1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Battery wiring

DESCRIPTION - CIRCUIT FUNCTIONS
All circuits in the diagrams use an alpha/numeric
code to identify the wire and it's function. To identify
which circuit code applies to a system, refer to the
Circuit Identification Code Chart. This chart shows
the main circuits only and does not show the second-
ary codes that may apply to some models.
CIRCUIT IDENTIFICATION CODE CHART
CIRCUIT FUNCTION
A BATTERY FEED
B BRAKE CONTROLS
C CLIMATE CONTROLS
D DIAGNOSTIC CIRCUITS
E DIMMING ILLUMINATION
CIRCUITS
F FUSED CIRCUITS
G MONITORING CIRCUITS
(GAUGES)
H OPEN
I NOT USED
J OPEN
K POWERTRAIN CONTROL
MODULE
L EXTERIOR LIGHTING
M INTERIOR LIGHTING
N NOT USED
O NOT USED
P POWER OPTION (BATTERY
FEED)
Q POWER OPTIONS (IGNITION
FEED)
R PASSIVE RESTRAINT
S SUSPENSION/STEERING
T TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
TRANSFER CASE
U OPEN
V SPEED CONTROL, WIPER/
WASHER
W OPEN
X AUDIO SYSTEMS
Y OPEN
Z GROUNDS
DESCRIPTION - SECTION IDENTIFICATION AND
INFORMATION
The wiring diagrams are grouped into individual
sections. If a component is most likely found in a par-
ticular group, it will be shown complete (all wires,
connectors, and pins) within that group. For exam-
ple, the Auto Shutdown Relay is most likely to be
found in Group 30, so it is shown there complete. It
can, however, be shown partially in another group if
it contains some associated wiring.
Splice diagrams in Section 8W-70 show the entire
splice and provide references to other sections the
splices serves. Section 8W-70 only contains splice dia-
grams that are not shown in their entirety some-
where else in the wiring diagrams.
Section 8W-80 shows each connector and the cir-
cuits involved with that connector. The connectors
are identified using the name/number on the dia-
gram pages.
WIRING SECTION CHART
GROUP TOPIC
8W-01 thru
8W-09General information and Diagram
Overview
8W-10 thru
8W-19Main Sources of Power and
Vehicle Grounding
8W-20 thru
8W-29Starting and Charging
8W-30 thru
8W-39Powertrain/Drivetrain Systems
8W-40 thru
8W-49Body Electrical items and A/C
8W-50 thru
8W-59Exterior Lighting, Wipers and
Trailer Tow
8W-60 thru
8W-69Power Accessories
8W-70 Splice Information
8W-80 Connector Pin Outs
8W-91 Connector, Ground and Splice
Locations
8W - 01 - 6 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

