2003 DODGE RAM charging

ELECTRONIC MODULE IGNITION-OFF DRAW (IOD) TABLE
ModuleTime Out?
(If Yes, Interval And Wake-Up Input)IODIOD After Time
Out
ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster
(EMIC)No 0.44 milliampere N/A
Combination Flasher No 0.08 milliampere N/A
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect the lamp wire harness
connector or remove the lamp bulb.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(5) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Integrated Power Module (IPM), one
at a time until the amperage reading becomes very
low, or nonexistent. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information in this service manual for complete Inte-
grated Power Module fuse, circuit breaker, and cir-
cuit identification. This will isolate each circuit and
identify the circuit that is the source of the high-am-
perage IOD. If the amperage reading remains high
after removing and replacing each fuse and circuit
breaker, disconnect the wire harness from the gener-
ator. If the amperage reading now becomes very low
or nonexistent, refer to Charging System for the
proper charging system diagnosis and testing proce-
dures. After the high-amperage IOD has been cor-
rected, switch the multi-meter to progressively lower
amperage scales and, if necessary, repeat the fuse
and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process to
identify and correct all sources of excessive IOD. It is
now safe to select the lowest milliampere scale of the
multi-meter to check the low-amperage IOD.CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(6) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
in Step 5. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING MICRO 420
BATTERY TESTER
Always use the Micro 420 Instruction Manual that
was supplied with the tester as a reference. If the
Instruction Manual is not available the following pro-
cedure can be used:
Fig. 9 MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY (Continued)

also provide a return path for electrical current gen-
erated by the charging system for restoring the volt-
age potential of the battery. The female battery
terminal clamps on the ends of the battery cable
wires provide a strong and reliable connection of the
battery cable to the battery terminal posts. The ter-
minal pinch bolts allow the female terminal clamps
to be tightened around the male terminal posts on
the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals secured
to the ends of the battery cable wires opposite the
female battery terminal clamps provide secure and
reliable connection of the battery to the vehicle elec-
trical system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY CABLES
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cables. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
rosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the
battery cable connection and the battery cable again
to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.EXAM-
PLE:When testing the resistance of the battery pos-
itive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery
positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid
B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive
terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet
terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud,
you are reading the combined voltage drop in the
battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal
post connection and the battery positive cable.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
WARNING: MODELS EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL
ENGINE HAVE AN AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD)
RELAY LOCATED IN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION
CENTER (PDC). REMOVAL OF THE ASD RELAY
MAY NOT PREVENT THE DIESEL ENGINE FROM
STARTING. BE CERTAIN TO DISCONNECT THE
FUEL SHUTDOWN SOLENOID WIRE HARNESS
CONNECTOR TO PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM
STARTING. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:²The battery is fully-charged and tested (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the
Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a man-
ual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in
the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the
fully depressed position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The
ASD relay is located in the Integrated Power Module
(IPM), in the engine compartment. See the fuse and
relay layout label on the underside of the IPM cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable terminal clamp (Fig. 11). Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor con-
nection between the battery negative cable terminal
clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with two 12v bat-
teries, step #1 must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
terminal clamp (Fig. 12). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor connection
Fig. 11 Test Battery Negative Connection
Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 15
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery cable in the engine com-
partment.
(2) One at a time, install the battery cable retain-
ing pushpins, fasteners and routing clips until the
cable is installed exactly where it was in the vehicle.
Refer to Wiring for illustrations.
(3) Install the battery in the vehicle. Refer to the
procedure in this group.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable terminal.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The molded plastic tray battery tray is located in
the left front corner of the engine compartment. On
this model, the battery tray also provides an anchor
point for the anti-lock brake controller, cruise control
servo (if equipped) and the integrated power module
(Fig. 15). The battery hold down hardware is con-
tained within the battery tray. A hole in the bottom
of the battery tray is fitted with a battery tempera-
ture sensor. Refer to Charging System for more infor-
mation on the battery temperature sensor.
OPERATION
The battery tray and the battery hold down hard-
ware combine to secure and stabilize the battery in
the engine compartment, which prevents battery
movement during even the most extreme vehicle
operation. Unrestrained battery movement during
vehicle operation could result in damage to the vehi-
cle, the battery, or both.
REMOVAL
LEFT SIDE
(1) Remove the battery from the battery tray
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the integrated power module (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEL-
LIGENT POWER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness retainers from the
battery tray assembly.
(4) Remove the anti-lock brake controller (if
equipped) retaining bolts and support the brake con-
troller with mechanics wire. It is not necessary to
completely remove the anti-lock brake control unit.
(5) Remove the left front wheelhouse splash shiel-
d(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LF WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL).
Fig. 15 DR Battery Tray
1 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
2 - BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
3 - ANTI-LOCK BRAKE CONTROLLER MOUNTING LOCATION
4 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE MOUNTING SANCTION
Fig. 16 Lower Battery Tray Retaining Bolts
1 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
2 - BATTERY TRAY RETAINING BOLTS
3 - CRUISE CONTROL SERVO
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 17
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)

