service indicator DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owner's Manual

lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative
plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-
conductive material are inserted between the positive
and negative plates to prevent them from contacting
or shorting against one another. These dissimilar
metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and
water solution called an electrolyte.
The factory-installed battery has a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
built-in indicator test procedures.The factory-in-
stalled low-maintenance battery has non-re-
movable battery cell caps.Water cannot be added
to this battery. The battery is not sealed and has
vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical composition
of the metal coated plates within the low-mainte-
nance battery reduces battery gassing and water
loss, at normal charge and discharge rates. There-
fore, the battery should not require additional water
in normal service. Rapid loss of electrolyte can be
caused by an overcharging condition. Be certain to
diagnose the charging system before returning the
vehicle to service. Refer to Charging System for the
proper charging system diagnosis and testing proce-
dures.
OPERATION
The battery is designed to store electrical energy in
a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to
the terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reac-
tion occurs. This reaction causes the battery to dis-
charge electrical current from its terminals. As the
battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes
place within each cell. The sulfuric acid in the elec-
trolyte combines with the plate materials, causing
both plates to slowly change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The
chemical changes within the battery are caused by
the movement of excess or free electrons between the
positive and negative plate groups. This movement of
electrons produces a flow of electrical current
through the load device attached to the battery ter-
minals.
As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery itself, the battery discharging process
is reversed. Charging the battery gradually changes
the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and
lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.
This action restores the difference in the electron
charges deposited on the plates, and the voltage
potential of the battery cells. For a battery to remain
useful, it must be able to produce high-amperage cur-
rent over an extended period. A battery must also be
able to accept a charge, so that its voltage potential
may be restored.
The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen
gas that is created when the battery is being charged
or discharged. However, even with these vents,
hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If
hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may
ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery may
arc internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced if the electrolyte level
becomes low.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
top, posts and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned and inspected before diagnostic procedures
are performed. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for
the proper cleaning procedures, and Battery System
Inspection for the proper battery inspection proce-
dures. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
battery charging procedures.
Fig. 4 Low-Maintenance Battery - Typical
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - TEST INDICATOR
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - GREEN BALL
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 7
BATTERY (Continued)

in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the bat-
tery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise.
The Battery Charging Time Table gives an indica-
tion of the time required to charge a typical battery
at room temperature based upon the battery state-of-
charge and the charger capacity.
BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Charging
Amperage5 Amps10
Amps20 Amps
Open Circuit
VoltageHours Charging @ 21É C
(70É F)
12.25 to 12.49 6 hours 3 hours 1.5
hours
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours 5 hours 2.5
hours
10.00 to 11.99 14 hours 7 hours 3.5
hours
Below 10.00 18 hours 9 hours 4.5
hours
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUILT-IN
INDICATOR TEST
An indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of the
battery case provides visual information for battery
testing (Fig. 8). Like a hydrometer, the built-in indi-
cator measures the specific gravity of the battery
electrolyte. The specific gravity of the electrolyte
reveals the battery state-of-charge; however, it will
not reveal the cranking capacity of the battery. A load
test must be performed to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures.WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. In order to
obtain correct indications from the built-in indicator,
it is important that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass. Additional light may be required to
view the indicator.Do not use open flame as a
source of additional light.
To read the built-in indicator, look into the sight
glass and note the color of the indication (Fig. 9). The
battery condition that each color indicates is
described in the following list:
²Green- Indicates 75% to 100% battery state-of-
charge. The battery is adequately charged for further
testing or return to service. If the starter will not
crank for a minimum of fifteen seconds with a fully-
charged battery, the battery must be load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
load test procedures.
²Black or Dark- Indicates 0% to 75% battery
state-of-charge. The battery is inadequately charged
and must be charged until a green indication is visi-
ble in the sight glass (12.4 volts or more), before the
battery is tested further or returned to service. Refer
to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charg-
ing procedures. Also refer to Diagnosis and Testing
for more information on the possible causes of the
discharged battery condition.
