2003 DODGE RAM Diesel

ACCESSORY DRIVE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BELT TENSIONERS - 3.7L / 4.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................23
BELT TENSIONERS - 5.9L
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
BELT TENSIONERS - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25DRIVE BELTS - 3.7L / 4.7L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT.........................25
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................27
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT.........................28
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................31
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L DIESEL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT.........................31
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
BELT TENSIONERS - 3.7L /
4.7L
DESCRIPTION
Correct drive belt tension is required to ensure
optimum performance of the belt driven engine acces-
sories. If specified tension is not maintained, belt
slippage may cause; engine overheating, lack of
power steering assist, loss of air conditioning capac-
ity, reduced generator output rate, and greatly
reduced belt life.
It is not necessary to adjust belt tension on the
3.7L or 4.7L engine. These engines are equipped with
an automatic belt tensioner (Fig. 1). The tensioner
maintains correct belt tension at all times. Due to
use of this belt tensioner, do not attempt to use a belt
tension gauge on 3.7L or 4.7L engines.
OPERATION
The automatic belt tensioner maintains belt ten-
sion by using internal spring pressure, a pivoting
arm and pulley to press against the drive belt.
REMOVAL
On 3.7L and 4.7L engines, the tensioner is
equipped with an indexing tang on back of ten-
sioner and an indexing stop on tensioner hous-
ing. If a new belt is being installed, tang must
be within approximately 24 mm (.94 inches) ofindexing stop. Belt is considered new if it has
been used 15 minutes or less.
If the above specification cannot be met, check for:
²The wrong belt being installed (incorrect length/
width)
²Worn bearings on an engine accessory (A/C com-
pressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pul-
ley or generator)
²A pulley on an engine accessory being loose
²Misalignment of an engine accessory
²Belt incorrectly routed.
Fig. 1 AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
1 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
7 - 22 ACCESSORY DRIVEDR

(5) Remove pulley bolt. Remove pulley from ten-
sioner.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pulley and pulley bolt to tensioner.
Tighten bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install tensioner assembly to mounting
bracket. An indexing tab is located on back of ten-
sioner. Align this tab to slot in mounting bracket.
Tighten nut to 67 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect all wiring to ignition coil.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to coil case, coil
mounting bolts must be torqued.
(4) Install 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.
(5) Install drive belt. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(6) Check belt indexing marks (Fig. 4).
BELT TENSIONERS - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
Drive belts on all engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner (Fig. 5). This
tensioner maintains constant belt tension at all times
and requires no maintenance or adjustment.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner.
OPERATION
WARNING: THE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
ASSEMBLY IS SPRING LOADED. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO DISASSEMBLE THE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY.
The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt
tension using a coiled spring within the tensioner
housing. The spring applies pressure to the tensioner
arm pressing the arm into the belt, tensioning the
belt.
Fig. 4 Tensioner Indexing Marks And Mounting Nut
1 - TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
2 - TENSIONER MOUNTING NUT
3 - INDEXING ARROW
4 - INDEXING MARK
Fig. 5 Belt
1 - GENERATOR
2 - WATER PUMP
3 - IDLER
4 - POWER STEERING PUMP
5 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
7 - 24 ACCESSORY DRIVEDR
BELT TENSIONERS - 5.9L (Continued)

