instrument panel DODGE RAM 1999 Service Manual Online

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. Disconnect the small vent hose
from fill and vent hose fitting assembly at driver's side frame rail.
Fill and vent hose fitting assembly is permanently attached on fuel
tank. See Fig. 30.
6) If fuel tank was previously drained, go to next step. If
fuel tank was not previously drained, siphon fuel from fuel tank into
an approved gasoline container by installing siphon hose in small vent
hose fitting on fill and vent hose fitting assembly. Go to next step.
7) Disconnect large fill hose from fill and vent hose fitting
assembly at driver's side frame rail. Fill and vent hose fitting
assembly is permanently attached on fuel tank. See Fig. 30.
8) Support fuel tank with transmission jack. Remove fuel tank
strap retaining nuts from L-shaped bolts securing fuel tank straps on
frame rail. Remove fuel tank straps.
CAUTION: Fill and vent hose fitting assembly must be released from
plastic shield before lowering fuel tank. Use care when
lowering fuel tank as not to damage fill and vent hose
fitting assembly or the fuel tank.
9) Fill and vent hose fitting assembly is permanently
attached on fuel tank and is protected from the frame by a plastic
shield. See Fig. 30. Push retaining tabs inward to release fill and
vent hose fitting assembly from the plastic shield before lowering the
fuel tank. See Fig. 38.
Fig. 38: Releasing Retaining Tabs From Plastic Shield (Ram Van &
Ram Wagon)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
10) Slightly lower fuel tank while guiding fill and vent hose

CIRCUIT BREAKER
1) Circuit breaker is located in fuse block. On Ram Van and
Ram Wagon, fuse block is located under glove box door. On Ram Pickup,
fuse block is located at extreme left end of instrument panel under
protective cover. On all models, pull circuit breaker outward
slightly, ensuring circuit breaker terminals still contact terminals
in fuse block. Connect negative voltmeter lead to ground. With
positive lead, check each terminal of circuit breaker for voltage.
2) If battery voltage exists at both terminals, circuit
breaker is good. If battery voltage exists at only one terminal,
circuit breaker is defective. Replace circuit breaker. If battery
voltage does not exist at either terminal, check for open or shorted
circuit to fuse box. Repair as necessary.
MOTOR
1) Operate power seat switch to move all 3 seat motors. Seat
should move in all directions. If one or more motors operate, see
POWER SEAT SWITCH. If no motors operate, go to next step.
2) Check circuit breaker in fuse block. See CIRCUIT BREAKER.
If circuit breaker is good, go to next step. If circuit breaker is
faulty, replace circuit breaker and retest system.
3) Remove power seat switch. See POWER SEAT SWITCH under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Check for battery voltage at power supply (Red
wire on Ram Van and Ram Wagon; Red/Light Blue wire on Ram Pickup). If
battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not
exist, repair open in wire.
4) Check for continuity between switch connector ground
circuit (Black wire on Ram Van and Ram Wagon; Black/Orange wire on Ram
Pickup) and ground. If continuity exists, go to next step. If
continuity does not exist, repair open in wire.
5) Test power seat switch. See POWER SEAT SWITCH. Replace
switch as necessary and retest system. If switch tests good, check
wiring harness between switch connector and motor. Repair as
necessary. If wiring is okay, replace defective power seat
adjuster/motors assembly.
POWER SEAT SWITCH
Remove switch from mounting position. See POWER SEAT SWITCH
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity
between power seat switch terminals as indicated. See POWER SEAT
SWITCH CONTINUITY TEST (RAM PICKUP) or POWER SEAT SWITCH CONTINUITY
TEST (RAM VAN & RAM WAGON) table. See Fig. 1 or 2. If continuity does
not exist as specified, replace switch. If continuity exists as
specified, switch is okay.
Fig. 1: Testing Power Seat Switch Terminals (Ram Pickup)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.

STE ER IN G C O LU M N

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 STEERING
CHRY - Steering Columns - Trucks & Vans
Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon,
Town & Country, Voyager
WARNING: All models are equipped with Air Bag Restraint System (ABRS).
See AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS before working on vehicle. Use
caution when working around steering column (air bag could
deploy).
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist
until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models use collapsible steering columns with an integral
ignition switch and locking device. See Fig. 1. Optional tilt wheel is
available.
AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS
Follow precautions when working with air bag systems:
* When performing air bag repairs, disable ABRS. See AIR BAG
DISABLING.
* Use caution when handling a sensor. Never strike or jar a
sensor. All sensors or mounting bracket bolts must be
carefully torqued to ensure proper sensor operation.
* Never apply power to ABRS if a sensor is not rigidly attached
to vehicle.
* To avoid accidental air bag deployment while trouble shooting
ABRS, DO NOT use electrical test equipment, such as AC
-powered or battery-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc.
* Always carry air bag module with trim cover away from body.
Always place inflatable module on workbench with trim cover
up, away from loose objects.
* DO NOT install used air bag parts from another vehicle. Use
NEW parts only. DO NOT disassemble or tamper with air bag
assembly.
* Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting battery before
proceeding with repairs or trouble shooting system. For a
short time after battery is disconnected, ABRS retains enough
voltage to deploy air bag.
NOTE: For additional information, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section.
AIR BAG DISABLING
Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. Disconnect 2-
way yellow clockspring harness connector, located on top of fuse block
between clockspring and instrument panel wiring harness. Clockspring
connector may also be disconnected at Air Bag System Diagnostic Module
(ASDM).

clockspring connector. Connect negative battery cable. On column shift
models, install NEW shift lever bushing using pliers and back-up
washer to snap bushing into place. Use a multipurpose grease to aid
installation.
6) Connect gearshift cable rod to shift lever by snapping rod
into bushing with pliers.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Typical)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
OVERHAUL
NOTE: Steering column is not serviceable, except for trim, switches
and steering wheel. If service is required, replace column.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Steering Wheel Nut
Except Dakota ............................................ 45 (61)\
Dakota ................................................... 35 (47)\
Upper Coupler Bolt
Dakota, Ram Pickup & Ram Van/Wagon ....................... 36 (49)\
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager ....................... 20 (27)\
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Column-To-Instrument Panel Bracket Bolt/Nut
Except Dakota ........................................... 105 (12)\

STE ER IN G C O LU M N S W IT C HES
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
CHRY - Steering Column Switches
Dakota, Durango & Ram Pickup
WARNING: Deactivate air bag system before performing any service
operation involving steering column components. See
appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. DO NOT apply
electrical power to any component on steering column without
first disconnecting air bag module. Air bag may deploy. Wait
at least 2 minutes after disconnecting negative battery cable
before servicing air bag system. System reserve capacitor,
integral to ACM, maintains air bag system voltage for about 2
minutes after battery is disconnected. Servicing air bag
system before 2-minute period may cause accidental air bag
deployment and possible personal injury.
DESCRIPTION
Turn signal, hazard flasher, headlight beam selector,
headlight flash-to-pass, windshield wipe, pulse wipe and windshield
wash systems use a common switch assembly (multifunction switch)
mounted within upper steering column housing.
Ignition switch and lock cylinder are incorporated into an
assembly attached to side of steering column. Ignition switch assembly
can be serviced as a separate unit, but requires removal of lock
cylinder.
COMPONENT LOCATIONS
COMPONENT LOCATIONS








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Component Location
Combination Flasher Relay ........................... Junction Block
Horn ............................... In Right Front Corner Of Engine
Compartment
Horn Relay ............................ In Power Distribution Center
Junction Block ................. Under Left Side Of Instrument Panel
Power Distribution Center ...... In Left Side Of Engine Compartment,
On Left Inner Panel
Relay/Flasher Module ........ Under Right Side Of Instrument Panel,
Behind Glove Box









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TROUBLE SHOOTING
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM
Bulbs Burn Out Rapidly
Check charging system. See appropriate GENERATORS &
REGULATORS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS.
Hazard Flashers Inoperative
Blown fuse. Faulty hazard flasher. Open circuit in feed wire
to hazard switch. Faulty turn signal/hazard switch. Open or grounded
circuit in wiring to external lights.

Fig. 4: Identifying Horn Relay Terminals In PDC
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
HORN SWITCH
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering column
opening cover from instrument panel. Check continuity between ground
and metal steering column jacket. If continuity exists, go to next
step. If continuity does not exist, check for proper installation of
steering column mounting nuts.
2) Disable air bag system and remove driver's air bag module.
See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Remove horn relay
from Power Distribution Center (PDC). Use label on PDC cover to
identify and locate relay. Check continuity between horn relay
terminal No. 85 in PDC and Black/Red wire at steering column horn

FUEL DELIVERY
Fuel Filter/Water Separator
1) A restricted fuel filter/water separator may cause engine
starting problems, prevent engine from accelerating, low power or
White exhaust smoke.
2) When ignition is first turned on, WATER-IN-FUEL (WIF)
warning light should come on for 2 seconds to perform bulb and wiring
circuit test and then go off. WATER-IN-FUEL (WIF) warning light is
located on instrument panel, just below tachometer.
3) If WATER-IN-FUEL (WIF) warning light stays on, water
should be drained from fuel filter/water separator. To drain water
from fuel filter/water separator, ensure engine is not running. Place
drain pan below drain tube at fuel filter/water separator.
4) Rotate handle on drain valve forward, toward front of
vehicle to DRAIN position. Drain valve is located near top of fuel
filter/water separator.
5) If no water exists and a clean flow of diesel fuel exists,
rotate handle on drain valve back to CLOSE position. Go to next step.
If water exists, allow water to drain until clean flow of diesel fuel
exists. Rotate handle on drain valve back to CLOSE position. Go to
next step.
6) Verify fuel filter/water separator has been serviced
according to proper service schedule. See SERVICE & ADJUSTMENT
SPECIFICATIONS - TRUCKS article. Ensure pre-filter was cleaned when
fuel filter/water separator was serviced. Pre-filter is located at
bottom of fuel heater on driver's side of engine. No other testing
information is available from manufacturer.
Fuel Heater
1) Malfunctioning fuel heater may cause excessive wax build-
up in fuel filter/water separator during cold ambient temperatures.
Wax build-up may cause hard starting, prevent engine from
accelerating, low power, or Blue or White smoke.
2) Disconnect electrical connector at fuel heater. Fuel
heater is located in top of fuel filter housing. Using ohmmeter, check
resistance between electrical terminals on fuel heater.
3) Resistance should be about one ohm when fuel is cold, and
about 1000 ohms when fuel is warm. Replace fuel heater if resistance
is not within specification.
NOTE: Fuel heater receives battery voltage from fuel heater relay.
Fuel heater relay is located in Power Distribution Center
(PDC), next to left battery. Refer to PDC lid for relay
location. For testing of fuel heater relay, see RELAYS under
RELAYS & SOLENOIDS. Consult wiring diagram for wiring circuit
testing. See appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS
article.
Fuel Transfer Pump Preliminary Inspection
1) Check for restricted or leaking fuel supply line to fuel
transfer pump or fuel return line located on driver's side of engine.
Repair fuel supply line or fuel return line if restricted or leaking.
2) Check for fuel leaking from weep hole on housing of fuel
transfer pump. Replace fuel transfer pump if fuel is leaking from weep
hole. Check fuel transfer pump for output pressure, pressure drop,
supply restriction, and air leaks.
NOTE: Separate pressure tests are necessary because transfer pump
operates at 2 pressure cycles, depending on whether engine is
running or cranking.

* Charging System
* Cruise Control System
* Intake Manifold Air Heater
* Tachometer
* Torque Convertor Clutch Engagement (A/T Only)
* Transmission Overdrive Solenoid (A/T Only) Components are
grouped into 2 categories. The first category covers INPUT
DEVICES, which control or produce voltage signals monitored
by the PCM. The second category covers OUTPUT SIGNALS, which
are components controlled by the PCM. See PCM INPUT SIGNALS
and ECM/PCM OUTPUT SIGNALS.
ECM INPUT SIGNALS
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS)
APPS sensor is mounted on top left of engine. See Fig. 2.
Sensor provides DC voltage input signal to Engine Control Module (ECM)\
to indicate throttle position. On previous engines, there were
linkages between accelerator pedal, throttle position sensor and
injection pump. On this engine, no linkage exists between accelerator
pedal and injection pump. ECM uses input signals from APPS sensor to
determine proper fuel delivery. ECM also outputs this signal to PCM.
Battery Voltage
Battery voltage input signal provides operating voltage to
Engine Control Module (ECM). This input signal keeps ECM memory alive
and informs ECM what generator output voltage is when engine is
running. ECM memory is used to store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs),
store APPS sensor voltages from previous key cycles and provide a
speed control adaptive memory.
Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is a hall effect sensor (0-5
volts switched), located below injection pump in rear face of timing
gear cover. Sensor is not used for fuel control. Sensor is used only
for diagnostic purposes.
CCD Bus Circuits
These circuits are connected between Engine Control Module
(ECM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to allow communication
between modules.
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor delivers input signal (35
tooth wheel with gap) to Engine Control Module (ECM) to indicate
engine speed and crankshaft position. ECM uses CKP signal along with
other input signals for controlling injector firing sequence and
timing. Sensor is located below fuel transfer pump, on side of engine
block. See Fig. 2.
Data Link Connector (DLC)
Data Link Connector (DLC) provides an input signal to Engine
Control Module (ECM) when using scan tool to retrieve Diagnostic
Trouble Codes (DTCs) from ECM. Input signal may also be used when
performing various tests on the ECM and electronic control system.
Data link connector is a 16-pin connector located at lower edge of
driver's side of instrument panel, just above accelerator pedal.
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
Engine coolant temperature sensor delivers input signal to
Engine Control Module (ECM) to indicate engine coolant temperature.
ECM uses input signal for controlling fuel control and timing. Engine
coolant temperature sensor is located on front of head, near

