2003 DODGE RAM dash

INSTALLATION
Early Diesel Engine
(1) Install cable through mounting hole on cable
mounting bracket (Fig. 35). Cable snaps into bracket.
Be sure 2 pinch tabs are secure.
(2) Using large pliers, connect cable end socket to
throttle lever ball (snaps on).(3) Install remaining cable housing end into and
through dash panel opening (snaps into position).
The two plastic pinch tabs should lock cable to dash
panel.
(4) From inside vehicle, hold up accelerator pedal.
Install throttle cable core wire and plastic cable
retainer into and through upper end of pedal arm
(the plastic retainer is snapped into pedal arm).
When installing plastic retainer to accelerator pedal
arm, note index tab on pedal arm (Fig. 33). Align
index slot on plastic cable retainer to this index tab.
(5) Connect negative battery cables to both batter-
ies.
(6) Before starting engine, operate accelerator
pedal to check for any binding.
(7) Install cable/lever cover.
Late Diesel Engine
(1) Attach cable to Accelerator Pedal Position Sen-
sor (APPS). Refer to APPS (Diesel) Removal / Instal-
lation.
(2) Push cable housing into rubber grommet and
through opening in dash panel.
(3) From inside vehicle, install clip holding cable
to dashpanel (Fig. 36).
(4) From inside vehicle, slide throttle cable core
wire into opening in top of pedal arm.
(5) Push cable retainer (clip) into pedal arm open-
ing until it snaps in place.
(6) Before starting engine, operate accelerator
pedal to check for any binding.
(7) If necessary, use DRB IIItScan Tool to erase
any APPS Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) from
PCM.
Fig. 36 ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOUNTING
1 - ACCELERATOR CABLE
2 - PLASTIC RETAINER (CLIP)
3 - THROTTLE PEDAL ARM
4 - PEDAL / BRACKET ASSEMBLY
5 - CABLE CLIP
14 - 96 FUEL INJECTION - DIESELDR
THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident at a
standstill parking. Or when the steering wheel is at the end of it's travel. Hiss is a high frequency noise similar
to that of a water tap being closed slowly. The noise is present in all valves that have a high velocity fluid passing
through an orifice. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance.
STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Replace steering gear.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Gear mounting bolts loose. 1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Internal gear noise. 3. Replace steering gear.
4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.4. Reposition hose.
5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.5. Inspect and repair or replace.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL 1. Loose belt. 1. Adjust or replace.
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
4. Air in fluid 4. Check for lekas, Evacuate air
from P/S system.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
19 - 2 STEERINGDR
STEERING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING
COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DIS-
ARMED. REFER TO ELECTRICAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO DO
SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specifi-
cation to ensure proper operation of the steering
column.
(1) Position the steering column on the dash panel
support and loosely install the mounting nuts.
(2) Firmly slide the steering column upward
against the studs in dash panel and hand tighten the
nuts.
(3) Install the steering shaft coupler on the steer-
ing shaft and loosely install anewbolt.
(4) Center steering column in dash opening and
tighten mounting nuts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Torque the upper left nut first then the lower
right nut. Then torque the lower left nut then the
upper right nut.
NOTE: A new bolt must be used for reinstallation.
(5) Tighten the coupler bolt to 57 N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install a new brake light switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).(7) Install the shifter cable. (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 32RH/GEAR
SHIFT CABLE - INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect the wiring harness to the column.
(9) Install the SKIM module.
(10) Install the clockspring(Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(11) Install the shrouds.
(12) Install the steering column opening cover
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Align the spline on the wheel hub to shaft.
(14) Then install the steering wheel and install a
newbolt. Tighten the bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(15) Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(16) Install the two steering wheel switches.
(17) Install the tilt lever handle.
(18) Install the negative battery terminal.
(19) Test the operation of the horn, Electronic
PRNDL Indicator, lights and any other functions that
are steering column operated.IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The ignition switch is located on the steering col-
umn. It is used as the main on/off switching device
for most electrical components. The mechanical key
cylinder is used to engage/disengage the electrical
ignition switch.
OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a steering column mounted shifter:
an interlock device is located within the shift cable.
This interlock device is used to lock the transmission
shifter in the PARK position when the key cylinder is
in any position and the brake pedal is not depressed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH
TEST AND REPAIR
If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle
with a automatic transmission first adjust the shift
linkage, (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE -
ADJUSTMENTS).
If the ignition switch effort is excessive remove the
ignition key cylinder from the steering column. (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER
HOUSING - REMOVAL). Check the turning effort of
the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is
excessive replace the key cylinder.
Fig. 7 STEERING COLUMN
1 - Steering Wheel
2 - Key Cylinder
3 - Gear Shift Lever
4 - Steering Column
5 - Tilt Lever Cable
DRCOLUMN 19 - 9
COLUMN (Continued)