Fig. 8 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC ROD
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 11
BATTERY (Continued)

²Clear or Bright- Indicates a low battery elec-
trolyte level. The electrolyte level in the battery is
below the built-in indicator. A maintenance-free bat-
tery with non-removable cell caps must be replaced if
the electrolyte level is low. Water must be added to a
low-maintenance battery with removable cell caps
before it is charged. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery filling procedures. A low electro-
lyte level may be caused by an overcharging condi-
tion. Refer to Charging System for the proper
charging system diagnosis and testing procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROMETER TEST
The hydrometer test reveals the battery state-of-
charge by measuring the specific gravity of the elec-
trolyte.This test cannot be performed on
maintenance-free batteries with non-removable
cell caps.If the battery has non-removable cell caps,
refer to Diagnosis and Testing for alternate methods
of determining the battery state-of-charge.
Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of the
battery electrolyte to the density of pure water. Pure
water has a specific gravity of 1.000, and sulfuric acid
has a specific gravity of 1.835. Sulfuric acid makes up
approximately 35% of the battery electrolyte by
weight, or 24% by volume. In a fully-charged battery
the electrolyte will have a temperature-corrected spe-
cific gravity of 1.260 to 1.290. However, a specific grav-
ity of 1.235 or above is satisfactory for the battery to
be load tested and/or returned to service.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. Then
remove the battery cell caps and check the electrolyte
level. Add distilled water if the electrolyte level is
below the top of the battery plates. Refer to Battery
System Cleaning for the proper battery inspection
procedures.
See the instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the hydrometer for recommendations on the cor-
rect use of the hydrometer that you are using.
Remove only enough electrolyte from the battery cell
so that the float is off the bottom of the hydrometer
barrel with pressure on the bulb released. To read
the hydrometer correctly, hold it with the top surface
of the electrolyte at eye level (Fig. 10).
CAUTION: Exercise care when inserting the tip of
the hydrometer into a battery cell to avoid damag-
ing the plate separators. Damaged plate separators
can cause early battery failure.
Hydrometer floats are generally calibrated to indi-
cate the specific gravity correctly only at 26.7É C (80É
F). When testing the specific gravity at any other
temperature, a correction factor is required. The cor-
rection factor is approximately a specific gravity
value of 0.004, which may also be identified as four
points of specific gravity. For each 5.5É C above 26.7É
C (10É F above 80É F), add four points. For each 5.5É
C below 26.7É C (10É F below 80É F), subtract four
points. Always correct the specific gravity for temper-
ature variation.
EXAMPLE:A battery is tested at -12.2É C (10É F)
and has a specific gravity of 1.240. Determine the
actual specific gravity as follows:
(1) Determine the number of degrees above or
below 26.7É C (80É F):26.6É C - -12.2É C = 38.8É C
(80É F - 10É F = 70É F)
(2) Divide the result from Step 1 by 5.5É C (10É
F):38.8É C45.5ÉC=7(70É F410ÉF=7)
Fig. 9 Built-In Indicator Sight Glass Chart
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY (Continued)

OPERATION - HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM
The solid state electronic control logic and timer
circuitry for the heated mirror system receives bat-
tery current from a fuse in the Junction Block (JB)
only when the ignition switch is in the On or Start
positions. After the heated mirror system is turned
On, the electronic control logic and timer circuitry
will automatically turn the system off after a pro-
grammed time interval of about fifteen minutes.
After the initial time interval has expired, if the
heated mirror switch is depressed and released a sec-
ond time during the same ignition cycle, the elec-
tronic control logic and timer circuitry will
automatically turn the heated mirror system off after
a programmed time interval of about five minutes.
The heated mirror system will be shut off automati-
cally if the ignition switch is turned to the Off or
Accessory positions. After the heated mirror system
is turned On, it can also be turned off manually by
depressing and releasing the heated mirror switch a
second time.
