2003 DODGE RAM tow

HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SYSTEM.............................4
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT............................6
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
HEATED SEAT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................7OPERATION............................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SENSOR.............................7
REMOVAL.............................7
HEATED SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH.............................8
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
Individually controlled, electrically heated front
seats are available as a factory-installed option on
some DR models. Vehicles with this option can be
visually identified by the leather trim seats and two
separate heated seat switches mounted in the lower
center of the instrument panel. The heated seat sys-
tem allows the front seat driver and passenger to
select from two different levels of electrical seat heat-
ing, or no seat heating to suit their individual com-
fort requirements. The heated seat system for this
vehicle includes the following major components,
which are described in further detail later in this sec-
tion:
²Heated Seat Switches- Two heated seat
switches are used per vehicle. One switch is used for
each front seat. The switches are mounted in the
instrument panel, below the radio (Fig. 1). Each
switch also includes two Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
indicator lamps and an incandescent back lighting
bulb.
²Heated Seat Module- also referred to as the
Seat Heat Interface Module (SHIM), this module con-
tains the solid state electronic control and diagnostic
logic circuitry for the heated seat system. One heated
seat module is used per vehicle and is mounted
under the drivers front seat cushion (Fig. 1). Refer to
the Electronic Control Modules section of the service
manual for additional heated seat module informa-
tion.²Heated Seat Elements- Four heated seat ele-
ments are used per vehicle. One element is used for
each front seat back and one element and sensor
assembly is used for each front seat cushion (Fig. 1).
The heating elements are integral to the individual
front seat and seat back cushions and cannot be
removed once installed at the factory. Replacement
seat heating elements are available, without having
to replace the entire seat cushion or trim cover. Refer
to the detailed procedure later in this section.
²Heated Seat Sensors- Two heated seat sen-
sors are used per vehicle. One heated seat tempera-
ture sensor is used for each front seat cushion. The
sensors are integral to the individual front seat cush-
ion heating elements (Fig. 1) and cannot be removed
once installed at the factory. Replacement seat heat-
ing elements with the sensors are available, without
having to replace the entire seat cushion or trim
cover. Refer to the detailed procedure later in this
section.
Following are general descriptions and operations
of the major components in the heated seat system.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the heated seat system. Refer toWiringfor the
location of complete heated seat system wiring dia-
grams.
DRHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 3

Diagnostic logic is built into the heated seat mod-
ule to help the person trying to locate the problem by
the most efficient means possible. Anytime a problem
is suspected, locate the diagnosis and testing proce-
dure for the component in question and follow the
steps until the specific problem is located and
resolved. Once the problem is thought to be cor-
rected, verify correct system operation. If the heated
seat system is functioning correctly return the vehi-
cle to service.
If a problem could not be verified such as not find-
ing anything wrong when following the diagnostic
procedure, this is a good indication that a INTER-
MITTENT problem may be present. You must then
attempt to find the intermittent problem, such as
moving the heating element within the seat while
testing continuity or wiggling the wire harness's/elec-
trical connectors under the seat while testing conti-
nuity. Always, eliminate all other potential problems
before attempting to replace the heated seat module.
PRELIMINARY TEST
Refer toWiringfor the location of complete heated
seat system wiring diagrams. Before testing the indi-
vidual components in the heated seat system, per-
form the following preliminary checks:
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIR-
BAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
²If the heated seat switch back lighting and the
cluster illumination lamps do not illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer to the
Instrument Clustersection of the service manual
for the location of cluster illumination lamp diagnosis
and testing procedures. If the heated seat switch
back lighting does not illuminate, but the cluster illu-
mination lamps do illuminate with the headlamps or
park lamps turned On, refer toDiagnosis and Test-
ing the Heated Seat Switchin this section for the
location of the heated seat switch diagnosis and test-
ing procedures.
²If a single LED indicator lamp for one heated
seat switch does not operate and the heated seat ele-
ments do heat, refer toDiagnosis and Testing theHeated Seat Switchin this section for heated seat
switch diagnosis and testing procedures.
²If both LED indicator lamps for a heated seat
switch operate, but the heated seat elements do not
heat, refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated
Seat Modulein Electronic Control Modules for
heated seat module diagnosis and testing procedures.
