check engine light DODGE RAM 1999 Service Owner's Guide

completion of the inspection. Magnetic particle inspection applies to
ferrous materials only.
PENETRANT INSPECTION
Zyglo
The Zyglo process coats the material with a fluorescent dye
penetrant. The part is often warmed to expand cracks that will be
penetrated by the dye. When the coated part is subjected to inspection
with a blacklight, a crack will glow brightly. Developing solution
is often used to enhance results. Parts made of any material, such as
aluminum cylinder heads or plastics, may be tested using this process.
Dye Check
Penetrating dye is sprayed on the previously cleaned
component. Dye is left on component for 5-45 minutes, depending upon
material density. Component is then wiped clean and sprayed with a
developing solution. Surface cracks will show up as a bright line.
ULTRASONIC INSPECTION
If an expensive part is suspected of internal cracking,
Ultrasonic testing is used. Sound waves are used for component
inspection.
X-RAY INSPECTION
This form of inspection is used on highly stressed
components. X-ray inspection maybe used to detect internal and
external flaws in any material.
PRESSURE TESTING
Cylinder heads can be tested for cracks using a pressure
tester. Pressure testing is performed by plugging all but one of the
holes in the head and injecting air or water into the open passage.
Leaks are indicated by the appearance of wet or damp areas when using
water. When air is used, it is necessary to spray the head surface
with a soap solution. Bubbles will indicate a leak. Cylinder head may
also be submerged in water heated to specified temperature to check
for cracks created during heat expansion.
CLEANING PROCEDURES
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
GENERAL
All components of an engine do not have the same cleaning
requirements. Physical methods include bead blasting and manual
removal. Chemical methods include solvent blast, solvent tank, hot
tank, cold tank and steam cleaning of components.
BEAD BLASTING
Manual removal of deposits may be required prior to bead
blasting, followed by some other cleaning method. Carbon, paint and

NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
REMOVAL
Remove intake and exhaust manifolds and valve cover. Cylinder
head and camshaft carrier bolts (if equipped), should be removed only
when the engine is cold. On many aluminum cylinder heads, removal
while hot will cause cylinder head warpage. Mark rocker arm or
overhead cam components for location.
Remove rocker arm components or overhead cam components.
Components must be installed in original location. Individual design
rocker arms may utilize shafts, ball-type pedestal mounts or no rocker
arms. For all design types, wire components together and identify
according to the corresponding valve. Remove cylinder head bolts.
Note length and location. Some applications require cylinder head
bolts be removed in proper sequence to prevent cylinder head damage.
See Fig. 1 . Remove cylinder head.
Fig. 1: Typical Cylinder Head Tightening or Loosening Sequence
This Graphic For General Information Only
INSTALLATION
Ensure all surfaces and head bolts are clean. Check that head
bolt holes of cylinder block are clean and dry to prevent block damage
when bolts are tightened. Clean threads with tap to ensure accurate
bolt torque.
Install head gasket on cylinder block. Some manufacturer's
may recommend sealant be applied to head gasket prior to installation.
Note that all holes are aligned. Some gasket applications may be
marked so certain area faces upward. Install cylinder head using care
not to damage head gasket. Ensure cylinder head is fully seated on
cylinder block.
Some applications require head bolts be coated with sealant
prior to installation. This is done if head bolts are exposed to water
passages. Some applications require head bolts be coated with light
coat of engine oil.

