Heat DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owners Manual
Page 491 of 2889
DIESEL ENGINE
Diesel engine models feature a clamping type
female battery terminal made of soft lead die cast
onto one end of the battery cable wire. A square
headed pinch-bolt and hex nut are installed at the
open end of the female battery terminal clamp. The
pinch-bolt on the left side battery positive cable
female terminal clamp also has a stud extending
from the head of the bolt. Large eyelet type terminals
are crimped onto the opposite end of the battery
cable wire and then solder-dipped. The battery posi-
tive cable wires have a red insulating jacket to pro-
vide visual identification and feature a larger female
battery terminal clamp to allow connection to the
larger battery positive terminal post. The battery
negative cable wires have a black insulating jacket
and a smaller female battery terminal clamp.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a return path for electrical current gen-
erated by the charging system for restoring the volt-
age potential of the battery. The female battery
terminal clamps on the ends of the battery cable
wires provide a strong and reliable connection of the
battery cable to the battery terminal posts. The ter-
minal pinch bolts allow the female terminal clamps
to be tightened around the male terminal posts on
the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals secured
to the ends of the battery cable wires opposite the
female battery terminal clamps provide secure and
reliable connection of the battery to the vehicle elec-
trical system.
GASOLINE ENGINE
The battery positive cable terminal clamp is
crimped onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an
eyelet terminal that connects the battery positive
cable to the B(+) terminal stud of the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC), and the other wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor
solenoid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp
is also crimped onto the ends of two wires. One wire
has an eyelet terminal that connects the battery neg-
ative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a stud
on the front of the left engine cylinder head. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the left front fender inner shield,
just ahead of the battery. An additional ground wire
with two eyelet terminals is used to provide ground
to the vehicle frame. One eyelet terminal of this
ground wire is installed under the head of the bat-
tery negative cable terminal clamp pinch-bolt, andthe other eyelet terminal is secured with a ground
screw to the outer surface of the left frame rail,
below the battery.
DIESEL ENGINE
The left battery positive cable terminal clamp is
die cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an
eyelet terminal that connects the left battery positive
cable to the B(+) terminal stud of the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC), and the other wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the left battery positive
cable to the B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter
motor solenoid. The right battery positive cable ter-
minal clamp is die cast onto the end of a single wire.
The eyelet terminal on the other end of the right bat-
tery positive cable is connected to the stud on the
pinch-bolt of the left battery positive cable terminal
clamp. This stud also provides a connection point for
the eyelet terminals from the fuel heater relay and
intake air heater relay jumper harness take outs. All
of these eyelet terminals are secured to the left bat-
tery positive cable terminal clamp pinch-bolt stud
with a single hex nut.
The left battery negative cable terminal clamp is
die cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an
eyelet terminal that connects the left battery nega-
tive cable to the vehicle powertrain through a ground
screw on the left side of the engine block, below the
power steering and vacuum pumps. The other wire
has an eyelet terminal that connects the left battery
negative cable to the vehicle body through a ground
screw on the left front fender inner shield, just ahead
of the left battery. An additional ground wire with
two eyelet terminals is used to provide ground to the
vehicle frame. One eyelet terminal of this ground
wire is installed under the nut of the left battery
negative cable terminal clamp pinch-bolt, and the
other eyelet terminal is secured with a ground screw
to the outer surface of the left frame rail, below the
left battery. The right battery negative cable terminal
is also die cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire
has an eyelet terminal that connects the right bat-
tery negative cable to the vehicle powertrain through
a ground screw on the right side of the engine block,
just forward of the right engine mount. The other
wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the right
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the right front fender inner shield,
just behind the right battery.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - BATTERY CABLES
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cables. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
8F - 20 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)
Page 500 of 2889
BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is attached
to the battery tray located under the battery.
OPERATION
The BTS is used to determine the battery temper-
ature and control battery charging rate. This temper-
ature data, along with data from monitored line
voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the battery
charging rate. System voltage will be higher at colder
temperatures and is gradually reduced at warmer
temperatures.
The PCM sends 5 volts to the sensor and is
grounded through the sensor return line. As temper-
ature increases, resistance in the sensor decreases
and the detection voltage at the PCM increases.
The BTS is also used for OBD II diagnostics. Cer-
tain faults and OBD II monitors are either enabled
or disabled, depending upon BTS input (for example,
disable purge and enable Leak Detection Pump
(LDP) and O2 sensor heater tests). Most OBD II
monitors are disabled below 20ÉF.
REMOVAL
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery (Fig. 1) and is attached (snapped
into) a mounting hole on battery tray. On models
equipped with a diesel engine (dual batteries), only
one sensor is used. The sensor is located under the
battery on drivers side of vehicle.
(1) Remove battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
(2) Disconnect sensor pigtail harness from engine
wire harness.
(3) Pry sensor straight up from battery tray
mounting hole.
INSTALLATION
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery (Fig. 1) and is attached (snapped
into) a mounting hole on battery tray. On models
equipped with a diesel engine (dual batteries), only
one sensor is used. The sensor is located under the
battery on drivers side of vehicle.
(1) Feed pigtail harness through mounting hole in
top of battery tray and press sensor into top of tray
(snaps in).
(2) Connect pigtail harness.
(3) Install battery. Refer to 8A, Battery for proce-
dures.
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The Y type stator winding connections deliver the
induced alternating current to 3 positive and 3 neg-
ative diodes for rectification. From the diodes, recti-
fied direct current is delivered to the vehicle
electrical system through the generator battery ter-
minal.
Fig. 1 Battery Temperature Sensor Location
1 - BATT. TEMP. SENSOR
2 - BATTERY HOLD DOWN STRAP
3 - PIGTAIL HARNESS
4 - U-NUT
5 - U-NUT
6 - ELEC. CONNEC.
BR/BECHARGING 8F - 29
Page 502 of 2889
CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. The
water pump will be rotating in the wrong direction if
the belt is installed incorrectly, causing the engine
to overheat. Refer to belt routing label in engine
compartment, or refer to Belt Schematics in Group
7, Cooling System.
(4) Install generator drive belt. Refer to 7, Cooling
System for procedure.(5) Install negative battery cable(s) to battery(s).
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) is not a
separate component. It is actually a voltage regulat-
ing circuit located within the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The EVR is not serviced separately. If
replacement is necessary, the PCM must be replaced.
OPERATION
The amount of direct current produced by the gen-
erator is controlled by EVR circuitry contained
within the PCM. This circuitry is connected in series
with the generators second rotor field terminal and
its ground.
Voltage is regulated by cycling the ground path to
control the strength of the rotor magnetic field. The
EVR circuitry monitors system line voltage (B+) and
battery temperature (refer to Battery Temperature
Sensor for more information). It then determines a
target charging voltage. If sensed battery voltage is
0.5 volts or lower than the target voltage, the PCM
grounds the field winding until sensed battery volt-
age is 0.5 volts above target voltage. A circuit in the
PCM cycles the ground side of the generator field up
to 100 times per second (100Hz), but has the capabil-
ity to ground the field control wire 100% of the time
(full field) to achieve the target voltage. If the charg-
ing rate cannot be monitored (limp-in), a duty cycle
of 25% is used by the PCM in order to have some
generator output. Also refer to Charging System
Operation for additional information.
Fig. 4 Remove/Install GeneratorÐDiesel Engine
1 - UPPER MOUNTING BOLT
2 - BRACKET-TO-ENGINE BOLT
3 - LOWER MOUNTING BOLT/NUT
4 - GENERATOR
Fig. 5 Generator ConnectorsÐTypical Bosch
1 - FIELD WIRE CONNECTOR
2 - FIELD WIRES
3 - B+ (OUTPUT TERMINAL)
Fig. 6 Generator ConnectorsÐTypical Denso
1 - FIELD WIRES
2 - B+ (OUTPUT TERMINAL)
3 - FIELD WIRE CONNECTOR
BR/BECHARGING 8F - 31
GENERATOR (Continued)
Page 516 of 2889
HEATED SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED MIRRORS......................... 1 HEATED SEATSYSTEM..................... 5
HEATED MIRRORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM................2
MIRROR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION............................3
OPERATION.............................3DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
HEATED MIRROR SWITCH................3
HEATED MIRROR GRID
DESCRIPTION............................4
OPERATION.............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................0
HEATED MIRROR GRID...................4
HEATED MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION - HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM
Electrically heated outside rear view mirrors are
an additional factory-installed option on models that
are equipped with factory-installed dual power mir-
rors. Vehicles with this option can be visually identi-
fied by the International Control and Display Symbol
icon for rear window defogger, which appears on the
lower inboard corner of each outside mirror glass
(Fig. 1); or, by the heated mirror switch that is
located in the lower left corner of the a/c heater con-
trol unit face plate. The heated mirror system helps
the vehicle operator maintain outside rear view mir-
ror visibility during inclement operating conditions
by keeping both outside mirror glasses clear of ice,
snow, or fog. The heated mirror system for this vehi-
cle includes the following major components:
²The heated mirror switch, including the heated
mirror system solid state electronic control logic and
timer circuitry, the heated mirror relay and the
heated mirror system indicator lamp. All of these
components are integral to the a/c heater control unit
on the instrument panel.
²The two outside mirror heating grids, which are
integral to the power outside mirror units.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the heated mirror system. See the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of the
heated mirror system.
Fig. 1 HEATED MIRROR
1 - POWER HEATED OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
2 - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ICON
BR/BEHEATED SYSTEMS 8G - 1
Page 517 of 2889
OPERATION - HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM
The solid state electronic control logic and timer
circuitry for the heated mirror system receives bat-
tery current from a fuse in the Junction Block (JB)
only when the ignition switch is in the On or Start
positions. After the heated mirror system is turned
On, the electronic control logic and timer circuitry
will automatically turn the system off after a pro-
grammed time interval of about fifteen minutes.
After the initial time interval has expired, if the
heated mirror switch is depressed and released a sec-
ond time during the same ignition cycle, the elec-
tronic control logic and timer circuitry will
automatically turn the heated mirror system off after
a programmed time interval of about five minutes.
The heated mirror system will be shut off automati-
cally if the ignition switch is turned to the Off or
Accessory positions. After the heated mirror system
is turned On, it can also be turned off manually by
depressing and releasing the heated mirror switch a
second time.
When the heated mirror system is turned On, the
heated mirror system control logic and timer cir-
cuitry energizes the heated mirror system indicator
lamp and the heated mirror relay. When energized,
the heated mirror relay supplies fused ignition
switch output (run/start) current from a fuse in the
JB to the outside mirror heating grids located behind
the mirror glass of each of the outside rear view mir-
rors. When energized, each of the outside mirror
heating grids produces enough heat to warm the
glass of the outside rear view mirrors.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
SYSTEM
If only one of the outside mirror heating grids is
inoperative, perform continuity checks on the circuits
and heater grid for that mirror only. If both outside
mirror heating grids are inoperative, proceed with
the heated mirror system diagnosis as follows. (Refer
to Appropriate Wiring Information).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.The operation of the heated mirror system can be
confirmed in one of the following manners:
²Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter,
momentarily depress and release the heated mirror
switch. When the heated mirror system is turned On,
a distinct voltmeter needle deflection should be
noted.
²Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Momentarily depress and release the heated mirror
switch to turn the heated mirror system On. The
heated mirror operation can be checked by feeling
the outside rear view mirror glass. A distinct differ-
ence in temperature between the unheated and
heated mirror glass can be detected within three to
four minutes of system operation.
The above checks will confirm system operation.
