dead battery DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
THE BATTERY SEEMS
WEAK OR DEAD WHEN
ATTEMPTING TO START
THE ENGINE.1. The electrical system
ignition-off draw is excessive.1. Refer to the IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST
Standard Procedure for the proper test
procedures. Repair the excessive ignition-off
draw, as required.
2. The charging system is
faulty.2. Determine if the charging system is performing
to specifications. Refer to Charging System for
additional charging system diagnosis and testing
procedures. Repair the faulty charging system, as
required.
3. The battery is discharged. 3. Determine the battery state-of-charge using the
Micro 420 battery tester. Refer to the Standard
Procedures in this section for additional test
procedures. Charge the faulty battery, as
required.
4. The battery terminal
connections are loose or
corroded.4. Refer to Battery Cables for the proper battery
cable diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean
and tighten the battery terminal connections, as
required.
5. The battery has an
incorrect size or rating for
this vehicle.5. Refer to Battery System Specifications for the
proper size and rating. Replace an incorrect
battery, as required.
6. The battery is faulty. 6. Determine the battery cranking capacity using
the Micro 420 battery tester. Refer to the
Standard Procedures in this section for additional
test procedures. Replace the faulty battery, as
required.
7. The starting system is
faulty.7. Determine if the starting system is performing
to specifications. Refer to Starting System for the
proper starting system diagnosis and testing
procedures. Repair the faulty starting system, as
required.
8. The battery is physically
damaged.8. Inspect the battery for loose terminal posts or a
cracked and leaking case. Replace the damaged
battery, as required.
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 3
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

REMOVAL
CAUTION: Base ignition timing is not adjustable on
any engine. Distributors do not have built in centrif-
ugal or vacuum assisted advance. Base ignition
timing and timing advance are controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Because a con-
ventional timing light can not be used to adjust dis-
tributor position after installation, note position of
distributor before removal.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove air cleaner tubing.
(3) Remove distributor cap from distributor (two
screws).
(4) Mark the position of distributor housing in
relationship to engine or dash panel. This is done to
aid in installation.
(5) Before distributor is removed, the number one
cylinder must be brought to the Top Dead Center
(TDC) firing position.
(6) Attach a socket to the Crankshaft Vibration
Damper mounting bolt.
(7) Slowly rotate engine clockwise, as viewed from
front, until indicating mark on crankshaft vibration
damper is aligned to 0 degree (TDC) mark on timing
chain cover (Fig. 24).
(8) The distributor rotor should now be aligned to
the CYL. NO. 1 alignment mark (stamped) into the
camshaft position sensor (Fig. 25). If not, rotate the
crankshaft through another complete 360 degree
turn. Note the position of the number one cylinder
spark plug cable (on the cap) in relation to rotor.
Rotor should now be aligned to this position.(9) Disconnect camshaft position sensor wiring
harness from main engine wiring harness.
(10) Remove distributor rotor from distributor
shaft.
(11) Remove distributor holddown clamp bolt and
clamp (Fig. 26). Remove distributor from vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not crank engine with distributor
removed. Distributor/crankshaft relationship will be
lost.
Fig. 24 DAMPER-TO-COVER ALIGNMENT MARKS Ð
TYPICAL
1 - ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER MARKS
3 - CRANKSHAFT VIBRATION DAMPER
Fig. 25 ROTOR ALIGNMENT MARK
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - ROTOR
3 - DISTRIBUTOR
Fig. 26 DISTRIBUTOR HOLDDOWN CLAMP
1 - CLAMP BOLT
2 - HOLDDOWN CLAMP
3 - DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 17
DISTRIBUTOR (Continued)

²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
CHEMICAL TEST METHOD
Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also
be checked by using Bloc-Chek Kit C-3685-A or
equivalent. Perform test following the procedures
supplied with the tool kit.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the left side
exhaust manifold.
(4) Drain the engine coolant(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Lower the vehicle.(6) Remove the intake manifold(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the master cylinder and booster assem-
bly(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANI-
CAL/POWER BRAKE BOOSTER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the fan shroud and fan blade assem-
bly(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN
- REMOVAL).
(10) Remove accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the power steering pump and set
aside.
(12) Rotate the crankshaft until the damper tim-
ing mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark (Fig.
5).
(13) Verify the V6 mark on the camshaft sprocket
is at the 12 o'clock position (Fig. 6). Rotate the crank-
shaft one turn if necessary.
(14) Remove the crankshaft damper(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(15) Remove the timing chain cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
Fig. 5 Engine Top Dead Center
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 21
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT (Continued)

