2003 DODGE RAM ignition

5.9L V-8 Gas
The CMP sensor on the 5.9L V-8 engine contains a
hall effect device called a sync signal generator to
generate a fuel sync signal. This sync signal genera-
tor detects a rotating pulse ring (shutter) (Fig. 9) on
the distributor shaft. The pulse ring rotates 180
degrees through the sync signal generator. Its signal
is used in conjunction with the Crankshaft Position
(CKP) sensor to differentiate between fuel injection
and spark events. It is also used to synchronize the
fuel injectors with their respective cylinders.
When the leading edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
enters the sync signal generator, the following occurs:
The interruption of magnetic field causes the voltage
to switch high resulting in a sync signal of approxi-
mately 5 volts.
When the trailing edge of the pulse ring (shutter)
leaves the sync signal generator, the following occurs:
The change of the magnetic field causes the sync sig-
nal voltage to switch low to 0 volts.
5.9L Diesel
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) contains a
hall effect device. A rotating target wheel (tonewheel)
for the CMP is located on the front timing gear. This
hall effect device detects notches located on the tone-
wheel. As the tonewheel rotates, the notches pass the
tip of the CMP.
When the leading edge of the tonewheel notch
passes the tip of the CMP, the following occurs: The
interruption of magnetic field causes the voltage to
switch high resulting in a signal of approximately 5
volts.
When the trailing edge of the tonewheel notch
passes the tip of the CMP, the following occurs: Thechange of the magnetic field causes the signal voltage
to switch low to 0 volts.
The CMP (Fig. 10) provides a signal to the Engine
Control Module (ECM) at all times when the engine
is running. The ECM uses the CMP information pri-
marily on engine start-up. Once the engine is run-
ning, the ECM uses the CMP as a backup sensor for
engine speed. The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
is the primary engine speed indicator for the engine
after the engine is running.
8.0L V-10
The CMP sensor is used in conjunction with the
crankshaft position sensor to differentiate between
fuel injection and spark events. It is also used to syn-
chronize the fuel injectors with their respective cylin-
ders. The sensor generates electrical pulses. These
pulses (signals) are sent to the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM will then determine crank-
shaft position from both the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor.
A low and high area are machined into the cam-
shaft drive gear (Fig. 11). The sensor is positioned in
the timing gear cover so that a small air gap (Fig. 11)
exists between the face of sensor and the high
machined area of cam gear.
Fig. 9 CMP / PULSE RING - 5.9L GAS ENGINE
1 - SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY
Fig. 10 5.9L DIESEL CMP
1 - CMP
2 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP (BOTTOM)
3 - ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
4 - ECM ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - CMP ELEC. CONNECTOR
6 - CMP MOUNTING BOLT
7 - BACK OF TIMING GEAR COVER
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLDR
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

When the cam gear is rotating, the sensor will
detect the machined low area. Input voltage from the
sensor to the PCM will then switch from a low
(approximately 0.3 volts) to a high (approximately 5
volts). When the sensor detects the high machined
area, the input voltage switches back low to approx-
imately 0.3 volts.
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
V-6 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 12).
(3) Carefully twist sensor from cylinder head.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
4.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V±8 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 13).
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor
(Fig. 13).(3) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 13).
(4) Carefully twist sensor from cylinder head.
(5) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
Fig. 11 CMP SENSOR OPERATION ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE
1 - CAM DRIVE GEAR
2 - LOW MACHINED AREA
3 - HIGH MACHINED AREA
4 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
5 - AIR GAP
Fig. 12 CMP LOCATION - 3.7L
1 - RIGHT/FRONT OF RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CMP MOUNTING BOLT
3 - CMP LOCATION
Fig. 13 CMP LOCATION - 4.7L
1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - MOUNTING BOLT
4 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

5.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.7L
V-8 engine is located on right side of timing chain
cover below generator (Fig. 14).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 15).
(3) Carefully twist sensor from cylinder head.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
5.9L Diesel
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.9L
diesel engine is located below the fuel injection
pump. It is bolted to the back of the timing gear
cover (Fig. 16).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at CMP sensor
(Fig. 16).
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt.
(3) Carefully twist sensor from timing gear cover.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
5.9L V-8 Gas
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) is located
inside the distributor (Fig. 17).
Distributor removal is not necessary to remove
camshaft position sensor.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove air cleaner tubing at throttle body, and
at air filter housing.
(3) Remove distributor cap from distributor (two
screws).
Fig. 14 CMP LOCATION ± 5.7L
1 - GENERATOR
2 - CMP LOCATION
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 15 CMP REMOVAL / INSTALLATION ± 5.7L V-8
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER (RIGHT/FRONT)
2 - CMP SENSOR
3 - MOUNTING BOLT
Fig. 16 5.9L DIESEL CMP
1 - CMP
2 - FUEL INJECTION PUMP (BOTTOM)
3 - ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
4 - ECM ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - CMP ELEC. CONNECTOR
6 - CMP MOUNTING BOLT
7 - BACK OF TIMING GEAR COVER
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLDR
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

