section 5 DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes.
The DTC can also be accessed through the
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate Power-
train Diagnostic Procedures information for diagnos-
tic information and operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM HOT
AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is
clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
the replacement is the specified thermostat for the
vehicle model and engine type.
Factory installed thermostat housings on 5.9L
engine is installed on a gasket with an anti-stick
coating. This will aid in gasket removal and clean-up.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Drain the cooling system until the coolant level
is below the thermostat (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Air Conditioned vehicles: Remove the support
bracket (generator mounting bracket-to-intake mani-
fold) located near the rear of the generator (Fig. 17).
NOTE: On air conditioning equipped vehicles, the
generator must be partially removed.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL) (Fig. 18).
(5) Remove the generator mounting bolts. Do not
remove any of the wiring at the generator. If
equipped with 4WD, unplug the 4WD indicator lamp
wiring harness (located near rear of generator).
(6) Remove the generator. Position the generator
to gain access for the thermostat gasket removal.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN
SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
Fig. 16 Thermostat - 5.7L/5.9L Gas Powered
Engines
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - GASKET
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - THERMOSTAT
5 - MACHINED GROOVE
Fig. 17 Generator Support Bracket ± 5.9L Engine
1 - IDLER PULLEY BUSHING
2 - A/C AND/OR GENERATOR MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - IDLER PULLEY
4 - SCREW AND WASHER
7 - 42 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT- 5.7L (Continued)

(7) Air Conditioned vehicles; Install the generator.
Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the support bracket (generator mount-
ing bracket-to-intake manifold). (Fig. 17). Tighten the
bolts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the accessory drive belt (Fig. 18)(Refer
to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE
BELTS - INSTALLATION).
(10) Fill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Connect battery negative cable.
(12) Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 3.7L/4.7L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate the engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
A pellet-type thermostat controls the operating
temperature of the engine by controlling the amount
of coolant flow to the radiator. On all engines the
thermostat is closed below 195ÉF (90ÉC). Above this
temperature, coolant is allowed to flow to the radia-
tor. This provides quick engine warm up and overall
temperature control. On the 3.7L4.7L engine the
thermostat is designed to block the flow of the cool-
ant bypass journal by 50% instead of completely
blocking the flow. This design controls coolant tem-
perature more accurately (Fig. 23).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 other prob-
lems. These are: longer engine warmup time, unreli-
able warmup performance, increased exhaust
emissions and crankcase condensation. This conden-
sation can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐTHERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
Fig. 21 Thermostat PositionÐ5.9L EnginesFig. 22 Belt Routing ± 5.9L Engines
1 - IDLER PULLEY
2 - GENERATOR PULLEY
3 - A/C COMPRESSOR PULLEY
4 - IF W/OUT A/C
5 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
6 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
7 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
8 - AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
7 - 44 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT- 5.7L (Continued)

indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes.
The DTC can also be accessed through the
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate Power-
train Diagnostic Procedures information for diagnos-
tic information and operation of the DRBIIItscan
tool.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM HOT
AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is
clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
If the thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
the replacement is the specified thermostat for the
vehicle model and engine type.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.
(4) Remove the splash shield.
(5) Remove the lower radiator hose clamp and the
lower radiator hose at the thermostat housing.
(6) Remove the thermostat housing mounting
bolts, thermostat housing and thermostat (Fig. 24).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the mating areas of the timing chain
cover and the thermostat housing.
(2) Install the thermostat (spring side down) into
the recessed machined groove on the timing chain
cover (Fig. 24).
(3) Position the thermostat housing on the timing
chain cover.
(4) Install the housing-to-timing chain cover bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 13 N´m (112 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: The housing must be tightened evenly
and the thermostat must be centered into the
recessed groove in the timimg chain cover. If not, it
may result in a cracked housing, damaged timing
chain cover threads or coolant leaks.
(5) Install the lower radiator hose on the thermo-
stat housing.
(6) Install the splash shield.
(7) Lower the vehicle.
(8) Fill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Connect negative battery cable.
