1999 DODGE RAM maintenance

IGNITION SWITCHES
INDICATOR LIGHTS
KEYLESS ENTRY KEYPADS AND TRANSMITTERS
KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTERS
LEDS
LENSES
MICROPHONES
MIRRORS (ELECTROCHROMATIC AND HEATED)
MOTORS
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCHES
ODOMETERS
ODOMETERS, SPEEDOMETERS AND TACHOMETERS (CABLE-DRIVEN)
PULLEYS
RECEIVERS, AMPLIFIERS, EQUALIZERS AND SUB-WOOFER VOLUME CONTROLS
RELAY BOXES
RELAYS
SEALED BEAMS
SEAT HEATERS
SECURITY ALARM SENSORS
SIRENS
SOLENOIDS
SPEAKERS AND MICROPHONES
SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER LINKAGES AND CABLES
SPEEDOMETER CABLES
SPEEDOMETERS
STARTERS
SUB-WOOFER VOLUME CONTROLS
SWITCHES
TACHOMETER CABLES
TACHOMETERS
TAPE PLAYERS AND CD PLAYERS
TENSIONERS
TIMERS
TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS
TRANSCEIVERS
TRANSDUCERS
VACUUM ACCUMULATORS (RESERVOIRS)
VACUUM RESERVOIRS
VOLTAGE REGULATORS
WASHER FLUID LEVEL SENDERS
WASHER PUMPS
WIPER ARMS AND BLADES
WIPER BLADES
WIPER HOSES AND NOZZLES
WIPER LINKAGES
WIPER NOZZLES
WIPER PUMP RESERVOIRS
WIRING HARNESSES AND CONNECTORS
INTRODUCTION TO MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
OVERVIEW OF MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM
The Motorist Assurance Program is the consumer outreach
effort of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Inc.
(AMRA). Participation in the Motorist Assurance Program is drawn from
retailers, suppliers, independent repair facilities, vehicle
manufacturers and industry associations.
Our organization's mission is to strengthen the relationship
between the consumer and the auto repair industry. We produce
materials that give motorists the information and encouragement to
take greater responsibility for their vehicles-through proper,

manufacturer-recommended, maintenance. We encourage participating
service and repair shops (including franchisees and dealers) to adopt
(1) a Pledge of Assurance to their Customers and (2) the Motorist
Assurance Program Standards of Service. All participating service
providers have agreed to subscribe to this Pledge and to adhere to the
promulgated Standards of Service demonstrating to their customers that
they are serious about customer satisfaction.
These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the
vehicle's (problem) system be made and the results communicated to the\
customer according to industry standards. Given that the industry did
not have such standards, the Motorist Assurance Program successfully
promulgated industry inspection communication standards in 1994-95 for
the following systems: Exhaust, Brakes, ABS, Steering and Suspension,
Engine Maintenance and Performance, HVAC, and Electrical Systems.
Further, revisions to all of these inspection communication standards
are continually re-published.
In addition to these, standards for Drive Train and
Transmissions have recently been promulgated. Participating shops
utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication Standards as part of
the inspection process and for communicating their findings to their
customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work
cooperatively and proactively with government agencies and consumer
groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are
mutually acceptable to both regulators and industry. We maintain the
belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part
of the problem. Meetings with state and other government officials
(and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or
consumer protection, are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is
brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not
satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist Assurance Program
offers mediation and arbitration through MAP/BBB-CARE and other non-
profit organizations. MAP conducted pilot programs in twelve states
before announcing the program nationally in October, 1998. During the
pilots, participating repair shops demonstrated their adherence to the
Pledge and Standards and agreed to follow the UICS in communicating
the results of their inspection to their customers. To put some
"teeth" in the program, an accreditation requirement for shops was
initiated. The requirements are stringent, and a self-policing method
has been incorporated which includes the "mystery shopping" of
outlets.
We welcome you to join us as we continue our outreach... with
your support, both the automotive repair industry and your customers
will reap the benefits. Please visit MAP at our Internet site www.
motorist.org or contact us at:
1444 I Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone (202) 712-9042 Fax (202) 216-9646
January 1999
MAP UNIFORM INSPECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
It is MAP policy that all exhaust, brake, steering,
suspension, wheel alignment, drive-line, engine performance and
maintenance, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and
electrical services be offered and performed under the standards and
procedures specified in these sections.

When presenting suggested repairs to the customer, you must
present the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own conclusions
and make an informed decision about how to proceed.
The following reasons may be used for required and suggested
services. These codes are shown in the "Code" column of the MAP
Uniform Inspection & Communications Standards that follow:
Reasons to Require Repair or Replacement
A - Part no longer performs intended purpose
B - Part does not meet a design specification (regardless of
performance)
C - Part is missing
NOTE: When a repair is required, the shop must refuse partial
service to the system in question, if the repair creates
or continues an unsafe condition.
Reasons to Suggest Repair or Replacement
1 - Part is close to the end of its useful life (just above
discard specifications, or weak; failure likely to occur
soon, etc.)
2 - To address a customer need, convenience, or request (to
stiffen ride, enhance performance, eliminate noise,
etc.)
3 - To comply with maintenance recommended by the vehicle's
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
4 - Technician's recommendation based on substantial and
informed experience
NOTE: Suggested services are always optional. When presenting
suggested repairs to the customer, you must present the
facts, allowing the customer to draw their own conclusions
and make an informed decision about how to proceed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
SERVICE PROCEDURES REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED FOR PROPER
VEHICLE OPERATION
NOTE: When working on electrical systems, if a potentially
hazardous condition is observed, require repair or
replacement of affected components prior to performing
further work.
ACTUATOR MOTORS (SOLENOIDS) (ELECTRIC)
ACTUATOR MOTOR (SOLENOIDS) (ELECTRIC) INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware not
functioning ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector (Weatherpack
type) leaking .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.

