2003 DODGE RAM firing order

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - IGNITION....3
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER ± 4.7L V-8........4
FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING ± 5.7L
V-8 ENGINE...........................4
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 5.9L V-8.........4
SPARK PLUG CABLE ORDER ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................5
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........5
SPARK PLUGS........................5
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.7L V-8.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.7L V-8.....6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 5.9L........6
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE ± 8.0L V-10
ENGINE..............................6
IGNITION TIMING......................6
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............6
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............6
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................14
DISTRIBUTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................17INSTALLATION.........................18
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
CAP - 5.9L V-8........................18
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR - 5.9L V-8.....................19
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................20
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................26
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................27
REMOVAL.............................30
CLEANING
CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT...........31
INSTALLATION.........................31
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES............................33
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................35
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
3.7L V-6 ENGINE
The 3.7L V-6 engine uses a separate ignition coil
for each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly tothe cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary
terminal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark
plugs. A separate electrical connector is used for each
coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 3.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²6 Spark Plugs
²6 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
4.7L V-8 ENGINE
The 4.7L V-8 engine uses a separate ignition coil for
each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary termi-
nal ends of the coils to the top of all 8 spark plugs. A
separate electrical connector is used for each coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used. A distributor is not used
with the 4.7L engine.
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to each ignition coil.
The ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²8 Separate Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.7L V-8 ENGINE
For additional information, also refer to Igni-
tion Coil Description and Operation.
The 5.7L V-8 engine is equipped with 16 spark
plugs. Two plugs are used for each cylinder. The 5.7L
is also equipped with 8 separate and independent
ignition coils. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head cover and attaches the coils secondary
output terminal directly to a spark plug using a rub-
ber boot seal. Each coil is also equipped with a sec-
ond output terminal. This second terminal connects a
conventional spark plug cable directly to a spark
plug on the opposite cylinder bank. A separate pri-
mary electrical connector is used for each coil.
Eight conventional spark plug cables are used with
the 5.7L. These cables connect a coil on one cylinder
bank, directly to a spark plug on the opposite cylin-
der bank. The cables are placed and routed in a spe-
cial plastic loom to keep them separated. This loom is
clipped to the intake manifold. To prevent a miss-
match of cables, a corresponding spark plug / coil
number is displayed on each plug cable: 1/6, 2/3, 4/7and 5/8. These numbers can also be found on the top
of the intake manifold to the right of the throttle
body (Fig. 1).
Two knock sensors (one for each cylinder bank) are
used to help control spark knock.
The 5.7L engine will not use a conventional distrib-
utor.
The ignition system consists of:
²16 Spark Plugs (2 per cylinder)
²
8 Separate, Dual-Secondary Output, Ignition Coils
²2 Knock Sensors
²8 Secondary Ignition Cables
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Also to be considered part of the ignition system
are certain inputs from the Crankshaft Position,
Camshaft Position, Throttle Position, 2 knock and
MAP Sensors
5.9L V-8 ENGINE
The 5.9L V-8 ignition system will use a conven-
tional distributor and 1 remotely mounted coil. Con-
ventional spark plug cables are used with the 5.9L.
Knock sensors are not used with the 5.9L engine.
The ignition system consists of:
²8 Spark Plugs
²1 Ignition Coil
²Secondary Ignition Cables
²Distributor (contains rotor and camshaft position
sensor)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Fig. 1 FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING - 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
1 - TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - CYLINDER FIRING ORDER (IGNITION COIL NUMBER)
3 - CORRESPONDING SPARK PLUG NUMBER
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6
1-6-5-4-3-2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER ± 4.7L V-8
FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING ± 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
Eight conventional spark plug cables are used with
the 5.7L. These cables connect a coil on one cylinder
bank, directly to a spark plug on the opposite cylin-
der bank. The cables are placed and routed in a spe-
cial plastic loom to keep them separated. This loom is
clipped to the intake manifold. To prevent a miss-
match of cables, a corresponding spark plug / coil
number is displayed on each plug cable: 1/6, 2/3, 4/7
and 5/8. These numbers can also be found on the top
of the intake manifold to the right of the throttle
body (Fig. 2).
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 5.9L V-8
Fig. 2 FIRING ORDER / CABLE ROUTING - 5.7L V-8
ENGINE
1 - TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - CYLINDER FIRING ORDER (IGNITION COIL NUMBER)
3 - CORRESPONDING SPARK PLUG NUMBER
8I - 4 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

