2002 DODGE RAM tow

DISTRIBUTOR CAP
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
CAP
Remove the distributor cap and wipe it clean with
a dry lint free cloth. Visually inspect the cap for
cracks, carbon paths, broken towers or damaged
rotor button (Fig. 21) or (Fig. 22). Also check for
white deposits on the inside (caused by condensation
entering the cap through cracks). Replace any cap
that displays charred or eroded terminals. The
machined surface of a terminal end (faces toward
rotor) will indicate some evidence of erosion from
normal operation. Examine the terminal ends for evi-
dence of mechanical interference with the rotor tip.
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 23) for cracks, evi-
dence of corrosion or the effects of arcing on the
metal tip. Also check for evidence of mechanical
interference with the cap. Some charring is normal
on the end of the metal tip. The silicone-dielectric-
varnish-compound applied to the rotor tip for radio
interference noise suppression, will appear charred.
This is normal.Do not remove the charred com-
pound.Test the spring for insufficient tension.
Replace a rotor that displays any of these adverse
conditions.
Fig. 21 Cap InspectionÐExternalÐTypical
1 - BROKEN TOWER
2 - DISTRIBUTOR CAP
3 - CARBON PATH
4 - CRACK
Fig. 22 Cap InspectionÐInternalÐTypical
1 - CHARRED OR ERODED TERMINALS
2 - WORN OR DAMAGED ROTOR BUTTON
3 - CARBON PATH
Fig. 23 Rotor InspectionÐTypical
1 - INSUFFICIENT SPRING TENSION
2 - CRACKS
3 - EVIDENCE OF PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH CAP
4 - ROTOR TIP CORRODED
8I - 14 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE

(2) Prior to removing the spark plug, spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. This will help prevent foreign
material from entering the combustion chamber.
(3) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert.
(4) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plug Condition in the Diagnostics and Testing
section of this group.
CLEANING
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file center electrode flat with a small point file or
jewelers file before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean spark plugs. Metallic deposits will remain
on spark plug insulator and will cause plug misfire.
INSTALLATION
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
When replacing the spark plug and ignition coil
cables, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise. It could cause cross ignition of the spark plugs
or short circuit the cables to ground.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs to 35-41 N´m (26-30 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires.
OPERATION
The spark plug cables transfer electrical current
from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individ-
ual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark
plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The
cables provide suppression of radio frequency emis-
sions from the ignition system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES
Cable routing is important on certain engines. To
prevent possible ignition crossfire, be sure the cables
are clipped into the plastic routing looms. Try to pre-
vent any one cable from contacting another. Before
removing cables, note their original location and
routing. Never allow one cable to be twisted around
another.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil(s), distributor cap towers, and
spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated. The
insulators should be in good condition and should fit
tightly on the coil, distributor and spark plugs. Spark
plug cables with insulators that are cracked or torn
must be replaced.
Clean high voltage ignition cables with a cloth
moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the
cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
On 5.9L engines, spark plug cable heat shields are
pressed into the cylinder head to surround each
spark plug cable boot and spark plug (Fig. 36). These
shields protect the spark plug boots from damage
(due to intense engine heat generated by the exhaust
manifolds) and should not be removed. After the
spark plug cable has been installed, the lip of the
cable boot should have a small air gap to the top of
the heat shield (Fig. 36).
TESTING
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
Fig. 36 Heat ShieldsÐ5.9L Engines
1 - AIR GAP
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT HEAT SHIELD
8I - 20 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected for longer than necessary during test-
ing. This may cause possible heat damage to the
catalytic converter. Total test time must not exceed
ten minutes.
With the engine running, remove spark plug cable
from spark plug (one at a time) and hold next to a
good engine ground. If the cable and spark plug are
in good condition, the engine rpm should drop and
the engine will run poorly. If engine rpm does not
drop, the cable and/or spark plug may not be operat-
ing properly and should be replaced. Also check
engine cylinder compression.
With the engine not running, connect one end of a
test probe to a good ground. Start the engine and run
the other end of the test probe along the entire
length of all spark plug cables. If cables are cracked
or punctured, there will be a noticeable spark jump
from the damaged area to the test probe. The cable
running from the ignition coil to the distributor cap
can be checked in the same manner. Cracked, dam-
aged or faulty cables should be replaced with resis-
tance type cable. This can be identified by the words
ELECTRONIC SUPPRESSION printed on the cable
jacket.
Use an ohmmeter to test for open circuits, exces-
sive resistance or loose terminals. If equipped,
remove the distributor cap from the distributor.Do
not remove cables from cap.Remove cable from
spark plug. Connect ohmmeter to spark plug termi-
nal end of cable and to corresponding electrode in
distributor cap. Resistance should be 250 to 1000
Ohms per inch of cable. If not, remove cable from dis-
tributor cap tower and connect ohmmeter to the ter-
minal ends of cable. If resistance is not within
specifications as found in the SPARK PLUG CABLE
RESISTANCE chart, replace the cable. Test all spark
plug cables in this manner.
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
250 Ohms Per Inch 1000 Ohms Per Inch
3000 Ohms Per Foot 12,000 Ohms Per Foot
To test ignition coil-to-distributor cap cable, do not
remove the cable from the cap. Connect ohmmeter to
rotor button (center contact) of distributor cap and
terminal at ignition coil end of cable. If resistance is
not within specifications as found in the Spark Plug
Cable Resistance chart, remove the cable from the
distributor cap. Connect the ohmmeter to the termi-
nal ends of the cable. If resistance is not within spec-
ifications as found in the Spark Plug CableResistance chart, replace the cable. Inspect the igni-
tion coil tower for cracks, burns or corrosion.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: When disconnecting a high voltage cable
from a spark plug or from the distributor cap, twist
the rubber boot slightly (1/2 turn) to break it loose
(Fig. 37). Grasp the boot (not the cable) and pull it
off with a steady, even force.
INSTALLATION
Install cables into the proper engine cylinder firing
order (Fig. 38) or (Fig. 39).
Fig. 37 Cable Removal
1 - SPARK PLUG CABLE AND BOOT
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT PULLER
3 - TWIST AND PULL
4 - SPARK PLUG
Fig. 38 Engine Firing OrderÐ5.9L V-8 Engines
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 21
SPARK PLUG CABLE (Continued)

