1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Temperature wiring

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)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Temperature gauge reading is
inconsistent (fluctuates, cycles or is
erratic)1. During cold weather operation,
with the heater blower in the high
position, the gauge reading may
drop slightly.1. A normal condition. No correction
necessary.
2. Temperature gauge or engine
mounted gauge sensor defective or
shorted. Also, corroded or loose
wiring in this circuit.2. Check operation of gauge and
repair if necessary. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
3. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running)3. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. Gauge should return
to normal range after vehicle is
driven.
4. Gauge reading high after
re-starting a warmed up (hot)
engine.4. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range after a few
minutes of engine operation.
5. Coolant level low in radiator (air
will build up in the cooling system
causing the thermostat to open
late).5. Check and correct coolant leaks.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
6. Cylinder head gasket leaking
allowing exhaust gas to enter
cooling system causing a
thermostat to open late.6. (a) Check for cylinder head
gasket leaks. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
(b) Check for coolant in the engine
oil. Inspect for white steam emitting
from the exhaust system. Repair as
necessary.
7. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.7. Check water pump and replace
as necessary. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/WATER PUMP -
REMOVAL).
8. Loose accessory drive belt.
(water pump slipping)8. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Check and correct as necessary.
9. Air leak on the suction side of
the water pump allows air to build
up in cooling system causing
thermostat to open late.9. Locate leak and repair as
necessary.
PRESSURE CAP IS BLOWING
OFF STEAM AND/OR COOLANT
TO COOLANT TANK.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
MAY BE ABOVE NORMAL BUT
NOT HIGH. COOLANT LEVEL MAY
BE HIGH IN COOLANT RESERVE/
OVERFLOW TANK1. Pressure relief valve in radiator
cap is defective.1. Check condition of radiator cap
and cap seals. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR
PRESSURE CAP - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). Replace cap as
necessary.
7 - 14 COOLINGDR
COOLING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to electrically con-
trolled viscous fan drive. Tighten mounting bolts to
24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position the fan blade/viscous fan drive to the
vehicle as an assembly.
(3) Install the viscous fan drive assembly onto fan
pulley hub shaft (Fig. 4). Tighten mounting nut to
115 N´m (85 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install upper fan shroud. Make sure the upper
shroud locks into the tabs on the lower radiator.
(5) Install two upper shroud mounting bolts.
Tighten to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Position the electronically controlled viscous
fan drive wiring into the channel in the upper fan
shroud (Fig. 5). Make sure the wiring is not pinched.
(7) Install the lower fan shroud into position and
verify the two locking tabs have seated.
(8) Install two push pin fasteners to lock lower fan
shroud to the main assembly.
NOTE: Verify that the fan drive electrical wire does
not interfere with fan blade travel when the fan
blade is spun by hand.
(9) Connect the wiring harness connector and
install the harness bracket to the upper radiator
shroud.(10) Install the coolant recovery container (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER - INSTALLATION).
(11) Connect the battery negative cables.
NOTE:
Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Requirement:
After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring the
engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available with
all models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The cord is attached to an engine compartment com-
ponent with tie-straps. The heater warms the engine
providing easier engine starting and faster warm-up
in low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole of the engine cylinder block in place of a freeze
plug with the heating element immersed in engine
coolant. The 3.7L/4.7L gas powered engines have the
block heater located to the rear on the right side of
the engine (Fig. 6).
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER
If the unit does not operate, possible causes can be
either the power cord or the heater element. Test the
power cord for continuity with a 110-volt voltmeter or
110-volt test light. Test heater element continuity
with an ohmmeter or a 12-volt test light.
CAUTION: To prevent damage, the power cord must
be secured in it's retainer clips and away from any
components that may cause abrasion or damage,
such as linkages, exhaust components, etc.
Fig. 5 Electronically Controlled Viscous Fan Drive
Wiring
1 - UPPER SHROUD
2 - WIRING
3 - GROMMET
7 - 36 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes.
The DTC can also be accessed through the
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate Power-
train Diagnostic Procedures information for diagnos-
tic information and operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM HOT
AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is
clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
the replacement is the specified thermostat for the
vehicle model and engine type.