When the heated mirror system is turned On, the
heated mirror system control logic and timer cir-
cuitry energizes the heated mirror system indicator
lamp and the heated mirror relay. When energized,
the heated mirror relay supplies fused ignition
switch output (run/start) current from a fuse in the
JB to the outside mirror heating grids located behind
the mirror glass of each of the outside rear view mir-
rors. When energized, each of the outside mirror
heating grids produces enough heat to warm the
glass of the outside rear view mirrors.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
SYSTEM
If only one of the outside mirror heating grids is
inoperative, perform continuity checks on the circuits
and heater grid for that mirror only. If both outside
mirror heating grids are inoperative, proceed with
the heated mirror system diagnosis as follows. (Refer
to Appropriate Wiring Information).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.The operation of the heated mirror system can be
confirmed in one of the following manners:
²Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter,
momentarily depress and release the heated mirror
switch. When the heated mirror system is turned On,
a distinct voltmeter needle deflection should be
noted.
²Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Momentarily depress and release the heated mirror
switch to turn the heated mirror system On. The
heated mirror operation can be checked by feeling
the outside rear view mirror glass. A distinct differ-
ence in temperature between the unheated and
heated mirror glass can be detected within three to
four minutes of system operation.
The above checks will confirm system operation.
Illumination of the heated mirror system indicator
lamp means that there is electrical current available
at the heated mirror relay, but does not confirm that
the electrical current is reaching the outside mirror
heating grids.
If the heated mirror system does not operate, the
problem should be isolated in the following manner:
(1) Confirm that the ignition switch is in the On
position.
(2) Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) and in the Junction Block (JB). The fuses
must be tight in their receptacles and all electrical
connections must be secure.
When the above steps have been completed and
both outside mirror heating grids are still inopera-
tive, one or more of the following is faulty:
²Heated mirror switch, electronic control logic
and timer circuitry, and heated mirror relay.
²Heated mirror wire harness circuits or connec-
tors.
²Outside mirror heating grid (both mirror grids
would have to be faulty).
If turning On the heated mirror system produces a
severe voltmeter deflection or fuse failures, check for
a shorted circuit between the output of the heated
mirror relay and the outside mirror heating grids.
8G - 2 HEATED MIRRORSBR/BE
HEATED MIRRORS (Continued)

MIRROR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated mirror switch, the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp, the heated mirror system solid
state electronic control logic and timer circuitry and
the heated mirror relay are all integral to the a/c
heater control, which is located between the instru-
ment cluster and the radio near the center of the
instrument cluster bezel on the instrument panel.
The heated mirror switch and the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp are visible in the lower left corner
of the a/c heater control face plate (Fig. 2).
The heated mirror switch, the heated mirror sys-
tem indicator lamp, the heated mirror system solid
state electronic control logic and timer circuitry and
the heated mirror relay cannot be repaired. If any of
these components is damaged or faulty, the entire a/c
heater control must be replaced. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
HEATER CONTROL - REMOVAL)
OPERATION
The momentary-type heated mirror switch provides
a hard-wired battery current signal to the heated
mirror system electronic control logic circuitry each
time it is depressed. In response to the heated mirror
switch input, the electronic control logic and timer
circuitry energizes or de-energizes the amber heated
mirror system indicator lamp next to the heated mir-
ror switch to indicate that the heated mirror systemis turned On or Off. The electronic control logic and
timer circuitry also energizes or de-energizes the
heated mirror relay, which controls the feed of elec-
trical current to the outside mirror heating grids.
The heated mirror system electronic control logic
and timer circuitry is programmed to turn the heated
mirror system Off automatically after about fifteen
minutes of operation. If the heated mirror system is
turned On a second time following an initial time-out
event during the same ignition switch cycle, the
heated mirror system electronic control logic and
timer circuit is programmed to turn the system Off
automatically after about five minutes. When the
electronic control logic and timer circuit detects that
a programmed time interval has elapsed, it will auto-
matically de-energize the heated mirror system indi-
cator lamp and the heated mirror relay. The heated
mirror system will also be turned Off if the heated
mirror switch is depressed while the system is
turned On, or if the ignition switch is turned to the
Off or Accessory positions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
SWITCH
The heated mirror switch, the solid state electronic
heated mirror system control logic and timer cir-
cuitry, the heated mirror system indicator lamp and
the heated mirror relay are all integral to the a/c
heater control. For circuit descriptions and diagrams
(Refer to Appropriate Wiring Information).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/
start) fuse in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or com-
ponent as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run/start) fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open circuit to the ignition
switch as required.
Fig. 2 HEATED MIRROR SWITCH
1 - A/C HEATER CONTROL
2 - HEATED MIRROR SWITCH
3 - HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM INDICATOR LAMP
BR/BEHEATED MIRRORS 8G - 3

(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the 3-way instrument panel wire
harness connector for the heated mirror switch from
the heated mirror switch connector receptacle on the
back of the a/c heater control. Check for continuity
between the ground circuit cavity of the wire harness
connector and a good ground. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit to ground as required.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery
voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start)
circuit cavity of the 3-way instrument panel wire
harness connector for the heated mirror switch. If
OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open fused
ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the fuse
in the JB as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Reconnect the 3-way instrument panel wire harness
connector for the heated mirror switch to the heated
mirror switch connector receptacle on the back of the
a/c heater control. Reconnect the battery negative
cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Depress and release the heated mirror switch. The
amber heated mirror system indicator lamp next to
the heated mirror switch button should light. If OK,
go to Step 6. If not OK, replace the faulty a/c heater
control.
(6) Back probe the fused heated mirror relay out-
put circuit cavity of the 3-way instrument panel wire
harness connector for the heated mirror switch on
the back of the a/c heater control and check for volt-
age (battery voltage less the resistance in both out-
side mirror heating grids). If OK, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS/HEATED MIR-
ROR GRID - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
HEATED MIRROR GRID
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated mirror
system have an electrically operated heating grid
located behind the mirror glass of each power oper-
ated outside rear view mirror. The outside mirror
heating grid consists of two thin laminations of plas-
tic that approximate the outer dimensions and shape
of the mirror glass. A single length of resistor wire
weaves in a back and forth pattern between, and is
held in place by the two thin laminations of plastic.
The two ends of the resistor wire terminate near the
inboard edge of the grid, where they are soldered to
the ground feed and battery current feed wires con-
tained in the power mirror wire harness. The heating
grid is then sandwiched between the back of themolded plastic mirror glass case and the mirror
glass, where it remains in direct contact with the
back of the mirror glass at all times.
The outside mirror heating grids cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire outside
power mirror unit must be replaced. Refer to Power
Mirrors for the service procedures.
OPERATION
One end of the outside mirror heating grid resistor
wire is connected to a ground feed at all times
through a body ground screw located inside the left
rear corner of the truck cab. Battery current is
directed to the other end of the outside mirror heat-
ing grid resistor wire by the energized heated mirror
relay when the heated mirror switch is in the On
position. As electrical current passes through the
heating grid, the resistance of the wire in the heating
grid converts some of that electrical current into
heat. The heat produced by the heating grid is then
conducted through the back of the mirror glass to
help keep the glass clear of ice, snow or fog.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
GRID
For circuit descriptions and diagrams (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the door wire harness connector
from the power mirror wire harness connector at the
power mirror with the inoperative heating grid.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity in the door wire harness connector for the power
mirror and a good ground. If OK, go to Step 2. If not
OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as
required.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Turn on the
heated mirror system. Check for voltage (battery
voltage less the resistance in the outside mirror heat-
ing grid that is still connected) at the fused heated
mirror relay output circuit cavity in the door wire
harness connector for the power mirror. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused heated mir-
ror relay output circuit to the heater and air condi-
tioner control unit as required.
