1999 DODGE RAM check oil

Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon ........... (2) .............. ( 2)
Town & Country
3.3L & 3.8L ............................. ( 2) .............. ( 2)
Voyager
2.4L
A/C & Generator ...................... 190 (86) ...... 115 (52\
)
Power Steering ....................... 140 (64) ....... 90 (41\
)
3.0L
A/C .................................. 150 (68) ....... 80 (36\
)
Generator & Power Steering ............. ( 2) .............. ( 2)
3.3L .................................... ( 2) .............. ( 2)
( 1) - Used belt is a belt that has been in service for more than 15
minutes.
( 2) - Automatic belt tensioner is used. Belt tension adjustment is not
required.









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MECHANICAL CHECKS
ENGINE COMPRESSION
Ensure battery is fully charged. Warm engine to normal
operating temperature. Disconnect wire at ignition coil to prevent
engine from starting. Check engine compression with all spark plugs
removed and throttle wide open.
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS









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Application Specification
Compression Ratio
Caravan
2.4L ...................................................... 9.4:1
3.0L ...................................................... 8.9:1
3.3L ...................................................... 8.9:1
3.8L ...................................................... 9.6:1
Dakota & Durango ........................................... 9.1:1
Ram Pickup
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L (Gasoline) .............................. 9.1:1\
5.9L (Diesel) ............................................ 17.5:1\
8.0L ...................................................... 8.4:1
Ram Van & Ram Wagon ........................................ 9.1:1
Town & Country
3.3L ...................................................... 8.9:1
3.8L ...................................................... 9.6:1
Voyager
2.4L ...................................................... 9.4:1
3.0L ...................................................... 8.9:1
3.3L ...................................................... 8.9:1
Normal Compression Pressure
Caravan
2.4L ............................. 170-225 psi (11.9-15.7 kg/cm
)
3.0L ...................................... 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm)
3.3L & 3.8L ................................................. ( 1)
Dakota
2.5L .............................. 120-150 psi (8.4-10.5 kg/cm
)
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L ........................................... ( 1)
Durango ...................................................... ( 1)
Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon .............................. ( 1)
Town & Country ............................................... ( 1)
Voyager

Cylinder No. 1 Or 4 ........................................ 4200
Cylinder No. 2 Or 3 ........................................ 3200
3.0L
Cylinder No. 1 ........................................... 14,000
Cylinder No. 2 ........................................... 10,400
Cylinder No. 3 ........................................... 14,900
Cylinder No. 4 ........................................... 11,500
Cylinder No. 5 ........................................... 17,500
Cylinder No. 6 ........................................... 10,300
Ignition Coil Wire ....................................... 11,100
3.3L
Cylinder No. 1 ........................................... 18,500
Cylinder No. 2 ........................................... 15,500
Cylinder No. 3 ........................................... 20,400
Cylinder No. 4 ........................................... 21,200
Cylinder No. 5 ........................................... 27,700
Cylinder No. 6 ........................................... 26,700
(1) - Maximum wire resistance is listed according to high tension wire
application. For cylinder identification, see FIRING ORDER &
TIMING MARKS.
( 2) - Resistance should be 250-1000 ohms per one inch or 3000-12,000
ohms per 12 inches.









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SPARK PLUGS
SPARK PLUG TYPE ( 1)








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Application Champion No.
Caravan
2.4L ..................................................... RC12YC5
3.0L ..................................................... RN11YC4
3.3L & 3.8L ............................................. RN14PMP5
Dakota
2.5L ..................................................... RC12ECC
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L ........................................ RC12LC4
Durango .................................................... RC12LC4
Ram Pickup
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L ........................................ RC12LC4
8.0L ...................................................... QC9MC4
Ram Van & Ram Wagon ........................................ RC12LC4
Town & Country ............................................ RN14PMP5
Voyager
2.4L ..................................................... RC12YC5
3.0L ..................................................... RN11YC4
3.3L .................................................... RN14PMP5
(1) - Check spark plug application on underhood vehicle emission
control label. If application differs from application listed,
use application on underhood vehicle emission control label.









