1998 DODGE RAM 1500 lighting

8W-51 REAR LIGHTING
Component Page
Backup Lamp Switch............... 8W-51-3, 5
Brake Lamp Switch.................. 8W-51-7
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp-
Aftermarket...................... 8W-51-7
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp/Cargo
Lamp........................... 8W-51-7
Fender Lamp-Front Left............... 8W-51-4
Fender Lamp-Front Right............. 8W-51-4
Fender Lamp-Rear Left............... 8W-51-4
Fender Lamp-Rear Right.............. 8W-51-4
Front Control Module......... 8W-51-2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Fuse 15........................ 8W-51-2, 3, 7
Fuse 24............................ 8W-51-7
Fuse 32............................ 8W-51-3
Fuse 33............................ 8W-51-7
Fuse 34............................ 8W-51-2
Fuse 38............................ 8W-51-3Component Page
G104........................ 8W-51-2, 4, 5, 6
G202.............................. 8W-51-7
Integrated Power Module...... 8W-51-2, 3, 5, 6, 7
License Lamp-Left................... 8W-51-2
License Lamp-Right.................. 8W-51-2
Park Lamp Relay................ 8W-51-2, 3, 7
Park/Turn Signal Lamp-Left Front....... 8W-51-2
Park/Turn Signal Lamp-Right Front..... 8W-51-3
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp-Left...... 8W-51-2, 5
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp-Right....... 8W-51-6
Tailgate Lamp.................... 8W-51-2, 4
Trailer Tow Connector................ 8W-51-7
Trailer Tow Connector-Add On........ 8W-51-5, 7
Transmission Range Sensor............ 8W-51-5
Transmission Solenoid/TRS Assembly.... 8W-51-5
DR8W-51 REAR LIGHTING 8W - 51 - 1

Fig. 1 RIGHT SIDE FRONT LIGHTING
Fig. 2 LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND RIGHT BATTERY TRAY
DR8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION 8W - 91 - 13
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROFORM
FENDER RAIL REPAIR
CAUTION: This repair procedure assumes damage
to the right or left hydroform fender rail (Fig. 18).
Prior to any repairs, the vehicle must be mounted
on the appropriate frame repair equipment (ªframe
rackº), checked with three dimensional measuring
equipment, and necessary pull corrections made. If
damage exists in the hydroform fender rail, or cab
beyond the area covered by this service procedure
after dimensional corrections are made, the hydro-
form must be replaced in its entirety. Refer to 23 -
BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/WELD LOCATIONS -
SPECIFICATIONS, when replacing the entire hydro-
form.
(1) Before proceding with this repair procedure
review the required service warnings and precau-
tions. (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME -
WARNING)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)(4) Remove the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the A/C condenser, if required. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING/A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the A/C lines, if required. Refer to the
Heating and Air Conditioning section of the manual
for recommended procedures.
(7) Remove the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the air cleaner and support bracket, if
required. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYS-
TEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the integrated power module. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - REMOVAL)
(10) Remove the bolts and position aside the wire
harness and grounds, if required.
(11) Remove the upper radiator crossmember.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - REMOVAL)
(12) Remove the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(13) Remove the front cab mount to the Front End
Sheet Metal bracket (FESM) bolt.
Fig. 18 HYDROFORM FENDER RAILS
1 - HYDROFORM FENDER RAIL
2 - FRONT END SHEET METAL BRACKET
3 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (4)4 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
5 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (8)
6 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 11
FRAME (Continued)

