2003 DODGE RAM Power Systems

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
6Clutch
7Cooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission and Transfer Case
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)

(6) Remove the power steering cooler mounting
bolts and position the power steering cooler out of
the way.
(7) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines at the
transmission. The transmission cooler will remain on
the radiator and can be removed as an assembly.
(8) Remove the lower shroud assembly and the
electronic viscous fan wiring from the upper shroud
assembly.
(9) Remove the two radiator upper mounting bolts
(Fig. 36).
(10) Lift radiator straight up and out of engine
compartment. The bottom of the radiator is equipped
with two alignment dowels that fit into holes in the
lower radiator support panel. Rubber biscuits (insu-
lators) are installed to these dowels. Take care not to
damage cooling fins or tubes on the radiator and air
conditioning condenser when removing.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and oil cooler fins should be
cleaned when an accumulation of debris has
occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and
compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radi-
ator to flush the radiator and/or oil coolers of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, broken
or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install rubber insulators to alignment dowels
at lower part of radiator.
(2) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the two alignment dowels into lower radiator sup-
port. Different alignment holes are provided in the
lower radiator support for each engine application.
(3) Install two upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect both radiator hoses and install hose
clamps.
(5) Connect transmission cooler lines to radiator
tank. Inspect quick connect fittings for debris and
install until an audible ªclickº is heard. Pull apart to
verify connection.
(6) Position power steering cooler on the radiator
and tighten nuts to 8.5M´N (75 in. lbs.)
(7) Attach electronic viscous fan wiring to upper
shroud ands install lower shroud.
(8) Position coolant recover tank hose, washer bot-
tle hose and the positive battery cable into the clips
located on the top of the radiator.
(9) Install air box and turbocharger inlet hose.
Tighten clamps to 4 N´M (35 in. lbs.).
(10) Position heater controls tofull heatposition.
(11) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(12) Operate engine until it reaches normal tem-
perature. Check cooling system and automatic trans-
mission (if equipped) fluid levels.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
All cooling systems are equipped with a pressure
cap (Fig. 37). For 5.9L engines, the pressure cap is
located on top of the radiator outlet tank. For the
3.7L/4.7L engines, the pressure cap is located on top
of the coolant degas container. The cap releases pres-
sure at some point within a range of 97-to-124 kPa
(14-to-18 psi). The pressure relief point (in pounds) is
engraved on top of the cap
The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity. The cap contains a spring-
Fig. 36 Fan Shroud MountingÐ5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - UPPER FAN SHROUD
3 - BOLTS (2)
4 - LOWER FAN SHROUD
5 - RADIATOR
7 - 60 ENGINEDR
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

AUDIO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AUDIO
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUDIO..........2
AMPLIFIER
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................4
ANTENNA BODY & CABLE
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTENNA BODY
AND CABLE..........................4
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
INSTRUMENT PANEL ANTENNA CABLE
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................7
RADIO
DESCRIPTION..........................7OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION GROUND STRAP
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10
REMOTE SWITCHES
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE
SWITCHES..........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPEAKER
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPEAKER......13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................15
AUDIO
DESCRIPTION
An audio system is standard factory-installed
equipment on this model. Several combinations of
radio receivers and speaker systems are offered. The
audio system uses an ignition switched source of bat-
tery current so that the system will only operate
when the ignition switch is in the RUN or ACCES-
SORY positions.
The audio system includes the following compo-
nents:
²Antenna
²Power amplifier (with premium speaker system
only)
²Radio noise suppression components
²Radio receiver
²Remote radio switches (if equipped)
²Speakers
Certain functions and features of the audio system
rely upon resources shared with other electronic
modules in the vehicle over the Programmable Com-
munication Interface (PCI) bus network. The data
bus network allows the sharing of sensor informa-
tion. For diagnosis of these electronic modules or of
the data bus network, the use of a DRB IIItscan tooland the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
complete standard and premium audio system circuit
diagrams. The wiring information includes proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The audio system components are designed to pro-
vide audio entertainment and information through
the reception, tuning and amplification of locally
broadcast radio signals in both the Amplitude Modu-
lating (AM) and Frequency Modulating (FM) com-
mercial frequency ranges.
The audio system components operate on battery
current received through a fuse in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) on a fused ignition switch out-
put (run-acc) circuit so that the system will only
operate when the ignition switch is in the Run or
Accessory positions.
On vehicles that are equipped with the optional
remote radio switches, the Instrument Cluster
receives hard wired resistor multiplexed inputs from
the remote radio switches. The programming in the
DRAUDIO 8A - 1

