change time DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2001, Model line: RAM, Model: DODGE RAM 2001Pages: 2889, PDF Size: 68.07 MB
Page 556 of 2889

CLEANING
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file center electrode flat with a small point file or
jewelers file before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean spark plugs. Metallic deposits will remain
on spark plug insulator and will cause plug misfire.
INSTALLATION
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
When replacing the spark plug and ignition coil
cables, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise. It could cause cross ignition of the spark plugs
or short circuit the cables to ground.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs to 35-41 N´m (26-30 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires.
OPERATION
The spark plug cables transfer electrical current
from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individ-
ual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark
plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The
cables provide suppression of radio frequency emis-
sions from the ignition system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES
Cable routing is important on certain engines. To
prevent possible ignition crossfire, be sure the cables
are clipped into the plastic routing looms. Try to pre-
vent any one cable from contacting another. Before
removing cables, note their original location and
routing. Never allow one cable to be twisted around
another.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil(s), distributor cap towers, and
spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated. The
insulators should be in good condition and should fit
tightly on the coil, distributor and spark plugs. Spark
plug cables with insulators that are cracked or torn
must be replaced.
Clean high voltage ignition cables with a cloth
moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the
cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
On 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L engines, spark plug cable heat
shields are pressed into the cylinder head to sur-
round each spark plug cable boot and spark plug
(Fig. 37). These shields protect the spark plug boots
from damage (due to intense engine heat generated
by the exhaust manifolds) and should not be
removed. After the spark plug cable has been
installed, the lip of the cable boot should have a
small air gap to the top of the heat shield (Fig. 37).
TESTING
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected for longer than necessary during test-
ing. This may cause possible heat damage to the
catalytic converter. Total test time must not exceed
ten minutes.
Fig. 36 Heat ShieldsÐ3.9L/5.2L/5.9L Engines
1 - AIR GAP
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT HEAT SHIELD
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 19
SPARK PLUG (Continued)
Page 584 of 2889

The odometer can display values up to 499,999
kilometers (499,999 miles). The odometer latches at
these values, and will not roll over to zero. The trip
odometer can display values up to 999.9 kilometers
(999.9 miles) before it rolls over to zero. The odome-
ter display does not have a decimal point and will
not show values less than a full unit (kilometer or
mile), the trip odometer display does have a decimal
point and will show tenths of a unit (kilometer or
mile). The unit of measure (kilometers or miles) for
the odometer and trip odometer display is not shown
in the VFD. The unit of measure for the instrument
cluster odometer/trip odometer is selected at the time
that it is manufactured, and cannot be changed. Dur-
ing daylight hours (exterior lamps Off) the VFD is
illuminated at full brightness for clear visibility. At
night (exterior lamps are On) the VFD lighting level
is adjusted with the other cluster illumination lamps
using the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel on the
headlamp switch. However, a ªParadeº mode position
of the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel allows the
VFD to be illuminated at full brightness while the
exterior lamps are turned On during daylight hours.
The VFD, the trip odometer switch, and the trip
odometer switch button are serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The odometer and trip odometer give an indication
to the vehicle operator of the distance the vehicle has
traveled. This gauge is controlled by the instrument
cluster circuit board based upon the cluster program-
ming and electronic messages received by the cluster
from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the
Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus. The
odometer and trip odometer information is displayed
by the instrument cluster Vacuum Fluorescent Dis-
play (VFD), and the VFD will not display odometer
or trip odometer information after the ignition switch
is turned to the Off position. The instrument cluster
circuitry controls the VFD and provides the following
features:
²Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Toggling-
Actuating the trip odometer reset switch momen-
tarily with the ignition switch in the On position will
toggle the VFD between the odometer and trip odom-
eter display. Each time the ignition switch is turned
to the On position the VFD will automatically return
to the mode (odometer or trip odometer) last dis-
played when the ignition switch was turned to the
Off position.
