2002 DODGE RAM ignition

ENGINE SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY SYSTEM......................... 1
CHARGING.............................. 25STARTING............................... 31
BATTERY SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
SYSTEM.............................2
CLEANING.............................5
INSPECTION...........................6
SPECIFICATIONS
BATTERY............................6
SPECIAL TOOLS........................7
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION..........................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY.......7
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BATTERY
CHARGING...........................8
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUILT-IN
INDICATOR TEST.....................10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROMETER
TEST...............................11
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST.......................12
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LOAD TEST....12
STANDARD PROCEDURE - IGNITION-OFF
DRAW TEST.........................13
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING
MIDTRONICS ELECTRICAL TESTER.......15REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
BATTERY CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
CABLES............................19
REMOVAL
POSITIVE CABLE REMOVAL - GASOLINE
ENGINE.............................21
NEGATIVE CABLE REMOVAL - GASOLINE
ENGINE.............................22
INSTALLATION
POSITIVE CABLE INSTALLATION -
GASOLINE ENGINE....................22
NEGATIVE CABLE INSTALLATION -
GASOLINE ENGINE....................22
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
BATTERY SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A single 12-volt battery system is standard factory-
installed equipment on gasoline engine equipped
models. Models equipped with a diesel engine utilize
two 12-volt batteries connected in parallel. All of thecomponents of the battery system are located within
the engine compartment of the vehicle. The service
information for the battery system in this vehicle
covers the following related components, which are
covered in further detail elsewhere in this service
manual:
BR/BEENGINE SYSTEMS 8F - 1

BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
THE BATTERY SEEMS
WEAK OR DEAD WHEN
ATTEMPTING TO START
THE ENGINE.1. The electrical system
ignition-off draw is excessive.1. Refer to the IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST
Standard Procedure for the proper test
procedures. Repair the excessive ignition-off
draw, as required.
2. The charging system is
faulty.2. Determine if the charging system is performing
to specifications using the Midtronics battery and
charging system tester. Refer to Charging System
for additional charging system diagnosis and
testing procedures. Repair the faulty charging
system, as required.
3. The battery is discharged. 3. Determine the battery state-of-charge using the
Midtronics battery and charging system tester.
Refer to the Standard Procedures in this section
for additional test procedures. Charge the faulty
battery, as required.
4. The battery terminal
connections are loose or
corroded.4. Refer to Battery Cables for the proper battery
cable diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean
and tighten the battery terminal connections, as
required.
5. The battery has an
incorrect size or rating for
this vehicle.5. Refer to Battery System Specifications for the
proper size and rating. Replace an incorrect
battery, as required.
6. The battery is faulty. 6. Determine the battery cranking capacity using
the Midtronics battery and charging system tester.
Refer to the Standard Procedures in this section
for additional test procedures. Replace the faulty
battery, as required.
7. The starting system is
faulty.7. Determine if the starting system is performing
to specifications. Refer to Starting System for the
proper starting system diagnosis and testing
procedures. Repair the faulty starting system, as
required.
8. The battery is physically
damaged.8. Inspect the battery for loose terminal posts or a
cracked and leaking case. Replace the damaged
battery, as required.
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 3
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
THE BATTERY STATE OF
CHARGE CANNOT BE
MAINTAINED.1. The battery has an
incorrect size or rating for
this vehicle.1. Refer to Battery System Specifications for the
proper specifications. Replace an incorrect
battery, as required.
2. The battery terminal
connections are loose or
corroded.2. Refer to Battery Cable for the proper cable
diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean and
tighten the battery terminal connections, as
required.
3. The electrical system
ignition-off draw is excessive.3. Refer to the IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST
Standard Procedure for the proper test
procedures. Repair the faulty electrical system, as
required.
4. The battery is faulty. 4. Test the battery using the Midtronics battery
and charging system tester. Refer to Standard
Procedures for additional test procedures.