²If the indicator lamp on either heated seat
switch remains illuminated after the heated seat has
been turned Off, refer toDiagnosis and Testing
the Heated Seat Modulein Electronic Control
Modules for heated seat module diagnosis and test-
ing procedures.
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated seat
system have two sets of electrically operated heating
element grids located in each front seat, one set for
the seat cushion and the other set for the seat back.
Each of the heated seat element grids consists of a
single length of resistor wire that is routed in a zig-
zag pattern and captured between a covering and the
adhesive foam rubber backing. Short pigtail wires
with connectors (Fig. 2) are soldered to each end of
each resistor wire element grid, which connect all of
Fig. 2 Heating Element Installed on Seat Cushion
Foam
1 - SEAT BACK WIRE HARNESS
2 - HEATED SEAT WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - HEATED SEAT CUSHION ELEMENT
DRHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 5
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)

the element grids to the heated seat module through
the seat wire harness.
One temperature sensor is used for each front seat,
and it is located in the center insert area of the seat
cushion element. The heated seat sensors and their
pigtail wires are also captured between a covering
and the adhesive foam rubber backing. The heated
seat sensors are Negative Thermal Coefficient (NTC)
thermistors. The sensors for both front seats receive
a voltage feed from a single output of the heated seat
module, but the module receives individual sensor
inputs from the driver side and passenger side sen-
sors.
The heated seat elements and sensors should not
be repaired. If damaged or faulty, the heated seat ele-
ment assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
One end of the heated seat element resistor wire is
connected to ground at all times through a splice in
the heated seat module ground circuit. Battery cur-
rent is directed to the other end of the heated seat
element resistor wire by the energized N-channel
Field Effect Transistor (N-FET) located within the
heated seat module. The heated seat module will
energize the N-FET only when the heated seat
switch is in the Low or High position and the heated
seat sensor indicates that the seat cushion surface
temperature is below the selected (Low or High) tem-
perature set point. As electrical current passes
through the heating element grid, the resistance of
the wire used in the element disperses some of that
electrical current in the form of heat. The heat pro-
duced by the heated seat element grid then radiates
through the seat trim cover, warming its occupant.
The resistance of the heated seat sensor increases
and decreases as the surface temperature of the seat
cushion cover changes. The heated seat module sup-
plies each sensor with a 5v voltage feed, then uses
the sensor resistance to determine when the heated
seat element grids need to be cycled on or off in order
to maintain the selected temperature set point.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT
The heated seat module will self-diagnose shorted
or open heated seat element circuits and sensor cir-
cuits. Refer to Heated Seat System Diagnosis and
Testing in this section for additional diagnosis and
testing procedures. To manually check the heated
seat element, proceed as follows. The wire harness
connectors for the seat cushion and seat back heating
elements and sensor are located on the right side of
the seat, near the edge of the seat cushion frame.
The proper connector can be identified by the foam
wrapping.NOTE: When checking heated seat elements for
continuity, be certain to move the heating element
being checked. Moving the element, such as sitting
in the seat will eliminate the possibility of an inter-
mittent open in the element which would only be
evident if the element was in a certain position.
Failure to check the element in various positions
could result in an incomplete test.
(1) Position the appropriate seat in the full for-
ward position.
(2) Make certain the ignition switch is in the OFF
position.
(3) Disconnect the heated seat element connector
which requires testing. Check for continuity between
the two heated seat element circuit cavities while
moving the appropriate seat cushion. Refer toWir-
ingfor the location of complete heated seat system
wiring diagrams. There should be continuity. If OK,
the elements within the seat assembly test OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, replace the faulty seat heating ele-
ment, refer to the procedure in this section.
(4) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the appropriate heated
seat wire harness connector for shorted or open cir-
cuits. If OK, element is OK, proceed with testing the
heated seat sensor and module. If not OK, repair the
shorted or open seat wire harness as required.
REMOVAL
Do not remove the heating element from the seat
or seat back cushion. The original element is perma-
nently attached to the seat cushions and cannot be
removed without damaging the cushion. The replace-
ment heating element is designed to be applied
directly over the original seat heating element.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate seat cushion or seat
back trim cover. Refer to the Body section of this
manual for the procedures.
(3) Disconnect the inoperative heated seat cushion
or seat back element electrical connectors.
(4) Locate the wires leading from the inoperative
heating element and cut them off flush with the edge
of the original heating element.