REMOVAL
WARNING: BECAUSE OF HIGH SPRING PRES-
SURE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE AUTO-
MATIC TENSIONER. UNIT IS SERVICED AS AN
ASSEMBLY.
(1) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove tensioner mounting bolt (Fig. 6) and
remove tensioner.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install tensioner assembly to mounting
bracket. A dowel is located on back of tensioner. Align
this dowel to hole in tensioner mounting bracket.
Tighten bolt to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLA-
TION).
DRIVE BELTS - 3.7L / 4.7L
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts,
small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib (Fig. 7), are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace the belt. However,
cracks running along a rib (not across) arenotnor-
mal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must
be replaced (Fig. 7). Also replace the belt if it has
excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS
CHART for further belt diagnosis.
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are
most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt to
resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory
drive pulleys for alignment, glazing, or excessive end
play.
Fig. 6 AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER DIESEL
ENGINE-TYPICAL
1 - GENERATOR
2 - WATER PUMP
3 - IDLER
4 - POWER STEERING PUMP
5 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
Fig. 7 Belt Wear Patterns
1 - NORMAL CRACKS BELT OK
2 - NOT NORMAL CRACKS REPLACE BELT
DRACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 25
BELT TENSIONERS - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing the accessory drive belt,
the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may
overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong
direction. Refer to (Fig. 12) (Fig. 13) for correct
engine belt routing. The correct belt with correct
length must be used.
(1) Position drive belt over all pulleysexceptidler
pulley. This pulley is located between generator and
A/C compressor.
(2) Attach a socket/wrench to pulley mounting bolt
of automatic tensioner (Fig. 11).
(3) Rotate socket/wrench clockwise. Place belt over
idler pulley. Let tensioner rotate back into place.
Remove wrench. Be sure belt is properly seated on
all pulleys.
(4) Check belt indexing marks (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELT TENSIONERS -
DESCRIPTION).
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L DIESEL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts,
small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib (Fig. 14), are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace the belt. However,
cracks running along a rib (not across) arenotnor-
mal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must
be replaced (Fig. 14). Also replace the belt if it has
excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Fig. 12 Belt Routing - 5.9L Engines with A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - A/C PULLEY
3 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
4 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
6 - TENSIONER PULLEY
7 - IDLER PULLEY
Fig. 13 Belt Routing - 5.9L Engines Without A/C
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - IDLER PULLEY
3 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
4 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
6 - TENSIONER PULLEY
DRACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 31
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L (Continued)

Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS
CHART for further belt diagnosis.NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are
most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt to
resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory
drive pulleys for alignment, glazing, or excessive end
play.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
RIB CHUNKING (One or more ribs
has separated from belt body)1. Foreign objects imbedded in
pulley grooves.1. Remove foreign objects from
pulley grooves. Replace belt.
2. Installation damage 2. Replace belt
RIB OR BELT WEAR 1. Pulley misaligned 1. Align pulley(s)
2. Abrasive environment 2. Clean pulley(s). Replace belt if
necessary
3. Rusted pulley(s) 3. Clean rust from pulley(s)
4. Sharp or jagged pulley groove
tips4. Replace pulley. Inspect belt.
5. Belt rubber deteriorated 5. Replace belt
BELT SLIPS 1. Belt slipping because of
insufficient tension1. Inspect/Replace tensioner if
necessary
2. Belt or pulley exposed to
substance that has reduced friction
(belt dressing, oil, ethylene glycol)2. Replace belt and clean pulleys
3. Driven component bearing failure
(seizure)3. Replace faulty component or
bearing
4. Belt glazed or hardened from
heat and excessive slippage4. Replace belt.
Fig. 14 Belt Wear Patterns
1 - NORMAL CRACKS BELT OK
2 - NOT NORMAL CRACKS REPLACE BELT
7 - 32 ACCESSORY DRIVEDR
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
LONGITUDAL BELT CRACKING 1. Belt has mistracked from pulley
groove1. Replace belt
2. Pulley groove tip has worn away
rubber to tensile member2. Replace belt
9GROOVE JUMPING9
(Belt does not maintain correct
position on pulley)1. Incorrect belt tension 1. Inspect/Replace tensioner if
necessary
2. Pulley(s) not within design
tolerance2. Replace pulley(s)
3. Foreign object(s) in grooves 3. Remove foreign objects from
grooves
4. Pulley misalignment 4. Align component
5. Belt cordline is broken 5. Replace belt
BELT BROKEN
(Note: Identify and correct problem
before new belt is installed)1. Incorrect belt tension 1. Replace Inspect/Replace
tensioner if necessary
2. Tensile member damaged during
belt installation2. Replace belt
3. Severe misalignment 3. Align pulley(s)
4. Bracket, pulley, or bearing failure 4. Replace defective component
and belt
NOISE (Objectional squeal, squeak,
or rumble is heard or felt while drive
belt is in operation)1. Incorrect belt tension 1. Inspect/Replace tensioner if
necessary
2. Bearing noise 2. Locate and repair
3. Belt misalignment 3. Align belt/pulley(s)
4. Belt to pulley mismatch 4. Install correct belt
5. Driven component induced
vibration5. Locate defective driven
component and repair
TENSION SHEETING FABRIC
FAILURE
(Woven fabric on outside,
circumference of belt has cracked or
separated from body of belt)1. Tension sheeting contacting
stationary object1. Correct rubbing condition
2. Excessive heat causing woven
fabric to age2. Replace belt
3. Tension sheeting splice has
fractured3. Replace belt
CORD EDGE FAILURE
(Tensile member exposed at edges
of belt or separated from belt body)1. Incorrect belt tension 1. Inspect/Replace tensioner if
necessary
2. Belt contacting stationary object 2. Replace belt
3. Pulley(s) out of tolerance 3. Replace pulley
4. Insufficient adhesion between
tensile member and rubber matrix4. Replace belt
DRACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 33
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

