2003 DODGE RAM electrical

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
READS HIGH OR THE
COOLANT WARNING LAMP
ILLUMINATES. COOLANT MAY
OR MAY NOT BE LOST OR
LEAKING FROM THE COOLING
SYSTEM1. Trailer is being towed, a steep
hill is being climbed, vehicle is
operated in slow moving traffic,
or engine is being idled with
very high ambient (outside)
temperatures and the air
conditioning is on. Higher
altitudes could aggravate these
conditions.1. This may be a temporary condition and
repair is not necessary. Turn off the air
conditioning and attempt to drive the
vehicle without any of the previous
conditions. Observe the temperature
gauge. The gauge should return to the
normal range. If the gauge does not return
to the normal range, determine the cause
for overheating and repair. Refer to
Possible Causes (2-18).
2. Is the temperature gauge
reading correctly?2. Check gauge. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
SCHEMATIC - ELECTRICAL). Repair as
necessary.
3. Is the temperature warning
illuminating unnecessarily?3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - SCHEMATIC -
ELECTRICAL).
4. Coolant low in coolant
reserve/overflow tank and
radiator?4. Check for coolant leaks and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
5. Pressure cap not installed
tightly. If cap is loose, boiling
point of coolant will be lowered.
Also refer to the following Step
6.5. Tighten cap
6. Poor seals at the radiator
cap.6. (a) Check condition of cap and cap
seals. Refer to Radiator Cap. Replace cap
if necessary.
(b) Check condition of radiator filler neck.
If neck is bent or damaged, replace
radiator (5.9L) or degas bottle (3.7L, 4.7L).
7. Coolant level low in radiator
but not in coolant reserve/
overflow tank. This means the
radiator is not drawing coolant
from the coolant reserve/
overflow tank as the engine
cools (5.9L).7. (a) Check condition of radiator cap and
cap seals. Refer to Radiator Cap in this
Group. Replace cap if necessary.
(b) Check condition of radiator filler neck.
If neck is bent or damaged, replace
radiator.
(c) Check condition of the hose from the
radiator to the coolant tank. It should fit
tight at both ends without any kinks or
tears. Replace hose if necessary.
(d) Check coolant reserve/overflow tank
and tanks hoses for blockage. Repair as
necessary.
8. Incorrect coolant
concentration8. Check coolant. (Refer to LUBRICATION
& MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
9. Coolant not flowing through
system9. Check for coolant flow at radiator filler
neck with some coolant removed, engine
warm and thermostat open. Coolant
should be observed flowing through
radiator. If flow is not observed, determine
area of obstruction and repair as
necessary.
7 - 12 COOLINGDR
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
10. Radiator or A/C condenser
fins are dirty or clogged.10. Remove insects and debris. (Refer to
7 - COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
11. Radiator core is corroded or
plugged.11. Have radiator re-cored or replaced.
12. Fuel or ignition system
problems.12. Refer to 14 - Fuel System or 8 -
Electrical for diagnosis and testing
procedures.
13. Dragging brakes. 13. Check and correct as necessary.
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) for correct procedures.
14. Bug screen or cardboard is
being , reducing airflow.14. Remove bug screen or cardboard.
15. Thermostat partially or
completely shut.15. Check thermostat operation and
replace as necessary. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - REMOVAL) .
16. Viscous fan drive not
operating properly.16. Check fan drive operation and replace
as necessary. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH
- REMOVAL).
17. Cylinder head gasket
leaking.17. Check for cylinder head gasket leaks.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
18. Heater core leaking. 18. Check heater core for leaks. (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Repair as necessary.
DRCOOLING 7 - 13
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Temperature gauge reading is
inconsistent (flucttuates, cycles
or is erratic)1. During cold weather
operation, with the heater blower
in the high position, the gauge
reading may drop slightly.1. A normal condition. No correction
necessary.
2. Temperature gauge or engine
mounted gauge sensor defective
or shorted. Also, corroded or
loose wiring in this circuit.2. Check operation of gauge and repair if
necessary. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
3. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running)3. A normal condition. No correction is
necessary. Gauge should return to normal
range after vehicle is driven.
4. Gauge reading high after
re-starting a warmed up (hot)
engine.4. A normal condition. No correction is
necessary. The gauge should return to
normal range after a few minutes of
engine operation.
5. Coolant level low in radiator
(air will build up in the cooling
system causing the thermostat
to open late).5. Check and correct coolant leaks. (Refer
to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
6. Cylinder head gasket leaking
allowing exhaust gas to enter
cooling system causing a
thermostat to open late.6. (a) Check for cylinder head gasket
leaks. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(b) Check for coolant in the engine oil.
Inspect for white steam emitting from the
exhaust system. Repair as necessary.
7. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.7. Check water pump and replace as
necessary. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/WATER PUMP - REMOVAL).
8. Loose accessory drive belt.
(water pump slipping)8. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY
DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Check and correct as
necessary.
9. Air leak on the suction side of
the water pump allows air to
build up in cooling system
causing thermostat to open late.9. Locate leak and repair as necessary.
PRESSURE CAP IS BLOWING
OFF STEAM AND/OR
COOLANT TO COOLANT TANK.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
READING MAY BE ABOVE
NORMAL BUT NOT HIGH.
COOLANT LEVEL MAY BE
HIGH IN COOLANT RESERVE/
OVERFLOW TANK1. Pressure relief valve in
radiator cap is defective.1. Check condition of radiator cap and cap
seals. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Replace cap
as necessary.
COOLANT LOSS TO THE
GROUND WITHOUT
PRESSURE CAP BLOWOFF.
GAUGE READING HIGH OR
HOT1. Coolant leaks in radiator,
cooling system hoses, water
pump or engine.1. Pressure test and repair as necessary.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
7 - 14 COOLINGDR
COOLING (Continued)

RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If the electronically controlled viscous
fan drive is replaced because of mechanical dam-
age, the cooling fan blades should also be
inspected. Inspect for fatigue cracks, or loose rivets
that could have resulted from excessive vibration.
Replace fan blade assembly if any of these condi-
tions are found. Also inspect wiring harness and
connectors for damage.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cables.
(2) Remove the fan shroud lower half. by unsnap-
ping the fastening tabs.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fan pulley bolts. This
pulley is under spring tension.
(3) Disconnect electrical connector.
(4) The electronically controlled viscous fan drive/
fan blade assembly is attached (threaded) to the fan
hub shaft (Fig. 5). Remove the fan blade/fan drive
assembly from fan pulley by turning the mounting
nut counterclockwise (as viewed from front). Threads
on the viscous fan drive areRIGHT-HAND.A
Snap-On 36 MM Fan Wrench (number SP346 from
Snap-On Cummins Diesel Tool Set number 2017DSP)
can be used. Place a bar or screwdriver between the
fan pulley bolts to prevent pulley from rotating.
(5) Remove the fan shroud and the fan blade/vis-
cous drive as an assembly from vehicle from under
the vehicle.
(6) Remove fan blade-to-viscous fan drive mount-
ing bolts.
(7) Inspect the fan for cracks, loose or bent fan
blades.
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine
drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous
fan drives. Installation of the wrong fan or viscous
fan drive can result in engine overheating.
CLEANING
Clean the fan blades using a mild soap and water.
Do not use an abrasive to clean the blades.
INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR
STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF FAN IS NOT WITHIN
SPECIFICATIONS.CAUTION: If fan blade assembly is replaced
because of mechanical damage, water pump and
viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These
components could have been damaged due to
excessive vibration.
(1) Remove fan blade assembly from viscous fan
drive unit (six bolts).
(2) Lay fan on a flat surface with leading edge fac-
ing down. With tip of blade touching flat surface,
replace fan if clearance between opposite blade and
surface is greater than 2.0 mm (.090 inch). Rocking
motion of opposite blades should not exceed 2.0 mm
(.090 inch). Test all blades in this manner.
(3) Inspect fan assembly for cracks, bends, or bro-
ken welds. Replace fan if any damage is found.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade assembly to electrically con-
trolled viscous fan drive. Tighten mounting bolts to
23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position the fan blade/viscous fan drive to the
vehicle as an assembly.
(3) Install viscous fan drive assembly on fan hub
shaft (Fig. 5). Tighten mounting nut to 33 N´m (24 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector.
Fig. 5 Fan Blade/Viscous Fan Drive
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
3 - FAN BLADE
4 - BOLT
5 - FAN DRIVE
DRENGINE 7 - 41

(5) Install the lower fan shroud into position and
verify the locking tabs have seated.
(6) Connect the battery negative cables.
NOTE:
Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Requirement:
After installing a new viscous fan drive, bring the
engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will
ensure proper fluid distribution within the drive.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
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 with
all models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The cord is attached to an engine compartment com-
ponent with tie-straps. The heater warms the engine
providing easier engine starting and faster warm-up
in low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole of the engine cylinder block in place of a freeze
plug with the heating element immersed in engine
coolant. The 5.9L gas powered engine has the block
heater located on the right side of engine next to the
oil filter (Fig. 6). The 3.7L/4.7L gas powered engines
have the block heater located to the rear on the right
side of the engine (Fig. 7).
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.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING Ð ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER
If the unit does not operate, possible causes can be
either the power cord or the heater element. Test the
power cord for continuity with a 110-volt voltmeter or
110-volt test light. Test heater element continuity
with an ohmmeter or a 12-volt test light.
CAUTION: To prevent damage, the power cord must
be secured in it's retainer clips and away from any
components that may cause abrasion or damage,
such as linkages, exhaust components, etc.
Fig. 6 Engine Block Heater - 5.9L
1 - FREEZE PLUG HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - SCREW
4 - POWER CORD (120V AC)
5 - HEATING COIL
6 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 7 Engine Block Heater - 3.7L/4.7L
1 - ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
7 - 42 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR FAN - 5.9L DIESEL (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)

(4) Using a suitable size socket, loosen and remove
the block heater element (Fig. 10).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the threads in the cylinder
block.
(2) Coat heater element threads with Mopart
Thread Sealer with Teflon.
(3) Screw block heater into cylinder block and
tighten to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect block heater cord and tighten retain-
ing cap.
(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
used to sense engine coolant temperature. The sensor
protrudes into an engine water jacket.
The ECT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as engine coolant
temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
At key-on, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
sends out a regulated 5 volt signal to the ECT sensor.
The PCM then monitors the signal as it passes
through the ECT sensor to the sensor ground (sensor
return).When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
Open Loop cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-
fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds. This is done
until normal operating temperatures are reached.
The PCM uses inputs from the ECT sensor for the
following calculations:
²for engine coolant temperature gauge operation
through CCD or PCI (J1850) communications
²Injector pulse-width
²Spark-advance curves
²ASD relay shut-down times
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor key-on steps
²Pulse-width prime-shot during cranking
²O2 sensor closed loop times
²Purge solenoid on/off times
²EGR solenoid on/off times (if equipped)
²Leak Detection Pump operation (if equipped)
²Radiator fan relay on/off times (if equipped)
²Target idle speed
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 3.7L engine is installed into a water jacket at
front of intake manifold near rear of generator (Fig.
11).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
4.7L V-8
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT)
SENSOR.
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 4.7L V-8 engine is located near the front of the
intake manifold (Fig. 12).
(1) Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
ECT sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
Fig. 10 Block Heater-Diesel Engine
1 - BLOCK HEATER
7 - 44 ENGINEDR
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

5.7L V-8
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.7L engine is located under the air conditioningcompressor (Fig. 13). It is installed into a water
jacket at the front of the cylinder block (Fig. 14).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Remove fan belt. Refer to Accessory Drive in
Cooling section.
(3) Carefully unbolt air conditioning compressor
from front of engine. Do not disconnect any A/C hoses
from compressor. Temporarily support compressor to
gain access to ECT sensor. Refer to Heating and Air
Conditioning section for information.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor
(Fig. 14).
(5) Remove sensor from cylinder block.
5.9L Diesel
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.9L diesel engine is located near the thermostat
housing (Fig. 15).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
Fig. 11 MAP SENSOR / ECT SENSOR - 3.7L V-6
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
4 - FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 12 ECT SENSOR - 4.7L V-8
1 - ECT SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - MAP SENSOR
4 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 13 ECT LOCATION - 5.7L V-8
1 - TOP OF AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
2 - ECT SENSOR LOCATION
DRENGINE 7 - 45
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)