DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

Fig. 49 REAR BODY
8W - 91 - 58 8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATIONDR
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

Fig. 50 CHASSIS
DR8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION 8W - 91 - 59
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

Fig. 51 REAR CHASSIS
8W - 91 - 60 8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATIONDR
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

Fig. 52 LEFT REAR FENDER (RIGHT SIDE SIMILAR)
DR8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION 8W - 91 - 61
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

Fig. 53 REAR BUMPER
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CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS.........2
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
OUTLET.............................2
INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................4
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................5OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT
CONTROL MODULE....................5
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
IOD FUSE
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
OUTLET.............................7
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................8
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION
This group covers the various standard and
optional power distribution components used on this
model. The power distribution system for this vehicle
consists of the following components:
²Integrated Power Module (IPM)
²Front Control Module (FCM)
²Power Distribution Center (PDC)
²Power Outlets
²Cigar Lighter Outlets
²Relays
Refer to Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit sche-
matics.
The power distribution system also incorporates
various types of circuit control and protection fea-
tures, including:
²Automatic resetting circuit breakers
²Blade-type fuses
²Cartridge fuses
²Relays
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the power distribution system. See the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features and use of all of the
power distribution system components.
OPERATION
The power distribution system for this vehicle is
designed to provide safe, reliable, and centralized dis-
tribution points for the electrical current required to
operate all of the many standard and optional facto-
ry-installed electrical and electronic powertrain,
chassis, safety, security, comfort and convenience sys-
tems. At the same time, the power distribution sys-
tem was designed to provide ready access to these
electrical distribution points for the vehicle techni-
cian to use when conducting diagnosis and repair of
faulty circuits. The power distribution system can
also prove useful for the sourcing of additional elec-
trical circuits that may be required to provide the
electrical current needed to operate many accessories
that the vehicle owner may choose to have installed
in the aftermarket.
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 1

SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
On models equipped a cigar lighter outlet is
installed to the left of the center stack area in the
lower instrument panel. The cigar lighter outlet is
secured by a snap fit within the bezel.
The cigar lighter outlet, plastic cap and the knob
and heating element unit are available for service
replacement. These components cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The cigar lighter consists of two major components:
a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar
lighter base or outlet shell. The receptacle shell is
connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the
bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a fuse
in the junction block when the ignition switch is in
the Accessory or Run positions.
The cigar lighter knob and heating element are
encased within a spring-loaded housing, which also
features a sliding protective heat shield. When the
knob and heating element are inserted in the outlet
shell, the heating element resistor coil is grounded
through its housing to the outlet shell. If the cigar
lighter knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides
up toward the knob exposing the heating element,
and the heating element extends from the housing
toward the insulated contact in the bottom of the
outlet shell.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on
either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom
of the outlet shell. These clips engage and hold the
heating element against the insulated contact longenough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the
heating element is engaged with the contact, battery
current can flow through the resistor coil to ground,
causing the resistor coil to heat.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated,
excess heat radiates from the heating element caus-
ing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips
expand far enough to release the heating element,
the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heat-
ing element to pop back outward to their relaxed
position. When the cigar lighter knob and element
are pulled out of the outlet shell, the protective heat
shield slides downward on the housing so that the
heating element is recessed and shielded around its
circumference for safety.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
OUTLET
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the integrated
power module. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair
the shorted circuit or component as required and
replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse in
the integrated power module. If OK, go to Step 3. If
not OK, repair the open or short as required.
(3) Remove the cigar lighter knob and element
from the cigar lighter outlet shell. Check for continu-
ity between the inside circumference of the cigar
lighter outlet shell and a good ground. there should
be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to
Step 5.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Check for battery voltage at the insulated contact
located at the back of the cigar lighter outlet shell. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter knob and ele-
ment. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector and a
good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to
Step 6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to
ground as required.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the Accessory or Run positions.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter outlet. If not OK,
repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the integrated
power module fuse as required.Terminal Pick Kit 6680
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POWER DISTRIBUTION (Continued)

INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Integrated Power Module (IPM) (Fig. 1) is a
combination of the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
and the Front Control Module (FCM). The IPM is
located in the engine compartment, next to the bat-
tery on this model. The power distribution center
mates directly with the Front Control Module (FCM)
to form the Integrated Power Module Fuse and Relay
Center. The power distribution center (PDC) is a
printed circuit board based module that contains
fuses and relays, while the front control module con-
tains the electronics controlling the integrated power
module and other functions. This integrated power
module connects directly to the battery positive via a
stud located on top of the unit. The ground connec-
tion is via electrical connectors. The integrated power
module provides the primary means of voltage distri-
bution and protection for the entire vehicle.
The molded plastic integrated power module hous-
ing includes a base and cover. The integrated power
module cover is easily opened or removed for service
access by unscrewing the cover retaining nut and has
a fuse and relay layout map integral to the inside
surface of the cover. This integrated power module
housing base and cover are secured in place via bolts
to the left front fender support assembly.
Replaceable components of the integrated power
module assembly are broken down into the followingcomponents: the Power Distribution Center (PDC),
the integrated power module cover, the Front Control
Module (FCM) and the Integrated Power Module
Assembly which includes the power distribution cen-
ter, the cover and FCM.Refer to the Front Con-
trol Module in the Electronic Control Module
sectionof this service manual for information on the
front control module.
OPERATION
All of the current from the battery and the gener-
ator output enters the integrated power module via a
stud on the top of the module. The integrated power
module cover is removed to access the fuses or relays.
Internal connections of all of the power distribution
center circuits is accomplished by a combination of
bus bars and a printed circuit board. Refer to the
Wiring section of the service manual for complete
integrated power module circuit schematics.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative and positive battery
cables.
(2) Unsnap cover and remove the B+ terminal nut
from the integrated power module B+ terminal.
Remove the B+ cable from the integrated power mod-
ule.
(3) Disconnect the gray connector from the inte-
grated power module.
Fig. 1 DR INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
1 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER HOUSING
2 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 2 DR INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
1 - COVER RETAINING BOLT
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE RETAINING BOLT
3 - RETAINING SCREW
4 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE COVER
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 3

(4) Remove the integrated power module retaining
bolt and screw (Fig. 2).
(5) Grasp the integrated power module with two
hands and slide the assembly in the direction shown
(Fig. 3) to free the module from its mounting bracket.
Position the assembly upside down to access the elec-
trical connectors located on the bottom of the unit.
(6) Disconnect the electrical connectors by depress-
ing the locking tab and rotating the connector arm
outboard, until the connector is free from the module
assembly. Be certain to pull the connectors straight
off.
(7) Position the integrated power module on a
bench and remove the four front control module
retaining screws.
(8) Disconnect the front control module by pulling
it straight off the integrated power module.LLATION
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the front control module by pushing it
straight on the integrated power module electrical
receptacle.
(2) Install the four front control module retaining
screws. Torque to 30 in. lbs. +/-5.
NOTE: Integrated power module electrical connec-
tors are color coded to ease location reference (Fig.
4).
Fig. 3 REMOVING INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
Fig. 4 INTEGRATED POWER MODULE ELECTRICAL
CONNECTIONS
1 - RETAINING LATCH
2 - GRAY CONNECTOR
3 - GREEN CONNECTOR
4 - GREEN CONNECTOR
5 - BLUE CONNECTOR
6 - WHITE CONNECTOR
7 - BLACK CONNECTOR
8 - BLACK CONNECTOR
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INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (Continued)

(3) Connect the electrical connectors by pushing
straight on and rotating the connector arm inboard,
until the connector is firmly locked in place on the
module assembly.
(4) Grasp the integrated power module with two
hands and install the assembly on the battery tray
(Fig. 5).
(5) Install the integrated power module retaining
bolt and screw.
(6) Connect the gray connector on the integrated
power module housing.
(7) Install the B+ terminal cable and nut on the
integrated power module B+ terminal. Snap the
cover in place.
(8) Connect the negative and positive battery
cables.
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a micro con-
troller based module located in the left front corner
of the engine compartment. On this model the inte-
grated power module must be positioned aside in
order to access the front control module. The front
control module mates to the power distribution cen-
ter to form the Integrated Power Module (IPM). Theintegrated power module connects directly to the bat-
tery and provides the primary means of circuit pro-
tection and power distribution for all vehicle
electrical systems. The front control module controls
power to some of these vehicle systems electrical and
electromechanical loads based on inputs received
from hard wired switch inputs and data received on
the PCI bus circuit (J1850).
For information on theIntegrated Power Mod-
ule Refer to the Power Distribution Sectionof
the service manual.
OPERATION
As messages are sent over the PCI bus circuit, the
front control module reads these messages and con-
trols power to some of the vehicles electrical systems
by completing the circuit to ground (low side driver)
or completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side
driver). The following functions areControlledby
the Front Control Module:
²Headlamp Power with Voltage Regulation
²Windshield Wiper ªON/OFFº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Wiper ªHI/LOº Relay Actuation
²Windshield Washer Pump Motor
²Fog Lamp Relay Actuation
²Park Lamp Relay Actuation
²Horn Relay Actuation
The following inputs areReceived/Monitoredby
the Front Control Module:
²B+ Connection Detection
²Power Ground
²Ambient Temperature Sensing
²Ignition Switch Run
²Washer Fluid Level Switch
²Windshield Wiper Park Switch
²PCI Bus Circuit
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT CONTROL
MODULE
The front control module is a printed circuit board
based module with a on-board micro-processor. The
front control module interfaces with other electronic
modules in the vehicle via the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus (J1850). In
order to obtain conclusive testing the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network
and all of the electronic modules that provide inputs
to, or receive outputs from the front control module
must be checked. All PCI (J1850) communication
faults must be resolved prior to further diagnosing
any front control module related issues.
The front control module was designed to be diag-
nosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool, such
as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the front control module
Fig. 5 INTEGRATED POWER MODULE MOUNTING
TABS
1 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE MOUNTING HOLES
2 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
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INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (Continued)