during manufacture, some new type valves cannot be reground.
Resurface valve on proper angle specification using valve
grinding machine. Follow manufacturer's instructions for valve
grinding machine. Specifications may indicate a different valve face
angle than seat angle.
Measure valve margin after grinding. Replace valve if not
within specification. Valve stem tip can be refinished using valve
grinding machine.
Valve Lapping
During valve lapping of recent designed valves, be sure to
follow manufacturers recommendations. Surface hardening and materials
used with some valves do not permit lapping. Lapping process will
remove excessive amounts of the hardened surface.
Valve lapping is done to ensure adequate sealing between
valve face and seat. Use either a hand drill or lapping stick with
suction cup attached.
Moisten and attach suction cup to valve. Lubricate valve stem
and guide. Apply a thin coat of fine valve grinding compound between
valve and seat. Rotate lapping tool between the palms or with hand
drill.
Lift valve upward off the seat and change position often.
This is done to prevent grooving of valve seat. Lap valve until a
smooth polished seat is obtained. Thoroughly clean grinding compound
from components. Valve to valve seat concentricity should be checked.
See VALVE SEAT CONCENTRICITY.
CAUTION: Valve guides must be in good condition and free of carbon
deposits prior to valve seat grinding. Some engines contain
an induction hardened valve seat. Excessive material removal
will damage valve seats.
Valve Seat Grinding
Select coarse stone of correct size and angle for seat to be
ground. Ensure stone is true and has a smooth surface. Select correct
size pilot for valve guide dimension. Install pilot in valve guide.
Lightly lubricate pilot shaft. Install stone on pilot. Move stone off
and on the seat approximately 2 times per second during grinding
operation.
Select a fine stone to finish grinding operation. Grinding
stones with 30 and 60 degree angles are used to center and narrow the
valve seat as required. See Fig. 10.
Fig. 10: Adjusting Valve Seat Width - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Valve Seat Replacement
Replacement of valve seat inserts is done by cutting out

over connecting rod bolts. Install piston and connecting rod assembly.
Ensure piston notch, arrow or "FRONT" mark is toward front of engine.
See Fig. 17 .
Fig. 17: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod Assembly - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Carefully tap piston into cylinder until rod bearing is
seated on crankshaft journal. Remove protectors. Install rod cap and
bearing. Lightly tighten connecting rod bolts. Repeat procedure for
remaining cylinders. Check bearing clearance. See
MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE in this article.
Once clearance is checked, lubricate journals and bearings.
Install bearing caps. Ensure marks are aligned on connecting rod and
cap. Tighten rod nuts or bolts to specification. Ensure rod moves
freely on crankshaft. Check connecting rod side clearance. See
CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE in this article.
CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE
Position connecting rod toward one side of crankshaft as far
as possible. Using feeler gauge, measure clearance between side of
connecting rod and crankshaft. See Fig. 18. Clearance must be within
specifications.

pointer is at one o'clock position. Push in on knob slightly and
continue rotating knob to its full clockwise stop. Place knob pointer
at a position about .32" (8 mm) beyond end of Red stripe. Release
knob. If knob is pointing at about .32" (8 mm) beyond end of Red
stripe, go to next step. If knob is not pointing at about .32" (8 mm)
beyond end of Red stripe, go back to step 2) and repeat adjustment
procedure.
4) Rotate temperature control knob counterclockwise so that
knob pointer is at 12 o'clock position. Push temperature control knob
straight into heater control panel until perimeter of knob (not knob
pointer) is flush with base of heater control panel.
5) Rotate temperature control knob to its full clockwise
stop. Release knob. Knob pointer should be aimed at end of Red stripe.
If knob is pointed at end of Red stripe, go to next step. If knob is
not pointed at end of Red stripe, go back to step 2) and repeat
adjustment procedure.
6) Rotate temperature control knob to its full
counterclockwise stop. Release knob. If knob springs back, self-
adjuster clip securing temperature control cable to blend-air door
lever is improperly installed. See TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE R & I
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If knob does not springs back,
temperature control cable adjustment is complete.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
HEATER PERFORMANCE
Check cooling system. Check serpentine drive belt tension.
Check radiator and radiator fan operation. Ensure that accessory
vacuum supply line is connected at power brake booster (Dakota) or
engine vacuum source (except Dakota).
TESTING
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and
carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY
article.
BLOWER MOTOR RELAYS
1) Blower motor relay is located in Power Distribution Center
(PDC). On Ram Van/Wagon, high speed blower motor relay is located in
engine compartment (on side of heater assembly). On all models,
disconnect negative battery cable. Remove blower motor relay. Using an
ohmmeter, check for continuity between terminals No. 87A and 30 of
relay. See Fig. 1. If continuity does not exist, replace relay. If
continuity exists, go to next step.
2) Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between terminals
No. 30 and 87 of relay. If continuity exists, replace relay. If
continuity does not exist, go to next step.
3) Measure resistance between terminals No. 85 and 86 of
relay. Reading should be 70-80 ohms. If reading is not as specified,
replace relay. If reading is as specified, go to next step.
4) Using jumper wires, connect battery voltage to terminal
No. 86 and ground terminal No. 85. See Fig. 1. Check that continuity
exists between terminals No. 30 and 87. Check that continuity does not
exist between terminals No. 87A and 30. If continuity is not as
specified, replace blower motor relay. If continuity is as specified,
relay is okay.


