1999 DODGE RAM check engine

If equipped, the EMR light (some models may use a reminder
flag) reminds vehicle operator that an emission system maintenance is
required. This indicator is activated after a predetermined
time/mileage.
When performing a smog check inspection, ensure EMR indicator
is not activated. On models using an EMR light, light should glow when
ignition switch is turned to ON position and should turn off when
engine is running.
If an EMR flag is present or an EMR light stays on with
engine running, fail vehicle and service or replace applicable
emission-related components. To reset an EMR indicator, refer to
appropriate MAINTENANCE REMINDER LIGHTS in the MAINTENANCE section.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is used to alert
vehicle operator that the computerized engine control system has
detected a malfunction (when it stays on all the time with engine
running). On some models, the MIL may also be used to display trouble
codes.
As a bulb and system check, malfunction indicator light will
glow when ignition switch is turned to ON position and engine is not
running. When engine is started, light should go out.

TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: To trouble shoot mechanical engine components, see
appropriate table in TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist
until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
NOTE: For installation reference, label all electrical connectors,
vacuum hoses and fuel lines before removal. Also place mating
marks on engine hood and other major assemblies before
removal.
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
CAUTION: Fuel system is under pressure. Pressure must be released
before servicing fuel system components.
Gasoline
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Loosen fuel tank cap to
release tank pressure. Press on filler tube flap to relieve any
additional tank pressure.
NOTE: Fuel filler tube has spring-loaded flap located below fuel
fill cap to serve as secondary seal if fuel fill cap is not
tightened. It is part of EVAP monitor system when vehicle is
equipped with leak detection pump (LDP). Vehicle may be
equipped with flap installed into fuel filler tube even if
vehicle is NOT equipped with LDP and EVAP monitor system.
2) Remove fuel pump relay from Power Distribution Center
(PDC). For location of relay, refer to label on underside of PDC
cover. Start and run engine until it stalls. Attempt restarting engine
until it will no longer run.
3) Unplug connector from an injector. Attach one end of a
jumper wire (18 gauge or smaller) with alligator clips to either
injector terminal. Connect other end of jumper wire to positive side
of battery. Connect one end of a second jumper wire to remaining
injector terminal.
WARNING: Powering an injector for more than a few seconds will
permanently damage injector.
4) Touch other end of second jumper wire to negative terminal
of battery for no more than a few seconds. Place a rag below fuel
line. Disconnect quick-connect fitting at fuel rail. See FUEL LINE
DISCONNECT FITTINGS. Return fuel pump relay to PDC.
Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Tube Purging (5.2L)
1) Close control valve (clockwise) on all fuel cylinders.
Open manual shutoff valve (open when handle is parallel to fuel
tubes).
2) Start and operate engine until it runs out of fuel.
Attempt 3 more engine starts. If check valve or fuel fill receptacle

is to be serviced, slowly loosen inlet side of fuel fill tube fitting
at check valve. It is normal for approximately 25 psi of residual
natural gas pressure to flow from loosened fitting. At this point, all
fuel tubes are purged of natural gas between fuel cylinders and
engine. It is now okay to open fuel system.
WARNING: Fuel cylinders still contain high-pressure fuel.
Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Cylinder Purging (5.2L)
1) Open manual shutoff valve. Open only fuel control valve(s)\
(counterclockwise) on fuel cylinder(s) to be serviced. Close all oth\
er
control valve(s) (clockwise) on fuel cylinder(s) not being service\
d.
2) Start and operate engine until it runs out of fuel.
Attempt 3 more engine starts. At this point, all fuel tubes and opened
cylinders are purged of natural gas between fuel cylinders and engine.
It is now okay to open fuel system.
WARNING: Fuel cylinders not being serviced still contain high-pressure
fuel.
FUEL LINE DISCONNECT FITTINGS
Removal & Installation (Tab Type Fitting)
1) Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE.
Disconnect negative battery cable. Ensure area around fuel line and
disconnect fitting is clean. Place shop towel around fuel line.
2) On 2-tab connectors, squeeze retainer tabs together and
pull fuel tube/quick-connect fitting assembly off of fuel tube nipple.
On single-tab connectors, use screwdriver to pry up pull tab. See
Fig. 1 . Raise pull tab until it separates from quick-connect fitting.
Discard old pull tab. Disconnect quick-connect fitting from fuel line.
CAUTION: DO NOT install a quick-connect fitting without retainer being
either in fuel tube or already in quick-connect fitting.
After installing fuel line in disconnect fitting, pull on
fuel line and disconnect fitting to ensure fuel line is
locked in place.
3) To install, coat fuel tube nipple with clean 30W engine
oil. Insert quick-connect fitting into fuel tube until stop on fuel
tube rests against back of quick-connect fitting.
4) On single-tab connectors, obtain NEW pull tab. Push tab
down until it locks into quick-connect fitting. On 2-tab connectors,
firmly pull on fuel tube and fitting to ensure retainer and quick-
connect fitting are locked.
Removal & Installation (Retainer Type Fitting)
1) Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE.
Disconnect negative battery cable. Ensure area around fuel line and
disconnect fitting is clean. Place shop towel around fuel line.
2) Pull backward on disconnect fitting while depressing
plastic ring into disconnect fitting. See Fig. 2. Separate fuel line
from disconnect fitting.
NOTE: Plastic retainer ring must be pressed squarely into fitting
body. If retainer is cocked during removal, it may be
difficult to disconnect fitting. Use open-end wrench on
shoulder of plastic retainer to ease disconnection.
3) To install, ensure plastic ring is in outward position
(away from disconnect fitting). If plastic ring is in inward position
(toward disconnect fitting), disconnect fitting must be replaced.
4) Lubricate end of fuel line with 30W engine oil. Insert

