2003 DODGE RAM brake light switch

and resulting fade can also be caused by riding the
brake pedal, making repeated high deceleration stops
in a short time span, or constant braking on steep
mountain roads. Refer to the Brake Drag information
in this section for causes.
BRAKE PULL
Front brake pull condition could result from:
²Contaminated lining in one caliper
²Seized caliper piston
²Binding caliper
²Loose caliper
²Rusty caliper slide surfaces
²Improper brake shoes
²Damaged rotor
A worn, damaged wheel bearing or suspension
component are further causes of pull. A damaged
front tire (bruised, ply separation) can also cause
pull.
A common and frequently misdiagnosed pull condi-
tion is where direction of pull changes after a few
stops. The cause is a combination of brake drag fol-
lowed by fade at one of the brake units.
As the dragging brake overheats, efficiency is so
reduced that fade occurs. Since the opposite brake
unit is still functioning normally, its braking effect is
magnified. This causes pull to switch direction in
favor of the normally functioning brake unit.
An additional point when diagnosing a change in
pull condition concerns brake cool down. Remember
that pull will return to the original direction, if the
dragging brake unit is allowed to cool down (and is
not seriously damaged).
REAR BRAKE GRAB OR PULL
Rear grab or pull is usually caused by improperly
adjusted or seized parking brake cables, contami-
nated lining, bent or binding shoes and support
plates, or improperly assembled components. This is
particularly true when only one rear wheel is
involved. However, when both rear wheels are
affected, the master cylinder or proportioning valve
could be at fault.
BRAKES DO NOT HOLD AFTER DRIVING THROUGH DEEP
WATER PUDDLES
This condition is generally caused by water soaked
lining. If the lining is only wet, it can be dried by
driving with the brakes very lightly applied for a
mile or two. However, if the lining is both soaked and
dirt contaminated, cleaning and/or replacement will
be necessary.
BRAKE LINING CONTAMINATION
Brake lining contamination is mostly a product of
leaking calipers or wheel cylinders, worn seals, driv-
ing through deep water puddles, or lining that hasbecome covered with grease and grit during repair.
Contaminated lining should be replaced to avoid fur-
ther brake problems.
WHEEL AND TIRE PROBLEMS
Some conditions attributed to brake components
may actually be caused by a wheel or tire problem.
A damaged wheel can cause shudder, vibration and
pull. A worn or damaged tire can also cause pull.
Severely worn tires with very little tread left can
produce a grab-like condition as the tire loses and
recovers traction. Flat-spotted tires can cause vibra-
tion and generate shudder during brake operation. A
tire with internal damage such as a severe bruise,
cut, or ply separation can cause pull and vibration.
BRAKE NOISES
Some brake noise is common with rear drum
brakes and on some disc brakes during the first few
stops after a vehicle has been parked overnight or
stored. This is primarily due to the formation of trace
corrosion (light rust) on metal surfaces. This light
corrosion is typically cleared from the metal surfaces
after a few brake applications causing the noise to
subside.
BRAKE SQUEAK/SQUEAL
Brake squeak or squeal may be due to linings that
are wet or contaminated with brake fluid, grease, or
oil. Glazed linings and rotors with hard spots can
also contribute to squeak. Dirt and foreign material
embedded in the brake lining will also cause squeak/
squeal.
A very loud squeak or squeal is frequently a sign of
severely worn brake lining. If the lining has worn
through to the brake shoes in spots, metal-to-metal
contact occurs. If the condition is allowed to continue,
rotors and drums can become so scored that replace-
ment is necessary.
BRAKE CHATTER
Brake chatter is usually caused by loose or worn
components, or glazed/burnt lining. Rotors with hard
spots can also contribute to chatter. Additional causes
of chatter are out-of-tolerance rotors, brake lining not
securely attached to the shoes, loose wheel bearings
and contaminated brake lining.
