2002 DODGE RAM light

tor receptacles on the switches so that the two
heated seat switches can only be connected to the
proper heated seat electrical.
The momentary, bidirectional rocker-type heated
seat switch provides a resistor-multiplexed signal to
the heated seat module on the mux circuit. Each
switch has a center neutral position and momentary
Low and High positions so that both the driver and
the front seat passenger can select a preferred level
of seat heating. Each heated seat switch has two
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lamps, which
indicate the selected mode (Low or High) of the seat
heater. These indicator lamps also provide diagnostic
feedback for the heated seat system. Each switch
also has an incandescent bulb, which provides dim-
mer controlled back lighting of the switch when the
headlamps or park lamps are on.
The two LED indicator lamps and the incandescent
bulb in each heated seat switch cannot be repaired. If
the indicator lamps or back lighting bulb are faulty
or damaged, the individual heated seat switch must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
Depressing the heated seat switch rocker to its
momentary High or Low position provides a hard-
wired resistor multiplexed voltage request signal to
the heated seat module to power the heated seat ele-
ment of the selected seat and maintain the requested
temperature setting. If the heated seat switch is
depressed to a different position (Low or High) than
the currently selected state, the heated seat module
will change states to support the new selection. If a
heated seat switch is depressed a second time to the
same position as the currently selected state, the
heated seat module interprets the second input as a
request to turn the seat heater off. The heated seat
module will then turn the heated seat elements for
that seat off.
The indicator lamps in the heated seat switches
receive battery current through a fused ignition
switch output (run) circuit when the ignition switch
is in the On position. The ground side of each indi-
cator lamp is controlled by a separate (high or low/
driver or passenger) indicator lamp driver circuit by
the heated seat module. The heated seat module con-
trol of the switch indicator lamps also allows the
module to provide diagnostic feedback to the vehicle
operator to indicate monitored heated seat system
faults by flashing the indicator lamps on and off. One
side of the incandescent back lighting bulb in each
heated seat switch is connected to ground at all
times. The other side of the incandescent bulb is con-nected to the fused panel lamps dimmer switch sig-
nal circuit. These bulbs are energized when the park
lamps or headlamps are turned on, and their illumi-
nation intensity is controlled by the panel lamps dim-
mer switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves inoper-
ative heated seat switch back lighting and the cluster
illumination lamps operate, go to Step 2. If the prob-
lem being diagnosed involves inoperative heated seat
switch back lighting and the cluster illumination
lamps are also inoperative, refer toInstrument
Clusterin the index of this service manual for the
proper cluster illumination lamps diagnosis and test-
ing procedures. If the problem being diagnosed
involves inoperative heated seat switch indicator
lamps and the heated seat elements do not heat,
refer to Step 4. If the problem being diagnosed
involves inoperative heated seat switch indicator
lamps and the heated seat elements do heat, go to
Step 8. If the problem being diagnosed involves a
heated seat switch indicator lamp that remains illu-
minated after the heated seat has been turned Off,
refer toHeated Seat Modulein Electronic Control
Modules for the location of the proper heated seat
module diagnosis and testing procedures. Also refer
to the Body Diagnostic Manual for additional diagno-
sis and testing procedures.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the heated seat switch and bezel unit
from the instrument panel. Disconnect the instru-
ment panel wire harness connector from the connec-
tor receptacle on the back of the heated seat switch
to be tested. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the heated seat switch and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
8G - 8 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