manifold, sends input signal to Engine Control Module (ECM). ECM uses
input signal for controlling fuel control, timing and engine
protection. ECM will lower engine power if boost is too high.
Oil Pressure Sensor
Oil pressure sensor signal is input to Engine Control Module
(ECM). ECM converts signal to pressure value. Value is sent on CCD Bus\
to instrument panel gauge/light. Oil pressure sensor is located on
side of engine block, below ECM. See Fig. 2.
Power Take Off (PTO)
This input is used on vehicles equipped with a Power Take Off
(PTO) unit. When PTO is engaged, Engine Control Module (ECM) will
disable some OBD-II functions.
Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor
WIF sensor is located in bottom of fuel filter/water
separator. See Fig. 2. WIF sensor delivers input signal to Engine
Control Module (ECM) when water exists in the fuel filter/water
separator. As water level increases, resistance across WIF sensor
decreases. ECM compares decrease in resistance to a high water
standard value. When resistance is 30,000-40,000 ohms, ECM will turn
on WATER-IN-FUEL warning light. WATER-IN-FUEL warning light is located
on instrument panel, just below tachometer. ECM monitors input signal
when ignition switch is in the ON position and continues to monitor
input signal until intake manifold air heater post-heat cycle is
complete.
PCM INPUT SIGNALS
A/C Switch
When A/C switch is in ON position, an input signal is
delivered from A/C switch to Engine Control Module (ECM) to indicate
that A/C operation has been requested. Once A/C operation has been
requested, an A/C request signal is delivered to ECM from A/C high-
pressure switch and A/C low-pressure switch. The A/C request signal
indicates evaporator pressure is within proper range for A/C
operation. ECM uses A/C request signal to cycle A/C compressor clutch
by using an A/C clutch relay. A/C clutch relay may also be referred to
as A/C compressor clutch relay. If A/C high-pressure switch or A/C
low-pressure switch opens, A/C request signal will not be delivered to
the ECM. ECM will then open ground circuit for A/C clutch relay and
A/C compressor clutch will be disengaged.
The A/C clutch relay is located in power distribution center
at driver's side front corner of engine compartment, near the battery.
The A/C high-pressure switch is located on discharge line, near A/C
compressor. The A/C low-pressure switch is located on top of
accumulator.
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Output From ECM
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) is mounted on top
left of engine. See Fig. 2. Sensor provides DC voltage input signal to
Engine Control Module (ECM) to indicate throttle position. On previous\
engines, there were linkages between accelerator pedal, throttle
position sensor and injection pump. On this engine, no linkage exists
between accelerator pedal and injection pump. APPS signal is sent on
CCD Bus circuit from ECM to PCM.
Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay
A 12-volt input signal is delivered from ASD relay to Engine
Control Module (ECM) when ASD relay is energized. If ECM does not
receive a 12-volt input signal when ASD relay is energized, a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (FTC) will be stored in ECM. ASD relay is

located in power distribution center at driver's side front corner of
engine compartment, near the battery. Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay
may also be referred to as Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay.
Battery Temperature Sensor
Battery temperature sensor delivers input signal to
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to indicate the battery temperature.
PCM uses battery temperature input to modify rate of output from the
charging system. Battery temperature sensor is snapped into battery
tray below driver's side battery.
Battery Voltage
Battery voltage input signal provides operating voltage to
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This input signal keeps PCM memory
alive and informs PCM what generator output voltage is when engine is
running. PCM memory is used to store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs),
store APPS sensor voltages from previous key cycles and provide a
speed control adaptive memory.
Brake Switch
Brake switch delivers input signal to Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) to indicate when brakes are applied. PCM uses input
signal for controlling cruise control system and transmission torque
converter clutch operation on A/T models. Brake switch is located near
top of brake pedal and may also be referred to as brakelight switch.
CKP Sensor
Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor delivers input signal (35
tooth wheel with gap) to Engine Control Module (ECM) to indicate
engine speed and crankshaft position. ECM uses CKP signal along with
other input signals for controlling injector firing sequence and
timing. Sensor is located below fuel transfer pump, on side of engine
block. See Fig. 2.
Cruise Control System Switches
Cruise control system functions, controlled by momentary
contact switches, are monitored through multiplexed input signal to
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Resistance monitored at this input
signal, in conjunction with the length of time the PCM measures the
resistance, determines which switch feature has been selected.
Data Link Connector (DLC)
Data Link Connector (DLC) provides an input signal to
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when using scan tool to retrieve
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from PCM. Input signal may also be
used when performing various tests on the PCM and electronic control
system. DLC is a 16-pin connector located at lower edge of driver's
side of instrument panel, just above accelerator pedal.
Fuel Level Sensor
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sends a 5-volt signal to
the fuel level sensor. The fuel level sensor will return a signal to
PCM. This signal is used for fuel gauge operation and to prevent
setting a false misfire or fuel system trouble codes. If fuel level is
less than 15 percent, PCM will not set code.
Ignition Sense
Ignition switch position input to Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). PCM uses input to determine proper output functions, including
cruise control, generator output, sensor supply and transmission
functions.
Transmission Speed Sensor (A/T Models)