Fig DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.Note: Certain diesel
equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, tester should be con-
nected to battery on left side of vehicle only.
Also, tester current reading must be taken from
positive battery cable lead that connects to
starter motor.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE,
ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE A FEW TIMES
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FOLLOWING STEP.(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage)
draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
(a) If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin Diagnosis and Testing. If starter
motor is OK, refer toEngine Diagnosisin 9,
Engine for further testing of engine. If starter
motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
(b) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current
(amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer
toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor does not turn, refer toControl Cir-
cuit Testingin this section.
(d) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed Cir-
cuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current
(amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery volt-
age reading.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wir-
ing circuit diagrams, refer 8, Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of
resistance between two points at which voltmeter
probes are attached.
Example:When testing resistance of positive bat-
tery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery
cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid.
If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable
connector at starter solenoid, you are reading com-
bined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-
terminal post connection and positive battery cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests,
be certain that following procedures are accom-
plished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
²Fully engage parking brake.
²If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
Fig. 1 VOLTS-AMPS TESTER CONNECTIONS -
TYPICAL
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
DRSTARTING 8F - 29
STARTING (Continued)

²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
procedure must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.Note: Cer-
tain diesel equipped models use dual batteries.
If equipped with dual battery system, this pro-
cedure must be performed twice, once for each
battery.
(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery
terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable
connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
this procedure must be performed on driver
side battery only.(4) Connect voltmeter to measure between nega-
tive battery terminal post and a good clean ground
on engine block (Fig. 5). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative bat-
tery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative
battery cable.Note: Certain diesel equipped mod-
els use dual batteries. If equipped with dual
battery system, this procedure must be per-
formed twice, once for each battery.
Fig. 2 TEST BATTERY NEGATIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 4 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
8F - 30 STARTINGDR
STARTING (Continued)

(5) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter
housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to nega-
tive battery terminal post (Fig. 6). Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to
engine block ground contact.Note: Certain diesel
equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, this procedure must
be performed on driver side battery only.
(6) If equipped with dual battery system (certain
diesel equipped models), connect positive lead of volt-
meter to positive battery cable clamp on battery
located on left side of vehicle. Connect negative lead
of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post on bat-
tery located on right side of vehicle. Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery
cables at both batteries. Repeat test. If reading is
still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery
cable.
If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems,
refer toStarter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing.CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING
The starter control circuit components should be
tested in the order in which they are listed, as fol-
lows:
²Starter Relay- Refer toStarter RelayDiag-
nosis and Testing.
²Starter Solenoid- Refer toStarter Motor
Diagnosis and Testing.
²Ignition Switch- Refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinder
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, refer toClutch Pedal
Position Switchin 6, Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchin 21, Transmission.
²Wire harnesses and connections- Refer to 8,
Wiring Diagrams.
SPECIFICATIONS
STARTING SYSTEM
Starter Motor and Solenoid
Manufacturer Denso Denso
Part Number 56028715AD 4741012
Engine Application 3.7L / 4.7L / 5.7L 5.9L Diesel
Power Rating1.4 Kilowatt / 1.9
Horsepower2.7 Kilowatt / 3.6
Horsepower
Fig. 5 TEST GROUND CIRCUIT RESISTANCE -
TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 6 TEST STARTER GROUND - TYPICAL
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - VOLTMETER
DRSTARTING 8F - 31
STARTING (Continued)

