1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Ground

(2) Remove the right front wheelhouse splash
shield.
(3) Disconnect the right front fender ground wire.
(4) Remove fasteners from grid heater relay
bracket.
(5) Remove air box.
(6) Remove the remaining battery tray retaining
bolts (Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
LEFT SIDE
(1) Position the battery tray assembly and install
the retaining bolts.
(2) Connect the left front fender ground wire.
(3) Install the purge solenoid on its mounting
bracket.
(4) Install the battery temperature sensor in the
battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Install the cruise servo (if equipped) and
retaining screws.
(6) Install the left front wheelhouse splash shield
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LF WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the anti-lock brake controller (if
equipped).
(8) Connect the wire harness retainers on the bat-
tery tray assembly.
(9) Install the integrated power module (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTELLI-
GENT POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLA-
TION).
RIGHT SIDE
(1) Position the battery tray assembly and install
the retaining bolts.
(2) Connect the right front fender ground wire.
(3) Install the air box.
(4) Install the grid heater relay bracket.
(5) Install the right front wheelhouse splash
shield.
(6) Install the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 16 Lower Battery Tray Retaining Bolts
1 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
2 - BATTERY TRAY RETAINING BOLTS
3 - CRUISE CONTROL SERVO
Fig. 17 RIGHT SIDE BATTERY TRAY
8F - 18 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY TRAY (Continued)

CHARGING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM............................19
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS.................20
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - GENERATOR
/ CHARGING SYSTEM..................20
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................24
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Elec-
tronic Control Module (ECM) for diesel engines.
²Ignition switch
²Battery (refer to 8, Battery for information)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped)
²Voltmeter (refer to 8, Instrument Panel and
Gauges for information)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to 8, Wir-
ing Diagrams for information)
OPERATION
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. When the
ASD relay is on, voltage is supplied to the ASD relay
sense circuit at the PCM (ECM Diesel). This voltage
is connected through the PCM (ECM Diesel) and sup-
plied to one of the generator field terminals (Gen.
Source +) at the back of the generator.
The amount of direct current produced by the gen-
erator is controlled by the EVR (field control) cir-
cuitry contained within the PCM (ECM Diesel). This
circuitry is connected in series with the second rotor
field terminal and ground.
A battery temperature sensor, located in the bat-
tery tray housing, is used to sense battery tempera-
ture. This temperature data, along with data from
monitored line voltage, is used by the PCM (ECM
Diesel) to vary the battery charging rate. This isdone by cycling the ground path to control the
strength of the rotor magnetic field. The PCM then
compensates and regulates generator current output
accordingly.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM
(ECM Diesel). Each monitored circuit is assigned a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a
DTC in electronic memory for certain failures it
detects.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors:
charging system voltage,engine coolant tempera-
ture and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition
is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is
done as reminder to check the three gauges. The sig-
nal to activate the lamp is sent via the CCD bus cir-
cuits. The lamp is located on the instrument panel.
Refer to 8, Instrument Panel and Gauges for addi-
tional information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp (if equipped) is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
DRCHARGING 8F - 19

²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test in 8, Battery for more information.
INSPECTION
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module), or ECM
(Diesel) monitors critical input and output circuits of
the charging system, making sure they are opera-
tional. A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned
to each input and output circuit monitored by the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. Some charging
system circuits are checked continuously, and some
are checked only under certain conditions.
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain
Control Module; Electronic Control Modules for more
DTC information. This will include a complete list of
DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.
To perform a complete test of the charging system,
refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual and the DRBtscan tool. Per-
form the following inspections before attaching the
scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to 8, Bat-
tery for procedures.(2) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(3) Inspect all fuses in both the fuseblock and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in
receptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
torque specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in 7, Cooling System.
(6) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to 7, Cooling System for information.
(7) Inspect generator electrical connections at gen-
erator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if
equipped). Also check generator ground wire connec-
tion at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean
and tight. Repair as required.
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS
TYPE PART NUMBER RATED SAE AMPS ENGINES
DENSO 56029700AA 136 3.7L / 4.7L
BOSCH 56041120AC 136 3.7L / 4.7L
DENSO 56028696AA 136 5.7L Gas/5.9L Diesel
BOSCH 56028699AA 136 5.7L Gas/5.9L Diesel
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - GENERATOR /
CHARGING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator Mounting Bolts
- 5.7L41 30 -
Generator Support
Bracket Bolt/Nuts - 5.7L41 30 -
Generator Upper Mounting
Bolt - 5.9L Diesel Engine41 30 -
Generator Vertical
Mounting Bolt - 3.7L / 4.7L
Engines55 40 -
Generator (long)
Horizontal Mounting Bolt -
3.7L / 4.7L Engines55 40 -
8F - 20 CHARGINGDR
CHARGING (Continued)