Factory installed thermostat housings on 5.9L
engine is installed on a gasket with an anti-stick
coating. This will aid in gasket removal and clean-up.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Drain the cooling system until the coolant level
is below the thermostat (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Air Conditioned vehicles: Remove the support
bracket (generator mounting bracket-to-intake mani-
fold) located near the rear of the generator (Fig. 17).
NOTE: On air conditioning equipped vehicles, the
generator must be partially removed.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL) (Fig. 18).
(5) Remove the generator mounting bolts. Do not
remove any of the wiring at the generator. If
equipped with 4WD, unplug the 4WD indicator lamp
wiring harness (located near rear of generator).
(6) Remove the generator. Position the generator
to gain access for the thermostat gasket removal.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
Fig. 16 Thermostat - 5.7L/5.9L Gas Powered
Engines
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - GASKET
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - THERMOSTAT
5 - MACHINED GROOVE
Fig. 17 Generator Support Bracket ± 5.9L Engine
1 - IDLER PULLEY BUSHING
2 - A/C AND/OR GENERATOR MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - IDLER PULLEY
4 - SCREW AND WASHER
7 - 42 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT- 5.7L (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)

RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a aluminum cross-flow design with
horizontal tubes through the radiator core and verti-
cal plastic side tanks (Fig. 38).
This radiator does not contain an internal trans-
mission oil cooler.
OPERATION
The radiator supplies sufficient heat transfer using
the cooling fins interlaced between the horizontal
tubes in the radiator core to cool the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant
is flowing through the cooling system.
(1) Idle engine until operating temperature is
reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the
touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flow-
ing to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO
COVER THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, OPEN
RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS
WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO VENT
TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRES-
SURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE
CAP FROM FILLER NECK.
(2) Drain a small amount of coolant from the radi-
ator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible
through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the
exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER6094). ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with a matching number or letter.
(3) Remove air box and turbocharger inlet tube.
(4) Remove coolant tank hose, washer bottle hose
and the positive battery cable from the fastening
clips located on top of the radiator.
(5) Remove hose clamps and hoses from radiator.
(6) Remove the power steering cooler mounting
bolts and position the power steering cooler out of
the way.
(7) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines at the
transmission cooler. The transmission cooler will
remain on the radiator and can be removed as an
assembly.
(8) Disconnect the electronic viscous fan drive elec-
trical connector.
(9) Using a fastener removal tool, remove the two
push pins and the lower shroud assembly and elec-
tronic viscous fan drive wiring from the upper shroud
assembly. Position wiring out of the way. Do not
impact or damage the electronic viscous fan drive or
pull it's wiring.
(10) Using a fastener tool, remove the wiring har-
ness bracket from the upper fan shroud.
(11) Remove the two radiator upper mounting
bolts (Fig. 38).
(12) Lift radiator straight up and out of engine
compartment. The bottom of the radiator is equipped
with two alignment dowels that fit into holes in the
lower radiator support panel. Rubber biscuits (insu-
lators) are installed to these dowels. Take care not to
damage cooling fins or tubes on the radiator and air
conditioning condenser or the electronic viscous fan
connector when removing.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, and bro-
ken or missing fittings. Inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
7 - 56 ENGINEDR

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLOCK WILL NOT KEEP
SET TIME1. Fuse faulty. 1. Check Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the
Integrated Power Module (IPM). Replace fuse, if
required.
2. Radio connector faulty. 2. Check for loose or corroded radio connector.
Repair, if required.
3. Wiring faulty. 3. Check for battery voltage at radio connector.
Repair wiring, if required.
4. Radio ground faulty. 4. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
5. Radio faulty. 5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
POOR RADIO RECEPTION 1. Antenna faulty. 1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA
BODY & CABLE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
2. Radio ground faulty. 2. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
3. Radio noise suppression
faulty.3. Repair or replace ground strap as necessary.
4. Radio faulty. 4. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
NO/POOR TAPE
OPERATION1. Faulty tape. 1. Insert known good tape and test operation.
