1999 DODGE RAM check engine


D - A D JU STM EN TS - C NG & G ASO LIN E

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ENGINE PERFORMANCE
CHRY - On-Vehicle Adjustments - Trucks & RWD Vans - CNG & Gas
Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van, Ram Wagon
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Before performing any on-vehicle adjustments to fuel or
ignition systems, ensure engine mechanical condition is okay.
VALVE CLEARANCE
NOTE: All engines use hydraulic lifters. No adjustments are
required.
IGNITION TIMING
On all models, ignition timing is controlled by Powertrain
Control Module (PCM). Ignition timing is nonadjustable. DO NOT attempt\
to adjust ignition timing by rotating distributor.
NOTE: On Dakota 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van
and Ram Wagon, if distributor is rotated, fuel system
synchronization will be changed. If distributor is removed or
rotated, check fuel system synchronization. See procedures
under FUEL SYSTEM SYNCHRONIZATION under FUEL SYSTEM.
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM SYNCHRONIZATION
NOTE: Fuel system synchronization is controlled by position of the
distributor. Rotating distributor WILL NOT change ignition
timing, but will change fuel system synchronization. Fuel
system synchronization should be checked anytime distributor
is removed or rotated.
Dakota 3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram
Wagon
1) Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is
located below driver's side of instrument panel, near steering column.
See Fig. 1 , 2 or 3.
2) Using scan tool manufacturer's instructions, access SET
SYNC display on scan tool. Following scan tool displays, start engine.
Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Vehicle must be in closed
loop. With engine idling, if scan tool displays IN RANGE along with
0
, this indicates correct distributor location. The degree reading
displayed on scan tool indicates the fuel synchronization, not
ignition timing.
3) If scan tool display is correct, shut engine off. Remove
scan tool. If scan tool does not display IN RANGE along with 0
, go to
next step.
4) If scan tool displays a plus (+) or minus (-) sign next\
to
the degree number, and/or the degree number displayed is not zero,
loosen but DO NOT remove distributor hold-down bolt.
5) Rotate distributor until scan tool displays IN RANGE.
Continue to rotate distributor until a reading as close as possible to

Fig. 3: Locating Data Link Connector (DLC) (Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
Courtesy of Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
IDLE SPEED & MIXTURE
Idle speed and mixture are controlled by Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). No adjustment is required. PCM controls Idle Air Control\
(IAC) motor for proper idle speed. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - JEEP, TRUCKS\
& RWD VANS article for diagnosis of incorrect idle speed or IAC motor
operation.
THROTTLE BODY MINIMUM AIRFLOW
NOTE: Throttle body minimum airflow procedure checks throttle body
calibration for correct idle speed. Procedure may be used for
idle speed problems caused by the throttle body. Throttle
body minimum airflow procedure should be performed after all
other diagnostic procedures have failed to produce results
that indicate a throttle body related problem. Ensure IAC
motor is operating correctly before performing this
procedure.
Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon
1) Start engine and warm engine to normal operating
temperature. Ensure all accessories are off. Shut engine off. Remove
air duct at throttle body.

2) Disconnect vacuum line at PCV valve located in valve
cover. Install .185" fixed orifice Air Metering Fitting (6714) into
disconnected vacuum line in place of PCV valve.
3) Disconnect purge vacuum hose from passenger's side front
corner of throttle body, next to MAP sensor. Place cap on vacuum hose
fitting on throttle body.
4) Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC) located
below driver's side of instrument panel, near steering column. See
Fig. 1, 2 or 3.
5) Start engine and warm engine to normal operating
temperature. Using scan tool manufacturer's instructions, select
SYSTEM TEST and then access the MINIMUM AIRFLOW display on scan tool.
When accessed, scan tool will count down to stabilize idle RPM and
display minimum airflow idle RPM. Minimum airflow idle RPM should be
500-900 RPM.
6) Shut engine off. If minimum airflow idle RPM is correct,
throttle body is okay. Go to next step. If minimum airflow idle RPM is
not within specification, using approved cleaner, clean throttle body
and recheck minimum airflow idle RPM. If correct minimum airflow idle
RPM cannot be obtained, replace throttle body. Go to next step.
7) Remove air metering fitting. Reinstall vacuum hoses as
necessary. Reinstall air duct on throttle body. Remove scan tool.
Ram Pickup 8.0L
Throttle body minimum airflow cannot be checked on this
application.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
NOTE: Throttle Position (TP) sensor is nonadjustable. Use following\
procedure to check TP sensor calibration. For complete
testing of TP sensor and wiring circuit, see SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
- JEEP, TRUCKS & RWD VANS article.
Dakota, Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon
1) Remove components for access to electrical connector at TP
sensor mounted on throttle body. With electrical connector installed
on TP sensor, turn ignition on with engine off. DO NOT start engine.
2) Using digital volt-ohmmeter, measure voltage at center
terminal on electrical connector for TP sensor with throttle valve
closed (idle position). Voltage should be greater than .35 volt, but
less than .90 volt.
3) Slowly open throttle to full throttle and note voltage
reading. Voltage should smoothly increase to less than 4.50 volts.
Replace TP sensor if voltage is not within specification.