INSTALLATION
(1) Peel off the adhesive backing on the back of the
replacement heating element and stick directly over
the original heating element (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: During the installation of the replace-
ment heating element, be careful not to fold or
crease the element assembly. Folds or creases will
cause premature failure.
8G - 6 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMDR
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT (Continued)

diagnostic feedback for the heated seat system. Each
switch also has an incandescent bulb, which provides
dimmer controlled back lighting of the switch when
the headlamps or park lamps are on.
The heated seat switches are both mounted in the
instrument panel center bezel, located in the lower
center of the instrument panel. The two switches are
snapped into the mounting holes of the heated seat
switch bezel, and the heated seat switch bezel is
secured with screws to the instrument panel center
bezel. The heated seat switches are differentiated by
the keyway in the connector receptacle on the backs
of the switches and keyway on the switch housing.
The instrument panel wire harness connectors for
the heated seat switches are keyed to match the con-
nector receptacles on the switches so that the two
heated seat switches can only be connected to the
proper heated seat electrical.
The two LED indicator lamps and the incandescent
bulb in each heated seat switch cannot be repaired. If
the indicator lamps or back lighting bulb are faulty
or damaged, the individual heated seat switch must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
Depressing the heated seat switch rocker to its
momentary High or Low position provides a hard-wired resistance signal to the heated seat module.
This signal tells the module to energize the heated
seat element of the selected seat and maintain the
requested temperature setting. If the heated seat
switch is depressed to a different position (Low or
High) than the currently selected state, the heated
seat module will change states to support the new
selection. If a heated seat switch is depressed a sec-
ond time, the heated seat module interprets the sec-
ond input as a request to turn the seat heater OFF.
The High and Low LED indicator lamps in the
heated seat switches receive battery current through
a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit when the
ignition switch is in the On position. The ground side
of each indicator lamp is controlled by the heated
seat module. This control of the switch indicator
lamps also allows the module to provide diagnostic
feedback to the vehicle operator or technician to indi-
cate heated seat system faults by flashing the indica-
tor lamps on and off. One side of the incandescent
back lighting bulb in each heated seat switch is con-
nected to ground at all times. The other side of the
incandescent bulb is connected to the fused panel
lamps dimmer switch signal circuit. These bulbs are
energized when the park lamps or headlamps are
turned on, and their illumination intensity is con-
trolled by the panel lamps dimmer switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor connector pin-outs
and the location of complete heated seat system wir-
ing diagrams.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves inoper-
ative heated seat switch back lighting and the cluster
illumination lamps operate, go to Step 2. If the prob-
lem being diagnosed involves inoperative heated seat
switch back lighting and the cluster illumination
lamps are also inoperative, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If the problem being diagnosed involves
Fig. 4 HEATED SEAT SWITCH
1 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH
2 - LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE (LED) INDICATOR LAMPS
8G - 8 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMDR
HEATED SEAT SWITCH (Continued)

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8
PRIMARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8
PRIMARY RESISTANCE @ 21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)
0.558 - 0.682 Ohms
(Plus or Minus 10% @ 70-80É F)
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.9L
COIL MANUFACTURERPRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
Diamond 0.97 - 1.18 Ohms 11,300 - 15,300 Ohms
Toyodenso 0.95 - 1.20 Ohms 11,300 - 13,300 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE
Primary Resistance: 0.53-0.65 Ohms. Test across the
primary connector. Refer to text for test procedures.
Secondary Resistance: 10.9-14.7K Ohms. Test across
the individual coil towers. Refer to text for test
procedures.
IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing is not adjustable on any engine.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN
RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements.The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
The ASD relay will be shut±down, meaning the
12±volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-ac-
tivated by the PCM if:
²the ignition key is left in the ON position. This
is if the engine has not been running for approxi-
mately 1.8 seconds.
²there is a crankshaft position sensor signal to
the PCM that is lower than pre-determined values.
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT
A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM
that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to
connect the oxygen sensor heater element, ignition
coil and fuel injectors to 12 volt + power supply.
This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay
is energized. If the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) does not see 12 volts at this input when the
ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
8I - 6 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
If engine has been cranked while distributor is
removed, establish the relationship between distribu-
tor shaft and number one piston position as follows:
Rotate crankshaft in a clockwise direction, as
viewed from front, until number one cylinder piston
is at top of compression stroke (compression should
be felt on finger with number one spark plug
removed). Then continue to slowly rotate engine
clockwise until indicating mark (Fig. 24) is aligned to
0 degree (TDC) mark on timing chain cover.