Replace the faulty battery, as required.
5. The starting system is
faulty.5. Determine if the starting system is performing
to specifications. Refer to Starting System for the
proper starting system diagnosis and testing
procedures. Repair the faulty starting system, as
required.
6. The charging system is
faulty.6. Determine if the charging system is performing
to specifications using the Midtronics battery and
charging system tester.. Refer to Charging
System for additional charging system diagnosis
and testing procedures. Repair the faulty charging
system, as required.
7. Electrical loads exceed the
output of the charging
system.7. Inspect the vehicle for aftermarket electrical
equipment which might cause excessive electrical
loads.
8. Slow driving or prolonged
idling with high-amperage
draw systems in use.8. Advise the vehicle operator, as required.
THE BATTERY WILL NOT
ACCEPT A CHARGE.1. The battery is faulty. 1. Test the battery using the Midtronics battery
and charging system tester.. Charge or replace
the faulty battery, as required.
8F - 4 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnor-
mal battery discharging:
²A faulty or incorrect charging system compo-
nent. Refer to Charging System for the proper charg-
ing system diagnosis and testing procedures.
²A faulty or incorrect battery. Refer to Standard
Procedures for the proper battery diagnosis and test-
ing procedures. Refer to Battery System Specifica-
tions for the proper specifications.
²A faulty circuit or component causing excessive
ignition-off draw.
²Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system. This can be due to equipment
installed after manufacture, or repeated short trip
use.
²A faulty or incorrect starting system component.
Refer to Starting System for the proper starting sys-
tem diagnosis and testing procedures.
²Corroded or loose battery posts and terminal
clamps.
²A loose or worn generator drive belt.
²Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or
prolonged idling, with high-amperage draw systems
in use.
CLEANING
The following information details the recommended
cleaning procedures for the battery and related com-
ponents. In addition to the maintenance schedules
found in this service manual and the owner's man-
ual, it is recommended that these procedures be per-
formed any time the battery or related components
must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all
corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush
or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution (Fig. 1).
(2) Clean the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion
using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any
exposed bare metal.
(3) If the removed battery is to be reinstalled,
clean the outside of the battery case and the top
cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle
parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film (Fig. 2).
Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the
cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells
through the vent holes. If the battery is being
replaced, refer to Battery System Specifications for
the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm
that the replacement battery is the correct size and
has the correct ratings for the vehicle.
Fig. 1 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 2 Clean Battery - Typical
1 - CLEANING BRUSH
2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
3 - BATTERY
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 5
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

(3) Rotate the load control knob (carbon pile rheo-
stat) to apply a 300 ampere load to the battery for
fifteen seconds, then return the control knob to the
Off position (Fig. 12). This will remove the surface
charge from the battery.
(4) Allow the battery to stabilize to open-circuit
voltage. It may take up to five minutes for the bat-
tery voltage to stabilize.
(5) Rotate the load control knob to maintain a load
equal to 50% of the CCA rating of the battery (Fig.
13). After fifteen seconds, record the loaded voltage
reading, then return the load control knob to the Off
position.
(6) The voltage drop will vary with the battery
temperature at the time of the load test. The battery
temperature can be estimated by using the ambient
temperature during the past several hours. If the
battery has been charged, boosted, or loaded a few
minutes prior to the test, the battery will be some-
what warmer. See the Load Test Temperature Table
for the proper loaded voltage reading.