D - A D JU STM EN TS - D IE SEL

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ENGINE PERFORMANCE
CHRY - On-Vehicle Adjustments - Trucks - Diesel
Ram Pickup
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Before performing any on-vehicle adjustments to fuel system,
ensure engine mechanical condition is okay.
VALVE CLEARANCE
NOTE: Valve clearance must be adjusted with engine temperature less
than 140F (60C).
1) Disconnect negative battery cables. Remove valve cover.
Remove fuel pump gear access cover, located at front of engine. Using
Engine Barring Tool (7471B), rotate engine to align pump gear mark
with TDC mark on gear housing cover. See Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Rotating Engine
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
2) With cylinder No. 1 at TDC, check valve clearance on
proper valves. Perform STEP 1. See Fig. 2. See VALVE CLEARANCE

Procedure Cylinders No.
Step 1 (1)
Intake Valve ............................................ 1, 2 & 4
Exhaust Valve ........................................... 1, 3 & 5
Step 2 ( 2)
Intake Valve ............................................ 3, 5 & 6
Exhaust Valve ........................................... 2, 4 & 6
( 1) - Perform STEP 1. See Fig. 2.
( 2) - Rotate engine clockwise (viewed from front of engine) one full
revolution from TDC on cylinder No. 1 (STEP 1) and align
reference marks. Perform STEP 2. See Fig. 2.









\









\









\









\









\









\









\








VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS ( 1)








\









\









\









\









\









\









\








Application In. (mm)\
Intake Valve ............................. ( 2) .006-.015 (.152-.381)
Exhaust Valve ............................ ( 3) .015-.030 (.381-.762)
( 1) - Adjust valve clearance with engine temperature less than
140
F (60C).
( 2) - Set to .010" (.254 mm) if adjustment is necessary.
( 3) - Set to .020" (.508 mm) if adjustment is necessary.









\









\









\









\









\









\









\








3) Rotate engine clockwise (viewed from front of engine) one\
full revolution from TDC on cylinder No. 1 and align reference marks.
Check valve clearance on proper valves. Perform STEP 2. See Fig. 2.
See VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTING SEQUENCE table. Ensure valve clearance
is within specification. See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. If
valve clearance is within specification, go to next step. If valve
clearance is not within specification, loosen rocker lever adjusting
screw lock nut, and adjust valve clearance by rotating rocker lever
adjusting screw. Tighten rocker lever adjusting screw lock nut to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Go to next step.
4) Install valve cover, fuel pump access cover and battery
cables.
FUEL INJECTION PUMP TIMING
CHECKING FUEL INJECTION PUMP TIMING
NOTE: With Bosch VP 44 pump, no mechanical adjustments are
necessary. All timing and fuel adjustments are performed by
Engine Control Module (ECM). If a FTC indicating engine sync
error or static timing error has been set, perform following
adjustment. If FTC sets after installing a new pump, pump
keyway has probably been installed backward.
CAUTION: DO NOT allow nut and washer to fall inside front cover.
1) Remove fuel pump access cover, shaft nut and washer.
Ensure keyway aligning pump shaft to pump gear has not slipped. If
keyway has slipped, repair as necessary.
2) Remove timing gear cover. See REMOVAL, OVERHAUL &
INSTALLATION - TRUCKS - DIESEL article. Using a T-type puller, remove
injection pump gear from shaft. Ensure key has been installed in
keyway with arrow pointing to rear of pump. Pump timing is calibrated
to pump keyway. Ensure 3-digit number on key matches number on pump