THUMP/CLUNK NOISE
Thumping or clunk noises during braking are fre-
quentlynotcaused by brake components. In many
cases, such noises are caused by loose or damaged
steering, suspension, or engine components. However,
calipers that bind on the slide surfaces can generate
a thump or clunk noise. In addition, worn out,
improperly adjusted, or improperly assembled rear
brake shoes can also produce a thump noise.
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASEDR
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

REMOVAL
NOTE: The brake pedal is serviced as a complete
assembly including accelerator pedal and the
bracket.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the steering column opening cover(Re-
fer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING
COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the brake lamp switch and discard(Re-
fer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTE-
RIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(4)On vehicles equipped with adjustable ped-
als.Disconnect the adjuster cable to the pedal (Fig.
43).
(5) Remove the steering column (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the brake booster (Fig. 44)(Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/POWER
BRAKE BOOSTER - REMOVAL).
(7) Disconnect the electrical connectors.
(8) Remove the module mounting bolts.
(9) Disconnect the accelerator pedal cable.
(10) Remove the pedal assembly mounting nuts/
fasteners (Fig. 44).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the pedal assembly to the vehicle (Fig.
44).
(2) Install the mounting bolts (Fig. 44) and tighten
to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the accelerator cable to the pedal.(4) Install the module mounting bolts and tighten
to 38 N´m (28 ft. lbs.).
(5) Reconnect the electrical connectors.
(6) Install the brake booster (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/POWER BRAKE
BOOSTER - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the steering column (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install a new brake lamp switch. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(9)On vehicles equipped with adjustable
brake pedal.Reconnect the electrical connector to
the motor and the adjuster cable at the pedal.
Fig. 42 BRAKE PEDAL
1 - CLIP
2 - BUSHINGS
3 - PIVOT SHAFT PIN
4 - PEDAL ASSEMBLY
ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SHOWN
NON ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IS SIMILIAR
5-PAD
Fig. 43 PEDAL/CABLE
1 - CABLE
2 - BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 44 PEDAL ASSEMBLY (ADJUSTABLE PEDALS
SHOWN)
1 - ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR
2 - PEDAL ASSEMBLY BRACKET
3 - MOUNTING NUT
4 - BRAKE & ACCELERATOR PEDAL
5 - BRAKE BOOSTER MOUNTING STUDS
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 23
PEDAL (Continued)

(10) Install the steering column opening cover
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(11) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The Adjustable Pedals System (APS) is designed to
enable the fore and aft repositioning of the brake and
accelerator pedals. This results in improved ergonom-
ics in relation to the steering wheel for taller and
shorter drivers. Being able to adjust the pedal posi-
tions also allows the driver to set steering wheel tilt
and seat position to the most comfortable position.
The position of the brake and accelerator pedals can
be adjusted without compromising safety or comfort
in actuating the pedals.
Change of pedal position is accomplished by means
of a motor driven screw. Operating the adjustable
pedal switch activates the pedal drive motor (Fig.
45). The pedal drive motor turns a screw that
changes the position of the brake and accelerator
pedals. The pedal can be moved rearward (closer to
the driver) or forward (away from driver). The brake
pedal is moved on its drive screw to a position where
the driver feels most comfortable.
The accelerator pedal is moved at the same time
and the same distance as the brake pedal.
Neither the pedal drive motor (Fig. 45) nor drive
mechanism are subject to the mechanical stress of
brake or accelerator application.
²SYSTEM FEATURES:
²Range of Adjustment: The pedals may be
adjusted up to 3 in. (75 mm)
²Pedal Adjustment Speed: 0.5 in./sec (12.5
mm/sec)
²Pedal Adjustment Inhibitors: Pedal adjust-
ment is inhibited when the vehicle is in reverse or
when cruise control is activated.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the kneeblocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the brake light switch and discard
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the adjustable pedal cables from the
brake and accelerator pedals.
(5) Disconnect the electrical connector.
(6) Unclip the cable fasteners to the support.(7) Remove the one mounting bolt for the adjust-
able pedal motor (Fig. 46).
(8) Remove the adjustable pedal motor with the
cables.
NOTE: Adjustable pedal cables are not serviceable.