(1) Clean top of cylinder block for a good seal
between distributor base and block.
(2) Lightly oil the rubber o-ring seal on the distrib-
utor housing.
(3) Install rotor to distributor shaft.
(4) Position distributor into engine to its original
position. Engage tongue of distributor shaft with slot
in distributor oil pump drive gear. Position rotor to
the number one spark plug cable position.
(5) Install distributor holddown clamp and clamp
bolt. Do not tighten bolt at this time.
(6) Rotate the distributor housing until rotor is
aligned to CYL. NO. 1 alignment mark on the cam-
shaft position sensor (Fig. 25).
(7) Tighten clamp holddown bolt (Fig. 26) to 22.5
N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect camshaft position sensor wiring har-
ness to main engine harness.
(9) Install distributor cap. Tighten mounting
screws.
(10) Refer to the following, Checking Distributor
Position.
Checking Distributor Position
To verify correct distributor rotational position, the
DRB scan tool must be used.
WARNING: WHEN PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING
TEST, THE ENGINE WILL BE RUNNING. BE CARE-
FUL NOT TO STAND IN LINE WITH THE FAN
BLADES OR FAN BELT. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE
CLOTHING.
(1) Connect DRB scan tool to data link connector.
The data link connector is located in passenger com-
partment, below and to left of steering column.
(2) Gain access to SET SYNC screen on DRB.
(3) Follow directions on DRB screen and start
engine. Bring to operating temperature (engine must
be in ªclosed loopº mode).
(4) With engine running atidle speed, the words
IN RANGE should appear on screen along with 0É.
This indicates correct distributor position.(5) If a plus (+) or a minus (-) is displayed next to
degree number, and/or the degree displayed is not
zero, loosen but do not remove distributor holddown
clamp bolt. Rotate distributor until IN RANGE
appears on screen. Continue to rotate distributor
until achieving as close to 0É as possible. After
adjustment, tighten clamp bolt to 22.5 N´m (200 in.
lbs.) torque.
Do not attempt to adjust ignition timing using this
method. Rotating distributor will have no effect on
ignition timing. All ignition timing values are con-
trolled by Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
After testing, install air cleaner tubing.
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
CAP - 5.9L V-8
Remove the distributor cap and wipe it clean with
a dry lint free cloth. Visually inspect the cap for
cracks, carbon paths, broken towers or damaged
rotor button (Fig. 27) or (Fig. 28). Also check for
white deposits on the inside (caused by condensation
entering the cap through cracks). Replace any cap
that displays charred or eroded terminals. The
machined surface of a terminal end (faces toward
rotor) will indicate some evidence of erosion from
normal operation. Examine the terminal ends for evi-
dence of mechanical interference with the rotor tip.
Fig. 27 CAP INSPECTIONÐEXTERNALÐTYPICAL
1 - BROKEN TOWER
2 - DISTRIBUTOR CAP
3 - CARBON PATH
4 - CRACK
8I - 18 IGNITION CONTROLDR
DISTRIBUTOR (Continued)

IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION
One coil capacitor is used. It is located in the right-
rear section of the engine compartment.
OPERATION
The coil capacitor(s) help dampen the amount of
conducted electrical noise to the camshaft position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and throttle posi-
tion sensor. This noise is generated on the 12V sup-
ply wire to the ignition coils and fuel injectors.
REMOVAL
The coil capacitor is located in the right-rear sec-
tion of the engine compartment. It is attached with a
mounting stud and nut.
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at capacitor
(Fig. 52).
(2) Remove mounting nut and remove ground
strap.
(3) Remove capacitor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position capacitor to mounting stud.
(2) Position ground strap to mounting stud.
(3) Tighten nut to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to coil capacitor.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires, or secondary ignition cables.
Plug cables are used only on the 5.7L V-8, 5.9L V-8
and 8.0L V-10 engines.
OPERATION
The spark plug cables transfer electrical current
from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individ-
ual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark
plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The
cables provide suppression of radio frequency emis-
sions from the ignition system.