IN STR UM EN T P A N EL - A N ALO G

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
CHRY - Analog Instrument Panels
Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
All instrument cluster gauges are air core magnetic type.
Tachometer is optional. All gauges use data transferred on Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) bus. Instrument cluster incorporates a
Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) for odometer display.
Brake warning light illuminates when ignition is on and
parking brake is applied. Brake warning light also illuminates if
brake hydraulic system failure occurs during service brake
application. Brake warning light bulb test occurs when ignition switch
is in START position.
Oil pressure warning light illuminates when engine oil
pressure is not sufficient to open oil pressure sending unit switch.
Oil pressure warning light bulb test occurs with ignition switch in
RUN position.
All instrument clusters include these analog gauges:
* Coolant Temperature Gauge
* Fuel Gauge
* Oil Pressure Gauge
* Speedometer
* Voltmeter
Instrument clusters include these indicator lights, if
vehicle is equipped with appropriate option:
* Air Bag
* Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
* Brake Warning
* Check Gauges
* Cruise On
* Headlight High Beam
* Low Fuel
* Low Washer Fluid
* CHECK ENGINE
* Overdrive Off
* Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL)
* Seat Belt Reminder
* Security
* Transmission Oil Temperature (A/T)
* Turn Signal
* Upshift (M/T)
* 4WD
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
WARNING: Vehicle is equipped with an air bag system. To prevent air
bag deployment, disconnect negative battery cable and wait at
least 2 minutes before servicing instrument cluster. See
appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory

3) Turn ignition off. Disconnect washer fluid level sensor
connector. Install jumper wire between washer fluid level sensor
connector terminals. Turn ignition on. Low washer fluid level light
should illuminate. Disconnect jumper wire and light should go off. If
light performs as specified, replace washer fluid level sensor. If
light does not perform as specified, go to next step.
4) Turn ignition off. Check continuity between ground and
washer fluid level sensor connector Black wire. If continuity does not
exist, repair open Black wire between washer fluid level sensor and
ground. If continuity exists, go to next step.
5) Ensure washer fluid level sensor is still disconnected.
Turn ignition off. Remove instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Check continuity between ground and
instrument cluster connector C2 terminal No. 2 (Black/White wire) on
Ram Pickup and terminal No. 9 (Black/Gray wire) on Ram Van and Ram
Wagon. If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity
exists, repair short to ground in White/Black or Black/Gray wire
between instrument cluster and washer fluid level sensor.
6) Check continuity of Black/White wire on Ram Pickup or
Black/Gray wire on Ram Van and Ram Wagon between washer fluid level
sensor connector and instrument cluster connector C2 terminal No. 2 on
Ram Pickup or terminal No. 9 on Ram Van and Ram Wagon. See Fig. 1. If
continuity does not exist, repair open Black/White wire on Ram Pickup
or Black/Gray wire on Ram Van and Ram Wagon. If continuity exists,
replace bulb.
WAIT-TO-START LIGHT INOPERATIVE (RAM PICKUP - DIESEL)
1) Remove and inspect fuse No. 17 (10-amp) in junction block\
.
Junction block is located at left end cover of instrument panel. If
fuse is okay, go to next step. If fuse is blown, locate and repair
cause of blown fuse. Install new fuse and recheck system operation.
2) Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between ground and power
side of fuse No. 17. If battery voltage is present, go to next step.
If battery voltage is not present, locate and repair open circuit
between Power Distribution Center (PDC) and junction block.
3) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove instrument
cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Check
for battery voltage between ground and instrument cluster connector C1
terminal No. 2 (Dark Blue/White wire). See Fig. 1. Turn ignition on.
If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does
not exist, repair open Dark Blue/White wire between junction block and
instrument cluster.
4) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) White connector C2. PCM is located at firewall in right side of
engine compartment. Connector C2 is center connector. Check continuity
between ground and instrument cluster connector C1 terminal No. 8
(Orange/Black wire). If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If\
continuity exists, repair short to ground in Orange/Black wire between
instrument cluster and ground.
5) Install instrument cluster. Connect battery cable. Install
jumper wire between PCM White connector C2 terminal No. 20
(Orange/Black wire) and ground. See Fig. 2. Turn ignition on. Wait-to-
start light should illuminate. If wait-to-start light illuminates, see
appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section. If
wait-to-start light does not illuminate, see SELF-DIAGNOSTICS.