If they need service the adjustable pedal motor with
the cables must be installed.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Adjustable pedal cables are not serviceable.
If they need service the adjustable pedal motor with
the cables must be installed.
(1) Install the adjustable pedal motor with the
cables.
Fig. 45 ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR
1 - ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR
2 - CABLES
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 46 ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR
1 - ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
5 - 24 BRAKES - BASEDR
PEDAL (Continued)

(2) Install the one mounting bolt for the adjustable
pedal motor (Fig. 46).
(3) Clip the cable fasteners to the support.
(4) Reconnect the electrical connector.
(5) Reconnect the adjustable pedal cables to the
brake and accelerator pedals.
(6) Install the new brake light switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(7) Install the kneeblocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(9) Check for proper operation of the pedals.
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
DESCRIPTION
All models use a tandem diaphragm, power brake
booster.
NOTE: The power brake booster is not a repairable
component. The booster must be replaced as an
assembly if diagnosis indicates a malfunction has
occurred.
OPERATION
The booster unit consists of a single housing
divided into two by a tandem diaphragm. The outer
edge of the diaphragm is secured to the housing. The
booster push rod, which connects the booster to the
brake pedal and master cylinder, is attached to the
center of the diaphragm. A check valve is used in the
booster outlet connected to the engine intake mani-
fold. Power assist is generated by utilizing a combi-
nation of vacuum and atmospheric pressure to boost
brake assist.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove master cylinder. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/MASTER CYLINDER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect vacuum line at booster.
(3) Remove clip securing booster push rod to brake
pedal (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHAN-
ICAL/PEDAL - REMOVAL). (Fig. 47).
(4) Remove the nuts from the booster mounting
studs (Fig. 47).
(5) Remove the booster and gasket from front cowl
panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Guide the booster studs into the cowl panel
holes and seat the booster on the panel (Fig. 47).(2) Install and tighten new booster attaching nuts
to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the booster push rod on brake pedal and
install clip (Fig. 47).
(4) Install the booster check valve if removed and
connect the vacuum hose to the check valve.
(5) Install the master cylinder. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/MASTER
CYLINDER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Fill and bleed the brake system. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE
BOOSTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
BOOSTER
The hydraulic booster uses hydraulic pressure from
the power steering pump. Before diagnosing a
booster problem, first verify the power steering pump
is operating properly. Perform the following checks.
²Check the power steering fluid level.
²Check the brake fluid level.
²Check all power steering hoses and lines for
leaks and restrictions.
²Check power steering pump pressure.
NOISES
The hydraulic booster unit will produce certain
characteristic booster noises. The noises may occur
when the brake pedal is used in a manner not asso-
ciated with normal braking or driving habits.
Fig. 47 POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
1 - MOUNTING NUT
2 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 25
ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR (Continued)

(6) Install the rotor (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Install the caliper adapter (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
PARKING BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The parking brakes are operated by a system of
cables and levers attached to a primary and second-
ary shoe positioned within the drum section of the
rotor.
The drum-in-hat design utilizes an independent set
of shoes to park the vehicle (Fig. 56).
OPERATION
To apply the parking brake the pedal is depressed.
This creates tension in the cable which pulls forward
on the park brake lever. The lever pushes the park
brake shoes outward and into contact with the drum
section of the rotor. The contact of shoe to rotor parks
the vehicle.
A torsion locking mechanism is used to hold the
pedal in an applied position. Parking brake release is
accomplished by the hand release.
A parking brake switch is mounted on the parking
brake lever and is actuated by movement of the
lever. The switch, which is in circuit with the red
warning light in the dash, will illuminate the warn-
ing light whenever the parking brake is applied.
Parking brake adjustment is controlled by a cable
tensioner mechanism. The cable tensioner, once
adjusted at the factory, should not need further
adjustment under normal circumstances. Adjustment
may be required if a new tensioner, or cables are
installed, or disconnected.
