Engine pre-oiling can be done using pressure oiler (if
available). Connect pressure oiler to cylinder block oil passage
such as oil pressure sending unit. Operate pressure oiler long enough
to ensure correct amount of oil has filled crankcase. Check oil level
while pre-oiling.
If pressure oiler is not available, disconnect ignition
system. Remove oil pressure sending unit and replace with oil pressure
test gauge. Using starter motor, rotate engine starter until gauge
shows normal oil pressure for several seconds. DO NOT crank engine
for more than 30 seconds to avoid starter motor damage.
Ensure oil pressure has reached the most distant point from
the oil pump. Reinstall oil pressure sending unit. Reconnect ignition
system.
INITIAL START-UP
Start the engine and operate engine at low speed while
checking for coolant, fuel and oil leaks. Stop engine. Recheck coolant
and oil level. Adjust if necessary.
CAMSHAFT
Break-in procedure is required when a new or reground
camshaft has been installed. Operate and maintain engine speed between
1500-2500 RPM for approximately 30 minutes. Procedure may vary due to
manufacturers recommendations.
PISTON RINGS
Piston rings require a break-in procedure to ensure seating
of rings to cylinder walls. Serious damage may occur to rings if
correct procedures are not followed.
Extremely high piston ring temperatures are produced obtained
during break-in process. If rings are exposed to excessively high RPM
or high cylinder pressures, ring damage can occur. Follow piston ring
manufacturer's recommended break-in procedure.
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS
Check or adjust ignition timing and dwell (if applicable).
Adjust valves (if necessary). Adjust carburetion or injection idle
speed and mixture. Retighten cylinder heads (if required). If
cylinder head or block is aluminum, retighten bolts when engine is
cold. Follow the engine manufacturer's recommended break-in procedure
and maintenance schedule for new engines.
NOTE: Some manufacturer's require that head bolts be retightened
after specified amount of operation. This must be done to
prevent head gasket failure.
Off ....................... B & N; B & J; B & M; B & E; B & K; B & L
Vertical Up ............................. B & M; B & E; A & N; A & J
Vertical Down ........................... B & N; B & J; A & M; A & E
Horizontal Forward .................................... B & K; A & L
Horizontal Aft ........................................ B & L; A & K
Front Tilt Up ......................................... B & M; A & N
Front Tilt Down ....................................... B & N; A & M
Rear Tilt Up .......................................... B & E; A & J
Rear Tilt Down ........................................ B & J; A & E
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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.
SEAT ASSEMBLY
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
Remove 4 bolts/nuts attaching seat frame to floor pan. Remove
2 bolts holding power seat to center seat section. Disconnect power
seat wire harness connector located under seat. Remove seat from
vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat mounting
screws to 21 ft. lbs. (29 N.m).
Removal & Installation (Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove seat riser rear
shield. Disconnect power seat wire harness connector located under
seat. Remove 4 nuts attaching seat frame to floor pan. The rear nuts
are accessed by lifting up the seat riser rear shield. Remove seat
from vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat
mounting screws to 55 ft. lbs. (75 N.m).
MOTOR
NOTE: Seat motors are not serviced separately. If any segment of
power seat adjustment mechanism is faulty, replace motor,
cables and seat track assembly as a unit.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
Remove 4 bolts/nuts attaching seat to adjuster and motor
assembly. Remove adjuster and motor assembly. To install, reverse
removal procedure.
NOTE: If seat is in raised position, it is possible to remove seat
and/or adjuster and motor assembly without removing seat
riser. If seat can not be raised to full height, entire seat
and riser assembly must be removed from vehicle.
Removal & Installation (Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
If seat cannot be raised to full height, remove seat. See
SEAT ASSEMBLY. Remove 4 nuts attaching seat to riser. Disconnect
wiring between seat switch and motor. Remove seat cushion frame from
adjuster and motor assembly. Remove adjuster and motor assembly from
riser. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten seat adjuster
bolts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 N.m).
POWER SEAT SWITCH
After pulley installation, run the engine until warm. See
PUMP PULLEY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If drive belt chirps, move
pulley outward approximately .020" (0.5 mm). If noise increases, press\
pulley inward .040" (1.0 mm). Ensure pulley does not contact mounting
bolts.
THRUST BEARING PRELOAD
NOTE: Manufacturer recommends removing steering gear from vehicle
before performing any adjustments.
1) Remove steering gear from vehicle. See STEERING GEAR under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Ensure steering gear is empty of hydraulic
fluid. Rotate steering from stop-to-stop several times to drain fluid.
Loosen lock nut on adjuster plug. See Fig. 3. Using spanner wrench,
rotate adjuster plug clockwise until plug is seated in housing. Torque
will be approximately 20 ft. lbs. (27 N.m).
Fig. 3: Measuring Thrust Bearing Preload
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
2) Place reference mark on steering gear housing adjacent to
one hole in adjuster plug. Measure counterclockwise about 1/2" (13 mm)\
SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT - 2 W D C O IL S PR IN G
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 SUSPENSION
CHRY - Front - 2WD Coil Spring
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
All models are equipped with independent front suspension,
consisting of upper and lower control arms, steering knuckles, coil
springs and shock absorbers. See Fig. 1. Upper control arms are
mounted to frame side rails. Lower control arms are mounted to
crossmember. Steering knuckles are mounted between upper and lower
control arms by conventional ball joints. Coil springs are mounted
between seat in frame and lower control arm.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
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
SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT - L IN K/C O IL S PR IN G
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 SUSPENSION
CHRY - Front - Link/Coil Spring
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
Link/coil front suspension uses upper and lower suspension
arms attached to frame and drive axle (4WD) or tube axle (2WD). Shoc\
k
absorbers are mounted inside the coil springs, and attached at top to
a bracket with grommets. These brackets are bolted onto the frame with
3 studs on a ring. The shock is mounted at bottom of axle below the
spring seat. See Fig. 1.
