2002 DODGE RAM engine coolant

ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM
The ECM is bolted to the left side of the engine
behind the fuel filter (Fig. 14). It is a separate com-
ponent and can be serviced. The FPCM is internal to
the fuel injection pump (Fig. 15) and cannot be ser-
viced.
OPERATION - ECM
The main functions of the Engine Control Module
(ECM) and Fuel Injection Pump Control Module
(FPCM) are to electrically control the fuel system.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)does not
controlthe fuel system.
The ECM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.If the ECM has
been replaced, flashed or re-calibrated, the
ECM must learn the Accelerator Pedal Position
Sensor (APPS) idle voltage. Failure to learn
this voltage may result in unnecessary diagnos-
tic trouble codes. Refer to ECM Removal/Instal-
lation for learning procedures.
The ECM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
ECM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to asECM Outputs.The sensors
and switches that provide inputs to the ECM are
consideredECM Inputs.NOTE: ECM Inputs:
²Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Volts
²APPS Idle Validation Switches #1 and #2
²Battery voltage
²Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²(FPCM) Fuel Injection Pump Control Module
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
²Ground circuits
²Intake manifold Air Temperature (IAT) sensor
²Manifold Air Pressure Sensor (Boost Pressure
Sensor)
²Oil pressure sensor
²PCM
²Power Take Off (PTO)
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor
Fig. 14 Engine Control Module (ECM) Location
1 - ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
2 - HEX HEADED BOLT
3 - 50-WAY CONNECTOR
4 - FUEL TRANSFER PUMP
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 15 Fuel Injection Pump Control Module (FPCM)
Location
1 - FPCM ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES
3 - FITTINGS
4 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP
5 - FPCM
BR/BEELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 13

POWERTRAIN CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PCM
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located
in the engine compartment (Fig. 17). The PCM is
referred to as JTEC.
DESCRIPTION - MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) change, the PCM adjusts its response to the
output devices. For example, the PCM must calculate
different injector pulse width and ignition timing for
idle than it does for wide open throttle (WOT).
The PCM will operate in two different modes:
Open Loop and Closed Loop.
During Open Loop modes, the PCM receives input
signals and responds only according to preset PCM
programming. Input from the oxygen (O2S) sensors
is not monitored during Open Loop modes.
During Closed Loop modes, the PCM will monitor
the oxygen (O2S) sensors input. This input indicates
to the PCM whether or not the calculated injector
pulse width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio. This
ratio is 14.7 parts air-to-1 part fuel. By monitoring
the exhaust oxygen content through the O2S sensor,
the PCM can fine tune the injector pulse width. This
is done to achieve optimum fuel economy combined
with low emission engine performance.
The fuel injection system has the following modes
of operation:
²Ignition switch ON²Engine start-up (crank)
²Engine warm-up
²Idle
²Cruise
²Acceleration
²Deceleration
²Wide open throttle (WOT)
²Ignition switch OFF
The ignition switch On, engine start-up (crank),
engine warm-up, acceleration, deceleration and wide
open throttle modes are Open Loop modes. The idle
and cruise modes, (with the engine at operating tem-
perature) are Closed Loop modes.
IGNITION SWITCH (KEY-ON) MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. When the fuel system
is activated by the ignition switch, the following
actions occur:
²The PCM pre-positions the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
²The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel
strategy.
²The PCM monitors the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor input. The PCM modifies fuel strategy
based on this input.
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor input is
monitored.
²Throttle position sensor (TPS) is monitored.
²The auto shutdown (ASD) relay is energized by
the PCM for approximately three seconds.
²The fuel pump is energized through the fuel
pump relay by the PCM. The fuel pump will operate
for approximately three seconds unless the engine is
operating or the starter motor is engaged.
²The O2S sensor heater element is energized via
the ASD relay. The O2S sensor input is not used by
the PCM to calibrate air-fuel ratio during this mode
of operation.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The following actions
occur when the starter motor is engaged.
The PCM receives inputs from:
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Starter motor relay
²Camshaft position sensor signal
The PCM monitors the crankshaft position sensor.
If the PCM does not receive a crankshaft position
sensor signal within 3 seconds of cranking the
engine, it will shut down the fuel injection system.
Fig. 17 PCM Location
1 - PCM MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
2 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
3 - (3) 32±WAY CONNECTORS
BR/BEELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 15

The fuel pump is activated by the PCM through
the fuel pump relay.
Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
The PCM determines the proper ignition timing
according to input received from the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During engine warm-
up, the PCM receives inputs from:
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal (in the distribu-
tor)
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
Based on these inputs the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
²The PCM adjusts engine idle speed through the
idle air control (IAC) motor and adjusts ignition tim-
ing.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This is done if A/C has been
selected by the vehicle operator and requested by the
A/C thermostat.
²When engine has reached operating tempera-
ture, the PCM will begin monitoring O2S sensor
input. The system will then leave the warm-up mode
and go into closed loop operation.
IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At idle speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)²Camshaft position sensor signal (in the distribu-
tor)
²Battery voltage
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Oxygen sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
injection sequence and injector pulse width by turn-
ing the ground circuit to each individual injector on
and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio by varying injector pulse width.
It also adjusts engine idle speed through the idle air
control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by increasing
and decreasing spark advance.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This happens if A/C has
been selected by the vehicle operator and requested
by the A/C thermostat.
CRUISE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At cruising speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal (in the distribu-
tor)
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Oxygen (O2S) sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then adjust
the injector pulse width by turning the ground circuit
to each individual injector on and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio. It also adjusts engine idle
speed through the idle air control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This happens if A/C has
been selected by the vehicle operator and requested
by the A/C thermostat.
8E - 16 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESBR/BE
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