When replacing the spark plug and coil cables,
route the cables correctly and secure in the proper
retainers. Failure to route the cables properly can
cause the radio to reproduce ignition noise. It could
also cause cross ignition of the plugs or short circuit
the cables to ground.
When installing new cables, make sure a positive
connection is made. A snap should be felt when a
good connection is made between the plug cable and
the distributor cap tower.
Fig. 39 Spark Plug Cable OrderÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
8I - 22 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
SPARK PLUG CABLE (Continued)

high beam indicator. If no headlamp system problems
are found, the following procedure will help locate a
short or open in the high beam indicator circuit.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wir-
ing information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
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.
INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WITH HIGH BEAMS
SELECTED
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse 14 - 10
ampere) in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse 14 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit between
the JB and the Power Distribution Center (PDC) as
required.
(3) Be certain that the headlamp high beams are
selected with the headlamp beam select switch by
turning the headlamp switch to the On position, pull-
ing the multi-function switch stalk toward the steer-
ing wheel, then inspecting the headlamps at the
front of the vehicle. Once the headlamp high beams
are selected, turn the headlamp switch to the Off
position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster from the
instrument panel. Reconnect the battery negative
cable. Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) cir-
cuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused
B(+) circuit between the instrument cluster and the
JB as required.
(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Check for continuity between the high beam
indicator driver circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the instru-ment cluster and a good ground. There should be
continuity. If OK, replace the faulty headlamp high
beam indicator bulb and bulb holder unit. If not OK,
repair the open high beam indicator driver circuit
between the instrument cluster and the headlamp
beam select (multi-function) switch as required.
INDICATOR STAYS ILLUMINATED WITH HIGH BEAMS NOT
SELECTED
(1) Be certain that the headlamp low beams are
selected with the headlamp beam select switch by
turning the headlamp switch to the On position, pull-
ing the multi-function switch stalk toward the steer-
ing wheel, then inspecting the headlamps at the
front of the vehicle. Once the headlamp low beams
are selected, turn the headlamp switch to the Off
position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster from the
instrument panel. Check for continuity between the
high beam indicator driver circuit cavity of the
instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector
C2) for the instrument cluster and a good ground.
There should be no continuity. If OK, replace the
faulty instrument cluster. If not OK, repair the
shorted high beam indicator driver circuit between
the instrument cluster and the headlamp beam select
(multi-function) switch as required.
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A low fuel indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The low fuel indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay,
to the right of center. The low fuel indicator consists
of a stenciled cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº 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. An amber
lens behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the icon to appear in amber through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The low fuel indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The low fuel indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the level of fuel in the fuel
tank becomes low. This 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 Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision
8J - 22 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (Continued)