(4) Disconnect camshaft position sensor wiring
harness from main engine wiring harness.
(5) Remove distributor rotor from distributor shaft.
(6) Lift camshaft position sensor assembly from
distributor housing (Fig. 17).
8.0L V±10
The camshaft position sensor is located on the tim-
ing chain case/cover on the left-front side of the
engine (Fig. 18).
A thin plastic rib is molded into the face of the sen-
sor (Fig. 19) to position the depth of sensor to the
upper cam gear (sprocket). This rib can be found on
both the new replacement sensors and sensors that
were originally installed to the engine. The first timethe engine has been operated, part of this rib may be
sheared (ground) off. Depending on parts tolerances,
some of the rib material may still be observed after
removal.
Refer to either of the following procedures; Replac-
ing Old Sensor With Original, or Replacing With
New Sensor:
REPLACING OLD SENSOR WITH ORIGINAL
If the original camshaft position sensor is to be
removed and installed, such as when servicing the
timing chain, timing gears or timing chain cover, use
this procedure.
(1) Disconnect sensor harness connector from sen-
sor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 18).
(3) Carefully pry sensor from timing chain case/
cover in a rocking action with two small screwdriv-
ers.
(4) Remove sensor from vehicle.
(5) Check condition of sensor o-ring (Fig. 20).
REPLACING WITH NEW SENSOR
If a new replacement camshaft position sensor is to
be installed, use this procedure.
(1) Disconnect sensor wiring harness connector
from sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 18).
(3) Carefully pry sensor from timing chain case/
cover in a rocking action with two small screwdriv-
ers.
(4) Remove sensor from vehicle.
Fig. 17 DISTRIBUTOR AND CMP LOCATION - 5.9L
1 - SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY
Fig. 18 CMP LOCATION - 8.0L
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - TIMING CHAIN CASE/COVER
Fig. 19 SENSOR DEPTH POSITIONING RIB ± 8.0L
V-10 ENGINE
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - PAPER SPACER
3 - RIB MATERIAL (FOR SENSOR DEPTH POSITIONING)
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 3.7L
V-6 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 12).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking and twisting action.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
torque specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
4.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V-8 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 13).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking action. Do not twist sensor into position as
damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
5.7L V-8
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 5.7L
V-8 engine is bolted to the right / front side of the
timing chain cover (Fig. 14) or (Fig. 15).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking action. Do not twist sensor into position as
damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to timing chain
cover. If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor
mounting tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
5.9L Diesel
The CMP is located on the back of the timing gear
cover (Fig. 16).
(1) Clean out machined hole in back of timing gear
cover.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into timing gear cover with a
slight rocking action. Do not twist sensor into posi-
tion as damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to back of timing
chain cover. If sensor is not flush, damage to sen-
sor mounting tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten. Refer to
Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
5.9L Gas
The camshaft position sensor is located inside the
distributor (Fig. 17).
(1) Install camshaft position sensor to distributor.
Align sensor into notch on distributor housing.
(2) Connect engine wiring harness to sensor pigtail
harness.
(3) Install rotor.
(4) Install distributor cap. Tighten 2 mounting
screws.
(5) Install air filter tubing.
(6) Connect battery cable.
Fig. 20 CAMSHAFT SENSOR O-RING ± 8.0L
1 - SLOTTED MOUNTING HOLE
2 - SCRIBE LINE
3 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR O-RING
8I - 14 IGNITION CONTROLDR
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

8.0L V±10
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. 18).
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. 19), 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. 19). 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. 19).
(4) Apply a small amount of engine oil to the sen-
sor o-ring (Fig. 20).
A low and high area are machined into the cam-
shaft drive gear (Fig. 21). The sensor is positioned in
the timing gear cover so that a small air gap (Fig.
21) 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. 22) or (Fig. 21). 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.
22).
(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. 20).
(11) Remove the sensor from timing chain case/
cover.
(12) Remove paper spacer from sensor. This step
must be followed to prevent the paper spacer from
getting into the engine lubrication system.
(13) Again, apply a small amount of engine oil to
sensor o-ring.
(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. 20).
A low and high area are machined into the cam-
shaft drive gear (Fig. 21). The sensor is positioned in
the timing gear cover so that a small air gap (Fig.
21) 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.
Fig. 21 SENSOR OPERATION ± 8.0L V-10 ENGINE
1 - CAM DRIVE GEAR
2 - LOW MACHINED AREA
3 - HIGH MACHINED AREA
4 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
5 - AIR GAP
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

Do not install sensor with gear positioned at
low area (Fig. 22) or (Fig. 21). 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.
22).
(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. 19) 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 V-8 engines are equipped with a camshaft
driven mechanical distributor (Fig. 23) containing a
shaft driven distributor rotor. All distributors are
equipped with an internal camshaft position (fuel
sync) sensor (Fig. 23).
OPERATION
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.
Fig. 22 SENSOR DEPTH DIMENSIONS ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE
1 - 2.01888DO NOT INSTALL SENSOR2 - SENSOR MOUNTING HOLE OPENING
3 - SENSOR CENTER LINE
4 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
5 - 1.81888OK TO INSTALL SENSOR
6 - CAM DRIVE GEAR
7 - HIGH MACHINED AREA
8 - LOW MACHINED AREA
Fig. 23 DISTRIBUTOR AND CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR - 5.9L
1 - SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLDR
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

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) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove air cleaner tubing.
(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. 24).
(8) The distributor rotor should now be aligned to
the CYL. NO. 1 alignment mark (stamped) into the
camshaft position sensor (Fig. 25). 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. 26). Remove distributor from vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not crank engine with distributor
removed. Distributor/crankshaft relationship will be
lost.
Fig. 24 DAMPER-TO-COVER ALIGNMENT MARKS Ð
TYPICAL
1 - ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER MARKS
3 - CRANKSHAFT VIBRATION DAMPER
Fig. 25 ROTOR ALIGNMENT MARK
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - ROTOR
3 - DISTRIBUTOR
Fig. 26 DISTRIBUTOR HOLDDOWN CLAMP
1 - CLAMP BOLT
2 - HOLDDOWN CLAMP
3 - DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 17
DISTRIBUTOR (Continued)