2001 DODGE RAM ESP

MIRROR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated mirror switch, the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp, the heated mirror system solid
state electronic control logic and timer circuitry and
the heated mirror relay are all integral to the a/c
heater control, which is located between the instru-
ment cluster and the radio near the center of the
instrument cluster bezel on the instrument panel.
The heated mirror switch and the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp are visible in the lower left corner
of the a/c heater control face plate (Fig. 2).
The heated mirror switch, the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp, the heated mirror system solid
state electronic control logic and timer circuitry and
the heated mirror relay cannot be repaired. If any of
these components is damaged or faulty, the entire a/c
heater control must be replaced. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
HEATER CONTROL - REMOVAL)
OPERATION
The momentary-type heated mirror switch provides
a hard-wired battery current signal to the heated
mirror system electronic control logic circuitry each
time it is depressed. In response to the heated mirror
switch input, the electronic control logic and timer
circuitry energizes or de-energizes the amber heated
mirror system indicator lamp next to the heated mir-
ror switch to indicate that the heated mirror systemis turned On or Off. The electronic control logic and
timer circuitry also energizes or de-energizes the
heated mirror relay, which controls the feed of elec-
trical current to the outside mirror heating grids.
The heated mirror system electronic control logic
and timer circuitry is programmed to turn the heated
mirror system Off automatically after about fifteen
minutes of operation. If the heated mirror system is
turned On a second time following an initial time-out
event during the same ignition switch cycle, the
heated mirror system electronic control logic and
timer circuit is programmed to turn the system Off
automatically after about five minutes. When the
electronic control logic and timer circuit detects that
a programmed time interval has elapsed, it will auto-
matically de-energize the heated mirror system indi-
cator lamp and the heated mirror relay. The heated
mirror system will also be turned Off if the heated
mirror switch is depressed while the system is
turned On, or if the ignition switch is turned to the
Off or Accessory positions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
SWITCH
The heated mirror switch, the solid state electronic
heated mirror system control logic and timer cir-
cuitry, the heated mirror system indicator lamp and
the heated mirror relay are all integral to the a/c
heater control. For circuit descriptions and diagrams
(Refer to Appropriate Wiring Information).
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/
start) fuse in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or com-
ponent 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/start) fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open circuit to the ignition
switch as required.
Fig. 2 HEATED MIRROR SWITCH
1 - A/C HEATER CONTROL
2 - HEATED MIRROR SWITCH
3 - HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM INDICATOR LAMP
BR/BEHEATED MIRRORS 8G - 3

OPERATION
The heated seat module receives fused battery cur-
rent through the energized heated seat relay in the
Junction Block (JB) only when the engine is running.
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
only when the ignition switch is in the On position.
The heated seat module shares a common ground cir-
cuit with each of the heated seat elements. The
heated seat elements will only operate when the sur-
face temperature of the seat cushion cover at the
heated seat sensors is below the designed tempera-
ture set points of the system.
The heated seat module will automatically turn off
the heated seat elements if it detects a short in the
heated seat element circuit or a heated seat sensor
value that is out of range. The heated seat system
will also be turned off automatically whenever the
ignition switch is turned to any position except On or
if the engine quits running. If the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position or if the engine quits run-
ning while a heated seat is turned ON, the heated
seat will remain Off after the engine is restarted
until a heated seat switch is depressed again.
The heated seat module monitors inputs from the
heated seat sensors and the heated seat switches. In
response to these inputs the heated seat module uses
its internal programming to control outputs to the
heated seat elements in both front seats and to con-
trol the heated seat LED indicator lamps located in
both of the heated seat switches. The heated seat
module is also programmed to provide a self-diagnos-
tic capability. When the module detects certain fail-
ures within the heated seat system, it will provide a
visual indication of the failure by flashing the indica-
tor lamps in the heated seat switches.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SYSTEM
SELF-DIAGNOSIS
The heated seat system is capable of performing
some self-diagnostics. The following table depicts the
various failure modes which will be reported to the
vehicle operator or technician by flashing the individ-
ual heated seat switch Light Emitting Diode (LED)
indicator lamps. See the Heated Seat System Self-Di-
agnosis table for the diagnostic routines. The driver
side heated seat switch indicator lamps will flash if a
failure occurs in the driver side heated seat, and the
passenger side heated seat switch indicator lamps
will flash for a passenger side heated seat failure. If
a monitored heated seat system failure occurs, the
switch indicator lamps will flash at a pulse rate of
about one-half second on, followed by about one-half
second off for a duration of about one minute afterthe switch for the faulty heated seat is depressed in
either the Low or High direction. This process will
repeat every time the faulty heated seat switch is
actuated until the problem has been corrected.