Instrument Cluster allows it to process those inputs
and send the proper messages to the radio receiver
over the Programmable Communication Interface
(PCI) bus network to control the radio volume up or
down, station seek up or down, preset station
advance, and mode advance functions.
Refer to the owner's manual for more information
on the features, use and operation of each of the
available audio systems.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUDIO
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of the DRB IIItdiagnostic
tool. For information on the use of the DRB
IIIt, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wireharness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
AUDIO SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO AUDIO 1. Fuse faulty. 1. Check radio fuse and Ignition-Off Draw (IOD)
fuse in the Integrated Power Module (IPM).
Replace fuses, if required.
2. Radio/amplifier (if
equipped) connector faulty.2. Check for loose or corroded radio/amplifier
connector. Repair, if required.
3. Wiring faulty. 3. Check for shorted or open wires. Repair wiring,
if required.
4. Radio/amplifier (if
equipped) ground faulty.4. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
5. Radio/amplifier (if
equipped) faulty.5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
6. Speakers faulty. 6. Replace speaker as necessary.
NO RADIO DISPLAY 1. Fuse faulty. 1. Check radio fuse and Ignition-Off Draw (IOD)
fuse in Integrated Power Module (IPM). Replace
fuses, if required.
2. Radio connector faulty. 2. Check for loose or corroded radio connector.
Repair, if required.
3. Wiring faulty. 3. Check for battery voltage at radio connector.
Repair wiring, if required.
4. Radio ground faulty. 4. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
5. Radio faulty. 5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
8A - 2 AUDIODR
AUDIO (Continued)

To avoid possible voltage spike damage to either
the Engine Control Module ECM, ignition key must
be off, and negative battery cables must be discon-
nected before unplugging ECM connectors.
(2) Disconnect both negative battery cables at both
batteries.
(3) Remove the 50±way and 60±way connector
bolts at the ECM. Note: Tthe connector bolt is a
female allen head. As bolt is being removed, very car-
fully remove connectors from the ECM.
(4) Remove five ECM mounting bolts and remove
ECM form the vehicle (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
Do not apply paint to ECM. Poor ground will
result.
(1) Position ECM to ECM support bracket and
install five mounting bolts. Tighten bolts to 24 N´m
(18 ft. lbs.).
(2) Check pin connectors in ECM and the 50±way
and 60±way connectors for corrosion or damage.
Repair as necessary.
(3) Clean pins in the 50±way and 60±way electri-
cal connectors with a quick-dry electrical contact
cleaner.
(4) Very carefully install the 50±way and 60±way
connectors to ECM. Tighten connector allen bolts.
(5) Install both negative battery cables.(6)Turn key to ON position. Without starting
engine, slowly press throttle pedal to floor and
then slowly release. This step must be done
(one time) to ensure accelerator pedal position
sensor calibration has been learned by ECM. If
not done, possible DTC's may be set.
(7) Use DRB scan tool to erase any stored compan-
ion DTC's from ECM.
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-
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 Detection
²Power Ground
²Ambient Temperature Sensing
²Ignition Switch Run
²Washer Fluid Level Switch
²Windshield Wiper Park Switch
²PCI Bus Circuit
Fig. 3 DIESEL ECM
1 - ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
2 - ECM MOUNTING BOLT
3 - 50-WAY CONNECTOR
4 - SUPPORT PLATE
5 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 5
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

For battery system maintenance schedules and
jump starting procedures, see the owner's manual in
the vehicle glove box. Optionally, refer to the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual for
the proper battery jump starting procedure. While
battery charging can be considered a maintenance
procedure, the battery charging procedure and
related information are located later in this section of
the service manual. This was done because the bat-
tery must be fully-charged before any battery system
diagnosis or testing procedures can be performed.
OPERATION
The battery system is designed to provide a safe,
efficient, reliable and mobile means of delivering and
storing electrical energy. This electrical energy is
required to operate the engine starting system, as
well as to operate many of the other vehicle acces-
sory systems for limited durations while the engine
and/or the charging system are not operating. The
battery system is also designed to provide a reserve
of electrical energy to supplement the charging sys-
tem for short durations while the engine is running
and the electrical current demands of the vehicle
exceed the output of the charging system. In addition
to delivering, and storing electrical energy for the
vehicle, the battery system serves as a capacitor and
voltage stabilizer for the vehicle electrical system. It
absorbs most abnormal or transient voltages caused
by the switching of any of the electrical components
or circuits in the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems in the
vehicle operate with one another and must be tested
as a complete system. In order for the engine to start
and the battery to maintain its charge properly, all of
the components that are used in these systems must
perform within specifications. It is important thatthe battery, starting, and charging systems be thor-
oughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs
to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal bat-
tery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure
must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is
replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service.
The service information for these systems has been
separated within this service manual to make it eas-
ier to locate the specific information you are seeking.
However, when attempting to diagnose any of these
systems, it is important that you keep their interde-
pendency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used for the battery,
starting, and charging systems include the most
basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more
sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an
induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmme-
ter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load
tester), a 12-volt test lamp and/or special service
tools may be required. All OBD-sensed systems are
monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is
assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM
will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failure
it detects. Always check the PCM for stored trouble
codes before returning the vehicle to service. Refer to
Charging System for the proper charging system test
procedures. Refer to Starting System for the proper
starting system test procedures.
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is
designed to help the dealership technician diagnose a
defective battery. Follow the instruction manual sup-
plied with the tester to properly diagnose a battery.
If the instruction manual is not available, refer to
the standard procedure in this section, which
includes the directions for using the Micro 420 bat-
tery tester.
8F - 2 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