2. Foreign objects behind
tape door.2. Remove foreign objects and test operation.
3. Dirty cassette tape head. 3. Clean head with Mopar Cassette Head
Cleaner.
4. Faulty tape deck. 4. Exchange or replace radio, if required.
NO COMPACT DISC
OPERATION1. Faulty CD. 1. Insert known good CD and test operation.
2. Foreign material on CD. 2. Clean CD and test operation.
3. Condensation on CD or
optics.3. Allow temperature of vehicle interior to stabilize
and test operation.
4. Faulty CD player. 4. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
AMPLIFIER
DESCRIPTION
The optional Infinity premium speaker system
includes a separate Infinity audio power amplifier.
The amplifier is a six channel unit and is rated at
240 total output watts. The amplifier is located
behind the glove box.
OPERATION
The power amplifier electronically increases the
frequency response of the normal audio signal output
from the radio amplifier in order to improve the
acoustic performance of the speakers. On vehiclesequipped with an amplifier, the amplifier section of
the radio becomes a pre-amplifier.
The amplifier receives audio signal inputs for
speaker channels from the radio, then sends ampli-
fied audio outputs through six separate channels
with dedicated feed and return circuits to the indi-
vidual speakers.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 3
AUDIO (Continued)

CHIME/BUZZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME
WARNING SYSTEM.....................3
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A chime warning system is standard factory-in-
stalled equipment on this model. The chime warning
system uses a single chime tone generator that is
integral to the instrument cluster to provide an audi-
ble indication of various vehicle conditions that may
require the attention of the vehicle operator. The
chime warning system includes the following major
components, which are described in further detail
elsewhere in this service information:
²Door Ajar Switch- A door ajar switch is inte-
gral to each door latch. This switch provides an input
to the chime warning system indicating whether the
front doors are open or closed.
²Ignition Switch- A key-in ignition switch is
integral to the ignition switch. The key-in ignition
switch provides an input to the chime warning sys-
tem indicating whether a key is present in the igni-
tion lock cylinder.
²Instrument Cluster- The instrument cluster
contains an integral chime tone generator, integrated
circuitry, a central processing unit and the program-
ming to provide all of the proper chime warning sys-
tem features based upon the monitored inputs. The
instrument cluster circuitry monitors hard-wired
switch inputs, as well as message inputs received
from other vehicle electronic modules on the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network.
²Headlamp Switch- The headlamp switch pro-
vides an input to the chime warning system indicat-
ing when the exterior lamps are turned On or Off.
²Seat Belt Switch- A seat belt switch is inte-
gral to the driver seat belt buckle-half unit. The seat
belt switch provides an input to the chime warning
system indicating whether the driver seat belt is fas-
tened.
Hard wired circuitry connects many of the chime
warning system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained bymany different methods. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
The instrument cluster chime warning system cir-
cuitry and the integral chime tone generator cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If the instrument cluster or
the chime tone generator are damaged or faulty, the
instrument cluster must be replaced.
OPERATION
The chime warning system is designed to provide
an audible output as an indication of various condi-
tions that may require the attention or awareness of
the vehicle operator. The chime warning system com-
ponents operate on battery voltage received through
the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC) so that the system may operate
regardless of the ignition switch position.
The chime warning system provides an audible
warning to the vehicle operator under the following
conditions:
²Air Bag Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the airbag indicator is illuminated for an
airbag system fault condition. The instrument cluster
uses airbag indicator lamp-on and lamp-off message
inputs received from the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus indicating that the airbag
indicator should be illuminated for an airbag system
fault condition.
²Door Ajar Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chimes to
announce that the hard wired inputs from the door
ajar switches and the ignition switch as well as an
engine speed message input received from the PCM
over the PCI data bus indicate that a driver or pas-
senger door is opened with the ignition switch in the
On position and vehicle speed present.
²Engine Coolant Temperature High Warning
(Diesel Engine Only)- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the check gauges indicator is illuminated
for a high or critical engine coolant temperature con-
dition. The instrument cluster uses engine coolant
temperature message inputs received from the diesel
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 1