2001 DODGE RAM engine

(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery
terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable
connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace faulty battery positive cable.
Note: If equipped with a dual battery system
(diesel), this procedure must be performed on
driver side battery only.(4) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
negative terminal post and a good clean ground on
engine block (Fig. 5). Rotate and hold ignition switch
in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is
above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery negative
cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty battery
negative cable.Note: If equipped with dual bat-
tery system (diesel), this procedure must be
performed twice, once for each battery.
Fig. 2 Test
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 Test Battery Positive Connection Resistance -
Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 4 Test Battery Positive Cable
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 5 Test Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
8F - 36 STARTINGBR/BE
STARTING (Continued)

(5) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter
housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to bat-
tery negative terminal post (Fig. 6). Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to
engine block ground contact.Note: If equipped
with a dual battery system (diesel), this proce-
dure must be performed on driver side battery
only.(6) If equipped with dual battery system (diesel),
connect positive lead of voltmeter to driver side bat-
tery positive cable clamp. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to passenger side battery positive terminal
post. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt,
clean and tighten passenger side battery positive
cable eyelet connection at driver side battery positive
cable clamp bolt. Repeat test. If reading is still above
0.2 volt, replace faulty passenger side battery posi-
tive cable.
If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems,
refer toStarter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING
The starter control circuit components should be
tested in the order in which they are listed, as fol-
lows:
²Starter Relay- Refer toStarter RelayDiag-
nosis and Testing.
²Starter Solenoid- Refer toStarter Motor
Diagnosis and Testing.
²Ignition Switch- Refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinder
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, refer toClutch Pedal
Position Switchin 6, Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchin 21, Transmission.
²Wire harnesses and connections- Refer to 8,
Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 6 Test Starter Ground - Typical
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - VOLTMETER
BR/BESTARTING 8F - 37
STARTING (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
STARTING SYSTEM
Starter Motor and Solenoid
Manufacturer Nippon Denso Nippon Denso Nippon Denso
Part Number 56027702AB 56027703AB 4741012
Engine Application3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L
(Gasoline)8.0L (Gasoline) 5.9L (Diesel)
Power Rating1.4 Kilowatt
1.9 Horsepower1.4 Kilowatt
1.9 Horsepower2.7 Kilowatt
3.6 Horsepower
Voltage 12 Volts 12 Volts 12 Volts
Pinion Teeth 10 11 13
Number of Fields 4 4 4
Number of Poles 4 4 4
Number of Brushes 4 4 4
Drive Type Reduction Gear Train Reduction Gear Train Conventional Gear Train
Free Running Test Voltage 11 Volts 11 Volts 11 Volts
Free Running Test Amperage
Draw73 Amperes 73 Amperes 200 Amperes
Free Running Test Minimum
Speed3601 rpm 3601 rpm 3000 rpm
Solenoid Closing Maximum
Voltage Required7.5 Volts 7.5 Volts 8.0 Volts
* Cranking Amperage Draw
Test125 - 250 Amperes 125 - 250 Amperes 450 - 700 Amperes
* Test at operating temperature. Cold engine, tight (new) engine, or heavy oil will increase starter amperage draw.
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Battery Cable Eyelet Nut at Solenoid (large nut ± gas
engines)25 19 221
Battery Cable Eyelet Nut at Solenoid (large nut ± diesel
engine)14 120
Starter Solenoid Nut (small nut ± diesel engine) 6 55
Starter Mounting Bolts ± Gas Engines 68 50
Starter Mounting Nut ± Gas Engines 68 50
Starter Mounting Bolts ± Diesel 43 32
8F - 38 STARTINGBR/BE
STARTING (Continued)