A track bar is used, and is attached to a frame rail bracket
with a ball stud. The track bar is isolated with a bushing at the axle
bracket. Other components of the link/coil spring suspension system
are a stabilizer bar, links, upper and lower suspension arms, bushings
and ball joints.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension Assembly
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.
converter lock-up. ECM uses various input signals such as transmission
temperature, output shaft speed, central module timer, engine speed,
APPS and brake switch position to determine operation of transmission
torque converter clutch solenoid. Transmission torque converter clutch
solenoid is located on transmission valve body.
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL DELIVERY
Fuel Injection Pump
A camshaft-driven Bosch VP44 in-line fuel injection pump is
used to supply high pressure fuel to each fuel injector in precise
metered amounts at the correct time. See Fig. 2. The pump is timed to
camshaft gear. Pump output is controlled by integral Fuel Pump Control
Module (FPCM). Because of electronic control, idle speeds and pump
timing are not adjustable. See ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS - TRUCKS -
DIESEL article. FPCM can operate engine if crankshaft position sensor
signal does not exist. Fuel injection occurs near completion of
compression stroke for each cylinder.
Fuel injection pump contains an overflow valve which allows
excess fuel to return to the fuel tank. Overflow valve is located on
side of fuel injection pump and is used to attach the fuel return line
to the fuel injection pump.
Fuel Transfer Pump
Fuel transfer pump is located on driver's side of cylinder
block, above starter. See Fig. 2. A 12 volt, 12-amp electric vane-type
pump supplies low fuel pressure from fuel tank, through fuel
heater/fuel filter/water separator to fuel injection pump. Fuel
transfer pump contains internal check valves to prevent fuel from
bleeding back into fuel tank during engine shutdown. Pump will self
prime with ignition on for 2 seconds. Pump has 2 modes, 100 percent
duty cycle (10 psi) when engine is running and 25 percent duty cycle
(7 psi) when engine is cranking.
Fuel Filter/Water Separator
Fuel filter/water separator, located on left side of engine,
protects injection pump by removing water and contaminants from fuel.
See Fig. 2 . Assembly also includes fuel heater and Water-In-Fuel (WIF)
sensor.
In-Tank Fuel Filter
A separate in-tank fuel filter is attached to bottom of fuel
tank module. In-tank fuel filter does not require service under normal
conditions.
FUEL CONTROL
Fuel Injector
Fuel injector delivers atomized fuel into the cylinder.
During fuel injection, fuel pressure from fuel injection pump
increases to fuel injector opening pressure or pop pressure of 4500
psi (316 kg/cm
). This is the pressure required to lift fuel injector
needle valve from its seat, allowing fuel to be injected into the
cylinder. Once fuel pressure decreases to less then the opening
pressure, a spring forces needle valve closed and stops fuel injection
into the cylinders. Each fuel injector is connected to injection pump
by a high pressure (as much as 17,405 psi) line.
Fuel Injection Timing
Pump output is controlled by integral Fuel Pump Control
WIN DO W S - P O W ER
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
CHRY - Power Windows
Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van, Ram Wagon,
Town & Country, & Voyager
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
A permanent magnet motor moves each of the power windows,
including power vent windows. A positive and negative battery
connection to either of the 2 motor terminals will cause the motor to
rotate in one direction. Reversing current through these same 2
connections will cause the motor to rotate in the opposite direction.
Each individual motor is grounded through the master switch by a wire
attached to the instrument panel reinforcement.
Caravan, Durango, Town & Country and Voyager are equipped
with an Auto Down feature. Drivers window can be lowered without
having to hold the switch in the down position. Auto Down feature can
be activated by pressing down switch past first detent. Caravan, Town
& Country and Voyager have optional power vent windows. Power rear
vent windows are operated by switches mounted in driver's door panel.
NOTE: Power window circuits on Caravan, Town & Country, and Voyager
use Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) devices. The PTC
is a specified amperage solid-state resettable fuse. PTCs are
located in junction box behind driver's side of instrument
panel, to left of steering column. To reset PTC, all current
must be removed from PTC for approximately 20 seconds.
ADJUSTMENTS
WINDOWS
Remove door trim panel. See DOOR TRIM PANEL under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION. Loosen bolts holding window to regulator. Raise window
fully, seating window in frame. Tighten bolts. Install door trim
panel.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
CARAVAN, TOWN & COUNTRY, & VOYAGER
Inspect both No. 8 and 9 (9-amp) PTCs in junction block.
Junction block is located under left side of instrument panel.
* Inspect fuse No. 23 (40-amp) in Power Distribution Center
(PDC). PDC is located on left side of engine compartment.
* Inspect ground at instrument panel left side cowl.
DAKOTA & DURANGO
Inspect circuit breaker No. 20 (20-amp on Dakota, 25-amp on
Durango) in fuse block. Fuse block is located on left end of
instrument panel.
* Inspect fuse No. 9 (40-amp) in Power Distribution Center
(PDC). PDC is located in left front corner of engine