Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Body Electrical All sections

Power Distribution: Overview RAM Pickup 2500

Body Electrical 6 illustrations ~1881 words

DESCRIPTION

The power distribution system for this vehicle consists of the following components

  1. Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
  2. Cigar Lighter Outlets

The power distribution system also incorporates various types of circuit control and protection devices, including

  1. Automatic resetting circuit breakers
  2. Blade-type fuses
  3. Cartridge fuses
  4. Relays

For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

For specific fuse location and types, refer to Fuse Locations and Types , Specifications .

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: DESCRIPTION

Some of the electrical current distributed throughout this vehicle is directed through the Power Distribution Center (PDC) (1). The molded plastic PDC housing is located in the left front corner of the engine compartment, just behind the battery. The PDC houses the maxi-type cartridge fuses and solid state relay.

OPERATION

The Hybrid Electric Vehicle Power Distribution Center (HEV PDC) provides the extra power needed for the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The HEV PDC provides power to

  1. Transmission Auxiliary Pump (TPCM)
  2. Electric Vacuum Pump
  3. Electric High Voltage Power Steering (EHPS)
  4. Solid State Relay Electric Vacuum Pump

The HEV PDC is serviced as part of the engine compartment body harness.

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: REMOVAL
  1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
  2. Depress retaining tabs on the side on the PDC (1).
  3. Disconnect electrical harness connectors (2) and remove PDC.

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: INSTALLATION
  1. Connect electrical harness connectors to Power Distribution Center (PDC).
  2. Position PDC and engage into the retaining tabs.
  3. Connect the battery negative cable.

All vehicles are equipped with an Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse that is disconnected within the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) when the vehicle is shipped from the factory. Dealer personnel are to reconnect the IOD fuse in the TIPM as part of the new vehicle preparation procedures and then disconnect it again until new vehicle delivery to the customer.

A laser printed fuse layout map is integral to the TIPM cover to ensure proper fuse identification. The IOD fuse is a 60 amp cartridge fuses - FMX series fuse. The fuse is secured within a white molded plastic fuse holder and puller unit that serves both as a tool for disconnecting and reconnecting the fuse in the TIPM cavity, and as a fuse holder that conveniently stores the fuse in the same cavity after it has been disconnected.

The term Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) identifies a normal condition where power is being drained from the battery with the ignition switch in the Off position. The IOD fuse feeds the memory and sleep mode functions for some of the electronic modules in the vehicle as well as various other accessories that require battery current when the ignition switch is in the Off position. The only reason the IOD fuse is disconnected is to reduce the normal IOD of the vehicle electrical system during new vehicle transportation and pre-delivery storage to reduce battery depletion, while still allowing vehicle operation so that the vehicle can be loaded, unloaded and moved as needed by both vehicle transportation company and dealer personnel.

The IOD fuse is disconnected from Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fuse cavity # J15 when the vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant. Dealer personnel must reconnect the IOD fuse when the vehicle is being prepared for delivery in order to restore full electrical system operation. Once the vehicle is prepared for delivery, the IOD function of this fuse becomes transparent and the fuse that has been assigned the IOD designation becomes only another Fused B(+) circuit fuse.

The IOD fuse can be used by the vehicle owner as a convenient means of reducing battery depletion when a vehicle is to be stored for periods not to exceed about thirty days. However, it must be remembered that disconnecting the IOD fuse will not eliminate IOD, but only reduce this normal condition. If a vehicle will be stored for more than about thirty days, the battery negative cable should be disconnected to eliminate normal IOD; and, the battery should be tested and recharged at regular intervals during the vehicle storage period to prevent the battery from becoming discharged or damaged.

The inverter module is located under the front passenger seat it provides a total of 400 watts of power. The A/C outlet is mounted in the right hand side of the instrument panel center and in the back of the center floor console. The inverter module provides A/C power for user accessories. The inverter converts the 12 Volt DC from the battery system to a 115 Volt AC output.

The AC power outlet receives 12 volts from the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) and passes it as an enable signal to the inverter module. The inverter module also receives 12 volts via the TIPM and inverts this to a 115 volt AC output. The enable signal received from the power outlet enables the inverter to convert the received voltage and pass it to the power outlet to power external devices.

