1999 DODGE RAM Service Repair Manual

Before any service is performed on a vehicle, an inspection
of the appropriate system must be performed. The results of this
inspection must be explained to the customer and documented on an
inspection form. The condition of the vehicle and its components will
indicate what services/part replacements may be "Required" or
"Suggested". In addition, suggestions may be made to satisfy the
requests expressed by the customer.
When a component is suggested or required to be repaired or
replaced, the decision to repair or replace must be made in the
customer's best interest, and at his or her choice given the options
available.
This section lists the various parts and conditions that
indicate a required or suggested service or part replacement. Although
this list is extensive, it is not fully inclusive. In addition to this
list, a technician may make a suggestion. However, any suggestions
must be based on substantial and informed experience, or the vehicle
manufacturer's recommended service interval and must be documented.
Some conditions indicate that service or part replacement is
required because the part in question is no longer providing the
function for which it is intended, does not meet a vehicle
manufacturer's design specification or is missing.
Example:
An exhaust pipe has corroded severely and has a hole
in it through which exhaust gases are leaking. Replacement of
the exhaust pipe in this case is required due to functional
failure.
Example:
A brake rotor has been worn to the point where it measures
less than the vehicle manufacturer's discard specifications.
Replacement of the rotor is required because it does not meet
design specifications.
Some conditions indicate that a service or part replacement
is suggested because the part is close to the end of its useful life
or addresses a customer's need, convenience or request. If a
customer's vehicle has one of these conditions, the procedure may be
only to suggest service.
Example:
An exhaust pipe is rusted, corroded or weak, but no leaks are
present. In this case, the exhaust pipe has not failed.
However, there is evidence that the pipe may need replacement
in the near future. Replacement of the pipe may be suggested
for the customer's convenience in avoiding a future problem.
Example:
The customer desires improved ride and/or handling, but the
vehicle's shocks or struts have not failed. In this case,
replacement may be suggested to satisfy the customer's
wishes. In this case, replacement of the shocks or struts may
not be sold as a requirement.
A customer, of course, has the choice of whether or not a
shop will service his or her vehicle. He or she may decide not to
follow some of your suggestions. When a repair is required, a MAP shop
must refuse partial service on that system if, in the judgment of the
service provider, proceeding with the work could create or continue an
unsafe condition. When a procedure states that required or suggested
repair or replacement is recommended, the customer must be informed of
the generally acceptable repair/replacement options whether or not
performed by the shop.

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.

Connector melted ........ A ........... (1) Require repair or
replacement.
Connector missing ....... C ............ Require replacement.
Inoperative ............. A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Linkage bent, affecting
performance ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage bent, not
affecting performance .. 2 ... Suggest repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage binding, affecting
performance ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage binding, not
affecting performance .. 1 ... Suggest repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage broken .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage loose, affecting
performance ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage loose, not
affecting performance .. 1 ... Suggest repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage missing ......... C ............ Require replacement.
Linkage noisy ........... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Terminal broken ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal burned, affecting
performance ............ A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Terminal burned, not
affecting performance .. 1 ........... ( 1) Suggest repair or
replacement.
Terminal corroded,
affecting performance .. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, affecting
performance ............ B .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Noisy ................... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Out of adjustment ....... B .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Determine cause and correct prior to repair or
replacement of part.
( 2) - Inoperative includes intermittent operation or out of OEM
specification.









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ACTUATOR MOTORS (VACUUM)
ACTUATOR MOTOR (VACUUM) 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.
Connector melted ........ A ........... (1) Require repair or
replacement.
Connector missing ....... C ............ Require replacement.
Inoperative ............. A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Leaking (vacuum) ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Linkage bent,
affecting performance .. A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage bent, not
affecting performance .. 2 ... Suggest repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage binding,
affecting performance .. A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage binding, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage broken .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage loose, affecting
performance ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage loose, not
affecting performance .. 1 ... Suggest repair or replacement
of linkage.
Linkage missing ......... C ............ Require replacement.
Linkage noisy ........... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Noisy ................... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Out of adjustment ....... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Determine cause and correct prior to repair or
replacement of part.
( 2) - Inoperative includes intermittent operation or out of
OEM specification.









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AIR BAGS
For all air bag components and conditions, refer to vehicle
manufacturer's specifications for diagnosis and parts replacement.
ALTERNATORS AND GENERATORS
NOTE: If components have been added that increase vehicle
electrical load requirement (for example, sound systems,
air conditioning, alarm systems, etc.), charging system
output must meet the increased demand.
ALTERNATOR AND GENERATOR INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Alternator output meets
OEM specification but is
insufficient for add-on

electrical load ........ 2 ... Suggest upgrade of alternator
or removal of excess electrical
load.
Alternator's rated output
is below OEM
specification .......... B ............ Require replacement.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware non-
functioning ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector (Weatherpack
type) leaking .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector melted ........ A ........... (1) Require repair or
replacement.
Connector missing ....... C ............ Require replacement.
Diode inoperative ....... A ........... ( 2) Require repair or
replacement.
Housing broken, affecting
performance ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Housing broken, not
affecting performance .. .. ........ No service suggested or
required.
Housing cracked, affecting
performance ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Housing cracked, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Inoperative ............. A ........... ( 2) Require repair or
replacement.
Noisy ................... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Pulley incorrect ........ B ............ Require replacement.
Terminal broken ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal burned, affecting
performance ............ A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Terminal burned, not
affecting performance .. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded,
affecting performance .. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded, not
affecting performance .. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, affecting
performance ............ B .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal resistance
(voltage drop) out of
specification .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
Voltage drop out of
specification .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Determine cause and correct prior to repair or
replacement of part.
( 2) - Inoperative includes intermittent operation or out of OEM
specification.