Fig. 54 SUPPORT PLATE
1 - SUPPORT PLATE
2 - MOUNTING STUDS
Fig. 55 SUPPORT PLATE WITH BRAKES MOUNTED
1 - SUPPORT PLATE
2 - MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 56 SUPPORT PLATE WITH BRAKES MOUNTED
1 - SUPPORT PLATE
2 - MOUNTING NUTS
5 - 30 BRAKES - BASEDR
SUPPORT PLATE (Continued)

NOTE: On a new vehicle or after parking brake lin-
ing replacement, it is recommended that the park-
ing brake system be conditioned prior to use. This
is done by making one stop from 25 mph on dry
pavement or concrete using light to moderate force
on the parking brake foot pedal.
(18) Road test the vehicle to ensure proper func-
tion of the vehicle's brake system.
ADJUSTMENT - WITH ADJUSTING TOOL
Adjustment can be made with a standard brake
gauge or with adjusting tool. Adjustment is per-
formed with the complete brake assembly installed
on the backing plate.
(1) Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.
(2) Raise vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated
freely.
(3) Remove plug from each access hole in brake
support plates.
(4) Loosen parking brake cable adjustment nut
until there is slack in front cable.
(5) Insert adjusting tool through support plate
access hole and engage tool in teeth of adjusting
screw star wheel (Fig. 70).
(6) Rotate adjuster screw star wheel (move tool
handle upward) until slight drag can be felt when
wheel is rotated.
(7) Push and hold adjuster lever away from star
wheel with thin screwdriver.
(8) Back off adjuster screw star wheel until brake
drag is eliminated.(9) Repeat adjustment at opposite wheel. Be sure
adjustment is equal at both wheels.
(10) Install support plate access hole plugs.
(11) Adjust parking brake cable and lower vehicle.
(12) Depress park brake pedal and make sure park
brakes hold the vehicle staionary.
(13) Release park brake pedal.
PEDAL
REMOVAL
(1) Release the parking brake.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Loosen the cable tensioner nut at the equalizer
to create slack in the front cable.
(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Remove the knee bolster, (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect the brake lamp wire from the
switch on the pedal assembly.
(7) Roll the carpet back, loosen the front cable
grommet from the floorpan and the cable retainer.
(8) Disengage the release rod (Fig. 71) from the
arm on the pedal assembly.
(9) Remove the bolts/nuts from the pedal assembly
and remove the assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the replacement pedal assembly on the
dash and cowl.
(2) Install the bolts/nuts and tighten to 28 N´m (21
ft. lbs.) (Fig. 72).
(3) Install the park brake release rod.
(4) Connect the front cable to the arm on the pedal
assembly.
Fig. 70 Brake Adjustment
1 - STAR WHEEL
2 - LEVER
3 - BRAKE SHOE WEB
4 - SCREWDRIVER
5 - ADJUSTING TOOL
6 - ADJUSTER SPRINGFig. 71 PARKING BRAKE PEDAL
1 - RELEASE ROD
2 - PEDAL ASSEMBLY
5 - 36 BRAKES - BASEDR
SHOES (Continued)

CHIME/BUZZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHIME/BUZZER
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME
CONDITIONS..........................2
CHIME/BUZZER
DESCRIPTION
The chime module is located within the instrument
cluster and is not serviceable. The chime system pro-
vides the driver with warning chimes for:
²Air Bag
²Seat Belt
²Low Fuel
²Door Ajar
²Low Wash
²Park Brake
²Over Speed
²Turn Signal On
²Key-In Ignition
²Exterior Lamps ON
²Warning Lamp Announcement
²Transmission Over Temperature
OPERATION
FASTEN SEAT BELT
The seat belt reminder system uses both visual
and audible signals. The Instrument Cluster moni-
tors the driver seat belt buckle switch. When the
ignition switch transitions from OFF to RUN and the
driver seat belt has not been buckled, the Instrument
Cluster will illuminate the seat belt indicator lamp
and sound the chime. The system will always illumi-
nate the seat belt reminder lamp for four to eight
seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. The CHIME will sound during the same
time interval if the driver's seat belt is not fastened.
