT SHAFT
DESCRIPTION........................241
OPERATION..........................241
DISASSEMBLY........................242
INSPECTION.........................243
ASSEMBLY...........................244
REAR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION........................247
OPERATION..........................248
DISASSEMBLY........................248
CLEANING...........................248
INSPECTION.........................248
ASSEMBLY...........................249
REAR SERVO
DESCRIPTION........................251
OPERATION..........................251
DISASSEMBLY........................251
CLEANING...........................251
ASSEMBLY...........................251
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION........................252OPERATION..........................252
SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION........................252
OPERATION..........................252
SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................253
OPERATION..........................253
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
DESCRIPTION........................253
ADJUSTMENTS - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE . 254
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION........................255
OPERATION..........................259
REMOVAL............................260
INSTALLATION........................260
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE
DESCRIPTION........................261
OPERATION..........................261
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TORQUE
CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE........261
TOW/HAUL OVERDRIVE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................261
OPERATION..........................262
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OVERDRIVE
ELECTRICAL CONTROLS..............262
REMOVAL............................262
INSTALLATION........................262
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................263
OPERATION..........................263
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSMISSION
RANGE SENSOR (TRS)................264
REMOVAL............................265
INSTALLATION........................266
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................267
OPERATION..........................267
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION........................267
OPERATION..........................272
REMOVAL............................286
DISASSEMBLY........................287
CLEANING...........................298
INSPECTION.........................298
ASSEMBLY...........................299
INSTALLATION........................309
ADJUSTMENTS - VALVE BODY...........310
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 131

valve moves the overdrive piston into contact with
the overdrive clutch. The direct clutch is disengaged
before the overdrive clutch is engaged. The boost
valve provides increased fluid apply pressure to the
overdrive clutch during 3-4 upshifts, and when accel-
erating in fourth gear. The 3-4 accumulator cushions
overdrive clutch engagement to smooth 3-4 upshifts.
The accumulator is charged at the same time as
apply pressure acts against the overdrive piston.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Automatic transmission problems can be a result of
poor engine performance, incorrect fluid level, incor-
rect linkage or cable adjustment, band or hydraulic
control pressure adjustments, hydraulic system mal-
functions or electrical/mechanical component mal-
functions. Begin diagnosis by checking the easily
accessible items such as: fluid level and condition,
linkage adjustments and electrical connections. A
road test will determine if further diagnosis is neces-
sary.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
Two basic procedures are required. One procedure
for vehicles that are drivable and an alternate proce-
dure for disabled vehicles (will not back up or move
forward).
VEHICLE IS DRIVEABLE
(1) Check for transmission fault codes using DRBt
scan tool.
(2) Check fluid level and condition.
(3) Adjust throttle and gearshift linkage if com-
plaint was based on delayed, erratic, or harsh shifts.
(4) Road test and note how transmission upshifts,
downshifts, and engages.
(5) Perform hydraulic pressure test if shift prob-
lems were noted during road test.
(6) Perform air-pressure test to check clutch-band
operation.
VEHICLE IS DISABLED
(1) Check fluid level and condition.
(2) Check for broken or disconnected gearshift or
throttle linkage.
(3) Check for cracked, leaking cooler lines, or loose
or missing pressure-port plugs.
(4) Raise and support vehicle on safety stands,
start engine, shift transmission into gear, and note
following:
(a) If propeller shaft turns but wheels do not,
problem is with differential or axle shafts.
(b) If propeller shaft does not turn and transmis-
sion is noisy, stop engine. Remove oil pan, and
check for debris. If pan is clear, remove transmis-
sion and check for damaged drive plate, converter,
oil pump, or input shaft.
(c) If propeller shaft does not turn and transmis-
sion is not noisy, perform hydraulic-pressure test to
determine if problem is hydraulic or mechanical.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TESTING
Before road testing, be sure the fluid level and con-
trol cable adjustments have been checked and
adjusted if necessary. Verify that diagnostic trouble
codes have been resolved.
Observe engine performance during the road test.
A poorly tuned engine will not allow accurate analy-
sis of transmission operation.
Operate the transmission in all gear ranges. Check
for shift variations and engine flare which indicates
slippage. Note if shifts are harsh, spongy, delayed,
early, or if part throttle downshifts are sensitive.
Slippage indicated by engine flare, usually means
clutch, band or overrunning clutch problems. If the
condition is advanced, an overhaul will be necessary
to restore normal operation.
A slipping clutch or band can often be determined
by comparing which internal units are applied in the
various gear ranges. The Clutch and Band Applica-
tion chart provides a basis for analyzing road test
results.
