1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Ecm

OPERATION
OPERATION - COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system regulates engine operating tem-
perature. It allows the engine to reach normal oper-
ating temperature as quickly as possible. It also
maintains normal operating temperature and pre-
vents overheating.
The cooling system also provides a means of heat-
ing the passenger compartment and cooling the auto-
matic transmission fluid (if equipped). The cooling
system is pressurized and uses a centrifugal water
pump to circulate coolant throughout the system.
All engines utilize an ambient overflow bottle for
coolant recovery/reserve.
An optional factory installed maximum duty cool-
ing package is available on most models. This pack-
age will provide additional cooling capacity for
vehicles used under extreme conditions such as
trailer towing in high ambient temperatures.
OPERATION - HOSE CLAMPS
The spring type hose clamp applies constant ten-
sion on a hose connection. To remove a spring type
hose clamp, only use constant tension clamp pliers
designed to compress the hose clamp.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTICS (OBD)
COOLING SYSTEM RELATED DIAGNOSTICS
The Engine Control Module (ECM) has been pro-
grammed to monitor certain cooling system compo-
nents:
²If the engine has remained cool for too long a
period, such as with a stuck open thermostat, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.
²If an open or shorted condition has developed in
the electronically controlled viscous fan clutch circuit,
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.
²If fan speed is not detected a DTC will be set.
²Coolant temperature sensor circuit problems can
set a DTC.
If the problem is sensed in a monitored circuit
often enough to indicated an actual problem, a DTC
is stored. The DTC will be stored in the ECM mem-
ory for eventual display to the service technician.
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ACCESSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
To read DTC's and to obtain cooling system data,
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ERASING TROUBLE CODES
After the problem has been repaired, use the
DRBIIItscan tool to erase a DTC. Refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice information for operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
- TESTING FOR LEAKS
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT METHOD
A leak detection additive is available through the
parts department that can be added to cooling sys-
tem. The additive is highly visible under ultraviolet
light (black light). Pour one ounce of additive into
cooling system. Place heater control unit in HEAT
position. Start and operate the engine until the radi-
ator upper hose is warm to the touch. Aim the com-
mercially available black light tool at the components
to be checked. If leaks are present, the black light
will cause the additive to glow a bright green color.
The black light can be used in conjunction with a
pressure tester to determine if any external leaks
exist (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 Spring Clamp Size Location
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
DRCOOLING 7 - 5
COOLING (Continued)

exhaust pipe may indicate a faulty cylinder head gas-
ket, cracked engine cylinder block or cylinder head.
A convenient check for exhaust gas leakage into
cooling system is provided by a commercially avail-
able Block Leak Check tool. Follow manufacturers
instructions when using this product.
COMBUSTION LEAKAGE TEST - WITHOUT
PRESSURE TESTER
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution
is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat
removal. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINECOOLANT THERMOSTAT - REMOVAL). Remove
accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCES-
SORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL).
Add coolant to radiator to bring level to within 6.3
mm (1/4 in) of the top of the thermostat housing.
CAUTION: Avoid overheating. Do not operate
engine for an excessive period of time. Open drain-
cock immediately after test to eliminate boil over.
Start engine and accelerate rapidly three times, to
approximately 3000 rpm while observing coolant. If
internal engine combustion gases are leaking into
cooling system, bubbles will appear in coolant. If bub-
bles do not appear, internal combustion gas leakage
is not present.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM DIESEL ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS - DIESEL ENGINE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
LOW1. Vehicle is equipped with a heavy
duty cooling system.1. None. System operating normally.
NOTE: Information on dash cluster
is displayed based on broadcast
datd from ECM. DTC will be set for
engine sensore circuit concern.2. Thermostat stuck open 2. Inspect and test thermostat.
3. Coolant level low. 3. Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
4. Temperature gauge not
functioning correctly.4. Check cluster (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
5. Engine sensor stuck in range 5. Monitor sensor with DRB III to
verify sensor reading changes with
increasing temperature.
6. Engine sensor failed out of
range.A DTC will be set.