²Trip Odometer Reset- When the trip odome-
ter reset switch is pressed and held for longer than
about two seconds, the trip odometer will be reset to
000.0 kilometers (miles). The VFD must be display-ing the trip odometer information in order for the
trip odometer information to be reset.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
a distance message during normal operation, it will
flash the odometer/trip odometer distance informa-
tion on and off repeatedly until a distance message is
received, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first. If the cluster
does not receive a distance message within one sec-
ond after the ignition switch is turned to the On posi-
tion, it will display the last distance message stored
in the cluster memory. If the cluster is unable to dis-
play distance information due to an error internal to
the cluster, the VFD display will be blank.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the VFD will display all of
its characters at once, then step through each char-
acter segment individually during the VFD portion of
the test to confirm the functionality of the VFD and
the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
sensor, then sends the proper distance messages to
the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
odometer/trip odometer or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls these functions, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
vehicle speed sensor, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or
the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the odometer/trip odometer, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An oil pressure gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The oil pressure gauge is located
in the upper right quadrant of the instrument clus-
ter, above the fuel gauge. The oil pressure gauge con-
sists of a movable gauge needle or pointer controlled
by the instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90
degree scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-
right either from 0 kPa (0 psi) to 758 kPa (110 psi).
An International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªEngine Oilº is located on the cluster overlay, directly
below the highest graduation of the gauge scale. The
oil pressure gauge graphics are white against a black
field except for a single red graduation at the low
end of the gauge scale, making them clearly visible
within the instrument cluster in daylight. When illu-
minated from behind by the panel lamps dimmer
controlled cluster illumination lighting with the exte-
rior lamps turned On, the white graphics appear
blue-green and the red graphics appear red. The
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 25
ODOMETER (Continued)
Page 639 of 2889

while maintaining a speed of 48 kilometers-per-hour
(30 miles-per-hour) or higher.
The thermometer function is supported by an
ambient temperature sensor. The sensor is mounted
outside the passenger compartment near the front
and center of the vehicle, and is hard wired to the
module. The ambient temperature sensor is available
as a separate service item.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
CALIBRATION
CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such
as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of
the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when ser-
vicing the overhead console.
The electronic compass unit features a self-cali-
brating design, which simplifies the calibration pro-
cedure. This feature automatically updates the
compass calibration while the vehicle is being driven.
This allows the compass unit to compensate for small
changes in the residual magnetism that the vehicle
may acquire during normal use. If the compass read-
ings appear to be erratic or out of calibration, per-
form the following calibration procedure. Also, new
service replacement compass mini-trip computer
modules must have their compass calibrated using
this procedure. Do not attempt to calibrate the com-
pass near large metal objects such as other vehicles,
large buildings, or bridges; or, near overhead or
underground power lines.
(1) Start the engine. If the compass/temperature
data is not currently being displayed, momentarily
depress and release the Step push button to step
through the display options until you have reached
the compass/temperature display.
(2) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step
push buttons at the same time for more than six sec-
onds, until ªCALº appears in the display, then release
both push buttons. The ªCALº in the display indi-
cates that the compass is in the calibration mode.
(3) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, at least
fifty feet away from large metal objects and power
lines, in all four compass directions, such as driving
around a city block several times or driving in two to
three complete circles at a slow to medium speed.
(4) When the calibration is successfully completed,
ªCALº will disappear from the display and normal
compass mini-trip computer operation will resume.
NOTE: If the ªCALº message remains in the display,
either there is excessive magnetism near the com-
pass, or the unit is faulty. Repeat the calibration
procedure at least one more time.NOTE: If the wrong direction is still indicated in the
compass display, the area selected for calibration
may be too close to a strong magnetic field. Repeat
the calibration procedure in another location.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
VARIATION ADJUSTMENT
Compass variance, also known as magnetic decli-
nation, is the difference in angle between magnetic
north and true geographic north. In some geographic
locations, the difference between magnetic and geo-
graphic north is great enough to cause the compass
to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the
compass variance must be set. There are two meth-
ods that can be used to enter this information into
the compass mini-trip computer module. They are
the zone method and the direct method.
ZONE METHOD
(1) Using the Variance Settings map, find your
geographic location and note the zone number (Fig.
2).
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If
the compass/temperature data is not currently being
displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step
push button to step through the display options until
you have reached the compass/temperature display.
(3) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step
push buttons at the same time and hold them down
for more than 100 milliseconds, but not more than
one second. The compass mini-trip computer will
enter the variation adjustment mode and ªVARº
along with the current variance zone will appear in
the display.