Illumination of the heated mirror system indicator
lamp means that there is electrical current available
at the heated mirror relay, but does not confirm that
the electrical current is reaching the outside mirror
heating grids.
If the heated mirror system does not operate, the
problem should be isolated in the following manner:
(1) Confirm that the ignition switch is in the On
position.
(2) Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) and in the Junction Block (JB). The fuses
must be tight in their receptacles and all electrical
connections must be secure.
When the above steps have been completed and
both outside mirror heating grids are still inopera-
tive, one or more of the following is faulty:
²Heated mirror switch, electronic control logic
and timer circuitry, and heated mirror relay.
²Heated mirror wire harness circuits or connec-
tors.
²Outside mirror heating grid (both mirror grids
would have to be faulty).
If turning On the heated mirror system produces a
severe voltmeter deflection or fuse failures, check for
a shorted circuit between the output of the heated
mirror relay and the outside mirror heating grids.
8G - 2 HEATED MIRRORSBR/BE
HEATED MIRRORS (Continued)
Page 518 of 2889
MIRROR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated mirror switch, the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp, the heated mirror system solid
state electronic control logic and timer circuitry and
the heated mirror relay are all integral to the a/c
heater control, which is located between the instru-
ment cluster and the radio near the center of the
instrument cluster bezel on the instrument panel.
The heated mirror switch and the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp are visible in the lower left corner
of the a/c heater control face plate (Fig. 2).
The heated mirror switch, the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp, the heated mirror system solid
state electronic control logic and timer circuitry and
the heated mirror relay cannot be repaired. If any of
these components is damaged or faulty, the entire a/c
heater control must be replaced. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
HEATER CONTROL - REMOVAL)
OPERATION
The momentary-type heated mirror switch provides
a hard-wired battery current signal to the heated
mirror system electronic control logic circuitry each
time it is depressed. In response to the heated mirror
switch input, the electronic control logic and timer
circuitry energizes or de-energizes the amber heated
mirror system indicator lamp next to the heated mir-
ror switch to indicate that the heated mirror systemis turned On or Off. The electronic control logic and
timer circuitry also energizes or de-energizes the
heated mirror relay, which controls the feed of elec-
trical current to the outside mirror heating grids.
The heated mirror system electronic control logic
and timer circuitry is programmed to turn the heated
mirror system Off automatically after about fifteen
minutes of operation. If the heated mirror system is
turned On a second time following an initial time-out
event during the same ignition switch cycle, the
heated mirror system electronic control logic and
timer circuit is programmed to turn the system Off
automatically after about five minutes. When the
electronic control logic and timer circuit detects that
a programmed time interval has elapsed, it will auto-
matically de-energize the heated mirror system indi-
cator lamp and the heated mirror relay. The heated
mirror system will also be turned Off if the heated
mirror switch is depressed while the system is
turned On, or if the ignition switch is turned to the
Off or Accessory positions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
SWITCH
The heated mirror switch, the solid state electronic
heated mirror system control logic and timer cir-
cuitry, the heated mirror system indicator lamp and
the heated mirror relay are all integral to the a/c
heater control. For circuit descriptions and diagrams
(Refer to Appropriate Wiring Information).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/
start) fuse in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or com-
ponent as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run/start) fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open circuit to the ignition
switch as required.
Fig. 2 HEATED MIRROR SWITCH
1 - A/C HEATER CONTROL
2 - HEATED MIRROR SWITCH
3 - HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM INDICATOR LAMP
BR/BEHEATED MIRRORS 8G - 3
Page 519 of 2889
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the 3-way instrument panel wire
harness connector for the heated mirror switch from
the heated mirror switch connector receptacle on the
back of the a/c heater control. Check for continuity
between the ground circuit cavity of the wire harness
connector and a good ground. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit to ground as required.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery
voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start)
circuit cavity of the 3-way instrument panel wire
harness connector for the heated mirror switch. If
OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open fused
ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the fuse
in the JB as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Reconnect the 3-way instrument panel wire harness
connector for the heated mirror switch to the heated
mirror switch connector receptacle on the back of the
a/c heater control. Reconnect the battery negative
cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Depress and release the heated mirror switch. The
amber heated mirror system indicator lamp next to
the heated mirror switch button should light. If OK,
go to Step 6. If not OK, replace the faulty a/c heater
control.
(6) Back probe the fused heated mirror relay out-
put circuit cavity of the 3-way instrument panel wire
harness connector for the heated mirror switch on
the back of the a/c heater control and check for volt-
age (battery voltage less the resistance in both out-
side mirror heating grids). If OK, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS/HEATED MIR-
ROR GRID - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
HEATED MIRROR GRID
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated mirror
system have an electrically operated heating grid
located behind the mirror glass of each power oper-
ated outside rear view mirror. The outside mirror
heating grid consists of two thin laminations of plas-
tic that approximate the outer dimensions and shape
of the mirror glass. A single length of resistor wire
weaves in a back and forth pattern between, and is
held in place by the two thin laminations of plastic.
The two ends of the resistor wire terminate near the
inboard edge of the grid, where they are soldered to
the ground feed and battery current feed wires con-
tained in the power mirror wire harness. The heating
grid is then sandwiched between the back of themolded plastic mirror glass case and the mirror
glass, where it remains in direct contact with the
back of the mirror glass at all times.
The outside mirror heating grids cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire outside
power mirror unit must be replaced. Refer to Power
Mirrors for the service procedures.
OPERATION
One end of the outside mirror heating grid resistor
wire is connected to a ground feed at all times
through a body ground screw located inside the left
rear corner of the truck cab. Battery current is
directed to the other end of the outside mirror heat-
ing grid resistor wire by the energized heated mirror
relay when the heated mirror switch is in the On
position. As electrical current passes through the
heating grid, the resistance of the wire in the heating
grid converts some of that electrical current into
heat. The heat produced by the heating grid is then
conducted through the back of the mirror glass to
help keep the glass clear of ice, snow or fog.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
GRID
For circuit descriptions and diagrams (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the door wire harness connector
from the power mirror wire harness connector at the
power mirror with the inoperative heating grid.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity in the door wire harness connector for the power
mirror and a good ground. If OK, go to Step 2. If not
OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as
required.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Turn on the
heated mirror system. Check for voltage (battery
voltage less the resistance in the outside mirror heat-
ing grid that is still connected) at the fused heated
mirror relay output circuit cavity in the door wire
harness connector for the power mirror. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused heated mir-
ror relay output circuit to the heater and air condi-
tioner control unit as required.
(3) Check the outside mirror heating grid by test-
ing for continuity between the ground circuit and the
fused heated mirror relay output circuit cavities in
the power mirror wire harness connector. There
should be continuity. If not OK, replace the faulty
power mirror. If OK, check the resistance through
the outside mirror heating grid. The correct resis-
tance should be from 10 to 16 ohms when measured
at an ambient temperature of 21É C (70É F). If not
OK, replace the faulty power mirror.
8G - 4 HEATED MIRRORSBR/BE
MIRROR SWITCH (Continued)
Page 520 of 2889
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION............................5
OPERATION.............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................6
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM..................6
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION............................7
OPERATION.............................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................8
HEATED SEAT SWITCH...................8
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION...........................10
OPERATION.............................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................11HEATED SEAT ELEMENT & SENSOR.......11
HEATED SEAT RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................11
OPERATION.............................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................12
HEATED SEAT RELAY...................12
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................13
OPERATION.............................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................14
HEATED SEAT SWITCH..................14
REMOVAL..............................15
INSTALLATION...........................16
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
Individually controlled electrically heated front
seats are available factory-installed optional equip-
ment on the Ram quad cab models that are also
equipped with the optional SLT Plus (leather) trimpackage. Vehicles with this option can be visually
identified by the two separate heated seat switches
mounted in a bezel located in the lower right corner
of the instrument cluster bezel, next to the radio
receiver (Fig. 1). The heated seat system allows the
front seat driver and passenger to select from two
different levels of supplemental electrical seat heat-
ing, or no seat heating to suit their individual com-
fort requirements. The heated seat system for this
vehicle includes the following major components:
²The heated seat switches, including two heated
seat Light-Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lamps and
an incandescent back lighting bulb for each switch.
²The heated seat module, also referred to as the
Seat Heat Interface Module (SHIM), which contains
the solid state electronic control and diagnostic logic
circuitry for the heated seat system. Refer to the
Electronic Control Modules section of the service
manual for heated seat module information.
²The heated seat elements and sensors, which
are integral to the individual front seat cushion and
front seat back trim covers.
²The heated seat relay, which controls the avail-
ability of battery current to the heated seat module
or SHIM.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the heated seat system. See the own-
er's manual in the vehicle glove box for more infor-
mation on the features, use and operation of the
heated seat system. Refer toPower Seatin the
index of this service manual for the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
Fig. 1 Heated Seat System Switches
1 - RADIO RECEIVER
2 - HEATED SEAT SWITCHES
BR/BEHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 5
Page 521 of 2889
OPERATION
The heated seat module receives fused battery cur-
rent through the energized heated seat relay in the
Junction Block (JB) only when the engine is running.
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
only when the ignition switch is in the On position.
The heated seat module shares a common ground cir-
cuit with each of the heated seat elements. The
heated seat elements will only operate when the sur-
face temperature of the seat cushion cover at the
heated seat sensors is below the designed tempera-
ture set points of the system.
The heated seat module will automatically turn off
the heated seat elements if it detects a short in the
heated seat element circuit or a heated seat sensor
value that is out of range. The heated seat system
will also be turned off automatically whenever the
ignition switch is turned to any position except On or
if the engine quits running. If the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position or if the engine quits run-
ning while a heated seat is turned ON, the heated
seat will remain Off after the engine is restarted
until a heated seat switch is depressed again.
The heated seat module monitors inputs from the
heated seat sensors and the heated seat switches. In
response to these inputs the heated seat module uses
its internal programming to control outputs to the
heated seat elements in both front seats and to con-
trol the heated seat LED indicator lamps located in
both of the heated seat switches. The heated seat
module is also programmed to provide a self-diagnos-
tic capability. When the module detects certain fail-
ures within the heated seat system, it will provide a
visual indication of the failure by flashing the indica-
tor lamps in the heated seat switches.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SYSTEM
SELF-DIAGNOSIS
The heated seat system is capable of performing
some self-diagnostics. The following table depicts the
various failure modes which will be reported to the
vehicle operator or technician by flashing the individ-
ual heated seat switch Light Emitting Diode (LED)
indicator lamps. See the Heated Seat System Self-Di-
agnosis table for the diagnostic routines. The driver
side heated seat switch indicator lamps will flash if a
failure occurs in the driver side heated seat, and the
passenger side heated seat switch indicator lamps
will flash for a passenger side heated seat failure. If
a monitored heated seat system failure occurs, the
switch indicator lamps will flash at a pulse rate of
about one-half second on, followed by about one-half
second off for a duration of about one minute afterthe switch for the faulty heated seat is depressed in
either the Low or High direction. This process will
repeat every time the faulty heated seat switch is
actuated until the problem has been corrected.
