Oss 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)

BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
THE BATTERY STATE OF
CHARGE CANNOT BE
MAINTAINED.1. The battery has an
incorrect size or rating for
this vehicle.1. Refer to Battery System Specifications for the
proper specifications. Replace an incorrect
battery, as required.
2. The battery terminal
connections are loose or
corroded.2. Refer to Battery Cable for the proper cable
diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean and
tighten the battery terminal connections, as
required.
3. The electrical system
ignition-off draw is excessive.3. Refer to the IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST
Standard Procedure for the proper test
procedures. Repair the faulty electrical system, as
required.
4. The battery is faulty. 4. Test the battery using the Micro 420 battery
tester. Refer to Standard Procedures for
additional test procedures. Replace the faulty
battery, as required.
5. The starting system is
faulty.5. 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.
6. The charging system is
faulty.6. 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.
7. Electrical loads exceed the
output of the charging
system.7. Inspect the vehicle for aftermarket electrical
equipment which might cause excessive electrical
loads.
8. Slow driving or prolonged
idling with high-amperage
draw systems in use.8. Advise the vehicle operator, as required.
THE BATTERY WILL NOT
ACCEPT A CHARGE.1. The battery is faulty. 1. Test the battery using the Micro 420 battery
tester. Charge or replace the faulty battery, as
required.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnor-
mal battery discharging:
1. A faulty or incorrect charging system compo-
nent. Refer to Charging System for additional charg-
ing system diagnosis and testing procedures.
2. A faulty or incorrect battery. Use Micro 420 bat-
tery tester and refer to Battery System for additional
battery diagnosis and testing procedures.
3. A faulty circuit or component causing excessive
ignition-off draw.
4. Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system. This can be due to equipmentinstalled after manufacture, or repeated short trip
use.
5. A faulty or incorrect starting system component.
Refer to Starting System for the proper starting sys-
tem diagnosis and testing procedures.
6. Corroded or loose battery posts and/or terminal
clamps.
7. Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or
prolonged idling, with high-amperage draw systems
in use.
CLEANING
The following information details the recommended
cleaning procedures for the battery and related com-
8F - 4 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery
(Fig. 4) is standard factory-installed equipment on
this model. Models equipped with a diesel engine
must utilize two 12-volt batteries connected in paral-
lel. Male post type terminals made of a soft lead
material protrude from the top of the molded plastic
battery case to provide the means for connecting the
battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery
positive terminal post is physically larger in diameter
than the negative terminal post to ensure proper bat-
tery connection. The lettersPOSandNEGare also
molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to
their respective positive and negative terminal posts
for identification confirmation. Refer to Battery
Cables for more information on the battery cables
that connect the battery to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem.
The battery is made up of six individual cells that
are connected in series. Each cell contains positively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the positive terminal post, and negatively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the negative terminal post. Each plate con-
sists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with
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.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
terminals should be properly cleaned and inspected
before diagnostic procedures are performed. Refer to
Battery System Cleaning for the proper cleaning pro-
cedures, and Battery System Inspection for the
proper battery inspection procedures. Refer to Stan-
dard Procedures for the proper battery charging pro-
cedures.
Micro 420 Battery Tester
Fig. 4 Low-Maintenance Battery - Typical
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - TEST INDICATOR (IF EQUIPPED)
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - GREEN BALL
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

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
If equipped, an indicator (hydrometer) built into
the top of the battery case provides visual informa-
tion for battery testing (Fig. 6). Like a hydrometer,
the built-in indicator measures the specific gravity of
the battery electrolyte. The specific gravity of the
electrolyte reveals the battery state-of-charge; how-
ever, 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 Pro-
cedures for the proper battery load test procedures.
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. 7). Thebattery 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.
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 - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Before measuring the open-circuit voltage, the
surface charge must be removed from the battery.
Fig. 6 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC RODFig. 7 Built-In Indicator Sight Glass Chart
8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY (Continued)

open switch prevents the starter relay from being
energized and the starter motor from operating
unless the automatic transmission gear selector is in
the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.
Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing thestarter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the ignition switch is released to the On
position, the starter relay coil is de-energized. This
causes the relay contacts to open. When the relay
contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger hold-in
coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct starting/
charging system operation, all of the components
involved in these 3 systems must perform within
specifications.
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery, if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits, if required.
3. Starter relay faulty. 3. Refer to Starter Relay in Diagnosis and Testing.
Replace starter relay if required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position
switch faulty.5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
6. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.6. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch. Replace
park/neutral position switch if required.
7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to Starter Motor. Replace starter motor assembly
if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits if required.
3. Starter motor faulty. 3. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
4. Engine seized. 4. Refer to Engine Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of 9, Engine.
DRSTARTING 8F - 29
STARTING (Continued)

