1998 DODGE RAM 1500 lamps

cator is electronically disabled. The upshift indicator
consists of an upward pointed arrow icon, which
appears on the right side of the electronic gear selec-
tor indicator Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)
unit. The VFD is soldered onto the cluster electronic
circuit board and is visible through a window with a
smoked clear lens located on the lower edge of the
speedometer gauge dial face of the cluster overlay.
The dark lens over the VFD prevents the indicator
from being clearly visible when it is not illuminated.
The icon appears in a blue-green color and at the
same lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer
information when it is illuminated by the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The upshift indicator
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The upshift indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the manual transmission
should be shifted to the next highest gear in order to
achieve the best fuel economy. This indicator is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) on vehicles with a gasoline engine, or
from the Engine Control Module (ECM) on vehicles
with a diesel engine over the Programmable Commu-
nications Interface (PCI) data bus. The upshift indi-
cator is completely controlled by the instrument
cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow
this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster
receives a battery current input on the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indi-
cator will always be off when the ignition switch is in
any position except On or Start. The indicator only
illuminates when it is switched to ground by the
instrument cluster circuitry. The instrument cluster
will turn on the upshift indicator for the following
reasons:
²Upshift Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives an upshift lamp-on message from the
PCM or ECM indicating the engine speed and load
conditions are right for a transmission upshift to
occur, the upshift indicator is illuminated. The indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives
an upshift lamp-off message from the PCM or ECM,
or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, whichever occurs first. The PCM or ECM will
normally send an upshift lamp-off message three to
five seconds after a lamp-on message, if an upshift is
not performed. The indicator will then remain off
until the vehicle stops accelerating and is brought
back into the range of indicator operation, or until
the transmission is shifted into another gear.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the upshift indicator willbe turned on, then off again during the VFD portion
of the test to confirm the functionality of the VFD
and the cluster control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the engine speed and load condi-
tions to determine the proper fuel and ignition
requirements. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the
ECM continually monitors the engine speed and load
conditions to determine the proper fuel requirements.
The PCM or ECM then sends the proper upshift indi-
cator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the upshift
indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the PCM, the
ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
upshift indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A voltage gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The voltage gauge is located in
the upper left quadrant of the instrument cluster,
above the fuel gauge. The voltage gauge consists of a
movable gauge needle or pointer controlled by the
instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90 degree
scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-right
from ªLº (or Low) to ªHº (or High) for gasoline
engines. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the scale
reads from ª8º to ª18º volts. An International Control
and Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging Con-
ditionº is located on the cluster overlay, directly
below the right end of the gauge scale (Fig. 34). The
voltage gauge graphics are black against a white
field except for a single red graduation at each end of
the gauge scale, making them clearly visible within
the instrument cluster in daylight. When illuminated
from behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled
cluster illumination lighting with the exterior lamps
turned On, the black graphics appear blue and the
red graphics still appear red. The orange gauge nee-
dle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is
provided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The voltage gauge is serviced as
a unit with the instrument cluster.
Fig. 34 Battery Charging Condition Icon
8J - 42 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
UPSHIFT INDICATOR (Continued)

LAMPS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR............... 1LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR............... 26
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR..................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................7
SPECIFICATIONS
EXTERIOR LAMPS.....................7
BACKUP LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX...........7
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX........7
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX........7
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX....8
BACKUP LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BACKUP LAMP
SWITCH.............................8
BRAKE LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX...........9
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX........9
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX........9
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX....9
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE LAMP
SWITCH............................10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP
REMOVAL.............................11INSTALLATION.........................11
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
CAB CLEARANCE LAMP
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
FOG LAMP
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
FOG LAMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
HAZARD SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
HEADLAMP
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
HEADLAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................15
HEADLAMP UNIT
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
ADJUSTMENTS........................16
LICENSE PLATE LAMP
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
LICENSE PLATE LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
DRLAMPS 8L - 1

MARKER LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FENDER MARKER LAMP......17
REMOVAL - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP.....18
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FENDER MARKER LAMP . . 18
INSTALLATION - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP . 18
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM.....18
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM.......18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-
FUNCTION SWITCH...................18
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
PARK LAMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PARK LAMP
RELAY..............................20
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
TAIL LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX..........22REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX.......22
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX.......22
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX . . . 22
TAIL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX..........22
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX.......23
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX.......23
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX . . . 23
TRAILER TOW WIRING
DESCRIPTION.........................24
TURN LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX..........24
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX.......24
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX.......24
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX . . . 24
UNDERHOOD LAMP
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
UNDERHOOD LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR
DESCRIPTION
The exterior lighting system for this model include
the following components:
²Backup Lamps
²Brake Lamps
²Daytime Running Lamps
²Front Fog Lamps
²Hazard Warning Lamps
²Headlamps
²Park Lamps
²Turn Signal Lamps
Other components of the exterior lighting system
for this model include:
²Backup Lamp Switch
²Brake Lamp Switch
²Front Control Module
²Front Fog Lamp Relay
²Hazard Switch
²Multi-Function Switch
²Park Lamp Relay
²Trailer Tow Connectors
Some of the interior and exterior lighting functions
are governed by the front control module. The head-
lamp, dome, and door ajar switchs provide signals to
the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster sends
a J1850 message to the front control module to
enable the necessary components for illumination.Hard wired circuitry connects the exterior lighting
system components to the electrical system of the
vehicle. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.OPERATION
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS
Power is reduced using pulse-width modulation to
the high beams, where by the power is switched on
and off rapidly instead of remaining on continuously.
The duration and interval of the power pulses is pro-
grammed into the Front Control Module (FCM).
HEADLAMP SYSTEM
The instrument cluster monitors both the multi-
plexed headlamp and multifunction switches. The
instrument cluster transmits a J1850 bus message to
the front control module (FCM) to activate the head-
lamps. The headlamp system will default to head-
lamps ON position when ignition switch is ON and
when an open or short circuit failure occurs on the
headlamp switch input to the instrument cluster. The
system will return to normal operation when the
open or short is repaired. A fault will be reported by
the Instrument Cluster when a failure occurs on the
dimmer or headlamp switch input.
If the exterior lamps are ON, and the headlamp
switch is in any position other than OFF, with the
ignition switch OFF (LOCK) after 5 minutes, the
8L - 2 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR

Instrument Cluster transmits a message via J1850
informing the the FCM. The FCM will then turn off
the headlamps, park lamps and fog lamps. This fea-
ture (load shed) prevents the vehicle battery from
being discharged when the vehicle lights have been
left ON.
HEADLAMP TIME DELAY SYSTEM
The headlamp time delay system is activated by
turning the headlamps ON (high or low beam) while
the engine is running, turning the ignition switch
OFF, and then turning the headlamp switch OFF
within 45 seconds. The system will not activate if
more than 45 seconds elapse between ignition switch
OFF and headlamp switch OFF. The FCM will allow
the headlamps to remain ON for 60 seconds (config-
urable) before they automatically turn off (If the key
is in the ignition during the headlamp time delay
mode, then the headlamps including panel dimming
will be ON).
LAMP OUTAGE
If one or more of the following lamps (Low and/or
High beams, Brake and/or Turn Signal) are out, then
a ªlamps outº indicator located in the cluster will
illuminate.
OPTICAL HORN/HIGH BEAMS
When the multiplexed multifunction switch is
pulled to the first detent (optical horn) signal, the
headlamps are ON, the Instrument Cluster shall
send a message via J1850 to the FCM to turn on the
headlamps drivers to illuminate all four filaments
(Low and High beams). When the multifunction
switch is pulled to the second detent (high beam) sig-
nal and the headlamps are ON, the Instrument Clus-
ter shall send a message via J1850 to the FCM to
turn on the headlamps drivers. The High Beams are
illuminated and the Low Beams and Fog Lamps (if
ON) are extinguished. If the headlamps were in the
high beam configuration when power was removedfrom the headlamps, the headlamps will return to
their last state prior to being shut off.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LAMPS/LIGHTING
- EXTERIOR
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not touch the glass of halogen bulbs
with fingers or other possibly oily surface, reduced
bulb life will result. Do not use bulbs other than
those indicated in the Bulb Application table. Dam-
age to lamp and/or Daytime Running Lamp Module
can result. Do not use fuses, circuit breakers or
relays having greater amperage value than indi-
cated on the fuse panel or in the Owners Manual.
When a vehicle experiences problems with the
headlamp system, verify the condition of the battery
connections, fuses, charging system, headlamp bulbs,
wire connectors, relay, multifunction switch, and
headlamp switch. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information.
Each vehicle is equipped with various lamp assem-
blies. A good ground is necessary for proper lighting
operation. Grounding is provided by the lamp socket
when it comes in contact with the metal body, or
through a separate ground wire.
When changing lamp bulbs check the socket for
loose pin connections and corrosion. Repair as neces-
sary.
When it is necessary to remove components to ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges are not holding the com-
ponent in place.
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 3
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

