2001 DODGE RAM heater

Heater Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
INSUFFICIENT HEATER
OUTPUT.1. Incorrect engine
coolant level.1. Check the engine coolant level. Refer to Cooling for
the procedures.
2. Air trapped in engine
cooling system.2. Check the operation of the coolant reserve/recovery
system. Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
3. Incorrect engine
coolant temperature.3. Check the performance and operation of the engine
cooling system including: thermostat, water pump, fan
drive, accessory drive belt, coolant flow (plugged radiator
or heater core, plugged or kinked coolant hoses), air flow
(missing or improperly installed radiator air seals or fan
shroud). Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
4. Blend door actuator
inoperative or defective.4. (Refer to Controls/Blend Door Actuator) in this group.
5. Blend door not
operating properly.5. Check for a damaged, obstructed or improperly
installed blend door or seals. (Refer to Controls/Blend
Door Actuator) in this group.
6. Insufficient air flow
through heater housing.6. Remove foreign material or obstructions from cowl air
intake.
7. Improper blower motor
operation.7. (Refer to Distribution/Blower Motor/ Diagnosis and
Testing) in this group.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DIODE
REPLACEMENT
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Locate the diode in the harness, and remove
the protective covering.
(3) Remove the diode from the harness, pay atten-
tion to the current flow direction (Fig. 3).(4) Remove the insulation from the wires in the
harness. Only remove enough insulation to solder in
the new diode.
(5) Install the new diode in the harness, making
sure current flow is correct. If necessary refer to the
appropriate wiring diagram for current flow.
(6) Solder the connection together using rosin core
type solder only.Do not use acid core solder.
(7) Tape the diode to the harness using electrical
tape making, sure the diode is completely sealed
from the elements.
(8) Re-connect the battery, and test affected sys-
tems.
Fig. 3 DIODE IDENTIFICATION
1 - CURRENT FLOW
2 - BAND AROUND DIODE INDICATES CURRENT FLOW
3 - DIODE AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS
BR/BEHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 7
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
A/C APPLICATION TABLE
Item Description Notes
Vehicle BR/BE - Ram Pickup
System R134a w/orifice tube
Compressor Sanden SD7H15 SP-20 PAG
oil
Freeze±up
ControlA/C Low Pressure
Switchaccumulator
mounted
Low psi
Controlopens < 22-24 psi
resets > 37-43 psi
High psi
Controlswitch - opens > 450
- 490 psi, resets <
270 - 330 psimounted on
discharge
line, near
compressor
A/C Heater
Control Headmanual type
Mode Door vacuum actuatorItem Description Notes
Blend Door electric actuator
Recirculation
Doorvacuum actuator
Blower Motor hardwired to control
headresistor block
Cooling Fan viscous fan
Clutch
Control relay PCM
Draw 2 - 3.9 amps @ 12V60.5V @
70É F
Gap 0.0169- 0.0319
DRB IIIT
Reads TPS, RPM, A/C
switch test
Actuators clutch relay
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH PLATE NUT 14.4 10.5 -
A/C COMPRESOR LINE MANIFOLD
FASTENER22 - 200
A/C COMPRESSOR TO MOUNTING
BRACKET BOLTS24 - 210
ACCUMULATOR RETAINING BAND 4.5 - 40
BLOWER MOTOR SCREWS 2.2 - 20
CHECK VALVE AND NIPPLE UNIT (DIESEL) 24 18 -
CONDENSER MOUNTING SCREWS/NUTS 10.5 - 95
DISCHARGE LINE TO CONDENSER
FASTENER20 - 180
DOOR ACTUATOR SCREWS 2.2 - 20
HVAC HOUSING SCREWS 2.2 - 20
HVAC HOUSING TO DASH PANEL NUTS
(ENGINE SIDE)7-60
HVAC HOUSING TO DASH PANEL NUTS
(PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SIDE)4.5 - 40
24 - 8 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGBR/BE
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

CONTROLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CONTROLS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
VACUUM SYSTEM......................10
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION...........................13
OPERATION.............................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................13
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL.........13
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................13
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH BREAK-IN.....13
REMOVAL..............................14
INSPECTION............................16
INSTALLATION...........................16
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................17
OPERATION.............................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................17
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY........17
REMOVAL..............................18
INSTALLATION...........................18
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION...........................18
OPERATION.............................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................19
A/C HEATER CONTROL..................19
REMOVAL..............................19
INSTALLATION...........................20
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................20
OPERATION.............................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................20
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH............20
REMOVAL..............................21
INSTALLATION...........................21
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................21
OPERATION.............................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................21
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH............21
REMOVAL..............................21INSTALLATION...........................22
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................22
OPERATION.............................22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................22
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY.................22
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................23
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................23
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................24
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK.......24
REMOVAL..............................24
INSTALLATION...........................24
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................25
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................25
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH...............25
REMOVAL..............................25
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
REMOVAL..............................25
INSTALLATION...........................26
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
REMOVAL..............................26
INSTALLATION...........................27
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
REMOVAL..............................27
INSTALLATION...........................28
VACUUM CHECK VALVE
DESCRIPTION...........................28
OPERATION.............................28
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................29
VACUUM RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................29
REMOVAL..............................30
INSTALLATION...........................30
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 9

