2003 DODGE RAM Cooler

Fan speed is monitored by the ECM. A lack of fan
speed will set a DTC. Circuit concerns will also set
fan clutch DTC's.
Fan speed and duty cycle percent can be monitored
with the DRB III..
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRONICLY
CONTOLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
NOISE
NOTE: It is normal for fan noise to be louder (roar-
ing) when:
²Fan duty cycle high. This may occur when ambi-
ent (outside air temperature) is very high.
²Engine loads and temperatures are high such as
when towing a trailer.
²Cool silicone fluid within the fan drive unit is
being redistributed back to its normal disengaged
(warm) position. This can occur during the first 15
seconds to one minute after engine start-up on a cold
engine.
LEAKS
Viscous fan drive operation is not affected by small
oil stains near the drive bearing. If leakage appears
excessive, replace the fan drive unit.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS DRIVE
If the fan assembly free-wheels without drag (the
fan blades will revolve more than five turns when
spun by hand), replace the fan drive. This spin test
must be performed when the engine is cool.
For the following test, the cooling system must be
in good condition. It also will ensure against exces-
sively high coolant temperature.
The Electronic Viscous Fan drive can be tested
using the DRB III scan tool.
(1) Set the parking brake and verify the transmis-
sion is in park or neutral.
(2) Stat and allow engine to reach normal operat-
ing termeratures.
(3) With engine idling, connect the DRB III and
select appropraite model year and engine option.
(4) Lacate and select actuator tests, then select
PWM Viscous Fan.
(5) Monitor fan speed and duty cycle; verify that
the fan speed increments are proportional to the duty
cycle precentage during the actuation event.
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine
drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous
fan drives. They are marked with the word
REVERSE to designate their usage. Installation of
the wrong fan or viscous fan drive can result in
engine overheating.
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan
blade assembly if any of these conditions are
found.
RADIATOR
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a aluminum cross-flow design with
horizontal tubes through the radiator core and verti-
cal plastic side tanks (Fig. 32).
This radiator does not contain an internal trans-
mission oil cooler
OPERATION
The radiator supplies sufficient heat transfer using
the cooling fins interlaced between the horizontal
tubes in the radiator core to cool the engine.
Fig. 31 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - BOLT
5 - FAN DRIVE
7 - 56 ENGINEDR
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant
is flowing through the cooling system.
(1) Idle engine until operating temperature is
reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the
touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flow-
ing to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO
COVER THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, OPEN
RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS
WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO VENT
TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRES-
SURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE
CAP FROM FILLER NECK.
(2) Drain a small amount of coolant from the radi-
ator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible
through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the
exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cables.WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOL-
ANT CAN OCCUR.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with a matching number or letter and the correct
width.
(3) Remove the hose clamps and hoses from radia-
tor.
(4) Remove the coolant reserve/overflow tank hose
from the radiator filler neck.
(5) Remove the coolant reserve/overflow tank
(5.9L) or the coolant degas container(3.7L/4.7L) from
the fan shroud (pull straight up). The tank slips into
slots on the fan shroud.
(6) Unclip the power steering hoses from the fan
shroud.
(7) Disconnect the electrical connectors at the
windshield washer reservoir tank and remove the
tank.
(8) Remove the fan shroud mounting bolts and pull
up and out of the radiator tank clips (Fig. 33). Posi-
tion shroud rearward over the fan blades towards
engine.
(9) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines from
the transmission cooler, then plug the transmission
lines and cooler to prevent leakage.
(10) Disconnect the power steering lines from the
power steering cooler, then plug the power steering
lines and cooler to prevent leakage.
(11) Remove the two radiator upper mounting
bolts (Fig. 34).
(12) Lift the radiator straight up and out of the
engine compartment. Take care not to damage cool-
ing fins or tubes on the radiator and oil coolers when
removing.
Fig. 32 Radiator Ð Typical
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER MOUNT
4 - RADIATOR
5 - DRAINCOCK
6 -LOWER MOUNT
DRENGINE 7 - 57
RADIATOR (Continued)

