1999 DODGE RAM warning


SC HED ULE D S ER VIC ES - S EVER E S ER VIC E ( G AS)

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1997-99 MAINTENANCE
Chrysler Maintenance & Service Intervals
Gasoline Engines
Severe Service/Light Duty Trucks
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500: 3.9L VIN [X]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.2L VIN [Y]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.2L VIN [T]
DODGE; RAM PICKUP 1500/2500: 5.9L VIN [Z]
* READ THIS FIRST *
Before preforming maintenance on vehicle, ensure that all
cautions and warnings have been observed to prevent vehicle damage or
personal injury. See CAUTIONS & WARNINGS in MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
article in this section.
Introduction
The frequency of scheduled inspection and maintenance
services in this article are based on Severe Duty vehicle usage ONLY.
Severe Duty vehicle usage is defined as any one of the following
conditions:
* Frequent short driving less than 5 Miles (8 16 Km).
* Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
* Frequent trailer towing.
* Extensive idling.
* More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds
during hot weather, above 90
F (32C).
If none of these conditions apply, this Severe service
schedule article is excessive. DO NOT USE. Instead, use the Normal
service schedule: See appropriate
SCHEDULED SERVICE - NORMAL SERVICE (GAS) article.
3,000 MILE (5,000 KM) SEVERE DUTY SERVICE
3,000 MILE (5,000 KM) SEVERE DUTY SERVICE
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INSPECT 

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 Exhaust System 


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 Brake Hoses 


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 Engine Coolant Level, Hoses & Clamps 

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SERVICE 

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 Rotate Tires 


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 Lubricate Steering Linkage 

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REPLACE 

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 Engine Oil 


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 Engine Oil Filter (
1) 

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ON-VEHICLE TESTING
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.
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS
WARNING: To prevent engine from starting while performing tests,
always disable ignition and fuel systems.
Disabling Ignition & Fuel Systems
Remove Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD) located in Power
Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay
location. PDC is located in engine compartment. On 5.9L diesel
engines, also disconnect fuel shutdown solenoid connector. Solenoid is
located behind upper intake manifold. See appropriate SYSTEM &
COMPONENT TESTING article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.
Enabling Ignition & Fuel Systems
When testing and/or repairs have been completed, verify
battery condition. Recharge battery as necessary, after starter tests
have been completed. Disconnect all test equipment. Install ASD relay.
On 5.9L diesel engines, reconnect fuel shutdown relay connector. On
all models, start engine several times to verify malfunction has been
corrected.
CRANKING TEST
NOTE: Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. High
viscosity oil, extreme cold temperatures, or tight engine
will increase amperage draw.
1) Using a battery load tester, connect positive and negative
leads to battery. Connect inductive ammeter pick-up to positive
battery cable. Disable ignition and fuel systems. See
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS.
2) Ensure all lights and accessories are off. Place A/T in
Park position or M/T in Neutral position. Apply parking brake. Crank
engine and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage is more than 9.6
volts and cranking amperage draw is more than specified amps, proceed
to CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - CARS or
STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - TRUCKS.
3) If voltage is 12.5 volts or more and cranking amperage
draw is less than specified, check starter circuit components in the
following order:
starter solenoid, starter relay, starter relay circuit, park/neutral
position switch or transmission range sensor (A/T), clutch pedal
position switch (M/T), ignition switch, wiring harness and
connections.
CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS
NOTE: If excessive resistance is not found in circuits being
tested, remove starter and proceed to BENCH TESTING.
Battery Connection Resistance Test
1) Disable vehicle ignition and fuel systems. See
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS. A voltmeter accurate to
one tenth of a volt will be needed for the following tests.

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

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.

Hazard Warning Lights Okay To Front Lights Only
Faulty external bulbs. Faulty contact in turn signal/hazard
switch. Open circuit between hazard switch and turn signal switch.
Open or grounded circuit in wiring to rear lights.
Hazard Warning Lights Okay To Rear Lights Only
Faulty external bulbs. Faulty contact in turn signal/hazard
switch. Open or grounded circuit in wiring to front lights.
Indicator Light Inoperative, External Lights Okay
Burned-out indicator bulb in instrument cluster. Faulty
contact. Open circuit.
Indicator Light Okay, External Lights Inoperative
Open circuit in wiring to external light(s).
Indicator Light Okay, External Lights Glow Dimly Or Do Not
Flash
Loose or corroded external light connections. Poor ground
circuit at external light(s).
Turn Signals Do Not Cancel After Turn
Broken canceling pawl on turn signal switch. Improperly
aligned canceling cam. Broken or loose canceling cam.
Turn Signals Inoperative (Both Sides)
Blown fuse. Faulty turn signal flasher. Loose bulkhead
connector. Loose or faulty rear wiring harness or terminals. Open
circuit to turn signal flasher. Open circuit in feed wire to turn
signal switch. Faulty switch connections. Open or grounded circuit in
wiring to external lights.
Turn Signal Inoperative (One Side)
Faulty external bulb. Poor ground at external light. Open
circuit in wiring to external light(s). Faulty turn signal/hazard
switch.
COMPONENT TESTS
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.
NOTE: For additional testing procedures, see appropriate CRUISE
CONTROL SYSTEMS and WIPER/WASHER SYSTEMS articles.
NOTE: For component locations, see COMPONENT LOCATIONS.
HORN RELAY
1) Remove horn relay from Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Use label on PDC cover to identify and locate relay. Check continuity
between relay terminals No. 87A and 30. See Fig. 1. If continuity does
not exist, replace relay. If continuity exists, go to next step.
2) Check continuity between relay terminals No. 30 and 87. If
continuity exists, replace relay. If continuity does not exist, check
resistance between relay terminals No. 85 and 86. If resistance is not
70-80 ohms, replace relay. If resistance is 70-80 ohms, go to next
step.
3) Using jumper wires, connect positive battery voltage to

ground.








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IGNITION SWITCH CIRCUIT FUNCTIONS








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Terminal No. (Wire Color) Circuit\
1 (DK BLU/YEL) ...................... Ignition Switch Output (START\
)
2 (DK BLU) ...................... Ignition Switch Output (START/RUN\
)
3 (GRY/BLK) (1) ..................... Red Brake Warning Light Driver
4 (PNK/BLK) ............................... Battery Feed To Ignition\
5 (BLK/ORG) ........................... Ignition Switch Output (RUN\
)
6 (BLK/WHT) ....................... Ignition Switch Output (ACC/RUN\
)
7 (RED) ................................... Battery Feed To Ignition\
( 1) - White wire on Dakota and Durango.









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Fig. 2: Identifying Ignition Switch Connector Terminals (Harness
Side)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Switch
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove multifunction
switch. See MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Check
continuity between appropriate multifunction switch terminals with
switch in specified position. See MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH TURN SIGNAL
TESTING table. See Fig. 3. If continuity is not as specified, replace
multifunction switch.
MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH TURN SIGNAL TESTING









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Switch Position Continuity Between Terminals
Neutral
Hazard Warning On ............................ 11, 12, 13, 15 & 16
Hazard Warning Off ................................... 12, 14 & 15
Left .......................................... 12 & 14; 15, 16 & 17
Right ......................................... 14 & 15; 11, 12 & 17
Optional Corner Lights
Left ..................................................... 22 & 23
Right .................................................... 23 & 24









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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