maintenance DODGE RAM 1999 Service Manual PDF

profit organizations. MAP conducted pilot programs in twelve states
before announcing the program nationally in October, 1998. During the
pilots, participating repair shops demonstrated their adherence to the
Pledge and Standards and agreed to follow the UICS in communicating
the results of their inspection to their customers. To put some
"teeth" in the program, an accreditation requirement for shops was
initiated. The requirements are stringent, and a self-policing method
has been incorporated which includes the "mystery shopping" of
outlets.
We welcome you to join us as we continue our outreach... with
your support, both the automotive repair industry and your customers
will reap the benefits. Please visit MAP at our Internet site www.
motorist.org or contact us at:
1444 I Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone (202) 712-9042 Fax (202) 216-9646
January 1999
MAP UNIFORM INSPECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
It is MAP policy that all exhaust, brake, steering,
suspension, wheel alignment, drive-line, engine performance and
maintenance, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and
electrical services be offered and performed under the standards and
procedures specified in these sections.
Before any service is performed on a vehicle, an inspection
of the appropriate system must be performed. The results of this
inspection must be explained to the customer and documented on an
inspection form. The condition of the vehicle and its components will
indicate what services/part replacements may be "Required" or
"Suggested". In addition, suggestions may be made to satisfy the
requests expressed by the customer.
When a component is suggested or required to be repaired or
replaced, the decision to repair or replace must be made in the
customer's best interest, and at his or her choice given the options
available.
This section lists the various parts and conditions that
indicate a required or suggested service or part replacement.
Although this list is extensive, it is not fully inclusive. In
addition to this list, a technician may make a suggestion. However,
any suggestions must be based on substantial and informed experience,
or the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service interval and must be
documented.
Some conditions indicate that service or part replacement is
required because the part in question is no longer providing the
function for which it is intended, does not meet a vehicle
manufacturer's design specification or is missing.
Example:
An exhaust pipe has corroded severely and has a hole in it
through which exhaust gases are leaking. Replacement of the
exhaust pipe in this case is required due to functional
failure.
Example:
A brake rotor has been worn to the point where it measures
less than the vehicle manufacturer's discard specifications.
Replacement of the rotor is required because it does not meet
design specifications.

Some conditions indicate that a service or part replacement
is suggested because the part is close to the end of its useful life
or addresses a customer's need, convenience or request. If a
customer's vehicle has one of these conditions, the procedure may be
only to suggest service.
Example:
An exhaust pipe is rusted, corroded or weak, but no leaks are
present. In this case, the exhaust pipe has not failed.
However, there is evidence that the pipe may need replacement
in the near future. Replacement of the pipe may be suggested
for the customer's convenience in avoiding a future problem.
Example:
The customer desires improved ride and/or handling, but the
vehicle's shocks or struts have not failed. In this case,
replacement may be suggested to satisfy the customer's
wishes. In this case, replacement of the shocks or struts may
not be sold as a requirement.
A customer, of course, has the choice of whether or not a
shop will service his or her vehicle. He or she may decide not to
follow some of your suggestions. When a repair is required, a MAP shop
must refuse partial service on that system if, in the judgment of the
service provider, proceeding with the work could create or continue an
unsafe condition. When a procedure states that required or suggested
repair or replacement is recommended, the customer must be informed of
the generally acceptable repair/replacement options whether or not
performed by the shop.
When presenting suggested repairs to the customer, you must
present the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own conclusions
and make an informed decision about how to proceed.
The following reasons may be used for required and suggested
services. These codes are shown in the "Code" column of the MAP
Uniform Inspection & Communications Standards that follow:
Reasons to Require Repair or Replacement
A - Part no longer performs intended purpose
B - Part does not meet a design specification (regardless of
performance)
C - Part is missing
NOTE: When a repair is required, the shop must refuse partial
service to the system in question, if the repair creates
or continues an unsafe condition.
Reasons to Suggest Repair or Replacement
1 - Part is close to the end of its useful life (just above
discard specifications, or weak; failure likely to occur
soon, etc.)
2 - To address a customer need, convenience, or request (to
stiffen ride, enhance performance, eliminate noise,
etc.)
3 - To comply with maintenance recommended by the vehicle's
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
4 - Technician's recommendation based on substantial and
informed experience
NOTE: Suggested services are always optional. When presenting
suggested repairs to the customer, you must present

previously diagnosed by the "perceptible movement"
standard. Before requiring or suggesting any parts be
replaced based on "perceptible movement," consult your
repair manual to determine if OEM specifications exist.
You are not required to replace ball joints in axle sets.
However, when replacing a ball joint due to wear exceeding
manufacturer's specification, you may suggest replacement of the other
ball joint if its measurement shows it is close to the end of its
useful life, for preventive maintenance.
BALL JOINT INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware bent . B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part if available;
otherwise, replace ball joint.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part if available; otherwise,
replace ball joint.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A . Require replacement of corroded
part if available; otherwise,
replace ball joint.
Attaching hardware
incorrect ............... A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part if available;
otherwise, replace ball joint.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part if available;
otherwise, replace ball joint.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part if available; otherwise,
replace ball joint.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads if
available; otherwise, replace
ball joint.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads if
available; otherwise, replace
ball joint.
Binding ................. A .......... (1) Further inspection
required.
Grease boot cracked ..... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot missing ..... 2 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot torn ........ 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Grease fitting broken ... A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting missing .. C ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting
won't seal ............. A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Greaseable ball joint will

Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.









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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust
alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION









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