CLEARANCE LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove screws holding clearance lamp lens to
roof panel (Fig. 5).
(3) Rotate socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise and
separate socket from lamp.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install socket in lamp and rotate socket 1/4
turn clockwise.
(2) Position clearance lamp on roof.
(3) Install screws holding clearance lamp lens to
roof panel. Tighten to 1 N´m (13 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
COMBINATION FLASHER
DESCRIPTION
The combination flasher is located in the Junction
Block (JB) behind the fuse access panel on the left
outboard end of the instrument panel. The combina-
tion flasher is a smart relay that functions as both
the turn signal system and the hazard warning sys-
tem flasher. The combination flasher contains active
electronic Integrated Circuitry (IC) elements. This
flasher is designed to handle the current flow
requirements of the factory-installed lighting. If sup-
plemental lighting is added to the turn signal lamp
circuits, such as when towing a trailer with lights,
the combination flasher will automatically try to
compensate to keep the flash rate the same.
The combination flasher has five blade-type termi-
nals that connect it to the vehicle electrical system
through five matching cavities in the receptacle of
the JB. While the combination flasher has a Interna-
tional Standards Organization (ISO)-type relay ter-
minal configuration or footprint, the internal
circuitry is much different. The combination flasher
does not use standard ISO-relay inputs or provide
ISO-relay type outputs or functions. The combination
flasher should never be substituted for an ISO-relay
or replaced with an ISO-relay, or else component and
vehicle damage may occur.
The combination flasher cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The combination flasher has five blade-type termi-
nals intended for the following inputs and outputs:
fused B(+), fused ignition switch output, ground, turn
signal circuit, and hazard warning circuit. Constant
battery voltage and ground are supplied to the
flasher so that it can perform the hazard warning
function, and ignition switched battery voltage is
supplied for the turn signal function.
Fig. 5 Roof Clearance Lamps
1 - ROOF
2 - LAMP LENS
3 - BULB
4 - SOCKET
5 - PLASTIC NUTS
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 7

²Continuous Wipe Modes- The control knob of
the multi-function switch provides two continuous
wipe switch positions, low speed or high speed.
²Hazard Warning Control- The internal cir-
cuitry and hardware of the multi-function switch pro-
vide detent switching for activation and deactivation
of the hazard warning system.
²Headlamp Beam Selection- The internal cir-
cuitry and hardware of the multi-function switch pro-
vide detent switching for selection of the headlamp
high or low beams.
²Headlamp Optical Horn- The internal cir-
cuitry and hardware of the multi-function switch
includes momentary switching of the headlamp high
beam circuits to provide an optical horn feature
(sometimes referred to as flash-to-pass), which allows
the vehicle operator to momentarily flash the head-
lamp high beams as an optical signalling device.
²Intermittent Wipe Mode- The control knob of
the multi-function switch provides an intermittent
wipe mode with multiple delay interval positions.
²Turn Signal Control- The internal circuitry
and hardware of the multi-function switch provide
both momentary non-detent switching and detent
switching with automatic cancellation for both the
left and right turn signals.
²Washer Mode- A button on the end of the con-
trol stalk of the multi-function switch provides
washer system operation when the button is
depressed towards the steering column.
The multi-function switch cannot be adjusted or
repaired. If any function of the switch is faulty, or if
the switch is damaged, the entire switch unit must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The multi-function switch uses conventionally
switched outputs and a variable resistor to control
the many functions and features it provides using
hard wired circuitry. The switch is grounded at all
times through a single wire take out with an eyelet
terminal connector of the instrument panel wire har-
ness that is secured by a nut to a ground stud
located on the instrument panel armature, just above
and to the left of the glove box opening. When the
ignition switch is in the Accessory or On positions,
battery current from a fuse in the Junction Block
(JB) is provided through a fused ignition switch out-
put (run-acc) circuit. Following are descriptions of
how the multi-function switch operates to control the
many functions and features it provides:²Continuous Wipe Modes- When the control
knob of the multi-function switch is rotated to the
High or Low positions, the circuitry within the
switch provides a battery current output directly to
the high or low speed brush of the wiper motor.
When the control knob is in the Off position, the cir-
cuitry within the switch connects the output of the
wiper motor park switch to the low speed brush of
the wiper motor.
²Hazard Warning Control- The hazard warn-
ing push button is pushed down to unlatch the
switch and activate the hazard warning system, and
pushed down again to latch the switch and turn the
system off. When the hazard warning switch is
latched (hazard warning off), the push button will be
in a lowered position on the top of the steering col-
umn shroud; and, when the hazard warning switch is
unlatched (hazard warning on), the push button will
be in a raised position. The multi-function switch
hazard warning circuitry simultaneously provides a
signal to the hazard warning sense of the combina-
tion flasher to activate or deactivate the flasher out-
put, and directs the output of the flasher to the
hazard warning lamps.
²Headlamp Beam Selection- The multi-func-
tion switch control stalk is pulled towards the steer-
ing wheel past a detent, then released to actuate the
headlamp beam selection switch. Each time the con-
trol stalk is actuated in this manner, the opposite
headlamp mode from what is currently selected will
be activated. The internal circuitry of the headlamp
beam selection switch directs the output of the head-
lamp switch through hard wired circuitry to activate
the selected headlamp beam.
²Headlamp Optical Horn- The left multi-func-
tion switch control stalk is pulled towards the steer-
ing wheel to just before a detent, to momentarily
activate the headlamp high beams. The high beams
will remain illuminated until the control stalk is
released. The internal circuitry of the headlamp
beam selection switch provides a momentary ground
path to the headlamp high beams.
²Intermittent Wipe Mode- When the multi-
function switch control knob is rotated to the Delay
position, the circuitry within the switch connects the
output of the wiper motor relay to the low speed
brush of the wiper motor and provides a battery cur-
rent signal to the Central Timer Module (CTM). If
the Delay mode is selected, the control knob can then
be rotated to multiple minor detent positions, which
actuates a variable resistor within the switch and
provides a hard wired output to the CTM that sig-
nals the desired delay interval for the intermittent
wiper feature.
8L - 24 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORBR/BE
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (Continued)