(6) Mark the location of the cruise servo (if
equipped) and remove the retaining screws. Position
the servo out of the way.
(7) Remove the battery temperature sensor from
the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARG-
ING/BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(8) Disconnect the purge solenoid from its mount-
ing bracket.
(9) Disconnect the left front fender ground wire.
(10) Remove the remaining battery tray retaining
bolts (Fig. 16).
(11) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
RIGHT SIDE
(1) Remove the battery from the battery tray
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the right front wheelhouse splash
shield.
(3) Disconnect the right front fender ground wire.
(4) Remove fasteners from grid heater relay
bracket.
(5) Remove air box.
(6) Remove the remaining battery tray retaining
bolts (Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
LEFT SIDE
(1) Position the battery tray assembly and install
the retaining bolts.
(2) Connect the left front fender ground wire.
(3) Install the purge solenoid on its mounting
bracket.
(4) Install the battery temperature sensor in the
battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Install the cruise servo (if equipped) and
retaining screws.(6) Install the left front wheelhouse splash shield
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LF WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the anti-lock brake controller (if
equipped).
(8) Connect the wire harness retainers on the bat-
tery tray assembly.
(9) Install the integrated power module (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTELLI-
GENT POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLA-
TION).RIGHT SIDE
(1) Position the battery tray assembly and install
the retaining bolts.
(2) Connect the right front fender ground wire.
(3) Install the air box.
(4) Install the grid heater relay bracket.
(5) Install the right front wheelhouse splash
shield.
(6) Install the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 17 RIGHT SIDE BATTERY TRAY
8F - 18 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY TRAY (Continued)

CHARGING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM............................19
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS.................20
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - GENERATOR
/ CHARGING SYSTEM..................20
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................25
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Elec-
tronic Control Module (ECM) for diesel engines.
²Ignition switch
²Battery (refer to 8, Battery for information)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped)
²Voltmeter (refer to 8, Instrument Panel and
Gauges for information)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to 8, Wir-
ing Diagrams for information)
OPERATION
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. When the
ASD relay is on, voltage is supplied to the ASD relay
sense circuit at the PCM (ECM Diesel). This voltage
is connected through the PCM (ECM Diesel) and sup-
plied to one of the generator field terminals (Gen.
Source +) at the back of the generator.
The amount of direct current produced by the gen-
erator is controlled by the EVR (field control) cir-
cuitry contained within the PCM (ECM Diesel). This
circuitry is connected in series with the second rotor
field terminal and ground.
A battery temperature sensor, located in the bat-
tery tray housing, is used to sense battery tempera-
ture. This temperature data, along with data from
monitored line voltage, is used by the PCM (ECM
Diesel) to vary the battery charging rate. This isdone by cycling the ground path to control the
strength of the rotor magnetic field. The PCM then
compensates and regulates generator current output
accordingly.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM
(ECM Diesel). Each monitored circuit is assigned a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a
DTC in electronic memory for certain failures it
detects.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors:
charging system voltage,engine coolant tempera-
ture and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition
is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is
done as reminder to check the three gauges. The sig-
nal to activate the lamp is sent via the CCD bus cir-
cuits. The lamp is located on the instrument panel.
Refer to 8, Instrument Panel and Gauges for addi-
tional information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp (if equipped) is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
DRCHARGING 8F - 19

²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test in 8, Battery for more information.
INSPECTION
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module), or ECM
(Diesel) monitors critical input and output circuits of
the charging system, making sure they are opera-
tional. A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned
to each input and output circuit monitored by the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. Some charging
system circuits are checked continuously, and some
are checked only under certain conditions.
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain
Control Module; Electronic Control Modules for more
DTC information. This will include a complete list of
DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.
To perform a complete test of the charging system,
refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual and the DRBtscan tool. Per-
form the following inspections before attaching the
scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to 8, Bat-
tery for procedures.(2) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(3) Inspect all fuses in both the fuseblock and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in
receptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
torque specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in 7, Cooling System.
(6) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to 7, Cooling System for information.
(7) Inspect generator electrical connections at gen-
erator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if
equipped). Also check generator ground wire connec-
tion at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean
and tight. Repair as required.
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS
TYPE PART NUMBER RATED SAE AMPS ENGINES
DENSO 56029700AA 136 3.7L / 4.7L
DENSO 56029701AA 136 5.9L Gas
BOSCH 56041120AC 136 3.7L / 4.7L
BOSCH 56028238AB 136 5.9L Gas
DENSO 56028560AA 136 8.0L
DENSO 56028696AA 136 5.7L Gas/5.9L Diesel
BOSCH 56028699AA 136 5.7L Gas/5.9L Diesel
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - GENERATOR /
CHARGING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator Mounting Bolts - 5.7L 41 30 -
Generator Support Bracket
Bolt/Nuts - 5.7L41 30 -
Generator Mounting Bolts - 8.0L 41 30 -
Generator Upper Mounting Bolt -
5.9L Diesel Engine41 30 -
Generator Upper Mounting Bolt -
5.9L Gas Engine41 30 -
8F - 20 CHARGINGDR
CHARGING (Continued)

