2002 DODGE RAM parking brake

NOTE: Check the sensor wire routing. Be sure the
wire is clear of all chassis components and is not
twisted or kinked at any spot.
(6) Install the tire and wheel assembly.
(7) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(8) Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor wire
electrical connector inside the engine compartment.
(9) Apply the brakes several times to seat the
brake shoes and caliper piston. Do not move the vehi-
cle until a firm brake pedal is obtained.
(10) Verify the wheel speed sensor operation with
a scan tool.
REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WHEEL
SPEED SENSOR
Diagnosis of base brake conditions which are
mechanical in nature should be performed first. This
includes brake noise, lack of power assist, parking
brake, or vehicle vibration during normal braking.
The Antilock brake system performs several self-
tests every time the ignition switch is turned on and
the vehicle is driven. The CAB monitors the system
inputs and outputs circuits to verify the system is
operating properly. If the CAB senses a malfunction
in the system it will set a DTC into memory and trig-
ger the warning lamp.
NOTE: The MDS or DRB III scan tool is used to
diagnose the Antilock Brake system. For test proce-
dures refer to the Chassis Diagnostic Manual.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove brake line mounting nut and remove
the brake line from the sensor stud.
(3) Remove mounting stud from the sensor and
shield (Fig. 6) .
(4) Remove sensor and shield from differential
housing.
(5) Disconnect sensor wire harness and remove
sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect harness to sensor.Be sure seal is
securely in place between sensor and wiring
connector.
(2) Install O-ring on sensor (if removed).
(3) Insert sensor in differential housing.
(4) Install sensor shield.
(5) Install the sensor mounting stud and tighten to
24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).(6) Install the brake line on the sensor stud and
install the nut.
(7) Lower vehicle.
HCU (HYDRAULIC CONTROL
UNIT)
DESCRIPTION
The hydraulic control unit (HCU) consists of a
valve body, pump, two accumulators and a motor.
The assembly is mounted on the driverside inner
fender under the hood.
OPERATION
The pump, motor, and accumulators are combined
into an assembly attached to the valve body. The
accumulators store the extra fluid which had to be
dumped from the brakes. This is done to prevent the
wheels from locking up. The pump provides the fluid
volume needed and is operated by a DC type motor.
The motor is controlled by the CAB.
During normal braking, the HCU solenoid valves
and pump are not activated. The master cylinder and
power booster operate the same as a vehicle without
an ABS brake system.
The valve body contains the solenoid valves. The
valves modulate brake pressure during antilock brak-
ing and are controlled by the CAB.
The HCU provides three channel pressure control
to the front and rear brakes. One channel controls
the rear wheel brakes in tandem. The two remaining
channels control the front wheel brakes individually.
Fig. 6 Rear Speed Sensor Mounting
1 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 - AXLE
5 - 40 BRAKES - ABSBR/BE
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (Continued)

VOLTAGE DROP TEST
WARNING: MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE DIESEL
ENGINE OPTION ALSO HAVE AN AUTOMATIC
SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY LOCATED IN THE
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC), IN THE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HOWEVER, REMOVAL OF
THE ASD RELAY MAY NOT PREVENT THE DIESEL
ENGINE FROM STARTING. BE CERTAIN TO ALSO
DISCONNECT THE FUEL SHUTDOWN SOLENOID
WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR ON MODELS WITH A
DIESEL ENGINE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²The battery is fully-charged and load tested
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the
Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a man-
ual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in
the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the
fully depressed position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC), in the engine compartment. See the fuse
and relay layout label affixed to the underside of the
PDC cover for ASD relay identification and location.
To prevent a diesel engine from starting, disconnect
the fuel shutdown solenoid wire harness connector
(Fig. 20).
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable terminal clamp (Fig. 21). Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor con-
nection between the battery negative cable terminal
clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual battery
system, Step 1 must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
terminal clamp (Fig. 22). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. Ifvoltage is detected, correct the poor connection
between the battery positive cable terminal clamp
and the battery positive terminal post.
Fig. 20 Fuel Shutdown Solenoid Connector - Diesel
Engine
1 - AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - SENSOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - SOLENOID ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - FUEL SHUTDOWN SOLENOID
5 - INTAKE MANIFOLD (UPPER HALF)
Fig. 21 Test Battery Negative Connection
Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
8F - 20 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear.
Replace starter ring gear if required.
2. Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter motor
improperly installed.1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque
specifications.
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. Refer to Starter Relay Diagnosis and Testing. Replace
starter relay if required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
INSPECTION
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Before removing any unit
from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform
the following inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO 8, PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS, BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
²Battery- Visually inspect battery for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded cable
connections. Determine state-of-charge and cranking
capacity of battery. Charge or replace battery if
required. Refer toBatteryin 8, Battery.Note: If
equipped with diesel engine, a dual battery sys-
tem may be used, and both batteries must be
inspected.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, visually inspect clutch
pedal position switch for indications of physical dam-
age and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Refer toClutch Pedal Position Switchin 6,
Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, visually inspect park/
neutral position switch for indications of physical
damage and loose or corroded wire harness connec-tions. Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin
21, Transmission.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect starter relay
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect starter motor
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect starter sole-
noid for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect wire harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.Note: Certain diesel
equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, tester should be con-
nected to battery on left side of vehicle only.
Also, tester current reading must be taken from
positive battery cable lead that connects to
starter motor.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
BR/BESTARTING 8F - 33
STARTING (Continued)