Heated Seat System Self-Diagnosis
Monitored FailureSwitch High
Indicator LampSwitch Low
Indicator Lamp
Heated Seat
Element ShortedFlashing Flashing
Heated Seat
Element OpenFlashing Off
Heated Seat
Sensor Value Out
of RangeOff Flashing
TESTING
Refer toPower Seatin the index of this service
manual for the location of complete heated seat sys-
tem wiring diagrams. Before testing the individual
components in the heated seat system, perform the
following preliminary checks:
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
²If the heated seat switch back lighting and the
cluster illumination lamps do not illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer toInstru-
ment Clusterin the index of this service manual for
the location of the proper cluster illumination lamps
diagnosis and testing procedures. If the heated seat
switch back lighting does not illuminate, but the
cluster illumination lamps do illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer to
Heated Seat Switchin this section for the location
of the proper heated seat switch diagnosis and test-
ing procedure.
²If a single indicator lamp for one heated seat
switch does not operate and the heated seat elements
do heat, refer toHeated Seat Switchin this section
for the location of the proper heated seat switch diag-
nosis and testing procedure.
8G - 6 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)

(3) Reconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors to the connector receptacles on the
backs of the heated seat switches.
(4) Position the heated seat switch bezel and both
switches in the instrument panel mounting hole as a
unit.
(5) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heated seat switch bezel to the instrument panel.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. Refer toCluster Bezelin the index of this
service manual for the location of the proper cluster
bezel installation procedures.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated seat
system have two sets of electrically operated heating
element grids located in each outboard seating posi-
tion of the front seat, one set for the seat cushion
and the other set for the seat back. Each of the
heated seat element grids consists of a single length
of resistor wire that is routed in a zigzag pattern and
captured between the leather trim cover and the
foam rubber backing on the underside of its respec-
tive seat cushion trim cover and seat back trim cover
assembly. Short pigtail wires with connectors (Fig. 5)
are soldered to each end of each resistor wire ele-
ment grid, which connect all of the element grids foreach seating position to each other in series with the
heated seat module through the seat wire harness.
One temperature sensor is used for each outboard
seating position of the front seat, and it is located in
the center insert area of the seat cushion cover. The
heated seat sensors and their pigtail wires are also
captured between the leather trim cover and the
foam rubber backing on the underside of their
respective seat cushion trim cover assemblies. The
heated seat sensors are Negative Thermal Coefficient
(NTC) thermistors. The sensors for both front seats
receive a voltage feed from a single output of the
heated seat module, but the module receives individ-
ual sensor inputs from the driver side and passenger
side sensors.
The heated seat elements and sensors cannot be
repaired. If damaged or faulty, the front seat cushion
trim cover or front seat back trim cover assembly
must be replaced. Refer toFront Seat Cushion
Cover - Quad CaborFront Seat Back Cover -
Quad Cabin the index of this service manual for
the location of the proper front seat trim cover
removal and installation procedures.
OPERATION
One end of the heated seat element resistor wire is
connected to a ground feed at all times through a
splice in the heated seat module ground circuit. Bat-
tery current is directed to the other end of the heated
seat element resistor wire by the energized N-chan-
nel Field Effect Transistor (N-FET) located within
the heated seat module. The heated seat module will
energize the N-FET only when the heated seat
switch is in the Low or High position and the heated
seat sensor indicates that the seat cushion surface
temperature is below the selected (Low or High) tem-
perature set point. As electrical current passes
through the heating element grid, the resistance of
the wire used in the element disperses some of that
electrical current in the form of heat. The heat pro-
duced by the heated seat element grid then radiates
through the underside of the seat cushion and seat
back trim covers, warming the seat cover and its
occupant.
The resistance of the heated seat sensor increases
and decreases as the surface temperature of the seat
cushion cover changes. The heated seat module sup-
plies each sensor with a voltage feed, then detects
the sensor resistance by monitoring the voltage of the
separate sensor return circuits. The heated seat mod-
ule compares the heated seat sensor resistance (seat
cushion surface temperature) with the heated seat
switch resistance (Low or High set point) to deter-
mine when the heated seat element grids need to be
cycled on or off in order to maintain the selected tem-
perature set point.
Fig. 5 Heated Seat Cushion Trim Cover
1 - TO SEAT BACK COVER
2 - TO SEAT WIRE HARNESS
3 - FOAM PADDING
4 - HEATED SEAT CUSHION TRIM COVER
5 - TO ELEMENT GRIDS
6 - TO ELEMENT GRIDS AND SENSOR
8G - 10 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the heated seat module. There should be continu-
ity between the cavity for relay terminal 87 and the
B(+) to heated seat module circuit cavity of the
heated seat module wire harness connector at all
times. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
B(+) to heated seat module circuit to the heated seat
module as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is connected to bat-
tery voltage and should be hot at all times. Check for
battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86. If
OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open circuit to
the fused B(+) fuse in the PDC as required.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded by the
premium version of the Central Timer Module (CTM)
in response to an engine speed message received over
the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus from
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when the
engine is running. Check for continuity between the
cavity for relay terminal 85 and the heated seat relay
control circuit cavity of the CTM wire harness con-
nector. There should be continuity at all times. If OK,
use a DRBIIItscan tool and the proper diagnostic
procedures manual to test the operation of the CTM
and CCD data bus. If not OK, repair the open heated
seat relay control circuit as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the fuse access panel by inserting a
finger in the finger recess molded into the panel and
then pulling the panel sharply away from the left
outboard end of the instrument panel.
