2003 DODGE RAM ECO mode

system is pressurized and uses a centrifugal water
pump to circulate coolant throughout the system.
5.9L, 5.9L Diesel, and 8.0L engines utilize an
ambient overflow bottle for coolant recovery/reserve.
The 3.7L and 4.7L engines utilize a pressurized
degas bottle for coolant deaeration and reserve. This
degas bottle has coolant flowing through it continu-
ously, supplied by a vent in the hot side radiator
tank and returning to the heater return hose.
An optional factory installed maximum duty cool-
ing package is available on most models. This pack-
age will provide additional cooling capacity for
vehicles used under extreme conditions such as
trailer towing in high ambient temperatures.
OPERATIONÐHOSE CLAMPS
The spring type hose clamp applies constant ten-
sion on a hose connection. To remove a spring type
hose clamp, only use constant tension clamp pliers
designed to compress the hose clamp.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTICS (OBD)
COOLING SYSTEM RELATED DIAGNOSTICS
The Engine Control Module (ECM) has been pro-
grammed to monitor certain cooling system compo-
nents:
²If the engine has remained cool for too long a
period, such as with a stuck open thermostat, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.²If an open or shorted condition has developed in
the electronically controlled viscous fan clutch circuit,
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) can be set.
²If fan speed is not detected a DTC will be set.
²Coolant temperature sensor circuit problems can
set a DTC.
If the problem is sensed in a monitored circuit
often enough to indicated an actual problem, a DTC
is stored. The DTC will be stored in the ECM mem-
ory for eventual display to the service technician.
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ACCESSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
To read DTC's and to obtain cooling system data,
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIP-
TION).
ERASING TROUBLE CODES
After the problem has been repaired, use the
DRBIIItscan tool to erase a DTC. Refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice information for operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCOOLING SYSTEM
- TESTING FOR LEAKS
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT METHOD
A leak detection additive is available through the
parts department that can be added to cooling sys-
tem. The additive is highly visible under ultraviolet
light (black light). Pour one ounce of additive into
cooling system. Place heater control unit in HEAT
position. Start and operate the engine until the radi-
ator upper hose is warm to the touch. Aim the com-
mercially available black light tool at the components
to be checked. If leaks are present, the black light
will cause the additive to glow a bright green color.
The black light can be used in conjunction with a
pressure tester to determine if any external leaks
exist (Fig. 5).
PRESSURE TESTER METHOD
The engine should be at normal operating temper-
ature. Recheck the system cold if the cause of coolant
loss is not located during the warm engine examina-
tion.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING.
Carefully remove the radiator pressure cap from
the filler neck and check the coolant level. Push
down on the cap to disengage it from the stop tabs.
Wipe the inside of the filler neck and examine the
Fig. 4 Spring Clamp Size Location
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
DRCOOLING 7 - 5
COOLING (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Drain the coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove the power cord from the heater by
unplugging (Fig. 8).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the
screw at center of block heater (Fig. 8).
(5) Remove the block heater by carefully prying
from side-to-side. Note the direction of the heating
element coil (up or down). The element coil must be
installed correctly to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install the new O-ring seal(s) to heater.
(3) Insert the block heater into cylinder block and
position the element properly.
(4) With the heater fully seated, tighten center
screw to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Fill the cooling system with the recommended
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check the block heater for leaks.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The heater is mounted in a threaded hole of the
engine cylinder block with the heating element
immersed in engine coolant. The cord is attached to
an engine compartment component with tie-straps.
The 5.9L diesel engine has the block heater located
on the right side of the engine below the exhaust
manifold next to the oil cooler (Fig. 9).
OPERATION
The heater warms the engine coolant providing
easier engine starting and faster warm-up in low
temperatures. Connecting the power cord to a
grounded 110-120 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three wire extension cord provides the elec-
tricity needed to heat the element.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(3) Unscrew the power cord retaining cap and dis-
connect cord from heater element.
Fig. 8 Engine Block Heater
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 9 Engine Block Heater±5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - BLOCK HEATER
DRENGINE 7 - 43
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (Continued)

OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes.
The DTC can also be accessed through the
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate Power-
train Diagnostic Procedures information for diagnos-
tic information and operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM HOT
AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is
clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
the replacement is the specified thermostat for the
vehicle model and engine type.
Factory installed thermostat housings on 5.9L
engine is installed on a gasket with an anti-stick
coating. This will aid in gasket removal and clean-up.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Drain the cooling system until the coolant level
is below the thermostat (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Air Conditioned vehicles: Remove the support
bracket (generator mounting bracket-to-intake mani-
fold) located near the rear of the generator (Fig. 19).
NOTE: On air conditioning equipped vehicles, the
generator must be partially removed.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL) (Fig. 20).
(5) Remove the generator mounting bolts. Do not
remove any of the wiring at the generator. If
equipped with 4WD, unplug the 4WD indicator lamp
wiring harness (located near rear of generator).
(6) Remove the generator. Position the generator
to gain access for the thermostat gasket removal.
Fig. 18 Thermostat - 5.7L/5.9L Gas Powered
Engines
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - GASKET
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - THERMOSTAT
5 - MACHINED GROOVE
Fig. 19 Generator Support Bracket ± 5.9L Engine
1 - IDLER PULLEY BUSHING
2 - A/C AND/OR GENERATOR MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - IDLER PULLEY
4 - SCREW AND WASHER
7 - 48 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT- 5.7L/5.9L (Continued)

emissions and crankcase condensation. This conden-
sation can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer tothe Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes.
The DTC can also be accessed through the
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate Power-
train Diagnostic Procedures information for diagnos-
tic information and operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM HOT
AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is
clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
the replacement is the specified thermostat for the
vehicle model and engine type.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.
(4) Remove the splash shield.
(5) Remove the lower radiator hose clamp and the
lower radiator hose at the thermostat housing.
(6) Remove the thermostat housing mounting
bolts, thermostat housing and thermostat (Fig. 26).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the mating areas of the timing chain
cover and the thermostat housing.
(2) Install the thermostat (spring side down) into
the recessed machined groove on the timing chain
cover (Fig. 26).
(3) Position the thermostat housing on the timing
chain cover.
(4) Install the housing-to-timing chain cover bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 13 N´m (112 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: The housing must be tightened evenly
and the thermostat must be centered into the
recessed groove in the timimg chain cover. If not, it
may result in a cracked housing, damaged timing
chain cover threads or coolant leaks.
(5) Install the lower radiator hose on the thermo-
stat housing.
(6) Install the splash shield.
(7) Lower the vehicle.
(8) Fill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Connect negative battery cable.
(10) Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.
Fig. 25 Thermostat Cross Section View 3.7L/4.7L
1 - FROM HEATER AND DEGAS CONTAINER
2 - FROM RADIATOR
3 - TO WATER PUMP
4 - ENGINE BYPASS
5 - THERMOSTAT
DRENGINE 7 - 51
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.7L/4.7L (Continued)

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)

(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)

AUDIO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AUDIO
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUDIO..........2
AMPLIFIER
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................4
ANTENNA BODY & CABLE
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTENNA BODY
AND CABLE..........................4
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
INSTRUMENT PANEL ANTENNA CABLE
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................7
RADIO
DESCRIPTION..........................7OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION GROUND STRAP
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10
REMOTE SWITCHES
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE
SWITCHES..........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPEAKER
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPEAKER......13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................15
AUDIO
DESCRIPTION
An audio system is standard factory-installed
equipment on this model. Several combinations of
radio receivers and speaker systems are offered. The
audio system uses an ignition switched source of bat-
tery current so that the system will only operate
when the ignition switch is in the RUN or ACCES-
SORY positions.
The audio system includes the following compo-
nents:
²Antenna
²Power amplifier (with premium speaker system
only)
²Radio noise suppression components
²Radio receiver
²Remote radio switches (if equipped)
²Speakers
Certain functions and features of the audio system
rely upon resources shared with other electronic
modules in the vehicle over the Programmable Com-
munication Interface (PCI) bus network. The data
bus network allows the sharing of sensor informa-
tion. For diagnosis of these electronic modules or of
the data bus network, the use of a DRB IIItscan tooland the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
complete standard and premium audio system circuit
diagrams. The wiring information includes proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The audio system components are designed to pro-
vide audio entertainment and information through
the reception, tuning and amplification of locally
broadcast radio signals in both the Amplitude Modu-
lating (AM) and Frequency Modulating (FM) com-
mercial frequency ranges.
The audio system components operate on battery
current received through a fuse in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) on a fused ignition switch out-
put (run-acc) circuit so that the system will only
operate when the ignition switch is in the Run or
Accessory positions.
On vehicles that are equipped with the optional
remote radio switches, the Instrument Cluster
receives hard wired resistor multiplexed inputs from
the remote radio switches. The programming in the
DRAUDIO 8A - 1