2001 DODGE RAM light

8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................2
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION............................2
OPERATION.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
CIGAR LIGHTER........................2
REMOVAL...............................3
INSTALLATION............................3
CIRCUIT BREAKER
DESCRIPTION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................4
CIRCUIT BREAKER......................4
GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE
DESCRIPTION............................4
OPERATION.............................4
REMOVAL...............................4
INSTALLATION............................4
IOD FUSE
DESCRIPTION............................4OPERATION.............................5
REMOVAL...............................5
INSTALLATION............................5
JUNCTION BLOCK
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................6
REMOVAL...............................6
INSTALLATION............................7
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
DESCRIPTION............................7
OPERATION.............................8
REMOVAL...............................8
INSTALLATION............................8
POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION............................9
OPERATION.............................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
POWER OUTLET.......................10
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................11
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION
This group covers the various standard and
optional power distribution components used on this
model. The power distribution system for this vehicle
consists of the following components:
²Power Distribution Center (PDC)
²Junction Block (JB).
The power distribution system also incorporates
various types of circuit control and protection fea-
tures, including:
²Automatic resetting circuit breakers
²Blade-type fuses
²Cartridge fuses
²Circuit splice blocks
²Flashers
²Relays.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the power distribution system. See the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features and use of all of thepower distribution system components. Refer to the
index in this service manual for the location of com-
plete circuit diagrams for the various power distribu-
tion system components.
OPERATION
The power distribution system for this vehicle is
designed to provide safe, reliable, and centralized dis-
tribution points for the electrical current required to
operate all of the many standard and optional facto-
ry-installed electrical and electronic powertrain,
chassis, safety, security, comfort and convenience sys-
tems. At the same time, the power distribution sys-
tem was designed to provide ready access to these
electrical distribution points for the vehicle techni-
cian to use when conducting diagnosis and repair of
faulty circuits. The power distribution system can
also prove useful for the sourcing of additional elec-
trical circuits that may be required to provide the
electrical current needed to operate many accessories
that the vehicle owner may choose to have installed
in the aftermarket.
BR/BE8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 1

SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
A cigar lighter is standard equipment on this
model. The cigar lighter is installed in the instru-
ment panel next to the ash receiver, which is located
near the center of the instrument panel, below the
radio. The cigar lighter base is secured by a snap fit
within the instrument panel.
The cigar lighter knob and heating element unit,
and the cigar lighter receptacle unit are available for
service. These components cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The cigar lighter consists of two major components:
a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar
lighter base or receptacle shell. The receptacle shell
is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in
the bottom of the shell is connected to battery cur-
rent. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a
fuse in the junction block only when the ignition
switch is in the Accessory or On positions.
The knob and heating element are encased within
a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding
protective heat shield. When the knob and heating
element are inserted in the receptacle shell, the heat-
ing element resistor coil is grounded through its
housing to the receptacle shell. If the cigar lighter
knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides up
toward the knob exposing the heating element, and
the heating element extends from the housing toward
the insulated contact in the bottom of the receptacle
shell.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on
either side of the insulated contact inside the bottomof the receptacle shell. These clips engage and hold
the heating element against the insulated contact
long enough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the
heating element is engaged with the contact, battery
current can flow through the resistor coil to ground,
causing the resistor coil to heat.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated,
excess heat radiates from the heating element caus-
ing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips
expand far enough to release the heating element,
the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heat-
ing element to pop back outward to their relaxed
position. When the cigar lighter knob and element
are pulled out of the receptacle shell, the protective
heat shield slides downward on the housing so that
the heating element is recessed and shielded around
its circumference for safety.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toCigar
Lighterin Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ac-
cessory) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run/accessory) fuse in the junction block. If
OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused
ignition switch output (run/accessory) circuit to the
ignition switch as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Remove the cigar lighter knob and element from the
cigar lighter receptacle. Check for continuity between
the inside circumference of the cigar lighter recepta-
cle and a good ground. There should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the insulated contact
located at the back of the cigar lighter receptacle. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter knob and ele-
ment. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the cigar lighter receptacle from the instru-
ment panel and disconnect the wire harness connec-Terminal Pick Kit 6680
8W - 97 - 2 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE

tor. Check for continuity between the ground circuit
cavity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector and
a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to
ground as required.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery
voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/ac-
cessory) circuit cavity of the cigar lighter wire har-
ness connector. If OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter
receptacle. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition
switch output (run/accessory) circuit to the junction
block fuse as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Pull the cigar lighter knob and element out of
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or unsnap the pro-
tective cap from the power outlet receptacle base
(Fig. 1).
(3) Look inside the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base and note the position of the rectangu-
lar retaining bosses of the mount that secures the
receptacle base to the instrument panel (Fig. 2).
(4) Insert a pair of external snap ring pliers into
the cigar lighter or power outlet receptacle base and
engage the tips of the pliers with the retaining
bosses of the mount.
(5) Squeeze the pliers to disengage the mount
retaining bosses from the receptacle base and, usinga gentle rocking motion, pull the pliers and the
receptacle base out of the mount.
(6) Pull the receptacle base away from the instru-
ment panel far enough to access the instrument
panel wire harness connector.
(7) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base connector receptacle.
(8) Remove the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
into the instrument panel.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the cigar lighter or power outlet recep-
tacle base connector receptacle.
(3) Align the splines on the outside of the cigar
lighter or power outlet receptacle base connector
receptacle with the grooves on the inside of the
mount.
(4) Press firmly on the cigar lighter or power out-
let receptacle base until the retaining bosses of the
mount are fully engaged in their receptacles.
Fig. 1 Cigar Lighter and Power Outlet
1 - RECEPTACLE BASE
2 - KNOB & ELEMENT
3 - MOUNT
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - POWER OUTLET
Fig. 2 Cigar Lighter and Power Outlet Remove/
Install
1 - KNOB AND ELEMENT
2 - RETAINING BOSSES-ENGAGE PLIERS HERE
3 - BASE
4 - PARTIALLY REMOVED
5 - EXTERNAL SNAP-RING PLIERS
6 - MOUNT
7 - BASE
BR/BE8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 3
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET (Continued)

(5) Install the cigar lighter knob and element into
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or the protective cap
into the power outlet receptacle base.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
DESCRIPTION
An automatic resetting circuit breaker in the junc-
tion block is used to protect the system from a short
circuit, or from an overload condition caused by an
obstructed or stuck seat adjuster.
The circuit breaker cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - CIRCUIT BREAKER
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Wir-
ing Diagrams.
(1) Locate the correct circuit breaker in the junc-
tion block. Pull out the circuit breaker slightly, but
be certain that the circuit breaker terminals still con-
tact the terminals in the junction block cavities.
(2) Connect the negative lead of a 12-volt DC volt-
meter to a good ground.
(3) With the voltmeter positive lead, check both
terminals of the circuit breaker for battery voltage.
If only one terminal has battery voltage, the circuit
breaker is faulty and must be replaced. If neither ter-
minal has battery voltage, repair the open circuit
from the Power Distribution Center (PDC) as
required.
GENERATOR CARTRIDGE
FUSE
DESCRIPTION
A 140 ampere generator cartridge fuse is used on
this model. The generator cartridge fuse is similar to
other cartridge fuses found in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). This fuse has a color-coded plastic
housing and a clear plastic fuse conductor inspection
cover like other cartridge fuses, but has a higher cur-
rent rating and is connected and secured with screws
instead of being pushed onto male spade-type termi-
nals. The generator cartridge fuse cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The generator cartridge fuse is secured between
the two B(+) terminal stud connection bus bars
within the Power Distribution Center (PDC). This
fuse protects the vehicle electrical system from dam-
age that could be caused by excessive charging sys-
tem output and/or excessive electrical system currentlevels resulting from a faulty generator or faulty
charging system control circuits. If the current rating
of the fuse is exceeded, the fuse conductor melts to
open the generator output circuit connection to the
PDC. If a generator cartridge fuse fails, be certain to
completely inspect and test the vehicle charging sys-
tem before replacing the fuse and returning the vehi-
cle to service. Refer toCharging Systemin the
index of this service manual for the charging system
diagnostic procedures. Refer toPower Distribution
in the index of this service manual for the location of
complete PDC circuit diagrams.
REMOVAL
If a generator cartridge fuse fails, be certain to
inspect and test the vehicle charging system before
replacing the cartridge fuse and returning the vehicle
to service. Refer toCharging Systemin the index of
this service manual for the charging system diagnos-
tic procedures.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unlatch and remove the cover from the Power
Distribution Center (PDC).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the genera-
tor cartridge fuse to the two B(+) terminal stud bus
bars within the PDC.
(4) Remove the generator cartridge fuse from the
PDC.
INSTALLATION
If a generator cartridge fuse fails, be certain to
inspect and test the vehicle charging system before
replacing the cartridge fuse and returning the vehicle
to service. Refer toCharging Systemin the index of
this service manual for the charging system diagnos-
tic procedures.
(1) Position the generator cartridge fuse onto the
two B(+) terminal stud bus bars within the PDC.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the generator cartridge fuse to the two B(+) terminal
stud bus bars within the PDC. Tighten the screws to
3.4 N´m (30 in. lbs.).Be certain that both screws
are tightened to the proper torque value.
(3) Install and latch the cover onto the PDC.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
IOD FUSE
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with an Ignition-Off
Draw (IOD) fuse (Fig. 3) that is disconnected within
the Junction Block (JB) when the vehicle is shipped
from the factory. Dealer personnel are to reconnect
the IOD fuse in the JB as part of the preparation
8W - 97 - 4 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET (Continued)