(3) The heated seat relay is located on the forward
side of the Junction Block (JB), just above the com-
bination flasher (Fig. 8).
(4) Grasp the heated seat relay firmly and pull it
straight out from the JB.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the heated seat relay in the proper
receptacle in the JB.
(2) Align the heated seat relay terminals with the
terminal cavities in the JB receptacle.
(3) Push in firmly on the heated seat relay until
the terminals are fully seated in the terminal cavities
in the JB receptacle.
(4) Insert the tabs on the forward edge of the fuse
access panel in the notches on the forward edge of
the instrument panel fuse access panel opening.(5) Press the rear edge of the fuse access panel in
toward the instrument panel until the panel snaps
back into place.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches used on vehicles with
this option are both mounted in a heated seat switch
bezel (Fig. 9), which replaces the standard equipment
cubby bin located in the lower right corner of the
instrument cluster bezel next to the radio receiver.
The two switches are snapped into the mounting
holes of the heated seat switch bezel, and the heated
seat switch bezel is secured with three screws to the
instrument panel. The mounts for the heated seat
switch bezel are concealed behind the instrument
cluster bezel. The two heated seat switches are iden-
tical in appearance and construction, except for the
location of a keyway in the single connector recepta-
cle on the back of each switch. The instrument panel
wire harness connectors for the heated seat switches
are keyed to match the connector receptacles on the
switches so that the two heated seat switches can
only be connected to the proper heated seat.
Fig. 8 Heated Seat
1 - JUNCTION BLOCK
2 - HEATED SEAT RELAY
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
4 - COMBINATION FLASHER
BR/BEHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 13
HEATED SEAT RELAY (Continued)

HORN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HORN
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
HORN
DESCRIPTION............................2
OPERATION.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
HORN................................2
REMOVAL...............................2
INSTALLATION............................3
HORN RELAY
DESCRIPTION............................3OPERATION.............................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
HORN RELAY..........................3
REMOVAL...............................4
INSTALLATION............................4
HORN SWITCH
DESCRIPTION............................4
OPERATION.............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................5
HORN SWITCH.........................5
REMOVAL...............................5
HORN
DESCRIPTION
An electric horn system is standard factory-in-
stalled equipment on this model. Two horn systems
are offered on this model. The standard equipment
horn system features a single low-note electromag-
netic horn unit, while the optional dual horn system
features one low-note horn unit and one high-note
horn unit. Both horn systems use a non-switched
source of battery current so that the system will
remain functional, regardless of the ignition switch
position. The horn system includes the following com-
ponents:
²Clockspring
²High-line or premium Central Timer Module
(CTM)
²Horn(s)
²Horn relay
²Horn switch
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - DESCRIPTION) for more information on
this component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES/BODY CONTROL/
CENTRAL TIMER MODUL - DESCRIPTION) for
more information on this component. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds. Following are general
descriptions of the remaining major components in
the horn system.
OPERATION
Each horn system is activated by a horn switch
concealed beneath the driver side airbag module trim
cover in the center of the steering wheel. Depressing
the center of the driver side airbag module trim cover
closes the horn switch. Closing the horn switch acti-
vates the horn relay. The activated horn relay then
switches the battery current needed to energize the
horn(s).
Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
operation of the horn system.
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE
The high-line or premium Central Timer Module
(CTM) can also operate the horn system. A high-line
CTM is used on high-line versions of this vehicle. A
premium CTM is used on vehicles equipped with the
optional heated seats. The CTM combines the func-
tions of a chime/buzzer module, an intermittent wipe
module, an illuminated entry module, a remote key-
less entry module, and a vehicle theft security sys-
tem module in a single unit.
The high-line or premium CTM also controls and
integrates many of the additional electronic functions
and features included on models with this option.