the front seat passenger can select a preferred level
of seat heating. Each heated seat switch has two
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lamps, which
indicate the selected mode (Low or High) of the seat
heater. These indicator lamps also provide diagnostic
feedback for the heated seat system. Each switch
also has an incandescent bulb, which provides dim-
mer controlled back lighting of the switch when the
headlamps or park lamps are on.
The two LED indicator lamps and the incandescent
bulb in each heated seat switch cannot be repaired. If
the indicator lamps or back lighting bulb are faulty
or damaged, the individual heated seat switch must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
Depressing the heated seat switch rocker to its
momentary High or Low position provides a hard-
wired resistor multiplexed voltage request signal to
the heated seat module to power the heated seat ele-
ment of the selected seat and maintain the requested
temperature setting. If the heated seat switch is
depressed to a different position (Low or High) than
the currently selected state, the heated seat module
will change states to support the new selection. If a
heated seat switch is depressed a second time to thesame position as the currently selected state, the
heated seat module interprets the second input as a
request to turn the seat heater off. The heated seat
module will then turn the heated seat elements for
that seat off.
The indicator lamps in the heated seat switches
receive battery current through a fused ignition
switch output (run) circuit when the ignition switch
is in the On position. The ground side of each indi-
cator lamp is controlled by a separate (high or low/
driver or passenger) indicator lamp driver circuit by
the heated seat module. The heated seat module con-
trol of the switch indicator lamps also allows the
module to provide diagnostic feedback to the vehicle
operator to indicate monitored heated seat system
faults by flashing the indicator lamps on and off. One
side of the incandescent back lighting bulb in each
heated seat switch is connected to ground at all
times. The other side of the incandescent bulb is con-
nected to the fused panel lamps dimmer switch sig-
nal circuit. These bulbs are energized when the park
lamps or headlamps are turned on, and their illumi-
nation intensity is controlled by the panel lamps dim-
mer switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves inoper-
ative heated seat switch back lighting and the cluster
illumination lamps operate, go to Step 2. If the prob-
lem being diagnosed involves inoperative heated seat
switch back lighting and the cluster illumination
lamps are also inoperative, refer toInstrument
Clusterin the index of this service manual for the
proper cluster illumination lamps diagnosis and test-
ing procedures. If the problem being diagnosed
involves inoperative heated seat switch indicator
lamps and the heated seat elements do not heat,
refer to Step 4. If the problem being diagnosed
Fig. 17 Heated Seat Switches
1 - Driver Switch
2 - Passenger Switch
3 - Indicator Lamps
4 - Heated Seat Switch Bezel
BR/BEHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 17
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

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

(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten to 20 Nm (15
ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install electrical connector to CMP.
(6) Connect both negative cables to both batteries.
INSTALLATION - 5.9L
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor (Fig. 11).
(1) Install camshaft position sensor to distributor.
Align sensor into notch on distributor housing.
(2) Connect wiring harness.
(3) Install rotor.
(4) Install distributor cap. Tighten mounting
screws.
(5) Install air cleaner assembly.
INSTALLATION - 8.0L
If Replacing Old Sensor With Original
The camshaft position sensor is located on the tim-
ing chain case/cover on the left-front side of the
engine (Fig. 12).
When installing a used camshaft position sensor,
the sensor depth must be adjusted to prevent contact
with the camshaft gear (sprocket).
(1) Observe the face of the sensor. If any of the
original rib material remains (Fig. 13), it must be cut
down flush to the face of the sensor with a razor
knife. Remove only enough of the rib material until
the face of the sensor is flat. Do not remove more
material than necessary as damage to sensor may
result. Due to a high magnetic field and possible elec-
trical damage to the sensor, never use an electric
grinder to remove material from sensor.
(2) From the parts department, obtain a peel-and-
stick paper spacer (Fig. 13). These special paper
spacers are of a certain thickness and are to be used
as a tool to set sensor depth.
(3) Clean the face of sensor and apply paper
spacer (Fig. 13).
(4) Apply a small amount of engine oil to the sen-
sor o-ring (Fig. 14).
A low and high area are machined into the cam-
shaft drive gear (Fig. 15). The sensor is positioned in
the timing gear cover so that a small air gap (Fig.
15) exists between the face of sensor and the high
machined area of cam gear.
Before the sensor is installed, the cam gear may
have to be rotated. This is to allow the high
machined area on the gear to be directly in front of
the sensor mounting hole opening on the timing gear
cover.
Do not install sensor with gear positioned at
low area (Fig. 16) or (Fig. 15). When the engine
is started, the sensor will be broken.(5) Using a 1/2 in. wide metal ruler, measure the
distance from the cam gear to the face of the sensor
mounting hole opening on the timing gear cover (Fig.
16).
(6) If the dimension is approximately 1.818 inches,
it is OK to install sensor. Proceed to step Step 9.
(7) If the dimension is approximately 2.018 inches,
the cam gear will have to be rotated.
(8) Attach a socket to the vibration damper mount-
ing bolt and rotate engine until the 1.818 inch
dimension is attained.
(9) Install the sensor into the timing case/cover
with a slight rocking action until the paper spacer
contacts the camshaft gear. Do not install the sensor
mounting bolt. Do not twist the sensor into position
as damage to the o-ring or tearing of the paper
spacer may result.
(10) Scratch a scribe line into the timing chain
case/cover to indicate depth of sensor (Fig. 14).
(11) Remove the sensor from timing chain case/
cover.
(12) Remove the paper spacer from the sensor.
This step must be followed to prevent the paper
spacer from getting into the engine lubrication sys-
tem.
(13) Again, apply a small amount of engine oil to
sensor o-ring.
Fig. 15 Sensor OperationÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - CAM DRIVE GEAR
2 - LOW MACHINED AREA
3 - HIGH MACHINED AREA
4 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
5 - AIR GAP
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

