1999 DODGE RAM steering

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

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

STE ER IN G C O LU M N

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 STEERING
CHRY - Steering Columns - Trucks & Vans
Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon,
Town & Country, Voyager
WARNING: All models are equipped with Air Bag Restraint System (ABRS).
See AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS before working on vehicle. Use
caution when working around steering column (air bag could
deploy).
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.
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models use collapsible steering columns with an integral
ignition switch and locking device. See Fig. 1. Optional tilt wheel is
available.
AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS
Follow precautions when working with air bag systems:
* When performing air bag repairs, disable ABRS. See AIR BAG
DISABLING.
* Use caution when handling a sensor. Never strike or jar a
sensor. All sensors or mounting bracket bolts must be
carefully torqued to ensure proper sensor operation.
* Never apply power to ABRS if a sensor is not rigidly attached
to vehicle.
* To avoid accidental air bag deployment while trouble shooting
ABRS, DO NOT use electrical test equipment, such as AC
-powered or battery-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc.
* Always carry air bag module with trim cover away from body.
Always place inflatable module on workbench with trim cover
up, away from loose objects.
* DO NOT install used air bag parts from another vehicle. Use
NEW parts only. DO NOT disassemble or tamper with air bag
assembly.
* Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting battery before
proceeding with repairs or trouble shooting system. For a
short time after battery is disconnected, ABRS retains enough
voltage to deploy air bag.
NOTE: For additional information, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section.
AIR BAG DISABLING
Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. Disconnect 2-
way yellow clockspring harness connector, located on top of fuse block
between clockspring and instrument panel wiring harness. Clockspring
connector may also be disconnected at Air Bag System Diagnostic Module
(ASDM).

WARNING: Wait about 2 minutes after disconnecting negative battery
cable before servicing air bag system. System reserve
capacitor maintains air bag system voltage for about 2
minutes after battery is disconnected. Servicing air bag
system before 2 minutes may cause accidental air bag
deployment and possible personal injury.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WARNING: All models are equipped with Air Bag Restraint System (ABRS).
See AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS before working on vehicle. Use
caution when working around steering column (air bag could
deploy).
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.
HORN PAD & STEERING WHEEL
Removal & Installation
1) Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING. Ensure
steering wheel is in straight-ahead position. Remove nuts mounting air
bag module to steering wheel. Remove screws securing cruise control
switch to steering wheel (if equipped).
2) Disconnect wiring connectors. Remove air bag module and
cruise control switch assembly. Pry trim covers from back of steering
wheel and remove horn switch mounting screws. Disconnect horn wires.
Remove horn switch.
3) Remove steering wheel retaining nut. Reference mark
steering wheel and steering shaft. Using puller, remove steering
wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure. Align marks made during
removal. Tighten steering wheel retaining nut to specification.
STEERING COLUMN
Removal & Installation
1) Position front wheels straight ahead. Disconnect and
isolate negative battery cable. On column shift models, remove link
rod from bushing in shift lever. Discard bushing. On all models,
remove steering wheel using Puller (C-3428-B). See HORN PAD & STEERING\
WHEEL.
2) Remove steering column shaft-to-coupler retaining pin.
Push upper coupler shaft down into lower steering coupler. Remove dash
panel column cover. On column shift models, disconnect shift indicator
cable.
3) On all models, remove tilt lever (if equipped). Remove
upper and lower shroud. Remove lower fixed shroud. Disconnect
multifunction switch harness connector. Disconnect harness connectors
from ignition switch, key-in light, horn and cruise control (if
equipped).
4) Loosen upper support bracket nuts and allow column to drop
slightly. Remove upper fixed shroud. Disconnect wiring harness
retainers from column, and move harness to one side. Remove lower dash
panel. Remove lower steering column nuts. Remove column.
CAUTION: DO NOT reuse bushing in shift rod lever once shift rod is
removed. Always install a NEW bushing.
5) To install column, reverse removal procedure. Connect

clockspring connector. Connect negative battery cable. On column shift
models, install NEW shift lever bushing using pliers and back-up
washer to snap bushing into place. Use a multipurpose grease to aid
installation.
6) Connect gearshift cable rod to shift lever by snapping rod
into bushing with pliers.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Typical)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
OVERHAUL
NOTE: Steering column is not serviceable, except for trim, switches
and steering wheel. If service is required, replace column.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Steering Wheel Nut
Except Dakota ............................................ 45 (61)\
Dakota ................................................... 35 (47)\
Upper Coupler Bolt
Dakota, Ram Pickup & Ram Van/Wagon ....................... 36 (49)\
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager ....................... 20 (27)\
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Column-To-Instrument Panel Bracket Bolt/Nut
Except Dakota ........................................... 105 (12)\