ENGINE STARTER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The starter motors used for the 5.9L diesel engine
and the 8.0L gasoline engine available in this model
are not interchangeable with each other, or with the
starter motors used for the other available engines.
The starter motors used for the 3.9L, 5.2L and the
5.9L gasoline engines available in this model are
interchangeable.
The starter motor for the 5.9L diesel engine is
mounted with three screws to the flywheel housing
on the left side of the engine. The starter motor for
the 8.0L gasoline engine is mounted with two screws
to the flange on the left rear corner of the engine
block, while the starter motors for all of the other
engines are mounted with one screw, a stud and a
nut to the manual transmission clutch housing or
automatic transmission torque converter housing and
are located on the left side of the engine.
Each of these starter motors incorporates several
of the same features to create a reliable, efficient,
compact, lightweight and powerful unit. The electric
motors of all of these starters have four brushes con-
tacting the motor commutator, and feature four elec-
tromagnetic field coils wound around four pole shoes.
The 3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L and 8.0L gasoline engine starter
motors are rated at 1.4 kilowatts (about 1.9 horse-
power) output at 12 volts, while the 5.9L diesel
engine starter motor is rated at 2.7 kilowatts (about
3.6 horsepower) output at 12 volts.
All of these starter motors are serviced only as a
unit with their starter solenoids, and cannot be
repaired. If either component is faulty or damaged,
the entire starter motor and starter solenoid unit
must be replaced.
OPERATION
These starter motors are equipped with a gear
reduction (intermediate transmission) system. The
gear reduction system consists of a gear that is inte-
gral to the output end of the electric motor armature
shaft that is in continual engagement with a larger
gear that is splined to the input end of the starter
pinion gear shaft. This feature makes it possible to
reduce the dimensions of the starter. At the same
time, it allows higher armature rotational speed and
delivers increased torque through the starter pinion
gear to the starter ring gear.
The starter motors for all engines are activated by
an integral heavy duty starter solenoid switch
mounted to the overrunning clutch housing. This
electromechanical switch connects and disconnects
the feed of battery voltage to the starter motor, also
engaging and disengaging the starter pinion gear
with the starter ring gear.All starter motors use an overrunning clutch and
starter pinion gear unit to engage and drive a starter
ring gear that is integral to the flywheel (manual
transmission), torque converter or torque converter
drive plate (automatic transmission) mounted on the
rear crankshaft flange.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER MOTOR
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed
by performing the following free running bench test.
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle. Refer to Starter Specifications
for starter motor specifications.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter MotorRemoval and Installation.
(2) Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed
bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on
mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on
starter motor by field frame.
(3) Connect suitable volt-ampere tester and 12-volt
battery to starter motor in series, and set ammeter to
100 ampere scale (250 ampere scale for diesel engine
starters). See instructions provided by manufacturer
of volt-ampere tester being used.
(4) Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to
solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should
operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace
faulty starter motor assembly.
(5) Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free
running test voltage. Refer to Specifications for the
starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare this
reading to free running test maximum amperage
draw. Refer to Specifications for starter motor free
running test maximum amperage draw specifica-
tions.
(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
STARTER MOTOR SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor. Refer toStarter Motor
Removal and Installation.
(2) Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil termi-
nal.
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with continuity tester
(Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
BR/BESTARTING 8F - 39

REMOVAL
3.9L/5.2L/5.9L GASOLINE ENGINE
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove nut and lock washer securing starter
motor to mounting stud (Fig. 9).
(4) While supporting starter motor, remove upper
mounting bolt from starter motor.
(5) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket forward on tubes far enough for
starter motor mounting flange to be removed from
lower mounting stud.
(6) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process, do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(7) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nut that secures
battery positive cable wire harness connector eyelet
to solenoid battery terminal stud. Do not let starter
motor hang from wire harness.(8) Remove battery positive cable wire harness
connector eyelet from solenoid battery terminal stud.
(9) Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness
connector from solenoid terminal connector recepta-
cle.
(10) Remove starter motor.
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative cables of both
batteries.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Pull back protective rubber boot from solenoid
battery terminal far enough to access and remove
nut securing battery positive cable wire harness con-
nector eyelet to solenoid battery terminal stud (Fig.
10).
(4) Remove nut securing battery positive cable
wire harness solenoid connector eyelet to solenoid
terminal stud.
(5) Remove battery positive cable wire harness
connector eyelets from solenoid terminal studs.
Fig. 7 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal
and Field Coil Terminal - Typical
1 - OHMMETER
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - FIELD COIL TERMINAL
Fig. 8 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal
and Solenoid Case - Typical
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - OHMMETER
3 - SOLENOID
Fig. 9 Starter Motor Remove/Install - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
Gasoline Engine
1 - ENGINE
2 - STARTER MOUNTING FLANGE
3 - STUD
4 - STARTER MOTOR
5 - LOCK WASHER
6 - NUT
7 - BRACKET
8 - BOLT
9 - POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WIRE HARNESS
10 - POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WIRE HARNESS NUT
8F - 40 STARTINGBR/BE
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