(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare reading
to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer
to Specifications for starter motor free running test
maximum amperage draw specifications.
(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
STARTER SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil termi-
nal.
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity
tester (Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.REMOVAL
3.7L / 4.7L
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Note: If equipped with 4WD and certain trans-
missions, a support bracket is used between front
axle and side of transmission. Remove 2 support
bracket bolts at transmission. Pry support bracket
slightly to gain access to lower starter mounting bolt.
(4) Remove 1 bolt and 1 nut if equipped with a
manual transmission (Fig. 9).
(5) Remove 2 bolts if equipped with an automatic
transmission (Fig. 10).
(6) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process, do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(7) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nut that secures
battery positive cable wire harness connector eyelet
to solenoid battery terminal stud. Do not let starter
motor hang from wire harness.
(8) Remove battery positive cable wire harness
connector eyelet from solenoid battery terminal stud.
(9) Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness
connector from solenoid terminal connector recepta-
cle.
(10) Remove starter motor.
Fig. 7 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID AND
FIELD COIL TERMINALS - TYPICAL
1 - OHMMETER
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - FIELD COIL TERMINAL
Fig. 8 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID
TERMINAL AND CASE - TYPICAL
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - OHMMETER
3 - SOLENOID
Fig. 9 STARTER R/I - 3.7L/4.7L - MAN. TRANS.
1 - EYELET TERMINAL
2 - NUT
3 - BRACKET
4 - STUD
5 - STARTER MOTOR
6 - LOCK WASHER
7 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
8 - NUT
9 - SCREW AND WASHER (2)
DRSTARTING 8F - 33
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

5.7L Gas
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Note: If equipped with 4WD and certain trans-
missions, a support bracket is used between front
axle and side of transmission. Remove 2 support
bracket bolts at transmission. Pry support bracket
slightly to gain access to lower starter mounting bolt.
(4) Remove 2 mounting bolts (Fig. 11).
(5) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process, do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(6) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nut that secures
battery positive cable wire harness connector eyelet
to solenoid battery terminal stud. Do not let starter
motor hang from wire harness.
(7) Remove battery positive cable wire harness
connector eyelet from solenoid battery terminal stud.
(8) Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness
connector from solenoid terminal connector recepta-
cle.
(9) Remove starter motor.
5.9L Diesel
(1) Disconnect and isolate both negative battery
cables at both batteries.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove 3 starter mounting bolts (Fig. 12).(4) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process. Do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(5) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nuts securing
starter wiring harness to starter (Fig. 13). Do not let
starter motor hang from wire harness.
(6) Remove starter motor from engine. Note: Cer-
tain diesel engines use an aluminum spacer (Fig. 12).
Note position and orientation of spacer before
removal.
INSTALLATION
3.7L / 4.7L
(1) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps
on).
(2) Position battery cable to solenoid stud. Install
and tighten battery cable eyelet nut. Refer to Torque
Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang
from wire harness.
(3) Position starter motor to transmission.
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(5) Install and tighten both bolts (auto. trans.), or
1 nut and 1 bolt (man. trans.). Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
Fig. 10 STARTER R/I - 3.7L/4.7L - AUTO. TRANS.
1 - EYELET TERMINAL
2 - NUT
3 - SCREW AND WASHER (2)
4 - STARTER MOTOR
5 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 11 STARTER R/I - 5.7L
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
8F - 34 STARTINGDR
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

