1999 DODGE RAM air bleeding

AN TI- L O CK B RAK E S A FE TY P R EC AU TIO NS

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Anti-Lock Brake Safety Precautions
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
This article is intended for general information purposes
only. This information may not apply to all makes and models. If
vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), refer to
appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES section for
description, operation, depressurizing, testing, system bleeding,
trouble shooting and servicing of specific system.
WARNING: Failure to depressurize ABS could lead to physical injury.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Failure to depressurize ABS could lead to physical injury.
* NEVER open a bleeder valve or loosen a hydraulic line
while ABS is pressurized.
* NEVER disconnect or reconnect any electrical connectors
while ignition is on. Damage to ABS control unit may result.
* DO NOT attempt to bleed hyudarulic system without first
referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article
in the BRAKES section.
* Only use specially designed brake hoses/lines on ABS equipped
vehicles.
* DO NOT tap on speed sensor components (sensor, sensor rings).
Sensor rings must be pressed into hubs, NOT hammered into
hubs. Striking these components can cause demagnetization or
a loss of polarization, affecting the accuracy of the speed
signal returning to the ABS control unit.
* DO NOT mix tire sizes. Increasing the width, as long as tires
remain close to the original diameter, is acceptable. Rolling
diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some
manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and
type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate
wheel speed readings.
* DO NOT contaminate speed sensor components with grease. Only
use recommended coating, when system calls for an
anti-corrosion coating.
* When speed sensor components have been removed, ALWAYS check
sensor-to-ring air gaps when applicable. These specifications
can be found in each appropriate article.
* ONLY use rocommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake
fluids in an ABS equipped vehicle.
* When instlling transmittion devices (CB's, telephones, etc.)
on ABS equipped vehicles, DO NOT locate the antenna near the
ABS control unit (or any control unit).
* Disconnect all on-board computers, when using electric
welding equipment.
* DO NOT expose the ABS control unit to prolonged periods of
high heat (185
F/85C for 2 hours is generally considered a
maximum limit).

13) On A/T models, ensure all electrical connectors are clean
and properly connected to electrical plugs on transmission case. On
all models, check for loose or defective electrical connections on
starter and starter solenoid.
MECHANICAL INSPECTION
Compression
Manufacturer does not provide information for checking
compression.
FUEL SYSTEM
AIR IN FUEL SYSTEM
NOTE: Air in the fuel system may cause hard starting, rough
running, excessive smoke, poor engine performance, engine
misfire, poor fuel economy and fuel knock. Air may enter fuel
system whenever fuel supply lines, fuel filter/water
separator, fuel injection pump, fuel injectors or high
-pressure fuel lines are removed or disconnected.
1) Inspect all low-pressure fuel lines from fuel tank to fuel
transfer pump, fuel heater and fuel filter/water separator for signs
of leakage. Inspect all high-pressure fuel lines for signs of leakage.
See FUEL INJECTOR & HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES under FUEL SYSTEM.
2) After repairing fuel leak, bleed air from fuel system. See
FUEL LINE BLEEDING under FUEL SYSTEM in REMOVAL, OVERHAUL &
INSTALLATION - TRUCKS - DIESEL article.
FUEL HEATER
1) Fuel heater is located in fuel filter/water separator. See
Fig. 1 . Fuel heater uses a fuel heater temperature sensor for
controlling operation of the fuel heater.
2) A defective fuel heater may cause excessive wax build-up
in the fuel filter/water separator during cold ambient temperatures.
Wax build-up may cause hard starting, prevent engine from
accelerating, low power, Blue smoke or White smoke. For testing of
fuel heater and fuel heater temperature sensor, see SYSTEM & COMPONENT
TESTING - TRUCKS - DIESEL article.
FUEL HEATER RELAY
Ensure fuel heater relay, located in power distribution
center is installed correctly and that terminals are not corroded. For
fuel heater relay testing, see SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - TRUCKS -
DIESEL article.
FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
NOTE: A blocked or restricted fuel filter/water separator may cause
starting problems, prevent engine from accelerating, low
power or White smoke. If an excessive amount of water
collects in filter/separator in a short period of time, it
may be necessary to drain and clean fuel tank.
1) When ignition switch is first turned to ON position,
WATER-IN-FUEL (WIF) warning light should come on for 2 seconds to
perform bulb and wiring circuit test and then go off. WATER-IN-FUEL
(WIF) warning light is located on instrument panel, just below the