(3) Check the outside mirror heating grid by test-
ing for continuity between the ground circuit and the
fused heated mirror relay output circuit cavities in
the power mirror wire harness connector. There
should be continuity. If not OK, replace the faulty
power mirror. If OK, check the resistance through
the outside mirror heating grid. The correct resis-
tance should be from 10 to 16 ohms when measured
at an ambient temperature of 21É C (70É F). If not
OK, replace the faulty power mirror.
8G - 4 HEATED MIRRORSBR/BE
MIRROR SWITCH (Continued)

HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION............................5
OPERATION.............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................6
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM..................6
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION............................7
OPERATION.............................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................8
HEATED SEAT SWITCH...................8
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION...........................10
OPERATION.............................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................11HEATED SEAT ELEMENT & SENSOR.......11
HEATED SEAT RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................11
OPERATION.............................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................12
HEATED SEAT RELAY...................12
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................13
OPERATION.............................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................14
HEATED SEAT SWITCH..................14
REMOVAL..............................15
INSTALLATION...........................16
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
Individually controlled electrically heated front
seats are available factory-installed optional equip-
ment on the Ram quad cab models that are also
equipped with the optional SLT Plus (leather) trimpackage. Vehicles with this option can be visually
identified by the two separate heated seat switches
mounted in a bezel located in the lower right corner
of the instrument cluster bezel, next to the radio
receiver (Fig. 1). The heated seat system allows the
front seat driver and passenger to select from two
different levels of supplemental electrical seat heat-
ing, or no seat heating to suit their individual com-
fort requirements. The heated seat system for this
vehicle includes the following major components:
²The heated seat switches, including two heated
seat Light-Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lamps and
an incandescent back lighting bulb for each switch.
²The heated seat module, also referred to as the
Seat Heat Interface Module (SHIM), which contains
the solid state electronic control and diagnostic logic
circuitry for the heated seat system. Refer to the
Electronic Control Modules section of the service
manual for heated seat module information.
²The heated seat elements and sensors, which
are integral to the individual front seat cushion and
front seat back trim covers.
²The heated seat relay, which controls the avail-
ability of battery current to the heated seat module
or SHIM.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the heated seat system. See the own-
er's manual in the vehicle glove box for more infor-
mation on the features, use and operation of the
heated seat system. Refer toPower Seatin the
index of this service manual for the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
Fig. 1 Heated Seat System Switches
1 - RADIO RECEIVER
2 - HEATED SEAT SWITCHES
BR/BEHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 5

OPERATION
The heated seat module receives fused battery cur-
rent through the energized heated seat relay in the
Junction Block (JB) only when the engine is running.
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
only when the ignition switch is in the On position.
The heated seat module shares a common ground cir-
cuit with each of the heated seat elements. The
heated seat elements will only operate when the sur-
face temperature of the seat cushion cover at the
heated seat sensors is below the designed tempera-
ture set points of the system.
The heated seat module will automatically turn off
the heated seat elements if it detects a short in the
heated seat element circuit or a heated seat sensor
value that is out of range. The heated seat system
will also be turned off automatically whenever the
ignition switch is turned to any position except On or
if the engine quits running. If the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position or if the engine quits run-
ning while a heated seat is turned ON, the heated
seat will remain Off after the engine is restarted
until a heated seat switch is depressed again.