(14) Remove the bolts attaching the lower radiator
crossmember to the hydroform fender rail. (Fig. 18)
CAUTION: Do not use any flame or plasma cutting
equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. The
inaccurate and high temperatures achieved during
flame or plasma cutting will change the metal char-
acteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair
location.
(15) Using a reciprocating saw or equivalent, cut
the fender rail and shotgun at a straight and square
section of the hydroform and remove.
(16) Smooth and square the cut edges.
(17) Using the damaged structure as a reference
cut the service part at the same location as the first
cut. Smooth and square the cut edges.
NOTE: The repair structure should butt up to the
remaining structure and provide the same overall
vehicle geometry.
(18) Fabricate 51 mm (2.0 in.) long repair inserts
using scrap from the old structure or the replacement
part. It will be necessary to split the inserts on each
of their four sides to fit into the hydroform.
(19) Remove any paint or e-coat from the inserts
and also to the interior and exterior of the hydro-
forms.
(20) Cut plug weld holes as described below.
²On the upper rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on each side of the rail, 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the butt
joint of the tubes.
²On the lower rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on the top and bottom sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
²On the lower rail, cut two 13 mm (0.5 in.) holes
on the inner and outer sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(21) Install the insert 1º into the replacement part
and tack into place with a weld. (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME - SPECIFICATIONS -
WELDING)
(22) Insert the service part into place and using
the appropriate measuring equipment, verify the
front end sheet metal bracket's location in all three
(X,Y, and Z) planes of space. (Fig. 19)
(23) Complete all 360É plug welds.
NOTE: Before the final welding, use three dimen-
sional measuring equipment to ensure the part is in
the correct location. Verify that tap plate extrusion
at the bottom of the vertical post lines up with theisolator and hole in the frame perch mount. Also
ensure the lower radiator closure tube is bolted into
the forward shotgun ends.
(24) Complete welding by making a 360É butt weld
around the fender rails.
(25) Metal finish the exposed welds on the hydro-
forms.
(26) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound to the inside of the hydro-
forms ensuring 100% coverage including the mat-
ing face between the fender rail sections and insert
such that corrosion protection is restored in the
internal cavity.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
(27) Install the front cab mount bolt if previously
removed and tighten to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(28) Install the lower radiator crossmember bolts
and tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(29) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(30) Install the upper radiator crossmember. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - INSTALLATION)
(31) Install the wire harness and ground if previ-
ously removed and install the bolts.
(32) Install the integrated power module, if previ-
ously removed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(33) Install the air cleaner bracket and air cleaner,
if previously removed. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
INSTALLATION)
(34) Install the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(35) Install the A/C lines, if previously removed.
Refer to the Heating and Air Conditioning section of
the manual for the recommended procedures.
(36) Install the A/C condenser, if previously
removed. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(37) Install the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - INSTALLATION)
(38) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(39) Reconnect the battery ground.
13 - 12 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

(11) Remove the shift cable from the column shift
lever actuator (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 32RH/GEAR SHIFT
CABLE - REMOVAL). (Fig. 3).
(12) Release the shift cable from the column
bracket and remove it from the bracket.
(13) Remove the SKIM module in order to discon-
nect the electrical connector.
(14) Remove the upper steering shaft coupler bolt
and slide the shaft down (Fig. 4) & (Fig. 5)(15) Remove the brake light switch and discard
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(16) Remove the four steering column mounting
nuts (Fig. 6).
Fig. 3 SHIFT CABLE CONNECTOR
1 - Shift lever
2 - Cable Connection
3 - Overdrive Electrical Wiring
4 - Mounting Screws
Fig. 4 COUPLER SHAFT
1 - MOUNTING HOLES
2 - COUPLER BOLT HOLE
Fig. 5 UPPER STEERING COUPLER
1 - STEERING COUPLER
2 - PINCH BOLT HOLE
Fig. 6 MOUNTING HOLES
1 - MOUNTING HOLES
19 - 8 COLUMNDR
COLUMN (Continued)