4.7L V-8
Battery voltage is supplied to the 8 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 4.7L V-8 engine.
5.7L V-8
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
A ªwasted sparkº system is used on the 5.7L
engine combining paired, or dual-firing coils, and 2
spark plugs per cylinder. The coils and spark plugs
are connected with paired, secondary high-voltage
cables.
Each cylinder is equipped with 1 dual-output coil.
Meaning one coil mounts directly over one of the
dual spark plugs for 1 high-voltage output. A second
high-voltage output is supplied directly from the
same coil (using a plug cable) to one of the dual
spark plugs on a corresponding (paired) cylinder on
the opposite cylinder bank.
Each coil fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously on
each of the cylinder banks (one cylinder on compres-
sion stroke and one cylinder on exhaust stroke).
EXAMPLE :When the #1 cylinder is on compression
stroke and ready for spark, the #1 coil will fire one of
the dual spark plugs on the #1 cylinder (directly
below the coil). The other dual spark plug on the #1
cylinder will be fired by the #6 coil. At the same
time, the #1 coil will fire a ªwasted sparkº to one of
the dual spark plugs at the #6 cylinder as coil #6 also
fires a ªwasted sparkº to one of the dual spark plugs
at the #6 cylinder.
The firing order is paired at cylinders 1/6, 2/3, 4/7,
5/8. Basic cylinder firing order is 1±8±4±3±6±5±7±2.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
5.7L V-8 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing andadjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)
²The camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
5.9L V-8
A single ignition coil is used. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes the ignition coil
ground circuit for ignition coil operation.
Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil pos-
itive terminal from the ASD relay. If the PCM does
not see a signal from the crankshaft and camshaft
sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON but the
engine is not running), it will shut down the ASD cir-
cuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on any
engine.By controlling the coil ground circuit, the
PCM is able to set the base timing and adjust the
ignition timing advance. This is done to meet chang-
ing engine operating conditions.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 5.9L V-8 engine.
8.0L V-10
When one of the 5 independent coils discharges, it
fires two paired cylinders at the same time (one cyl-
inder on compression stroke and the other cylinder
on exhaust stroke).
Coil firing is paired together on cylinders:
²Number 5 and 10
²Number 9 and 8
²Number 1 and 6
²Number 7 and 4
²Number 3 and 2
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 8.0L V-10 engine.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
8.0L V-10 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
8I - 22 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

5.7L V-8
Spark plug cables on the 5.7L engine are paired on
cylinders 1/6, 2/3, 4/7 and 5/8. Before removing or
disconnecting any spark plug cables, note their orig-
inal position (Fig. 55). Remove cables one-at-a-time.
To prevent ignition crossfire, spark plug cablesMUSTbe placed in cable tray (routing loom) into
their original position. The cable retention clips (Fig.
55) must also be securly locked.
Before installing spark plug cables to either the
spark plugs or coils, apply dielectric grease to inside
of boots.
If cable tray removal is necessary, release the 4
tray-to-manifold retention clips (Fig. 55).
INSTALLATION
Install cables into the proper engine cylinder firing
order sequence. Refer to Specifications.
When replacing the spark plug and coil cables,
route the cables correctly and secure them in the
proper retainers. Failure to route the cables properly
may cause the radio to reproduce ignition noise. It
could also cause cross-ignition of the plugs, or, may
short-circuit the cables to ground.
When installing new cables, make sure a positive
connection is made. A snap should be felt when a
good connection is made between the plug cable and
the distributor cap tower.
5.7L V-8
Refer to Spark Plug Cable Removal for
information.
Fig. 55 5.7L SPARK PLUG CABLE ROUTING
1 - #8 COIL-TO- #5 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 5/8) 7 - CABLE TRAY
2 - #5 COIL-TO- #8 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 5/8) 8 - CLIPS (SPARK PLUG CABLE-TO-TRAY- RETENTION)
3 - #7 COIL-TO- #4 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 4/7) 9 - #2 COIL-TO- #3 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 2/3)
4 - #3 COIL-TO- #2 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 2/3) 10 - #6 COIL-TO- #1 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 1/6)
5 - #1 COIL-TO- #6 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 1/6) 11 - #4 COIL-TO- #7 SPARK PLUG (MARKED 4/7)
6 - CLIPS (TRAY-TO-MANIFOLD RETENTION)
Fig. 54 CABLE REMOVAL - 5.9L V-8 / 8.0L V-10
1 - SPARK PLUG CABLE AND BOOT
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT PULLER
3 - TWIST AND PULL
4 - SPARK PLUG
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 35
SPARK PLUG CABLE (Continued)

IDLER SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................80
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................80INSTALLATION.........................81
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS
REMOVAL.............................81
INSPECTION..........................83
INSTALLATION.........................84
ENGINE - 3.7L
DESCRIPTION
The 3.7 liter (226 CID) six-cylinder engine is an
90É single overhead camshaft engine (Fig. 1). The
cast iron cylinder block is made up of two different
components; the first component is the cylinder bore
and upper block, the second component is the bed-
plate that comprises the lower portion of the cylinderblock and houses the lower half of the crankshaft
main bearings. The cylinders are numbered from
front to rear with the left bank being numbered 1,3,
and 5 and the right bank being numbered 2,4, and 6.
The firing order is 1±6±5±4±3±2. The engine serial
number is located at the right front side of the
engine block
Fig. 1 3.7 L ENGINE
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 3