CONTROLS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM SYSTEM
Vacuum control is used to operate the mode doors
in the heater-only and HVAC housings. Testing of the
heater-only and a/c heater mode control switch oper-
ation will determine if the vacuum, electrical, and
mechanical controls are functioning. However, it is
possible that a vacuum control system that operates
perfectly at engine idle (high engine vacuum) may
not function properly at high engine speeds or loads
(low engine vacuum). This can be caused by leaks in
the vacuum system, or by a faulty or improperly
installed vacuum check valve.
A vacuum system test will help to identify the
source of poor vacuum system performance or vac-
uum system leaks. Before starting this test, stop the
engine and make certain that the problem is not a
disconnected vacuum supply tube at the engine vac-
uum source or the vacuum reservoir.
Use an adjustable vacuum test set (Special Tool
C-3707) and a suitable vacuum pump to test the
HVAC vacuum control system. With a finger placed
over the end of the vacuum test hose probe (Fig. 1),
adjust the bleed valve on the test set gauge to obtain
a vacuum of exactly 27 kPa (8 in. Hg.). Release and
block the end of the probe several times to verify that
the vacuum reading returns to the exact 27 kPa (8
in. Hg.) setting. Otherwise, a false reading will be
obtained during testing.
VACUUM CHECK VALVE
(1) Remove the vacuum check valve. On gasoline
engines, one valve is located in the vacuum supply
tube (black) at the intake manifold tap on the right
side of the engine. A second check valve is located
next to the tee fitting in the vacuum supply tube
(black) near the dash panel in the engine compart-
ment. On diesel engines, the vacuum check valve is
integral to the engine vacuum pump nipple and is
threaded into the vacuum pump. The vacuum check
valve must be removed in order to perform the fol-
lowing tests. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS/VACUUM CHECK VALVE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Connect the test set vacuum supply hose to the
a/c heater control side of the valve. When connected
to this side of the check valve, no vacuum should
pass and the test set gauge should return to the 27kPa (8 in. Hg.) setting. If OK, go to step Step 3. If
not OK, replace the faulty valve.
(3) Connect the test set vacuum supply hose to the
engine vacuum side of the valve. When connected to
this side of the check valve, vacuum should flow
through the valve without restriction. If not OK,
replace the faulty valve.
A/C HEATER CONTROLS
(1) Connect the test set vacuum probe to the
HVAC vacuum supply (black) tube in the engine com-
partment. Position the test set gauge so that it can
be viewed from the passenger compartment.
(2) Place the a/c heater mode control switch knob
to each mode position, one position at a time, and
pause after each selection. The test set gauge should
return to the 27 kPa (8 in. Hg.) setting shortly after
each selection is made. If not OK, a component or
vacuum line in the vacuum circuit of the selected
mode has a leak. See Locating Vacuum Leaks below.
CAUTION: Do not use lubricant on the switch ports
or in the holes in the plug, as lubricant will ruin the
vacuum valve in the switch. A drop of clean water
in the connector plug holes will help the connector
slide onto the switch ports.
Fig. 1 ADJUST VACUUM TEST BLEED VALVE
1 - VACUUM PUMP TOOL C-4289
2 - VACUUM TEST SET C-3707
3 - BLEED VALVE
4 - PROBE
24 - 10 CONTROLSBR/BE

LOCATING VACUUM LEAKS
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect the vacuum harness connector
located between the a/c heater control and the HVAC
housing under the instrument panel.
(2) Connect the test set vacuum hose probe to each
port in the HVAC housing half of the vacuum har-
ness connector, one port at a time, and pause after
each connection (Fig. 2). The test set gauge should
return to the 27 kPa (8 in. Hg.) setting shortly after
each connection is made. If OK, replace the faulty a/c
heater control. If not OK, go to step Step 3.
(3) Determine the vacuum line color of the vacuum
circuit that is leaking. To determine the vacuum line
colors, see the Vacuum Circuits chart (Fig. 3).
(4) Disconnect and plug the vacuum line from the
component (fitting, actuator, valve, switch, or reser-
voir) on the other end of the leaking circuit. Instru-
ment panel disassembly or removal may be necessary
to gain access to some components. Refer to Instru-
ment Panel System for the procedures.(5) Connect the test set hose or probe to the open
end of the leaking circuit. The test set gauge should
return to the 27 kPa (8 in. Hg.) setting shortly after
each connection is made. If OK, replace the faulty
disconnected component. If not OK, go to Step 6.
(6) To locate a leak in a vacuum line, leave one
end of the line plugged and connect the test set hose
or probe to the other end of the line. Run your fin-
gers slowly along the line while watching the test set
gauge. The vacuum reading will fluctuate when your
fingers contact the source of the leak. To repair the
vacuum line, cut out the leaking section of the line.
Then, insert the loose ends of the line into a suitable
length of 3 millimeter (0.125 inch) inside diameter
rubber hose.
Fig. 2 VACUUM CIRCUIT TEST
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 11
CONTROLS (Continued)