The heated seat module monitors inputs from the
heated seat sensors and the heated seat switches. In
response to these inputs the heated seat module uses
its internal programming to control outputs to the
heated seat elements in both front seats and to con-
trol the heated seat LED indicator lamps located in
both of the heated seat switches. The heated seat
module is also programmed to provide a self-diagnos-
tic capability. When the module detects certain fail-
ures within the heated seat system, it will provide a
visual indication of the failure by flashing the indica-
tor lamps in the heated seat switches.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SYSTEM
SELF-DIAGNOSIS
The heated seat system is capable of performing
some self-diagnostics. The following table depicts the
various failure modes which will be reported to the
vehicle operator or technician by flashing the individ-
ual heated seat switch Light Emitting Diode (LED)
indicator lamps. See the Heated Seat System Self-Di-
agnosis table for the diagnostic routines. The driver
side heated seat switch indicator lamps will flash if a
failure occurs in the driver side heated seat, and the
passenger side heated seat switch indicator lamps
will flash for a passenger side heated seat failure. If
a monitored heated seat system failure occurs, the
switch indicator lamps will flash at a pulse rate of
about one-half second on, followed by about one-half
second off for a duration of about one minute afterthe switch for the faulty heated seat is depressed in
either the Low or High direction. This process will
repeat every time the faulty heated seat switch is
actuated until the problem has been corrected.
Heated Seat System Self-Diagnosis
Monitored FailureSwitch High
Indicator LampSwitch Low
Indicator Lamp
Heated Seat
Element ShortedFlashing Flashing
Heated Seat
Element OpenFlashing Off
Heated Seat
Sensor Value Out
of RangeOff Flashing
TESTING
Refer toPower Seatin the index of this service
manual for the location of complete heated seat sys-
tem wiring diagrams. Before testing the individual
components in the heated seat system, perform the
following preliminary checks:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
²If the heated seat switch back lighting and the
cluster illumination lamps do not illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer toInstru-
ment Clusterin the index of this service manual for
the location of the proper cluster illumination lamps
diagnosis and testing procedures. If the heated seat
switch back lighting does not illuminate, but the
cluster illumination lamps do illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer to
Heated Seat Switchin this section for the location
of the proper heated seat switch diagnosis and test-
ing procedure.
²If a single indicator lamp for one heated seat
switch does not operate and the heated seat elements
do heat, refer toHeated Seat Switchin this section
for the location of the proper heated seat switch diag-
nosis and testing procedure.
8G - 6 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)

The indicator lamps in the heated seat switches
receive battery current through a fused ignition
switch output (run) circuit when the ignition switch
is in the On position. The ground side of each indi-
cator lamp is controlled by a separate (high or low/
driver or passenger) indicator lamp driver circuit by
the heated seat module. The heated seat module con-
trol of the switch indicator lamps also allows the
module to provide diagnostic feedback to the vehicle
operator to indicate monitored heated seat system
faults by flashing the indicator lamps on and off. One
side of the incandescent back lighting bulb in each
heated seat switch is connected to ground at all
times. The other side of the incandescent bulb is con-
nected to the fused panel lamps dimmer switch sig-
nal circuit. These bulbs are energized when the park
lamps or headlamps are turned on, and their illumi-
nation intensity is controlled by the panel lamps dim-
mer switch.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves inoper-
ative heated seat switch back lighting and the cluster
illumination lamps operate, go to Step 2. If the prob-
lem being diagnosed involves inoperative heated seat
switch back lighting and the cluster illumination
lamps are also inoperative, refer toInstrument
Clusterin the index of this service manual for the
proper cluster illumination lamps diagnosis and test-
ing procedures. If the problem being diagnosed
involves inoperative heated seat switch indicator
lamps and the heated seat elements do not heat,
refer to Step 4. If the problem being diagnosed
involves inoperative heated seat switch indicator
lamps and the heated seat elements do heat, go to
Step 8. If the problem being diagnosed involves a
heated seat switch indicator lamp that remains illu-minated after the heated seat has been turned Off,
refer toHeated Seat Modulein Electronic Control
Modules for the location of the proper heated seat
module diagnosis and testing procedures. Also refer
to the Body Diagnostic Manual for additional diagno-
sis and testing procedures.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the heated seat switch and bezel unit
from the instrument panel. Disconnect the instru-
ment panel wire harness connector from the connec-
tor receptacle on the back of the heated seat switch
to be tested. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the heated seat switch and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground
as required.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
park lamps on with the headlamp switch. Rotate the
panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel on the headlamp
switch upward to just before the interior lamps
detent. Check for battery voltage at the fused panel
lamps dimmer switch signal circuit cavity of the
instrument panel wire harness connector for the
heated seat switch. If OK, replace the faulty heated
seat switch. If not OK, repair the open fused panel
lamps dimmer switch signal circuit to the fuse in the
Junction Block (JB) as required.