5.7L
(1) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps
on).
(2) Position battery cable to solenoid stud. Install
and tighten battery cable eyelet nut. Refer to Torque
Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang
from wire harness.
(3) Position starter motor to engine.
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(5) Install and tighten both mounting bolts. Refer
to Torque Specifications.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
5.9L Diesel
(1)If Equipped:Position and hold aluminum
spacer to rear of starter while positioning starter to
engine.
(2) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor. Tighten
nut.
(3) Position battery cable to starter stud. Install
and tighten battery cable nut. Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang from
wire harness.
(4) Position starter motor to transmission.
(5) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(6) Install and tighten 3 starter mounting bolts.
Refer to Torque Specifications.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Connect both negative battery cables to both
batteries.
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The starter relay is an electromechanical device
that switches battery current to the pull-in coil of the
starter solenoid when ignition switch is turned to
Start position. The starter relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment. See PDC cover for relay identification and
location.
The starter relay is a International Standards
Organization (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to ISO
specifications have common physical dimensions, cur-
rent capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal func-
tions.
The starter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted. If
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 12 STARTER R/I - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
2 - STARTER MOTOR
3 - SPACER (CERTAIN TRANSMISSIONS)
Fig. 13 STARTER ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS -
5.9L DIESEL
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY CABLE NUT
3 - SOLENOID NUT
4 - HARNESS ASSEMBLY
DRSTARTING 8F - 35
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When electro-
magnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable con-
tact away from normally closed fixed contact, and
holds it against the other (normally open) fixed con-
tact.
When electromagnetic coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns movable contact to normally closed
position. The resistor or diode is connected in parallel
with electromagnetic coil within relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes produced when coil is de-en-
ergized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY
The starter relay (Fig. 14) is located in Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for relay
identification and location. For complete starter relay
wiring circuit diagrams, refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
(1) Remove starter relay from PDC.
(2) A relay in de-energized position should have
continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no
continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75   5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(4) Connect 12V battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, perform Relay Circuit Test that fol-
lows. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair open cir-
cuit to fuse in PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to common feed terminal (30) in the energized
position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to
starter solenoid field coils. There should be continu-
ity between cavity for relay terminal 87 and starter
solenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair open circuit to starter solenoid as
required.(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
electromagnet in relay. It is energized when ignition
switch is held in Start position. On vehicles with
manual transmission, clutch pedal must be fully
depressed for this test. Check for battery voltage at
cavity for relay terminal 86 with ignition switch in
Start position, and no voltage when ignition switch is
released to On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK with automatic transmission, check for open or
short circuit to ignition switch and repair, if required.
If circuit to ignition switch is OK, refer toIgnition
Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. If not OK with a
manual transmission, check circuit between relay
and clutch pedal position switch for open or a short.
If circuit is OK, refer toClutch Pedal Position
Switchin 6 , Clutch.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. On vehicles with
manual transmission, it is grounded at all times. On
vehicles with automatic transmission, it is grounded
through park/neutral position switch only when gear-
shift selector lever is in Park or Neutral positions.
Check for continuity to ground at cavity for relay ter-
minal 85. If not OK with manual transmission,
repair circuit to ground as required. If not OK with
automatic transmission, check for pen or short circuit
to park/neutral position switch and repair, if
required. If circuit to park/neutral position switch is
OK, refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin 21,
Transmission.
Fig. 14 TYPE 1 RELAY
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
8F - 36 STARTINGDR
STARTER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)

REMOVAL
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) (Fig. 15). Refer to label on PDC
cover for relay location.
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Remove cover from Power Distribution Center
(PDC) for relay identification and location.
(3) Remove starter relay from PDC.
(4) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(5) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
(1) Push down firmly on starter relay until termi-
nals are fully seated into PDC receptacle.
(2) Install PDC cover.
(3) Connect battery cable.
Fig. 15 PDC LOCATION
1 - BATTERY
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
DRSTARTING 8F - 37
STARTER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER SYSTEM
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Rear
Window Defogger in Wiring Diagrams. The operation
of the electrically heated rear window defogger sys-
tem can be confirmed in one of the following man-
ners:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter, set
the defogger switch in the On position. When the
defogger switch is turned On, a distinct voltmeter
needle deflection should be noted.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Set
the defogger switch in the On position. The rear win-
dow defogger operation can be checked by feeling the
rear window or outside rear view mirror glass. A dis-
tinct difference in temperature between the grid lines
and the adjacent clear glass or the mirror glass can
be detected within three to four minutes of operation.
3. Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the rear
glass heating grid terminal A (right side) with the
negative lead, and terminal B (left side) with the pos-
itive lead (Fig. 1). The voltmeter should read battery
voltage.
The above checks will confirm system operation.
Illumination of the defogger switch indicator lamp
means that there is electrical current available at the
output of the rear window defogger logic and timer
circuitry, but does not confirm that the electrical cur-
rent is reaching the rear glass heating grid lines.
If the defogger system does not operate, the prob-
lem should be isolated in the following manner:(1) Confirm that the ignition switch is in the On
position.
(2) Make sure that the rear glass heating grid feed
and ground wires are connected to the glass. Confirm
that the ground wire has continuity to ground.
(3) Check the fuses in the power distribution cen-
ter (PDC) and in the junction block. The fuses must
be tight in their receptacles and all electrical connec-
tions must be secure.
When the above steps have been completed and the
rear glass heating grid is still inoperative, one or
more of the following could be faulty:
²Rear window switch in the A/C-heater control..
²Rear window grid lines (all grid lines would
have to be broken or one of the feed wires discon-
nected for the entire system to be inoperative).
If setting the defogger switch to the On position
produces a severe voltmeter deflection, check for a
short circuit between the rear window switch defog-
ger relay output and the rear glass heating grid.
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The rear window defogger relay (Fig. 2) is a Inter-
national Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay.
Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO
micro-relay terminal functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the ISO micro-relay
terminal pattern (or footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the physical dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The rear window defogger relay is located in the
power distribution center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment. Refer to the PDC label for rear window
defogger relay identification and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the rear window defogger relay. Five
male spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of
the base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical
system, and the ISO designation for each terminal is
molded into the base adjacent to each terminal. The
ISO terminal designations are as follows:
²30 (Common Feed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the movable contact point of the relay.
²85 (Coil Ground)- This terminal is connected
to the ground feed side of the relay control coil.
²86 (Coil Battery)- This terminal is connected
to the battery feed side of the relay control coil.
²87 (Normally Open)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally open fixed contact point of the
relay.
Fig. 1 Grid Line Test - Typical
1 - VIEW FROM INSIDE VEHICLE
2 - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
3 - BUS BARS
4 - VOLTAGE FEED (A)
5 - VOLTMETER
6 - MID-POINT (C)
7 - PICK-UP LEADS
8 - GROUND (B)
8G - 2 HEATED GLASSDR
HEATED GLASS (Continued)