(14) Again, install the sensor into the timing case/
cover with a slight rocking action until the sensor is
aligned to scribe line.
(15) Install sensor mounting bolt and tighten to 6
N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(16) Connect engine wiring harness to sensor.
Replacing With a New Sensor
(1) Apply a small amount of engine oil to the sen-
sor o-ring (Fig. 14).
A low and high area are machined into the cam-
shaft drive gear (Fig. 15). The sensor is positioned in
the timing gear cover so that a small air gap (Fig.
15) exists between the face of sensor and the high
machined area of cam gear.
Before the sensor is installed, the cam gear may
have to be rotated. This is to allow the high
machined area on the gear to be directly in front of
the sensor mounting hole opening on the timing gear
cover.
Do not install sensor with gear positioned at
low area (Fig. 16) or (Fig. 15). When the engine
is started, the sensor will be broken.(2) Using a 1/2 in. wide metal ruler, measure the
distance from the cam gear to the face of the sensor
mounting hole opening on the timing gear cover (Fig.
16).
(3) If the dimension is approximately 1.818 inches,
it is OK to install sensor. Proceed to step Step 9.
(4) If the dimension is approximately 2.018 inches,
the cam gear will have to be rotated.
(5) Attach a socket to the vibration damper mount-
ing bolt and rotate engine until the 1.818 inch
dimension is attained.
(6) Install the sensor into the timing case/cover
with a slight rocking action. Do not twist the sensor
into position as damage to the o-ring may result.
Push the sensor all the way into the cover until the
rib material on the sensor (Fig. 13) contacts the cam-
shaft gear.
(7) Install the mounting bolt and tighten to 6 N´m
(50 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect sensor wiring harness to engine har-
ness.
When the engine is started, the rib material will be
sheared off the face of sensor. This will automatically
set sensor air gap.
DISTRIBUTOR
DESCRIPTION
All 5.9L engines are equipped with a camshaft
driven mechanical distributor (Fig. 17) containing a
shaft driven distributor rotor. All distributors are
equipped with an internal camshaft position (fuel
sync) sensor (Fig. 17).
Fig. 16 Sensor Depth Dimensions
1 - 2.018©© DO NOT INSTALL SENSOR
2 - SENSOR MOUNTING HOLE OPENING
3 - SENSOR CENTER LINE
4 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
5 - 1.818©© OK TO INSTALL SENSOR
6 - CAM DRIVE GEAR
7 - HIGH MACHINED AREA
8 - LOW MACHINED AREA
Fig. 17 Distributor and Camshaft Position Sensor
1 - SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