(17) Remove the steering column assembly from
the vehicle. (Fig. 7)
INSTALLATION
WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING
COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DIS-
ARMED. REFER TO ELECTRICAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO DO
SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specifi-
cation to ensure proper operation of the steering
column.
(1) Position the steering column on the dash panel
support and loosely install the mounting nuts.
(2) Firmly slide the steering column upward
against the studs in dash panel and hand tighten the
nuts.
(3) Install the steering shaft coupler on the steer-
ing shaft and loosely install anewbolt.
(4) Center steering column in dash opening and
tighten mounting nuts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Torque the upper left nut first then the lower
right nut. Then torque the lower left nut then the
upper right nut.
NOTE: A new bolt must be used for reinstallation.
(5) Tighten the coupler bolt to 57 N´m (42 ft. lbs.).(6) Install a new brake light switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(7) Install the shifter cable. (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 32RH/GEAR
SHIFT CABLE - INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect the wiring harness to the column.
(9) Install the SKIM module.
(10) Install the clockspring(Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(11) Install the shrouds.
(12) Install the steering column opening cover
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Align the spline on the wheel hub to shaft.
(14) Then install the steering wheel and install a
newbolt. Tighten the bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(15) Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(16) Install the two steering wheel switches.
(17) Install the tilt lever handle.
(18) Install the negative battery terminal.
(19) Test the operation of the horn, Electronic
PRNDL Indicator, lights and any other functions that
are steering column operated.
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The ignition switch is located on the steering col-
umn. It is used as the main on/off switching device
for most electrical components. The mechanical key
cylinder is used to engage/disengage the electrical
ignition switch.
OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a steering column mounted shifter:
an interlock device is located within the shift cable.
This interlock device is used to lock the transmission
shifter in the PARK position when the key cylinder is
in any position and the brake pedal is not depressed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH
TEST AND REPAIR
If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle
with a automatic transmission first adjust the shift
linkage, (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE -
ADJUSTMENTS).
If the ignition switch effort is excessive remove the
ignition key cylinder from the steering column. (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER
Fig. 7 STEERING COLUMN
1 - Steering Wheel
2 - Key Cylinder
3 - Gear Shift Lever
4 - Steering Column
5 - Tilt Lever Cable
DRCOLUMN 19 - 9
COLUMN (Continued)

(2) Cycle the key from ACC to RUN and ensure
that the blocker does not stick or bind.
(3) Turn the key to the OFF position and ensure
that the shifter will not pull from the PARK position.
(4) Connect the over drive switch harness (if
equipped).
NOTE: Route and tie off harness to original loca-
tion.
(5) Connect the shift cable to the lever.
(6) Ensure the gear shift lever and transmission
are in the PARK position and snap the cable adjust
clip in place.
(7) Install a new brake light switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the SKIM and halo.
(9) Install the upper and lower column shroud.
(10) Install the column back into place and
tighten.
(11) Install the kneeblocker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE BLOCKER - INSTAL-
LATION).
UPPER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.(2) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(3) Remove and discard the lower pinch bolt.
(4) Lower the steering coupler shaft from the col-
umn.
(5) Remove the upper steering coupling shaft seal
by pushing in the four tags securing it to the panel
(Fig. 16).
(6) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt from the lower steering coupling shaft (Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the upper steering coupling shaft from
the vehicle (Fig. 17).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the upper steering coupling shaft to the
vehicle (Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 GEAR SHIFT LEVER SPRING
1 - BLOCKER TO INHIBIT LINK SLOT
2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 16 RELEASE TANGS
1 - RELEASE TANGS (4)
2 - UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
Fig. 17 UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
1 - LOWER STEERING COUPLER
2 - RELEASE TANGS (4)
3 - UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
DRCOLUMN 19 - 13
GEAR SHIFT LEVER (Continued)

FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the antenna, if equipped. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA BODY & CABLE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the battery tray, if required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the inside and lower bolts. (Fig. 6)
(7) Remove the two bolts below the headlamp.
(8) Remove the hinge support bolt at the cowl.
(9) Remove the three bolts along the fender rail.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the three bolts along the upper fender
rail and tighten to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the upper hinge support bolt at the cowl
and tighten to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the two bolts below the headlamp and
tighten to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).(4) Install the inside and lower bolts and tighten
to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(5) Check the fender positioning and adjust as
required by adding shims. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(6) Install the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the battery tray, if required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the antenna, if required. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA BODY & CABLE -
INSTALLATION)
FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Open fill door and remove the bolts. (Fig. 7)
(2) Remove the door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fuel fill door.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 9 N´m (80 in.
lbs.).
Fig. 6 FRONT FENDER
1 - HOOD HINGE SUPPORT BOLT (1)
2 - HOOD HINGE
3 - INNER BOLT (1)
4 - FRONT BOLTS (2)
5 - LOWER BOLT INSERT
6 - FENDER
7 - UPPER BOLTS (3)
Fig. 7 FUEL FILL DOOR
1 - FUEL FILL DOOR
2 - BOLTS (2)
DREXTERIOR 23 - 39