NOTE: If the PDC is being replaced with a new unit,
be certain to transfer each of the blade-type fuses,
cartridge fuses and relays from the faulty PDC to
the proper cavities of the replacement PDC. Refer
to Power Distribution in the index of this service
manual for the location of complete PDC circuit dia-
grams and cavity assignments.(1) Position the PDC and the headlamp and dash
wire harness unit in the engine compartment.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the PDC housing to the left front fender inner shield.
Tighten the screws to 8.4 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
PDC housing to the left front fender wheel housing.
Tighten the screw to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the eyelet of the battery positive cable
PDC take out onto the forward B(+) terminal stud in
the PDC.
(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
eyelet of the battery positive cable PDC take out to
the forward B(+) terminal stud in the PDC. Tighten
the nut to 8.4 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the eyelet of the battery negative cable
generator output take out onto the rearward B(+) ter-
minal stud in the PDC.
(7) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
eyelet of the battery negative cable generator output
take out to the rearward B(+) terminal stud in the
PDC. Tighten the nut to 75 in. lbs.
(8) Reconnect the engine wire harness in-line con-
nector to the PDC.
(9) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
engine wire harness in-line connector to the PDC.
Tighten the screw until a distinct audible click is
heard.
(10) Install and latch the cover onto the PDC.
(11) Engage each of the retainers that secure the
headlamp and dash wire harness to the vehicle body
and chassis components. Refer toConnector Loca-
tionsin the index of this service manual for the loca-
tion of more information on the headlamp and dash
wire harness retainer locations.
(12) Install all of the fasteners that secure each of
the headlamp and dash wire harness ground eyelets
to the vehicle body and chassis components. Refer to
Connector Locationsin the index of this service
manual for the location of more information on the
ground eyelet locations.
(13) Reconnect each of the headlamp and dash
wire harness connectors. Refer toConnector Loca-
tionsin the index of this service manual for the loca-
tion of more information on the headlamp and dash
wire harness connector locations.
(14) Reconnect the battery negative cable.POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
An accessory power outlet is standard equipment
on this model. The power outlet is installed in the
instrument panel below the cigar lighter and next to
the ash receiver, which is located near the center of
Fig. 9 Battery and Generator Connections to PDC
1 - NUTS
2 - BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
3 - BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
4 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
5 - CABLE EYELETS
Fig. 10 Power Distribution Center
1 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
2 - INNER WHEEL HOUSE
3 - SCREW
4 - SCREW
5 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
BR/BE8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 9
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (Continued)