(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Remove the dash panel insulation pad as nec-
essary to access the gearshift cable grommet (Fig.
114).
(6) Remove grommet from the dash panel.
(7) Remove any steering column trim necessary to
access the gearshift cable and BTSI mechanism.
(8) Disconnect the BTSI wiring connector.
(9) Disconnect cable at lower column bracket and
shift lever pin and pull the cable through the dash
panel opening into the vehicle (Fig. 115).
(10) Remove gearshift cable from vehicle.INSTALLATION
(1) Route the transmission end of the gearshift
cable through the opening in the dash panel (Fig.
116).
(2) Seat the cable grommet into the dash panel
opening.
(3) Snap the cable into the steering column
bracket so the retaining ears (Fig. 117) are engaged
and snap the cable eyelet onto the shift lever ball
stud.
Fig. 114 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 115 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
Fig. 116 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 117 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
21 - 210 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)

(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Remove the dash panel insulation pad as nec-
essary to access the gearshift cable grommet (Fig.
106).
(6) Remove grommet from the dash panel.
(7) Remove any steering column trim necessary to
access the gearshift cable and BTSI mechanism.
(8) Disconnect the BTSI wiring connector.
(9) Disconnect cable at lower column bracket and
shift lever pin and pull the cable through the dash
panel opening into the vehicle (Fig. 107).
(10) Remove gearshift cable from vehicle.INSTALLATION
(1) Route the transmission end of the gearshift
cable through the opening in the dash panel (Fig.
108).
(2) Seat the cable grommet into the dash panel
opening.
(3) Snap the cable into the steering column
bracket so the retaining ears (Fig. 109) are engaged
and snap the cable eyelet onto the shift lever ball
stud.
Fig. 106 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 107 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
Fig. 108 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 109 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
21 - 390 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)