OPERATION
The camshaft position sensor provides fuel injec-
tion synchronization and cylinder identification.
The distributor does not have built in centrifugal
or vacuum assisted advance. Base ignition timing
and all timing advance is controlled by the Power-
train Control Module (PCM). Because ignition timing
is controlled by the PCM,base ignition timing is
not adjustable.
The distributor is held to the engine in the conven-
tional method using a holddown clamp and bolt.
Although the distributor can be rotated, it will
have no effect on ignition timing.
All distributors contain an internal oil seal that
prevents oil from entering the distributor housing.
The seal is not serviceable.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Base ignition timing is not adjustable on
any engine. Distributors do not have built in centrif-
ugal or vacuum assisted advance. Base ignition
timing and timing advance are controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Because a con-
ventional timing light can not be used to adjust dis-
tributor position after installation, note position of
distributor before removal.
(1) Remove air cleaner assembly.
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Remove distributor cap from distributor (two
screws).
(4) Mark the position of distributor housing in
relationship to engine or dash panel. This is done to
aid in installation.
(5) Before distributor is removed, the number one
cylinder must be brought to the Top Dead Center
(TDC) firing position.
(6) Attach a socket to the Crankshaft Vibration
Damper mounting bolt.
(7) Slowly rotate engine clockwise, as viewed from
front, until indicating mark on crankshaft vibration
damper is aligned to 0 degree (TDC) mark on timing
chain cover (Fig. 18).
(8) The distributor rotor should now be aligned to
the CYL. NO. 1 alignment mark (stamped) into the
camshaft position sensor (Fig. 19). If not, rotate the
crankshaft through another complete 360 degree
turn. Note the position of the number one cylinder
spark plug cable (on the cap) in relation to rotor.
Rotor should now be aligned to this position.(9) Disconnect camshaft position sensor wiring
harness from main engine wiring harness.
(10) Remove distributor rotor from distributor
shaft.
(11) Remove distributor holddown clamp bolt and
clamp (Fig. 20). Remove distributor from vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not crank engine with distributor
removed. Distributor/crankshaft relationship will be
lost.
Fig. 18 Damper-To-Cover Alignment MarksÐTypical
1 - ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER MARKS
3 - CRANKSHAFT VIBRATION DAMPER
Fig. 19 Rotor Alignment Mark
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - ROTOR
3 - DISTRIBUTOR
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
DISTRIBUTOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
If engine has been cranked while distributor is
removed, establish the relationship between distribu-
tor shaft and number one piston position as follows:
Rotate crankshaft in a clockwise direction, as
viewed from front, until number one cylinder piston
is at top of compression stroke (compression should
be felt on finger with number one spark plug
removed). Then continue to slowly rotate engine
clockwise until indicating mark (Fig. 18) is aligned to
0 degree (TDC) mark on timing chain cover.
(1) Clean top of cylinder block for a good seal
between distributor base and block.
(2) Lightly oil the rubber o-ring seal on the distrib-
utor housing.
(3) Install rotor to distributor shaft.
(4) Position distributor into engine to its original
position. Engage tongue of distributor shaft with slot
in distributor oil pump drive gear. Position rotor to
the number one spark plug cable position.
(5) Install distributor holddown clamp and clamp
bolt. Do not tighten bolt at this time.
(6) Rotate the distributor housing until rotor is
aligned to CYL. NO. 1 alignment mark on the cam-
shaft position sensor (Fig. 19).(7) Tighten clamp holddown bolt (Fig. 20) to 22.5
N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect camshaft position sensor wiring har-
ness to main engine harness.
(9) Install distributor cap. Tighten mounting
screws.
(10) Refer to the following, Checking Distributor
Position.
Checking Distributor Position
To verify correct distributor rotational position, the
DRB scan tool must be used.
WARNING: WHEN PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING
TEST, THE ENGINE WILL BE RUNNING. BE CARE-
FUL NOT TO STAND IN LINE WITH THE FAN
BLADES OR FAN BELT. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE
CLOTHING.
(1) Connect DRB scan tool to data link connector.
The data link connector is located in passenger com-
partment, below and to left of steering column.
(2) Gain access to SET SYNC screen on DRB.
(3) Follow directions on DRB screen and start
engine. Bring to operating temperature (engine must
be in ªclosed loopº mode).
(4) With engine running atidle speed, the words
IN RANGE should appear on screen along with 0É.
This indicates correct distributor position.
(5) If a plus (+) or a minus (-) is displayed next to
degree number, and/or the degree displayed is not
zero, loosen but do not remove distributor holddown
clamp bolt. Rotate distributor until IN RANGE
appears on screen. Continue to rotate distributor
until achieving as close to 0É as possible. After
adjustment, tighten clamp bolt to 22.5 N´m (200 in.
lbs.) torque.
The degree scale on SET SYNC screen of DRB is
referring to fuel synchronization only.It is not
referring to ignition timing.Because of this, do
not attempt to adjust ignition timing using this
method. Rotating distributor will have no effect on
ignition timing. All ignition timing values are con-
trolled by powertrain control module (PCM).
After testing, install air cleaner assembly.
Fig. 20 Distributor Holddown Clamp
1 - CLAMP BOLT
2 - HOLDDOWN CLAMP
3 - DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
DISTRIBUTOR (Continued)

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)