2003 DODGE RAM electrical

8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS.........2
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
OUTLET.............................2
INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................4
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT
CONTROL MODULE....................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
IOD FUSE
DESCRIPTION..........................6OPERATION............................6
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................7
POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER OUTLET . 7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RELAY.........8
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
MICRO RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MICRO-RELAY . . . 9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION
This group covers the various standard and
optional power distribution components used on this
model. The power distribution system for this vehicle
consists of the following components:
²Integrated Power Module (IPM)
²Front Control Module (FCM)
²Power Distribution Center (PDC)
²Power Outlets
²Cigar Lighter Outlets
²Relays
Refer to Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit sche-
matics.
The power distribution system also incorporates
various types of circuit control and protection fea-
tures, including:
²Automatic resetting circuit breakers
²Blade-type fuses
²Cartridge fuses
²RelaysFollowing are general descriptions of the major
components in the power distribution system. See the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features and use of all of the
power distribution system components.
OPERATION
The power distribution system for this vehicle is
designed to provide safe, reliable, and centralized dis-
tribution points for the electrical current required to
operate all of the many standard and optional facto-
ry-installed electrical and electronic powertrain,
chassis, safety, security, comfort and convenience sys-
tems. At the same time, the power distribution sys-
tem was designed to provide ready access to these
electrical distribution points for the vehicle techni-
cian to use when conducting diagnosis and repair of
faulty circuits. The power distribution system can
also prove useful for the sourcing of additional elec-
trical circuits that may be required to provide the
electrical current needed to operate many accessories
that the vehicle owner may choose to have installed
in the aftermarket.
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 1

INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Integrated Power Module (IPM) (Fig. 1) is a
combination of the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
and the Front Control Module (FCM). The IPM is
located in the engine compartment, next to the bat-
tery on this model. The power distribution center
mates directly with the Front Control Module (FCM)
to form the Integrated Power Module Fuse and Relay
Center. The power distribution center (PDC) is a
printed circuit board based module that contains
fuses and relays, while the front control module con-
tains the electronics controlling the integrated power
module and other functions. This integrated power
module connects directly to the battery positive via a
stud located on top of the unit. The ground connec-
tion is via electrical connectors. The integrated power
module provides the primary means of voltage distri-
bution and protection for the entire vehicle.
The molded plastic integrated power module hous-
ing includes a base and cover. The integrated power
module cover is easily opened or removed for service
access by unscrewing the cover retaining nut and has
a fuse and relay layout map integral to the inside
surface of the cover. This integrated power module
housing base and cover are secured in place via bolts
to the left front fender support assembly.
Replaceable components of the integrated power
module assembly are broken down into the followingcomponents: the Power Distribution Center (PDC),
the integrated power module cover, the Front Control
Module (FCM) and the Integrated Power Module
Assembly which includes the power distribution cen-
ter, the cover and FCM.Refer to the Front Con-
trol Module in the Electronic Control Module
sectionof this service manual for information on the
front control module.
OPERATION
All of the current from the battery and the gener-
ator output enters the integrated power module via a
stud on the top of the module. The integrated power
module cover is removed to access the fuses or relays.
Internal connections of all of the power distribution
center circuits is accomplished by a combination of
bus bars and a printed circuit board. Refer to the
Wiring section of the service manual for complete
integrated power module circuit schematics.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative and positive battery
cables.
(2) Unsnap cover and remove the B+ terminal nut
from the integrated power module B+ terminal.
Remove the B+ cable from the integrated power mod-
ule.
(3) Disconnect the gray connector from the inte-
grated power module.
Fig. 1 DR INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
1 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER HOUSING
2 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 2 DR INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
1 - COVER RETAINING BOLT
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE RETAINING BOLT
3 - RETAINING SCREW
4 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE COVER
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 3

(4) Remove the integrated power module retaining
bolt and screw (Fig. 2).
(5) Grasp the integrated power module with two
hands and slide the assembly in the direction shown
(Fig. 3) to free the module from its mounting bracket.
Position the assembly upside down to access the elec-
trical connectors located on the bottom of the unit.
(6) Disconnect the electrical connectors by depress-
ing the locking tab and rotating the connector arm
outboard, until the connector is free from the module
assembly. Be certain to pull the connectors straight
off.
(7) Position the integrated power module on a
bench and remove the four front control module
retaining screws.
(8) Disconnect the front control module by pulling
it straight off the integrated power module.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the front control module by pushing it
straight on the integrated power module electrical
receptacle.
(2) Install the four front control module retaining
screws. Torque to 30 in. lbs. +/-5.
NOTE: Integrated power module electrical connec-
tors are color coded to ease location reference (Fig.
4).
(3) Connect the electrical connectors by pushing
straight on and rotating the connector arm inboard,
until the connector is firmly locked in place on the
module assembly.(4) Grasp the integrated power module with two
hands and install the assembly on the battery tray
(Fig. 5).
(5) Install the integrated power module retaining
bolt and screw.
(6) Connect the gray connector on the integrated
power module housing.
(7) Install the B+ terminal cable and nut on the
integrated power module B+ terminal. Snap the
cover in place.
(8) Connect the negative and positive battery
cables.
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a micro con-
troller based module located in the left front corner
of the engine compartment. On this model the inte-
grated power module must be positioned aside in
order to access the front control module. The front
control module mates to the power distribution cen-
ter to form the Integrated Power Module (IPM). The
integrated power module connects directly to the bat-
Fig. 3 REMOVING INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
Fig. 4 INTEGRATED POWER MODULE ELECTRICAL
CONNECTIONS
1 - RETAINING LATCH
2 - GRAY CONNECTOR
3 - GREEN CONNECTOR
4 - GREEN CONNECTOR
5 - BLUE CONNECTOR
6 - WHITE CONNECTOR
7 - BLACK CONNECTOR
8 - BLACK CONNECTOR
8W - 97 - 4 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONDR
INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (Continued)