fuel line into disconnect fitting until shoulder on fuel line locks in
place.
CAUTION: DO NOT install a quick-connect fitting without retainer being
either in fuel tube or already in quick-connect fitting.
After installing fuel line in disconnect fitting, pull on
fuel line and disconnect fitting to ensure fuel line is
locked in place.
5) Pull on fuel line and disconnect fitting to ensure fuel
line is locked in place. If fuel line is not locked in place, ensure
plastic ring is not causing locking retainer to remain in released
position. Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and check for
leaks.
Fig. 1: Identifying Tab Type Fuel Line Disconnect Fittings
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.

CAUTION: Install NEW studs in cylinder head if studs came out when
removing exhaust manifold. Apply sealant to coarse threads of
studs before installing in head.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure conical washers
are installed in original locations. Tighten bolts/nuts to
specification, starting at center and working outward. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table.
CYLINDER HEAD
Removal
1) On Van, remove engine cover and heat shields. On all
models, disconnect battery, and drain coolant. Remove generator
bracket support rod and generator. Remove intake and exhaust manifold.
See INTAKE MANIFOLD and EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
2) Remove rocker arms and push rods. See ROCKER ARMS. Remove
cylinder head bolts, cylinder head and gasket.
Inspection
Check cylinder head warpage. Repair or replace cylinder head
if warpage exceeds specification. See CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten cylinder head
bolts, to specification and in sequence, using 3 steps. See Fig. 7.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Fig. 7: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
FRONT COVER OIL SEAL

Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove drive belts from
crankshaft pulley. Remove fan and shroud. Remove crankshaft pulley and
vibration damper. Pry oil seal from front cover.
Installation
1) Use Seal Installer (6635) for seal installation. Installe\
r
should fit with minimum interference. If installer does not fit, front
cover must be removed and installed properly.
2) Position small diameter of oil seal over seal installer.
Using vibration damper bolt, tighten seal installer to draw seal into
position. Remove vibration damper bolt and seal installer. To complete
installation, reverse removal procedure.
FRONT COVER
Removal
1) Disconnect battery. Drain coolant. Remove power steering
pump (if equipped). Remove water pump. See WATER PUMP.
2) Remove crankshaft pulley and vibration damper. Loosen oil
pan bolts. Remove oil pan-to-front cover bolts on each side of oil
pan. Remove bolts, front cover and gasket. DO not damage oil pan
gasket.
Installation
1) Ensure sealing surfaces are clean. Apply a 1/8" (3.17 mm)\
bead of RTV sealant to oil pan gasket. Install gasket, front cover and
bolts. DO NOT tighten bolts at this time.
2) Install front cover oil seal. See FRONT COVER OIL SEAL.
Tighten front cover, oil pan and then vibration damper bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. To complete
installation, reverse removal procedure.
TIMING CHAIN
Inspection
1) Remove front cover. See FRONT COVER. Position ruler at
camshaft sprocket, near timing chain link, to check timing chain
stretch.
NOTE: When applying torque to camshaft sprocket bolt, DO NOT allow
crankshaft to move. It may be necessary to hold crankshaft.
2) Place torque wrench on camshaft sprocket bolt. Apply 30
ft. lbs. (41 N.m) torque with cylinder heads installed, or 15 ft. lbs.\
(20 N.m) with cylinder heads removed, on camshaft sprocket bolt in
direction of engine rotation. Note reading on ruler.
3) Apply same amount of torque in opposite direction and note
amount of timing chain movement on ruler. If movement exceeds 1/8" (3.
17 mm), replace timing chain.
Removal
Rotate crankshaft so timing marks are aligned. See Fig. 8.
Remove camshaft sprocket bolt, camshaft sprocket, timing chain and
crankshaft sprocket.
Installation
1) Install timing chain and sprockets. Ensure timing marks
are aligned. See Fig. 8. Install camshaft sprocket bolt and tighten to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
2) Ensure camshaft end play is within specification. See
CAMSHAFT table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. If end play is not within
specification, replace thrust plate located between camshaft sprocket