NOTE: All active codes must be resolved before diagnosing store
codes.
1) Raise and support vehicle. Start engine and let idle with
transmission in PARK position. Wiggle wiring harness and connectors of
air bag system and rotate steering wheel from stop to stop.
2) Visually inspect related wire harness connectors. Look for
broken, bent, pushed out, spread, corroded or contaminated terminals.
Also, look for chafed, pierced, pinched or partially broken wires.
3) Check for trouble codes as you work through system. If
stored trouble code becomes active, perform appropriate diagnostic
test. If stored code is reproducible, repair or replace wiring
harness, harness connector or terminals or replace component as
necessary.
CLUSTER MESSAGE MISMATCH
NOTE: Perform AIR BAG VERIFICATION TEST after
all repairs. Each time a connector is disconnected, inspect
it to ensure it is in good condition. Always focus on circuit
being tested. Dirt, water and corrosion, are most common
problems in connectors. Due to manufacturer changes in wire
colors, use terminal identification whenever possible.
1) If AIR BAG warning light is on, go to next step. If AIR
BAG warning light is not on, go to step 5).
2) Using DRB, select PASSIVE RESTRAINTS, AIRBAG and MONITOR
DISPLAY. Read WARNING LAMP STATUS. If DRB does not display MIC LAMP
STATUS ON, replace instrument cluster. If DRB displays MIC LAMP STATUS
ON, go to next step.
3) If DRB displays ACM LAMP REQUEST: ON, go to next step. If
DRB does not display ACM LAMP REQUEST: ON, replace instrument cluster.
4) If there are no potential causes for this DTC remaining,
ACM is assumed to be defective. Replace ACM. See
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
NOTE: If AIR BAG warning light is defective, instrument cluster
will flash seat belt light for 30 seconds starting 10 seconds
after bulb check stops.
5) Using DRB, read air bag control module active codes
(messages). If CLUSTER MISMATCH is only active message, go to next
step. If other messages are present, go to appropriate diagnostic test
to continue diagnosis.
6) If seat belt warning light flashes for 30 seconds after
bulb check is complete, replace instrument cluster. If seat belt
warning light does not flashes for 30 seconds after bulb check is
complete, go to next step.
7) Using DRB, select PASSIVE RESTRAINTS, AIRBAG and MONITOR
DISPLAY. Read WARNING LAMP STATUS. If DRB displays ACM LAMP REQUEST:
OFF, go to next step. If DRB does not display ACM LAMP REQUEST: OFF,
replace instrument cluster.
8) If DRB displays MIC LAMP REQUEST: OFF, go to next step. If
DRB does not display MIC LAMP REQUEST: OFF, replace instrument
cluster.
9) If there are no potential causes for this DTC remaining,
ACM is assumed to be defective. Replace ACM. See
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN
NOTE: Perform AIR BAG VERIFICATION TEST after
all repairs. Each time a connector is disconnected, inspect