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AMPLIFIERS
See
RECEIVERS, AMPLIFIERS, EQUALIZERS AND SUB-WOOFER VOLUME CONTROLS .
ANTENNAS
ANTENNA 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.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Bent .................... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Binding ................. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector melted ........ A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Connector missing ....... C ............ Require replacement.
Inoperative ............. A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Insulation damaged,
conductors exposed ..... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Insulation damaged,
conductors not exposed . 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Motor runs continuously . A ......... Require or replacement.
Power antenna noisy ..... 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Sticking ................ 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal broken ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal burned, affecting
performance ............ A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Terminal burned, not
affecting performance .. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded,
affecting performance .. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal corroded, not
affecting performance .. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, affecting
performance ............ B .. Require repair or replacement.
Terminal loose, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
( 1) - Determine cause and correct prior to repair or
replacement of part.
( 2) - Inoperative includes intermittent operation or out of
specification.









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BATTERIES
Proper operation of any electrical system or component can be
affected by battery condition. The battery(ies) must meet or exceed

minimum specification for vehicle as equipped and test to that
specific battery's CCA.
Definition of Terms
* Battery Performance Testing
Testing that determines whether or not a battery meets both
vehicle OEM and battery manufacturer's specifications.
* Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) Rating
The number of amperes a new, fully charged battery at
0
 F (-17.8 C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at
least a voltage of 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a
12-volt battery).
* Cranking Amps (CA)
The number of amperes a new, fully charged battery, typically
at 32
 F (0 C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at
least a voltage of 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a
12-volt battery).
* OEM Cranking Amps
The minimum CCA required by the original vehicle manufacturer
for a specific vehicle.
BATTERY INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Battery frozen .......... .. ......... ( 1) Further inspection
required.
Case leaking ............ A ............ Require replacement.
Casing swollen .......... A .......... ( 2) Further inspection
required.
Circuit open internally . A ............ Require replacement.
Electrolyte
contamination .......... A ........... ( 2) Further inspection
required.
Electrolyte
discoloration .......... A .......... ( 2) Further inspection
required.
Fails to accept and hold
charge ................. A ........ ( 3) Require replacement.
Fluid level low ......... B .......... ( 4) Further inspection
required.
Out of performance
specification for
battery ................ B ........ ( 5) Require replacement.
Out of specification for
application ............ B ........ ( 5) Require replacement.
Post (top or side) burned,
affecting performance .. A ........... ( 6) Require repair or
replacement.
Post (top or side) burned,
not affecting
performance ............ 2 ........... ( 6) Suggest repair or
replacement.
Post (top or side)
corroded, affecting
performance ............ A ................. Require repair.
Post (top or side)
corroded, not affecting
performance ............ 2 ................. Suggest repair.

Post (top or side)
loose .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Post (top or side) melted,
affecting performance .. A ........... (6) Require repair or
replacement.
Post (top or side) melted,
not affecting
performance ............ 2 ........... ( 6) Suggest repair or
replacement.
Specific gravity low .... B .......... ( 7) Further inspection
required.
State of charge low ..... A .......... ( 7) Further inspection
required.
Top dirty ............... 2 ....... Suggest cleaning battery.
Top wet ................. A ... ( 8) Require cleaning battery.
Further inspection required.
Vent cap loose .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of vent cap.
Vent cap missing ........ C .......... Require replacement of
vent cap.
( 1) - DO NOT attempt to charge a frozen battery. Allow battery
to warm thoroughly and then performance-test. If battery
fails performance test, require replacement.
( 2) - No service suggested or required unless the battery fails
performance test, in which case, require replacement.
( 3) - This phrase refers to a battery that fails to either
accept and/or retain a charge using appropriate times
listed in the Battery Charging Guide of the BCI Service
Manual, battery charger operating manual, or battery
manufacturer's specifications.
( 4) - Determine cause of low fluid level. Refill to proper
level(s) with water (distilled water preferred). Recharge
battery and performance-test. If battery does not meet
specifications, require replacement. If battery is sealed
type (non-removable filler caps), require replacement.
( 5) - The battery may meet battery manufacturer's specifications
but test below the minimum specification defined by the
vehicle's OEM for that vehicle.
( 6) - Determine cause and correct prior to repair or replacement
of part.
( 7) - Recharge and test to manufacturer's specifications. If
battery fails performance test, require replacement.
( 8) - Check fluid level and adjust to manufacturer's
specification. Suggest checking charging system for
proper operation.









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BATTERY CABLES
See BATTERY CABLES, WIRES AND CONNECTORS .
BATTERY CABLES, WIRES AND CONNECTORS
BATTERY CABLE, WIRE AND CONNECTOR INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Application incorrect ... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware