Ignition system DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual

CAUTION: If fuel contamination due to fungi or other microorganisms is
suspected a fuel additive with a biocide may be used. Follow
the manufacturers dosage as recommended on product label. Use
biocides ONLY when necessary, excessive use can may cause
other fuel system problems.
DIESEL FUEL CONTAMINATION
WARNING: Diesel fuel system may be contaminated with fungi or other
microorganisms. Keep contaminated fuel away from open skin
cuts or sores to prevent skin irritation or infection.
DIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS
CAUTION: All diesel engines have been developed to take advantage of
the high energy content of No. 2 diesel fuel or No. 2
climatized-diesel fuels. It also operates on No. 1-diesel
fuels if temperatures are expected to be extended arctic
conditions -10
\bF (-23\bC).
WARNING: Do NOT use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent. They
can be unstable under certain conditions and hazardous or
explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
WARNING: Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by
static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label,
but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by
touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to
servicing any ESD sensitive component.
ENGINE OIL
CAUTION: Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.
ENGINE OIL FILTER (CARTRIDGE TYPE)
CAUTION: Use of Mopar Oil Filter Cartridge (P/N 04746914) is
RECOMMENDED. The engine oil filter cartridge should be
changed at every engine oil change. Use the same type oil
that will be used in the engine.
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
WARNING: Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel
system component (fuel injection models).
HALOGEN BULBS
WARNING: Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if
overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare
hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working
around halogen bulbs.
RADIATOR CAP
CAUTION: Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the
radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could
start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF
position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling
system is hot.

Fig. 20: Underhood Power Distribution Center
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
WARNING: Always disconnect battery ground cable before servicing
"high-current fuses. It is recommended that "high-current"
fuses be replaced by a qualified technician.
Power Distribution Center Relay & Fuse Identification
A - Starter Relay
B - Trailer Lights Relay
C - Auto Transmission Relay
D - Anti-Lock Brake System Relay
E - Auto Shutdown Relay
F - Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
G - Horn Relay
H - Fuel System Relay
J - ABS Warning Light Relay
K - Fog Lamp 2 Relay
L - Fog Lamp 1 Relay
1 - 30 Amp (Pink)
Engine Control
2 - 40 Amp (Green)
Ignition Run/Accessory
3 - 40 Amp (Green)
Ignition Run
4 - 50 Amp (Red)
Instrument Panel, Horn, Parking Lights
5 - 20 Amp (Blue)
Fuel Pump
6 - 30 Amp (Pink)
Trailer Lights
7 - 40 Amp (Green)
Stop/Headlight
8 - 40 Amp (Green)
ABS Pump
9 - 20 Amp (Yellow)
Hazard Lights
10 - 20 Amp (Yellow)
Horn/AC
11 - 15 Amp (Blue)

2) Apply voltage to Light Blue/Yellow wire at heated mirror
and ground Black wire at heated mirror. Mirror should become warm to
touch. If mirror is not warm to touch, remove mirror and test wires
for continuity. If no continuity exists, repair wires. If wires are
okay, replace mirror. To test defogger switch, see appropriate wiring
diagram in REAR WINDOW DEFOGGERS article.
NOTE: On Ram Pickup, heated mirror is controlled by mirror defogger
switch.
Ram Pickup
1) Turn ignition on. While watching instrument panel
voltmeter, turn heated mirror switch on. Voltmeter needle should
deflect. With heated mirror on, mirror should be warm to touch after
3-4 minutes. If system operates as described, system is okay at this
time.
2) If system does not operate as described, go to next step.
Illuminated indicator light means only that voltage exists at heated
mirror relay.
3) Ensure ignition is on. Check fuses in Power Distribution
Center (PDC) and junction block. Ensure fuses are fully seated and
connections are secure. If mirrors are still inoperative, problem is
in heated mirror control, mirror heating grid and/or heated mirror
harness or connectors. If turning switch on causes a large deflection
in instrument panel voltmeter, check for a short circuit in system.
Repair as necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist
until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
HEATED MIRROR SWITCH
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
Heated mirror switch is part of HVAC control unit. See
appropriate AUTOMATIC A/C-HEATER SYSTEMS article in appropriate AIR
CONDITIONING & HEATING SERVICE & REPAIR section.
POWER MIRROR SWITCH
Removal & Installation (Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager)
1) Remove cover from over steering column. Remove screws
holding instrument cluster bezel to dash (above cluster lens). Remove
screws holding instrument cluster bezel to dash from each side of
steering column. Disconnect clip holding instrument cluster bezel to
dash from above right vent louver.
2) Separate instrument cluster bezel from dash. Disconnect
wires from back of bezel. Disengage lock tabs above and below mirror
switch. Pull mirror switch from headlight switch bezel. To install,
reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Dakota & Durango)
1) Pull power mirror switch control knob rearward to remove
it from switch body. Remove nut securing switch to door trim panel.
Pull door latch handle to open position and remove screw securing trim
panel to door. Remove manual window crank handle, if equipped. Release
locking tab on power window/lock switch, if equipped. Remove power
window/lock switch and unplug connector.

PA R ASIT IC L O AD E XPLA N ATIO N & T E ST P R O CED URES

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Parasitic Load Explanation & Test Procedures
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
This article is provided for general information only. Not
all procedures apply to all makes and models.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The term Parasitic Load refers to electrical devices that
continue to use or draw current after the ignition switch is turned to
OFF position. This small amount of continuous battery draw is
expressed in milliamps (mA). On Ford Motor Co. and General Motors
vehicles produced after 1980, a typical Parasitic Load should be no
more than 50 milliamps (0.050 amps).
Vehicles produced since 1980 have memory devices that draw
current with ignition off for as long as 20 minutes before shutting
down the Parasitic Drain. When Parasitic Load exceeds normal
specifications, the vehicle may exhibit dead battery and no-start
condition.
Follow test procedure for checking Parasitic Loads to
completion. A brief overview of a suggested test procedure is included
along with some typical Parasitic Load specifications. Refer to the
GENERAL MOTORS PARASITIC LOAD TABLE chart.
TESTING FOR PARASITIC LOAD
INTRODUCTION
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off when connecting or disconnecting
battery cables, battery chargers or jumper cables. DO NOT
turn test switch to OFF position (which causes current to run
through ammeter or vehicle electrical system).
NOTE: Memory functions of various accessories must be reset after
the battery is reconnected.
The battery circuit must be opened to connect test switch
(shunt) and ammeter into the circuit. When a battery cable is removed,\
timer circuits within the vehicle computer are interrupted and
immediately begin to discharge. If in doubt about the condition of the
ammeter fuse, test it with an ohmmeter prior to beginning test. An
open fuse will show the same reading (00.00) as no parasitic drain.
Begin test sequence with the meter installed and on the 10-amp scale.
Select lower scale to read parasitic draw.
TEST PROCEDURE USING TEST SWITCH
1) Turn ignition off. Remove negative battery terminal cable.
Install Disconnect Tool (J-38758) test switch male end to negative
battery cable. Turn test switch knob to OFF position (current through
meter). Install negative battery cable to the female end of test
switch.
2) Turn test switch knob to ON position (current through
switch). Road test vehicle with vehicle accessories on (radio, air
conditioner, etc.). After road test, turn ignition switch to LOCKED
position and remove key. Connect ammeter terminals to test switch

Normal Maximum Time-Out
Component Draw Draw (Minutes)
Anti-Theft System ................ 0.4 .... 1.0 ....... ...
Auto Door Lock ................... 1.0 .... 1.0 ....... ...
Body Control Module .............. 3.6 ... 12.4 ........ 20
Central Processing System ........ 1.6 .... 2.7 ........ 20
Electronic Control Module ........ 5.6 ... 10.0 ....... ...
Electronic Level Control ......... 2.0 .... 3.3 ........ 20
Heated Windshield Module ......... 0.3 .... 0.4 ....... ...
HVAC Power Module ................ 1.0 .... 1.0 ....... ...
Illuminated Entry ................ 1.0 .... 1.0 ......... 1
Light Control Module ............. 0.5 .... 1.0 ....... ...
Oil Level Module ................. 0.1 .... 0.1 ....... ...
Multi-Function Chime ............. 1.0 .... 1.0 ....... ...
Pass Key Decoder Module ......... 0.75 .... 1.0 ....... ...
Power Control Module ............. 5.0 .... 7.0 ....... ...
Retained Accessory Power ......... 3.8 .... 3.8 ....... ...
Radio ............................ 7.0 .... 8.0 ........ 15
Twilight Sentinel Module ......... 1.0 .... 1.0 ....... ...
Voltage Regulator ................ 1.4 .... 2.0 ....... ...









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INTERMITTENT PARASITIC LOAD PROBLEMS
Intermittent parasitic lad can occur because of a memory
device that does not power down with ignition off. With an
intermittent parasitic load, battery draw can be greater than 1.0 amp.
To find and intermittent problem requires that an ammeter and
Disconnect Tool (J-38758) test switch be connected and left in the
circuit. See Fig. 1. Road test vehicle. After road test, turn ignition
off and remove key.
Monitor the milliamps scale for 15-20 minutes after ignition
is turned off. This allows monitoring memory devices to determine if
they time out and stop drawing memory current. The test switch is
needed to protect ammeter when the vehicles is started.
DIODE CHECK & SOLENOID TEST (GENERAL MOTORS)

FUEL LINE BLEEDING
NOTE: Fuel line bleeding is necessary if fuel injection pump is
replaced, fuel filter/water separator is not filled with
diesel fuel before installing or vehicle ran out off fuel.
Bleed high-pressure fuel lines if connections are loosened or
replaced. If engine has not been operated for an extended
time, bleed fuel lines before next initial engine start-up.
WARNING: DO NOT bleed fuel lines on a hot engine, as high exhaust
temperatures may cause a fire. Carefully bleed fuel lines, as
fuel is under extremely high pressure and could penetrate
skin. Use safety goggles and protective clothing when
bleeding fuel lines.
1) Loosen banjo bolt holding low-pressure fuel supply line to
side of fuel injection pump. Wrap a towel around banjo fitting to
catch fuel. Crank engine quickly and release key before engine starts.
This will operate fuel transfer pump for about 25 seconds.
2) If fuel is not present at fuel supply line after 25
seconds, turn ignition off. Repeat engine crank procedure until fuel
is present at fuel supply line. Tighten banjo bolt at fuel supply line
to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: Ensure parking brake is applied and transmission is in
Neutral before bleeding fuel injection pump or high-pressure
fuel lines. DO NOT operate starter for more than 30 seconds
when bleeding fuel injection pump or high-pressure fuel
lines. Allow 2-minute intervals between starter operations.
3) To bleed air from fuel injection pump, ensure parking
brake is applied and transmission is in Neutral, as engine may start
when operating starter to bleed air from fuel injection pump. Operate
starter for 30 seconds to bleed any trapped air in fuel injection
pump.
4) To bleed high-pressure fuel lines, ensure parking brake is
applied and transmission is in Neutral, as engine may start when
operating starter to bleed high-pressure fuel lines. Loosen high-
pressure fuel line nut at fuel injector.
5) Operate starter until steady fuel flow exists at high-
pressure fuel line. Tighten high-pressure fuel line nut to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Start engine. Repeat
procedure on each high-pressure fuel line until engine operates
smoothly.
FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR & WATER-IN-FUEL SENSOR
NOTE: Vehicle also contains an in-tank fuel filter located on
bottom of fuel tank module. For servicing procedure, see FUEL
TANK MODULE & IN-TANK FUEL FILTER under FUEL SYSTEM.
NOTE: When fuel filter/water separator is being replaced,
manufacturer recommends cleaning the pre-filter. See FUEL
HEATER under FUEL SYSTEM for servicing of pre-filter.
Removal
1) Ensure engine is off. Place drain pan below drain tube at
fuel filter/water separator. See Fig. 3. Rotate handle on drain valve
forward, toward front of vehicle to DRAIN position. Drain valve is
located near top of fuel filter/water separator. See Fig. 3. Once fuel
is drained from fuel filter/water separator, rotate handle on drain
valve back to CLOSE position.

bracket. Ensure alignment tab on brake switch aligns with opening on
mounting bracket.
CAUTION: When adjusting brake switch, DO NOT pull brake pedal back
toward brake switch with excessive pressure, or brake switch
may be damaged.
3) When brake switch is fully installed in mounting bracket,
rotate brake switch clockwise approximately 30 degrees. To ensure
proper brake switch adjustment, gently pull brake pedal back toward
brake switch as far as possible. DO NOT apply excessive pressure on
brake pedal and brake switch.
Removal (Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
1) Brake switch is located near top of brake pedal. Remove
lower steering column cover. Remove data link connector, hood release
lever and parking brake lever from lower instrument panel cover.
2) Remove lower instrument panel cover for access to brake
switch. Depress and hold brake pedal downward. Rotate brake switch
counterclockwise approximately 1/16 turn to so locking collar on brake
switch aligns with opening on mounting bracket. Pull brake switch
rearward from mounting bracket. Disconnect electrical connector from
brake switch.
NOTE: Before installing brake switch, plunger on brake switch must
be pulled outward to fully extended position and then pushed
inward 4 detent positions to ensure proper brake switch
adjustment.
Installation
1) Pull plunger on brake switch outward to the fully extended
position. Push plunger on brake switch inward 4 detent positions. The
brake switch will click at each detent position when pushing plunger
inward.
2) Install electrical connector on brake switch. Depress
brake pedal as far as possible. Install brake switch in mounting
bracket. Ensure locking collar on brake switch aligns with opening on
mounting bracket.
CAUTION: When adjusting brake switch, DO NOT pull brake pedal back
toward brake switch with excessive pressure, or brake switch
may be damaged.
3) When brake switch is fully installed in mounting bracket,
rotate brake switch clockwise approximately 1/16 turn. To ensure
proper brake switch adjustment, gently pull brake pedal back toward
brake switch as far as possible. DO NOT apply excessive pressure on
brake pedal and brake switch.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Removal & Installation
See CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR under IGNITION SYSTEM.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Removal & Installation
See CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR under IGNITION SYSTEM.
DOWNSTREAM OXYGEN SENSOR
NOTE: Downstream oxygen sensor may also be referred to as post
-catalyst oxygen sensor.

POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) LOCATION








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Application Location
Dakota & Durango .............. Driver's Side Of Engine Compartment,
Behind Battery
Ram Pickup .................... Driver's Side Of Engine Compartment,
Above Wheelwell
Ram Van & Ram Wagon ........... Driver's Side Of Engine Compartment,
Near Battery









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STARTER RELAY & TRANSMISSION RELAY
NOTE: Transmission relay may also be referred to as transmission
control relay.
Removal & Installation
Relay is located in Power Distribution Center (PDC). Relays
may be identified by label on inside of PDC cover. See POWER
DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) LOCATION table.
EVAP PURGE SOLENOID
NOTE: EVAP purge solenoid may also be referred to as EVAP canister
purge solenoid, duty cycle solenoid or proportional purge
solenoid.
Removal & Installation
See EVAP PURGE SOLENOID under EMISSION SYSTEMS.
TRANSMISSION GOVERNOR PRESSURE SOLENOID
NOTE: Transmission governor pressure solenoid may also be referred
to as governor pressure solenoid.
Removal & Installation (A/T Models)
Transmission governor pressure solenoid is located on
transmission valve body. See appropriate ELECTRONIC CONTROLS article
in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS section.
TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE SOLENOID & TRANSMISSION TORQUE
CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) SOLENOID
NOTE: Transmission overdrive solenoid may also be referred to as
overdrive solenoid or 3-4 shift solenoid.
Removal & Installation (A/T Models)
Transmission overdrive solenoid and TCC solenoid are located
in solenoid assembly on transmission valve body. See appropriate
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS section.
IGNITION SYSTEM
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Removal & Installation (Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup 3.9L,
5.2L & 5.9L, Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
1) Camshaft position sensor is located in the distributor.
See Fig. 13 . Camshaft position sensor may be serviced without removing