NOTE: The radiator is equipped with one alignment
dowel on the bottom of the outlet tank and one
retaining bracket on the front side of the inlet tank.
Both features have rubber insulators attached to
them that must be present. The alignment dowel fits
into a hole at the bottom of the front end sheet
metal vertical support post and the support bracket
rests on top of the lower radiator closure tube.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, broken
or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the fan shroud over the fan blades
rearward towards engine.
(2) Install the rubber insulators to the lower radi-
ator mounting features (alignment dowel and support
bracket at the lower part of the radiator).
(3) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the alignment dowel into the vertical post bracket.
Position and seat the lower radiator support bracket
onto the lower radiator closure tube.
(4) Install the upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the lower radiator hose and install the
clamp in the proper position.
(6) Connect the power steering hoses to the power
steering oil cooler and install the clamps.
(7) Connect the transmission oil cooler lines to the
transmission oil cooler and install the secondary
latches.
(8) Position the fan shroud into the mounting clips
on the radiator tanks and secure with bolts. Tighten
the bolts to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(9) Secure the power steering hoses into the clip
on the lower fan shroud.
(10) Install the windshield washer reservoir tank
and connect the hose and electrical connector.
(11) Install coolant reserve/overflow container
hose(s) to radiator filler neck and secure properly
with clamps.
Fig. 33 Fan Shroud
1 - RADIATOR
2 - SCREWS
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - SLIDE MOUNT
Fig. 34 Radiator
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER MOUNT
4 - RADIATOR
5 - DRAINCOCK
6 -LOWER MOUNT
7 - 58 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR (Continued)

(12) Install coolant reserve/overflow container or
degas container to fan shroud and tighten the bolts
to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(13) Connect upper radiator hose and install
clamp.
(14) Install battery negative cable.
(15) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) Operate the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature. Check cooling system fluid
levels.
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a aluminum cross-flow design with
horizontal tubes through the radiator core and verti-
cal plastic side tanks (Fig. 35).
This radiator does not contain an internal trans-
mission oil cooler
OPERATION
The radiator supplies sufficient heat transfer using
the cooling fins interlaced between the horizontal
tubes in the radiator core to cool the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant
is flowing through the cooling system.
(1) Idle engine until operating temperature is
reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the
touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flow-
ing to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO
COVER THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, OPEN
RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS
WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO VENT
TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRES-
SURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE
CAP FROM FILLER NECK.
(2) Drain a small amount of coolant from the radi-
ator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible
through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the
exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
6094). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20)
MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CON-
STANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with a matching number or letter.
(3) Remove air box and turbocharger inlet tube.
(4) Remove coolant tank hose, washer bottle hose
and the positive battery cable from the fastening
clips located on top of the radiator.
(5) Remove hose clamps and hoses from radiator.
Fig. 35 Radiator Ð Typical
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER MOUNT
4 - RADIATOR
5 - DRAINCOCK
6 -LOWER MOUNT
DRENGINE 7 - 59
RADIATOR (Continued)

(6) Remove the power steering cooler mounting
bolts and position the power steering cooler out of
the way.
(7) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines at the
transmission. The transmission cooler will remain on
the radiator and can be removed as an assembly.
(8) Remove the lower shroud assembly and the
electronic viscous fan wiring from the upper shroud
assembly.
(9) Remove the two radiator upper mounting bolts
(Fig. 36).
(10) Lift radiator straight up and out of engine
compartment. The bottom of the radiator is equipped
with two alignment dowels that fit into holes in the
lower radiator support panel. Rubber biscuits (insu-
lators) are installed to these dowels. Take care not to
damage cooling fins or tubes on the radiator and air
conditioning condenser when removing.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, broken
or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install rubber insulators to alignment dowels
at lower part of radiator.
(2) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the two alignment dowels into lower radiator sup-
port. Different alignment holes are provided in the
lower radiator support for each engine application.
(3) Install two upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect both radiator hoses and install hose
clamps.
(5) Connect transmission cooler lines to radiator
tank. Inspect quick connect fittings for debris and
install until an audible ªclickº is heard. Pull apart to
verify connection.
(6) Position power steering cooler on the radiator
and tighten nuts to 8.5M´N (75 in. lbs.)
(7) Attach electronic viscous fan wiring to upper
shroud ands install lower shroud.
(8) Position coolant recover tank hose, washer bot-
tle hose and the positive battery cable into the clips
located on the top of the radiator.
(9) Install air box and turbocharger inlet hose.
Tighten clamps to 4 N´M (35 in. lbs.).
(10) Position heater controls tofull heatposition.
(11) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(12) Operate engine until it reaches normal tem-
perature. Check cooling system and automatic trans-
mission (if equipped) fluid levels.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
All cooling systems are equipped with a pressure
cap (Fig. 37). For 5.9L engines, the pressure cap is
located on top of the radiator outlet tank. For the
3.7L/4.7L engines, the pressure cap is located on top
of the coolant degas container. The cap releases pres-
sure at some point within a range of 97-to-124 kPa
(14-to-18 psi). The pressure relief point (in pounds) is
engraved on top of the cap
The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity. The cap contains a spring-
Fig. 36 Fan Shroud MountingÐ5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - UPPER FAN SHROUD
3 - BOLTS (2)
4 - LOWER FAN SHROUD
5 - RADIATOR
7 - 60 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

TRANSMISSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANS COOLER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................72
DESCRIPTION........................72
OPERATION...........................72
REMOVAL.............................72
DISASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY...............73
ASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY..................73
INSTALLATION.........................73TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................73
OPERATION...........................74
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐAIR TO OIL COOLER.........74
REMOVALÐWATER TO OIL COOLER......74
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐAIR TO OIL COOLER.....75
INSTALLATION.......................75
TRANS COOLER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
An air-to-oil transmission oil cooler is standard on
all engine packages. The transmission oil cooler is
mounted to the front of the radiator above the power
steering cooler (Fig. 1).
DESCRIPTION
An air-to-oil transmission oil cooler is standard on
all engine packages. The transmission oil cooler is
mounted to the front of the radiator above the power
steering cooler (Fig. 2).
OPERATION
Transmission oil is routed through the cooler
where heat is removed from the transmission oil
before returning to the transmission. Vehicles
equipped with the 5.9L engine have an internal ther-
mostat that controls fluid flow through the cooler-
.When the transmission fluid is cold ( less than
operating temperature) the fluid is routed through
the cooler bypass. when the transmission fluid
reaches operating temperatures and above, the ther-
mostat closes off the bypass allowing fluid flow
through the cooler. The thermostat is serviceable.
NOTE: Vehicles with the 3.7L/4.7L engines are not
equipped with the oil cooler thermostat.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler lines.(3) Disconnect the transmission oil cooler line
quick-connect fitting at the cooler outlet using the
quick connect release tool 6935. Plug the cooler lines
to prevent oil leakage.
(4) Unsnap the transmission cooler tubes from the
radiator tank clips.
Fig. 1 Cooling Module Ð 5.9L Gas
1 - TRANS OIL COOLER BYPASS (5.9L only)
2 - OIL COOLER THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE (5.9L only)
3 -TRANS OIL COOLER
4 - OIL COOLER MOUNTING BOLT (4)
5 - POWER STEERING COOLER
6 - POWER STEERING COOLER MOUNTING BOLT(2)
7 - TRANS OIL COOLER OUTLET
8 - TRANS OIL COOLER INLET
9 - COOLER LINE CLIP
10 - COOLER LINE CLIP
11 - RADIATOR
7 - 72 TRANSMISSIONDR