(10) Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.
Fig. 23 Thermostat Cross Section View 3.7L/4.7L
1 - FROM HEATER AND DEGAS CONTAINER
2 - FROM RADIATOR
3 - TO WATER PUMP
4- THERMOSTAT
DRENGINE 7 - 45
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.7L/4.7L (Continued)

(7) Start the engine and check for coolant leaks.
Run engine to check for proper thermostat operation.
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on all gas powered engines is
located beneath the thermostat housing at the front
of the intake manifold (Fig. 27).
The thermostat is a moveable sleeve 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.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - THERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes. For other DTC numbers, (Refer to 25 - EMIS-
SIONS CONTROL - DESCRIPTION).
Fig. 26 Thermostat Removal/Installation
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - THERMOSTAT
Fig. 27 Thermostat - 8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - 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
7 - 48 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLOCK WILL NOT KEEP
SET TIME1. Fuse faulty. 1. Check Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the
Integrated Power Module (IPM). Replace fuse, if
required.
2. Radio connector faulty. 2. Check for loose or corroded radio connector.
Repair, if required.
3. Wiring faulty. 3. Check for battery voltage at radio connector.
Repair wiring, if required.
4. Radio ground faulty. 4. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
5. Radio faulty. 5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
POOR RADIO RECEPTION 1. Antenna faulty. 1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/ANTENNA
BODY & CABLE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
2. Radio ground faulty. 2. Check for continuity between radio chassis and
a known good ground. There should be
continuity. Repair ground, if required.
3. Radio noise suppression
faulty.3. Repair or replace ground strap as necessary.
4. Radio faulty. 4. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
NO/POOR TAPE
OPERATION1. Faulty tape. 1. Insert known good tape and test operation.
2. Foreign objects behind
tape door.2. Remove foreign objects and test operation.
3. Dirty cassette tape head. 3. Clean head with Mopar Cassette Head
Cleaner.
4. Faulty tape deck. 4. Exchange or replace radio, if required.
NO COMPACT DISC
OPERATION1. Faulty CD. 1. Insert known good CD and test operation.
2. Foreign material on CD. 2. Clean CD and test operation.
3. Condensation on CD or
optics.3. Allow temperature of vehicle interior to stabilize
and test operation.
4. Faulty CD player. 4. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
AMPLIFIER
DESCRIPTION
The optional Infinity premium speaker system
includes a separate Infinity audio power amplifier.
The amplifier is a six channel unit and is rated at
240 total output watts. The amplifier is located
behind the glove box.
OPERATION
The power amplifier electronically increases the
frequency response of the normal audio signal output
from the radio amplifier in order to improve the
acoustic performance of the speakers. On vehiclesequipped with an amplifier, the amplifier section of
the radio becomes a pre-amplifier.
The amplifier receives audio signal inputs for
speaker channels from the radio, then sends ampli-
fied audio outputs through six separate channels
with dedicated feed and return circuits to the indi-
vidual speakers.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 3
AUDIO (Continued)

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). The
integrated 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
requires the use of a DRB IIItscan tool and the
proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
Before any testing of the front control module is
attempted, the battery should be fully charged and
all wire harness and ground connections inspected
around the affected areas on the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the positive and negative battery
cables from the battery.
(2) Partially remove the integrated power module
from the engine compartment (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED
POWER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the front control module retaining
screws.
(4) Using both hands, pull the front control module
straightfrom the integrated power module assembly
to disconnect the 49-way electrical connector and
remove the front control module from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front control module on the inte-
grated power module assembly by pushing the
49-way electrical connector straight in.
(2) Install the front control module retaining
screws. Torque the screws to 7 in. lbs.
(3) Install the integrated power module (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTE-
GRATED POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Connect the positive and negative battery
cables.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 5

HEATED SEAT MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat module is also known as the Seat
Heat Interface Module. The heated seat module (Fig.
3) is located under the drivers front seat cushion,
where it is secured to a mounting bracket. The
heated seat module has a single connector receptacle
that allows the module to be connected to all of the
required inputs and outputs through the seat wire
harness.
