2003 DODGE RAM intake manifold temperature sensor

(4) Using a suitable size socket, loosen and remove
the block heater element (Fig. 10).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the threads in the cylinder
block.
(2) Coat heater element threads with Mopart
Thread Sealer with Teflon.
(3) Screw block heater into cylinder block and
tighten to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect block heater cord and tighten retain-
ing cap.
(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
used to sense engine coolant temperature. The sensor
protrudes into an engine water jacket.
The ECT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as engine coolant
temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
At key-on, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
sends out a regulated 5 volt signal to the ECT sensor.
The PCM then monitors the signal as it passes
through the ECT sensor to the sensor ground (sensor
return).When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
Open Loop cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-
fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds. This is done
until normal operating temperatures are reached.
The PCM uses inputs from the ECT sensor for the
following calculations:
²for engine coolant temperature gauge operation
through CCD or PCI (J1850) communications
²Injector pulse-width
²Spark-advance curves
²ASD relay shut-down times
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor key-on steps
²Pulse-width prime-shot during cranking
²O2 sensor closed loop times
²Purge solenoid on/off times
²EGR solenoid on/off times (if equipped)
²Leak Detection Pump operation (if equipped)
²Radiator fan relay on/off times (if equipped)
²Target idle speed
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 3.7L engine is installed into a water jacket at
front of intake manifold near rear of generator (Fig.
11).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
4.7L V-8
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT)
SENSOR.
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 4.7L V-8 engine is located near the front of the
intake manifold (Fig. 12).
(1) Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
ECT sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
Fig. 10 Block Heater-Diesel Engine
1 - BLOCK HEATER
7 - 44 ENGINEDR
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

5.7L V-8
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.7L engine is located under the air conditioningcompressor (Fig. 13). It is installed into a water
jacket at the front of the cylinder block (Fig. 14).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Remove fan belt. Refer to Accessory Drive in
Cooling section.
(3) Carefully unbolt air conditioning compressor
from front of engine. Do not disconnect any A/C hoses
from compressor. Temporarily support compressor to
gain access to ECT sensor. Refer to Heating and Air
Conditioning section for information.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor
(Fig. 14).
(5) Remove sensor from cylinder block.
5.9L Diesel
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.9L diesel engine is located near the thermostat
housing (Fig. 15).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
Fig. 11 MAP SENSOR / ECT SENSOR - 3.7L V-6
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
4 - FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 12 ECT SENSOR - 4.7L V-8
1 - ECT SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - MAP SENSOR
4 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 13 ECT LOCATION - 5.7L V-8
1 - TOP OF AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
2 - ECT SENSOR LOCATION
DRENGINE 7 - 45
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
5.9L V-8 Gas
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
REFER TO GROUP 7, COOLING.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor (Fig. 16).
(3)Engines with air conditioning:When
removing the connector from the sensor, do not pull
directly on the wiring harness. The connector is
snapped onto the sensor. It is not equipped with a
lock type tab.
(4) Remove the sensor from the intake manifold.
8.0L V-10
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 8.0L V-10 engine is threaded into the thermostat
housing (Fig. 17).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
Fig. 14 ECT REMOVE / INSTALL 5.7L V-8
1 - FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
Fig. 15 ECT LOCATION - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
Fig. 16 ECT SENSOR - 5.9L V-8
1 - GENERATOR
2 - A/C COMPRESSOR
3 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
4 - ELEC. CONN.
7 - 46 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
4.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
5.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
5.9L Diesel
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 18 N´m (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
5.9L V-8 Gas
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 6±8 N´m (55±75 in. lbs.)
torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor. The sen-
sor connector is symmetrical (not indexed). It can be
connected to sensor in either direction.
(5) Refill cooling system. Refer to 7, COOLING.
8.0L V-10
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. Refer to 7,
COOLING.
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT- 5.7L/5.9L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on the 5.7L and 5.9L gas powered
engine is located beneath the thermostat housing at
the front of the intake manifold (Fig. 18).
The thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse pop-
pet choke type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
Fig. 17 ECT SENSOR - 8.0L V-10
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
DRENGINE 7 - 47
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION - ECM
The Engine Control Module (ECM) is bolted to the
left side of the engine below the intake manifold (Fig.
2).
OPERATION - ECM
The main function of the Engine Control Module
(ECM) is to electrically control the fuel system. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)does not control
the fuel system.
The ECM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.If the ECM has
been replaced, flashed or re-calibrated, the
ECM must learn the Accelerator Pedal Position
Sensor (APPS) idle voltage. Failure to learn
this voltage may result in unnecessary diagnos-
tic trouble codes. Refer to ECM Removal/Instal-
lation for learning procedures.
The ECM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
ECM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to asECM Outputs.The sensors
and switches that provide inputs to the ECM are
consideredECM Inputs.NOTE: ECM Inputs:
²Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Volts
²APPS1 Signal Ð For off engine APPS
²APPS2 Signal Ð For off engine APPS
²APPS Idle Validation Switches #1 and #2
²Battery voltage
²Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
²Ground circuits
²Fuel Pressure Sensor
²Battery Temperature
²Fan speed
²Inlet Air Temperature Sensor/Pressure Sensor
²Intake Air Temperature Sensor/MAP Sensor
²Oil Pressure SWITCH
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor
NOTE: ECM Outputs:
After inputs are received by the ECM, certain sen-
sors, switches and components are controlled or reg-
ulated by the ECM. These are consideredECM
Outputs.These outputs are for:
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²CKP and APPS outputs to the PCM
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Five volt sensor supply
²Fuel transfer (lift) pump
²Intake manifold air heater relays #1 and #2 con-
trol circuits
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp)
(databus)
²Oil Pressure Swith/warning lamp (databus)
²Fuel Control Actuator
²Wait-to-start warning lamp (databus)
²Fan Clutch PWM
²Water-In-Fuel (WIF) warning lamp (databus)
REMOVAL
The Engine Control Module (ECM) is bolted to a
support bracket near the fuel filter. The support
bracket mounts to the block with four capscrews and
vibration isolators. A ground wire is fastened to the
bracket. The other end of the wire is fastened to the
engine block.
(1) Record any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
found in the ECM.
Fig. 2 DIESEL ECM
1 - ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
2 - ECM MOUNTING BOLT
3 - 50-WAY CONNECTOR
4 - SUPPORT PLATE
5 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
8E - 4 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR

POWERTRAIN CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PCM
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is located
in the right-rear section of the engine compartment
under the cowl (Fig. 5).
Two different PCM's are used (JTEC and
NGC). These can be easily identified. JTEC's
use three 32±way connectors, NGC's use four
38±way connectors
DESCRIPTION - MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) change, the PCM adjusts its response to the
output devices. For example, the PCM must calculate
different injector pulse width and ignition timing for
idle than it does for wide open throttle (WOT).
The PCM will operate in two different modes:
Open Loop and Closed Loop.
During Open Loop modes, the PCM receives input
signals and responds only according to preset PCM
programming. Input from the oxygen (O2S) sensors
is not monitored during Open Loop modes.During Closed Loop modes, the PCM will monitor
the oxygen (O2S) sensors input. This input indicates
to the PCM whether or not the calculated injector
pulse width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio. This
ratio is 14.7 parts air-to-1 part fuel. By monitoring
the exhaust oxygen content through the O2S sensor,
the PCM can fine tune the injector pulse width. This
is done to achieve optimum fuel economy combined
with low emission engine performance.
The fuel injection system has the following modes
of operation:
²Ignition switch ON
²Engine start-up (crank)
²Engine warm-up
²Idle
²Cruise
²Acceleration
²Deceleration
²Wide open throttle (WOT)
²Ignition switch OFF
The ignition switch On, engine start-up (crank),
engine warm-up, acceleration, deceleration and wide
open throttle modes are Open Loop modes. The idle
and cruise modes, (with the engine at operating tem-
perature) are Closed Loop modes.
IGNITION SWITCH (KEY-ON) MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. When the fuel system
is activated by the ignition switch, the following
actions occur:
²The PCM pre-positions the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
²The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel
strategy.
²The PCM monitors the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor input. The PCM modifies fuel strategy
based on this input.
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor input is
monitored.
²Throttle position sensor (TPS) is monitored.
²The auto shutdown (ASD) relay is energized by
the PCM for approximately three seconds.
²The fuel pump is energized through the fuel
pump relay by the PCM. The fuel pump will operate
for approximately three seconds unless the engine is
operating or the starter motor is engaged.
²The O2S sensor heater element is energized via
the ASD or O2S heater relay. The O2S sensor input
is not used by the PCM to calibrate air-fuel ratio dur-
ing this mode of operation.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The following actions
occur when the starter motor is engaged.
The PCM receives inputs from:
Fig. 5 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
LOCATION
1 - COWL GRILL
2 - PCM
3 - COWL (RIGHT-REAR)
8E - 8 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR

²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
The PCM monitors the crankshaft position sensor.
If the PCM does not receive a crankshaft position
sensor signal within 3 seconds of cranking the
engine, it will shut down the fuel injection system.
The fuel pump is activated by the PCM through
the fuel pump relay.
Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
The PCM determines the proper ignition timing
according to input received from the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During engine warm-
up, the PCM receives inputs from:
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
Based on these inputs the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
²The PCM adjusts engine idle speed through the
idle air control (IAC) motor and adjusts ignition tim-
ing.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the A/C compressor clutch relay. This is done
if A/C has been selected by the vehicle operator and
specified pressures are met at the high and low±pres-
sure A/C switches. Refer to Heating and Air Condi-
tioning for additional information.
²When engine has reached operating tempera-
ture, the PCM will begin monitoring O2S sensor
input. The system will then leave the warm-up mode
and go into closed loop operation.IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At idle speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Battery voltage
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Oxygen sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
injection sequence and injector pulse width by turn-
ing the ground circuit to each individual injector on
and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio by varying injector pulse width.
It also adjusts engine idle speed through the idle air
control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by increasing
and decreasing spark advance.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the A/C compressor clutch relay. This is done
if A/C has been selected by the vehicle operator and
specified pressures are met at the high and low±pres-
sure A/C switches. Refer to Heating and Air Condi-
tioning for additional information.
CRUISE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At cruising speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Oxygen (O2S) sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then adjust
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 9
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

the injector pulse width by turning the ground circuit
to each individual injector on and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio. It also adjusts engine idle
speed through the idle air control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil(s) on and off.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This happens if A/C has
been selected by the vehicle operator and requested
by the A/C thermostat.
ACCELERATION MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The PCM recognizes
an abrupt increase in throttle position or MAP pres-
sure as a demand for increased engine output and
vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector
pulse width in response to increased throttle opening.
DECELERATION MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is an Open Loop mode. During hard deceleration, the
PCM receives the following inputs.
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Vehicle speed
If the vehicle is under hard deceleration with the
proper rpm and closed throttle conditions, the PCM
will ignore the oxygen sensor input signal. The PCM
will enter a fuel cut-off strategy in which it will not
supply a ground to the injectors. If a hard decelera-
tion does not exist, the PCM will determine the
proper injector pulse width and continue injection.
Based on the above inputs, the PCM will adjust
engine idle speed through the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During wide open
throttle operation, the PCM receives the following
inputs.
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
During wide open throttle conditions, the following
occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off. The PCM ignores the oxygen sensor input
signal and provides a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel. This is done by adjusting injector pulse
width.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil(s) on and off.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When ignition switch is turned to OFF position,
the PCM stops operating the injectors, ignition coil,
ASD relay and fuel pump relay.
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Two different Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
five volt supply circuits are used; primary and sec-
ondary.
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
This circuit ties the ignition switch to the Power-
train Control Module (PCM).
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has 2 main
grounds. Both of these grounds are referred to as
power grounds. All of the high-current, noisy, electri-
cal devices are connected to these grounds as well as
all of the sensor returns. The sensor return comes
into the sensor return circuit, passes through noise
suppression, and is then connected to the power
ground.
The power ground is used to control ground cir-
cuits for the following PCM loads:
²Generator field winding
²Fuel injectors
²Ignition coil(s)
²Certain relays/solenoids
²Certain sensors
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN
The Sensor Return circuits are internal to the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM).
Sensor Return provides a low±noise ground refer-
ence for all engine control system sensors. Refer to
Power Grounds for more information.
8E - 10 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)