2003 DODGE RAM engine

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)

ENGINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ENGINE - 3.7L............................ 1
ENGINE - 4.7L........................... 87
ENGINE - 5.7L.......................... 176ENGINE - 5.9L.......................... 223
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL..................... 280
ENGINE 8.0L............................ 351
ENGINE - 3.7L
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ENGINE - 3.7L
DESCRIPTION..........................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL..............6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - LUBRICATION..............7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMPRESSION PRESSURE..............8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE.......8
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIR
DAMAGED OR WORN THREADS..........9
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-
PLACE GASKETS AND SEALERS..........9
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE
GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION........10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS ± 3.7L ENGINE.........12
TORQUE............................15
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................16
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER HEAD
GASKET............................20
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................23CAMSHAFT(S)
DESCRIPTION.........................24
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................25
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION.........................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................27
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS
DESCRIPTION.........................27
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFACING......27
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................29
ROCKER ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................30
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................30
VALVE GUIDE SEALS
DESCRIPTION.........................31
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION.........................31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
LASH ADJUSTER.....................31
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32
CAMSHAFT(S)
DESCRIPTION.........................34
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................35
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
DRENGINE 9 - 1

ROCKER ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................36
REMOVAL.............................36
VALVE GUIDE SEALS
DESCRIPTION.........................36
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION.........................36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................37
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐCYLINDER BORE
HONING............................37
CLEANING............................38
INSPECTION..........................38
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION.........................39
REMOVAL.............................39
INSPECTION..........................40
INSTALLATION.........................41
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MAIN BEARING FITTING................43
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................45
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION.........................47
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING....48
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐPISTON
FITTING.............................50
REMOVAL.............................50
CLEANING............................51
INSPECTION..........................51
INSTALLATION.........................51
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING.............................52
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................54
INSTALLATION.........................55
STRUCTURAL COVER
DESCRIPTION.........................56
OPERATION...........................56
REMOVAL.............................56
INSTALLATION.........................56
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................58REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION.........................60
OPERATION...........................60
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE OIL
LEAK...............................63
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE................64
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR SEAL
AREA LEAKS.........................64
OIL PAN
DESCRIPTION.........................65
REMOVAL.............................65
CLEANING............................65
INSPECTION..........................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................66
OPERATION...........................66
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL.............................67
DISASSEMBLY.........................67
INSPECTION..........................67
ASSEMBLY............................68
INSTALLATION.........................68
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL.............................69
INSTALLATION.........................70
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
SERVICE............................70
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................71
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS.....................71
REMOVAL.............................72
INSTALLATION.........................72
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................73
REMOVAL.............................73
INSTALLATION.........................74
VALVE TIMING
DESCRIPTION.........................75
OPERATION...........................75
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MEASURING TIMING CHAIN WEAR.......76
SERVICE PROCEDURE - TIMING
VERIFICATION........................76
BALANCE SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................79
9 - 2 ENGINE - 3.7LDR

IDLER SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................80
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................80INSTALLATION.........................81
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS
REMOVAL.............................81
INSPECTION..........................83
INSTALLATION.........................84
ENGINE - 3.7L
DESCRIPTION
The 3.7 liter (226 CID) six-cylinder engine is an
90É single overhead camshaft engine (Fig. 1). The
cast iron cylinder block is made up of two different
components; the first component is the cylinder bore
and upper block, the second component is the bed-
plate that comprises the lower portion of the cylinderblock and houses the lower half of the crankshaft
main bearings. The cylinders are numbered from
front to rear with the left bank being numbered 1,3,
and 5 and the right bank being numbered 2,4, and 6.
The firing order is 1±6±5±4±3±2. The engine serial
number is located at the right front side of the
engine block
Fig. 1 3.7 L ENGINE
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 3

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)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIONS
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil and filter.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
4. Dirt in lash adjusters. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Worn rocker arms. 5. Replace as necessary.
6. Worn lash adjusters 6. Replace as necessary.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
8. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.8. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Connecting rod journal
out-of-round.5. Service or replace crankshaft.
6. Misaligned connecting rods. 6. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Excessive end play. 5. Check thrust washers for wear.
6. Crankshaft journal out-of round. 6. Service or replace crankshaft.
7. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.7. Tighten to correct torque
9 - 6 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - LUBRICATION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS 1. Gaskets and O-Rings. 1.
(a) Misaligned or damaged. (a) Replace as necessary.
(b) Loose fasteners, broken or
porous metal parts.(b) Tighten fasteners, Repair or
replace metal parts.
2. Crankshaft rear seal 2. Replace as necessary (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR -
REMOVAL).
3. Crankshaft seal flange.
Scratched, nicked or grooved.3. Polish or replace crankshaft.
4. Oil pan flange cracked. 4. Replace oil pan (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
REMOVAL).
5. Timing chain cover seal,
damaged or misaligned.5. Replace seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
- REMOVAL).
6. Scratched or damaged vibration
damper hub.6. Polish or replace damper.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check and correct oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Replace sending unit (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump and bearing
clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Replace oil filter (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL FILTER
- REMOVAL).
5. Worn oil pump. 5. Replace oil pump (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP
- REMOVAL).
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil and filter.
7. Excessive bearing clearance. 7. Replace as necessary.
8. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 8. Replace oil pump (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP
- REMOVAL).
9. Oil pick up tube loose, damaged
or clogged.9. Replace as necessary.
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 7
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)