(17) Connect the engine to body ground straps at
the left side of the cowl.
(18) Install the intake manifold.
(19) Install the engine oil dipstick tube.
(20) Install the power brake booster vacuum hose.
(21) Install the breather hoses.
(22) Install the PCV hose.
(23) Install the fuel rail.
(24) Install the coil over plugs.
(25) Connect the engine wiring harness at the fol-
lowing points:
²Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
²Fuel Injectors
²Throttle Position (TPS) Switch
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Engine Oil Pressure Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Coil Over Plugs
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
(26) Reinstall the radiator/cooling module assem-
bly.
(27) Connect lower radiator hose.
(28) Connect upper radiator hose.
(29) Connect throttle and speed control cables.
(30) Install the heater hose assembly.
(31) Install coolant recovery bottle.
(32) Install the power steering pump.
(33) Install the generator.
(34) Install the A/C compressor.
(35) Install the drive belt.
(36) Install the fan shroud with the viscous fan
assembly.
(37) Install the radiator core support bracket.
(38) Install the air cleaner assembly.
(39) Refill the engine cooling system.
(40) Recharge the air conditioning.
(41) Install the hood.
(42) Check and fill engine oil.
(43) Connect the battery negative cable.
(44) Start the engine and check for leaks.SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS ± 3.7L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Engine Type 90É SOHC V-6 12-Valve
Displacement 3.7 Liters / 3700 cc
226 ( Cubic Inches)
Bore 93.0 mm (3.66 in.)
Stroke 90.8 mm (3.40 in.)
Compression Ratio 9.1:1
Horsepower 210 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque 225 LB-FT @ 4200 RPM
Lead Cylinder #1 Left Bank
Firing Order 1-6-5-4-3-2
CYLINDER BLOCK
Cylinder Block Cast Iron
Bore Diameter 93.0   .0075 mm
(3.6619   0.0003 in.)
Out of Round (MAX) 0.076 mm (0.003 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
PISTONS
Material Aluminum Alloy
Diameter 92.975 mm (3.6605 in.)
Weight 367.5 grams (12.96 oz)
Ring Groove Diameter
No. 1 83.73 - 83.13 mm
(3.296 - 3.273 in.)
No. 2 82.833 - 83.033 mm
(3.261 - 3.310 in.)
No. 3 83.88 - 84.08 mm
(3.302 - 3.310 in.)
PISTON PINS
Type Floating
Clearance In Piston 0.006 - 0.015 mm
(0.0002 - 0.0005 in.)
Diameter 24.017 - 24.020 mm
(0.9455 - 0.9456 in.)
PISTON RINGS
Ring Gap
Top Compression Ring 0.20 - 0.36 mm
(0.0079 - 0.0142 in.)
9 - 12 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
4.7L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type 90É SOHC V-8 16-Valve
Displacement 4.7 Liters / 4701cc
(287 Cubic Inches)
Bore 93.0 mm (3.66 in.)
Stroke 86.5 mm (3.40 in.)
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Horsepower 235 BHP @ 4800 RPM
Torque 295 LB-FT @ 3200 RPM
Lead Cylinder #1 Left Bank
Firing Order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
CYLINDER BLOCK
Cylinder Block Cast Iron
Bore Diameter 93.010   .0075 mm
(3.6619   0.0003 in.)
Out of Round (MAX) 0.076 mm (0.003 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
PISTONS
Material Aluminum Alloy
Diameter 92.975 mm (3.6605 in.)
Weight 367.5 grams (12.96 oz)
Ring Groove Diameter
No. 1 83.73 - 83.97 mm
(3.296 - 3.269 in.)
No. 2 82.833 - 83.033 mm
(3.261 - 3.310 in.)
No. 3 83.88 - 84.08 mm
(3.302 - 3.310 in.)
PISTON PINS
Type Pressed Fit
Clearance In Piston 0.010 - 0.019 mm
(0.0004 - 0.0008 in.)
Diameter 24.013 - 24.016 mm
(0.9454 - 0.9455 in.)
PISTON RINGS
Ring Gap
Top Compression Ring 0.37 - 0.63 mm
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
(0.0146 - 0.0249 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.37 - 0.63 mm
(0.0146 - 0.0249 in.)
Oil Control (Steel Rails) 0.25 - 0.76 mm
(0.0099 - 0.30 in.)
Side Clearance
Top Compression Ring .051 - .094 mm
(0.0020 - 0.0037 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.040 - 0.080 mm
(0.0016 - 0.0031 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Ring) .019 - .229 mm
(.0007 - .0091 in.)
Ring Width
Top Compression Ring 1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Second Compression
Ring1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Rails) 0.445 - 0.470 mm
(0.017 - 0.018 in.)
CONNECTING RODS
Bearing Clearance 0.015 - 0.055 mm
(0.0006 - 0.0022 in.)
Side Clearance 0.10 - 0.35 mm
(0.004 - 0.0138 in.)
Piston Pin Bore Diameter .025 - .048 mm
(Interference Fit) (0.001 - 0.0019 in.)
Bearing Bore Out of
Round0.004 mm
(MAX) (0.0002 in.)
Total Weight (Less
Bearing)555 grams (19.5771
ounces)
CRANKSHAFT
Main BearingJournal
Diameter 63.488 - 63.512 mm
(2.4996 - 2.5005 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.018 - 0.052 mm
(0.0008 - 0.0021 in.)
Out of Round (MAX) 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.)
9 - 98 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
ENGINE - 4.7L (Continued)