(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE,
ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE A FEW TIMES
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FOLLOWING STEP.
(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage)
draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
(a) If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin Diagnosis and Testing. If starter
motor is OK, refer toEngine Diagnosisin 9,
Engine for further testing of engine. If starter
motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
(b) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current
(amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer
toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor does not turn, refer toControl Cir-
cuit Testingin this section.
(d) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed Cir-
cuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current
(amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery volt-
age reading.FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wir-
ing circuit diagrams, refer 8, Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of
resistance between two points at which voltmeter
probes are attached.
Example:When testing resistance of positive bat-
tery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery
cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid.
If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable
connector at starter solenoid, you are reading com-
bined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-
terminal post connection and positive battery cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests,
be certain that following procedures are accom-
plished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
²Fully engage parking brake.
²If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
procedure must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.Note: Cer-
tain diesel equipped models use dual batteries.
If equipped with dual battery system, this pro-
cedure must be performed twice, once for each
battery.
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
8F - 34 STARTINGBR/BE
STARTING (Continued)

AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with airbags, this indicator is electronically
disabled. The airbag indicator is located near the
lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay, to the
right of center. The airbag indicator consists of a
stenciled cutout of the word ªAIRBAGº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. A red
lens behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the ªAIRBAGº text to appear in red
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when it is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The airbag indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The airbag indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or
inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus. The airbag indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) receives battery current on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board through the
fused ignition switch output (st-run) circuit whenever
the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions;
therefore, the indicator will always be off when the
ignition switch is in any position except On or Start.
The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path
to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the airbag indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the airbag indicator is illu-
minated for about seven seconds. The first two sec-
onds is the cluster bulb test function, and the
remainder is the ACM bulb test function.
²ACM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the ACM, the
airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated for about twelve seconds or until
the cluster receives a lamp-off message from the
ACM, whichever is longer.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no airbag messages for three consecutive seconds, the
airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated for about twelve seconds or untilthe cluster receives a single lamp-off message from
the ACM, whichever is longer.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the airbag indicator will be
turned on during the bulb check portion of the test to
confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster
control circuitry.
The ACM continually monitors the airbag system
circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is
in good operating condition. The ACM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the ACM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the ACM has
detected a system malfunction and/or that the air-
bags may not deploy when required, or may deploy
when not required. The ACM will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects.
Each time the airbag indicator fails to illuminate due
to an open or short in the cluster airbag indicator cir-
cuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the ACM
of the condition, the ACM will store a DTC, and the
cluster begins blinking the seat belt indicator. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/
SEATBELT INDICATOR - OPERATION). For proper
diagnosis of the airbag system, the ACM, the CCD
data bus, or the message inputs to the instrument
cluster that control the airbag indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The brake indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay,
to the right of center. The brake indicator consists of
a stenciled cutout of the word ªBRAKEº in the
opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The
dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator
from being clearly visible when it is not illuminated.
A red lens behind the cutout in the opaque layer of
the overlay causes the ªBRAKEº text to appear in
red through the translucent outer layer of the over-
lay when it is illuminated from behind by a Light
Emitting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The brake indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the parking brake is applied, or
when there are certain brake hydraulic system mal-
functions. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15