NOTE: A leaking fuel injector or high-pressure fuel line may cause
a rough idle, Black smoke, poor engine performance, poor fuel
economy and fuel knock. Since a leaking high-pressure fuel
line may cause the same symptoms, check for leaking high
-pressure fuel line before checking fuel injector.
1) To determine which injector or line is malfuntioning,
start engine and check each cylinder output using scan tool. If scan
tool is not available, start engine and engine allow to idle. Loosen
high-pressure fuel line nut at each fuel injector in turn and listen
for a decrease in engine speed. Tighten high-pressure fuel line nut to
30 ft. lbs. (40 N.m). Go to next step.
2) To check for a leaking high-pressure fuel line, start
engine and allow engine to idle. Inspect high-pressure fuel lines and
connections for signs of fuel leakage by placing cardboard over high-
pressure fuel line and connection. Note if leak is being detected by
fuel being sprayed onto the cardboard. If leak exists, repair leak by
tightening high-pressure fuel line nut to 30 ft. lbs. (40 N.m) or
replacing high-pressure fuel line as necessary. If high-pressure fuel
line is replaced, bleed air from fuel system. See FUEL LINE BLEEDING
under FUEL SYSTEM in REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION - TRUCKS -
DIESEL article. If no leaks are found, go to next step.
3) Remove suspect injector. See FUEL INJECTOR under FUEL
SYSTEM in REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION - TRUCKS - DIESEL article.
Test injector with a diesel fuel injector tester. Follow tester
instructions. Replace fuel injector if fuel injector opening (pop)
pressure is not 4250-4750 psi (299-334 kg/cm
). Replace injector if
any leaks are noted at 291 psi (20 kg/cm) less than opening (pop)
pressure. Inspect injector for burrs, cracks, wear and plugging. Check
spray pattern. If any problems are noted, replace injector.
FUEL INJECTION PUMP TIMING
Improper fuel injection pump timing may result in low power,
excessive smoke and poor fuel economy. To check fuel injection pump
timing, see FUEL INJECTION PUMP TIMING in ADJUSTMENTS - TRUCKS -
DIESEL article.
INTAKE MANIFOLD AIR HEATER
NOTE: Intake manifold air heater is used to heat incoming air
before entering each cylinder. Warming of incoming air aids
in engine starting and improved driveability during cold
ambient temperatures. Engine Control Module (ECM) uses input
signals from various sensors for controlling intake manifold
air heater relays.
SUMMARY
If no faults were found while performing basic diagnostic
procedures, proceed to SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - JEEP, TRUCKS & RWD VANS
article. If no diagnostic trouble codes are found in self-diagnostics,
proceed to TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - DIESEL article for diagnosis
by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.) or intermittent
diagnostic procedures.

BRAK E S YSTE M
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 BRAKES
CHRY - Disc & Drum - Trucks & Vans - Except FWD
Dakota, Ram Pickup, Ram Van
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models are equipped with single-piston, sliding-caliper
front disc brakes with ventilated rotors. All models utilize self-
adjusting rear drum brakes. Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brake system
is standard on all models. Optional 4-wheel Anti-Lock (4WAL) brake
system is available on all models.
System also includes power brake booster, dual-reservoir
master cylinder and combination valve. Combination valve consists of
metering valve and pressure differential switch.
Models with diesel engine include a gear-driven vacuum pump.
Depending on speed of engine, pump produces 8-25 in. Hg. Models
without full-floating rear axle use 9", 10" or 11" single-anchor rear
brakes. Models with full-floating rear axle use 12" or 13" single-
anchor rear brakes.
NOTE: For information on Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS), see
appropriate ANTI-LOCK article.
BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
BLEEDING PROCEDURES
Complete Brake System
Before bleeding system, exhaust all vacuum from power unit by
depressing brake pedal several times. Bleed master cylinder using
bleeder screws (if equipped). Bleed wheel cylinders and calipers in
sequence. See BLEEDING SEQUENCE table.
BLEEDING SEQUENCE









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Application Sequence
1999 Dakota & Ram Van .......... Master Cylinder, Combination Valve,
RR, LR, RF & LF
All Other Models ............... Master Cylinder, Combination Valve,
Rear Anti-Lock Valve, RR, LR, RF & LF









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Master Cylinder (Bench Bleeding)
1) Bench bleed master cylinder before installation. Place
master cylinder in soft-jaw vise. Install bleeder tubes in both
outlets of master cylinder. See Fig. 1.
2) Fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid. Ensure ends
of bleeder tubes are submerged in brake fluid.
3) Using a wood dowel, apply and release master cylinder
until no air bubbles exist in brake fluid flow. Leave bleeder tubes
installed on master cylinder during installation. Install master
cylinder. Remove bleeder tubes, and connect brakelines. Bleed brake
system if necessary.