(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Remove the dash panel insulation pad as nec-
essary to access the gearshift cable grommet (Fig.
70).
(6) Remove grommet from the dash panel.
(7) Remove any steering column trim necessary to
access the gearshift cable and BTSI mechanism.
(8) Disconnect the BTSI wiring connector.
(9) Disconnect cable at lower column bracket and
shift lever pin and pull the cable through the dash
panel opening into the vehicle (Fig. 71).
(10) Remove gearshift cable from vehicle.INSTALLATION
(1) Route the transmission end of the gearshift
cable through the opening in the dash panel (Fig.
72).
(2) Seat the cable grommet into the dash panel
opening.
(3) Snap the cable into the steering column
bracket so the retaining ears (Fig. 73) are engaged
and snap the cable eyelet onto the shift lever ball
stud.
Fig. 70 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 71 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
Fig. 72 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 73 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 545
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE - NV243
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSFER CASE - NV243
DESCRIPTION........................658
OPERATION..........................659
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER
CASE - NV243.......................659
REMOVAL............................660
DISASSEMBLY........................660
CLEANING...........................668
INSPECTION.........................668
ASSEMBLY...........................670
INSTALLATION........................679
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV243.............680
SPECIAL TOOLS
TRANSFER CASE - NV241/NV243........680
EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING AND SEAL
REMOVAL............................682
INSTALLATION........................682FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID DRAIN AND
REFILL............................682
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL............................683
INSTALLATION........................683
MODE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................684
OPERATION..........................684
SELECTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................685
OPERATION..........................685
SHIFT MOTOR
DESCRIPTION........................686
OPERATION..........................686
REMOVAL............................686
INSTALLATION........................686
TRANSFER CASE - NV243
DESCRIPTION
The NV243 is an electronically controlled part-time
transfer case with a low range gear reduction system.
The NV243 has three operating ranges plus a NEU-
TRAL position. The low range system provides a gear
reduction ratio for increased low speed torque capa-
bility.
The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case
halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and
rear bearings are mounted in aluminum retainer
housings bolted to the case halves.
OPERATING RANGES
Transfer case operating ranges are:
²2WD (2-wheel drive)
²4HI (4-wheel drive)
²4LO (4-wheel drive low range)
²NEUTRAL
The 2WD range is for use on any road surface at
any time.The 4HI and 4LO ranges are for off road use only.
They are not for use on hard surface roads. The only
exception being when the road surface is wet or slip-
pery or covered by ice and snow.
The low range reduction gear system is operative
in 4LO range only. This range is for extra pulling
power in off road situations. Low range reduction
ratio is 2.72:1.
SHIFT MECHANISM
Operating ranges are selected with a dash
mounted shift selector switch. The shift selector
switch provides a input to the Transfer Case Control
Module (TCCM) to indicate the driver's desire to
change operating ranges. The TCCM uses this input,
along with input from the transfer case mounted
mode sensor and information from the vehicle's bus,
to determine if a shift is permitted. If the TCCM
decides the shift is permitted, the TCCM controls the
shift motor, mounted to the exterior of the transfer
case, to perform the shift.
21 - 658 TRANSFER CASE - NV243DR

TRANSFER CASE - NV273
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSFER CASE - NV273
DESCRIPTION........................687
OPERATION..........................688
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER
CASE - NV273.......................688
REMOVAL............................689
DISASSEMBLY........................689
CLEANING...........................698
INSPECTION.........................699
ASSEMBLY...........................701
INSTALLATION........................713
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV273.............713
SPECIAL TOOLS
TRANSFER CASE NV271/NV273.........714
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL AND DUST BOOT
REMOVAL............................716
INSTALLATION........................716FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID DRAIN AND
REFILL............................716
FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL............................717
INSTALLATION........................717
MODE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................718
OPERATION..........................718
SELECTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................719
OPERATION..........................719
SHIFT MOTOR
DESCRIPTION........................720
OPERATION..........................720
REMOVAL............................720
INSTALLATION........................720
TRANSFER CASE - NV273
DESCRIPTION
The NV273 is an electronically controlled part-time
transfer case with a low range gear reduction system.
The NV273 has three operating ranges plus a NEU-
TRAL position. The low range system provides a gear
reduction ratio for increased low speed torque capa-
bility.
The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case
halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and
rear bearings are mounted in aluminum case halves.
OPERATING RANGES
Transfer case operating ranges are:
²2WD (2-wheel drive)
²4HI (4-wheel drive)
²4LO (4-wheel drive low range)
²NEUTRAL
The 2WD range is for use on any road surface at
any time.The 4HI and 4LO ranges are for off road use only.
They are not for use on hard surface roads. The only
exception being when the road surface is wet or slip-
pery or covered by ice and snow.
The low range reduction gear system is operative
in 4LO range only. This range is for extra pulling
power in off road situations. Low range reduction
ratio is 2.72:1.
SHIFT MECHANISM
Operating ranges are selected with a dash
mounted shift selector switch. The shift selector
switch provides a input to the Transfer Case Control
Module (TCCM) to indicate the driver's desire to
change operating ranges. The TCCM uses this input,
along with input from the transfer case mounted
mode sensor and information from the vehicle's bus,
to determine if a shift is permitted. If the TCCM
decides the shift is permitted, the TCCM controls the
shift motor, mounted to the exterior of the transfer
case, to perform the shift.
DRTRANSFER CASE - NV273 21 - 687