the instrument panel, below the radio. The power
outlet base is secured by a snap fit within the instru-
ment panel. A plastic protective cap snaps into the
power outlet base when the power outlet is not being
used, and hangs from the power outlet base mount
by an integral bail strap while the power outlet is in
use.
The power outlet receptacle unit and the accessory
power outlet protective cap are available for service.
The power outlet receptacle cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The power outlet base or receptacle shell is con-
nected to ground, and an insulated contact in the
bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The power outlet receives battery voltage from a fuse
in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) at all times.
While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar
lighter base unit, it does not include the two small
spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the recepta-
cle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter
heating element to the insulated contact.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - POWER OUTLET
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toPower
Outletin Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC). If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK,
repair the shorted circuit or component as required
and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
in the PDC. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open fused B(+) circuit to the battery as required.
(3) Remove the plastic protective cap from the
power outlet receptacle. Check for continuity between
the inside circumference of the power outlet recepta-
cle and a good ground. There should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(4) Check for battery voltage at the insulated con-
tact located at the back of the power outlet recepta-
cle. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power outlet receptacle from the
instrument panel. Disconnect the wire harness con-
nector from the power outlet receptacle. Check forcontinuity between the ground circuit cavity of the
power outlet wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground
as required.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the
power outlet wire harness connector. If OK, replace
the faulty power outlet receptacle. If not OK, repair
the open fused B(+) circuit to the PDC fuse as
required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Pull the cigar lighter knob and element out of
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or unsnap the pro-
tective cap from the power outlet receptacle base
(Fig. 11).
(3) Look inside the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base and note the position of the rectangu-
lar retaining bosses of the mount that secures the
receptacle base to the instrument panel (Fig. 12).
(4) Insert a pair of external snap ring pliers into
the cigar lighter or power outlet receptacle base and
engage the tips of the pliers with the retaining
bosses of the mount.
(5) Squeeze the pliers to disengage the mount
retaining bosses from the receptacle base and, using
a gentle rocking motion, pull the pliers and the
receptacle base out of the mount.
Fig. 11 Cigar Lighter and Power Outlet
1 - RECEPTACLE BASE
2 - KNOB & ELEMENT
3 - MOUNT
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - POWER OUTLET
8W - 97 - 10 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
POWER OUTLET (Continued)

(6) Pull the receptacle base away from the instru-
ment panel far enough to access the instrument
panel wire harness connector.
(7) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base connector receptacle.
(8) Remove the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
into the instrument panel.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the cigar lighter or power outlet recep-
tacle base connector receptacle.
(3) Align the splines on the outside of the cigar
lighter or power outlet receptacle base connector
receptacle with the grooves on the inside of the
mount.
(4) Press firmly on the cigar lighter or power out-
let receptacle base until the retaining bosses of the
mount are fully engaged in their receptacles.
(5) Install the cigar lighter knob and element into
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or the protective cap
into the power outlet receptacle base.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 12 Cigar Lighter and Power Outlet Remove/
Install
1 - KNOB AND ELEMENT
2 - RETAINING BOSSES-ENGAGE PLIERS HERE
3 - BASE
4 - PARTIALLY REMOVED
5 - EXTERNAL SNAP-RING PLIERS
6 - MOUNT
7 - BASE
BR/BE8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 11
POWER OUTLET (Continued)

ENGINE 3.9L
DESCRIPTION
The 3.9 Liter (238 CID) six-cylinder engine is a
V-Type, lightweight, single cam, overhead valve
engine with hydraulic roller tappets. This engine is
designed to use unleaded fuel.
The engine lubrication system consists of a rotor
type oil pump and a full-flow oil filter.
The cylinders are numbered from front to rear; 1,
3, 5 on the left bank and 2, 4, 6 on the right bank.
The firing order is 1-6-5-4-3-2 (Fig. 1).
The engine serial number is stamped into a
machined pad located on the left front corner of the
cylinder block. When component part replacement is
necessary, use the engine type and serial number for
reference (Fig. 2).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING - Preformance) or (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING - Mechanical). Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM for fuel system diagnosis.
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
²Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis
²Lash Adjuster (Tappet) Noise Diagnosis
²Engine Oil Leak Inspection
Fig. 1 Firing Order
Fig. 2 Engine Identification (Serial) Number
BR/BEENGINE 3.9L 9 - 3
ENGINE 3.9L (Continued)