tery and provides the primary means of circuit pro-
tection and power distribution for all vehicle
electrical systems. The front control module controls
power to some of these vehicle systems electrical and
electromechanical loads based on inputs received
from hard wired switch inputs and data received on
the PCI bus circuit (J1850).
For information on theIntegrated Power Mod-
ule Refer to the Power Distribution Sectionof
the service manual.
OPERATION
As messages are sent over the PCI bus circuit, the
front control module reads these messages and con-
trols power to some of the vehicles electrical systems
by completing the circuit to ground (low side driver)
or completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side
driver). The following functions areControlledby
the Front Control Module:
²Headlamp Power with Voltage Regulation
²Windshield Wiper ªON/OFFº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Wiper ªHI/LOº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Washer Pump Motor
²Fog Lamp Relay Actuation
²Park Lamp Relay Actuation
²Horn Relay Actuation
The following inputs areReceived/Monitoredby
the Front Control Module:
²B+ Connection Detection²Power Ground
²Ambient Temperature Sensing
²Ignition Switch Run
²Washer Fluid Level Switch
²Windshield Wiper Park Switch
²PCI Bus Circuit
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT CONTROL
MODULE
The front control module is a printed circuit board
based module with a on-board micro-processor. The
front control module interfaces with other electronic
modules in the vehicle via the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus (J1850). In
order to obtain conclusive testing the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network
and all of the electronic modules that provide inputs
to, or receive outputs from the front control module
must be checked. All PCI (J1850) communication
faults must be resolved prior to further diagnosing
any front control module related issues.
The front control module was designed to be diag-
nosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool, such
as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the front control module
requires the use of a DRB IIItscan tool and the
proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
Before any testing of the front control module is
attempted, the battery should be fully charged and
all wire harness and ground connections inspected
around the affected areas on the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the positive and negative battery
cables from the battery.
(2) Partially remove the integrated power module
from the engine compartment (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED
POWER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(3)
Remove the front control module retaining
screws.
(4) Using both hands, pull the front control module
straightfrom the integrated power module assembly
to disconnect the 49-way electrical connector and
remove the front control module from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front control module on the inte-
grated power module assembly by pushing the
49-way electrical connector straight in.
(2) Install the front control module retaining
screws. Torque the screws to 7 in. lbs.
(3) Install the integrated power module (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(4)
Connect the positive and negative battery cables.
Fig. 5 INTEGRATED POWER MODULE MOUNTING
TABS
1 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE MOUNTING HOLES
2 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 5
FRONT CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

IOD FUSE
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with an Ignition-Off
Draw (IOD) fuse that is disconnected within the Inte-
grated Power Module when the vehicle is shipped
from the factory. Dealer personnel are to reconnect
the IOD fuse in the Integrated Power Module as part
of the preparation procedures performed just prior to
new vehicle delivery.
A laser printed fuse layout map is integral to the
Integrated Power Module cover to ensure proper fuse
identification. The IOD fuse is a 20 ampere mini
blade-type fuse, located in fuse cavity # 51 (Fig. 6).
The fuse is secured within a black molded plastic
fuse holder and puller unit that serves both as a tool
for disconnecting and reconnecting the fuse in its
Integrated Power Module cavity, and as a fuse holder
that conveniently stores the fuse in the same Inte-
grated Power Module cavity after it has been discon-
nected.
CIRCUITS INCLUDED WITH IOD FUSE
²Cluster (CCN)
²Diagnostic Connector
²Map Lamps
²Glove Box Lamp
²Courtesy Lamps
²Radio
²Underhood Lamp
OPERATION
The term ignition-off draw identifies a normal con-
dition where power is being drained from the battery
with the ignition switch in the Off position. The IOD
fuse feeds the memory and sleep mode functions for
some of the electronic modules in the vehicle as well
as various other accessories that require battery cur-
rent when the ignition switch is in the Off position.
The only reason the IOD fuse is disconnected is to
reduce the normal IOD of the vehicle electrical sys-
tem during new vehicle transportation and pre-deliv-
ery storage to reduce battery depletion, while still
allowing vehicle operation so that the vehicle can be
loaded, unloaded and moved as needed by both vehi-
cle transportation company and dealer personnel.
The IOD fuse is disconnected from Integrated
Power Module fuse cavity # 51 when the vehicle is
shipped from the assembly plant. Dealer personnel
must reconnect the IOD fuse when the vehicle is
being prepared for delivery in order to restore full
electrical system operation. Once the vehicle is pre-
pared for delivery, the IOD function of this fuse
becomes transparent and the fuse that has been
assigned the IOD designation becomes only another
Fused B(+) circuit fuse.
The IOD fuse can be used by the vehicle owner as
a convenient means of reducing battery depletion
when a vehicle is to be stored for periods not to
exceed about thirty days. However, it must be
remembered that disconnecting the IOD fuse will not
eliminate IOD, but only reduce this normal condition.
If a vehicle will be stored for more than about thirty
days, the battery negative cable should be discon-
nected to eliminate normal IOD; and, the battery
should be tested and recharged at regular intervals
during the vehicle storage period to prevent the bat-
tery from becoming discharged or damaged.
REMOVAL
The Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse is disconnected
from Integrated Power Module fuse cavity # 51 when
the vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant.
Dealer personnel must reconnect the IOD fuse when
the vehicle is being prepared for delivery in order to
restore full electrical system operation.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
(2) Remove the Integrated Power Module cover.
(3) Grasp the outer tabs of the IOD fuse holder
unit in fuse cavity # 51 between the thumb and fore-
finger and pull the unit firmly upward.
(4) Install the Integrated Power Module cover.
Fig. 6 IOD FUSE LOCATION
1 - IOD FUSE
8W - 97 - 6 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONDR

(4) Press firmly on the cigar lighter or power out-
let receptacle base until the retaining bosses of the
mount are fully engaged in their receptacles.
(5) Install the cigar lighter knob and element into
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or the protective cap
into the power outlet receptacle base.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
A relay (Fig. 8) is an electromechanical device that
switches fused battery current to a electrical compo-
nent when the ignition switch is turned to the Acces-
sory or Run positions, or when controlled by a
electronic module. The relays are located in the inte-
grated power module.
The relay is a International Standards Organiza-
tion (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to the ISO speci-
fications have common physical dimensions, current
capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions.
A relay cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor and three (two fixed and one movable) elec-
trical contacts. The movable (common feed) relay con-
tact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When the elec-
tromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable
contact away from the normally closed fixed contact,
and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed
contact.
When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized,
spring pressure returns the movable contact to the
normally closed position. The resistor is connected in
parallel with the electromagnetic coil in the relay,
and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that are pro-
duced when the coil is de-energized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RELAY
The relays are located in the integrated power
module. For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWir-
ing Diagrams.
(1) Remove the relay from its mounting location.
(2) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 60.7 - 80.3 ohms. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, perform the Relay Circuit Test that
follows. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
Fig. 7 Cigar Lighter and Power Outlet Remove/
Install
1 - KNOB AND ELEMENT
2 - RETAINING BOSSES-ENGAGE PLIERS HERE
3 - BASE
4 - PARTIALLY REMOVED
5 - EXTERNAL SNAP-RING PLIERS
6 - MOUNT
7 - BASE
Fig. 8 ISO Relay
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
8W - 97 - 8 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONDR
POWER OUTLET (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either per-
formance (e.g., engine idles rough and stalls) or
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)ÐPERFORMANCE and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)ÐMECHANICAL for
possible causes and corrections of malfunctions.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) and (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for the fuel system diagnosis.Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following diagnosis:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery 1. Charge or replace as necessary.
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to the terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
4. Faulty coil or control unit. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
6. Incorrect right bank cam timing. 6. Refer to engine timing in this
section.
7. Dirt or water in fuel system. 7. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
8.Faulty fuel pump, relay or wiring. 8.Repair or replace as necessary.
9. Faulty cam or crank sensor 9. Refer to Ignition system.
ENGINE STALLS OR ROUGH IDLE 1. Vacuum leak. 1. Inspect intake manifold and
vacuum hoses, repair or replace as
necessary.
2. Faulty crank position sensor 2. Replace crank position sensor.
3. Faulty coil. 3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
9 - 4 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
4. Incorrect cam timing. 4. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE
TIMING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
1. ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped spark
plugs.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
2. Dirt or water in fuel system. 2. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
3. Faulty fuel pump. 3. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/
FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL PUMP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
4. Blown cylinder head gasket. 4. Replace cylinder head gasket.
5. Low compression. 5. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING), repair
as necessary.
6. Burned, warped or pitted valves. 6. Replace as necessary.
7. Plugged or restricted exhaust
system.7. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
8. Faulty coil. 8. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
9. Incorrect cam timing. 9. Refer to Engine TIming in this
section.
1. ENGINE MISSES ON
ACCELERATION1. Spark plugs dirty or incorrectly
gapped.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
2. Dirt in fuel system. 2. Clean fuel system.
3. Burned, warped or pitted valves. 3. Replcae as necessary.
4. Faulty coil. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
1. ENGINE MISSES AT HIGH
SPEED1. Spark plugs dirty or incorrectly
gapped.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
2. Faulty coil. 2. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
3. Dirt or water in fuel system. 3. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 5
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)