Heated Seat System Self-Diagnosis
Monitored FailureSwitch High
Indicator LampSwitch Low
Indicator Lamp
Heated Seat
Element ShortedFlashing Flashing
Heated Seat
Element OpenFlashing Off
Heated Seat
Sensor Value Out
of RangeOff Flashing
TESTING
Refer toPower Seatin the index of this service
manual for the location of complete heated seat sys-
tem wiring diagrams. Before testing the individual
components in the heated seat system, perform the
following preliminary checks:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
²If the heated seat switch back lighting and the
cluster illumination lamps do not illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer toInstru-
ment Clusterin the index of this service manual for
the location of the proper cluster illumination lamps
diagnosis and testing procedures. If the heated seat
switch back lighting does not illuminate, but the
cluster illumination lamps do illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer to
Heated Seat Switchin this section for the location
of the proper heated seat switch diagnosis and test-
ing procedure.
²If a single indicator lamp for one heated seat
switch does not operate and the heated seat elements
do heat, refer toHeated Seat Switchin this section
for the location of the proper heated seat switch diag-
nosis and testing procedure.
8G - 6 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)
Page 522 of 2889
²If both indicator lamps for a heated seat switch
operate, but the heated seat elements do not heat,
refer toHeated Seat Modulein Electronic Control
Modules for the location of the proper heated seat
module diagnosis and testing procedures. Also refer
to the Body Diagnostic Manual for additional diagno-
sis and testing procedures.
²If none of the indicator lamps for both heated
seat switches will operate and the heated seat ele-
ments for both seats do not heat, refer toHeated
Seat Relayin this section for the location of the
proper heated seat relay diagnosis and testing proce-
dures.
²If the an indicator lamp on either heated seat
switch remains illuminated after the heated seat has
been turned Off, refer toHeated Seat Modulein
Electronic Control Modules for the location of the
proper heated seat module diagnosis and testing pro-
cedures. Also refer to the Body Diagnostic Manual for
additional diagnosis and testing procedures.
DRIVER SEAT HEATER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches used on vehicles with
this option are both mounted in a heated seat switch
bezel (Fig. 2), which replaces the standard equipmentcubby bin located in the lower right corner of the
instrument cluster bezel next to the radio receiver.
The two switches are snapped into the mounting
holes of the heated seat switch bezel, and the heated
seat switch bezel is secured with three screws to the
instrument panel. The mounts for the heated seat
switch bezel are concealed behind the instrument
cluster bezel. The two heated seat switches are iden-
tical in appearance and construction, except for the
location of a keyway in the single connector recepta-
cle on the back of each switch. The instrument panel
wire harness connectors for the heated seat switches
are keyed to match the connector receptacles on the
switches so that the two heated seat switches can
only be connected to the proper heated seat.
The momentary, bidirectional rocker-type heated
seat switch provides a resistor-multiplexed signal to
the heated seat module. Each switch has a center
neutral position and momentary Low and High posi-
tions so that both the driver and the front seat pas-
senger can select a preferred seat heating mode.
Each heated seat switch has two Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) indicator lamps, which indicate the
selected mode (Low or High) of the seat heater for
each seat and to provide diagnostic feedback for the
heated seat system. Each switch also has an incan-
descent bulb, which provides panel lamps dimmer
controlled back lighting of the switch nomenclature
when the headlamps or park lamps are turned on.
The two LED indicator lamps and the incandescent
bulb in each heated seat switch cannot be repaired. If
the indicator lamps or back lighting bulb are faulty
or damaged, the individual heated seat switch unit
must be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
Depressing the heated seat switch rocker to its
momentary High or Low position provides a hard-
wired resistor multiplexed voltage request signal to
the heated seat module to power the heated seat ele-
ment of the selected seat and maintain the requested
temperature setting. If the heated seat switch is
depressed to a different position (Low or High) than
the currently selected state, the heated seat module
will change states to support the new selection. If a
heated seat switch is depressed a second time to the
same position as the currently selected state, the
heated seat module interprets the second input as a
request to turn the seat heater off. The heated seat
module will then turn the heated seat elements for
that seat off.
Fig. 2 Heated Seat Switches
1 - DRIVER SIDE SWITCH
2 - PASSENGER SIDE SWITCH
3 - INDICATOR LAMPS
4 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH BEZEL
BR/BEHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 7
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)