Plug cables are used only on the 5.7L V-8, 5.9L V-8
and 8.0L V-10 engines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES
Cable routing is important on certain engines. To
prevent possible ignition crossfire, be sure the cables
are clipped into the plastic routing looms. Refer to
Spark Plug Cable Removal for addditional informa-
tion. Try to prevent any one cable from contacting
another. Before removing cables, note their original
location and routing. Never allow one cable to be
twisted around another.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil(s), distributor cap towers (if appli-
caple), and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully
seated. The insulators should be in good condition
and should fit tightly on the coil, distributor and
spark plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that
are cracked or torn must be replaced.
Clean high voltage ignition cables with a cloth
moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the
cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
On 5.9L V-8 engines, spark plug cable heat shields
are pressed into the cylinder head to surround each
spark plug cable boot and spark plug (Fig. 53). These
shields protect the spark plug boots from damage
(due to intense engine heat generated by the exhaust
manifolds) and should not be removed. After the
spark plug cable has been installed, the lip of the
cable boot should have a small air gap to the top of
the heat shield (Fig. 53).
TESTING
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
Fig. 52 CAPACITOR LOCATION
1 - COIL CAPACITOR
2 - MOUNTING STUD
3 - GROUND STRAP
4 - MOUNTING NUT
5 - ELEC. CONNECT.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 33

CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected for longer than necessary during test-
ing. This may cause possible heat damage to the
catalytic converter. Total test time must not exceed
ten minutes.
Except 5.7L V-8 :With the engine running,
remove spark plug cable from spark plug (one at a
time) and hold next to a good engine ground. If the
cable and spark plug are in good condition, the
engine rpm should drop and the engine will run
poorly. If engine rpm does not drop, the cable and/or
spark plug may not be operating properly and should
be replaced. Also check engine cylinder compression.
With the engine not running, connect one end of a
test probe to a good ground. Start the engine and run
the other end of the test probe along the entire
length of all spark plug cables. If cables are cracked
or punctured, there will be a noticeable spark jump
from the damaged area to the test probe. The cable
running from the ignition coil to the distributor cap
can be checked in the same manner. Cracked, dam-
aged or faulty cables should be replaced with resis-
tance type cable. This can be identified by the words
ELECTRONIC SUPPRESSION printed on the cable
jacket.Use an ohmmeter to test for open circuits, exces-
sive resistance or loose terminals. If equipped,
remove the distributor cap from the distributor.Do
not remove cables from cap.Remove cable from
spark plug. Connect ohmmeter to spark plug termi-
nal end of cable and to corresponding electrode in
distributor cap. Resistance should be 250 to 1000
Ohms per inch of cable. If not, remove cable from dis-
tributor cap tower and connect ohmmeter to the ter-
minal ends of cable. If resistance is not within
specifications as found in the SPARK PLUG CABLE
RESISTANCE chart, replace the cable. Test all spark
plug cables in this manner.
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
250 Ohms Per Inch 1000 Ohms Per Inch
3000 Ohms Per Foot 12,000 Ohms Per Foot
To test ignition coil-to-distributor cap cable (if
applicaple), do not remove the cable from the cap.
Connect ohmmeter to rotor button (center contact) of
distributor cap and terminal at ignition coil end of
cable. If resistance is not within specifications as
found in the Spark Plug Cable Resistance chart,
remove the cable from the distributor cap. Connect
the ohmmeter to the terminal ends of the cable. If
resistance is not within specifications as found in the
Spark Plug Cable Resistance chart, replace the cable.
Inspect the ignition coil tower for cracks, burns or
corrosion.
REMOVAL
5.9L V-8 / 8.0L V-10
CAUTION: When disconnecting a high voltage cable
from a spark plug or from the distributor cap, twist
the rubber boot slightly (1/2 turn) to break it loose
(Fig. 54). Grasp the boot (not the cable) and pull it
off with a steady, even force.
On 5.9L V-8 engines, spark plug cable heat shields
are pressed into the cylinder head to surround each
spark plug cable boot and spark plug (Fig. 53). These
shields protect the spark plug boots from damage
(due to intense engine heat generated by the exhaust
manifolds) and should not be removed. After the
spark plug cable has been installed, the lip of the
cable boot should have a small air gap to the top of
the heat shield (Fig. 53).
Fig. 53 HEAT SHIELDS - 5.9L V-8
1 - AIR GAP
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT HEAT SHIELD
8I - 34 IGNITION CONTROLDR
SPARK PLUG CABLE (Continued)