(4) Momentarily depress and release the Step push
button to step through the zone numbers, until the
zone number for your geographic location appears in
the display.
(5) After five seconds, the displayed zone will auto-
matically be set in the compass mini-trip computer
module memory and normal operation will resume.
(6) Confirm that the correct directions are now
indicated by the compass.
DIRECT METHOD
(1) Turn the vehicle so it is headed in either the
north or south direction. The vehicle must be headed
within 45 degrees of north or south for this procedure
to work. The vehicle may be moving or stationary.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If
the compass/temperature data is not currently being
displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step
push button to step through the display options until
you have reached the compass/temperature display.
8M - 4 MESSAGE SYSTEMSBR/BE
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)
Page 644 of 2889

Compass mini-trip computer units for vehicles
equipped with the VTSS include a red Light-Emit-
ting Diode (LED) on their electronic circuit board.
This LED protrudes through the bottom of the lens
on the front of the overhead console unit, and serves
as the security indicator lamp. Refer toSecurity
Indicator Lampin Vehicle Theft/Security Systems
for more information on this feature.
The compass mini-trip computer module contains a
central processing unit and interfaces with other
electronic modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus network. The CCD
data bus network allows the sharing of sensor infor-
mation. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity,
reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce com-
ponent sensor current loads. At the same time, this
system provides increased reliability, enhanced diag-
nostics, and allows the addition of many new feature
capabilities.
The compass mini-trip computer provides several
electronic functions and features. Some of the func-
tions and features that the compass mini-trip com-
puter module supports and/or controls, include the
following display options:
²Compass and temperature- provides the out-
side temperature and one of eight compass readings
to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing.
²Compass and compass in degrees- provides
one of eight compass readings to indicate the direc-
tion the vehicle is facing and provides the compass
direction in degrees.
²Trip odometer (ODO)- shows the distance
travelled since the last trip computer reset.
²Average fuel economy (AVG ECO)- shows
the average fuel economy since the last trip computer
reset.
²Instant fuel economy (ECO)- shows the
present fuel economy based upon the current vehicle
distance and fuel used information.
²Distance to empty (DTE)- shows the esti-
mated distance that can be travelled with the fuel
remaining in the fuel tank. This estimated distance
is computed using the average miles-per-gallon from
the last 30 gallons of fuel used.
²Elapsed time (ET)- shows the accumulated
ignition-on time since the last trip computer reset.
²Blank screen- the compass mini-trip VFD is
turned off.
The ambient temperature sensor is hard wired to
the compass mini-trip computer module. Data input
for all other compass mini-trip computer functions,
including VFD dimming level, is received through
CCD data bus messages. The compass mini-trip com-
puter uses its internal programming and all of these
inputs to calculate and display the requested data. If
the data displayed is incorrect, perform the self-diag-nostic tests as described in this group. If these tests
prove inconclusive, the use of a DRBIIItscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended for further testing of the compass
mini-trip computer module and the CCD data bus.
The compass mini-trip computer module cannot be
repaired, and is available for service only as a unit. If
faulty or damaged, the complete module must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The compass mini-trip computer only operates with
the ignition switch in the On position. When the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position, all of the
segments in the compass mini-trip computer VFD
will be turned on for one second, then the display
will return to the last function being displayed before
the ignition was turned to the Off position. With the
ignition switch in the On position, momentarily
depressing and releasing the Step push button switch
will cause the compass-mini-trip computer to change
its mode of operation, and momentarily depressing
and releasing the U.S./Metric push button will cause
the unit to toggle between U.S. and Metric measure-
ments. While in either compass mode, depressing the
U.S./Metric push button for more than ten seconds
will toggle the display between the compass/temper-
ature and the compass/compass in degrees modes.
This compass mini-trip computer features several
functions that can be reset. If both the Step and U.S./
Metric push buttons are depressed at the same time
with the ignition switch in the On position, the trip
computer information that can be reset is reset.
Depressing and releasing the Step and U.S./Metric
push buttons at the same time for more than 100
milliseconds, but not more than one second while in
any display mode (except the compass/temperature
mode) will cause a local reset. A local reset affects
only the function currently displayed. See the Reset
Chart below for more information on this feature.