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear.
Replace starter ring gear if required.
2. Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter motor
improperly installed.1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque
specifications.
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. Refer to Starter Relay Diagnosis and Testing. Replace
starter relay if required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
INSPECTION
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Before removing any unit
from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform
the following inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO 8, PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS, BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
²Battery- Visually inspect battery for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded cable
connections. Determine state-of-charge and cranking
capacity of battery. Charge or replace battery if
required. Refer toBatteryin 8, Battery.Note: If
equipped with diesel engine, a dual battery sys-
tem may be used, and both batteries must be
inspected.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, visually inspect clutch
pedal position switch for indications of physical dam-
age and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Refer toClutch Pedal Position Switchin 6,
Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, visually inspect park/
neutral position switch for indications of physical
damage and loose or corroded wire harness connec-tions. Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin
21, Transmission.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect starter relay
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect starter motor
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect starter sole-
noid for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect wire harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.Note: Certain diesel
equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, tester should be con-
nected to battery on left side of vehicle only.
Also, tester current reading must be taken from
positive battery cable lead that connects to
starter motor.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
8F - 30 STARTINGDR
STARTING (Continued)

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:
1. Turn 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.
2. Turn 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 MIRRORSDR
HEATED MIRRORS (Continued)

Diagnostic logic is built into the heated seat mod-
ule to help the person trying to locate the problem by
the most efficient means possible. Anytime a problem
is suspected, locate the diagnosis and testing proce-
dure for the component in question and follow the
steps until the specific problem is located and
resolved. Once the problem is thought to be cor-
rected, verify correct system operation. If the heated
seat system is functioning correctly return the vehi-
cle to service.
If a problem could not be verified such as not find-
ing anything wrong when following the diagnostic
procedure, this is a good indication that a INTER-
MITTENT problem may be present. You must then
attempt to find the intermittent problem, such as
moving the heating element within the seat while
testing continuity or wiggling the wire harness's/elec-
trical connectors under the seat while testing conti-
nuity. Always, eliminate all other potential problems
before attempting to replace the heated seat module.
PRELIMINARY TEST
Refer toWiringfor the location of complete heated
seat system wiring diagrams. Before testing the indi-
vidual components in the heated seat system, per-
form the following preliminary checks:
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
CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIR-
BAG 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.
²If the heated seat switch back lighting and the
cluster illumination lamps do not illuminate with the
headlamps or park lamps turned On, refer to the
Instrument Clustersection of the service manual
for the location of cluster illumination lamp diagnosis
and testing procedures. If the heated seat switch
back lighting does not illuminate, but the cluster illu-
mination lamps do illuminate with the headlamps or
park lamps turned On, refer toDiagnosis and Test-
ing the Heated Seat Switchin this section for the
location of the heated seat switch diagnosis and test-
ing procedures.
²If a single LED indicator lamp for one heated
seat switch does not operate and the heated seat ele-
ments do heat, refer toDiagnosis and Testing theHeated Seat Switchin this section for heated seat
switch diagnosis and testing procedures.
²If both LED indicator lamps for a heated seat
switch operate, but the heated seat elements do not
heat, refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated
Seat Modulein Electronic Control Modules for
heated seat module diagnosis and testing procedures.
²If the indicator lamp on either heated seat
switch remains illuminated after the heated seat has
been turned Off, refer toDiagnosis and Testing
the Heated Seat Modulein Electronic Control
Modules for heated seat module diagnosis and test-
ing procedures.
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated seat
system have two sets of electrically operated heating
element grids located in each front seat, one set for
the seat cushion and the other set for the seat back.
Each of the heated seat element grids consists of a
single length of resistor wire that is routed in a zig-
zag pattern and captured between a covering and the
adhesive foam rubber backing. Short pigtail wires
with connectors (Fig. 2) are soldered to each end of
each resistor wire element grid, which connect all of
Fig. 2 Heating Element Installed on Seat Cushion
Foam
1 - SEAT BACK WIRE HARNESS
2 - HEATED SEAT WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - HEATED SEAT CUSHION ELEMENT
DRHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 5
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)

the element grids to the heated seat module through
the seat wire harness.
One temperature sensor is used for each front seat,
and it is located in the center insert area of the seat
cushion element. The heated seat sensors and their
pigtail wires are also captured between a covering
and the adhesive foam rubber backing. The heated
seat sensors are Negative Thermal Coefficient (NTC)
thermistors. The sensors for both front seats receive
a voltage feed from a single output of the heated seat
module, but the module receives individual sensor
inputs from the driver side and passenger side sen-
sors.
The heated seat elements and sensors should not
be repaired. If damaged or faulty, the heated seat ele-
ment assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
One end of the heated seat element resistor wire is
connected to ground at all times through a splice in
the heated seat module ground circuit. Battery cur-
rent is directed to the other end of the heated seat
element resistor wire by the energized N-channel
Field Effect Transistor (N-FET) located within the
heated seat module. The heated seat module will
energize the N-FET only when the heated seat
switch is in the Low or High position and the heated
seat sensor indicates that the seat cushion surface
temperature is below the selected (Low or High) tem-
perature set point. As electrical current passes
through the heating element grid, the resistance of
the wire used in the element disperses some of that
electrical current in the form of heat. The heat pro-
duced by the heated seat element grid then radiates
through the seat trim cover, warming its occupant.
The resistance of the heated seat sensor increases
and decreases as the surface temperature of the seat
cushion cover changes. The heated seat module sup-
plies each sensor with a 5v voltage feed, then uses
the sensor resistance to determine when the heated
seat element grids need to be cycled on or off in order
to maintain the selected temperature set point.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT
The heated seat module will self-diagnose shorted
or open heated seat element circuits and sensor cir-
cuits. Refer to Heated Seat System Diagnosis and
Testing in this section for additional diagnosis and
testing procedures. To manually check the heated
seat element, proceed as follows. The wire harness
connectors for the seat cushion and seat back heating
elements and sensor are located on the right side of
the seat, near the edge of the seat cushion frame.
The proper connector can be identified by the foam
wrapping.NOTE: When checking heated seat elements for
continuity, be certain to move the heating element
being checked. Moving the element, such as sitting
in the seat will eliminate the possibility of an inter-
mittent open in the element which would only be
evident if the element was in a certain position.
Failure to check the element in various positions
could result in an incomplete test.
(1) Position the appropriate seat in the full for-
ward position.
(2) Make certain the ignition switch is in the OFF
position.
(3) Disconnect the heated seat element connector
which requires testing. Check for continuity between
the two heated seat element circuit cavities while
moving the appropriate seat cushion. Refer toWir-
ingfor the location of complete heated seat system
wiring diagrams. There should be continuity. If OK,
the elements within the seat assembly test OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, replace the faulty seat heating ele-
ment, refer to the procedure in this section.
(4) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the appropriate heated
seat wire harness connector for shorted or open cir-
cuits. If OK, element is OK, proceed with testing the
heated seat sensor and module. If not OK, repair the
shorted or open seat wire harness as required.
REMOVAL
Do not remove the heating element from the seat
or seat back cushion. The original element is perma-
nently attached to the seat cushions and cannot be
removed without damaging the cushion. The replace-
ment heating element is designed to be applied
directly over the original seat heating element.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate seat cushion or seat
back trim cover. Refer to the Body section of this
manual for the procedures.
(3) Disconnect the inoperative heated seat cushion
or seat back element electrical connectors.
(4) Locate the wires leading from the inoperative
heating element and cut them off flush with the edge
of the original heating element.
INSTALLATION
(1) Peel off the adhesive backing on the back of the
replacement heating element and stick directly over
the original heating element (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: During the installation of the replace-
ment heating element, be careful not to fold or
crease the element assembly. Folds or creases will
cause premature failure.
8G - 6 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMDR
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT (Continued)

diagnostic feedback for the heated seat system. Each
switch also has an incandescent bulb, which provides
dimmer controlled back lighting of the switch when
the headlamps or park lamps are on.
The heated seat switches are both mounted in the
instrument panel center bezel, located in the lower
center of the instrument panel. The two switches are
snapped into the mounting holes of the heated seat
switch bezel, and the heated seat switch bezel is
secured with screws to the instrument panel center
bezel. The heated seat switches are differentiated by
the keyway in the connector receptacle on the backs
of the switches and keyway on the switch housing.
The instrument panel wire harness connectors for
the heated seat switches are keyed to match the con-
nector receptacles on the switches so that the two
heated seat switches can only be connected to the
proper heated seat electrical.
The two LED indicator lamps and the incandescent
bulb in each heated seat switch cannot be repaired. If
the indicator lamps or back lighting bulb are faulty
or damaged, the individual heated seat switch must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
Depressing the heated seat switch rocker to its
momentary High or Low position provides a hard-wired resistance signal to the heated seat module.
This signal tells the module to energize the heated
seat element of the selected seat and maintain the
requested temperature setting. If the heated seat
switch is depressed to a different position (Low or
High) than the currently selected state, the heated
seat module will change states to support the new
selection. If a heated seat switch is depressed a sec-
ond time, the heated seat module interprets the sec-
ond input as a request to turn the seat heater OFF.
The High and Low LED 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 indicator lamp is controlled by the heated
seat module. This control of the switch indicator
lamps also allows the module to provide diagnostic
feedback to the vehicle operator or technician to indi-
cate heated seat system faults by flashing the indica-
tor lamps on and off. One side of the incandescent
back lighting bulb in each heated seat switch is con-
nected to ground at all times. The other side of the
incandescent bulb is connected to the fused panel
lamps dimmer switch signal circuit. These bulbs are
energized when the park lamps or headlamps are
turned on, and their illumination intensity is con-
trolled by the panel lamps dimmer switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor connector pin-outs
and the location of complete heated seat system wir-
ing diagrams.
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.
(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 to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If the problem being diagnosed involves
Fig. 4 HEATED SEAT SWITCH
1 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH
2 - LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE (LED) INDICATOR LAMPS
8G - 8 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMDR
HEATED SEAT SWITCH (Continued)