2003 DODGE RAM dash

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
VIN CODING/LOCATIONS
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate is
located on the lower windshield fence near the left
a-pillar (Fig. 2). The VIN contains 17 characters that
provide data concerning the vehicle. Refer to the VIN
decoding chart to determine the identification of a
vehicle.
The VIN is also imprinted on the:
²Body Code Plate.
²Equipment Identification Plate.
²Vehicle Safety Certification Label.
²Frame rail.
To protect the consumer from theft and possible
fraud the manufacturer is required to include a
Check Digit at the ninth position of the VIN. The
check digit is used by the manufacturer and govern-
ment agencies to verify the authenticity of the vehi-cle and official documentation. The formula to use
the check digit is not released to the general public.
POSITION INTERPRETATION CODE = DESCRIPTION
1 Country of Origin 1 = Manufactured By DaimlerChrysler Corporation
3 = Manufactured By DaimlerChrysler De Mexico
2 Make D = Dodge
3 Vehicle Type 2 = Incomplete with Side Airbag
3 = Truck with Side Airbag
6 = Incomplete Less Side Airbag
7 = Truck Less Side Airbag
4 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating G = 5,001-6000 lbs.
H = 6,001-7,000 lbs.
J = 7,001-8,000 lbs.
K = 8,001-9,000 lbs.
L = 9,001-10,000 lbs.
M = 10,001-14,000 lbs.
W = Buses/Incomplete Vehicles with Hydraulic Brakes
5 Vehicle Line A = Ram Pickup 4X2
U = Ram Pickup 4X4
6 Series 1 = 1500
2 = 2500
3 = 3500 Less Dual Rear Wheels
4 = 3500 With Dual Rear Wheels
7 Body Style 6 = Conventional Cab
8 = Quad Cab Full Rear Doors
Fig. 2 VIN LOCATION
1 - DASH PANEL
2 - VIN CODE PLATE
2 INTRODUCTIONDR

(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)

CLUTCH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
WARNING.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................2
SPECIFICATIONS........................6
CLUTCH DISC
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
CLUTCH HOUSING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................8
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11FLYWHEEL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................11
REMOVAL.............................12
DISASSEMBLY.........................12
ASSEMBLY............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
PILOT BEARING
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
LINKAGE
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................14
CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The clutch mechanism consists of a flywheel, a sin-
gle, dry-type disc, and a diaphragm style clutch cover
(Fig. 1). A hydraulic linkage is used to operate the
clutch release bearing and fork. The flywheel is
bolted to the rear flange of the crankshaft. The
clutch pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel with
the clutch disc located between these two compo-
nents. The clutch system provides the mechanical,
but still easily detachable, link between the engine
and the transmission. The system is designed to
ensure that the full torque output of the engine is
transfered to the transmission while isolating the
transmission from the engine firing pulses to mini-
mize concerns such as gear rattle.
OPERATION
Leverage, clamping force and friction are what
make the clutch work. The disc serves as the friction
element and a diaphragm spring and pressure plate
provide the clamping force. The clutch pedal, hydrau-
lic linkage, release lever and bearing provide the
leverage.
The clutch master cylinder push rod is connected
to the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is
depressed, the slave cylinder is operated by the
clutch master cylinder mounted on the dash panel.
The release fork is actuated by the hydraulic slave
cylinder mounted on the transmission housing. Therelease bearing is operated by a release fork pivoting
on a ball stud mounted in the transmission housing.
The release bearing then depresses the pressure
plate spring fingers, releasing pressure on the clutch
disc and allowing the engine crankshaft to spin inde-
pendently of the transmission input shaft (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 ENGINE POWERFLOW
DRCLUTCH 6 - 1

(3) Install clutch disc, pressure plate and trans-
mission.
LINKAGE
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The hydraulic linkage has a quick dis-
connect at the slave cylinder. This fitting should
never be disconnected or tampered with. Once the
hydraulic line is connected to the slave cylinder, it
should never be disconnected.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove nuts attaching slave cylinder to studs
on clutch housing (Fig. 20).
(3) Remove slave cylinder from clutch housing.
(4) Remove plastic clip securing the hydraulic line
to the dash panel from the lower dash panel flange.
(5) Remove plastic clip securing hydraulic line to
the dash panel from the upper dash panel stud.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Disconnect clutch pedal interlock switch wires
(Fig. 21).
(8) Remove clutch master cylinder rod pin.
(9) Verify that cap on clutch master cylinder reser-
voir is tight. This will avoid spillage during removal.
(10) Remove clutch master cylinder nuts holding
the to the dash panel.(11) Remove clutch cylinders, reservoir and con-
necting lines from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position cylinders and connecting line in vehi-
cle engine compartment. Position clutch hydraulic
line against the dash panel and behind all engine
hoses and wiring.
(2) Apply a light coating of grease to the inside
diameter of the master cylinder push rod eye.
(3) Install clutch master cylinder on dash panel
and tighten clutch master cylinder nuts to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install clutch master cylinder push rod pin.
(5) Connect clutch pedal position interlock switch
wires.
Fig. 19 PILOT BEARING
1 - PILOT BEARING
2 - ALIGNMENT TOOL
3 - LETTER SIDE MUST FACE TRANSMISSION
Fig. 20 SLAVE CYLINDER
1 - MOUNTING NUTS
2 - SLAVE CYLINDER
Fig. 21 CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER
1 - MASTER CYLINDER
2 - INTERLOCK CONNECTOR
3 - ROD PIN
DRCLUTCH 6 - 13
PILOT BEARING (Continued)