Turn on the headlamps for fifteen seconds, then
allow up to five minutes for the battery voltage to
stabilize.
(2) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (see the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit volt-
age (Fig. 8).
See the Open-Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage
reading will indicate the battery state-of-charge, but
will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has
an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, it may be load tested to reveal its cranking
capacity (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYS-
TEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TABLE
Open Circuit Voltage Charge Percentage
11.7 volts or less 0%
12.0 volts 25%
12.2 volts 50%
12.4 volts 75%
12.6 volts or more 100%
STANDARD PROCEDURE - IGNITION-OFF
DRAW TEST
The term Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) identifies a nor-
mal condition where power is being drained from the
battery with the ignition switch in the Off position. A
normal vehicle electrical system will draw from five
to thirty-five milliamperes (0.005 to 0.035 ampere)
with the ignition switch in the Off position, and all
non-ignition controlled circuits in proper working
order. Up to thirty-five milliamperes are needed to
enable the memory functions for the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM), digital clock, electronically tuned
radio, and other modules which may vary with the
vehicle equipment.
A vehicle that has not been operated for approxi-
mately twenty days, may discharge the battery to an
inadequate level. When a vehicle will not be used for
twenty days or more (stored), remove the IOD fuse
from the Integrated Power Module (IPM). This will
reduce battery discharging.
Excessive IOD can be caused by:
²Electrical items left on.
²Faulty or improperly adjusted switches.
²Faulty or shorted electronic modules and compo-
nents.
²An internally shorted generator.
²Intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over thirty-five milliamperes, the
problem must be found and corrected before replac-
ing a battery. In most cases, the battery can be
charged and returned to service after the excessive
IOD condition has been corrected.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove the ignition key, and close
all doors. If the vehicle is equipped with an illumi-
nated entry system or an electronically tuned radio,
allow the electronic timer function of these systems
to automatically shut off (time out). This may take
up to three minutes. See the Electronic Module Igni-
tion-Off Draw Table for more information.
ELECTRONIC MODULE IGNITION-OFF DRAW (IOD) TABLE
ModuleTime Out?
(If Yes, Interval And Wake-Up Input)IODIOD After Time
Out
Radio No1to3
milliamperesN/A
Audio Power
AmplifierNoup to 1
milliampereN/A
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)No 0.95 milliampere N/A
Fig. 8 Testing Open-Circuit Voltage - Typical
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 11
BATTERY (Continued)

CHARGING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM............................19
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS.................20
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - GENERATOR
/ CHARGING SYSTEM..................20
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................25
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Elec-
tronic Control Module (ECM) for diesel engines.
²Ignition switch
²Battery (refer to 8, Battery for information)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped)
²Voltmeter (refer to 8, Instrument Panel and
Gauges for information)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to 8, Wir-
ing Diagrams for information)
OPERATION
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. When the
ASD relay is on, voltage is supplied to the ASD relay
sense circuit at the PCM (ECM Diesel). This voltage
is connected through the PCM (ECM Diesel) and sup-
plied to one of the generator field terminals (Gen.
Source +) at the back of the generator.
The amount of direct current produced by the gen-
erator is controlled by the EVR (field control) cir-
cuitry contained within the PCM (ECM Diesel). This
circuitry is connected in series with the second rotor
field terminal and ground.
A battery temperature sensor, located in the bat-
tery tray housing, is used to sense battery tempera-
ture. This temperature data, along with data from
monitored line voltage, is used by the PCM (ECM
Diesel) to vary the battery charging rate. This isdone by cycling the ground path to control the
strength of the rotor magnetic field. The PCM then
compensates and regulates generator current output
accordingly.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM
(ECM Diesel). Each monitored circuit is assigned a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a
DTC in electronic memory for certain failures it
detects.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors:
charging system voltage,engine coolant tempera-
ture and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition
is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is
done as reminder to check the three gauges. The sig-
nal to activate the lamp is sent via the CCD bus cir-
cuits. The lamp is located on the instrument panel.
Refer to 8, Instrument Panel and Gauges for addi-
tional information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp (if equipped) is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
DRCHARGING 8F - 19