DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

²Ohmmeter - Used to check the resistance
between two points of a circuit. Low or no resistance
in a circuit means good continuity.
CAUTION: Most of the electrical components used
in today's vehicles are Solid State. When checking
resistance in these circuits use a meter with a 10 -
megohm or greater impedance rating. In addition,
make sure the power is disconnected from the cir-
cuit. Circuits that are powered up by the vehicle's
electrical system can cause damage to the equip-
ment and provide false readings.
²Probing Tools - These tools are used for probing
terminals in connectors (Fig. 5). Select the proper
size tool from Special Tool Package 6807, and insert
it into the terminal being tested. Use the other end
of the tool to insert the meter probe.
INTERMITTENT AND POOR CONNECTIONS
Most intermittent electrical problems are caused
by faulty electrical connections or wiring. It is also
possible for a sticking component or relay to cause a
problem. Before condemning a component or wiring
assembly, check the following items.
²Connectors are fully seated
²Spread terminals, or terminal push out
²Terminals in the wiring assembly are fully
seated into the connector/component and locked into
position
²
Dirt or corrosion on the terminals. Any amount of
corrosion or dirt could cause an intermittent problem
²Damaged connector/component casing exposing
the item to dirt or moisture
²Wire insulation that has rubbed through causing
a short to ground
²Some or all of the wiring strands broken inside
of the insulation
²Wiring broken inside of the insulation
TROUBLESHOOTING WIRING PROBLEMS
When troubleshooting wiring problems there are
six steps which can aid in the procedure. The steps
are listed and explained below. Always check for non-factory items added to the vehicle before doing any
diagnosis. If the vehicle is equipped with these items,
disconnect them to verify these add-on items are not
the cause of the problem.
(1) Verify the problem.
(2) Verify any related symptoms. Do this by per-
forming operational checks on components that are
in the same circuit. Refer to the wiring diagrams.
(3) Analyze the symptoms. Use the wiring dia-
grams to determine what the circuit is doing, where
the problem most likely is occurring and where the
diagnosis will continue.
(4) Isolate the problem area.
(5) Repair the problem area.
(6) Verify the proper operation. For this step,
check for proper operation of all items on the
repaired circuit. Refer to the wiring diagrams.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE (ESD) SENSITIVE DEVICES
All ESD sensitive components are solid state and a
symbol (Fig. 6) is used to indicate this. When han-
dling any component with this symbol, comply with
the following procedures to reduce the possibility of
electrostatic charge build up on the body and inad-
vertent discharge into the component. If it is not
known whether the part is ESD sensitive, assume
that it is.
(1) Always touch a known good ground before han-
dling the part. This should be repeated while han-
dling the part and more frequently after sliding
across a seat, sitting down from a standing position,
or walking a distance.
(2) Avoid touching electrical terminals of the part,
unless instructed to do so by a written procedure.
(3) When using a voltmeter, be sure to connect the
ground lead first.
(4) Do not remove the part form it's protective
packing until it is time to install the part.
(5) Before removing the part from it's pakage,
ground the pakage to a known good ground on the
vehicle.
Fig. 5 PROBING TOOL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6801
2 - PROBING END
Fig. 6 ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SYMBOL
8W - 01 - 8 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING OF
VOLTAGE POTENTIAL
(1) Connect the ground lead of a voltmeter to a
known good ground (Fig. 7).
(2) Connect the other lead of the voltmeter to the
selected test point. The vehicle ignition may need to
be turned ON to check voltage. Refer to the appropri-
ate test procedure.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR
CONTINUITY
(1) Remove the fuse for the circuit being checked
or, disconnect the battery.
(2) Connect one lead of the ohmmeter to one side
of the circuit being tested (Fig. 8).
(3) Connect the other lead to the other end of the
circuit being tested. Low or no resistance means good
continuity.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR A
SHORT TO GROUND
(1) Remove the fuse and disconnect all items
involved with the fuse.
(2) Connect a test light or a voltmeter across the
terminals of the fuse.
(3) Starting at the fuse block, wiggle the wiring
harness about six to eight inches apart and watch
the voltmeter/test lamp.
(4) If the voltmeter registers voltage or the test
lamp glows, there is a short to ground in that gen-
eral area of the wiring harness.
Fig. 7 TESTING FOR VOLTAGE POTENTIAL
Fig. 8 TESTING FOR CONTINUITY
1 - FUSE REMOVED FROM CIRCUIT
DR8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 9
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR A
SHORT TO GROUND ON FUSES POWERING
SEVERAL LOADS
(1) Refer to the wiring diagrams and disconnect or
isolate all items on the suspected fused circuits.
(2) Replace the blown fuse.
(3) Supply power to the fuse by turning ON the
ignition switch or re-connecting the battery.
(4) Start connecting or energizing the items in the
fuse circuit one at a time. When the fuse blows the
circuit with the short to ground has been isolated.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR A
VOLTAGE DROP
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the side of the circuit closest to the battery (Fig. 9).
(2) Connect the other lead of the voltmeter to the
other side of the switch, component or circuit.
(3) Operate the item.
(4) The voltmeter will show the difference in volt-
age between the two points.
SPECIAL TOOLS
WIRING/TERMINAL
Fig. 9 TESTING FOR VOLTAGE DROP
PROBING TOOL PACKAGE 6807
TERMINAL PICK TOOL SET 6680
TERMINAL REMOVING TOOLS 6932 AND 8638
TERMINAL REMOVING TOOL 6934
8W - 01 - 10 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)

CONNECTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery.
(2) Release Connector Lock (Fig. 10).
(3) Disconnect the connector being repaired from
its mating half/component.
(4) Remove the dress cover (if applicable) (Fig. 10).
(5) Release the Secondary Terminal Lock, if
required (Fig. 11).
(6) Position the connector locking finger away from
the terminal using the proper special tool. Pull on
the wire to remove the terminal from the connector
(Fig. 12).
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the removed terminal in the same cavity
on the repair connector.
(2) Repeat steps for each terminal in the connec-
tor, being sure that all wires are inserted into the
proper cavities. For additional connector pin-out
identification, refer to the wiring diagrams.
(3) When the connector is re-assembled, the sec-
ondary terminal lock must be placed in the locked
position to prevent terminal push out.
(4) Replace dress cover (if applicable).
(5) Connect connector to its mating half/compo-
nent.
(6) Connect battery and test all affected systems.
Fig. 10 REMOVAL OF DRESS COVER
1 - DRESS COVER
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
3 - CONNECTOR
DR8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 11

Fig. 11 EXAMPLES OF CONNECTOR SECONDARY TERMINAL LOCKS
1 - Secondary Terminal Lock
8W - 01 - 12 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR
CONNECTOR (Continued)

Fig. 12 TERMINAL REMOVAL
1 - TYPICAL CONNECTOR
2 - PICK FROM SPECIAL TOOL KIT 6680
3 - APEX CONNECTOR
4 - PICK FROM SPECIAL TOOL KIT 6680
5 - AUGAT CONNECTOR
6 - SPECIAL TOOL 69327 - MOLEX CONNECTOR
8 - SPECIAL TOOL 6742
9 - THOMAS AND BETTS CONNECTOR
10 - SPECIAL TOOL 6934
11 - TYCO CONNECTOR
12 - SPECIAL TOOL 8638
DR8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 13
CONNECTOR (Continued)

DIODE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Locate the diode in the harness, and remove
the protective covering.
(3) Remove the diode from the harness, pay atten-
tion to the current flow direction (Fig. 13).
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove the insulation from the wires in the
harness. Only remove enough insulation to solder in
the new diode.
(2) Install the new diode in the harness, making
sure current flow is correct. If necessary, refer to the
appropriate wiring diagram for current flow (Fig. 13).
(3) Solder the connection together using rosin core
type solder only.Do not use acid core solder.
(4) Tape the diode to the harness using electrical
tape. Make sure the diode is completely sealed from
the elements.
(5) Re-connect the battery and test affected sys-
tems.
TERMINAL
REMOVAL
(1) Follow steps for removing terminals described
in the connector removal section.
(2) Cut the wire 6 inches from the back of the con-
nector.
INSTALLATION
(1) Select a wire from the terminal repair kit that
best matches the color and gage of the wire being
repaired.
(2) Cut the repair wire to the proper length and
remove one±half (1/2) inch of insulation.
(3) Splice the repair wire to the wire harness (see
wire splicing procedure).
(4) Insert the repaired wire into the connector.
(5) Install the connector locking wedge, if required,
and reconnect the connector to its mating half/compo-
nent.
(6) Re-tape the wire harness starting at 1±1/2
inches behind the connector and 2 inches past the
repair.
(7) Connect battery and test all affected systems.
Fig. 13 DIODE IDENTIFICATION
1 - CURRENT FLOW
2 - BAND AROUND DIODE INDICATES CURRENT FLOW
3 - DIODE AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS
8W - 01 - 14 8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATIONDR

WIRE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WIRE SPLICING
When splicing a wire, it is important that the cor-
rect gage be used as shown in the wiring diagrams.
(1) Remove one-half (1/2) inch of insulation from
each wire that needs to be spliced.
(2) Place a piece of adhesive lined heat shrink tub-
ing on one side of the wire. Make sure the tubing will
be long enough to cover and seal the entire repair
area.
(3) Place the strands of wire overlapping each
other inside of the splice clip (Fig. 14).
(4) Using crimping tool, Mopar p/n 05019912AA,
crimp the splice clip and wires together (Fig. 15).(5) Solder the connection together using rosin core
type solder only (Fig. 16).
CAUTION: DO NOT USE ACID CORE SOLDER.
(6) Center the heat shrink tubing over the joint
and heat using a heat gun. Heat the joint until the
tubing is tightly sealed and sealant comes out of both
ends of the tubing (Fig. 17).
Fig. 14 SPLICE BAND
1 - SPLICE BAND
Fig. 15 CRIMPING TOOL
1 - CRIMPING TOOL
Fig. 16 SOLDER SPLICE
1 - SOLDER
2 - SPLICE BAND
3 - SOLDERING IRON
Fig. 17 HEAT SHRINK TUBE
1 - SEALANT
2 - HEAT SHRINK TUBE
DR8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 15

