Throttle Opener System Dodge Ram I

DESCRIPTION

The throttle opener system consists of throttle opener assembly and a solenoid valve. Colt models have heavy electrical and/or power steering load switches in addition to air conditioning switch. These include power steering oil pressure, lighting, defogger and blower switches. Automatic transmission equipped vehicles also use an A/C power relay switch.

OPERATION

When engine speed sensor detects engine speed at or below specified value, solenoid valve is opened, allowing intake manifold vacuum to throttle opener. Throttle valve is slightly opened by throttle opener and opener lever located on throttle valve shaft. Engine will then run at a speed resulting from new throttle valve opening. When a heavy load condition does not exist, throttle opener system stops working and engine runs at normal speed.

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

POWER STEERING & ELECTRICAL LOAD SYSTEM

1. Engine coolant temperature should be 185-205°F (85-95°C). Disconnect Yellow-striped vacuum hose from throttle opener and connect vacuum pump to nipple. Apply vacuum and check that throttle opener rod pulls up.
2. Apply 19.8 in. Hg of vacuum to throttle opener and check that it holds. Start engine and close Yellow-striped vacuum hose with finger to check for vacuum build-up when lighting switch is turned on and off.
3. With lighting switch in "OFF" position and engine at idle, there should be no vacuum. With lighting switch in "ON" position and engine at idle, there should be vacuum. With lighting switch in "ON" position and engine at 1200 RPM or more, there should be no vacuum.
4. Vacuum should be felt at hose end when one turn is given to steering wheel.

AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) LOAD SYSTEM

1. Engine coolant temperature should be 185-205°F (85-95°C). Disconnect Yellow-striped vacuum hose from throttle opener and connect vacuum pump to nipple. Apply vacuum and check that throttle opener rod pulls up.
2. Apply 19.8 in. Hg of vacuum to throttle opener and check that it holds. Start engine and close Yellow-striped vacuum hose with finger to check for vacuum build-up when A/C is turned on and off.
3. With A/C switch in "OFF" position and engine at idle, there should be no vacuum. With A/C switch in "ON" position and engine at idle, there should be vacuum. With A/C switch in "ON" position and engine at 1200 RPM or more, there should be no vacuum.

SOLENOID VALVE

1. Mark location and remove White-striped and Yellow-striped vacuum hoses from solenoid valve. Disconnect harness connector. Connect vacuum pump to nipple on valve where White-striped hose was connected and apply vacuum.
2. When battery voltage is applied to solenoid valve terminal and other nipple on valve is left open, vacuum should leak. If other nipple is plugged, vacuum should hold.
3. When no battery voltage is applied and other nipple is open, vacuum should hold. Check solenoid coil resistance. Standard resistance is 38-44 ohms at 68°F (20°C).

POWER STEERING SWITCH

1. Separate power steering oil pressure switch connector. Start engine and check for continuity between switch terminal and body ground with steering wheel in straight-ahead position and with steering wheel turned.
2. When wheel is straight-ahead, there should be no continuity. When wheel is turned, resistance should read 33 ohms or less. If results are otherwise, check oil pump assembly.

ELECTRICAL LOAD SWITCH

Remove electrical load switch. Check continuity between terminals using an ohmmeter. (Scheme 24) There should be continuity between terminals No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 to No. 5. Reverse leads to ensure there is no continuity between terminals. If results are otherwise, replace electrical load switch.

Scheme 24

A/C POWER RELAY

Engine should be at normal operating temperature. With engine at idle, turn A/C on and check that air compressor clutch is driving compressor (energized). Increase engine RPM to wide open throttle and check that compressor clutch is slipping (de-energized). If compressor clutch fails to slip, check throttle position sensor adjustment.

1. Ensure ignition timing and idle speed are to specification. Engine coolant temperature should be 185-205°F (85-95°C). Turn cooling fan, all lights and accessories off. Put transmission in Neutral and steering wheel straight ahead.
2. Start engine and turn lights on (1st stage). Open throttle valve once until approximately 2000 RPM is reached, then close it gradually. Check engine speed. See «THROTTLE OPENER SPECIFICATIONS»(/dodge/ram/i-1981-1993/remont/testing-diagnostics/#throttle-opener-system) f. If out of specification, adjust using throttle opener adjusting screw.

1. Ensure ignition timing and idle speed are to specification. Engine coolant temperature should be 185-205°F (85-95°C). Turn cooling fan, all lights and accessories off. Put transmission in Neutral and steering wheel straight ahead.
2. Start engine and turn A/C on. Check engine speed. See «THROTTLE OPENER SPECIFICATIONS»(/dodge/ram/i-1981-1993/remont/testing-diagnostics/#throttle-opener-system) . If out of specification, adjust using throttle opener adjusting screw.

THROTTLE OPENER SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• THROTTLE OPENER SPECIFICATIONS