(6) While supporting starter motor, remove three
bolts securing starter motor to flywheel housing (Fig.
10) and (Fig. 11).
(7) Remove starter motor from engine (certain die-
sel engines have an aluminum spacer mounted
between the starter and the starter mounting flange.
Note position and orientation of spacer before remov-
al).
8.0L GASOLINE ENGINE
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove nut securing battery positive cable
wire harness connector eyelet to solenoid battery ter-
minal stud (Fig. 12).
(4) Remove battery positive cable connector eyelet
from solenoid battery terminal stud.
(5) Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness
connector from solenoid terminal connector recepta-
cle.(6) Support starter motor and remove two bolts
securing starter motor to engine.
(7) Remove starter motor from engine.
INSTALLATION
3.9L/5.2L/5.9L GASOLINE ENGINE
(1) Connect wiring harness to starter motor and
tighten eyelet nut to 25 N´m (221 in. lbs.). Do not
allow starter motor to hang from wire harness.
(2) Position starter motor to starter mounting
flange.
(3) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(4) Loosely install upper bolt.
(5) Position lock washer and loosely install lower
nut.
(6) Tighten upper bolt to 67.8 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(7) Tighten lower nut to 67.8 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Connect battery cable.
Fig. 10 Starter Motor Wire Harness Remove/Install -
5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - SOLENOID WIRE
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
3 - BATTERY TERMINAL
Fig. 11 Starter Motor Remove/Install - 5.9L Diesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLT
BR/BESTARTING 8F - 41
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
(1) If equipped, position aluminum spacer to rear
of starter.
(2) Position starter motor to engine.
(3) Support starter and loosely install three
mounting bolts.
(4) Tighten 3 bolts to 43.4 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position wiring eyelets to starter studs and
install nuts. Tighten small nut to 6.2 N´m (55 in.
lbs.). Tighten large nut to 13.6 N´m (120 in. lbs.).
(6) Install protective rubber boot over stud.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Connect battery cables to both batteries.
8.0L GASOLINE ENGINE
(1) Support starter motor and loosely install two
bolts securing starter motor to engine.
(2) Tighten 2 bolts to 67.8 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect solenoid wire to solenoid terminal.
(4) Position battery cable eyelet to starter stud.
Install nut and tighten to 13.6 N´m (120 in. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Connect battery cable.
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The starter relay is an electromechanical device
that switches battery current to the pull-in coil of the
starter solenoid when ignition switch is turned to
Start position. The starter relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment. See PDC cover for relay identification and
location.
The starter relay is a International Standards
Organization (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to ISO
specifications have common physical dimensions, cur-
rent capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal func-
tions.
The starter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When electro-
magnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable con-
tact away from normally closed fixed contact, and
holds it against the other (normally open) fixed con-
tact.
When electromagnetic coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns movable contact to normally closed
position. The resistor or diode is connected in parallel
with electromagnetic coil within relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes produced when coil is de-en-
ergized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY
The starter relay (Fig. 13) is located in Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for relay
identification and location. For complete starter relay
wiring circuit diagrams, refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
(1) Remove starter relay from PDC.
(2) A relay in de-energized position should have
continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no
continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 7565 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(4) Connect 12V 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, perform Relay Circuit Test that fol-
lows. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
Fig. 12 Starter Motor Remove/Install - 8.0L Gasoline
Engine
1 - ENGINE
2 - BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE WIRE HARNESS
3 - NUT
4 - STARTER MOTOR
5 - SCREW AND WASHER (2)
8F - 42 STARTINGBR/BE
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair open cir-
cuit to fuse in PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to common feed terminal (30) in the energized
position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to
starter solenoid field coils. There should be continu-
ity between cavity for relay terminal 87 and starter
solenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair open circuit to starter solenoid as
required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
electromagnet in relay. It is energized when ignition
switch is held in Start position. On vehicles with
manual transmission, clutch pedal must be fully
depressed for this test. Check for battery voltage at
cavity for relay terminal 86 with ignition switch in
Start position, and no voltage when ignition switch is
released to On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK with automatic transmission, check for open or
short circuit to ignition switch and repair, if required.
If circuit to ignition switch is OK, refer toIgnition
Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. If not OK with a
manual transmission, check circuit between relay
and clutch pedal position switch for open or a short.
If circuit is OK, refer toClutch Pedal Position
Switchin 6 , Clutch.(5)
The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to the
electromagnet in the relay. On vehicles with manual
transmission, it is grounded at all times. On vehicles
with automatic transmission, it is grounded through
park/neutral position switch only when gearshift selec-
tor lever is in Park or Neutral positions. Check for con-
tinuity to ground at cavity for relay terminal 85. If not
OK with manual transmission, repair circuit to ground
as required. If not OK with automatic transmission,
check for pen or short circuit to park/neutral position
switch and repair, if required. If circuit to park/neutral
position switch is OK, refer toPark/Neutral Position
Switch
in 21, Transmission.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable
(both negative cables if diesel).
(2) Remove cover from Power Distribution Center
(PDC) (Fig. 14).
(3) Refer to PDC cover for relay identification and
location.
(4) Remove starter relay from PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1)Position starter relay in proper receptacle in PDC.
(2) Align starter relay terminals with terminal
cavities in PDC receptacle.
(3)
Push down firmly on starter relay until terminals
are fully seated in terminal cavities in PDC receptacle.
(4) Install PDC cover..
(5) Reconnect negative battery cable(s).
Fig. 13 Starter Relay
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 14 Power Distribution Center
1 - EYELET
2 - NUT
3 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
4 - POSITIVE CABLE
5 - SCREW
6 - NEGATIVE CABLE
7 - EYELET
8 - CLIP
BR/BESTARTING 8F - 43
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)