OPERATION
The ambient photocell sensor is located on the for-
ward-facing (windshield side) of the rear view mirror
housing, and detects the ambient light levels outside
of the vehicle. The headlamp photocell sensor is
located inside the rear view mirror housing behind
the mirror glass and faces rearward, to detect the
level of the light being received at the rear window
side of the mirror. When the circuitry of the auto-
matic day/night mirror detects that the difference
between the two light levels is too great (the light
level received at the rear of the mirror is much
higher than that at the front of the mirror), it begins
to darken the mirror.
The automatic day/night mirror circuitry also mon-
itors the transmission using an input from the
backup lamp circuit. The mirror circuitry is pro-
grammed to automatically disable its self-dimming
feature whenever it senses that the transmission
backup lamp circuit is energized.
The automatic day/night mirror is a completely
self-contained unit and cannot be repaired. If faulty
or damaged, the entire mirror assembly must be
replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
DAY/NIGHT MIRROR
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, 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.
(1) Check the fuse in the junction block. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or
component as required replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the junction
block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the ignition switch as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Unplug the wire harness connector from the auto-
matic day/night mirror (Fig. 1). Connect the battery
negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On
position. Check for battery voltage at the fused igni-
tion switch output (run/start) circuit cavity of the
automatic day/night mirror wire harness connector. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to
the junction block as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-ity of the automatic day/night mirror wire harness
connector and a good ground. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the cir-
cuit to ground as required.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Set the parking
brake. Place the transmission gear selector lever in
the Reverse position. Check for battery voltage at the
backup lamp switch output circuit cavity of the auto-
matic day/night mirror wire harness connector. If
OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit
as required.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect the battery negative cable. Plug in the
automatic day/night mirror wire harness connector.
Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition
switch to the On position. Place the transmission
gear selector lever in the Neutral position. Place the
mirror switch in the On (LED in the mirror switch is
lighted) position. Cover the forward facing ambient
photocell sensor to keep out any ambient light.
NOTE: The ambient photocell sensor must be cov-
ered completely, so that no light reaches the sen-
sor. Use a finger pressed tightly against the sensor,
or cover the sensor completely with electrical tape.
(7) Shine a light into the rearward facing head-
lamp photocell sensor. The mirror glass should
darken. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, replace the
faulty automatic day/night mirror unit.
(8) With the mirror glass darkened, place the
transmission gear selector lever in the Reverse posi-
tion. The mirror should return to its normal reflec-
tance. If not OK, replace the faulty automatic day/
night mirror unit.
Fig. 1 Automatic Day/Night Mirror
8N - 12 POWER MIRRORSBR/BE
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR (Continued)

WARNINGS - GENERAL
WARNINGSprovide information to prevent per-
sonal injury and vehicle damage. Below is a list of
general warnings that should be followed any time a
vehicle is being serviced.
WARNING:: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES FOR
EYE PROTECTION.
WARNING: USE SAFETY STANDS ANYTIME A PRO-
CEDURE REQUIRES BEING UNDER A VEHICLE.
WARNING: BE SURE THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH
ALWAYS IS IN THE OFF POSITION, UNLESS THE
PROCEDURE REQUIRES IT TO BE ON.
WARNING: SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN
WORKING ON ANY VEHICLE. AN AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE IN PARK. A MANUAL
TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE IN NEUTRAL.
WARNING: OPERATE THE ENGINE ONLY IN A
WELL-VENTILATED AREA.
WARNING: KEEP AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS
WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, ESPECIALLY THE
FAN AND BELTS.
WARNING: TO PREVENT SERIOUS BURNS, AVOID
CONTACT WITH HOT PARTS SUCH AS THE RADIA-
TOR, EXHAUST MANIFOLD(S), TAIL PIPE, CATA-
LYTIC CONVERTER AND MUFFLER.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW FLAME OR SPARKS
NEAR THE BATTERY. GASES ARE ALWAYS
PRESENT IN AND AROUND THE BATTERY.
WARNING: ALWAYS REMOVE RINGS, WATCHES,
LOOSE HANGING JEWELRY AND AVOID LOOSE
CLOTHING.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIRING HARNESS
TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS
When diagnosing a problem in an electrical circuit
there are several common tools necessary. These tools
are listed and explained below.
²Jumper Wire - This is a test wire used to con-
nect two points of a circuit. It can be used to bypass
an open in a circuit.WARNING: NEVER USE A JUMPER WIRE ACROSS
A LOAD, SUCH AS A MOTOR, CONNECTED
BETWEEN A BATTERY FEED AND GROUND.
²Voltmeter - Used to check for voltage on a cir-
cuit. Always connect the black lead to a known good
ground and the red lead to the positive side of the
circuit.
CAUTION: Most of the electrical components used
in today's vehicles are Solid State. When checking
voltages in these circuits, use a meter with a 10 -
megohm or greater impedance rating.
²Ohmmeter - Used to check the resistance
between two points of a circuit. Low or no resistance
in a circuit means good continuity.
CAUTION: Most of the electrical components used
in today's vehicles are Solid State. When checking
resistance in these circuits use a meter with a 10 -
megohm or greater impedance rating. In addition,
make sure the power is disconnected from the cir-
cuit. Circuits that are powered up by the vehicle's
electrical system can cause damage to the equip-
ment and provide false readings.
²Probing Tools - These tools are used for probing
terminals in connectors (Fig. 5). Select the proper
size tool from Special Tool Package 6807, and insert
it into the terminal being tested. Use the other end
of the tool to insert the meter probe.
INTERMITTENT AND POOR CONNECTIONS
Most intermittent electrical problems are caused
by faulty electrical connections or wiring. It is also
possible for a sticking component or relay to cause a
problem. Before condemning a component or wiring
assembly, check the following items.
²Connectors are fully seated
²Spread terminals, or terminal push out
Fig. 5 PROBING TOOL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6801
2 - PROBING END
BR/BE8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 7
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