²Turn Signal Control- The multi-function
switch control stalk actuates the turn signal switch.
When the control stalk is moved in the upward direc-
tion, the right turn signal circuitry is activated; and,
when the control stalk is moved in the downward
direction, the left turn signal circuitry is activated.
The multi-function switch turn signal circuitry simul-
taneously provides a signal to the turn signal sense
of the combination flasher to activate or deactivate
the flasher output, and directs the output of the
flasher to the proper turn signal lamps. The turn sig-
nal switch has a detent position in each direction
that provides turn signals with automatic cancella-
tion, and an intermediate, momentary position in
each direction that provides turn signals only until
the multi-function switch control stalk is released.
When the control stalk is moved to a turn signal
switch detent position, the cancel actuator extends
toward the center of the steering column. A turn sig-
nal cancel cam that is integral to the clockspring
mechanism rotates with the steering wheel and the
cam lobes contact the cancel actuator when it is
extended from the multi-function switch. When the
steering wheel is rotated during a turning maneuver,
one of the two turn signal cancel cam lobes will con-
tact the turn signal cancel actuator. The cancel
actuator latches against the cancel cam rotation in
the direction opposite that which is signaled. In other
words, if the left turn signal detent is selected, the
lobes of the cancel cam will ratchet past the cancel
actuator when the steering wheel is rotated to the
left, but will unlatch the cancel actuator as the steer-
ing wheel rotates to the right and returns to center,
which will cancel the turn signal event and release
the control stalk from the detent so it returns to the
neutral Off position.
²Washer Mode- Pushing the button on the end
of the multi-function switch control knob towards the
steering column provides a battery current output
through the momentary single pole, single throw
washer switch circuitry to operate the washer pump/
motor and provides a signal to the CTM. If the wip-
ers are not operating when the washer switch is
actuated, the CTM will operate the wiper motor for
as long as the washer switch is depressed plus about
three additional wipe cycles. If the wipers are oper-
ating in the intermittent mode when the washer
switch is actuated, the CTM will operate the wiper
motor at a fixed low speed for as long as the washer
switch is depressed plus about three additional wipe
cycles before the wipers return to the selected inter-
mittent wipe interval.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the multi-function switch connector
receptacle.
(2) Using an ohmmeter, perform the continuity
and resistance tests at the terminals in the multi-
function switch connector receptacle as shown in the
Multi-Function Switch Tests chart (Fig. 25).
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 25
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (Continued)