7. Electronically Controlled Vicsous
Fan Drive not operating properly.7. Check Electronically Controlled
Viscous Fan Drive (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
DRCOOLING 7 - 7
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
HIGH. COOLANT MAY OR MAY
NOT BE LEAKING FROM SYSTEM1. Vehicle overloaded, high ambient
(outside) temperatures with A/C
turned on, stop and go driving or
prolonged operation at idle speeds.1. Temporary condition, repair not
required. Notify customer of vehicle
operation instructions located in
Owners Manual.
NOTE: Information on dash cluster
is displayed based on broadcast
information from ECM. DTC will be
set for engine sensor circuit
concern.2. Temperature gauge not
functioning correctly.2. Check cluster (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
3. Air trapped in cooling system 3. Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) and refill (Refer to 7
- COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
4. Radiator cap faulty. 4. Replace radiator cap.
5. Plugged A/C or radiator cooling
fins.5. Clean all debris away from A/C
and radiator cooling fins.
6. Coolant mixture incorrect. 6. Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) refill with correct
mixture (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
7. Thermostat stuck shut. 7. Inspect and test thermostat.
Replace thermostat if necessary.
8. Bug screen or winter front being
used.8. Remove bug screen or winter
front.
9. Electronically controlled viscous
fan drive not operating properly.9. Check viscous fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
10. Cylinder head gasket leaking. 10. Check for leaking head gaskets
(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
11. Heater core leaking. 11. Replace heater core.
12. Cooling system hoses leaking. 12. Tighten clamps or Replace
hoses.
13. Brakes dragging. 13. Check brakes. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/
MECHANICAL - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
14. Accessory drive belt. 14. Inspect. Replace as necessary.
15. Water Pump. 15. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
16. Engine sensor stuck in range. 16. Monitor sensor with DRBIII to
verify sensor reading changes
increase in temperature.
17. Temperature sensor failed out
of range.17. A DTC will be set.
7 - 8 COOLINGDR
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
INCONSISTENT (ERRATIC,
CYCLES OR FLUCTUATES)1. Heavy duty cooling system,
extreme cold ambient (outside)
temperature or heater blower motor
in high position.1. None. System operating normally.
NOTE: Information on daash cluster
is displayed based on broadcast
data from ECM. DTC will be set for
engine sensore circuit wiring.2. Temperature gauge or sensor
defective.2. Check cluster or engine coolant
temp sensor (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
3. Temporary heavy usage or load. 3. None. Normal condition.
4. Air trapped in cooling system. 4. Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
5. Water pump 5. Replace water pump.
6. Air leak on suction side of water
pump.6. Check for leak. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
RADIATOR CAP LEAKING STEAM
AND /OR COOLANT INTO
RESERVOIR BOTTLE.
(TEMPERATURE GAUGE MAY
READ HIGH)1. Radiator cap defective. 1. Replace radiator cap.
2. Radiator neck surface damaged. 2. Replace radiator.
HOSE OR HOSES COLLAPSE
WHEN ENGINE IS COOLING.1. Vacuum created in cooling
system on engine cool-down is not
being relieved through coolant
reservoir/overflow system.1. Replace radiator cap, check vent
hose between radiator and reservoir
bottle for blockage also check
reservoir bottle vent for blockage.
NOISY FAN 1. Fan blade(s) loose, damaged. 1. Replace fan blade assembly.
2. Electronically controlled viscous
fan drive.2. None. Normal condition.
3. Fan blades striking surrounding
objects.3. Locate contact point and repair
as necessary.
4. Electronically controlled viscous
fan drive bearing concern.4. Check viscous fan drive (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
5. Electronically controlled viscous
fan stuck on.5. Check viscous fan drive(Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
6. Obstructed air flow through
radiator.6. Remove obstruction.
DRCOOLING 7 - 9
COOLING (Continued)

CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found. Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft
assembly for any related damage due to a viscous
fan drive malfunction.
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH
- 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The electronically controlled viscous fan drive (Fig.
34) and (Fig. 33)is attached to the fan drive pulley
mounted to the engine. The coupling allows the fan
to be driven in a normal manner. The fan speed is
controlled by the electronic control module.