²87A (Normally Closed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally closed fixed contact point of
the relay.
The rear window defogger relay cannot be adjusted
or repaired. If the relay is damaged or faulty, it must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The rear window defogger relay is an electrome-
chanical switch that uses a low current input from
the integrated power module (IPM) to control the
high current output to the rear window defogger
grid. The movable common feed contact point is held
against the fixed normally closed contact point by
spring pressure. When the relay coil is energized, an
electromagnetic field is produced by the coil wind-
ings. This electromagnetic field draws the movable
relay contact point away from the fixed normally
closed contact point, and holds it against the fixed
normally open contact point. When the relay coil is
de-energized, spring pressure returns the movable
contact point back against the fixed normally closed
contact point. The resistor or diode is connected in
parallel with the relay coil in the relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes and electromagnetic interfer-
ence that can be generated as the electromagnetic
field of the relay coil collapses.
The rear window defogger relay terminals are con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a
receptacle in the IPM. The inputs and outputs of the
rear window defogger relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from fuse 27 (15 amp) in the IPM
through a fused B(+) circuit at all times.²The coil ground terminal (87) receives a ground
input from the A/C-heater control when the A/C-
heater control electronically pulls the control circuit
to ground.
²The coil battery terminal (85) receives a battery
current input from fuse 36 (10 amp) in the IPM
through a fused B(+) circuit only when the ignition
switch is in the Run position.
²The normally open terminal (86) provides a bat-
tery current output to the rear window defogger and
heated power mirrors (when equipped) through the
relay output circuit only when the rear window
defogger relay coil is energized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
a battery current output only when the rear window
defogger relay coil is de-energized.
The rear window defogger relay cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. Refer
to the appropriate wiring information for diagnosis
and testing of the micro-relay and for complete rear
window defogger system wiring diagrams.
REMOVAL
(1)Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the integrated power
module (IPM) (Fig. 3).
(3) Refer to the fuse and relay layout map on the
inner surface of the IPM cover for rear window defog-
ger relay identification and location.
(4) Remove the rear window defogger relay from
the IPM.
Fig. 2 Rear Window Defogger Relay
1 - RELAY TERMINALS
2 - RELAY CAVITIES
Fig. 3 Integrated Power Module (IPM)
1 - BATTERY
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
DRHEATED GLASS 8G - 3
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY (Continued)