Performing a local reset while in the compass/tem-
perature mode enters the module into the compass
variance setting mode.
Depressing and releasing the Step and U.S./Metric
push buttons at the same time for more than two
seconds while in any display mode (except the com-
pass/temperature mode) will cause a global reset. A
global reset changes all of the trip computer func-
tions that can be reset.
For more information on the features and control
functions of the compass mini-trip computer, see the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.
BR/BEMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 9
COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER (Continued)
Page 678 of 2889

Deployment of the airbags depends upon the angle
and severity of the impact. The airbag system is
designed to deploy upon a frontal impact within a
thirty degree angle from either side of the vehicle
center line. Deployment is not based upon vehicle
speed; rather, deployment is based upon the rate of
deceleration as measured by the forces of gravity (G
force) upon the airbag system impact sensor, which is
integral to the ACM. When a frontal impact is severe
enough, the microprocessor in the ACM signals the
inflator units of both airbag modules to deploy the
airbags. During a frontal vehicle impact, the knee
blockers work in concert with properly fastened and
adjusted seat belts to restrain both the driver and
the front seat passenger in the proper position for an
airbag deployment. The knee blockers also absorb
and distribute the crash energy from the driver and
the front seat passenger to the structure of the
instrument panel.
Typically, the driver and front seat passenger recall
more about the events preceding and following a col-
lision than they have of the airbag deployment itself.
This is because the airbag deployment and deflation
occur so rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour
(30 mile-per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment
of impact until both airbags are fully inflated takes
about 40 milliseconds. Within one to two seconds
from the moment of impact, both airbags are almost
entirely deflated. The times cited for these events are
approximations, which apply only to a barrier impact
at the given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.
When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
airbag system circuits or components, it stores a
fault code or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its
memory circuit and sends an electronic message to
the EMIC to turn on the airbag indicator. Proper
testing of the airbag system components, the
Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus, the
data bus message inputs to and outputs from the
EMIC or the ACM, as well as the retrieval or erasure
of a DTC from the ACM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the factory-installed passenger restraints,
including the airbag system.
WARNING
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIR-
BAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL,STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND)
CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FUR-
THER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR UNIT
CONTAINS SODIUM AZIDE AND POTASSIUM
NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS ARE POISONOUS
AND EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTACT WITH
ACID, WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE
HARMFUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM
HYDROXIDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF
MOISTURE) OR COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. THE
PASSENGER AIRBAG UNIT CONTAINS ARGON GAS
PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG UNIT OR
TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE,
INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH
ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURES
EXCEEDING 93É C (200É F).
WARNING: REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPO-
NENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGE-
ABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT
IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WARNING: THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS
AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR-
BAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED
WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FAS-
TENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH THE COR-
RECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE DAIMLER-
CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG UNIT ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE COL-
UMN ON THE FLOOR OR ANY OTHER SURFACE
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG UNIT
FACE DOWN.
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 3
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
Page 685 of 2889

(1) Position the child tether anchor (standard cab)
or child tether (club/quad cab) onto the cab back
panel (Fig. 7).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
child tether anchor (standard cab) or child tether
(club/quad cab) onto the cab back panel. Tighten the
screw to 13.5 N´m (120 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the trim onto the inside of the cab
back panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR
CLOSURE PANEL TRIM - INSTALLATION).
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two inte-
gral plastic latches onto the steering column lock
housing near the top of the steering column, behind
the steering wheel. The clockspring consists of a flat,
round molded plastic case with a stubby tail that
hangs below the steering column and contains a con-
nector receptacle and a long pigtail wire with connec-
tor that face toward the instrument panel. Within
the plastic housing is a spool-like molded plastic
rotor with a large exposed hub. The upper surface of
the rotor hub has a large center hole, two large flats,
two auto-locking tabs, and three short pigtail wires
with connectors that face toward the steering wheel.