OPERATION
The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the
level of engagement of the electronically controlled
viscous fan clutch by monitoring coolant tempera-
ture, intake manifold temperature, and air condition-
ing status. Based on cooling requirements, the ECMsends a signal to the viscous fan clutch to increase or
decrease the fan speed.
Fan speed is monitored by the ECM. Fan speeds
above or below a calibrated threshold will set a DTC.
Circuit concerns will also set fan clutch DTC's.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRONICALLY
CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
NOISE
NOTE: It is normal for fan noise to be louder (roar-
ing) when:
²Fan duty cycle high. This may occur when ambi-
ent (outside air temperature) is very high.
²Engine loads and temperatures are high such as
when towing a trailer.
²Aggressive engine braking down a steep grade
where transmission temperatures may be high
²Cool silicone fluid within the fan drive unit is
being redistributed back to its normal disengaged
(warm) position. This can occur during the first 15
seconds to one minute after engine start-up on a cold
engine.
Fig. 33 Electronically Controlled Viscous Drive
1 - ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
2 - MOUNTING NUT
3 - WIRING SUPPORT BRACKET
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 34 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive - 5.9L Diesel
Engine
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - BOLT (6)
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
7 - 52 ENGINEDR
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH-GAS ENGINES (Continued)

Engine Control Module (ECM) over the PCI data bus
to illuminate the check gauges indicator for a coolant
temperature high condition.
²Fasten Seat Belt Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On or Start positions to announce that
the hard wired inputs from the seat belt switch and
the ignition switch indicate that the driver side front
seat belt is not fastened. The chimes will continue to
sound for a duration of about six seconds, until the
driver side front seat belt is fastened, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Head/Park Lamps-On Warning- The instru-
ment cluster chime tone generator will generate
repetitive chimes at a slow rate to announce that the
hard wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch,
the ignition switch, and the exterior lighting circuitry
of the headlamp switch indicate that the exterior
lamps are turned On with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the exterior
lamps are turned Off, the driver door is closed, or the
ignition switch is turned to the On position, or the
battery protection time-out expires, whichever occurs
first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch, the
ignition switch, and the key-in ignition circuitry of
the ignition switch indicate that the key is in the
ignition lock cylinder with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the key is
removed from the ignition lock cylinder, the driver
door is closed, or the ignition switch is turned to the
On position, whichever occurs first.
²Low Fuel Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low fuel indicator is illuminated by the
instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
percent tank full message input received from the
PCM over the PCI data bus indicating that there is
less than about one-eighth tank of fuel remaining to
illuminate the low fuel indicator. This chime feature
will only occur once in an ignition cycle.
²Low Oil Pressure Warning (Diesel Engine
Only)- The instrument cluster chime tone generator
will generate repetitive chimes at a fast rate when
the check gauges indicator is illuminated for a low oil
pressure condition. The instrument cluster uses
engine speed and oil pressure message inputs
received from the diesel Engine Control Module
(ECM) over the PCI data bus indicating that theengine is running and that the oil pressure is low to
illuminate the check gauges indicator. The chimes
will continue to sound for five seconds, until the
engine oil pressure message indicates that the oil
pressure is not low, or until the engine speed mes-
sage indicates that the engine is not running, which-
ever occurs first. This chime tone will only occur once
in an ignition cycle.
²Low Wash Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low washer fluid indicator is illuminated by
the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
message input received from the Front Control Mod-
ule (FCM) over the PCI data bus indicating that
washer fluid level is low within the washer reservoir.
This chime feature will only occur once in an ignition
cycle.
²Overspeed Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone to
announce that a vehicle speed message input
received from the PCM over the PCI data bus indi-
cates that the vehicle speed is above a pre-programed
limit.
²Park Brake Reminder- The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate ten repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired input from the park brake switch and a vehicle
speed message input received from the PCM over the
PCI data bus indicates that the park brake is applied
and the vehicle is moving. This chime feature will
repeat each time the input conditions are met.
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System ªCustomer
Learnº Mode Announcement- This chime feature
is only active on vehicles equipped with the optional
Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) and sold in
markets where the optional ªCustomer Learnº pro-
gramming feature is available. The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate one chime to
announce that a status message input received from
the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) over the
PCI data bus indicates that the SKIS is in the ªCus-
tomer Learnº mode, which is used for programming
additional sentry key transponders.