The heated seat module is an electronic micropro-
cessor controlled device designed and programmed to
use inputs from the battery, the two heated seat
switches and the two heated seat sensors to operate
and control the heated seat elements in both front
seats and the two heated seat indicator lamp Light-
Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in each heated seat switch.
The heated seat module is also programmed to per-
form self-diagnosis of certain heated seat system
functions and provide feedback of that diagnosis
through the heated seat switch indicator lamps.
The heated seat module cannot be repaired. If the
heated seat module is damaged or faulty, the entire
module must be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat module operates on fused battery
current received from the integrated power module.
Inputs to the module include a resistor multiplexed
heated seat switch request circuit for each of the two
heated seat switches and the heated seat sensor
inputs from the seat cushions of each front seat. In
response to those inputs the heated seat module con-
trols battery current feeds to the heated seat ele-ments and sensors, and controls the ground for the
heated seat switch indicator lamps.
When a heated seat switch (Driver or Passenger) is
depressed a signal is received by the heated seat
module, the module energizes the proper indicator
LED (Low or High) in the switch by grounding the
indicator lamp circuit to indicate that the heated seat
system is operating. At the same time, the heated
seat module energizes the selected heated seat sensor
circuit and the sensor provides the module with an
input indicating the surface temperature of the
selected seat cushion.
The Low heat set point is about 36É C (96.8É F),
and the High heat set point is about 42É C (107.6É F).
If the seat cushion surface temperature input is
below the temperature set point for the selected tem-
perature setting, the heated seat module energizes
an N-channel Field Effect Transistor (N-FET) within
the module which energizes the heated seat elements
in the selected seat cushion and back. When the sen-
sor input to the module indicates the correct temper-
ature set point has been achieved, the module
de-energizes the N-FET which de-energizes the
heated seat elements. The heated seat module will
continue to cycle the N-FET as needed to maintain
the selected temperature set point.
If the heated seat module detects a heated seat
sensor value input that is out of range or a shorted
or open heated seat element circuit, it will notify the
vehicle operator or the repair technician of this con-
dition by flashing the High and/or Low indicator
lamps in the affected heated seat switch. Refer to
Diagnosis and Testing Heated Seat Systemin
Heated Systems for flashing LED diagnosis and test-
ing procedures. Refer toDiagnosis and Testing
Heated Seat Modulein this section for heated seat
module diagnosis and testing procedures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
MODULE
If a heated seat fails to heat and one or both of the
indicator lamps on a heated seat switch flash, refer
toDiagnosis and Testing Heated Seat Systemin
Heated Seats for the location of flashing LED heated
seat system diagnosis and testing procedures. If a
heated seat heats but one or both indicator lamps on
the heated seat switch fail to operate, test the heated
seat switch. Refer toDiagnosis and Testing
Heated Seat Switchin Heated Seats for heated
seat switch diagnosis and testing procedures. If the
heated seat switch checks OK, proceed as follows.
(1) Check the heated seat element (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Fig. 3 Heated Seat Module
1 - MOUNTING TABS (NOT USED ON DR)
2 - HEATED SEAT MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
8E - 6 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR

(2) Check the heated seat sensor (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/HEATED SEAT
SENSOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(3) Check the heated seat switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
NOTE: Refer to Wiring for the location of complete
heated seat system wiring diagrams and connector
pin-out information.
(4) Using a voltmeter, backprobe the appropriate
heated seat module connector, do not disconnect.
Check for voltage at the appropriate pin cavities. 12v
should be present. If OK go to Step 5, if Not, Repair
the open or shorted voltage supply circuit as
required.
(5) Using a ohmmeter, backprobe the appropriate
heated seat module connector, do not disconnect.
Check for proper continuity to ground on the ground
pin cavities. Continuity should be present. If OK
replace the heated seat module with a known good
unit and retest system, if Not OK, Repair the open or
shorted ground circuit as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Position the driver seat to the full rearward
and inclined position.
(2) Working under the driver front seat, remove
the two heated seat module retaining screws. Due to
the fact that the retaining screws are installed with
the seat cushion pan removed, a small right angle
screwdriver will be required to access and remove the
screws.
(3) Disconnect the seat wire harness connector
from the connector receptacle on the back of the
heated seat module. Depress the connector retaining
tab and pull straight apart.
(4) Remove the heated seat module from under the
front seat.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the heated seat module under the
front seat.
(2) Connect the seat wire harness connector on the
connector receptacle on the back of the heated seat
module.
(3) Working under the driver front seat, install the
heated seat module retaining screws.
(4) Re-position the driver seat.
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. 4).
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.
Fig. 4 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
LOCATION
1 - COWL GRILL
2 - PCM
3 - COWL (RIGHT-REAR)
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 7
HEATED SEAT MODULE (Continued)

(8) If the previous step is not performed, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set.
(9) If necessary, use DRB IIItScan Tool to erase
any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) from PCM.
Also use the DRB scan tool to reprogram new PCM
with vehicles original Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) and original vehicle mileage.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) con-
tains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a cen-
tral processing unit, which includes the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS) program logic. The SKIS
programming enables the SKIM to program and
retain in memory the codes of at least two, but no
more than eight electronically coded Sentry Key
transponders. The SKIS programming also enables
the SKIM to communicate over the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) bus network with the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Electronic Con-
trol Module (ECM), depending on engine application,
and/or the DRBIIItscan tool.
OPERATION
The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals
through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded
plastic ring that is integral to the SKIM housing.
When the SKIM is properly installed on the steering
column, the antenna ring is oriented around the igni-
tion lock cylinder housing. This antenna ring must be
located within eight millimeters (0.31 inches) of the
Sentry Key in order to ensure proper RF communica-
tion between the SKIM and the Sentry Key tran-
sponder.
For added system security, each SKIM is pro-
grammed with a unique ªSecret Keyº code and a
security code. The SKIM keeps the ªSecret Keyº code
in memory. The SKIM also sends the ªSecret Keyº
code to each of the programmed Sentry Key tran-
sponders. The security code is used by the assembly
plant to access the SKIS for initialization, or by the
dealer technician to access the system for service.
The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through
a PCI bus message from the PCM (NGC) or ECM
(Cummins) during initialization.The SKIM and the PCM/ECM both use software
that includes a rolling code algorithm strategy, which
helps to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIS
disarming. The rolling code algorithm ensures secu-
rity by preventing an override of the SKIS through
the unauthorized substitution of the SKIM or the
PCM/ECM. However, the use of this strategy also
means that replacement of either the SKIM or the
PCM/ECM units will require a system initialization
procedure to restore system operation.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START positions, the SKIM transmits an RF signal
to excite the Sentry Key transponder. The SKIM then
listens for a return RF signal from the transponder
of the Sentry Key that is inserted in the ignition lock
cylinder. If the SKIM receives an RF signal with
valid ªSecret Keyº and transponder identification
codes, the SKIM sends a ªvalid keyº message to the
PCM/ECM over the PCI bus. If the SKIM receives an
invalid RF signal or no response, it sends ªinvalid
keyº messages to the PCM/ECM. The PCM/ECM will
enable or disable engine operation based upon the
status of the SKIM messages.
The SKIM also sends messages to the Instrument
Cluster which controls the VTSS indicator LED. The
SKIM sends messages to the Instrument Cluster to
turn the LED on for about three seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb
test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM
sends bus messages to keep the LED off for a dura-
tion of about one second. Then the SKIM sends mes-
sages to turn the LED on or off based upon the
results of the SKIS self-tests. If the VTSS indicator
LED comes on and stays on after the bulb test, it
indicates that the SKIM has detected a system mal-
function and/or that the SKIS has become inopera-
tive.