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator (short)
Horizontal Mounting Bolt -
3.7L / 4.7L Engines74 55 -
Generator B+ Output
Cable Terminal Nut12 - 108
BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is attached
to the battery tray located under the battery.
OPERATION
The BTS is used to determine the battery temper-
ature and control battery charging rate. This temper-
ature data, along with data from monitored line
voltage, is used by the PCM (ECM Diesel) to vary the
battery charging rate. System voltage will be higher
at colder temperatures and is gradually reduced at
warmer temperatures.
The PCM sends 5 volts to the sensor and is
grounded through the sensor return line. As temper-
ature increases, resistance in the sensor decreases
and the detection voltage at the PCM increases.
The BTS is also used for OBD II diagnostics. Cer-
tain faults and OBD II monitors are either enabled
or disabled, depending upon BTS input (for example,
disable purge and enable Leak Detection Pump
(LDP) and O2 sensor heater tests). Most OBD II
monitors are disabled below 20ÉF.
REMOVAL
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery and is attached (snapped into) a
mounting hole on battery tray (Fig. 1).
(1) Remove battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
(2) Pry sensor straight up from battery tray
mounting hole to gain access to electrical connector
(Fig. 1).
(3) Disconnect sensor from engine wire harness
electrical connector.
INSTALLATION
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery and is attached (snapped into) a
mounting hole on battery tray.
(1) Pull electrical connector up through mounting
hole in top of battery tray.
(2) Connect sensor.
(3) Snap sensor into battery tray.(4) Install battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
Fig. 1 BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
LOCATION
1 - BATTERY TEMP. SENSOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - SENSOR ELEC. CONNECT.
4 - BATTERY TRAY
DRCHARGING 8F - 21
CHARGING (Continued)

(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)

STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................27
SPECIFICATIONS
STARTING SYSTEM...................31
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - STARTING
SYSTEM............................32
STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................32REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................34
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................36
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY . 36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
The starting system consists of:
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
Other components to be considered as part of start-
ing system are:
²Battery
²Battery cables
²Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
²Clutch pedal position switch (manual transmis-
sion)
²Park/neutral position switch (automatic trans-
mission)
²Wire harnesses and connections.
The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct operation of
starting/charging systems, all components used in
these 3 systems must perform within specifications.
When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it
is important that you keep their interdependency in
mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere
ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile
rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.Certain starting system components are monitored
by the PCM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC). Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in
Emission Control for a list of codes.
OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes (700
amperes - diesel engine), and a low-amperage control
circuit that operates on less than 20 amperes. The
high-amperage feed circuit components include the
battery, the battery cables, the contact disc portion of
the starter solenoid, and the starter motor. The low-
amperage control circuit components include the igni-
tion switch, the clutch pedal position switch (manual
transmission), the park/neutral position switch (auto-
matic transmission), the starter relay, the electro-
magnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the
connecting wire harness components.
If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmis-
sion, it has a clutch pedal position switch installed in
series between the ignition switch and the coil bat-
tery terminal of the starter relay. This normally open
switch prevents the starter relay from being ener-
gized when the ignition switch is turned to the Start
position, unless the clutch pedal is depressed. This
feature prevents starter motor operation while the
clutch disc and the flywheel are engaged. The starter
relay coil ground terminal is always grounded on
vehicles with a manual transmission.
8F - 26 STARTINGDR

If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, battery voltage is supplied through the low-
amperage control circuit to the coil battery terminal
of the starter relay when the ignition switch is
turned to the Start position. The park/neutral posi-
tion switch is installed in series between the starter
relay coil ground terminal and ground. This normally
open switch prevents the starter relay from being
energized and the starter motor from operating
unless the automatic transmission gear selector is in
the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing the
starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the ignition switch is released to the On
position, the starter relay coil is de-energized. This
causes the relay contacts to open. When the relay
contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger hold-in
coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct starting/
charging system operation, all of the components
involved in these 3 systems must perform within
specifications.
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery, if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits, if required.
3. Starter relay faulty. 3. Refer to Starter Relay in Diagnosis and Testing.
Replace starter relay if required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position
switch faulty.5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
6. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.6. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch. Replace
park/neutral position switch if required.
7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to Starter Motor. Replace starter motor assembly
if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
DRSTARTING 8F - 27
STARTING (Continued)

²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
procedure must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.Note: Cer-
tain diesel equipped models use dual batteries.
If equipped with dual battery system, this pro-
cedure must be performed twice, once for each
battery.
(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery
terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable
connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
this procedure must be performed on driver
side battery only.(4) Connect voltmeter to measure between nega-
tive battery terminal post and a good clean ground
on engine block (Fig. 5). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative bat-
tery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative
battery cable.Note: Certain diesel equipped mod-
els use dual batteries. If equipped with dual
battery system, this procedure must be per-
formed twice, once for each battery.
Fig. 2 TEST BATTERY NEGATIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 4 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
8F - 30 STARTINGDR
STARTING (Continued)