Fig. 1: Bleeding Master Cylinder (Typical)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Vacuum Bleeding
Fill master cylinder. Install vacuum bleed equipment to first
bleeder valve to be serviced. Open bleeder valve 3/4-1 turn. Depress
vacuum pump, and pull fluid into reservoir jar. Bleed each bleeder
valve in sequence. See BLEEDING SEQUENCE table.
CAUTION: When using pressure bleeding method, press and hold in valve
stem on combination valve to properly bleed brake system.
Pressure Bleeding
1) Clean master cylinder cap and surrounding area. Remove
cap. With pressure tank at least 1/2 full, connect it to master
cylinder using appropriate adapters. Attach bleeder hose to first
bleeder valve to be serviced. See BLEEDING SEQUENCE table.
2) Submerge other end of hose in clean glass jar partially
filled with clean brake fluid. Position metering valve properly before
pressure bleeding.
3) Open release valve on pressure bleeder. Follow equipment
manufacturer's pressure bleeding instructions, or see PRESSURE BLEEDER
SETTINGS table. Open bleeder screw 3/4-1 turn, and note fluid flow.
4) Close bleeder screw when fluid flow is free of air
bubbles. Repeat procedure on remaining wheels in proper sequence.
Check brake pedal operation after bleeding.
5) Remove pressure bleeding equipment, and valve retainer
from metering valve. Ensure master cylinder is full of fluid.
PRESSURE BLEEDER SETTINGS

\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Application psi (kg/cm)
All Models ....................................... 10-15 (1.06-1.41)\









\









\









\









\









\









\









\







NOTE: When bleeding disc brakes, air may tend to cling to caliper
walls. Lightly tap caliper while bleeding to aid in removal
of air.
Manual Bleeding
1) Fill master cylinder. Install bleeder hose on first
bleeder valve to be serviced. See BLEEDING SEQUENCE table. Submerge
other end of hose in clean glass jar partially filled with clean brake
fluid.
NOTE: When bleeding brake system manually, ensure bleeder valve is
closed when brake pedal is released.
2) Open bleeder valve 3/4-1 turn. Depress brake pedal slowly
through full travel. Close bleeder valve. Release pedal. Repeat
procedure until fluid flow is free of air bubbles.
ADJUSTMENTS
PARKING BRAKE
1) Release parking brake, and loosen cable adjusting nut to
allow slack in cable. Adjust rear brakes. Tighten cable adjusting nut
until a slight drag is felt while rotating rear wheels.
2) Loosen cable adjusting nut until both rear wheels can be
rotated freely. Back off adjusting nut an additional 2 turns. Apply
and release parking brake several times, checking for free rotation at
rear wheels.
REAR BRAKE SHOES
1) Raise and support vehicle. Ensure parking brake lever is
fully released. Back off parking brake cable adjustment to ensure
cable has slack. Remove adjusting hole cover.
2) Using a brake adjuster, expand brake shoes until slight
drag is felt when wheel assembly is rotated. Using thin screwdriver,
hold automatic adjusting lever away from adjustment star wheel.
3) Back off adjustment star wheel until wheel assembly
rotates freely and brake shoe drag is eliminated. Repeat adjustment
for remaining wheels. Adjustment must be equal at all wheels. Replace
adjusting hole covers. Adjust parking brake. See PARKING BRAKE.
STOPLIGHT SWITCH
Stoplight switch is attached to brake pedal support. Push
stoplight switch through clip in mounting bracket until switch seats
in bracket. Pull brake pedal backward as far as pedal will travel.
Brake pedal will ratchet stoplight switch to correct position. Verify
full brake pedal return, and that stoplights glow when brake pedal is
applied.
TESTING
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FUNCTIONAL TEST