21 - 140 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn
or damaged.
4. Torque Converter Drain Back (Oil
drains from torque converter into
transmission sump).4. If vehicle moves normally after 5
seconds after shifting into gear, no repair is
necessary. If longer, inspect pump bushing
for wear. Replace pump house.
5. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust band.
6. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 6. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old
fluid were full of clutch disc material and/or
metal particles, overhaul will be necessary.
7. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 7. Remove transmission and replace oil
pump.
8. Governor Circuit and Solenoid
Valve Electrical Fault.8. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
9. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 9. Perform pressure test, remove
transmission and repair as needed.
10. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings
Worn/Broken.10. Remove transmission, remove oil pump
and replace seal rings.
11. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear
Clutch Seal Rings Damaged.11. Remove and disassemble transmission
and repair as necessary.
12. Regulator Valve Stuck. 12. Clean.
13. Cooler Plugged. 13. Transfer case failure can plug cooler.
NO DRIVE RANGE
(REVERSE OK)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Repair or replace linkage components.
3. Rear Clutch Burnt. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission
and rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace
worn or damaged parts as needed.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble valve body.
Replace assembly if any valves or bores
are damaged.
5. Transmission Overrunning Clutch
Broken.5. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace overrunning clutch.
6. Input Shaft Seal Rings Worn/
Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace seal rings and any other worn or
damaged parts.
7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. 7. Remove and repair.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 147
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO DRIVE OR REVERSE
(VEHICLE WILL NOT
MOVE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage
as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. U-Joint/Axle/Transfer Case
Broken.3. Perform preliminary inspection procedure
for vehicle that will not move. Refer to
procedure in diagnosis section.
4. Filter Plugged. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid
contained clutch material or metal particles,
an overhaul may be necessary. Perform
lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler as
necessary.
5. Oil Pump Damaged. 5. Perform pressure test to confirm low
pressure. Replace pump body assembly if
necessary.
6. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 6. Check and inspect valve body. Replace
valve body (as assembly) if any valve or
bore is damaged. Clean and reassemble
correctly if all parts are in good condition.
7. Transmission Internal Component
Damaged.7. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed.
8. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check
Stall Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck.8. Remove, disassemble, repair.
9. Torque Converter Damage. 9. Inspect and replace as required.
SHIFTS DELAYED OR
ERRATIC (SHIFTS ALSO
HARSH AT TIMES)1. Fluid Level Low/High. 1. Correct fluid level and check for leaks if
low.
2. Fluid Filter Clogged. 2. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained
clutch material or metal particles, an
overhaul may be necessary. Perform lube
flow test.
3. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage as described in service
section.
4. Throttle Linkage Binding. 4. Check cable for binding. Check for return
to closed throttle at transmission.
5. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Mis-adjusted.5. Adjust linkage/cable as described in
service section.
6. Clutch or Servo Failure. 6. Remove valve body and air test clutch,
and band servo operation. Disassemble
and repair transmission as needed.
7. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 7. Test using DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
8. Front Band Mis-adjusted. 8. Adjust band.
9. Pump Suction Passage Leak. 9. Check for excessive foam on dipstick
after normal driving. Check for loose pump
bolts, defective gasket. Replace pump
assembly if needed.
21 - 148 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO REVERSE (D RANGES
OK)1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Mis-adjusted/Damaged.1. Repair or replace linkage parts as
needed.
2. Park Sprag Sticking. 2. Replace overdrive annulus gear.
3. Rear Band Mis-adjusted/Worn. 3. Adjust band; replace.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and service valve body. Replace
valve body if any valves or valve bores are
worn or damaged.
5. Rear Servo Malfunction. 5. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn/damaged servo parts as
necessary.
6. Direct Clutch in Overdrive Worn. 6. Disassemble overdrive. Replace worn or
damaged parts.
7. Front Clutch Burnt. 7. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn, damaged clutch parts as
required.
HAS FIRST/REVERSE
ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3
UPSHIFT)1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test using DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Repair stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor
plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band
Damaged/Burned.3. Repair/replace.
MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD
GEAR, ABRUPTLY
DOWNSHIFTS TO LOW1. Valve Body Malfunction. 1. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for
stuck 1-2 valve or governor plug.
NO LOW GEAR (MOVES
IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR
ONLY)1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for
sticking 1-2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve,
governor plug or broken springs.
3. Front Servo Piston Cocked in
Bore.3. Inspect servo and repair as required.
4. Front Band Linkage Malfunction 4. Inspect linkage and look for bind in
linkage.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 149
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)