(3) Pry up 4 spring clips (Fig. 7) and lock cover to
housing.
(4) Install air duct to air cleaner cover and tighten
hose clamp to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) If any other hose clamps were removed from
air intake system, tighten them to 3.4 N´m (30 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) If any bolts were removed from air resonator
housing or air intake tubing, tighten them to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - CYLINDER HEAD
The cylinder heads are made of an aluminum alloy.
The cylinder head features two valves per cylinder
with pressed in powdered metal valve guides. The
cylinder heads also provide enclosures for the timing
chain drain, necessitating unique left and right cylin-
der heads.
DESCRIPTION - VALVE GUIDES
The valve guides are made of powered metal and
are pressed into the cylinder head. The guides are
not replaceable or serviceable, and valve guide ream-
ing is not recommended. If the guides are worn
beyond acceptable limits, replace the cylinder heads.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the left side
exhaust manifold.
(4) Drain the engine coolant. Refer to COOLING
SYSTEM.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Remove the intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the master cylinder and booster assem-
bly. Refer to section 5 brakes.
(8) Remove the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the fan shroud and fan blade assembly
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VIS-
COUS CLUTCH - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the power steering pump and set
aside.
(12) Rotate the crankshaft until the damper tim-
ing mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark (Fig.
9).
Fig. 8 AIR CLEANER HOUSING
1 - AIR CLEANER HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - LOCATING PINS (4)
Fig. 9 Engine Top Dead Center (TDC) Indicator Mark
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
9 - 106 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT (Continued)

NOTE: The cylinder head is attached to the cylinder
block with fourteen bolts.
(22) Remove the cylinder head retaining bolts.
(23) Remove the cylinder head and gasket. Discard
the gasket.
CAUTION: Do not lay the cylinder head on its gas-
ket sealing surface, due to the design of the cylin-
der head gasket any distortion to the cylinder head
sealing surface may prevent the gasket from prop-
erly sealing resulting in leaks.
REMOVAL - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Disconnect battery negitive cable.
(2) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the right side
exhaust manifold.
(4) Drain the engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Remove the intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the fan shroud (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove oil fill housing from cylinder head.
(10) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(11) Rotate the crankshaft until the damper timing
mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark (Fig. 13).(12) Verify the V8 mark on the camshaft sprocket
is at the 12 o'clock position (Fig. 14). Rotate the
crankshaft one turn if necessary.
(13) Remove the crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(14) Remove the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(15) Lock the secondary timing chains to the idler
sprocket using Special Tool 8515 (Fig. 15).
NOTE: Mark the secondary timing chain prior to
removal to aid in installation.
(16) Mark the secondary timing chain, one link on
each side of the V8 mark on the camshaft drive gear
(Fig. 14).
(17) Remove the right side secondary chain ten-
sioner (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
(18) Remove the cylinder head access plug (Fig.
16).
(19) Remove the right side secondary chain guide
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
(20) Remove the retaining bolt and the camshaft
drive gear.
Fig. 12 Cylinder Head Access Plugs
1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
2 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
Fig. 13 Engine Top Dead Center (TDC) Indicator
Mark
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
9 - 108 ENGINE - 4.7LDR
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(8) Remove the generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove A/C compressor (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove cover and gasket (Fig. 123).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean timing chain cover and block surface.
Inspect cover gasket and replace as necessary.
(2) Install cover and gasket. Tighten fasteners in
sequence as shown in (Fig. 123) to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Install the A/C compressor (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the generator (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHARGING/GENERATOR - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Install accessory drive belt tensioner assembly
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELT
TENSIONERS - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install radiator lower hose.
(8) Install both heater hoses.
(9) Install radiator shroud and viscous fan drive
assembly (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/FAN
DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - INSTALLATION).
(10) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Connect the battery negative cable.
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove right and left cylinder head covers
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLIN-
DER HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove radiator fan shroud.
(5) Rotate engine until timing mark on crankshaft
damper aligns with TDC mark on timing chain cover
(Fig. 124) (#1 cylinder exhaust stroke) and the cam-
shaft sprocket ªV8º marks are at the 12 o'clock posi-
tion (Fig. 125).
(6) Remove power steering pump (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove access plugs (2) from left and right cyl-
inder heads for access to chain guide fasteners (Fig.
126).
(8) Remove the oil fill housing to gain access to the
right side tensioner arm fastener.
(9) Remove crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL) and timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
Fig. 123 Timing Chain Cover Fasteners
Fig. 124 Engine Top Dead Center (TDC) Indicator
Mark
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
DRENGINE - 4.7L 9 - 169
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSIS CHARTÐGASOLINE ENGINES
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK 1. Weak or dead battery 1. Charge/Replace Battery. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check charging system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/CHARGING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
2. Corroded or loose battery connections 2. Clean/tighten suspect battery/starter
connections
3. Faulty starter or related circuit(s) 3. Check starting system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/STARTING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
4. Seized accessory drive component 4. Remove accessory drive belt and
attempt to start engine. If engine starts,
repair/replace seized component.
5. Engine internal mechanical failure or
hydro-static lock5. Refer to (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
ENGINE CRANKS BUT
WILL NOT START1. No spark 1. Check for spark. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL -
DESCRIPTION)
2. No fuel 2. Perform fuel pressure test, and if
necessary, inspect fuel injector(s) and
driver circuits. (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL PUMP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
3. Low or no engine compression 3. Perform cylinder compression pressure
test. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. Worn or burned distributor rotor 1. Install new distributor rotor
2. Worn distributor shaft 2. Remove and repair distributor (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/
DISTRIBUTOR - REMOVAL).
3. Worn or incorrect gapped spark plugs 3. Clean plugs and set gap. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/
SPARK PLUG - CLEANING).
4. Dirt or water in fuel system 4. Clean system and replace fuel filter
5. Faulty fuel pump 5. Install new fuel pump
6. Incorrect valve timing 6. Correct valve timing
7. Blown cylinder head gasket 7. Install new cylinder head gasket
8. Low compression 8. Test cylinder compression (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
9. Burned, warped, or pitted valves 9. Install/Reface valves as necessary
10. Plugged or restricted exhaust system 10. Install new parts as necessary
11. Faulty ignition cables 11. Replace any cracked or shorted cables
9 - 226 ENGINE - 5.9LDR
ENGINE - 5.9L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSIS CHARTÐGASOLINE ENGINES
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK 1. Weak or dead battery 1. Charge/Replace Battery. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check charging system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/CHARGING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
2. Corroded or loose battery connections 2. Clean/tighten suspect battery/starter
connections
3. Faulty starter or related circuit(s) 3. Check starting system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/STARTING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
4. Seized accessory drive component 4. Remove accessory drive belt and
attempt to start engine. If engine starts,
repair/replace seized component.
5. Engine internal mechanical failure or
hydro-static lock5. Refer to (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
ENGINE CRANKS BUT
WILL NOT START1. No spark 1. Check for spark. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL -
DESCRIPTION)
2. No fuel 2. Perform fuel pressure test, and if
necessary, inspect fuel injector(s) and
driver circuits. (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL PUMP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
3. Low or no engine compression 3. Perform cylinder compression pressure
test. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. Worn or burned distributor rotor 1. Install new distributor rotor
2. Worn distributor shaft 2. Remove and repair distributor (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/
DISTRIBUTOR - REMOVAL).
3. Worn or incorrect gapped spark plugs 3. Clean plugs and set gap. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/
SPARK PLUG - CLEANING).
4. Dirt or water in fuel system 4. Clean system and replace fuel filter
5. Faulty fuel pump 5. Install new fuel pump
6. Incorrect valve timing 6. Correct valve timing
7. Blown cylinder head gasket 7. Install new cylinder head gasket
8. Low compression 8. Test cylinder compression (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
9. Burned, warped, or pitted valves 9. Install/Reface valves as necessary
10. Plugged or restricted exhaust system 10. Install new parts as necessary
11. Faulty ignition cables 11. Replace any cracked or shorted cables
9 - 354 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

REMOVAL
REMOVALÐVALVE STEM SEALS
NOTE: This procedure is done with the cylinder
head installed.
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Set engine basic timing to Top Dead Center
(TDC) and remove air cleaner.
(3) Remove cylinder head covers (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL) and spark plugs (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK
PLUG - REMOVAL).
(4) Using suitable socket and flex handle at crank-
shaft retaining bolt, turn engine so that the piston of
the cylinder to be worked on, is at TDC on the com-
pression stroke.
(5) Remove rocker arms (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER
ASSY - REMOVAL).
(6) With air hose attached to an adapter installed
in the spark plug hole, apply 620-689 kPa (90-100
psi) air pressure.
(7) Using Valve Spring Compressor Tool
MD-998772A with adapter 6716A (Fig. 19), compress
valve spring and remove retainer valve locks and
valve spring.
(8) Remove the valve stem seal.
REMOVALÐVALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS
(1) Remove the cylinder head (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(2) Special studs must be used to adapt the Valve
Spring Compressor Tool to the V-10 cylinder head
(Fig. 20). Install the metric end into the Special Tool
MD998772A and the 5/16 end into the cylinder head.
Fig. 18 Testing Valve Spring for Compressed
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - VALVE SPRING TESTER
Fig. 19 Valve Spring Compressor MD-998772A with
Adaptor 6716-A and Screw 6765
1 - SPECIAL TOOL MD 998772A
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6765
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 6716A
4 - AIR HOSE
Fig. 20 Special Studs 6715 for V-10 Engine
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6715
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 377
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)