Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Charging System All sections

Charging System - Generators & Regulators: Other Dodge Ram Wagon B1500

Charging System ~445 words

BELT TENSION

ApplicationNew Belt Lbs. (kg)Used Belt Lbs. (kg)
Dakota & Durango
2.5L180-200 (82-91)140-160 (64-73)
3.9L & 5.2L(1)(1)
Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon(1)(1)
(1) Dynamic tensioner is used. No adjustment is required.
(1)Dynamic tensioner is used. No adjustment is required.

BELT TENSION

INITIAL CHECKS

Before proceeding with charging system diagnosis, ensure following conditions are met

  1. Battery is fully charged and in good condition.
  2. Battery cables are in good condition with connections clean and secure.
  3. Generator belt is in good condition and properly tightened.
  4. Generator and PCM wiring harness connections are clean and tight.
  5. Engine ground strap is in place.

UNSTEADY OR LOW CHARGING

Check for loose generator belt, charging resistance too high, loose generator ground wire, corroded battery terminals or faulty generator.

OVERCHARGING

Check for grounded generator field wiring or faulty generator.

NOISY GENERATOR

Check for worn or frayed drive belt, loose generator mounting, or faulty generator.

PRECAUTIONS

Before proceeding with diagnosis, observe following precautions

  1. Ensure battery is fully charged.
  2. Probe PCM connector from pin side. DO NOT backprobe PCM connector or probe wires through insulation.
  3. DO NOT cause short circuits when performing electrical tests. This will set additional DTCs, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
  4. DO NOT use a test light in place of a voltmeter.
  5. Always begin repair with lowest DTC number (MIL) or first DTC displayed (scan tool).
  6. Always perform verification (VER) test after repairs are made.
  7. Always disconnect scan tool after use.
  8. Always disconnect scan tool before charging battery.

RETRIEVING DTCS

Note. Self-diagnostic tests are written specifically for Chrysler's Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool. A generic scan tool may also be used for system diagnostics, but may have limited diagnostic capability.

  1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located below instrument panel, near steering column.
  2. Using scan tool manufacturer's instructions, retrieve and record DTCs displayed on scan tool and proceed to «SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTS»(ref-1959-S14031848382000031600000) . Once repairs are made, clear DTCs from PCM memory. See «CLEARING DTCS»(ref-1959-S15999420532000031600000) .

CLEARING DTCS

PCM automatically clears DTCs from PCM memory after 40 engine warm-up cycles. DTCs can also be cleared using scan tool by following scan tool manufacturer's instructions.

Blank Message Screen

Check for loose cable connections or bad cable. If cable connections and cable are okay, check voltage at DLC terminal No. 16 (Pink wire). Voltage should be at least 11 volts. If voltage is not as specified, check wiring circuit and necessary fuses.

NO RESPONSE Message

See TEST NS-6A in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.

Note. For more information on scan tool and PCM diagnostics, see appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.

BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Disconnect and remove Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) for battery tray (driver's side tray on diesel equipped vehicle). Using external ohmmeter, measure resistance across component connector terminals. Resistance at room temperature should be 9000-11,000 ohms. Replace sensor as needed.