(5) Remove the bolts attaching the transmission
cooler to the radiator.
(6) Remove oil cooler from the vehicle. Take care
not to damage the radiator core or transmission
cooler tubes.
DISASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY
NOTE: The transmission oil cooler uses an internal
thermostat to control transmission oil flow through
the cooler. This thermostat is servicable.
(1) Remove the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the snap ring retaining the thermostat
end plug (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove the end plug, thermostat and spring
from transmission oil cooler (Fig. 3).
ASSEMBLY - 5.9L ONLY
(1) Throughly clean the thermostat bore on the
transmission oil cooler.
(2) Install the new spring, thermostat, end plug
and snap ring.(3) Install the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the transmission cooler tubes to the
front of the radiator.
(2) Snap the transmission cooler tubes into the
clips on the side of the radiator tank.
(3) Install the transmission cooler attaching bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 16 N´m (140 in. lbs.).
(4) inspect the quick connect fittings for debris and
install the quick connect fitting on the cooler tube
until an audible ªclickº is heard. Pull apart the con-
nection to verify proper installation and install the
secondary latches.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Start the engine and check all fittings for
leaks.
(7) Check the fluid level in the automatic trans-
mission. Refer to the appropriate transmission sec-
tion(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 45RFE/545RFE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) or(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/FLUID - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
All diesel models equipped with an automatic
transmission are equipped with both a main water-
to-oil cooler and a separate air-to-oil cooler. Both cool-
Fig. 2 Cooling Module - 3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
1 - TRANS OIL COOLER
2 - TRANS OIL COOLER MOUNTING BOLT (3)
3 - POWER STEERING OIL COOLER
4 - POWER STEERING OIL COOLER MOUNTING BOLT
5 - TRANS OIL COOLER OUTLET
6 - TRANS OIL COOLER INLET
7 - COOLER LINE CLIP
8 - COOLER LINE CLIP
9 - RADIATOR
Fig. 3 Transmission Oil Cooler Thermostat
Removal/Installation
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - SPRING
3 - END PLUG
4 - SNAP RING
5 - THERMOSTAT
DRTRANSMISSION 7 - 73
TRANS COOLER (Continued)

ers are supplied as standard equipment on diesel
engine powered models when equipped with an auto-
matic transmission.
The main water-to-oil transmission oil cooler is
mounted to a bracket on the intake side of the engine
(Fig. 4).
The air-to-oil cooler is located in front of and to the
left side of the radiator (Fig. 5).
OPERATION
The transmission oil is routed through the main
cooler first, then the auxiliary cooler where addi-
tional heat is removed from the transmission oil
before returning to the transmission. The cooler has
an internal thermostat that controls fluid flow
through the cooler. When the transmission fluid is
cold (less then operating temperature), the fluid is
routed through the cooler bypass. When the trans-
mission fluid reaches operating temperatures and
above, the thermostat closes off the bypass allowing
fluid flow through the cooler. The thermostat is ser-
vicable.
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐAIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Remove Charge Air Cooler (Refer to 11 -
EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM/
CHARGE AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING -
REMOVAL).(2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Disconnect the oil cooler quick-connect fittings
from the transmission lines.
(5) Remove the charge air cooler-to-oil cooler bolt
(Fig. 6).
(6) Remove two mounting nuts.
(7) Remove the oil cooler and line assembly
towards the front of vehicle. Cooler must be rotated
and tilted into position while removing.
REMOVALÐWATER TO OIL COOLER
CAUTION: If a leak should occur in the water-to-oil
cooler mounted to the side of the engine block,
engine coolant may become mixed with transmis-
sion fluid. Transmission fluid may also enter engine
cooling system. Both cooling system and transmis-
sion should be drained and inspected in case of oil
cooler leakage.
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove starter (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(3) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Disconnect coolant lines from cooler.
Fig. 4 Transmission Water-To-Oil CoolerÐDiesel
EngineÐTypical
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
Fig. 5 Auxiliary Transmission Oil CoolerÐDiesel
Engine
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - RADIATOR
3 - QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
4 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
7 - 74 TRANSMISSIONDR
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)