(4) Check the fused ignition switch output (run)
fuse in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step 5.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run) fuse in the JB. If OK, go to Step 6. If
not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output
(run) circuit to the ignition switch as required.
(6) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the heated seat switch and bezel unit
from the instrument panel. Disconnect the instru-
ment panel wire harness connector from the connec-
tor receptacle on the back of the heated seat switch
to be tested. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Check
for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch out-
put (run) circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the heated seat switch. If OK,
go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition
switch output (run) circuit to the JB fuse as required.
(7) Check the continuity and resistance values of
the heated seat switch in the Neutral, Low and High
positions as shown in the Heated Seat Switch Conti-
nuity chart (Fig. 3). If OK, refer toHeated Seat
Modulein Electronic Control Modules for the loca-
tion of the proper heated seat module diagnosis and
testing procedures. Also refer to the Body Diagnostic
8G - 8 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

Manual for additional diagnosis and testing proce-
dures. If not OK, replace the faulty heated seat
switch.
Heated Seat Switch Continuity
Switch PositionContinuity
BetweenResistance
Neutral 4 & 6 2.2 Kilohms
Low 4 & 6 510 Ohms
High 4 & 6 33 Ohms
(8) Replace the inoperative heated seat switch
with a known good unit and test the operation of the
switch indicator lamps. If OK, discard the faulty
heated seat switch. If not OK, refer toHeated Seat
Modulein Electronic Control Modules for the loca-
tion of the proper heated seat module diagnosis and
testing procedures. Also refer to the Body Diagnostic
Manual for additional diagnosis and testing proce-
dures.
REMOVAL
Both heated seat switches and the heated seat
switch bezel are available individually for service
replacement.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. Refer toCluster Bezelin the index of this
service manual for the location of the proper cluster
bezel removal procedures.
(3) Remove the three screws that secure the
heated seat switch bezel to the instrument panel
(Fig. 4).
(4) Pull the heated seat switch bezel out from the
instrument panel far enough to access and disconnect
the two instrument panel wire harness connectors
from the connector receptacles on the backs of the
heated seat switches.(5) Remove the heated seat switch bezel and both
switches from the instrument panel as a unit.
(6) From the back of the heated seat switch bezel,
gently push the heated seat switch out through the
front of the bezel.
INSTALLATION
Both heated seat switches and the heated seat
switch bezel are available individually for service
replacement.
NOTE: When installing the heated seat switches, be
certain they are installed in the proper mounting
holes of the heated seat switch bezel. Note that the
driver side and passenger side switches are identi-
cal in appearance except for the keyway in the con-
nector receptacle on the backs of the switches. The
driver side switch has the keyway located near the
bottom of the connector receptacle and should be
installed in the left mounting hole of the heated
seat switch bezel. The passenger side switch has
the keyway located near the top of the connector
receptacle and should be installed in the right
mounting hole of the heated seat switch bezel.
(1) From the front of the heated seat switch bezel,
align the back of the heated seat switch with the
proper mounting hole in the heated seat switch bezel
and gently push the switch into the bezel until it
snaps into place.
(2) Position the heated seat switch bezel and both
switches to the instrument panel as a unit.
Fig. 3 Heated Seat SwitchFig. 4 Heated Seat Switch and Bezel Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - SCREW (3)
3 - HEATED SEAT SWITCHES AND BEZEL UNIT
BR/BEHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 9
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)