The lower surface of the rotor hub has two integral
turn signal cancelling cam lobes. Within the plastic
case and wound around the rotor spool is a long rib-
bon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire
leads sandwiched between two thin plastic mem-
branes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the
connector receptacle and pigtail wire that face the
instrument panel, while the inner end of the tape
terminates at the pigtail wires on the hub of the
clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a piece of tape covering the
engaged auto-locking tabs. The auto-locking tabs
secure the centered clockspring rotor to the clock-
spring case during shipment, but these tabs are auto-
matically disengaged once the clockspring is installed
on the steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mountedon or in the rotating steering wheel. On this model
the rotating electrical components include the driver
airbag, the horn switch, the speed control switches,
and the remote radio switches if the vehicle is so
equipped. The clockspring case is positioned and
secured to the upper steering column lock housing by
two integral plastic latches. The connector receptacle
on the tail of the fixed clockspring housing connect
the clockspring to the vehicle electrical system
through a take out with connector from the instru-
ment panel wire harness. The lower clockspring pig-
tail on the tail of the clockspring housing connect the
clockspring driver airbag circuits to a separate take
out and connector of the instrument panel wire har-
ness located near the lower instrument panel rein-
forcement, below the steering column. The
clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed to the hub
of the steering wheel by two large flats that are
molded into the rotor hub. The two lobes on the
lower surface of the clockspring rotor hub contact a
turn signal cancel actuator of the multi-function
switch to provide automatic turn signal cancellation.
The pigtail wires on the upper surface of the clock-
spring connect the clockspring to the horn switch, the
two speed control switches, and the remote radio
switches on vehicles that are so equipped.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring
tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being
wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering
wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the
clockspring must be centered when it is installed on
the steering column. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring spool to the movable steering
components so that the tape can operate within its
designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is
removed from the steering column or if the steering
shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the
clockspring spool can change position relative to the
movable steering components and must be re-cen-
tered following completion of the service or the tape
may be damaged. Service replacement clocksprings
are shipped pre-centered and with the auto-locking
tabs engaged. A piece of tape covers the auto-locking
tabs to discourage tampering. These auto-locking
tabs should not be disengaged until the clockspring
has been installed on the steering column. If this
shipping tape is removed or damaged, or if the auto-
locking tabs are disengaged before the clockspring is
installed on a steering column, the clockspring cen-
tering procedure must be performed. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
CHILD TETHER (Continued)
Page 693 of 2889

INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the driver airbag
has been deployed, the clockspring and the steering
column assembly must also be replaced. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
REMOVAL) and (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN
- REMOVAL).
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER
MUST NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT TRIM
COVERS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COL-
ORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE
MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER RESPONDS TO AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT
INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Assemble the driver airbag trim cover onto the
airbag housing. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - ASSEMBLY).
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire harness
connector to the airbag inflator connector receptacle
by pressing straight in on the connector (Fig. 10). You
can be certain that the connector is fully engaged by
listening carefully for a distinct, audible click as the
connector snaps into place.
(3) Reconnect the clockspring horn switch pigtail
wire harness connector to the horn switch feed pig-
tail wire connector, which is located on the back of
the driver airbag.(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wires in the steering wheel hub area are not
pinched between the driver airbag and the steering
wheel.
(5) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the steering wheel armature.
Tighten the screws to 10.2 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(6) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Move the front seats to their most forward
position for easiest access to the front shoulder belt
lower seat belt anchor plate, the retractor, and the
B-pillar.
(2) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor plate to the floor panel near the base of
the B-pillar.
(3) Unsnap and lift the front shoulder belt turning
loop cover to access the screw that secures the turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster (Fig. 15).
(4) Remove the screw that secures the shoulder
belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
(5) Remove the shoulder belt turning loop from the
height adjuster.
(6) Remove the trim from the B-pillar. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR TRIM - REMOVAL).
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
Page 698 of 2889

INSTALLATION
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE PAS-
SENGER AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT PASSENGER
AIRBAG DOORS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL
COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH
THE MATERIAL OF THE AIRBAG DOOR RESPONDS
TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Carefully inspect the five receptacle slots
around the top and sides of the passenger airbag
door opening of the instrument panel top cover.
Remove any of the small metal airbag door snap
retainers that did not remain on the molded airbag
door tabs during the removal procedure.
(2) If the removed passenger airbag module is
being reinstalled, install the metal snap retainers
recovered in Step 1onto the proper airbag door tabs.