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SPARK PLUG SPECIFICATIONS ( 1)








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Application Gap Torque
In. (mm) Ft. Lbs. (N.m\
)
Caravan
2.4L ................ .048-.053 (1.22-1.35) ............ 20 (27\
)
3.0L ................ .039-.044 (1.00-1.12) ............ 20 (27\
)
3.3L & 3.8L ......... .048-.053 (1.22-1.35) ............ 20 (27\
)

ON-VEHICLE TESTING
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.
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS
WARNING: To prevent engine from starting while performing tests,
always disable ignition and fuel systems.
Disabling Ignition & Fuel Systems
Remove Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD) located in Power
Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay
location. PDC is located in engine compartment. On 5.9L diesel
engines, also disconnect fuel shutdown solenoid connector. Solenoid is
located behind upper intake manifold. See appropriate SYSTEM &
COMPONENT TESTING article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.
Enabling Ignition & Fuel Systems
When testing and/or repairs have been completed, verify
battery condition. Recharge battery as necessary, after starter tests
have been completed. Disconnect all test equipment. Install ASD relay.
On 5.9L diesel engines, reconnect fuel shutdown relay connector. On
all models, start engine several times to verify malfunction has been
corrected.
CRANKING TEST
NOTE: Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. High
viscosity oil, extreme cold temperatures, or tight engine
will increase amperage draw.
1) Using a battery load tester, connect positive and negative
leads to battery. Connect inductive ammeter pick-up to positive
battery cable. Disable ignition and fuel systems. See
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS.
2) Ensure all lights and accessories are off. Place A/T in
Park position or M/T in Neutral position. Apply parking brake. Crank
engine and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage is more than 9.6
volts and cranking amperage draw is more than specified amps, proceed
to CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - CARS or
STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - TRUCKS.
3) If voltage is 12.5 volts or more and cranking amperage
draw is less than specified, check starter circuit components in the
following order:
starter solenoid, starter relay, starter relay circuit, park/neutral
position switch or transmission range sensor (A/T), clutch pedal
position switch (M/T), ignition switch, wiring harness and
connections.
CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS
NOTE: If excessive resistance is not found in circuits being
tested, remove starter and proceed to BENCH TESTING.
Battery Connection Resistance Test
1) Disable vehicle ignition and fuel systems. See
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS. A voltmeter accurate to
one tenth of a volt will be needed for the following tests.

1) Place gear selector in Park. Disconnect negative battery
cable. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect PNP switch connector.
Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between ground and PNP switch
center terminal. If continuity exists, go to next step. If continuity
does not exist, replace PNP switch.
2) Place gear selector in Reverse. Check for continuity
between ground and PNP switch center terminal. If continuity exists,
PNP switch is okay. If continuity does not exist, replace PNP switch.
CLUTCH POSITION SWITCH TEST
Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect clutch position
switch connector. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between
clutch position switch terminals. With clutch pedal released,
continuity should not exist. With clutch pedal depressed, continuity
should exist. Replace clutch position switch if continuity is not as
specified.
IGNITION SWITCH TEST
NOTE: For ignition switch testing procedures, see appropriate
STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES article in ACCESSORIES &
EQUIPMENT.
BENCH TESTING
SOLENOID TEST
1) With starter removed from vehicle, remove starter motor
field coil wire from solenoid field coil terminal. Using an ohmmeter,
check for continuity between solenoid terminal and field coil terminal
of starter solenoid. Continuity should exist.
2) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal and
solenoid housing. Continuity should exist. If continuity is not
present in either test, replace starter and solenoid as an assembly.
OVERHAUL
NOTE: Manufacturer does not recommend disassembling and servicing
starters. If starter is found defective, a new unit must be
installed.
STARTER SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - CARS








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Application Specification
Cranking Amperage Draw ( 1)
Bosch 2.0L .......................................... 150-280 Amps
Melco 2.5L & 2.7L ................................... 150-280 Amps
Nippondenso 2.4L, 3.2L & 3.5L ......................... 150-280 Amps
No-Load Test At 11 Volts
Maximum Amps
Bosch 2.0L .................................................. ( 2)
Melco 2.5L & 2.7L ........................................... ( 2)
Nippondenso 2.4L, 3.2L & 3.5L ............................... ( 2)
No-Load Test At 11 Volts
Minimum RPM

