1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Electrical

REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 3.7L engine is installed into a water jacket at
front of intake manifold near rear of generator (Fig.
10).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
4.7L V-8
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT)
SENSOR.
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 4.7L V-8 engine is located near the front of the
intake manifold (Fig. 11).(1) Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
ECT sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
5.7L V-8
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.7L engine is located under the air conditioning
compressor (Fig. 12). It is installed into a water
jacket at the front of the cylinder block (Fig. 13).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Remove fan belt. Refer to Accessory Drive in
Cooling section.
(3) Carefully unbolt air conditioning compressor
from front of engine. Do not disconnect any A/C hoses
from compressor. Temporarily support compressor to
gain access to ECT sensor. Refer to Heating and Air
Conditioning section for information.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor
(Fig. 13).
(5) Remove sensor from cylinder block.
Fig. 10 MAP SENSOR / ECT SENSOR - 3.7L V-6
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
4 - FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 11 ECT SENSOR - 4.7L V-8
1 - ECT SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - MAP SENSOR
4 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
DRENGINE 7 - 39
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

5.9L Diesel
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.9L diesel engine is located near the thermostat
housing (Fig. 14).WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
8.0L V-10
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 8.0L V-10 engine is threaded into the thermostat
housing (Fig. 15).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
Fig. 12 ECT LOCATION - 5.7L V-8
1 - TOP OF AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
2 - ECT SENSOR LOCATION
Fig. 13 ECT REMOVE / INSTALL 5.7L V-8
1 - FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
Fig. 14 ECT LOCATION - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
7 - 40 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
4.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
5.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
5.9L Diesel
(1) Install sensor to engine.
(2) Tighten sensor to 18 N´m (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(4) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
8.0L V-10
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT- 5.7L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on the 5.7L gas powered engine is
located behind the thermostat housing at the front of
the intake manifold (Fig. 16).
The thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse pop-
pet choke type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
Fig. 15 ECT SENSOR - 8.0L V-10
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
DRENGINE 7 - 41
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found. Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft
assembly for any related damage due to a viscous
fan drive malfunction.
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH
- 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The electronically controlled viscous fan drive (Fig.
34) and (Fig. 33)is attached to the fan drive pulley
mounted to the engine. The coupling allows the fan
to be driven in a normal manner. The fan speed is
controlled by the electronic control module.
OPERATION
The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the
level of engagement of the electronically controlled
viscous fan clutch by monitoring coolant tempera-
ture, intake manifold temperature, and air condition-
ing status. Based on cooling requirements, the ECMsends a signal to the viscous fan clutch to increase or
decrease the fan speed.
Fan speed is monitored by the ECM. Fan speeds
above or below a calibrated threshold will set a DTC.
Circuit concerns will also set fan clutch DTC's.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRONICALLY
CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
NOISE
NOTE: It is normal for fan noise to be louder (roar-
ing) when:
²Fan duty cycle high. This may occur when ambi-
ent (outside air temperature) is very high.
²Engine loads and temperatures are high such as
when towing a trailer.
²Aggressive engine braking down a steep grade
where transmission temperatures may be high
²Cool silicone fluid within the fan drive unit is
being redistributed back to its normal disengaged
(warm) position. This can occur during the first 15
seconds to one minute after engine start-up on a cold
engine.
Fig. 33 Electronically Controlled Viscous Drive
1 - ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
2 - MOUNTING NUT
3 - WIRING SUPPORT BRACKET
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 34 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive - 5.9L Diesel
Engine
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - BOLT (6)
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
7 - 52 ENGINEDR
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH-GAS ENGINES (Continued)

RADIATOR-3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a aluminum cross-flow design with
horizontal tubes through the radiator core and verti-
cal plastic side tanks (Fig. 38).
This radiator does not contain an internal trans-
mission oil cooler.
OPERATION
The radiator supplies sufficient heat transfer using
the cooling fins interlaced between the horizontal
tubes in the radiator core to cool the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant
is flowing through the cooling system.
(1) Idle engine until operating temperature is
reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the
touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flow-
ing to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO
COVER THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, OPEN
RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS
WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO VENT
TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRES-
SURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE
CAP FROM FILLER NECK.
(2) Drain a small amount of coolant from the radi-
ator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible
through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the
exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cables.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOL-
ANT CAN OCCUR.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
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. 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 and the correct
width.
(3) Remove the hose clamps and hoses from radia-
tor.
(4) Remove the coolant reserve/overflow tank hose
from the radiator filler neck.
(5) Remove the coolant reserve/overflow tank from
the fan shroud (pull straight up). The tank slips into
slots on the fan shroud.
(6) Unclip the power steering hoses from the fan
shroud.
(7) Disconnect the electrical connectors at the
windshield washer reservoir tank and remove the
tank.
(8) Remove the fan shroud mounting bolts and pull
up and out of the radiator tank clips (Fig. 36). Posi-
tion shroud rearward over the fan blades towards
engine.
(9) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines from
the transmission cooler, then plug the transmission
lines and cooler to prevent leakage.
(10) Disconnect the power steering lines from the
power steering cooler, then plug the power steering
lines and cooler to prevent leakage.
Fig. 36 Fan Shroud - Gas Engine
1 - RADIATOR
2 - SCREWS
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - SLIDE MOUNT
7 - 54 ENGINEDR

