2002 DODGE RAM spark plugs

hoses, gasket edges and heater. Seal small leak holes
with a Sealer Lubricant (or equivalent). Repair leak
holes and inspect system again with pressure
applied.
Drops Quickly:Indicates that serious leakage is
occurring. Examine system for external leakage. If
leaks are not visible, inspect for internal leakage.
Large radiator leak holes should be repaired by a
reputable radiator repair shop.
INTERNAL LEAKAGE INSPECTION
Remove engine oil pan drain plug and drain a
small amount of engine oil. If coolant is present in
the pan, it will drain first because it is heavier than
oil. An alternative method is to operate engine for a
short period to churn the oil. After this is done,
remove engine dipstick and inspect for water glob-
ules. Also inspect transmission dipstick for water
globules and transmission fluid cooler for leakage.
WARNING: WITH RADIATOR PRESSURE TESTER
TOOL INSTALLED ON RADIATOR, DO NOT ALLOW
PRESSURE TO EXCEED 110 KPA (20 PSI). PRES-
SURE WILL BUILD UP QUICKLY IF A COMBUSTION
LEAK IS PRESENT. TO RELEASE PRESSURE,
ROCK TESTER FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN
REMOVING TESTER, DO NOT TURN TESTER MORE
THAN 1/2 TURN IF SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
Operate engine without pressure cap on radiator
until thermostat opens. Attach a Pressure Tester to
filler neck. If pressure builds up quickly it indicates acombustion leak exists. This is usually the result of a
cylinder head gasket leak or crack in engine. Repair
as necessary.
If there is not an immediate pressure increase,
pump the Pressure Tester. Do this until indicated
pressure is within system range of 110 kPa (16 psi).
Fluctuation of gauge pointer indicates compression or
combustion leakage into cooling system.
Because the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter,do notremove spark plug cables or short
out cylinders to isolate compression leak.
If the needle on dial of pressure tester does not
fluctuate, race engine a few times to check for an
abnormal amount of coolant or steam. This would be
emitting from exhaust pipe. Coolant or steam from
exhaust pipe may indicate a faulty cylinder head gas-
ket, cracked engine cylinder block or cylinder head.
A convenient check for exhaust gas leakage into
cooling system is provided by a commercially avail-
able Block Leak Check tool. Follow manufacturers
instructions when using this product.
COMBUSTION LEAKAGE TEST - WITHOUT
PRESSURE TESTER
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat
removal. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINE
COOLANT THERMOSTAT - REMOVAL). Remove
accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCES-
SORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL).
Add coolant to radiator to bring level to within 6.3
mm (1/4 in) of top of thermostat housing.
CAUTION: Avoid overheating. Do not operate
engine for an excessive period of time. Open drain-
cock immediately after test to eliminate boil over.
Start engine and accelerate rapidly three times, to
approximately 3000 rpm while observing coolant. If
internal engine combustion gases are leaking into
cooling system, bubbles will appear in coolant. If bub-
bles do not appear, internal combustion gas leakage
is not present.
Fig. 6 Pressure Testing Cooling SystemÐTypical
1 - TYPICAL COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTER
7 - 6 COOLINGBR/BE
COOLING (Continued)

RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION
COMPONENTS
DESCRIPTION
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electro-
Magnetic Interference (EMI) noise suppression is
accomplished primarily through circuitry internal to
the radio receivers. These internal suppression
devices are only serviced as part of the radio receiver.
External suppression devices that are used on this
vehicle to control RFI or EMI noise include the fol-
lowing:
²Radio antenna base ground
²Radio receiver chassis ground wire or strap
²Engine-to-body ground straps
²Cab-to-bed ground strap
²Heater core ground strap
²Resistor-type spark plugs
²Radio suppression-type secondary ignition wir-
ing.
For more information on the spark plugs and sec-
ondary ignition components, refer to Electrical, Igni-
tion Control.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIO NOISE
SUPPRESSION COMPONENTS
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appro-
priate 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 connec-
tors, splices and grounds. Inspect the ground paths
and connections at the following locations:
²Blower motor
²Cab-to-bed ground strap
²Electric fuel pump
²Engine-to-body ground straps
²Generator
²Ignition module
²Heater core ground strap
²Radio antenna base ground
²Radio receiver chassis ground wire or strap
²Wiper motor.If the source of RFI or EMI noise is identified as a
component on the vehicle (i.e., generator, blower
motor, etc.), the ground path for that component
should be checked. If excessive resistance is found in
any ground circuit, clean, tighten, or repair the
ground circuits or connections to ground as required
before considering any component replacement.
For service and inspection of secondary ignition
components, refer to Electrical, Ignition Control.
Inspect the following secondary ignition system com-
ponents:
²Distributor cap and rotor
²Ignition coil
²Spark plugs
²Spark plug wire routing and condition.
Reroute the spark plug wires or replace the faulty
components as required.
If the source of the RFI or EMI noise is identified
as two-way mobile radio or telephone equipment,
check the equipment installation for the following:
²Power connections should be made directly to
the battery, and fused as closely to the battery as
possible.
²The antenna should be mounted on the roof or
toward the rear of the vehicle. Remember that mag-
netic antenna mounts on the roof panel can adversely
affect the operation of an overhead console compass,
if the vehicle is so equipped.
²The antenna cable should be fully shielded coax-
ial cable, should be as short as is practical, and
should be routed away from the factory-installed
vehicle wire harnesses whenever possible.
²The antenna and cable must be carefully
matched to ensure a low Standing Wave Ratio
(SWR).
Fleet vehicles are available with an extra-cost RFI-
suppressed Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This
unit reduces interference generated by the PCM on
some radio frequencies used in two-way radio com-
munications. However, this unit will not resolve com-
plaints of RFI in the commercial AM or FM radio
frequency ranges.
ENGINE-TO-BODY GROUND
STRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screw that secures the engine-to-
body ground strap eyelet to the dash panel (Fig. 10).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the engine-to-
body ground strap eyelet to the back of the engine
cylinder head (Fig. 11) or (Fig. 12).
8A - 12 AUDIOBR/BE

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L V-10.................2
OPERATION
OPERATION - 8.0L V-10.................2
OPERATION - V-8......................2
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION....2
SPARK PLUG CABLE ORDERÐ8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................3
ENGINE FIRING ORDERÐ5.9L V-8
ENGINES............................3
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........3
SPARK PLUGS........................3
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ5.9L
ENGINES............................3
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................4
IGNITION TIMING......................4
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................4
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - DIESEL.................6
DESCRIPTION - 5.9L....................6
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L....................6
OPERATION
OPERATION - DIESEL...................6
OPERATION - 5.9L.....................7
OPERATION - 8.0L.....................7
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - DIESEL....................7
REMOVAL - 5.9L.......................7
REMOVAL - 8.0L.......................8
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - DIESEL.................9INSTALLATION - 5.9L..................10
INSTALLATION - 8.0L..................10
DISTRIBUTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................13
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
CAP ................................14
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR .............................14
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 5.9L...................15
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L...................15
OPERATION
OPERATION - 5.9L....................15
OPERATION - 8.0L....................15
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 5.9L......................15
REMOVAL - 8.0L......................16
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 5.9L..................16
INSTALLATION - 8.0L..................16
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................17
REMOVAL.............................19
CLEANING............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES............................20
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L V-10
The ignition system used on the 8.0L V±10 engine
does not use a conventional mechanical distributor.
The system will be referred to as a distributor-less
ignition system.
OPERATION
OPERATION - 8.0L V-10
The ignition coils are individually fired, but each
coil is a dual output. Refer to Ignition Coil for addi-
tional information.
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil packs containing individual coils
²Secondary Ignition Cables²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position and MAP Sen-
sors
OPERATION - V-8
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil
²Secondary Ignition Cables
²Distributor (contains rotor and camshaft position
sensor)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position and MAP Sen-
sors
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Camshaft Position
SensorÐ8.0L Engine6
-50
Crankshaft Position
SensorÐAll Engines8-70
Distributor Hold Down Bolt 23 17 -
Ignition Coil MountingÐ
5.9L EnginesÐif tapped
bolts are used5-50
Ignition Coil MountingÐ
5.9L EnginesÐif nuts/bolts
are used11 - 100
Ignition Coil MountingÐ
8.0L Engine10 - 90
Spark Plugs (all engines) 41 - 30
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE

SPARK PLUG CABLE ORDERÐ8.0L V-10
ENGINEENGINE FIRING ORDERÐ5.9L V-8 ENGINES
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
250 Ohms Per Inch 1000 Ohms Per Inch
3000 Ohms Per Foot 12,000 Ohms Per Foot
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE PLUG TYPE ELECTRODE GAP
5.9L V-8 RC12LC4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
8.0L V-10 QC9MC4 1.14 mm (.045 in.)
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ5.9L ENGINES
COIL MANUFACTURERPRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
Diamond 0.97 - 1.18 Ohms 11,300 - 15,300 Ohms
Toyodenso 0.95 - 1.20 Ohms 11,300 - 13,300 Ohms
Spark Plug Cable OrderÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

REMOVAL - 8.0L
Two separate coil packs containing a total of five
independent coils are attached to a common mount-
ing bracket located above the right engine valve
cover (Fig. 26). The front and rear coil packs can be
serviced separately.
(1) Remove the secondary spark plug cables from
the coil packs. Note position of cables before removal.
(2) Disconnect the primary wiring harness connec-
tors at coil packs.(3) Remove the four (4) coil pack-to-coil mounting
bracket bolts for the coil pack being serviced (Fig.
26).
(4) Remove coil(s) from mounting bracket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 5.9L
The ignition coil is an epoxy filled type. If the coil
is replaced, it must be replaced with the same type.
(1) Install the ignition coil to coil bracket. If nuts
and bolts are used to secure coil to coil bracket,
tighten to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque. If the coil
mounting bracket has been tapped for coil mounting
bolts, tighten bolts to 5 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Connect all wiring to ignition coil.
INSTALLATION - 8.0L
(1) Position coil packs to mounting bracket (prima-
ry wiring connectors face downward).
(2) Install coil pack mounting bolts. Tighten bolts
to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install coil pack-to-engine mounting bracket (if
necessary).
(4) Connect primary wiring connectors to coil
packs (four wire connector to front coil pack and
three wire connector to rear coil pack).
(5) Connect secondary spark plug cables to coil
packs. Refer to (Fig. 27) for correct cable order.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
The 5.9L V-8 engines use resistor type spark plugs.
The 8.0L V-10 engine uses inductive type spark
plugs.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
OPERATION
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. Incorrect torque can distort the
spark plug and change plug gap. It can also pull the
plug threads and do possible damage to both the
spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
Fig. 25 Ignition CoilÐ5.9L V-8 HDC-Gas Engine
1 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - COIL ELEC. CONNECTOR
4 - SECONDARY CABLE
Fig. 26 Ignition Coil PacksÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
IGNITION COIL (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)

cause of oil entry into that particular combustion
chamber.
ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose
deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits
accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous
stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 30).
This short circuits the electrodes. Spark plugs with
electrode gap bridging can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yel-
low (Fig. 31). They may appear to be harmful, but
this is a normal condition caused by chemical addi-
tives in certain fuels. These additives are designed to
change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease
spark plug misfire tendencies. Notice that accumula-
tion on the ground electrode and shell area may be
heavy, but the deposits are easily removed. Spark
plugs with scavenger deposits can be considered nor-
mal in condition and can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation can also separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 32). Spark plugs with
this condition must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive
combustion chamber temperature. The center elec-
trode dissolves first and the ground electrode dis-
solves somewhat latter (Fig. 33). Insulators appear
relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug
has the correct heat range rating for the engine.
Determine if ignition timing is over advanced or if
other operating conditions are causing engine over-
heating. (The heat range rating refers to the operat-
ing temperature of a particular type spark plug.
Spark plugs are designed to operate within specific
temperature ranges. This depends upon the thick-
ness and length of the center electrodes porcelain
insulator.)
Fig. 29 Oil or Ash Encrusted
Fig. 30 Electrode Gap Bridging
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - DEPOSITS
3 - CENTER ELECTRODE
Fig. 31 Scavenger Deposits
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE COVERED WITH WHITE OR
YELLOW DEPOSITS
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
8I - 18 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
SPARK PLUG (Continued)