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

1) To install, reverse removal procedure. If installing small
vent tube and large fill tube on fuel tank, ensure fuel tank fittings
are clean.
2) Install disconnect fitting on fuel tank fitting until
disconnect fitting snaps onto fuel tank fitting. Pull on small vent
tube or and large fill tube to ensure disconnect fitting is locked on
fuel tank fitting. To verify proper installation of disconnect
fitting, ensure the distance between release sleeve and top of fuel
tank fitting is .50" (12.7 mm) on small vent tube or .25" (6.4 mm) o\
n
large fill tube. See Fig. 37.
3) Install fuel lines on fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator
on fuel pump module using proper procedure. See FUEL LINE DISCONNECT
FITTINGS under FUEL SYSTEM.
CAUTION: DO NOT overtighten fuel tank strap retaining nuts during
installation.
4) Tighten fuel tank strap retaining nuts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. To install remaining components, reverse
removal procedure. Start engine and check for fuel leaks.
Removal (Durango)
1) Fuel tank may be drained by removing vent hose from rear
of fuel tank, or by pumping fuel from fuel tank using the fuel pump if
fuel pump is operating. If removing vent hose from fuel tank to drain
the fuel, go to step 4). If using fuel pump to drain the fuel tank, go
to next step.
2) Disconnect fuel line from fuel rail. See FUEL LINE AT FUEL
RAIL under FUEL SYSTEM. Connect Fuel Hose (6541, 6539, 6631 or 6923)
for proper engine application at fuel line fitting on fuel rail. Place
remaining end of fuel hose in an approved gasoline container.
3) Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is a
16-pin connector attached to bottom of driver's side of the instrument
panel, just to the right of the brake pedal. Using scan tool
manufacturer's instructions, activate the fuel pump and pump fuel from
fuel tank. Once fuel tank is empty, remove scan tool. Reinstall fuel
line on fuel rail using proper procedure. Go to step 5).
4) Release fuel pressure from fuel system. See FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE. Ensure negative battery cable is disconnected.
Remove fuel tank cap to release any residual fuel tank pressure.
5) Raise and support vehicle. Remove necessary skid plates
for access to fuel tank. Disconnect vent and filler hose from rear of
fuel tank. If fuel tank was not previously drained, place drain hose
in vent hose fitting at rear of fuel tank. Drain fuel from fuel tank
into an approved gasoline container.
6) Support fuel tank with transmission jack. Remove fuel tank
strap retaining nuts. Position fuel tank straps toward outside of
vehicle. Slightly lower fuel tank. Ensure rear of fuel tank is higher
than front of fuel tank to prevent any spilling any remaining fuel in
fuel tank.
7) Disconnect fuel line from fuel filter/fuel pressure
regulator on fuel pump module using proper procedure for fuel line
disconnect fitting. See FUEL LINE DISCONNECT FITTINGS. Fuel pump
module is located on top of fuel tank. See Fig. 28. Disconnect
electrical connector at fuel pump module. Disconnect vapor line from
rollover valves on top of fuel tank and EVAP line from fuel pump
module. Lower fuel tank from vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT overtighten fuel tank strap retaining nuts during
installation.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Install fuel lines

on fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator on fuel pump module using
proper procedure. See FUEL LINE DISCONNECT FITTINGS.
2) Tighten fuel tank strap retaining nuts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Start engine and check for fuel leaks.
Removal (Ram Pickup)
1) Fuel tank may be drained by lowering fuel tank, or by
pumping fuel from fuel tank using the fuel pump if fuel pump is
operating. If lowering fuel tank to drain the fuel, go to step 4). If
using fuel pump to drain the fuel tank, go to next step.
2) Disconnect fuel line from fuel rail. See FUEL LINE AT FUEL
RAIL. Connect Fuel Hose (6541, 6539, 6631 or 6923) for proper engine
application at fuel line fitting on fuel rail. Place remaining end of
fuel hose in an approved gasoline container.
3) Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is a
16-pin connector attached to bottom of driver's side of the instrument
panel, just straight above the accelerator pedal. Using scan tool
manufacturer's instructions, activate the fuel pump and pump fuel from
fuel tank. Once fuel tank is empty, remove scan tool. Reinstall fuel
line on fuel rail using proper procedure. Go to step 5).
4) Release fuel pressure from fuel system. See FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE. Ensure negative battery cable is disconnected.
Remove fuel tank cap to release any residual fuel tank pressure.
5) Raise and support vehicle. Open fuel tank filler door.
Remove fuel tank filler tube assembly-to-body screws. Support fuel
tank with transmission jack. Remove fuel tank strap retaining nuts.
6) Slightly lower fuel tank. If fuel tank was not previously
drained, slightly rotate fuel tank so vent hose and filler hose on
fuel tank are above the fuel level in the fuel tank to prevent fuel
leakage when hoses are disconnected. Vent hose and filler hose attach
to fitting on the fuel tank. See Fig. 29.
7) Disconnect vent hose from vent hose fitting on fuel tank.
If fuel tank was previously drained, go to next step. If fuel tank was
not previously drained, place drain hose in vent hose fitting on fuel
tank. Drain fuel from fuel tank into an approved gasoline container.
Go to next step.
8) Disconnect filler hose from filler hose fitting on fuel
tank. Disconnect electrical connector at fuel pump module. Fuel pump
module is located on top of fuel tank. See Fig. 29.
9) Disconnect fuel line from fuel filter/fuel pressure
regulator on fuel pump module using proper procedure for fuel line
disconnect fitting. See FUEL LINE DISCONNECT FITTINGS under FUEL
SYSTEM.
10) Disconnect necessary vapor hoses from rollover valves on
top of fuel tank or fuel pump module. See Fig. 29. Lower fuel tank
from vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT overtighten fuel tank strap retaining nuts during
installation.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Install fuel lines
on fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator on fuel pump module using
proper procedure. See FUEL LINE DISCONNECT FITTINGS.
2) Tighten fuel tank strap retaining nuts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Start engine and check for fuel leaks.
Removal (Ram Van & Ram Wagon)
1) Fuel tank may be drained by siphoning fuel out through
small vent hose on fuel and vent hose fitting assembly on fuel tank,
or by pumping fuel from fuel tank using the fuel pump if fuel pump is
operating. If siphoning fuel out through small vent hose on fuel and
vent hose fitting assembly on fuel tank, go to step 4). If using fuel