(11) Remove the two radiator upper mounting
bolts (Fig. 37).
(12) Lift the radiator straight up and out of the
engine compartment. Take care not to damage cool-
ing fins or tubes on the radiator and oil coolers when
removing.
NOTE: The radiator is equipped with one alignment
dowel on the bottom of the outlet tank and one
retaining bracket on the front side of the inlet tank.
Both features have rubber insulators attached to
them that must be present. The alignment dowel fits
into a hole at the bottom of the front end sheet
metal vertical support post and the support bracket
rests on top of the lower radiator closure tube.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, and bro-
ken or missing fittings. Inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the fan shroud over the fan blades
rearward towards engine.
(2) Install the rubber insulators to the lower radi-
ator mounting features (alignment dowel and support
bracket at the lower part of the radiator).
(3) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the alignment dowel into the vertical post bracket.
Position and seat the lower radiator support bracket
onto the lower radiator closure tube.
(4) Install the upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the lower radiator hose and install the
clamp in the proper position.
(6) Connect the power steering hoses to the power
steering oil cooler and install the clamps.
(7) Connect the transmission oil cooler lines to the
transmission oil cooler and install the secondary
latches.
(8) Position the fan shroud into the mounting clips
on the radiator tanks and secure with bolts. Tighten
the bolts to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(9) Secure the power steering hoses into the clip
on the lower fan shroud.
(10) Install the windshield washer reservoir tank
and connect the hose and electrical connector.
(11) Install coolant reserve/overflow container
hose(s) to radiator filler neck and secure properly
with clamps.
(12) Install coolant reserve/overflow container or
degas container to fan shroud and tighten the bolts
to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(13) Connect upper radiator hose and install
clamp.
(14) Install battery negative cable.
(15) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) Operate the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature. Check cooling system fluid
levels.
Fig. 37 Radiator
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER MOUNT
4 - RADIATOR
5 - DRAINCOCK
6 -LOWER MOUNT
DRENGINE 7 - 55
RADIATOR-3.7L/4.7L/5.7L (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)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLOCK WILL NOT KEEP
SET TIME1. Fuse faulty. 1. Check Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the
Integrated Power Module (IPM). Replace fuse, if
required.
2. Radio connector faulty. 2. Check for loose or corroded radio connector.
Repair, if required.
3. Wiring faulty. 3. Check for battery voltage at radio connector.
Repair wiring, if required.
4. Radio ground faulty. 4. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
5. Radio faulty. 5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
POOR RADIO RECEPTION 1. Antenna faulty. 1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA
BODY & CABLE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
2. Radio ground faulty. 2. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
3. Radio noise suppression
faulty.3. Repair or replace ground strap as necessary.
4. Radio faulty. 4. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
NO/POOR TAPE
OPERATION1. Faulty tape. 1. Insert known good tape and test operation.
2. Foreign objects behind
tape door.2. Remove foreign objects and test operation.
3. Dirty cassette tape head. 3. Clean head with Mopar Cassette Head
Cleaner.
4. Faulty tape deck. 4. Exchange or replace radio, if required.
NO COMPACT DISC
OPERATION1. Faulty CD. 1. Insert known good CD and test operation.
2. Foreign material on CD. 2. Clean CD and test operation.
3. Condensation on CD or
optics.3. Allow temperature of vehicle interior to stabilize
and test operation.
4. Faulty CD player. 4. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
AMPLIFIER
DESCRIPTION
The optional Infinity premium speaker system
includes a separate Infinity audio power amplifier.
The amplifier is a six channel unit and is rated at
240 total output watts. The amplifier is located
behind the glove box.
OPERATION
The power amplifier electronically increases the
frequency response of the normal audio signal output
from the radio amplifier in order to improve the
acoustic performance of the speakers. On vehiclesequipped with an amplifier, the amplifier section of
the radio becomes a pre-amplifier.
The amplifier receives audio signal inputs for
speaker channels from the radio, then sends ampli-
fied audio outputs through six separate channels
with dedicated feed and return circuits to the indi-
vidual speakers.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 3
AUDIO (Continued)