8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX
Component Page
4WD Switch......................... 8W-30
A/C Compressor Clutch Relay............ 8W-42
A/C Compressor Clutch................. 8W-42
A/C Pressure Transducer................ 8W-42
A/C-Heater Control.................... 8W-42
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor......... 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Motor................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Relay................. 8W-30
Adjustable Pedal Switch................ 8W-30
Airbag Control Modules................ 8W-43
Airbags............................. 8W-43
Ambient Temperature Sensor............ 8W-49
Amplifier Audio....................... 8W-47
Auto Shut Down Relay................. 8W-30
Automatic Day/Night Mirror............. 8W-49
Auxiliary Battery..................... 8W-20
Backup Lamp Switch.................. 8W-51
Battery Temperature Sensor............. 8W-30
Battery............................. 8W-20
Blend Door Actuator................... 8W-42
Blower Motor Resistor Block............. 8W-42
Blower Motor......................... 8W-42
Brake Lamp Switch.................... 8W-33
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
Solenoid........................... 8W-40
Camshaft Position Sensor............... 8W-30
Capacitor............................ 8W-30
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp/Cargo
Lamp.......................... 8W-44, 51
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp-
Aftermarket..................... 8W-33, 51
Cigar Lighter Outlet................... 8W-41
Circuit Breaker....................... 8W-10
Clearance Lamps...................... 8W-50
Clockspring................. 8W-33, 41, 43, 47
Clutch Interlock Brake Switch........... 8W-21
Coil On Plugs........................ 8W-30
Compass/Mini-Trip Computer............ 8W-49
Condenser Fan Relay.................. 8W-42
Condenser Fan....................... 8W-42
Controller Antilock Brake............ 8W-34, 35
Crankshaft Position Sensor.............. 8W-30
Cylinder Lock Switch-Driver............. 8W-61
Cylinder Lock Switch-Passenger.......... 8W-61
Data Link Connector................... 8W-18
Data Link Connector-Engine............. 8W-18
Dome Lamp.......................... 8W-44
Door Ajar Switches.................... 8W-40
Door Lock Motor/Ajar Switches........ 8W-40, 61
Door Lock Switch-Passenger............. 8W-61
Driver Door Module.............. 8W-60, 61, 62
Electric Brake Provision............. 8W-33, 54Component Page
Electronic Throttle Control Module........ 8W-30
Engine Control Module................. 8W-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor....... 8W-30
Engine Oil Pressure Switch.............. 8W-30
EVAP/Purge Solenoid.................. 8W-30
Evaporator Temperature Sensor.......... 8W-42
Fender Lamps........................ 8W-51
Fog Lamp Relay...................... 8W-50
Fog Lamps.......................... 8W-50
Front Control Module.................. 8W-10
Fuel Heater Relay..................... 8W-30
Fuel Heater.......................... 8W-30
Fuel Injectors........................ 8W-30
Fuel Injector Packs.................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Module.................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Motor..................... 8W-30
Fuel Pump Relay...................... 8W-30
Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor............... 8W-30
Fuses............................... 8W-10
Fusible Link......................... 8W-10
Grounds............................ 8W-15
Generator........................... 8W-20
Glove Box Lamp And Switch............. 8W-44
Headlamp Switch.................. 8W-40, 50
Headlamps.......................... 8W-50
Heated Mirror Relay................... 8W-62
Heated Seat Cushions.................. 8W-63
Heated Seat Switches.................. 8W-63
Horn Relay.......................... 8W-41
Horn Switch......................... 8W-41
Horns.............................. 8W-41
Idle Air Control Motor............ 8W-30, 30-36
Ignition Coils......................... 8W-30
Ignition Switch....................... 8W-10
Inlet Air Temperature/Pressure Sensor..... 8W-30
Input Speed Sensor.................... 8W-31
Instrument Cluster.................... 8W-40
Intake Air Heater Relays............... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature Sensor........... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature/Manifold Absolute
Pressure Sensor..................... 8W-30
Integrated Power Module............... 8W-10
Knock Sensors........................ 8W-30
Leak Detection Pump.................. 8W-30
License Lamps....................... 8W-51
Lift Pump Motor...................... 8W-30
Line Pressure Sensor................ 8W-30, 31
Lumbar Motors....................... 8W-63
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor........ 8W-30
Mode Door Actuators................... 8W-42
Multi-Function Switch............ 8W-40, 52, 53
Output Speed Sensor................... 8W-31
DR8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX 8W - 02 - 1