NOTE: The engine speed sensor face is very close
to the accessory drive belt. Inspect engine speed
sensor and wire harness for damage when acces-
sory drive belt has been replaced due to failure or
abnormal conditions.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner. Refer to Automatic Belt
Tensioner in this group.
NOTE: The belt routing schematics are published
from the latest information available at the time of
publication. If anything differs between these sche-
matics and the Belt Routing Label, use the sche-
matics on Belt Routing Label.This label is located in
the engine compartment.
Drive belts on diesel engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner.displays the
tensioner for vehicles without air conditioning.
This belt tensioner will be used on all belt config-
urations, such as with or without air conditioning.
For more information, (Refer to 7 - COOLING/AC-
CESSORY DRIVE/BELT TENSIONERS - DESCRIP-
TION).
(1) A 1/2 inch square hole is provided in the auto-
matic belt tensioner. Attach a 1/2 inch drive-long
handle ratchet to this hole.
(2) Rotate ratchet and tensioner assembly clock-
wise (as viewed from front) until tension has been
relieved from belt.
(3) Remove belt from water pump pulley first.
(4) Remove belt from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing the accessory drive belt,
the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine mayoverheat due to water pump rotating in wrong
direction. Refer to (Fig. 15) for correct engine belt
routing. The correct belt with correct length must
be used.
(1) Position drive belt over all pulleysexcept
water pump pulley.
(2) Attach a 1/2 inch ratchet to tensioner.
(3) Rotate ratchet and belt tensioner clockwise.
Place belt over water pump pulley. Let tensioner
rotate back into place. Remove ratchet. Be sure belt
is properly seated on all pulleys.
Fig. 15 Belt Routing±5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - GENERATOR PULLEY
2 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
3 - IDLER PULLEY
4 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
5 - RADIATOR FAN PULLEY
6 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
7 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
8 - A/C COMPRESSOR PUMP PULLEY
7 - 34 ACCESSORY DRIVEDR
DRIVE BELTS - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

ENGINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLANT
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT.......36
DESCRIPTION - HOAT COOLANT.........37
OPERATION...........................38
COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER-5.9L
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
COOLANT DEGAS CONTAINER-3.7L/4.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
RADIATOR FAN
REMOVAL.............................39
CLEANING............................40
INSPECTION..........................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL
REMOVAL.............................41
CLEANING............................41
INSPECTION..........................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION.........................42
OPERATION...........................42
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING Ð ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER ............................42
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................44
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................44
OPERATION...........................44
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................47
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT- 5.7L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION.........................47
OPERATION...........................48
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT . . . 48
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................49
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.7L/4.7L
DESCRIPTION.........................50OPERATION...........................51
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT . . . 51
REMOVAL.............................51
INSTALLATION.........................51
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 5.9L
DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................52
OPERATION...........................52
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT . . . 52
REMOVAL.............................53
INSTALLATION.........................53
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION.........................54
OPERATION...........................54
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE..............................54
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................55
OPERATION...........................55
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRONICLY
CONTOLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE.......56
RADIATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................56
OPERATION...........................56
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW......................57
REMOVAL.............................57
CLEANING............................58
INSPECTION..........................58
INSTALLATION.........................58
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION.........................59
OPERATION...........................59
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW......................59
REMOVAL.............................59
CLEANING............................60
INSPECTION..........................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION.........................60
OPERATION...........................61
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
CAP-TO-FILLER NECK SEAL.............61
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
CAP................................61
CLEANING............................62
INSPECTION..........................62
DRENGINE 7 - 35