1999 DODGE RAM lock

2) Connect voltmeter positive lead to negative battery cable
clamp. Connect voltmeter negative lead to negative battery post. Crank
engine and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage is detected, repair
poor contact between cable clamp and post. Perform same procedure to
positive battery post and cable clamp.
Ground Connection Resistance Test
Connect voltmeter negative lead to negative battery post.
Connect voltmeter positive lead to engine block, near negative battery
cable grounding point. Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading. If
voltmeter reading indicates more than 0.2 volt, repair poor ground
connection or replace ground cable.
Starter Ground Connection Resistance Test
Connect voltmeter negative lead to negative battery post.
Connect voltmeter positive lead to starter housing. Crank engine and
observe voltmeter reading. If voltmeter reading indicates more than 0.
2 volt, repair poor starter-to-ground connection.
Positive Battery Cable Resistance Test
1) Remove starter heat shield (if equipped) to gain access t\
o
starter solenoid connections. Connect voltmeter negative lead to
starter solenoid battery terminal and voltmeter positive lead to
positive battery post.
2) Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage
reads more than 0.2 volt, correct poor connection between battery
cable and starter solenoid or replace positive battery cable.
SOLENOID CIRCUIT TEST
NOTE: Perform SOLENOID CIRCUIT TEST before testing starter relay
and starter relay circuit. Ensure A/T is in Park position or
M/T is in Neutral position and parking brake is applied.
1) Disable vehicle ignition and fuel systems. See
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS.
2) Ensure battery is fully charged. Ensure solenoid
connections are not loose or corroded. Remove starter relay from Power
Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay
location. PDC is located in engine compartment.
3) Connect a remote starter switch or jumper wire between
starter relay socket terminal No. 87 and positive battery post. See
Fig. 1 or 2. If engine cranks, solenoid and starter are good. Go to
STARTER RELAY TEST.
4) If engine fails to crank, or if solenoid chatters, check
wiring and connectors from starter relay socket to starter solenoid
terminal. Repair any loose or corroded connections. If engine still
fails to crank, remove starter and proceed to SOLENOID TEST under
BENCH TESTING.
STARTER RELAY TEST
NOTE: Perform SOLENOID CIRCUIT TEST before testing starter relay.
Remove starter relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Refer to PDC cover for proper relay location. PDC is located in engine
compartment. Connect 12-volt power source to starter relay terminal
No. 86 and ground terminal No. 85. See Fig. 1 or 2. Using ohmmeter,
check continuity across starter relay terminals No. 30 and 87. If
continuity is not present, replace starter relay.

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).

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.

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

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 deactivating air bag system. Air bag may 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 SWITCH
NOTE: Horn switch removal and installation information for Dakota
and Durango is not provided by manufacturer.
Removal & Installation
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove 4 air bag nuts from
back of steering wheel. Pull air bag module back far enough to
disconnect wiring connectors. Remove air bag module. To install,
reverse removal procedure. Tighten air bag nuts to 90-97 INCH lbs. (9-
11 N.m).
IGNITION SWITCH
CAUTION: DO NOT bump, jolt or hammer on steering shaft and gearshift
tube.
Removal
Remove lock cylinder. See LOCK CYLINDER. Remove 3 tamper-
proof Torx screws. See Fig. 5. Gently pull switch away from column.
Release connector locks on wiring connectors and remove switch from
connectors.
Fig. 5: Removing Ignition Switch Mounting Screws
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Installation
1) Rotate flag on ignition switch to RUN position. This

allows lock cylinder to mesh with switch. With key in lock cylinder,
turn lock cylinder to RUN position so retaining pin can be depressed.
Install lock cylinder in ignition switch (aligning slot) until
retaining pin engages. Turn key to OFF or LOCK position.
2) Pull on lock cylinder to ensure retaining pin is retained
in ignition switch and cylinder will not come out. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, ensure shifter is in Park and dowel pin on
ignition switch is in Park position. Ensure ignition switch is in LOCK
position. On all models, ensure flag on ignition switch is properly
indexed in Park position. The flag operates steering lock.
3) On vehicles with automatic transmission, apply a light
coating of grease to park lock dowel and park lock slider linkage. See
Fig. 6. Slide park lock slider linkage forward completely, then back .
25" (6 mm). Apply a light coating of grease to column lock flag.
4) Carefully install ignition switch on steering column,
ensuring flag is positioned above steering wheel lock lever, dowel
pins on switch align in holes on steering column and park lock dowel
pin slides into park lock slider linkage (automatic transmission
only). See Fig. 7. Tighten mounting screws to 22-30 INCH lbs. (2.5-3.5
N.m).
5) Connect wiring connectors to ignition switch. Install
upper and lower steering column covers. Tighten screws to 17 INCH lbs.
(2 N.m). Install tilt lever (if equipped). Reconnect negative batter\
y
cable. Check for proper operation of ignition switch in all positions.
Check for proper steering wheel lock operation. Check for proper
automatic shift lock operation.
Fig. 6: Positioning Park Lock Slider Linkage
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.

Fig. 7: Positioning Column Lock Flag
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
LOCK CYLINDER
Removal
Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. On tilt
columns, remove tilt lever. Remove upper and lower steering column
covers. Place shifter in Park (if vehicle has automatic transmission).\
With key inserted and ignition switch in RUN position, press on
retaining pin. See Fig. 8. Remove lock cylinder.
Installation
1) With key in lock cylinder, turn lock cylinder to RUN
position so retaining pin can be depressed. Install lock cylinder in
ignition switch (aligning slot) until retaining pin engages. Turn key
to OFF or LOCK position. Pull on lock cylinder to ensure retaining pin
is retained in ignition switch and cylinder will not come out.
2) Install upper and lower steering column covers. Tighten
screws to 17 INCH lbs. (2 N.m). Install tilt lever (if equipped).
Connect negative battery cable. Check for proper operation of ignition
switch in all positions. Check for proper steering wheel lock
operation. Check for proper automatic shift lock operation.