1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Connectors

²Ohmmeter - Used to check the resistance
between two points of a circuit. Low or no resistance
in a circuit means good continuity.
CAUTION: Most of the electrical components used
in today's vehicles are Solid State. When checking
resistance in these circuits use a meter with a 10 -
megohm or greater impedance rating. In addition,
make sure the power is disconnected from the cir-
cuit. Circuits that are powered up by the vehicle's
electrical system can cause damage to the equip-
ment and provide false readings.
²Probing Tools - These tools are used for probing
terminals in connectors (Fig. 5). Select the proper
size tool from Special Tool Package 6807, and insert
it into the terminal being tested. Use the other end
of the tool to insert the meter probe.
INTERMITTENT AND POOR CONNECTIONS
Most intermittent electrical problems are caused
by faulty electrical connections or wiring. It is also
possible for a sticking component or relay to cause a
problem. Before condemning a component or wiring
assembly, check the following items.
²Connectors are fully seated
²Spread terminals, or terminal push out
²
Terminals in the wiring assembly are fully seated
into the connector/component and locked into position
²Dirt or corrosion on the terminals. Any amount
of corrosion or dirt could cause an intermittent prob-
lem
²Damaged connector/component casing exposing
the item to dirt or moisture
²Wire insulation that has rubbed through causing
a short to ground
²Some or all of the wiring strands broken inside
of the insulation
²Wiring broken inside of the insulation
TROUBLESHOOTING WIRING PROBLEMS
When troubleshooting wiring problems there are
six steps which can aid in the procedure. The steps
are listed and explained below. Always check for non-factory items added to the vehicle before doing any
diagnosis. If the vehicle is equipped with these items,
disconnect them to verify these add-on items are not
the cause of the problem.
(1) Verify the problem.
(2) Verify any related symptoms. Do this by per-
forming operational checks on components that are
in the same circuit. Refer to the wiring diagrams.
(3) Analyze the symptoms. Use the wiring dia-
grams to determine what the circuit is doing, where
the problem most likely is occurring and where the
diagnosis will continue.
(4) Isolate the problem area.
(5) Repair the problem area.
(6) Verify the proper operation. For this step,
check for proper operation of all items on the
repaired circuit. Refer to the wiring diagrams.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE (ESD) SENSITIVE DEVICES
All ESD sensitive components are solid state and a
symbol (Fig. 6) is used to indicate this. When han-
dling any component with this symbol, comply with
the following procedures to reduce the possibility of
electrostatic charge build up on the body and inad-
vertent discharge into the component. If it is not
known whether the part is ESD sensitive, assume
that it is.
(1) Always touch a known good ground before han-
dling the part. This should be repeated while han-
dling the part and more frequently after sliding
across a seat, sitting down from a standing position,
or walking a distance.
(2) Avoid touching electrical terminals of the part,
unless instructed to do so by a written procedure.
(3) When using a voltmeter, be sure to connect the
ground lead first.
(4) Do not remove the part form it's protective
packing until it is time to install the part.
(5) Before removing the part from it's pakage,
ground the pakage to a known good ground on the
vehicle.