Installation
1) If engine has not been rotated after removing distributor,
go to next step. If engine was rotated after removing distributor,
rotate crankshaft clockwise (viewed from front of engine) until
cylinder No. 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on compression stroke and
timing mark on vibration damper aligns with TDC timing mark on timing
chain cover. Go to next step.
2) Ensure distributor mounting area on cylinder block is
clean. Install NEW "O" ring on distributor if necessary. Apply light
coat of engine oil on "O" ring.
3) Position distributor rotor so it aligns with terminal for
cylinder No. 1 on distributor cap. Install distributor. Ensure
distributor engages with slot in oil pump drive gear. Install hold-
down clamp and distributor hold-down bolt. DO NOT tighten distributor
hold-down bolt at this time.
4) Rotate distributor until distributor rotor aligns with
cylinder No. 1 alignment mark on camshaft position sensor. See Fig. 23
. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure.
5) Base ignition timing is nonadjustable. Base ignition
timing and timing advance are controlled by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). Distributor position is used to determine the fuel
system synchronization. To check for correct distributor position and
fuel system synchronization, see FUEL SYSTEM SYNCHRONIZATION under
FUEL SYSTEM in ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS article.
IGNITION COIL
Removal & Installation (Dakota 2.5L)
Ignition coil is located on side of engine, near distributor.
Service procedure is primarily an unbolt and bolt-on procedure.
Tighten ignition coil retaining bolts or nuts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Removal & Installation (Dakota 3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L, Durango &
Ram Van/Wagon)
1) Ignition coil is located on front of passenger's side
cylinder head. Disconnect spark plug wires and electrical connector
from ignition coil.
CAUTION: Ignition coil-to-cylinder head mounting bracket bolts hold
the idler pulley for the accessory drive belt, as these bolts
are under tension. If necessary to remove these bolts,
accessory drive belt must be removed first.
2) Remove ignition coil retaining bolts or nuts with ignition
coil from the ignition coil mounting bracket. DO NOT remove ignition
coil-to-cylinder head mounting bracket bolts, as these bolts are under
tension.
3) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten ignition
coil retaining bolts or nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup 3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L)
1) On 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L with light-duty emissions, ignition
coil is located on front of passenger's side cylinder head. On 5.9L
with heavy-duty emissions, ignition coil is located on top of air
injection pump. On all models, disconnect spark plug wires and
electrical connector from ignition coil.
CAUTION: On 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L with light-duty emissions, ignition
coil-to-cylinder head mounting bracket bolts hold the idler

pulley for the accessory drive belt, as these bolts are under
tension. If necessary to remove these bolts, accessory drive
belt must be removed first.
2) Remove ignition coil retaining bolts or nuts with ignition
coil from the ignition coil mounting bracket. On 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L
with light-duty emissions, DO NOT remove ignition coil-to-cylinder
head mounting bracket bolts, as these bolts are under tension. On all
applications, to install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten ignition
coil retaining bolts or nuts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup 8.0L)
1) Two separate ignition coils are located above passenger's
side valve cover. Each ignition coil can be serviced separately. On
all ignition coil applications, disconnect spark plug wires and
electrical connector from ignition coil.
2) Remove ignition coil retaining bolts and ignition coil
from ignition coil mounting bracket. To install, reverse removal
procedure. Ensure ignition coil is mounted on ignition coil mounting
bracket with electrical connector facing downward. Tighten ignition
coil retaining bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
WARNING: Always release fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel
injection-related component. DO NOT allow fuel to contact
engine or electrical components.
1) Remove fuel cap from fuel tank. Note location of spring
loaded flapper valve inside fuel tank filler tube assembly. Flapper
valve is located just below the fuel cap area on fuel tank filler tube
assembly. Flapper valve is used as a secondary way of sealing the fuel
tank if fuel cap was not properly tightened.
WARNING: When opening flapper valve inside fuel tank filler tube
assembly, ensure a non-metallic object is used to prevent any
sparks.
2) Using a non-metallic object, push flapper valve inside
filler tube assembly downward to release any pressure from the fuel
tank. Ensure all pressure is released from fuel tank.
3) Remove fuel pump relay from Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Fuel pump relay may be identified by label on inside of PDC
cover. See POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) LOCATION table.
4) On all models, start engine and allow engine to idle until
engine stalls. Attempt to restart engine until engine will no longer
run. Turn ignition off.
CAUTION: Ensure steps 1) through 4) are performed before proceeding.
Steps 3) and 4) must be performed to ensure most of the fuel
pressure is released from fuel rails to prevent an excessive
amount of fuel being delivered into the cylinders.
5) Remaining fuel pressure is released by energizing a fuel
injector. Disconnect electrical connector at any fuel injector.
6) Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on
fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper
wire on remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector.