spare tire location DODGE RAM 2002 Service Repair Manual

tor between many of the engine compartment, instru-
ment panel, and body wire harnesses. The JB houses
up to nineteen blade-type fuses (two standard-type
and seventeen mini-type), up to two blade-type auto-
matic resetting circuit breakers, the electronic combi-
nation turn signal and hazard warning flasher, and
one International Standards Organization (ISO)
micro-relay.
The molded plastic JB housing has integral mount-
ing brackets that are secured with two screws to the
left instrument panel end bracket. The left end of the
instrument panel cover has a snap-fit fuse access
panel that can be removed for service of the JB. A
fuse puller and spare fuse holders are located on the
back of the fuse access cover, as well as an adhesive-
backed fuse layout map to ensure proper fuse identi-
fication.
The JB unit cannot be repaired and is only ser-
viced as an assembly. If any internal circuit or the JB
housing is faulty or damaged, the entire JB unit
must be replaced.
OPERATION
All of the circuits entering and leaving the JB do
so through up to nine wire harness connectors, which
are connected to the JB through integral connector
receptacles molded into the JB housing. Internal con-
nection of all of the JB circuits is accomplished by an
intricate combination of hard wiring and bus bars.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete JB circuit diagrams.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - JUNCTION BLOCK
The junction block does not incorporate any self
diagnostic capability. Most of the electrical circuits
incorporated into the vehicle must pass through the
junction block at one point or another. The most effi-
cient means of diagnosing a suspected junction block
problem involves a simple continuity tester or ohm
meter. Using the Wiring Diagrams as a guide trace
the problem circuit to the proper junction block cav-
ity and test all circuits in the effected circuit for
proper continuity. A open or high resistance circuit is
a sign of a problem. Some other possible junction
block problems to look for are:
²Loose fuse receptacle terminals.
²Loose relay / circuit breaker receptacle termi-
nals.
²Bent or distorted electrical circuit pins.
²Incorrect size fuse installed in junction block
fuse cavity.
²Dark areas identifying a source of excess heat.
²Defective fuse, relay or circuit breaker installed
in junction block cavity.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the fuse access bezel from the instru-
ment panel.
(3) Remove the steering column cover (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COL-
UMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the hood release handle retaining
screws and position the handle assembly out of the
way.
(5) Remove the lower knee blocker from the instru-
ment panel.
(6) Pull drivers side carpet down, out of the way.
(7) Remove the parking brake switch connector,
release linkage and retaining fasteners and position
the assembly out the drivers door opening.
(8) Remove the electrical ground connections,
located behind park brake mounting location.
(9) Remove the two junction block retaining
screws. To access the upper retaining screw a 15 inch
long #2 Phillips screwdriver will be required. Access
the upper screw through hole in dash support brace.
(10) Reach through the outboard side of the instru-
ment panel steering column opening to access and
disconnect all of the wire harness connectors from
the Junction Block (JB) connector receptacles (Fig.
6).
Fig. 6 Junction Block Remove/Install
1 - I.P. End Bracket
2 - Junction Block
3 - Screws
BR/BE8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 7
JUNCTION BLOCK (Continued)