ACCELERATION MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The PCM recognizes
an abrupt increase in throttle position or MAP pres-
sure as a demand for increased engine output and
vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector
pulse width in response to increased throttle opening.
DECELERATION MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is an Open Loop mode. During hard deceleration, the
PCM receives the following inputs.
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal (in the distribu-
tor)
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Vehicle speed sensor
If the vehicle is under hard deceleration with the
proper rpm and closed throttle conditions, the PCM
will ignore the oxygen sensor input signal. The PCM
will enter a fuel cut-off strategy in which it will not
supply a ground to the injectors. If a hard decelera-
tion does not exist, the PCM will determine the
proper injector pulse width and continue injection.
Based on the above inputs, the PCM will adjust
engine idle speed through the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During wide open
throttle operation, the PCM receives the following
inputs.
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal (in the distribu-
tor)
During wide open throttle conditions, the following
occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then controlthe injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off. The PCM ignores the oxygen sensor input
signal and provides a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel. This is done by adjusting injector pulse
width.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When ignition switch is turned to OFF position,
the PCM stops operating the injectors, ignition coil,
ASD relay and fuel pump relay.
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Two different Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
five volt supply circuits are used; primary and sec-
ondary.
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
This circuit ties the ignition switch to the Power-
train Control Module (PCM).
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has 2 main
grounds. Both of these grounds are referred to as
power grounds. All of the high-current, noisy, electri-
cal devices are connected to these grounds as well as
all of the sensor returns. The sensor return comes
into the sensor return circuit, passes through noise
suppression, and is then connected to the power
ground.
The power ground is used to control ground cir-
cuits for the following PCM loads:
²Generator field winding
²Fuel injectors
²Ignition coil(s)
²Certain relays/solenoids
²Certain sensors
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN
The Sensor Return circuits are internal to the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM).
Sensor Return provides a low±noise ground refer-
ence for all engine control system sensors. Refer to
Power Grounds for more information.
DESCRIPTION - SIGNAL GROUND
Signal ground provides a low noise ground to the
data link connector.
BR/BEELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 17
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM - GAS ENGINES
The PCM operates the fuel system. The PCM is a
pre-programmed, triple microprocessor digital com-
puter. It regulates ignition timing, air-fuel ratio,
emission control devices, charging system, certain
transmission features, speed control, air conditioning
compressor clutch engagement and idle speed. The
PCM can adapt its programming to meet changing
operating conditions.
The PCM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
PCM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to as Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Outputs. The sensors and switches that pro-
vide inputs to the PCM are considered Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) Inputs.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based upon
inputs it receives from sensors that react to: engine
rpm, manifold absolute pressure, engine coolant tem-
perature, throttle position, transmission gear selec-
tion (automatic transmission), vehicle speed and the
brake switch.
The PCM adjusts idle speed based on inputs it
receives from sensors that react to: throttle position,
vehicle speed, transmission gear selection, engine
coolant temperature and from inputs it receives from
the air conditioning clutch switch and brake switch.
Based on inputs that it receives, the PCM adjusts
ignition coil dwell. The PCM also adjusts the gener-
ator charge rate through control of the generator
field and provides speed control operation.
NOTE: PCM Inputs:
²A/C request (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C select (if equipped with factory A/C)
²Auto shutdown (ASD) sense
²Battery temperature
²Battery voltage
²Brake switch
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Fuel level
²Generator (battery voltage) output
²Ignition circuit sense (ignition switch in on/off/
crank/run position)
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Leak detection pump (switch) sense (if equipped)
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor²Oil pressure
²Output shaft speed sensor
²Overdrive/override switch
²Oxygen sensors
²Park/neutral switch (auto. trans. only)
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Speed control multiplexed single wire input
²Throttle position sensor
²Transmission governor pressure sensor
²Transmission temperature sensor
²Vehicle speed inputs from ABS or RWAL system
NOTE: PCM Outputs:
²A/C clutch relay
²Auto shutdown (ASD) relay
²CCD bus (+/-) circuits for: speedometer, voltme-
ter, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge/lamp, engine temp.
gauge and speed control warn. lamp
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²EGR valve control solenoid (if equipped)
²EVAP canister purge solenoid
²Five volt sensor supply (primary)
²Five volt sensor supply (secondary)
²Fuel injectors
²Fuel pump relay
²Generator field driver (-)
²Generator field driver (+)
²Generator lamp (if equipped)
²Idle air control (IAC) motor
²Ignition coil
²Leak detection pump (if equipped)
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp).
Driven through CCD circuits.
²Overdrive indicator lamp (if equipped)
²Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) Lamp (MAINT
REQ'D lamp). Driven through CCD circuits.
²Speed control vacuum solenoid
²Speed control vent solenoid
²Tachometer (if equipped). Driven through CCD
circuits.
²Transmission convertor clutch circuit
²Transmission 3±4 shift solenoid
²Transmission relay
²Transmission temperature lamp (if equipped)
²Transmission variable force solenoid
OPERATION - DIESEL
Two different control modules are used: The Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM), and the Engine Con-
trol Module (ECM). The ECMcontrolsthe fuel
system. The PCMdoes not controlthe fuel system.
The PCM's main function is to control: the vehicle
charging system, speed control system, transmission,
air conditioning system and certain bussed messages.
8E - 18 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESBR/BE
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