LOAD TEST TEMPERATURE TABLE
Minimum VoltageTemperature
ÉF ÉC
9.6 volts 70É and above 21É and above
9.5 volts 60É 16É
9.4 volts 50É 10É
9.3 volts 40É 4É
9.1 volts 30É -1É
8.9 volts 20É -7É
8.7 volts 10É -12É
8.5 volts 0É -18É
(7) If the voltmeter reading falls below 9.6 volts, at
a minimum battery temperature of 21É C (70É F), the
battery is faulty and must be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - IGNITION-OFF
DRAW TEST
The term Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) identifies a nor-
mal condition where power is being drained from the
battery with the ignition switch in the Off position. A
normal vehicle electrical system will draw from five
to thirty-five milliamperes (0.005 to 0.035 ampere)
with the ignition switch in the Off position, and all
non-ignition controlled circuits in proper working
order. Up to thirty-five milliamperes are needed to
enable the memory functions for the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM), digital clock, electronically tuned
radio, and other modules which may vary with the
vehicle equipment.
A vehicle that has not been operated for approxi-
mately twenty days, may discharge the battery to an
inadequate level. When a vehicle will not be used for
twenty days or more (stored), remove the IOD fuse
from the Junction Block. This will reduce battery dis-
charging.
Fig. 11 Volt-Ammeter-Load
1 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - POSITIVE CLAMP
Fig. 12 Remove Surface Charge from Battery
Fig. 13 Load 50% CCA Rating - Note Voltage -
Typical
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 13
BATTERY (Continued)

Excessive IOD can be caused by:
²Electrical items left on.
²Faulty or improperly adjusted switches.
²Faulty or shorted electronic modules and compo-
nents.
²An internally shorted generator.
²Intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over thirty-five milliamperes, the
problem must be found and corrected before replac-
ing a battery. In most cases, the battery can becharged and returned to service after the excessive
IOD condition has been corrected.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove the ignition key, and close
all doors. If the vehicle is equipped with an illumi-
nated entry system or an electronically tuned radio,
allow the electronic timer function of these systems
to automatically shut off (time out). This may take
up to three minutes. See the Electronic Module Igni-
tion-Off Draw Table for more information.
ELECTRONIC MODULE IGNITION-OFF DRAW (IOD) TABLE
ModuleTime Out?
(If Yes, Interval And Wake-Up Input)IOD IOD After Time Out
Radio No 1 to 3 milliamperes N/A
Audio Power
AmplifierNo up to 1 milliampere N/A
Central Timer
Module (CTM)No4.75 milliamperes
(max.)N/A
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)No 0.95 milliampere N/A
ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster
(EMIC)No 0.44 milliampere N/A
Combination Flasher No 0.08 milliampere N/A
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect the lamp wire harness
connector or remove the lamp bulb.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(5) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) andthen in the Junction Block (JB), one at a time until
the amperage reading becomes very low, or nonexist-
ent. Refer to the appropriate wiring information in
this service manual for complete PDC and JB fuse,
circuit breaker, and circuit identification. This will
isolate each circuit and identify the circuit that is the
source of the high-amperage IOD. If the amperage
reading remains high after removing and replacing
each fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect the wire
harness from the generator. If the amperage reading
now becomes very low or nonexistent, refer to Charg-
ing System for the proper charging system diagnosis
and testing procedures. After the high-amperage IOD
has been corrected, switch the multi-meter to pro-
gressively lower amperage scales and, if necessary,
repeat the fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-re-
place process to identify and correct all sources of
excessive IOD. It is now safe to select the lowest mil-
liampere scale of the multi-meter to check the low-
amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(6) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
8F - 14 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY (Continued)

thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
in Step 5. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING
MIDTRONICS ELECTRICAL TESTER
Always use the Midtronics Instruction Manual that
was supplied with the tester as a reference. If the
Instruction Manual is not available the following pro-
cedure can be used:
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE EYE
PROTECTION AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
BATTERY TESTING
(1) If testing the battery OUT-OF-VEHICLE, clean
the battery terminals with a wire brush before test-
ing. If the battery is equipped with side post termi-
nals, install and tighten the supplied lead terminal
stud adapters. Do not use steel bolts. Failure to prop-
erly install the stud adapters, or using stud adapters
that are dirty or worn-out may result in false test
readings.