²Transmission Temperature High Warning
(Automatic Transmission only)- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate when the transmission temper-
ature indicator is illuminated for a high or critical
transmission fluid temperature condition. The instru-
ment cluster uses transmission temperature message
inputs received from the Transmission Control Mod-
ule (TCM) over the PCI data bus to illuminate the
indicator for a transmission temperature high condi-
tion.
²Turn Signal On Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERDR
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK BRAKE
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR.....3
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR......3
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM.....................3
OPERATION - ECM......................3
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT
CONTROL MODULE....................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
HEATED SEAT MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
MODULE.............................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PCM...................7DESCRIPTION - MODES OF OPERATION....7
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.......10
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . 10
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS......10
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN.......10
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM....................10
OPERATION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.........11
OPERATION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . . . 11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKIM
PROGRAMMING......................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TCM QUICK
LEARN..............................23
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRIVE LEARN . . 23
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION
The DaimlerChrysler Programmable Communica-
tion Interface (PCI) data bus system is a single wire
multiplex system used for vehicle communications on
many DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles. Multi-
plexing is a system that enables the transmission of
several messages over a single channel or circuit. All
DaimlerChrysler vehicles use this principle for com-
munication between various microprocessor-based
electronic control modules. The PCI data bus exceeds
the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1850
Standard for Class B Multiplexing.Many of the electronic control modules in a vehicle
require information from the same sensing device. In
the past, if information from one sensing device was
required by several controllers, a wire from each con-
troller needed to be connected in parallel to that sen-
sor. In addition, each controller utilizing analog
sensors required an Analog/Digital (A/D) converter in
order to9read9these sensor inputs. Multiplexing
reduces wire harness complexity, sensor current
loads and controller hardware because each sensing
device is connected to only one controller, which
reads and distributes the sensor information to the
other controllers over the data bus. Also, because
each controller on the data bus can access the con-
troller sensor inputs to every other controller on the
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 1

The PCI data bus can be monitored using the
DRBIIItscan tool. It is possible, however, for the bus
to pass all DRBIIIttests and still be faulty if the
voltage parameters are all within the specified range
and false messages are being sent.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The Controler Antilock Brake (CAB) is mounted to
the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and operates the
ABS system (Fig. 1).
OPERATION
The CAB voltage source is through the ignition
switch in the RUN position. The CAB contains a self
check program that illuminates the ABS warning
light when a system fault is detected. Faults are
stored in a diagnostic program memory and are
accessible with the DRB III scan tool. ABS faults
remain in memory until cleared, or until after the
vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the negative battery cable from the
battery.
(2) Pull up on the CAB harness connector release
and remove connector.
(3) Remove the CAB mounting bolts.
(4) Remove the pump connector from the CAB.
(5) Remove the CAB from the HCU.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
(1) Install CAB to the HCU.
(2) Install the pump connector to the CAB.
(3) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 2 N´m (16 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install the wiring harness connector to the
CAB and push down on the release to secure the con-
nector.
(5) Install negative battery cable to the battery.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is located at the
lower edge of the instrument panel near the steering
column.
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The 16±way data link connector (diagnostic scan
tool connector) links the Diagnostic Readout Box
(DRB) scan tool or the Mopar Diagnostic System
(MDS) with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM
The engine control module (ECM) for the 5.9L Die-
sel engine is bolted to the left side of the engine
below the intake manifold.
OPERATION - ECM
The main function of the Engine Control Module
(ECM) is to electrically control the fuel system. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)does notcontrol
the fuel system.
The ECM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.If the ECM has
been replaced, flashed or re-calibrated, the
ECM must learn the Accelerator Pedal Position
Sensor (APPS) idle voltage. Failure to learn
this voltage may result in unnecessary diagnos-
tic trouble codes. Refer to ECM Removal/Instal-
lation for learning procedures.
The ECM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
ECM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to asECM Outputs.The sensors
and switches that provide inputs to the ECM are
consideredECM Inputs.
Fig. 1 HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
1 - HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 3
COMMUNICATION (Continued)