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator Lower Pivot Bolt / Nut -
5.9L Gas Engine41 30 -
Generator Vertical Mounting Bolt -
3.7L / 4.7L Engines55 40 -
Generator (long) Horizontal
Mounting Bolt - 3.7L / 4.7L Engines55 40 -
Generator (short) Horizontal
Mounting Bolt - 3.7L / 4.7L Engines74 55 -
Generator B+ Output Cable
Terminal Nut12 - 108
BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is attached
to the battery tray located under the battery.
OPERATION
The BTS is used to determine the battery temper-
ature and control battery charging rate. This temper-
ature data, along with data from monitored line
voltage, is used by the PCM (ECM Diesel) to vary the
battery charging rate. System voltage will be higher
at colder temperatures and is gradually reduced at
warmer temperatures.
The PCM sends 5 volts to the sensor and is
grounded through the sensor return line. As temper-
ature increases, resistance in the sensor decreases
and the detection voltage at the PCM increases.
The BTS is also used for OBD II diagnostics. Cer-
tain faults and OBD II monitors are either enabled
or disabled, depending upon BTS input (for example,
disable purge and enable Leak Detection Pump
(LDP) and O2 sensor heater tests). Most OBD II
monitors are disabled below 20ÉF.
REMOVAL
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery and is attached (snapped into) a
mounting hole on battery tray (Fig. 1).
(1) Remove battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
(2) Pry sensor straight up from battery tray
mounting hole to gain access to electrical connector
(Fig. 1).
(3) Disconnect sensor from engine wire harness
electrical connector.INSTALLATION
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery and is attached (snapped into) a
mounting hole on battery tray.
(1) Pull electrical connector up through mounting
hole in top of battery tray.
(2) Connect sensor.
(3) Snap sensor into battery tray.
(4) Install battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
Fig. 1 BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
LOCATION
1 - BATTERY TEMP. SENSOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - SENSOR ELEC. CONNECT.
4 - BATTERY TRAY
DRCHARGING 8F - 21
CHARGING (Continued)

GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The stator winding connections deliver the induced
alternating current to 3 positive and 3 negative
diodes for rectification. From the diodes, rectified
direct current is delivered to the vehicle electrical
system through the generator battery terminal.
Although the generators appear the same exter-
nally, different generators with different output rat-
ings are used on this vehicle. Be certain that the
replacement generator has the same output rating
and part number as the original unit. Refer to Gen-
erator Ratings in the Specifications section at the
back of this group for amperage ratings and part
numbers.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by: worn, loose or defective bearings; a loose or defec-
tive drive pulley; incorrect, worn, damaged or misad-
justed fan drive belt; loose mounting bolts; a
misaligned drive pulley or a defective stator or diode.
REMOVAL
3.7L / 4.7L
WARNING: DISCONNECT NEGATIVE CABLE FROM
BATTERY BEFORE REMOVING BATTERY OUTPUT
WIRE (B+ WIRE) FROM GENERATOR. FAILURE TO
DO SO CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DAMAGE TO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Remove generator drive belt. Refer to 7, Cool-
ing System for procedure.
(3) Unsnap plastic insulator cap from B+ output
terminal (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove B+ terminal mounting nut at rear of
generator (Fig. 2). Disconnect terminal from genera-
tor.
(5) Disconnect field wire connector at rear of gen-
erator (Fig. 2) by pushing on connector tab.
(6) Remove 1 rear vertical generator mounting bolt
(Fig. 3).(7) Remove 2 front horizontal generator mounting
bolts (Fig. 3).
(8) Remove generator from vehicle.
Fig. 2 GENERATOR CONNECTORS - 3.7L / 4.7L
1 - GENERATOR
2-B+NUT
3 - PLASTIC INSULATOR CAP
4 - FIELD WIRE CONNECTOR
Fig. 3 REMOVE / INSTALL GENERATOR - 3.7L / 4.7L
1 - LOWER BOLTS
2 - REAR BOLT
3 - GENERATOR
8F - 22 CHARGINGDR