the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own
conclusions and make an informed decision about how to
proceed.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
SERVICE PROCEDURES REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED FOR PROPER VEHICLE
OPERATION
Steering and suspension are complex systems made up of a
variety of interdependent components. For proper vehicle handling,
ride, and tire wear, a thorough inspection is required whenever
suspension work is being performed.
Conditions listed assume that the problem has been isolated
to the specific component by proper testing procedures.
NOTE: When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check
and adjust alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM
specifications.
CAUTION: DO NOT use ride height altering or load compensating
components, such as variable rate springs and coil over
shocks, on vehicles with height or load sensing
proportioning valve-equipped braking systems, unless
these components are original equipment.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
NOTE: Depending on the air suspension design, there are some
aftermarket products available to eliminate the air ride
suspension on certain vehicles. If the system has been
eliminated with one of these products, then no service is
suggested or required.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCKS AND AIR STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the air spring portion of the
air shock or strut. For damping portion of shock
or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCK AND AIR STRUT INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Inner fabric of air bag
damaged ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Outer covering of air bag
is cracked to the extent
that inner fabric of air
bag is visible ......... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure

Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.









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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust
alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent .................. B .... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................ A .... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity .. A .. Require replacement of corroded
part.
Attaching hardware
incorrect ............. A ........... Require replacement of
incorrect part.
Attaching hardware
loose ................. A .... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ............... C ... Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ....... A .... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ..... A ...... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Broken (all springs
except secondary
leave(s) on multi-leaf
springs) .............. A ............. Require replacement.
Coil clash ............. .. .. (1) Require ride height check.
Coil spring insulator
deteriorated .......... 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulator.
Coil spring insulator
missing ............... 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulator.
Coil spring insulator
split ................. 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulator.
Coil spring plastic
coating deteriorated -
rust present .......... A ...... ( 2) Refer to manufacturer's
service requirements.
Composite spring
damaged ............... .. .......... ( 3) Further inspection
required.
Cracked (all springs
except composite leaf and
secondary leave(s) on
multi-leaf springs) ... A ............. Require replacement.
Installed incorrectly .. B .................. Require repair.
Leaf spring insulators
missing ............... 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulators.
Secondary leaf on multi-
leaf spring broken .... 1 .... Suggest repair or replacement
Secondary leaf on multi-
leaf spring cracked ... 1 .... Suggest repair or replacement
Torsion bar

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.
WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
1) Tighten wheel bearing adjusting nut to 30-40 ft. lbs. (41-\
54 N.m) while rotating wheel. Stop rotation, and back off adjusting
nut to release all preload. Retighten nut finger tight.
2) Ensure bearing end play is .001-.003" (.025-.076 mm).
Install nut lock and cotter pin. Coat grease cap inside lightly with
grease, and install cap.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Ball joints are preloaded. Replace lower ball joint if
vertical movement exceeds .03" (.8 mm). Replace upper ball joint if
movement exceeds .03" (.8 mm).
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
COIL SPRING
Removal
1) Raise vehicle, and position safety stands under frame.
Remove wheels. Remove brake caliper retainer and brake caliper (if
necessary). Support caliper aside. Disconnect tie rod from steering
knuckle.
2) Disconnect stabilizer bar link from lower control arm. See
Fig. 1 . Support lower suspension arm outboard end with jack. Place
jack under arm in front of shock mount. Remove cotter pin and nut from
lower ball joint stud. Using Ball Joint Breaker (C-4150A), separate
ball joint from steering knuckle.
3) Remove lower shock bolt from suspension arm. Lower jack
and suspension arm until spring tension is relieved. Remove spring and
rubber isolator.
Installation
1) Install rubber isolator on top of spring. Position spring
between upper spring seat and lower suspension arm. Raise suspension
arm with jack, and position shock into suspension arm mount.
2) Install shock bolt and tighten to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Install steering knuckle on lower ball
joint stud. Install lower ball joint stud nut and tighten. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Replace cotter pin, and remove jack. Install
stabilizer bar link on lower suspension arm. Install grommet, retainer
and nut.
3) Install tie rod on steering knuckle, and tighten nut to 65
ft. lbs. (88 N.m). Install brake caliper assembly and rotor. Install
tire and wheel assembly. Remove support, and lower vehicle.
STEERING KNUCKLE
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
Remove brake caliper. Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly from
spindle.
2) Remove cotter pin and nut from tie-rod end, and disconnect
tie rod. Remove cotter pins and nut from upper and lower ball joint