camshaft journal diameter and camshaft bearing I.D. Replace camshaft
or camshaft bearings if not within specification. See CAMSHAFT table
under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: If camshaft is replaced, valve lifters must also be replaced.
Whenever new camshaft or valve lifters are installed,
manufacturer recommends addition of one pint of Chrysler
crankcase conditioner to engine oil for at least 500 miles to
aid break-in.
Installation
1) Ensure cup plugs are installed in oil passages behind
thrust plate. Lubricate camshaft and bearings, and install within 2"
(50.8 mm) of final installation location.
2) Install Camshaft Installer (C-3509), with long area behin\
d
distributor drive gear. See Fig. 10. This prevents camshaft from
contacting plug located in rear of cylinder block. Install distributor
lock bolt to retain camshaft installer.
3) Install camshaft thrust plate and oil tab. Ensure tang
engages with lower right hole of camshaft thrust plate. Tighten
camshaft thrust plate bolts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Top edge of oil tab should be flat against
camshaft thrust plate for timing chain lubrication. See Fig. 9.
4) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Check camshaft end play. If end play exceeds specification,
replace thrust plate. See CAMSHAFT table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
Ensure components are installed in original location.
CAUTION: DO NOT allow engine RPM to exceed fast idle until valve
lifters have filled with oil and become quiet.
Fig. 10: Installing Camshaft
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
CAMSHAFT BEARINGS

CYLINDER HEAD
Cylinder Head
Check cylinder head warpage. Repair or replace cylinder head
if warpage exceeds specification. See CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Valve Springs
1) Check valve spring free length, out-of-square and
pressure. Replace valve spring if not within specification. See VALVES
& VALVE SPRINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
2) Measure valve spring installed height from bottom of
spring seat (cylinder head surface) to bottom of spring retainer. If
spacers are installed, measure from top of spacer.
3) If height exceeds 1.687" (42.86 mm), install a .066" (1.\
58
mm) thick spacer in cylinder head counterbore to obtain correct
installed spring height. See VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS table.
Valve Stem Oil Seals
Cup-type oil seals are used on all valves. Ensure oversize
valve stem oil seals are used when oversize valves are installed. When
installing valves, DO NOT overcompress valve springs, or damage to
valve stem oil seal may result.
NOTE: DO NOT ream valve guides from standard to maximum oversize in
one step. Ream valve guides to oversize in gradual steps so
guides are reamed true in relation to valve seat. After
reaming valve guides, valve seat runout must be checked.
Valve Guides
Check valve stem oil clearance. Ensure valve stem diameter is
within specification. Valve guide must be reamed for valve with
oversize valve stem if oil clearance exceeds specification. See
CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Valves are available
with stems of .015" (.38 mm) and .030" (.76 mm) oversize.
Valve Seat
Check valve seat width and runout. Grind valve seat if not
within specification. See CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Valves
Ensure valve margin, head diameter and stem diameter are
within specification. See VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS table under ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS. Valves are available with stems of .015" (.38 mm) and
.030" (.76 mm) oversize.
Valve Seat Correction Angles
Use a 15-degree stone to lower valve seat, and a 60-degree
stone to raise valve seat.
VALVE TRAIN
Rocker Arms & Pivots
Remove rocker arms and pivots. Inspect for wear. Replace as
necessary.
NOTE: Cylinder block must be marked to indicate oversize valve
lifters. See SPECIAL ENGINE MARKS.
Valve Lifters
Measure valve lifter diameter and bore diameter in cylinder