2003 DODGE RAM Engine system

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION....3
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER ± 4.7L V-8........4
FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING ± 5.7L
V-8 ENGINE...........................4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 5.9L V-8.........4
SPARK PLUG CABLE ORDER ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................5
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........5
SPARK PLUGS........................5
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.9L........6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................6
IGNITION TIMING......................6
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............6
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............6
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................14
DISTRIBUTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................17INSTALLATION.........................18
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
CAP - 5.9L V-8........................18
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR - 5.9L V-8.....................19
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................20
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................26
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................27
REMOVAL.............................30
CLEANING
CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT...........31
INSTALLATION.........................31
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES............................33
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................35
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
3.7L V-6 ENGINE
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses a separate ignition coil
for each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly tothe cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary
terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark
plugs. A separate electrical connector is used for each
coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 3.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²6 Spark Plugs
²6 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
4.7L V-8 ENGINE
The 4.7L V-8 engine uses a separate ignition coil for
each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary termi-
nal ends of the coils to the top of all 8 spark plugs. A
separate electrical connector is used for each coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 4.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²8 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.7L V-8 ENGINE
For additional information, also refer to Igni-
tion Coil Description and Operation.
The 5.7L V-8 engine is equipped with 16 spark
plugs. Two plugs are used for each cylinder. The 5.7L
is also equipped with 8 separate and independent
ignition coils. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head cover and attaches the coils secondary
output terminal directly to a spark plug using a rub-
ber boot seal. Each coil is also equipped with a sec-
ond output terminal. This second terminal connects a
conventional spark plug cable directly to a spark
plug on the opposite cylinder bank. A separate pri-
mary electrical connector is used for each coil.
Eight conventional spark plug cables are used with
the 5.7L. These cables connect a coil on one cylinder
bank, directly to a spark plug on the opposite cylin-
der bank. The cables are placed and routed in a spe-
cial plastic loom to keep them separated. This loom is
clipped to the intake manifold. To prevent a miss-
match of cables, a corresponding spark plug / coil
number is displayed on each plug cable: 1/6, 2/3, 4/7and 5/8. These numbers can also be found on the top
of the intake manifold to the right of the throttle
body (Fig. 1).
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The 5.7L engine will not use a conventional distrib-
utor.
The ignition system consists of:
²16 Spark Plugs (2 per cylinder)
²
8 Separate, Dual-Secondary Output, Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²8 Secondary Ignition Cables
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.9L V-8 ENGINE
The 5.9L V-8 ignition system will use a conven-
tional distributor and 1 remotely mounted coil. Con-
ventional spark plug cables are used with the 5.9L.
Knock sensors are not used with the 5.9L engine.
The ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²1 Ignition Coil
²Secondary Ignition Cables
²Distributor (contains rotor and camshaft position
sensor)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Fig. 1 FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING - 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
1 - TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - CYLINDER FIRING ORDER (IGNITION COIL NUMBER)
3 - CORRESPONDING SPARK PLUG NUMBER
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position, Cam-
shaft Position, Throttle Position and MAP Sensors
8.0L V-10 ENGINE
. The 8.0L V-10 engine is equipped with 2 remote
coil packs. Conventional spark plug cables are used
with the 8.0L engine. The 8.0L engine will not use a
conventional distributor
The ignition coils are individually fired, but each
coil is a dual output. Refer to Ignition Coil for addi-
tional information.Knock sensors are not used with the 8.0L engine.
The ignition system consists of:
²10 Spark Plugs
²2 Ignition Coil packs containing 10 individual
coils
²10 Secondary Ignition Cables
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 Sensor - 3.7L V-6 Engine 12 - 106
Camshaft Position Sensor - 4.7L V-8 Engine 12 - 106
Camshaft Position Sensor - 5.7L V-8 Engine 12 9 105
Camshaft Position Sensor - 8.0L V-10 Engine 6 - 50
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 3.7L V-6 Engine 28 21 205
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 4.7L V-8 Engine 28 21 205
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 5.7L V-8 Engine 12 9 105
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 5.9L V-8 Engine 8 - 70
Crankshaft Position Sensor - 8.0L V-10 Engine 8 - 70
Distributor Hold Down Bolt - 5.9L V-8 Engine 23 17 -
Ignition Coil Mounting - 5.9L V-8 Engine
(if tapped bolts are used)5-50
Ignition Coil Mounting - 5.9L V-8 Engine
(if nuts/bolts are used)11 - 100
Ignition Coil Mounting - 3.7L V-6 Engine 8 - 70
Ignition Coil Mounting - 4.7L V-8 Engine 8 - 70
Ignition Coil Mounting - 5.7L V-8 Engine 12 9 105 (  20)
Ignition Coil Mounting - 8.0L V-10 Engine 10 - 90
* Knock Sensor - 3.7L V-6 Engine 20 15 176
* Knock Sensor - 4.7L V-8 Engine 20 15 176
* Knock Sensor - 5.7L V-8 Engine 20 15 176
Spark Plugs - 3.7L V-6 Engine 27 20 -
Spark Plugs - 4.7L V-8 Engine 27 20 -
** Spark Plugs - 5.7L V-8 Engine 18 (  3) 13 (  2) -
Spark Plugs - 5.9L V-8 Engine 41 30 -
Spark Plugs - 8.0L V-10 Engine 41 30 -
* Do not apply any sealant, thread-locker or adhesive
to bolts. Poor sensor performance may result.
** Torque critical tapered design. Do not exceed 15 ft.
lbs.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (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)

4.7L V-8
Battery voltage is supplied to the 8 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 4.7L V-8 engine.
5.7L V-8
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
A ªwasted sparkº system is used on the 5.7L
engine combining paired, or dual-firing coils, and 2
spark plugs per cylinder. The coils and spark plugs
are connected with paired, secondary high-voltage
cables.
Each cylinder is equipped with 1 dual-output coil.
Meaning one coil mounts directly over one of the
dual spark plugs for 1 high-voltage output. A second
high-voltage output is supplied directly from the
same coil (using a plug cable) to one of the dual
spark plugs on a corresponding (paired) cylinder on
the opposite cylinder bank.
Each coil fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously on
each of the cylinder banks (one cylinder on compres-
sion stroke and one cylinder on exhaust stroke).
EXAMPLE :When the #1 cylinder is on compression
stroke and ready for spark, the #1 coil will fire one of
the dual spark plugs on the #1 cylinder (directly
below the coil). The other dual spark plug on the #1
cylinder will be fired by the #6 coil. At the same
time, the #1 coil will fire a ªwasted sparkº to one of
the dual spark plugs at the #6 cylinder as coil #6 also
fires a ªwasted sparkº to one of the dual spark plugs
at the #6 cylinder.
The firing order is paired at cylinders 1/6, 2/3, 4/7,
5/8. Basic cylinder firing order is 1±8±4±3±6±5±7±2.
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
5.7L V-8 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing andadjust 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 camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
5.9L V-8
A single ignition coil is used. The Powertrain Con-
trol 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.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 5.9L V-8 engine.
8.0L V-10
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.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 8.0L V-10 engine.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
8.0L V-10 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
8I - 22 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

WARNING: 5.9L V-8 LDC-GAS ENGINES: DO NOT
REMOVE THE COIL MOUNTING BRACKET-TO-CYL-
INDER HEAD MOUNTING BOLTS. THE COIL
MOUNTING BRACKET IS UNDER ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT TENSION. IF THIS BRACKET IS TO BE
REMOVED FOR ANY REASON, ALL BELT TENSION
MUST FIRST BE RELIEVED. REFER TO THE BELT
SECTION OF GROUP 7, COOLING SYSTEM.
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. 36).
(1) Disconnect primary coil connector from ignition
coil.
(2) Disconnect secondary cable from ignition coil.
(3) Remove ignition coil from coil mounting
bracket (two bolts).
8.0L V-10
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. 37). The front and rear coil packs can be
serviced separately.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coils.
(2) Remove secondary spark plug cables from coil
packs. Note position of cables before removal.
(3) Disconnect primary wiring harness connectors
at coil packs.
(4) Remove four (4) coil pack-to-coil mounting
bracket bolts for coil pack being serviced (Fig. 37).
(5) Remove coil(s) from mounting bracket.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
4.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.7L V-8
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, or before installing a coil to a
spark plug, apply dielectric grease to inside of boots.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Twist coil into position.
(4) Install 2 coil mounting bolts. Refer to torque
specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) Install cable to coil. To prevent ignition cross-
fire, spark plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray
(routing loom) into their original position. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for a graphic.
(7) If necessary, install throttle body air tube.
5.9L V-8
The ignition coil is an epoxy filled type. If the coil
is replaced, it must be replaced with the same type.
(1) Install 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 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.
8.0L V-10
(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. 38) for correct cable order.
8I - 24 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

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. 46). 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. 47). 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.)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
48). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
Fig. 45 SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE COVERED WITH WHITE OR YELLOW
DEPOSITS
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
Fig. 46 CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
3 - CHIPPED INSULATOR
Fig. 47 PREIGNITION DAMAGE
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 48 SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 29
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION
One coil capacitor is used. It is located in the right-
rear section of the engine compartment.
OPERATION
The coil capacitor(s) help dampen the amount of
conducted electrical noise to the camshaft position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and throttle posi-
tion sensor. This noise is generated on the 12V sup-
ply wire to the ignition coils and fuel injectors.
REMOVAL
The coil capacitor is located in the right-rear sec-
tion of the engine compartment. It is attached with a
mounting stud and nut.
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at capacitor
(Fig. 52).
(2) Remove mounting nut and remove ground
strap.
(3) Remove capacitor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position capacitor to mounting stud.
(2) Position ground strap to mounting stud.
(3) Tighten nut to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to coil capacitor.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires, or secondary ignition cables.
Plug cables are used only on the 5.7L V-8, 5.9L V-8
and 8.0L V-10 engines.
OPERATION
The spark plug cables transfer electrical current
from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individ-
ual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark
plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The
cables provide suppression of radio frequency emis-
sions from the ignition system.
Plug cables are used only on the 5.7L V-8, 5.9L V-8
and 8.0L V-10 engines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES
Cable routing is important on certain engines. To
prevent possible ignition crossfire, be sure the cables
are clipped into the plastic routing looms. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for addditional informa-
tion. Try to prevent any one cable from contacting
another. Before removing cables, note their original
location and routing. Never allow one cable to be
twisted around another.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil(s), distributor cap towers (if appli-
caple), and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully
seated. The insulators should be in good condition
and should fit tightly on the coil, distributor and
spark plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that
are cracked or torn must be replaced.
Clean high voltage ignition cables with a cloth
moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the
cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
On 5.9L V-8 engines, spark plug cable heat shields
are pressed into the cylinder head to surround each
spark plug cable boot and spark plug (Fig. 53). These
shields protect the spark plug boots from damage
(due to intense engine heat generated by the exhaust
manifolds) and should not be removed. After the
spark plug cable has been installed, the lip of the
cable boot should have a small air gap to the top of
the heat shield (Fig. 53).
TESTING
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
Fig. 52 CAPACITOR LOCATION
1 - COIL CAPACITOR
2 - MOUNTING STUD
3 - GROUND STRAP
4 - MOUNTING NUT
5 - ELEC. CONNECT.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 33