it to ensure it is in good condition. Always focus on circuit
being tested. Dirt, water and corrosion, are most common
problems in connectors. Due to manufacturer changes in wire
colors, use terminal identification whenever possible.
1) Disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
Disconnect driver-side air bag module squib connector. Connect a
jumper wire between driver-side air bag (squib) 2-pin connector
terminal No. 1 (Black/Light Blue wire) and terminal No. 2 (Dark
Green/Light Blue wire). Turn ignition on (engine off). Reconnect
battery. Using DRB, read active codes. If DRB displays DRIVER SQUIB
CIRCUIT SHORTED, replace driver-side air bag module. If not, go to
next step.
2) Disconnect clockspring 2-pin connector. Connect a jumper
wire between clockspring 2-pin connector terminals No. 1 (Black/Light
Blue wire) and No. 2 (Dark Green/Light Blue wire). Using DRB, read
active codes. If DRB displays DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED, replace
clockspring. If not, go to next step.
3) Disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
Remove jumper wires. Disconnect ACM connector. ACM is located under
instrument panel, on transmission tunnel. Using an ohmmeter, check
resistance between ACM connector terminal No. 6 (Dark Green/Light Blue
wire) and clockspring 2-pin connector terminal No. 2 (Dark Green/Light\
Blue wire). If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If
resistance is more than 5 ohms, repair open or high resistance in Dark
Green/Light Blue wire.
4) Check resistance between ACM connector terminal No. 5
(Black/Light Blue wire) and clockspring 2-pin connector terminal No. 1\
(Black/Light Blue wire). If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next\
step. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, repair open or high
resistance in Black/Light Blue wire.
5) If there are no potential causes for this DTC remaining,
ACM is assumed to be defective. Replace ACM. See
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED
NOTE: Perform AIR BAG VERIFICATION TEST after
all repairs. Each time a connector is disconnected, inspect
it to ensure it is in good condition. Always focus on circuit
being tested. Dirt, water and corrosion, are most common
problems in connectors. Due to manufacturer changes in wire
colors, use terminal identification whenever possible.
1) Disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
Ensure driver-side air bag module connector is completely connected
before disconnecting it. If driver-side air bag module connector is
not completely connected, reconnect it. If driver-side air bag
connector is completely connected, go to next step.
2) Disconnect driver-side air bag module. Turn ignition on
(engine off). Reconnect battery. Using DRB, read active codes. If DRB
displays DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN, replace driver-side air bag
module. If not, go to next step.
3) Disconnect clockspring 2-pin connector. Using DRB, read
active codes. If DRB displays DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN, replace
clockspring. If not, go to next step.
4) Turn ignition off, disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes
before proceeding. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module connector.
Using an ohmmeter, check resistance between clockspring 2-pin
connector terminal No. 1 (Black/Light Blue wire) and passenger-side
air bag 2-pin connector terminal "A" (Black/Yellow wire). If
resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair short between Black/Light Blue
wire and Black/Yellow wire. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, go to

next step.
5) Using an ohmmeter, check resistance between clockspring 2-
pin connector terminals No. 1 (Black/Light Blue wire) and No. 2 (Dark\
Green/Light Blue wire). If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair
short between Dark Green/Light Blue wire and Black/Light Blue wire. If
resistance is more than 5 ohms, go to next step.
6) If there are no potential causes for this DTC remaining,
ACM is assumed to be defective. Replace ACM. See
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO BATTERY
NOTE: Perform AIR BAG VERIFICATION TEST after
all repairs. Each time a connector is disconnected, inspect
it to ensure it is in good condition. Always focus on circuit
being tested. Dirt, water and corrosion, are most common
problems in connectors. Due to manufacturer changes in wire
colors, use terminal identification whenever possible.
1) Disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
Disconnect driver-side air bag module. Turn ignition on and reconnect
battery. Using DRB, read active codes. If DRB does not display DRIVER
SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE, replace driver-side air bag module.
If DRB displays DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE, go to next
step.
2) Disconnect clockspring 2-pin connector. Using DRB, read
active codes. If DRB does not display DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO
VOLTAGE, replace clockspring. If DRB displays DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT
SHORTED TO VOLTAGE, go to next step.
3) Disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
Disconnect ACM 23-pin connector. Using a voltmeter, check voltage
between ground and clockspring connector terminals No. 1 (Black/Light
Blue wire) and No. 2 (Dark Green/Light Blue wire). If voltage is more\
than 5 volts on either circuit, repair short to voltage in Dark
Green/Light Blue wire or Black/Light Blue wire. If voltage is less
than 5 volts on either circuit, go to next step.
4) If there are no potential causes for this DTC remaining,
ACM is assumed to be defective. Replace ACM. See
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND
NOTE: Perform AIR BAG VERIFICATION TEST after
all repairs. Each time a connector is disconnected, inspect
it to ensure it is in good condition. Always focus on circuit
being tested. Dirt, water and corrosion, are most common
problems in connectors. Due to manufacturer changes in wire
colors, use terminal identification whenever possible.
1) Disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
Disconnect driver-side air bag module. Turn ignition on (engine off)
and reconnect battery. Using DRB, read active codes. If DRB does not
display DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND, replace driver-side
air bag module. If DRB displays DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO
GROUND, go to next step.
2) Disconnect clockspring 2-pin connector. Using DRB, read
active codes. If DRB does not display DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO
GROUND, replace clockspring. If DRB displays DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT
SHORTED TO GROUND, go to next step.
3) Disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
Disconnect ACM 23-pin connector. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance
between ground and clockspring connector terminals No. 1 (Black/Light
Blue wire) and No. 2 (Dark Green/Light Blue wire). If resistance is