1) Start engine, and check booster vacuum hose connections. A
hissing noise indicates a vacuum leak. Repair any vacuum leaks before
proceeding. Stop engine, and shift transmission into Neutral. Pump
brake pedal until all vacuum reserve in booster is depleted.
2) Hold brake pedal under light pressure. If pedal does not
hold firm and falls away, master cylinder may be faulty. Bleed system
using appropriate method, and repeat step 1). See BLEEDING PROCEDURES
under BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM.
3) If pedal still does not hold firm, master cylinder is
faulty. If pedal holds firm, start engine and observe pedal height. If
pedal height change is not apparent, power booster or vacuum check
valve is faulty. Install good check valve, and repeat steps 1) and 2).\
If pedal falls away slightly under light pressure and then holds firm,
go to next step .
4) Start engine. Release brake pedal. Increase engine speed
to 1500 RPM. Close throttle and immediately turn off ignition. Wait at
least 90 seconds, and try brake action again. Booster should provide 2
or more vacuum assisted pedal applications. If vacuum assist is not
provided, perform booster and check valve vacuum tests.
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM TEST
Connect vacuum gauge to booster check valve using "T"
fitting. Start engine, and run at idle speed for one minute. Clamp
hose shut between vacuum source and check valve. Stop engine, and
observe vacuum gauge. If vacuum drops more than one in. Hg within 15
seconds, booster diaphragm or check valve is faulty.
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TEST
Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve. Remove check valve
and valve seal from booster. Use a hand-operated vacuum pump for
testing. Apply 15-20 in. Hg at large end of check valve. Vacuum should
hold steady. If gauge on pump indicates vacuum loss, check valve is
faulty and should be replaced.
COMBINATION VALVE METERING VALVE TEST
Metering valve operation can be checked visually with aid of
an assistant. While an assistant applies and releases brake pedal,
observe metering valve stem. If valve is operating correctly, stem
will extend slightly when brakes are applied, and contract when brakes
are released. If valve is faulty, replace combination valve assembly.
COMBINATION VALVE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH TEST
1) Using an assistant, apply brake pedal. Observe brake
warning light. Raise and support vehicle, and connect a bleed hose to
one rear wheel cylinder. Submerge other end of hose into container
partially filled with brake fluid. Have assistant press and hold brake
pedal down while observing brake warning light. Open bleeder screw. If
warning light glows, switch is operating properly.
2) If warning light fails to glow, check circuit fuse, bulb
and wiring. Repair as necessary. Repeat step 1). If warning light
fails to glow, check brakelight, parking brake switches and related
wiring. Repair as necessary. Repeat step 1). If warning light fails to
glow, pressure differential switch is faulty. Replace combination
valve assembly, and bleed brake system. Verify proper valve operation.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING
GASOLINE ENGINES
Air in system will collect under radiator cap. As engine
reaches operating temperature, coolant and any trapped air will enter
reserve tank. As engine cools, a vacuum will be created which will
draw only coolant into cooling system. After engine has gone through a
warm-up and cooling cycle, run engine until it again reaches operating
temperature. Ensure coolant in reserve tank is at warm coolant mark on
reserve tank or dipstick.
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
For bleeding procedures on 5.9L diesel, see appropriate 12-
valve or 24-valve engine article in ENGINES. DO NOT operate engine
while filling cooling system.
SPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS - CARS








\









\









\









\









\









\









\







Application Specification
Avenger & Sebring Coupe
Coolant Replacement Interval ........... 30,000 Miles Or 24 Months
Coolant Capacity ................................. 7.4 Qts. (7.0L)\
Pressure Cap .............................................. 16 psi
Thermostat
DOHC
Starts To Open ................................... 195
F (91C)
Fully Opens ..................................... 216F (102C)
SOHC
Starts To Open ................................... 180
F (82C)
Fully Opens ...................................... 203F (95C)
Breeze, Cirrus, Sebring Convertible & Stratus
Coolant Replacement Interval ........... 45,000 Miles Or 36 Months
Coolant Capacity
2.0L ............................................ 8.5 Qts. (8.0L)\
2.4L ............................................ 9.0 Qts. (8.5L)\
2.5L .......................................... 10.5 Qts. (10.0L)\
Pressure Cap ........................................... 14-18 psi
Thermostat
Starts To Open .............................. 192-199
F (88-93C)
Fully Opens ....................................... 220F (104C)
Concorde, Intrepid, LHS & 300M
Coolant Replacement Interval ....................... 120,000 Miles
Coolant Capacity ................................. 9.4 Qts. (8.9L)\
Pressure Cap ........................................... 14-18 psi
Thermostat
Starts To Open .............................. 192-199
F (88-93C)
Fully Opens ....................................... 220F (104C)
Neon
Coolant Replacement Interval ........... 45,000 Miles Or 36 Months
Coolant Capacity ................................. 7.4 Qts. (7.0L)\
Pressure Cap ........................................... 14-18 psi
Thermostat
Starts To Open .............................. 192-199
F (88-93C)
Fully Opens ....................................... 220F (104C)