CHARGING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM............................25
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS.................26
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE -
GENERATOR/CHARGING SYSTEM........27
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27OPERATION...........................27
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................28
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................30
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Ignition switch
²Battery (refer to 8, Battery for information)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped)
²Voltmeter (refer to 8, Instrument Panel and
Gauges for information)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to 8, Wir-
ing Diagrams for information)
OPERATION
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. When the
ASD relay is on, voltage is supplied to the ASD relay
sense circuit at the PCM. This voltage is connected
through the PCM and supplied to one of the genera-
tor field terminals (Gen. Source +) at the back of the
generator.
The amount of direct current produced by the gen-
erator is controlled by the EVR (field control) cir-
cuitry contained within the PCM. This circuitry is
connected in series with the second rotor field termi-
nal and ground.
A battery temperature sensor, located in the bat-
tery tray housing, is used to sense battery tempera-
ture. This temperature data, along with data from
monitored line voltage, is used by the PCM to vary
the battery charging rate. This is done by cycling theground path to control the strength of the rotor mag-
netic field. The PCM then compensates and regulates
generator current output accordingly.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM.
Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in elec-
tronic memory for certain failures it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostics in 25, Emission Control Sys-
tem for more DTC information and a list of codes.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors:
charging system voltage,engine coolant tempera-
ture and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition
is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is
done as reminder to check the three gauges. The sig-
nal to activate the lamp is sent via the CCD bus cir-
cuits. The lamp is located on the instrument panel.
Refer to 8, Instrument Panel and Gauges for addi-
tional information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp (if equipped) is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
BR/BECHARGING 8F - 25

IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 5.9L
A single ignition coil is used. The coil is not oil
filled. The coil windings are embedded in an epoxy
compound. This provides heat and vibration resis-
tance that allows the coil to be mounted on the
engine.
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L
Two separate coil packs containing a total of five
independent coils are attached to a common mount-
ing bracket. They are located above the right engine
valve cover (Fig. 24). The coil packs are not oil filled.
The front coil pack contains three independent epoxy
filled coils. The rear coil pack contains two indepen-
dent epoxy filled coils.
OPERATION
OPERATION - 5.9L
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) opens and
closes the ignition coil ground circuit for ignition coil
operation.
Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil pos-
itive terminal from the ASD relay. If the PCM does
not see a signal from the crankshaft and camshaft
sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON but the
engine is not running), it will shut down the ASD cir-
cuit.Base ignition timing is not adjustable on any
engine.By controlling the coil ground circuit, the
PCM is able to set the base timing and adjust the
ignition timing advance. This is done to meet chang-
ing engine operating conditions.
OPERATION - 8.0L
When one of the 5 independent coils discharges, it
fires two paired cylinders at the same time (one cyl-
inder on compression stroke and the other cylinder
on exhaust stroke).
Coil firing is paired together on cylinders:
²Number 5 and 10
²Number 9 and 8
²Number 1 and 6
²Number 7 and 4
²Number 3 and 2
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
8.0L V-10 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuit, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 5.9L
The ignition coil is an epoxy filled type. If the coil
is replaced, it must be replaced with the same type.
5.9L V-8 HDC-Gas Engine: The coil is mounted to
a bracket that is bolted to the air injection pump
(AIR pump) mounting bracket (Fig. 25).
(1) Disconnect the primary wiring from the igni-
tion coil.
(2) Disconnect the secondary spark plug cable from
the ignition coil.
(3) Remove ignition coil from coil mounting
bracket (two bolts).
Fig. 24 Ignition Coil PacksÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15

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. 28). 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 normalwear 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.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basi-
cally carbon (Fig. 28). A dry, black deposit on one or
two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves
or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling
of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused by a
clogged air cleaner element or repeated short operat-
ing times (short trips).
WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING
A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil
is wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings,
leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear
can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled
engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (nor-
mal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usu-
ally be resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the
fouled plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash
encrusted (Fig. 29), evaluate engine condition for the
Fig. 27 Spark Plug Cable OrderÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
Fig. 28 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 17
SPARK PLUG (Continued)