DESCRIPTION - CONNECTOR, GROUND AND
SPLICE INFORMATION
CAUTION: Not all connectors are serviced. Some
connectors are serviced only with a harness. A typ-
ical example might be the Supplemental Restraint
System connectors. Always check parts availability
before attempting a repair.
IDENTIFICATION
In-line connectors are identified by a number, as
follows:
²In-line connectors located in the engine compart-
ment are C100 series numbers
²In-line connectors located in the Instrument
Panel area are C200 series numbers.
²In-line connectors located in the body are C300
series numbers.
²Jumper harness connectors are C400 series
numbers.
²Grounds and ground connectors are identified
with a ªGº and follow the same series numbering as
the in-line connectors.
²Splices are identified with an ªSº and follow the
same series numbering as the in-line connectors.
²Component connectors are identified by the com-
ponent name instead of a number. Multiple connec-
tors on a component use a C1, C2, etc. identifier.
LOCATIONS
Section 8W-91 contains connector/ground/splice
location illustrations. The illustrations contain the
connector name (or number)/ground number/splice
number and component identification. Connector/
ground/splice location charts in section 8W-91 refer-
ence the figure numbers of the illustrations.
The abbreviation T/O is used in the component
location section to indicate a point in which the wir-
ing harness branches out to a component. The abbre-
viation N/S means Not Shown in the illustrations
WARNING
WARNINGS - GENERAL
WARNINGSprovide information to prevent per-
sonal injury and vehicle damage. Below is a list of
general warnings that should be followed any time a
vehicle is being serviced.
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES FOR
EYE PROTECTION.
WARNING: USE SAFETY STANDS ANYTIME A PRO-
CEDURE REQUIRES BEING UNDER A VEHICLE.WARNING: BE SURE THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH
ALWAYS IS IN THE OFF POSITION, UNLESS THE
PROCEDURE REQUIRES IT TO BE ON.
WARNING: SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN
WORKING ON ANY VEHICLE. AN AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE IN PARK. A MANUAL
TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE IN NEUTRAL.
WARNING: OPERATE THE ENGINE ONLY IN A
WELL-VENTILATED AREA.
WARNING: KEEP AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS
WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, ESPECIALLY THE
FAN AND BELTS.
WARNING: TO PREVENT SERIOUS BURNS, AVOID
CONTACT WITH HOT PARTS SUCH AS THE RADIA-
TOR, EXHAUST MANIFOLD(S), TAIL PIPE, CATA-
LYTIC CONVERTER AND MUFFLER.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW FLAME OR SPARKS
NEAR THE BATTERY. GASES ARE ALWAYS
PRESENT IN AND AROUND THE BATTERY.
WARNING: ALWAYS REMOVE RINGS, WATCHES,
LOOSE HANGING JEWELRY AND AVOID LOOSE
CLOTHING.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIRING HARNESS
TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS
When diagnosing a problem in an electrical circuit
there are several common tools necessary. These tools
are listed and explained below.
²Jumper Wire - This is a test wire used to con-
nect two points of a circuit. It can be used to bypass
an open in a circuit.
WARNING: NEVER USE A JUMPER WIRE ACROSS
A LOAD, SUCH AS A MOTOR, CONNECTED
BETWEEN A BATTERY FEED AND GROUND.
²Voltmeter - Used to check for voltage on a cir-
cuit. Always connect the black lead to a known good
ground and the red lead to the positive side of the
circuit.
CAUTION: Most of the electrical components used
in today's vehicles are Solid State. When checking
voltages in these circuits, use a meter with a 10 -
megohm or greater impedance rating.
DR8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 7
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING OF
VOLTAGE POTENTIAL
(1) Connect the ground lead of a voltmeter to a
known good ground (Fig. 7).
(2) Connect the other lead of the voltmeter to the
selected test point. The vehicle ignition may need to
be turned ON to check voltage. Refer to the appropri-
ate test procedure.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR
CONTINUITY
(1) Remove the fuse for the circuit being checked
or, disconnect the battery.
(2) Connect one lead of the ohmmeter to one side
of the circuit being tested (Fig. 8).
(3) Connect the other lead to the other end of the
circuit being tested. Low or no resistance means good
continuity.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR A
SHORT TO GROUND
(1) Remove the fuse and disconnect all items
involved with the fuse.
(2) Connect a test light or a voltmeter across the
terminals of the fuse.
(3) Starting at the fuse block, wiggle the wiring
harness about six to eight inches apart and watch
the voltmeter/test lamp.
(4) If the voltmeter registers voltage or the test
lamp glows, there is a short to ground in that gen-
eral area of the wiring harness.
Fig. 7 TESTING FOR VOLTAGE POTENTIAL
Fig. 8 TESTING FOR CONTINUITY
1 - FUSE REMOVED FROM CIRCUIT
DR8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 9
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR A
SHORT TO GROUND ON FUSES POWERING
SEVERAL LOADS
(1) Refer to the wiring diagrams and disconnect or
isolate all items on the suspected fused circuits.
(2) Replace the blown fuse.
(3) Supply power to the fuse by turning ON the
ignition switch or re-connecting the battery.
(4) Start connecting or energizing the items in the
fuse circuit one at a time. When the fuse blows the
circuit with the short to ground has been isolated.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR A
VOLTAGE DROP
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the side of the circuit closest to the battery (Fig. 9).
(2) Connect the other lead of the voltmeter to the
other side of the switch, component or circuit.
(3) Operate the item.
(4) The voltmeter will show the difference in volt-
age between the two points.
SPECIAL TOOLS
WIRING/TERMINAL
Fig. 9 TESTING FOR VOLTAGE DROP
PROBING TOOL PACKAGE 6807
TERMINAL PICK TOOL SET 6680
TERMINAL REMOVING TOOLS 6932 AND 8638
TERMINAL REMOVING TOOL 6934
8W - 01 - 10 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

CONNECTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery.
(2) Release Connector Lock (Fig. 10).
(3) Disconnect the connector being repaired from
its mating half/component.
(4) Remove the dress cover (if applicable) (Fig. 10).
(5) Release the Secondary Terminal Lock, if
required (Fig. 11).
(6) Position the connector locking finger away from
the terminal using the proper special tool. Pull on
the wire to remove the terminal from the connector
(Fig. 12).
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the removed terminal in the same cavity
on the repair connector.
(2) Repeat steps for each terminal in the connec-
tor, being sure that all wires are inserted into the
proper cavities. For additional connector pin-out
identification, refer to the wiring diagrams.
(3) When the connector is re-assembled, the sec-
ondary terminal lock must be placed in the locked
position to prevent terminal push out.
(4) Replace dress cover (if applicable).
(5) Connect connector to its mating half/compo-
nent.
(6) Connect battery and test all affected systems.
Fig. 10 REMOVAL OF DRESS COVER
1 - DRESS COVER
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
3 - CONNECTOR
DR8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 11

DIODE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Locate the diode in the harness, and remove
the protective covering.
(3) Remove the diode from the harness, pay atten-
tion to the current flow direction (Fig. 13).
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove the insulation from the wires in the
harness. Only remove enough insulation to solder in
the new diode.
(2) Install the new diode in the harness, making
sure current flow is correct. If necessary, refer to the
appropriate wiring diagram for current flow (Fig. 13).
(3) Solder the connection together using rosin core
type solder only.Do not use acid core solder.
(4) Tape the diode to the harness using electrical
tape. Make sure the diode is completely sealed from
the elements.
(5) Re-connect the battery and test affected sys-
tems.
TERMINAL
REMOVAL
(1) Follow steps for removing terminals described
in the connector removal section.
(2) Cut the wire 6 inches from the back of the con-
nector.
INSTALLATION
(1) Select a wire from the terminal repair kit that
best matches the color and gage of the wire being
repaired.
(2) Cut the repair wire to the proper length and
remove one±half (1/2) inch of insulation.
(3) Splice the repair wire to the wire harness (see
wire splicing procedure).
(4) Insert the repaired wire into the connector.
(5) Install the connector locking wedge, if required,
and reconnect the connector to its mating half/compo-
nent.
(6) Re-tape the wire harness starting at 1±1/2
inches behind the connector and 2 inches past the
repair.
(7) Connect battery and test all affected systems.
Fig. 13 DIODE IDENTIFICATION
1 - CURRENT FLOW
2 - BAND AROUND DIODE INDICATES CURRENT FLOW
3 - DIODE AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS
8W - 01 - 14 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR

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

SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
On models equipped a cigar lighter outlet is
installed to the left of the center stack area in the
lower instrument panel. The cigar lighter outlet is
secured by a snap fit within the bezel.
The cigar lighter outlet, plastic cap and the knob
and heating element unit are available for service
replacement. These components cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The cigar lighter consists of two major components:
a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar
lighter base or outlet shell. The receptacle shell is
connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the
bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a fuse
in the junction block when the ignition switch is in
the Accessory or Run positions.
The cigar lighter knob and heating element are
encased within a spring-loaded housing, which also
features a sliding protective heat shield. When the
knob and heating element are inserted in the outlet
shell, the heating element resistor coil is grounded
through its housing to the outlet shell. If the cigar
lighter knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides
up toward the knob exposing the heating element,
and the heating element extends from the housing
toward the insulated contact in the bottom of the
outlet shell.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on
either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom
of the outlet shell. These clips engage and hold the
heating element against the insulated contact longenough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the
heating element is engaged with the contact, battery
current can flow through the resistor coil to ground,
causing the resistor coil to heat.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated,
excess heat radiates from the heating element caus-
ing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips
expand far enough to release the heating element,
the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heat-
ing element to pop back outward to their relaxed
position. When the cigar lighter knob and element
are pulled out of the outlet shell, the protective heat
shield slides downward on the housing so that the
heating element is recessed and shielded around its
circumference for safety.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
OUTLET
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the integrated
power module. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair
the shorted circuit or component as required and
replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse in
the integrated power module. If OK, go to Step 3. If
not OK, repair the open or short as required.
(3) Remove the cigar lighter knob and element
from the cigar lighter outlet shell. Check for continu-
ity between the inside circumference of the cigar
lighter outlet shell and a good ground. there should
be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to
Step 5.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Check for battery voltage at the insulated contact
located at the back of the cigar lighter outlet shell. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter knob and ele-
ment. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector and a
good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to
Step 6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to
ground as required.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the Accessory or Run positions.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter outlet. If not OK,
repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the integrated
power module fuse as required.Terminal Pick Kit 6680
8W - 97 - 2 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONDR
POWER DISTRIBUTION (Continued)