tor between many of the engine compartment, instru-
ment panel, and body wire harnesses. The JB houses
up to nineteen blade-type fuses (two standard-type
and seventeen mini-type), up to two blade-type auto-
matic resetting circuit breakers, the electronic combi-
nation turn signal and hazard warning flasher, and
one International Standards Organization (ISO)
micro-relay.
The molded plastic JB housing has integral mount-
ing brackets that are secured with two screws to the
left instrument panel end bracket. The left end of the
instrument panel cover has a snap-fit fuse access
panel that can be removed for service of the JB. A
fuse puller and spare fuse holders are located on the
back of the fuse access cover, as well as an adhesive-
backed fuse layout map to ensure proper fuse identi-
fication.
The JB unit cannot be repaired and is only ser-
viced as an assembly. If any internal circuit or the JB
housing is faulty or damaged, the entire JB unit
must be replaced.
OPERATION
All of the circuits entering and leaving the JB do
so through up to nine wire harness connectors, which
are connected to the JB through integral connector
receptacles molded into the JB housing. Internal con-
nection of all of the JB circuits is accomplished by an
intricate combination of hard wiring and bus bars.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete JB circuit diagrams.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - JUNCTION BLOCK
The junction block does not incorporate any self
diagnostic capability. Most of the electrical circuits
incorporated into the vehicle must pass through the
junction block at one point or another. The most effi-
cient means of diagnosing a suspected junction block
problem involves a simple continuity tester or ohm
meter. Using the Wiring Diagrams as a guide trace
the problem circuit to the proper junction block cav-
ity and test all circuits in the effected circuit for
proper continuity. A open or high resistance circuit is
a sign of a problem. Some other possible junction
block problems to look for are:
²Loose fuse receptacle terminals.
²Loose relay / circuit breaker receptacle termi-
nals.
²Bent or distorted electrical circuit pins.
²Incorrect size fuse installed in junction block
fuse cavity.
²Dark areas identifying a source of excess heat.
²Defective fuse, relay or circuit breaker installed
in junction block cavity.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the fuse access bezel from the instru-
ment panel.
(3) Remove the steering column cover (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COL-
UMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the hood release handle retaining
screws and position the handle assembly out of the
way.
(5) Remove the lower knee blocker from the instru-
ment panel.
(6) Pull drivers side carpet down, out of the way.
(7) Remove the parking brake switch connector,
release linkage and retaining fasteners and position
the assembly out the drivers door opening.
(8) Remove the electrical ground connections,
located behind park brake mounting location.
(9) Remove the two junction block retaining
screws. To access the upper retaining screw a 15 inch
long #2 Phillips screwdriver will be required. Access
the upper screw through hole in dash support brace.
(10) Reach through the outboard side of the instru-
ment panel steering column opening to access and
disconnect all of the wire harness connectors from
the Junction Block (JB) connector receptacles (Fig.
6).
Fig. 6 Junction Block Remove/Install
1 - I.P. End Bracket
2 - Junction Block
3 - Screws
BR/BE8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 7
JUNCTION BLOCK (Continued)