A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch assembly consists of a sta-
tionary electromagnetic coil, a hub bearing and pul-
ley assembly, and a clutch plate (Fig. 4). The
electromagnetic coil unit and the hub bearing and
pulley assembly are each retained on the nose of the
compressor front housing with snap rings. The clutch
plate is mounted to the compressor shaft and secured
with a nut.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch assembly provides the
means to engage and disengage the compressor from
the engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
clutch into contact with the pulley and drives the
compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the
pulley freewheels on the clutch hub bearing, which is
part of the pulley. The compressor clutch and coil are
the only serviced parts on the compressor.
The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the a/c heater mode control
switch, the a/c low pressure switch, the a/c high pres-
sure switch, the compressor clutch relay, and the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM may
delay compressor clutch engagement for up to thirty
seconds. Refer to Electronic Control Modules for
more information on the PCM controls.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The battery must
be fully-charged before performing the following
tests. Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.
(2) With the a/c heater mode control switch in any
A/C mode, and the blower motor switch in the lowest
speed position, start the engine and run it at normal
idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRB IIItscan tool and (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing of the
compressor clutch circuit. The following components
must be checked and repaired as required before you
can complete testing of the clutch coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC)
²A/C Heater mode control switch
²Compressor clutch relay
²A/C High Pressure Switch
²A/C Low Pressure Switch
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is 2.0 to 3.9
amperes with the electrical system voltage at 11.5 to
12.5 volts. This should only be checked with the work
area temperature at 21É C (70É F). If system voltage
is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by turn-
ing on electrical accessories until the system voltage
drops below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is four
amperes or more, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the A/C Heater control to the
Recirculation Mode, the blower motor switch in the
highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500
to 2000 rpm. This procedure (burnishing) will seat
Fig. 4 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH - TYPICAL
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY
3 - PULLEY
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 13

NOTE: The air gap is determined by the spacer
shims. When installing an original, or a new clutch
assembly, try the original shims first. When install-
ing a new clutch onto a compressor that previously
did not have a clutch, use 1.0, 0.50, and 0.13 milli-
meter (0.040, 0.020, and 0.005 inch) shims from the
clutch hardware package that is provided with the
new clutch.
(12) On models with the diesel engine option,
install the compressor on the engine. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
COMPRESSOR - INSTALLATION)(13) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The a/c compressor clutch relay is a International
Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. The termi-
nal designations and functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the micro-relay
terminal orientation (footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the relay case dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch relay is a electromechanical
device that switches battery current to the compres-
sor clutch coil when the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) grounds the coil side of the relay. The PCM
responds to inputs from the a/c heater control, the a/c
low pressure switch, and the a/c high pressure
switch.
The compressor clutch relay is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compart-
ment. Refer to the PDC label for relay identification
and location.
The compressor clutch relay cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY
RELAY TEST
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 16) is located in
the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the
PDC label for relay identification and location.
Remove the relay from the PDC to perform the fol-
lowing tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 7565 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, see the Relay Circuit Test below. If not
OK, replace the faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
Fig. 14 CLUTCH PLATE INSTALL
Fig. 15 CHECK CLUTCH AIR GAP
1 - FEELER GAUGE
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 17
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to fused battery feed. There should be bat-
tery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 30 at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is not
used in this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal cavity (87) is
connected to the compressor clutch coil. There should
be continuity between this cavity and the A/C com-
pressor clutch relay output circuit cavity of the com-
pressor clutch coil wire harness connector. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
(4) The relay coil battery terminal (86) is con-
nected to the fused ignition switch output (run/start)
circuit. There should be battery voltage at the cavity
for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
open circuit to the fuse in the junction block as
required.
(5) The coil ground terminal cavity (85) is switched
to ground through the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). There should be continuity between this cav-
ity and the A/C compressor clutch relay control cir-
cuit cavity of the PCM wire harness connector C
(gray) at all times. If not OK, repair the open circuit
as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 17).(3) Refer to the label on the PDC for compressor
clutch relay identification and location.
(4) Unplug the compressor clutch relay from the
PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the compressor clutch relay by aligning
the relay terminals with the cavities in the PDC and
pushing the relay firmly into place.
(2) Install the PDC cover.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Test the relay operation.
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
Both the heater-only and a/c heater systems use a
combination of electrical and vacuum controls. These
controls provide the vehicle operator with a number
of setting options to help control the climate and
comfort within the vehicle. Refer to the owner's man-
ual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features, use, and suggested operation of these
controls.
OPERATION
The heater-only or a/c heater control panel is
located to the right of the instrument cluster on the
instrument panel. The control panel contains a rota-
ry-type temperature control knob, a rotary-type mode
control switch knob, and a rotary-type blower motor
speed switch knob. On models with the optional
heated mirror system, a momentary push button
switch and indicator lamp are located near the bot-
Fig. 16 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 17 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
1 - COVER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
24 - 18 CONTROLSBR/BE
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY (Continued)