If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position, it sends
messages to flash the VTSS indicator LED. The
SKIM can also send messages to flash the LED as an
indication to the customer that the SKIS has been
placed in it's ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder
Programming in this section for more information on
the ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
For diagnosis or initialization of the SKIM and the
PCM/ECM, a DRBIIItscan tool and the proper Pow-
ertrain Diagnostic Procedures manual are required.
The SKIM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, the unit must be replaced.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 13
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL
The following steps describe the process for a shift
out of NEUTRAL.
²Extinguish the Neutral LED.
²Engage the shift motor for a maximum of 1 sec-
ond  100 msec toward the transfer case 4H mode
position while monitoring the mode sensor channel
transitions.
²Disengage the shift motor when the correct
mode sensor code is recognized.
²Extinguish the Neutral LED.
²Transmit a bus message that the transfer case
shift is complete.
²If the desired mode sensor code is not received
after the shift timer expires (ie. a blocked or other
condition exists), stop driving the motor and wait for
200 msec  50 msec. The shift motor is then reversed
in the direction back toward the source gear for up to
1.0 seconds 100 msec. The TCCM waits for 2.0 sec-
onds  50 msec. and repeats the attempt to shift to
the desired position.
²When the Neutral button is released, if the 4H
position is the desired position, the shift is complete.
Illuminate the 4H LED.
²Otherwise when the Neutral button is released,
if all of the shift requirements are being met then
engage the shift motor towards the desired position
for 1 second  100 msec per 'D' channel. (if require-
ments for shifting are not met, illuminate the 4H
LED and flash the destination LED as an indication
to the driver that all of the driver controllable shift
conditions are not being met). If this requires
another range or mode shift, begin the range/mode
shift process.
²If the desired mode sensor code is not received
after the shift timer expires (i.e. a blocked or other
condition exists), refer to the section on Blocked Shift
Strategy.
BLOCKED SHIFT STRATEGY
When a shift is commanded, the shift motor will be
driven towards its destination position, except in the
case of shifting out of Neutral if 4L was selected (the
transfer case will shift to the 4H position first, before
proceeding to 4L). If the shift is blocked on the way
to the destination, the TCCM may attempt to drivethe motor back to the original position. This process
will be allowed to occur 5 times. If the transfer case
has reached a non-NEUTRAL 'D' channel during the
shift re-attempts, the LED for the achieved gear posi-
tion is illuminated and the shift attempts are
stopped. To re-attempt the desired shift, the selector
switch will need to be rotated to the current position
until the switch debounce timer expires then a shift
will need to be requested again.
At the end of the 5th blocked attempt, the shift
motor is driven towards the last known 'D' channel
position. If this motor drive allows the transfer case
to reach the 2WD/AWD 'D' channel, or the 2WD/AWD
between gear position on the 4H side of 2WD/AWD,
the shift is considered complete and the shift
attempts are ended.
If the mode sensor is in the NEUTRAL region at
the expiration of the shift timer, the TCCM will con-
tinue to make the shift attempts according to the
blocked shift strategy independent of whether or not
the driver controlled conditions are met.
For shifts from NEUTRAL, if all 5 attempts fail to
reach the desired position (which by default is 4H),
the motor will be driven to stall in the direction of
4H or 4L, depending on the achieved position. If the
transfer case has reached the 2WD/AWD or 4L
between gear position nearest the NEUTRAL posi-
tions and the shift conditions are no longer being
met, the transfer case will be driven toward the cor-
responding 'D' channel. Otherwise, the transfer case
will be driven in the direction opposite the last
attempt with the desired target being 4H or 4L.
If the transfer case reaches the 2WD/AWD 'D'
channel when being driven in the 4H direction, then
one final 1.0 second drive toward 4H is attempted. If
the transfer case then reaches any of the 4H posi-
tions, the shift is considered complete and the 4H
LED is illuminated. If the transfer case is still the
2WD/AWD position, the shift is considered complete
and the 2WD/AWD LED is illuminated.
NOTE: If after the 5th blocked shift and reversal
attempt, if the transfer case position is in the NEU-
TRAL region, shift attempts will continue until a
non-NEUTRAL 'D' channel is reached.
8E - 18 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)