Fig. 5 PROBING TOOL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6801
2 - PROBING END
Fig. 6 ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SYMBOL
8W - 01 - 8 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

Component Page
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor........ 8W-30
Mode Door Actuators................... 8W-42
Multi-Function Switch............ 8W-40, 52, 53
Natural Vacuum Leak Detection Assembly . . 8W-30
Output Speed Sensor................... 8W-31
Overhead Map/Reading Lamp......... 8W-44, 49
Oxygen Sensor Downstream Relay........ 8W-30
Oxygen Sensors....................... 8W-30
Park Brake Switch.................... 8W-40
Park Lamp Relay................... 8W-50, 52
Park/Turn Signal Lamps............. 8W-50, 52
Power Mirrors........................ 8W-62
Power Outlets........................ 8W-41
Power Seat Motors.................... 8W-63
Power Seat Switches................... 8W-63
Power Steering Pressure Switch.......... 8W-30
Power Window Circuit Breaker........... 8W-10
Power Window Motors.................. 8W-60
Power Window Switches................ 8W-60
Powertrain Control Module.............. 8W-30
PTCS............................... 8W-10
PTO Switch.......................... 8W-30
Radio............................... 8W-47
Rear Window Defogger Relay............ 8W-48
Recirculation Door Actuator............. 8W-42
Remote Radio Switches................. 8W-47
Seat Belt Pretensioners................. 8W-43
Seat Belt Switch-Driver................ 8W-40
Seat Belt Tensioner Reducer............. 8W-40
Seat Heater Interface Module............ 8W-63
Sentry Key Immobilizer Module.......... 8W-39
Side Impact Sensors................... 8W-43
Speakers............................ 8W-47Component Page
Speed Control Servo................... 8W-33
Speed Control Switches................. 8W-33
Splices.............................. 8W-70
Starter Motor........................ 8W-21
Starter Motor Relay................... 8W-21
Tail/Stop Lamp....................... 8W-52
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps.......... 8W-51, 52
Tail/Turn Lamp....................... 8W-52
Tailgate Lamp........................ 8W-51
Throttle Position Sensor................ 8W-30
Tow/Haul Overdrive Switch........... 8W-30, 31
Trailer Tow Connectors................. 8W-54
Trailer Tow Relays.................... 8W-54
Transfer Case Control Module............ 8W-31
Transfer Case Mode Sensor.............. 8W-31
Transfer Case Selector Switch............ 8W-31
Transfer Case Shift Motor............... 8W-31
Transmission Control Relay............. 8W-31
Transmission Range Sensor.............. 8W-31
Transmission Solenoid Assembly.......... 8W-31
Transmission Solenoid/TRS Assembly...... 8W-31
Underhood Lamp...................... 8W-44
Vacuum Pump........................ 8W-30
Vistronic Fan Drive................. 8W-30, 70
Washer Fluid Level Switch.............. 8W-53
Washer Pump Motor-Front.............. 8W-53
Water In Fuel Sensor.................. 8W-30
Wheel Speed Sensors................... 8W-35
Wiper High/Low Relay................. 8W-53
Wiper Motor-Front.................... 8W-53
Wiper On/Off Relay.................... 8W-53
8W - 02 - 2 8W-02 COMPONENT INDEXDR

8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION
DESCRIPTION..........................1
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE
LOCATION
DESCRIPTION
This section provides illustrations identifying con-
nector, ground, and splice locations in the vehicle.
Connector, ground, and splice indexes are provided.Use the wiring diagrams in each section for connec-
tor, ground, and splice identification. Refer to the
index for the proper figure number. For items that
are not shown in this section N/S is placed in the
Fig. column.
CONNECTORS
CONNECTOR NAME/NUMBER COLOR LOCATION FIG.
4WD Switch (Manual Transfer
Case)BK Near T/O for Backup Lamp Switch 16, 17, 19
A/C Compressor Clutch BK At A/C Compressor 3, 6, 7, 10
A/C Pressure Transducer BK Left Side of A/C Compressor 6, 7, 10
A/C-Heater Control C1 BK Center of Instrument Panel 34, 35, 36
A/C-Heater Control C2 BK Center of Instrument Panel 34, 35
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Under Battery Tray 22, 27
Adjustable Pedal Motor WT Left of Instrument Panel 31
Adjustable Pedal Switch BL Left of Instrument Panel 35, 38
Airbag Control Module C1 YL Lower Center of Instrument Panel 35, 36
Airbag Control Module C2 YL Lower Center of Instrument Panel 44, 46
Airbag Control Module-Left Side
ImpactYL Left B-Pillar 44, 46
Airbag Control Module-Right Side
ImpactYL Right B-Pillar 45, 47
Airbag-Driver Squib 1 YL On Steering Wheel N/S
Airbag-Left Curtain YL Top Left B-Pillar 44, 46
Airbag-Passenger YL Right Front of Instrument Panel 35, 39
Airbag-Right Curtain YL Top Right B-Pillar 45, 47
Ambient Temperature Sensor BK Left Rear of Hood 23, 29
Amplifier Audio C1 GY Top Center of Instrument Panel 35, 39
Amplifier Audio C2 GY Top Center of Instrument Panel 35, 39
Ashtray Lamp Center Stack 35
Automatic Day/Night Mirror (Except
Base)BK Top Center of Windshield N/S
Backup Lamp Switch BK Left Rear of Transmission 12, 13, 17, 19
DR8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION 8W - 91 - 1

INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Integrated Power Module (IPM) (Fig. 1) is a
combination of the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
and the Front Control Module (FCM). The IPM is
located in the engine compartment, next to the bat-
tery on this model. The power distribution center
mates directly with the Front Control Module (FCM)
to form the Integrated Power Module Fuse and Relay
Center. The power distribution center (PDC) is a
printed circuit board based module that contains
fuses and relays, while the front control module con-
tains the electronics controlling the integrated power
module and other functions. This integrated power
module connects directly to the battery positive via a
stud located on top of the unit. The ground connec-
tion is via electrical connectors. The integrated power
module provides the primary means of voltage distri-
bution and protection for the entire vehicle.
The molded plastic integrated power module hous-
ing includes a base and cover. The integrated power
module cover is easily opened or removed for service
access by unscrewing the cover retaining nut and has
a fuse and relay layout map integral to the inside
surface of the cover. This integrated power module
housing base and cover are secured in place via bolts
to the left front fender support assembly.
Replaceable components of the integrated power
module assembly are broken down into the followingcomponents: the Power Distribution Center (PDC),
the integrated power module cover, the Front Control
Module (FCM) and the Integrated Power Module
Assembly which includes the power distribution cen-
ter, the cover and FCM.Refer to the Front Con-
trol Module in the Electronic Control Module
sectionof this service manual for information on the
front control module.
OPERATION
All of the current from the battery and the gener-
ator output enters the integrated power module via a
stud on the top of the module. The integrated power
module cover is removed to access the fuses or relays.
Internal connections of all of the power distribution
center circuits is accomplished by a combination of
bus bars and a printed circuit board. Refer to the
Wiring section of the service manual for complete
integrated power module circuit schematics.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative and positive battery
cables.
(2) Unsnap cover and remove the B+ terminal nut
from the integrated power module B+ terminal.
Remove the B+ cable from the integrated power mod-
ule.
(3) Disconnect the gray connector from the inte-
grated power module.
Fig. 1 DR INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
1 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER HOUSING
2 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 2 DR INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
1 - COVER RETAINING BOLT
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE RETAINING BOLT
3 - RETAINING SCREW
4 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE COVER
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 3

(4) Remove the integrated power module retaining
bolt and screw (Fig. 2).
(5) Grasp the integrated power module with two
hands and slide the assembly in the direction shown
(Fig. 3) to free the module from its mounting bracket.
Position the assembly upside down to access the elec-
trical connectors located on the bottom of the unit.
(6) Disconnect the electrical connectors by depress-
ing the locking tab and rotating the connector arm
outboard, until the connector is free from the module
assembly. Be certain to pull the connectors straight
off.
(7) Position the integrated power module on a
bench and remove the four front control module
retaining screws.
(8) Disconnect the front control module by pulling
it straight off the integrated power module.LLATION
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the front control module by pushing it
straight on the integrated power module electrical
receptacle.
(2) Install the four front control module retaining
screws. Torque to 30 in. lbs. +/-5.
NOTE: Integrated power module electrical connec-
tors are color coded to ease location reference (Fig.
4).
Fig. 3 REMOVING INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
Fig. 4 INTEGRATED POWER MODULE ELECTRICAL
CONNECTIONS
1 - RETAINING LATCH
2 - GRAY CONNECTOR
3 - GREEN CONNECTOR
4 - GREEN CONNECTOR
5 - BLUE CONNECTOR
6 - WHITE CONNECTOR
7 - BLACK CONNECTOR
8 - BLACK CONNECTOR
8W - 97 - 4 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONDR
INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (Continued)

(3) Connect the electrical connectors by pushing
straight on and rotating the connector arm inboard,
until the connector is firmly locked in place on the
module assembly.
(4) Grasp the integrated power module with two
hands and install the assembly on the battery tray
(Fig. 5).
(5) Install the integrated power module retaining
bolt and screw.
(6) Connect the gray connector on the integrated
power module housing.
(7) Install the B+ terminal cable and nut on the
integrated power module B+ terminal. Snap the
cover in place.
(8) Connect the negative and positive battery
cables.
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a micro con-
troller based module located in the left front corner
of the engine compartment. On this model the inte-
grated power module must be positioned aside in
order to access the front control module. The front
control module mates to the power distribution cen-
ter to form the Integrated Power Module (IPM). Theintegrated power module connects directly to the bat-
tery and provides the primary means of circuit pro-
tection and power distribution for all vehicle
electrical systems. The front control module controls
power to some of these vehicle systems electrical and
electromechanical loads based on inputs received
from hard wired switch inputs and data received on
the PCI bus circuit (J1850).
For information on theIntegrated Power Mod-
ule Refer to the Power Distribution Sectionof
the service manual.
OPERATION
As messages are sent over the PCI bus circuit, the
front control module reads these messages and con-
trols power to some of the vehicles electrical systems
by completing the circuit to ground (low side driver)
or completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side
driver). The following functions areControlledby
the Front Control Module:
²Headlamp Power with Voltage Regulation
²Windshield Wiper ªON/OFFº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Wiper ªHI/LOº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Washer Pump Motor
²Fog Lamp Relay Actuation
²Park Lamp Relay Actuation
²Horn Relay Actuation
The following inputs areReceived/Monitoredby
the Front Control Module:
²B+ Connection Detection
²Power Ground
²Ambient Temperature Sensing
²Ignition Switch Run
²Washer Fluid Level Switch
²Windshield Wiper Park Switch
²PCI Bus Circuit
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT CONTROL
MODULE
The front control module is a printed circuit board
based module with a on-board micro-processor. The
front control module interfaces with other electronic
modules in the vehicle via the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus (J1850). In
order to obtain conclusive testing the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network
and all of the electronic modules that provide inputs
to, or receive outputs from the front control module
must be checked. All PCI (J1850) communication
faults must be resolved prior to further diagnosing
any front control module related issues.
The front control module was designed to be diag-
nosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool, such
as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the front control module
Fig. 5 INTEGRATED POWER MODULE MOUNTING
TABS
1 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE MOUNTING HOLES
2 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 5
INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2)
Remove the resonator assemble and air inlet hose.
(3) Disconnect injector connectors and un-clip the
injector harness.
(4) Route injector harness in front of cylinder head
cover.
(5) Disconnect the left side breather tube and
remove the breather tube.
(6) Remove the cylinder head cover mounting bolts
(Fig. 16).
(7) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket.
NOTE: The gasket may be used again, providing no
cuts, tears, or deformation has occurred.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not use harsh cleaners to clean the
cylinder head covers. Severe damage to covers
may occur.
NOTE: The gasket may be used again, provided no
cuts, tears, or deformation has occurred.
(1) Clean cylinder head cover and both sealing sur-
faces. Inspect and replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts and double
ended studs to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).(3) Install left side breather and connect breather
tube.
(4) Connect injector electrical connectors and injec-
tor harness retaining clips.
(5) Install the resonator and air inlet hose.
(6) Connect negative cable to battery.
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES &
SEATS
DESCRIPTION
The valves are made of heat resistant steel and
have chrome plated stems to prevent scuffing. Each
valve is actuated by a roller rocker arm which pivots
on a stationary lash adjuster. All valves use three
bead lock keepers to retain the springs and promote
valve rotation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFACING
NOTE: Valve seats that are worn or burned can be
reworked, provided that correct angle and seat
width are maintained. Otherwise the cylinder head
must be replaced.
NOTE: When refacing valves and valve seats, it is
important that the correct size valve guide pilot be
used for reseating stones. A true and complete sur-
face must be obtained.
(1) Using a suitable dial indicator measure the
center of the valve seat Total run out must not
exceed 0.051 mm (0.002 in).
(2) Apply a small amount of Prussian blue to the
valve seat, insert the valve into the cylinder head,
while applying light pressure on the valve rotate the
valve. Remove the valve and examine the valve face.
If the blue is transferred below the top edge of the
valve face, lower the valve seat using a 15 degree
stone. If the blue is transferred to the bottom edge of
the valve face, raise the valve seat using a 65 degree
stone.
(3) When the seat is properly positioned the width
of the intake seat must be 1.75 - 2.36 mm (0.0689 -
0.0928 in.) and the exhaust seat must be 1.71 - 2.32
mm (0.0673 - 0.0911 in.).
(4) Check the valve spring installed height after
refacing the valve and seat. The installed height for
both intake and exhaust valve springs must not
exceed 40.74 mm (1.6039 in.).
Fig. 16 CYLINDER HEAD COVER - TYPICAL
1 - SCREWS
2 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
9 - 28 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) (Continued)

CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove air cleaner assembly, resonator assem-
bly and air inlet hose.
(3) Drain cooling system, below the level of the
heater hoses(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(4)
Remove accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove air conditioning compressor retaining
bolts and move compressor to the left.
(6) Remove heater hoses.
(7) Disconnect injector and ignition coil connectors.
(8) Disconnect and remove positive crankcase ven-
tilation (PCV) hose.
(9) Remove oil fill tube.
(10) Un-clip injector and ignition coil harness and
move away from cylinder head cover.
(11) Remove right rear breather tube and filter
assembly.
(12) Remove cylinder head cover retaining bolts.
(13) Remove cylinder head cover.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not use harsh cleaners to clean the
cylinder head covers. Severe damage to covers
may occur.
NOTE: The gasket may be used again, provided no
cuts, tears, or deformation has occurred.
(1) Clean cylinder head cover and both sealing sur-
faces. Inspect and replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts and double
ended studs to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs).
(3) Install right rear breather tube and filter
assembly.
(4) Connect injector, ignition coil electrical connec-
tors and harness retaining clips.
(5) Install the oil fill tube.
(6) Install PCV hose.
(7) Install heater hoses.
(8) Install air conditioning compressor retaining
bolts.
(9) Install accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(10) Fill Cooling system(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Install air cleaner assembly, resonator assem-
bly and air inlet hose.
(12) Connect battery negative cable.
ROCKER ARM
DESCRIPTION
The rocker arms are steel stampings with an inte-
gral roller bearing. The rocker arms incorporate a 2.8
mm (0.11 inch) oil hole in the lash adjuster socket for
roller and camshaft lubrication.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Disconnect the battery negative cable to pre-
vent accidental starter engagement.
(1) Remove the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) For rocker arm removal on cylinder No. 4,
Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at BDC
intake stroke.
(3) For rocker arm removal on cylinder No. 1,
Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at BDC
combustion stroke.
(4) For rocker arm removal on cylinders No. 3 and
No. 5, Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at
TDC exhaust stroke.
(5) For rocker arm removal on cylinders No. 2 and
No. 6, Rotate the crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is at
TDC ignition stroke.
(6) Using special tool 8516 Rocker Arm Remover,
press downward on the valve spring, remove rocker
arm (Fig. 28).
Fig. 28 Rocker Arm - Removal
1 - CAMSHAFT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8516
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 37