STE ER IN G C O LU M N S W IT C HES
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
CHRY - Steering Column Switches
Dakota, Durango & Ram Pickup
WARNING: Deactivate air bag system before performing any service
operation involving steering column components. See
appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. DO NOT apply
electrical power to any component on steering column without
first disconnecting air bag module. Air bag may deploy. Wait
at least 2 minutes after disconnecting negative battery cable
before servicing air bag system. System reserve capacitor,
integral to ACM, maintains air bag system voltage for about 2
minutes after battery is disconnected. Servicing air bag
system before 2-minute period may cause accidental air bag
deployment and possible personal injury.
DESCRIPTION
Turn signal, hazard flasher, headlight beam selector,
headlight flash-to-pass, windshield wipe, pulse wipe and windshield
wash systems use a common switch assembly (multifunction switch)
mounted within upper steering column housing.
Ignition switch and lock cylinder are incorporated into an
assembly attached to side of steering column. Ignition switch assembly
can be serviced as a separate unit, but requires removal of lock
cylinder.
COMPONENT LOCATIONS
COMPONENT LOCATIONS








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Component Location
Combination Flasher Relay ........................... Junction Block
Horn ............................... In Right Front Corner Of Engine
Compartment
Horn Relay ............................ In Power Distribution Center
Junction Block ................. Under Left Side Of Instrument Panel
Power Distribution Center ...... In Left Side Of Engine Compartment,
On Left Inner Panel
Relay/Flasher Module ........ Under Right Side Of Instrument Panel,
Behind Glove Box









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TROUBLE SHOOTING
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM
Bulbs Burn Out Rapidly
Check charging system. See appropriate GENERATORS &
REGULATORS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS.
Hazard Flashers Inoperative
Blown fuse. Faulty hazard flasher. Open circuit in feed wire
to hazard switch. Faulty turn signal/hazard switch. Open or grounded
circuit in wiring to external lights.

Fig. 4: Identifying Horn Relay Terminals In PDC
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
HORN SWITCH
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering column
opening cover from instrument panel. Check continuity between ground
and metal steering column jacket. If continuity exists, go to next
step. If continuity does not exist, check for proper installation of
steering column mounting nuts.
2) Disable air bag system and remove driver's air bag module.
See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Remove horn relay
from Power Distribution Center (PDC). Use label on PDC cover to
identify and locate relay. Check continuity between horn relay
terminal No. 85 in PDC and Black/Red wire at steering column horn

switch connector. See Fig. 4. If continuity does not exist, repair
open Black/Red wire. If continuity exists, go to next step.
3) Check continuity between ground and Black/Red wire at
steering column horn switch connector. If continuity does not exist,
go to next step. If continuity exists, repair short to ground in
Black/Red wire.
4) Continuity between horn switch terminal and ground.
Continuity should exist with horn switch depressed. Continuity should
not exist without horn switch depressed. If continuity is not as
specified, replace horn switch. If continuity is as specified, install
horn relay and go to HORN under COMPONENT TESTS.
TURN SIGNAL & HAZARD WARNING SYSTEMS
1) If bulbs burn out rapidly, check charging system for
overcharging condition. See appropriate GENERATORS & REGULATORS
article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS. If charging system is okay, go
to next step. If charging system is not okay, repair as necessary.
2) If problem is turn signals failing to cancel after a turn,
inspect multifunction switch or cancelling cam lobes on clockspring
for damage or improper installation. If problem exists, repair as
necessary. If problem does not exist, go to next step.
3) Turn ignition on. Actuate turn signal switch or hazard
warning switch. Observe turn signal indicator light(s) in instrument
cluster. If flash rate is very high, check for a bulb that is not lit
or is dimly lit. Repair circuit or replace bulb as necessary. If turn
signals fail to light, go to next step.
4) Turn ignition off. Check turn signal fuse in junction
block and/or hazard warning fuse in PDC. If fuses are okay, go to next
step. If either fuse is blown, repair short circuit and replace fuse.
5) Check for battery voltage at hazard warning fuse in PDC.
Turn ignition on. Check for battery voltage at turn signal fuse in
junction block. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery
voltage does not exist, repair open circuit to battery or ignition
switch as necessary.
6) Turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove combination flasher from junction block and replace with a
known good unit. Connect battery cable and test operation of turn
signal and hazard warning systems. If operation is okay, discard
faulty flasher. If operation is not okay, go to next step.
7) Turn ignition on. Check for battery voltage at combination
flasher terminals No. 51 and 48 in junction block. If battery voltage
exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair
open circuit to fuse in junction block or PDC as necessary.
8) Disconnect negative battery cable. Check continuity
between combination flasher terminal No. 50 and ground. If continuity
exists, go to next step. If continuity does not exist, repair open
ground circuit.
9) Disconnect multifunction switch harness connector. Check
continuity between junction block terminal No. 4 and multifunction
switch terminal No. 13 (Pink wire). If continuity exists, go to next
step. If continuity does not exist, repair open in Pink wire between
multifunction switch and junction block.
10) Check continuity between junction block terminal No. 13
and multifunction switch terminal No. 17 (Red/White wire). If
continuity exists, test multifunction switch. See MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH
under COMPONENT TESTS. If continuity does not exist, repair open in
Red/White wire between junction block and multifunction switch.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WARNING: Deactivate air bag system before performing any service