Each of the five molded airbag door tabs must have a
snap retainer on it before it is installed in the instru-ment panel. New replacement passenger airbags
come with new airbag door snap retainers installed.
(3) Carefully position the passenger airbag onto
the instrument panel.
(4) Align the five tabs and retainers on the upper
edge and sides of the passenger airbag door with the
receptacles in the instrument panel top cover.
(5) Using hand pressure, press firmly on the pas-
senger airbag door over each of the tab and retainer
locations until each of them is fully engaged in its
receptacle. Be certain that each of the metal snap
retainers is in position on the airbag door tabs.
(6) Install and tighten the five screws that secure
the passenger airbag front and rear mounting brack-
ets to the instrument panel (Fig. 18). Tighten the
screws to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(7) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the two plastic support brackets of the passenger air-
bag door panel outlet housing to the glove box open-
ing upper reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and reconnect the passenger airbag pigtail
wire connector to the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Fig. 17). Be certain that the passenger air-
bag pigtail wire connector is fully engaged with and
latched to the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor.
(9) Reinstall the glove box opening upper trim onto
the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the glove box onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The passenger airbag on-off switch is standard
equipment on this model when it is not equipped
with a full size rear seat. This switch is a single pole,
single throw switch with a single integral red Light-
Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key cylinder-
type actuator. The switch is located in the upper
right corner of instrument panel cluster bezel, near
the center of instrument panel to make the Off indi-
cator visible to all front seat occupants. When the
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 23
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)
Page 726 of 2889

activates the washer pump/motor, which dispenses
washer fluid onto the windshield glass through the
washer nozzles.
When the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On
positions, battery current from a fuse in the Junction
Block (JB) is provided through a fused ignition
switch output (run-acc) circuit to the wiper motor
park switch, the wiper relay, and the multi-function
switch. The internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch provides a direct hard wired battery current
output to the low speed or high speed brushes of the
wiper motor when the Lo or Hi switch setting is
selected, which causes the wipers to cycle at the
selected speed. The intermittent wipe, and wipe-af-
ter-wash features of the wiper and washer system
are provided by the electronic intermittent wipe logic
circuit within the Central Timer Module (CTM). In
order to provide the intermittent wipe feature, the
CTM monitors the wiper switch state and the wiper
motor park switch state. In order to provide the
wipe-after-wash feature, the CTM monitors both the
washer switch state and the wiper motor park switch
state. When a Delay position is selected with the
multi-function switch control knob, the CTM logic cir-
cuit responds by calculating the correct delay inter-
val. The CTM then energizes the wiper relay by
pulling the relay control coil to ground. The ener-
gized wiper relay directs battery current through the
normally open contact of the relay back through the
internal circuitry of the multi-function switch to the
low speed brush of the wiper motor. The CTM moni-
tors the wiper motor operation through the wiper
park switch sense circuit, which allows the CTM to
determine the proper timing to begin the next wiper
blade sweep. The normal delay intervals are driver
adjustable from about one-half second to about eigh-
teen seconds.
The high-line and premium CTM also provides a
speed sensitive intermittent wipe feature. By moni-
toring vehicle speed messages received from the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network, the
high-line or premium CTM is able to adjust the delay
intervals to compensate for vehicle speed. Above
about sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-
hour) the delay is driver adjustable from about one-
half second to about eighteen seconds. Below about
sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-hour) the
delay times are doubled by the CTM, from about one
second to about thirty-six seconds.
When the Off position of the multi-function switch
wiper control knob is selected, one of two events is
possible. The event that will occur depends upon the
position of the wiper blades on the windshield at the
moment that the Off position is selected. If the wiper
blades are in the down position on the windshieldwhen the Off position is selected, the park switch
that is integral to the wiper motor is closed to ground
and the wiper motor ceases to operate. If the wiper
blades are not in the down position on the windshield
at the moment the Off position is selected, the park
switch is closed to battery current through a fused
ignition switch output (run-acc) circuit. The park
switch sense circuit directs this battery current to
the low speed brush of the wiper motor through the
normally closed contact of the wiper relay and the
internal Off position circuitry of the multi-function
switch. This causes the wiper motor to continue run-
ning until the wiper blades are in the down position
on the windshield and the park switch is again
closed to ground.