(6) Install plastic clip securing hydraulic line to
the dash panel into the lower dash panel flange.
(7) Install plastic clip securing hydraulic line to
the dash panel onto the upper dash panel stud.
(8) Raise vehicle.
(9) Install slave cylinder and verify cylinder rod is
properly seated in release lever.
(10) Install and tighten slave cylinder nuts to 23
N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(11) Ifnewclutch linkage is being installed, con-
nect the clutch hydraulic line to the clutch slave cyl-
inder.
CAUTION: Once the clutch hydraulic line is con-
nected to the slave cylinder, it should never be dis-
connected.
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Operate linkage several times to verify proper
operation.
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
A clutch pedal position (interlock) switch is
mounted on the clutch master cylinder push rod (Fig.
22). The switch is actuated by clutch pedal move-
ment.
OPERATION
The clutch pedal position switch is used to prevent
starter motor engagement unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
An input from this switch is also used to either
shut down and/or prevent operation of the speed con-
trol system when the clutch pedal is depressed.
The position switch is an integral part of the clutch
master cylinder push rod and is not serviced sepa-
rately.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
(1) Locate clutch switch 2-wire electrical connector.
This will be the test point. This connector is attached
to pedal support bracket located under instrument
panel to left of clutch pedal (Fig. 23). Disconnect wir-
ing at this point.
(2) Check for switch continuity with an ohmmeter
while operating clutch pedal up and down. Continu-
ity should be broken and reapplied each time pedal is
pressed.
(3) If continuity is not present, or is always
present at any pedal position, replace switch. Switch
is not serviced separately. Replace clutch master
cylinder.
Fig. 22 LOCATION, CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION
SWITCH
1 - CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER
2 - CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
Fig. 23 CLUTCH SWITCH TEST POINT
1 - PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
6 - 14 CLUTCHDR
LINKAGE (Continued)

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat
removal. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINE
COOLANT THERMOSTAT - REMOVAL). Remove
accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCES-
SORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL).
Add coolant to radiator to bring level to within 6.3
mm (1/4 in) of the top of the thermostat housing.CAUTION: Avoid overheating. Do not operate
engine for an excessive period of time. Open drain-
cock immediately after test to eliminate boil over.
Start engine and accelerate rapidly three times, to
approximately 3000 rpm while observing coolant. If
internal engine combustion gases are leaking into
cooling system, bubbles will appear in coolant. If bub-
bles do not appear, internal combustion gas leakage
is not present.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
DIESEL ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSISÐDIESEL ENGINE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
LOWNOTE:
Information on dash cluster is
displayed based on broadcast data
from ECM. DTC will be set for
engine sensor circuit concern.1. Vehicle is equipped with a heavy
duty cooling system.1. None. System operating normally.
2. Thermostat stuck open 2. Inspect and test thermostat.
3. Coolant level low. 3. Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
4. Temperature gauge not
functioning correctly.4. Check cluster (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
DRCOOLING 7 - 7
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
HIGH. COOLANT MAY OR MAY
NOT BE LEAKING FROM
SYSTEMNOTE:
Information on dash cluster is
displayed based on broadcast data
from ECM. DTC will be set for
engine sensor circuit concern.1. Vehicle overloaded, high ambient
(outside) temperatures with A/C
turned on, stop and go driving or
prolonged operation at idle speeds.1. Temporary condition, repair not
required. Notify customer of vehicle
operation instructions located in
Owners Manual.
2. Temperature gauge not
functioning correctly.2. Check cluster (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
3. Air trapped in cooling system 3. Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) and refill (Refer to 7
- COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
4. Radiator cap faulty. 4. Replace radiator cap.
5. Plugged A/C or radiator cooling
fins.5. Clean all debris away from A/C
and radiator cooling fins.
6. Coolant mixture incorrect. 6. Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) refill with correct
mixture (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
7. Thermostat stuck shut. 7. Inspect and test thermostat.
Replace thermostat if necessary.
8. Bug screen or winter front being
used.8. Remove bug screen or winter
front.
9. Electronically controlled viscous
fan drive not operating properly.9. Check viscous fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
10. Cylinder head gasket leaking. 10. Check for leaking head gaskets
(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
11. Heater core leaking. 11. Replace heater core.
12. Cooling system hoses leaking. 12. Tighten clamps or Replace
hoses.
13. Brakes dragging. 13. Check brakes. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/
MECHANICAL - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
14. Accessory drive belt. 14. Inspect. Replace as necessary.
15. Water Pump. 15. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
7 - 8 COOLINGDR
COOLING (Continued)