The warning lamp will remain illuminated as long as
the seat belt remains unbuckled, and the ignition
switch is in the RUN position. Passenger seat belts
are not connected to the system.
HEADLAMPS REMINDER
The Instrument Cluster monitors the multiplex
headlamp switch. The headlamp audible warning will
alert the driver that the exterior lamps have been
left on. If the ignition switch is left off, the driver's
door open, and the headlamp switch is in the parklamp or headlamp position, the chime will sound
until the headlamp switch is turned off, the door is
closed or the battery protection time out expires.
KEY IN IGNITION REMINDER
The Instrument Cluster monitors the ignition
switch. The chime will activate if the drivers door is
opened and the key is in the ignition switch, with the
ignition switch in either the OFF, LOCK, or the
accessory (ACC) position. The chime will continue
until the key is removed from the ignition switch or
the door is closed.
DOOR AJAR CHIME
The Instrument Cluster monitors the door ajar
switches. A chime will sound once when the door is
opened, the ignition is in RUN position and vehicle
speed is present.
TURN SIGNAL ON
The Instrument Cluster monitors the multiplex
multifunction switch. The instrument cluster shall
remind the driver that either turn signal has been
left on by a continuous chime after the turn signal
indicator is left ON for 1.0 miles and the vehicle
speed is 15 mph or greater.
LOW FUEL REMINDER
When the fuel level drops to approximately 1/8
tank, the fuel symbol will light and a single chime
will sound. The light will remain on until fuel is
added.
OVER SPEED
During any ignition ON, the Instrument Cluster
maintains the most recently received speed. If the
vehicle speed exceeds a preprogramed limit set in the
instrument cluster it will activate a single chime.
WARNING LAMP ANNOUNCEMENT
The Instrument Cluster monitors critical engine
and transmission system parameters. If any of the
systems are out of their operating parameters, the
instrument cluster will illuminate a lamp and acti-
vate and audible chime.
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 1

²Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Byte- This
byte is used to detect errors during a message trans-
mission.
²In-Frame Response (IFR) byte(s)-Ifa
response is required from the target module(s), it can
be sent during this frame. This function is described
in greater detail in the following paragraph.
The IFR consists of one or more bytes, which are
transmitted during a message. If the sending module
requires information to be received immediately, the
target module(s) can send data over the bus during
the original message. This allows the sending module
to receive time-critical information without having to
wait for the target module to access the bus. After
the IFR is received, the sending module broadcasts
an End of Frame (EOF) message and releases control
of the bus.
The PCI data bus can be monitored using the
DRBIIItscan tool. It is possible, however, for the bus
to pass all DRBIIIttests and still be faulty if the
voltage parameters are all within the specified range
and false messages are being sent.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The Controler Antilock Brake (CAB) is mounted to
the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and operates the
ABS system (Fig. 1).
OPERATION
The CAB voltage source is through the ignition
switch in the RUN position. The CAB contains a self
check program that illuminates the ABS warning
light when a system fault is detected. Faults are
stored in a diagnostic program memory and are
accessible with the DRB III scan tool. ABS faults
remain in memory until cleared, or until after the
vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the negative battery cable from the
battery.
(2) Pull up on the CAB harness connector release
and remove connector.
(3) Remove the CAB mounting bolts.
(4) Remove the pump connector from the CAB.
(5) Remove the CAB from the HCU.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the CAB is being replaced with a new CAB
is must be reprogrammed with the use of a DRB III.
(1) Install CAB to the HCU.
(2) Install the pump connector to the CAB.
(3) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 2 N´m (16 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install the wiring harness connector to the
CAB and push down on the release to secure the con-
nector.
(5) Install negative battery cable to the battery.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is located at the
lower edge of the instrument panel near the steering
column.
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The 16±way data link connector (diagnostic scan
tool connector) links the Diagnostic Readout Box
(DRB) scan tool or the Mopar Diagnostic System
(MDS) with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Fig. 1 HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
1 - HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 3
COMMUNICATION (Continued)