(2) If testing the battery IN-THE-VEHICLE, make
certain all of the vehicle accessory loads are OFF,
including the ignition.The preferred test positionis at the battery terminal. If the battery is not
accessible, you may test using both the positive and
negative jumper posts. Select TESTING AT JUMPER
POST when connecting to that location.
(3) Connect the tester to (Fig. 14) the battery or
jumper posts, the red clamp to positive (+) and the
black clamp to negative (±).
NOTE: Multiple batteries connected in parallel must
have the ground cable disconnected to perform a
battery test. Failure to disconnect may result in
false battery test readings.
NOTE: When testing the battery in a PT Cruiser,
always test at the battery terminals
(4) Using the ARROW key selectinoroutof vehi-
cle testing and press ENTER to make a selection.
(5) If not selected, choose the Cold Cranking Amp
(CCA) battery rating. Or select the appropriate bat-
tery rating for your area (see menu). The tester will
then run its self programmed test of the battery and
display the results. Refer to the test result table
noted below.
CAUTION: If REPLACE BATTERY is the result of the
test, this may mean a poor connection between the
vehicle's cables and battery exists. After discon-
necting the vehicle's battery cables from the bat-
tery, retest the battery using the OUT-OF-VEHICLE
test before replacing.
(6) While viewing the battery test result, press the
CODE button and the tester will prompt you for the
last 4 digits of the VIN. Use the UP/DOWN arrow
buttons to scroll to the correct character; then press
ENTER to select and move to the next digit. Then
press the ENTER button to view the SERVICE
CODE. Pressing the CODE button a second time will
return you to the test results.
BATTERY TEST RESULTS
GOOD BATTERY Return to service
GOOD - RECHARGE Fully charge battery and
return to service
CHARGE & RETEST Fully charge battery and
retest battery
REPLACE BATTERY Replace the battery and
retest complete system
BAD-CELL REPLACE Replace the battery and
retest complete system
NOTE: The SERVICE CODE is required on every
warranty claim submitted for battery replacement.
Fig. 14 MIDTRONICS BATTERY AND CHARGING
SYSTEM TESTER - Micro420
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 15
BATTERY (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Loosen the battery negative cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp from the battery negative terminal post. If
necessary, use a battery terminal puller to remove
the terminal clamp from the battery post (Fig. 15).
(4) Loosen the battery positive cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(5) Disconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp from the battery positive terminal post. If nec-
essary, use a battery terminal puller to remove the
terminal clamp from the battery post.
(6) Remove the battery hold downs from the bat-
tery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY HOLDDOWN - REMOVAL).
WARNING: WEAR A SUITABLE PAIR OF RUBBER
GLOVES (NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE) WHEN
REMOVING A BATTERY BY HAND. SAFETY
GLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE WORN. IF THE BAT-
TERY IS CRACKED OR LEAKING, THE ELECTRO-
LYTE CAN BURN THE SKIN AND EYES.
(7) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - CLEANING).(2) Position the battery onto the battery tray.
Ensure that the battery positive and negative termi-
nal posts are correctly positioned. The battery cable
terminal clamps must reach the correct battery ter-
minal post without stretching the cables (Fig. 16).
(3) Reinstall the battery hold downs onto the bat-
tery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY HOLDDOWN - INSTALLATION).
CAUTION: Be certain that the battery cable terminal
clamps are connected to the correct battery termi-
nal posts. Reversed battery polarity may damage
electrical components of the vehicle.
(4) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps and
the battery terminal posts.
(5) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.).
(7) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or chas-
sis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery cable
terminal clamps and the battery terminal posts.
Fig. 15 Remove Battery Cable Terminal Clamp -
Typical
1 - BATTERY
2 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
Fig. 16 Battery Cables - Typical
1 - EYELET
2 - NUT
3 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
4 - POSITIVE CABLE
5 - SCREW
6 - NEGATIVE CABLE
7 - EYELET
8 - CLIP
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY (Continued)