EM IS SIO N C O NTR O L V IS U AL IN SPEC TIO N P R O CED URES

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1983-98 GENERAL INFORMATION
Emission Control Visual Inspection Procedures
All Models
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
This article is provided for general information only. Not
all information applies to all makes and models. For more complete
information, see appropriate article(s) in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Section.
EMISSION CONTROL LABELS
The vehicle manufacturer's emission control label, also known
as the underhood tune-up label or Vehicle's Underhood Emission Control
System (VECI) label, is located in the engine compartment. Information\
regarding year model of vehicle, engine size, number of cylinders,
emission equipment or type, engine tune-up specifications, whether
vehicle was manufactured for sale in California or is a Federal
vehicle, vacuum hose routing schematic, etc., can be found on this
label. See Fig. 1.
In addition to the VECI label, some emission control
inspection and maintenance programs may require an additional label to
be affixed to the vehicle in special circumstances. For example, in
California, a Bureau Of Automotive Repair (BAR) engine label may be
affixed to the left door post. A BAR engine label is only used when
the vehicle has an engine change, approved modification or is a
Specially Constructed (SPCN) or an acceptable Gray market vehicle.
Check your state's emission control inspection and maintenance laws to
determine if a similar label is used.
Fig. 1: Typical Emission Control Label
Courtesy of General Motors Corp.
EMISSION CONTROL VISUAL INSPECTION
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: The following emission control visual inspection procedures
should be used as a guide only. When performing a visual
inspection, always follow your state's recommended

EARLY FUEL EVAPORATION (EFE)
The EFE valve is actuated by either a vacuum actuator or a
bimetal spring (heat-riser type). The EFE valve is closed when engine
is cold. The closed valve restricts exhaust gas flow from the exhaust
manifold. This forces part of the exhaust gas to flow up through a
passage below the carburetor. As the exhaust gas quickly warms the
intake mixture, distribution is improved. This results in better cold
engine driveability, shorter choke periods and lower emissions.
Ensure EFE valve in exhaust manifold is not frozen or rusted
in a fixed position. On vacuum-actuated EFE system, check EFE thermal
vacuum valve and check valve(s). Also check for proper vacuum hose
routing. See Fig. 15.
Fig. 15: Typical Vacuum-Actuated EFE System
Courtesy of General Motors Corp.
EMISSION MAINTENANCE REMINDER LIGHT (EMR) (IF EQUIPPED)

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.

Install head bolts. Head bolts should be tightened in proper
steps and sequence to specification. See Fig. 1. Install remaining
components. Tighten all bolts to specification. Adjust valves if
required. See VALVE ADJUSTMENT in this article.
NOTE: Some manufacturers require that head bolts be retightened
after specified amount of operation. This must be done to
prevent head gasket failure.
VALVE ADJUSTMENT
Engine specifications will indicate valve train clearance and
temperature at which adjustment is to be made on most models. In most
cases, adjustment will be made with a cold engine. In some cases, both
a cold and a hot clearance will be given for maintenance convenience.
On some models, adjustment is not required. Rocker arms are
tightened to specification and valve lash is automatically set. On
some models with push rod actuated valve train, adjustment is made at
push rod end of rocker arm while other models do not require
adjustment.
Clearance will be checked between tip of rocker arm and tip
of valve stem in proper sequence using a feeler gauge. Adjustment is
made by rotating adjusting screw until proper clearance is obtained.
Lock nut is then tightened. Engine will be rotated to obtain all valve
adjustments to manufacturer's specifications.
Some models require hydraulic lifter to be bled down and
clearance measured. Different length push rods can be used to obtain
proper clearance. Clearance will be checked between tip of rocker arm
and tip of valve stem in proper sequence using a feeler gauge.
On overhead cam engines designed without rocker arms actuate
valves directly on a cam follower. A hardened, removable disc is
installed between the cam lobe and lifter. Clearance will be checked
between cam heel and adjusting disc in proper sequence using a feeler
gauge. Engine will be rotated to obtain all valve adjustments.
On overhead cam engines designed with rocker arms, adjustment
is made at push rod end of rocker arm. Ensure that the valve to be
adjusted is riding on the heel of the cam on all engines. Clearance
will be checked between tip of rocker arm and tip of valve stem in
proper sequence using a feeler gauge. Adjustment is made by rotating
adjusting screw until proper clearance is obtained. Lock nut is then
tightened. Engine will be rotated to obtain all valve adjustments to
manufacturer's specifications.
CYLINDER HEAD OVERHAUL
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
DISASSEMBLY
Mark valves for location. Using valve spring compressor,
compress valve springs. Remove valve locks. Carefully release spring
compressor. Remove retainer or rotator, valve spring, spring seat and
valve. See Fig. 2.

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.