When the Wash position of the multi-function
switch is selected, the Wash position circuitry within
the switch directs battery current to the washer
pump/motor. The CTM monitors the washer switch
state through a washer switch sense input. When the
washer switch is closed with the wiper system turned
Off, the CTM operates the wiper motor through the
wiper relay in the same manner as it does to provide
the Delay mode operation. After the state of the
washer switch changes to open, the CTM monitors
the wiper motor through the wiper park switch sense
circuit, which allows the CTM to monitor the number
of wiper blade sweeps.
Proper testing of the CTM, the PCM, or the CCD
data bus vehicle speed messages requires a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on the features and
operation of the wiper and washer system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER &
WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The diagnosis found here addresses an electrically
inoperative wiper system. If the wiper motor oper-
ates, but the wipers do not move on the windshield,
replace the faulty wiper module. If the wipers oper-
ate, but chatter, lift, or do not clear the glass, clean
and inspect the wiper system components as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS - INSPECTION) and (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). Refer to
the appropriate wiring information. The wiring infor-
mation includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and
connector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
The following tests will help to diagnose the hard
wired components and circuits of the wiper system.
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 3
WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)
Page 736 of 2889

²Element- The wiper element or squeegee is the
resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that con-
tacts the glass.
²Flexor- The flexor is a rigid metal component
running along the length of each side of the wiper
element where it is gripped by the claws of the
superstructure.
All Ram truck models have two 50 centimeter
(19.69 inch) wiper blades with non-replaceable rub-
ber elements (squeegees). These wiper blades also
include an anti-lift feature. The wiper blades cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If faulty, worn, or damaged
the entire wiper blade unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper blade is moved back and forth across the
glass by the wiper arms when the wipers are being
operated. The wiper blade superstructure is the flex-
ible frame that grips the wiper blade element and
evenly distributes the force of the spring-loaded
wiper arm along the length of the element. The com-
bination of the wiper arm force and the flexibility of
the superstructure makes the element conform to
and maintain proper contact with the glass, even as
the blade is moved over the varied curvature found
across the glass surface. The wiper element flexor
provides the claws of the blade superstructure with a
rigid, yet flexible component on the element which
can be gripped. The rubber element is designed to be
stiff enough to maintain an even cleaning edge as it
is drawn across the glass, but resilient enough to
conform to the glass surface and flip from one clean-
ing edge to the other each time the wiper blade
changes directions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The driver side and passenger side wiper
blades are not interchangeable. The driver side
wiper blade has an extra bridge and eight pairs of
claws securing the wiper element. The passenger
side wiper blade has six pairs of claws securing the
wiper element. The notched retainer end of both
wiper elements should always be oriented towards
the end of the wiper blade that is nearest to the
wiper pivot.
(1) Turn the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to the On posi-
tion. Cycle the wiper blades to a convenient working
location on the windshield by turning the ignition
switch to the On and Off positions.
(2) Lift the wiper arm to raise the wiper blade and
element off of the glass.
(3) To remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm,
push the pivot block latch release tab under the tip
of the arm and slide the blade away from the tiptowards the pivot end of the arm far enough to dis-
engage the pivot block from the hook (Fig. 7).
(4) Extract the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm from the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(5) Gently lower the wiper arm tip onto the glass.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The driver side and passenger side wiper
blades are not interchangeable. The driver side
wiper blade has an extra bridge and eight pairs of
claws securing the wiper element. The passenger
side wiper blade has six pairs of claws securing the
wiper element. The notched retainer end of both
wiper elements should always be oriented towards
the end of the wiper blade that is nearest to the
wiper pivot.
(1) Lift the wiper arm off of the windshield glass.
(2) Position the wiper blade near the hook forma-
tion on the tip of the arm with the notched retainer
for the wiper element oriented towards the end of the
wiper arm that is nearest to the wiper pivot.
(3) Insert the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm through the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit far enough to engage the pivot block with
the hook (Fig. 7).
(4) Slide the wiper blade pivot block/latch up into
the hook formation on the tip of the wiper arm until
the latch release tab snaps into its locked position.
(5) Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
Fig. 7 Wiper Blade Remove/Install - Typical
1 - RELEASE TAB
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 13
WIPER BLADE (Continued)