The horn relay is one of the hard wired outputs of
the CTM. The high-line or premium CTM is pro-
grammed to energize or de-energize the horn relay in
response to certain inputs from the Vehicle Theft
Security System (VTSS) and/or the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) system.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/BODY CONTROL/CENTRAL
TIMER MODUL - DESCRIPTION) for more informa-
BR/BEHORN 8H - 1

(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the horn(s). There should be continuity between
the cavity for relay terminal 87 and the horn relay
output circuit cavity of each horn wire harness con-
nector at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK,
repair the open circuit to the horn(s) as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is connected to bat-
tery voltage and should be hot at all times. Check for
battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86. If
OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open circuit to
the fuse in the PDC as required.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded
through the horn switch when the horn switch is
depressed. On vehicles equipped with the Vehicle
Theft Security System (VTSS), the horn relay coil
ground terminal can also be grounded by the Central
Timer Module (CTM) in response to certain inputs
related to the VTSS or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system. Check for continuity to ground at the cavity
for relay terminal 85. There should be continuity
with the horn switch depressed, and no continuity
with the horn switch released. If not OK, (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/HORN/HORN SWITCH - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 3) .(3) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to
the underside of the PDC cover for horn relay iden-
tification and location.
(4) Remove the horn relay from the PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to
the underside of the PDC cover for the proper horn
relay location.
(2) Position the horn relay in the proper receptacle
in the PDC.
(3) Align the horn relay terminals with the termi-
nal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(4) Push down firmly on the horn relay until the
terminals are fully seated in the terminal cavities in
the PDC receptacle.
(5) Install the cover onto the PDC.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
HORN SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
A center-blow, normally open, resistive membrane-
type horn switch is secured with heat stakes to the
back side of the driver side airbag module trim cover
in the center of the steering wheel (Fig. 4) . The
switch consists of two plastic membranes, one that is
flat and one that is slightly convex. These two mem-
branes are secured to each other around the perime-
ter. Inside the switch, the centers of the facing
surfaces of these membranes each has a grid made
with an electrically conductive material applied to it.
One of the grids is connected to a circuit that pro-
vides it with continuity to ground at all times. The
grid of the other membrane is connected to the horn
relay control circuit.
Fig. 2 Horn Relay
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 3 Power Distribution Center
1 - COVER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
8H - 4 HORNBR/BE
HORN RELAY (Continued)

The sensor detects machined notches on the rear
face of the camshaft drive gear (Fig. 7) to sense
engine speed.The CMP also detects an area on the camshaft
drive gear that has no notch (Fig. 7). When the sen-
sor passes this area, it tells the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM) that Top Dead Center (TDC) of the
number 1 cylinder is occurring. The ECM will then
adjust fuel timing accordingly.
As the tip of the sensor passes the notches, the
interruption of magnetic field causes voltage changes
from 5 volts to 0 volts.
OPERATION - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
The sensor contains a hall effect device called a
sync signal generator to generate a fuel sync signal.
This sync signal generator detects a rotating pulse
ring (shutter) on the distributor shaft. The pulse ring
rotates 180 degrees through the sync signal genera-
tor. Its signal is used in conjunction with the Crank-
shaft Position (CKP) sensor to differentiate between
fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to syn-
chronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylin-
ders.
When the leading edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
enters the sync signal generator, the following occurs:
The interruption of magnetic field causes the voltage
to switch high resulting in a sync signal of approxi-
mately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
leaves the sync signal generator, the following occurs:
The change of the magnetic field causes the sync sig-
nal voltage to switch low to 0 volts.
OPERATION - 8.0L
The CMP sensor is used in conjunction with the
crankshaft position sensor to differentiate between
fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to syn-
chronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylin-
ders. The sensor generates electrical pulses. These
pulses (signals) are sent to the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM will then determine crank-
shaft position from both the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor.
A low and high area are machined into the cam-
shaft drive gear (Fig. 8). The sensor is positioned in
the timing gear cover so that a small air gap (Fig. 8)
exists between the face of sensor and the high
machined area of cam gear.
When the cam gear is rotating, the sensor will
detect the machined low area. Input voltage from the
sensor to the PCM will then switch from a low
(approximately 0.3 volts) to a high (approximately 5
volts). When the sensor detects the high machined
area, the input voltage switches back low to approx-
imately 0.3 volts.
Fig. 6 Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
1 - GEAR HOUSING
2 - O-RING
3 - CMP SENSOR
4 - CMP HEX HEAD BOLT
Fig. 7 Notches at Rear Of Camshaft Drive Gear
1 - CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR
2 - NOTCHES
3 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CKP)
4 - NO NOTCH
8I - 6 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
The 3.9L V-6 and 5.2L/5.9L V-8 engines use resis-
tor type spark plugs. The 8.0L V-10 engine uses
inductive type spark plugs.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
OPERATION
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. Incorrect torque can distort the
spark plug and change plug gap. It can also pull the
plug threads and do possible damage to both the
spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
Group O, Lubrication and Maintenance
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Also refer to Spark Plug Conditions.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 29). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
Fig. 28 Spark Plug Cable OrderÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
Fig. 29 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
IGNITION COIL (Continued)