HEADLAMP DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HEADLAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE IDLING
OR IGNITION TURNED
OFF1. Loose or corroded battery
cables.1. Clean and secure battery cable clamps and
posts.
2. Loose or worn generator drive
belt.2. Adjust or replace generator drive belt.
3. Charging system output too low. 3. Test and repair charging system, refer to
Electrical, Charging
4. Battery has insufficient charge. 4. Test battery state-of-charge, refer to
Electrical, Battery System.
5. Battery is sulfated or shorted. 5. Load test battery, refer to Electrical, Battery
System.
6. Poor lighting circuit ground. 6. Test for voltage drop across ground circuits,
refer to Electrical, Wiring Diagram Information.
HEADLAMP BULBS
BURN OUT
FREQUENTLY1. Integrated Control Module (ICM)
not controlling voltage.1. Test and repair Integrated Control Module.
2. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.2. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
HEADLAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE
RUNNING ABOVE IDLE1. Charging system output too low. 1. Test and repair charging system, refer to
Electrical, Wiring Information.
2. Poor lighting circuit ground. 2. Test for voltage drop across ground circuits,
refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
3. High resistance in headlamp
circuit.3. Test amperage draw of headlamp circuit.
HEADLAMPS FLASH
RANDOMLY1. Poor lighting circuit ground. 1. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations, refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
2. Variable resistance in headlamp
circuit.2. Test amperage draw of headlamp circuit.
3. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.3. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices,
refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
4. Faulty headlamp switch. 4. Replace headlamp switch.
5. Front Control Module
Malfunction.5. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
8L - 4 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HEADLAMPS DO NOT
ILLUMINATE1. No voltage to headlamps. 1. Repair open headlamp circuit, refer to
Electrical, Wiring Information.
2. No ground at headlamps. 2. Repair circuit ground, refer to Electrical,
Wiring Information.
3. Broken connector terminal or
wire splice in headlamp circuit.3. Repair connector terminal or wire splice.
4. Faulty or burned out bulb. 4. Replace headlamp bulb(s).
5. Integrated Control Module
malfunction.5. Refer to appropriate Body Control Module
diagnostics.
6. J1850 Bus Communication 6. Verify messages being transmitted by
Instrument Cluster and received by FCM.
7. Front Control Module
Malfunction.7. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
HEADLAMPS ON WITH
IGNITION IN RUN, WITH
HEADLAMP SWITCH
OFF1. Faulty headlamp switch. 1. Replace headlamp switch (review Instrument
Cluster logged faults).
2. Diagnostic tool indicates (4.7 -
5.0V) on headlamp switch input to
Instrument Cluster.2. Inspect and repair terminals, connectors and
open circuits.
3. J1850 Bus Communication. 3. Verify messages being transmitted by
Instrument Cluster and received by FCM.
4. Front Control Module
Malfunction.4. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
FOG LAMP DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE IDLING
OR IGNITION TURNED
OFF.1. Loose or corroded battery
cables.1. Clean and secure battery cable clamps and
posts.
2. Loose or worn generator drive
belt.2. Adjust or replace generator drive belt.
3. Charging system output too low. 3. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging,
4. Battery has insufficient charge. 4. Test battery state-of-charge. Refer to
Electrical, Battery System.
5. Battery is sulfated or shorted. 5. Load test battery. Refer to Electrical, Battery
System.
6. Poor lighting circuit ground. 6. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
FOG LAMP BULBS
BURN OUT
FREQUENTLY1. Charging system output too
high.1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging.
2. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.2. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 5
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE
RUNNING ABOVE IDLE1. Charging system output too low. 1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging.
2. Poor lighting circuit ground. 2. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
3. High resistance in fog lamp
circuit.3. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
FOG LAMPS FLASH
RANDOMLY1. Poor lighting circuit ground. 1. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. Variable resistance in fog lamp
circuit.2. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.4. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
5. Is relay engaging properly? 5. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
6. J1850 Bus Communication. 6. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
FOG LAMPS DO NOT
ILLUMINATE1. Blown fuse for fog lamp. 1. Replace fuse. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. No ground at fog lamps. 2. Repair circuit ground. Refer to Electrical,
Wiring Information.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Broken connector terminal or
wire splice in fog lamp circuit.4. Repair connector terminal or wire splice.
5. Faulty or burned out bulb. 5. Replace bulb.
6. Is relay engaging? 6. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
7. J1850 Bus Communication. 7. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (CANADA ONLY) DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DAYTIME RUNNING
LAMPS DO NOT
OPERATE1. Parking brake engaged. 1. Disengage parking brake.
2. Parking brake circuit shorted
to ground.2. Check cluster telltale, refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
3. Headlamp circuit shorted to
ground.3. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
4. FCM, Instrument Cluster not
programed with Canadian
country code.4. Check country code.
8L - 6 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not touch the glass of halogen bulbs
with fingers or other possibly oily surface, reduced
bulb life will result.Do not use bulbs with higher
candle power than indicated in the Bulb Application
table . Damage to lamp and/or Daytime Running
Lamp Module can result.Do not use fuses, circuit
breakers or relays having greater amperage value
than indicated on the fuse panel or in the Owners
Manual.
When it is necessary to remove components to ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges are not holding the com-
ponent in place.
SPECIFICATIONS
EXTERIOR LAMPS
CAUTION: Do not use bulbs that have a higher can-
dle power than the bulb listed in the Bulb Applica-
tion Table. Damage to lamp can result. Do not touch
halogen bulbs with fingers or other oily surfaces.
Bulb life will be reduced.
The following Bulb Application Table lists the lamp
title on the left side of the column and trade number
or part number on the right.
BULB APPLICATION TABLE
LAMP BULB
Backup - w/cargo box 3057
Backup - w/box off 1156
Center High Mounted
Stop lamp912
Fog lamp 9006LL
Front Park/Turn Signal 3157NA
Head lamp 9007
License Plate 168
Tail, Brake, Turn Signal -
w/cargo box3057
LAMP BULB
Tail, Brake, Turn Signal -
w/box off1157
Side Marker, Tail Gate,
Cab Clearance168
BACKUP LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Remove and isolate the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the taillamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the backup lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 1).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the backup lamp bulb inward and rotate
it counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the backup lamp bulb from the backup
lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the backup lamp bulb into the lamp
back plate.
Fig. 1 Tail Lamp Lens
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 7
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)