A cigar lighter outlet is installed to the left of the center stack area in the lower instrument panel. The cigar lighter outlet is secured by a snap fit within the bezel.

The cigar lighter outlet, plastic cap and the knob and heating element unit are available for service replacement. These components cannot be repaired and, if inoperative or damaged, they must be replaced.

The cigar lighter consists of two major components: a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar lighter base or outlet shell. The receptacle shell is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the bottom of the shell is connected to battery current. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a fuse in the Integrated Power Module (IPM) when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or Run positions.

The cigar lighter knob and heating element are encased within a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding protective heat shield. When the knob and heating element are inserted in the outlet shell, the heating element resistor coil is grounded through its housing to the outlet shell. If the cigar lighter knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides up toward the knob exposing the heating element, and the heating element extends from the housing toward the insulated contact in the bottom of the outlet shell.

Two small spring-clip retainers are located on either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom of the outlet shell. These clips engage and hold the heating element against the insulated contact long enough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the heating element is engaged with the contact, battery current can flow through the resistor coil to ground, causing the resistor coil to heat.

When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated, excess heat radiates from the heating element causing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips expand far enough to release the heating element, the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heating element to pop back outward to their relaxed position. When the cigar lighter knob and element are pulled out of the outlet shell, the protective heat shield slides downward on the housing so that the heating element is recessed and shielded around its circumference for safety.

The 115 volt AC power outlet switch receives 12 volts from the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) and passes it as an enable signal to the inverter module. The inverter module also receives 12 volts via the TIPM and inverts this to a 115 volt AC output. The enable signal received from the power outlet switch enables the inverter to convert the received voltage and pass it to the power outlet to power external devices.

Two power outlets are utilized on this model. One in the instrument panel center lower bezel and the other in the center console. The power outlet bases are secured by a snap fit within the instrument panel or trim panel. A plastic protective cap snaps into the power outlet base when the power outlet is not being used, and hangs from the power outlet base mount by an integral bail strap while the power outlet is in use.

The power outlet receptacle unit and the accessory power outlet protective cap are available for service. The power outlet receptacle cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

The power outlet base or receptacle shell is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the bottom of the shell is connected to battery current. The power outlet receives battery voltage from a fuse in the integrated power module at all times.

While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar lighter base unit, it does not include the two small spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the receptacle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter heating element to the insulated contact.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a combination unit that performs the functions of the Power Distribution Center (PDC) and the Front Control Module. The TIPM is a printed circuit board based module that contains fuses, internal relays and a microprocessor that performs the functions previously executed by the FCM. The TIPM is located in the engine compartment, next to the battery and connects directly to the B+ cable via a stud located on top of the unit. The ground connection is via electrical connectors. The TIPM provides the primary means of voltage distribution and protection for the entire vehicle.

The molded plastic TIPM housing includes a base and cover. The TIPM cover is easily opened or removed for service and has a fuse and relay layout map integral to the inside surface of the cover. The TIPM housing base and cover are secured in place via mounting tabs. The mounting tabs secure the TIPM to the TIPM mounting bracket.

All of the current from the battery and the generator output enters the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) via a stud on the top of the module. The TIPM cover is removed to access the fuses or relays. Internal connections of all of the power distribution center circuits are accomplished by a combination of bus bars and a printed circuit board.

For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices, and grounds.

Scheme 11

Scheme 11: REMOVAL

Scheme 12

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 13
  1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
  2. Remove the B+ terminal nut (1) from the Totally Integrated Power Module (3) (TIPM) B+ terminal. Remove the B+ cable (2) from the TIPM.
  3. Using a suitable flat blade tool, disengage the TIPM upper retaining tabs from the battery tray bracket (3).
  4. Grasp the TIPM (1) and rotate the assembly up to free it from its mounting bracket (3). Position the assembly upside down to access the electrical connectors located on the bottom of the unit.
  5. Disconnect the electrical connectors (2) by depressing the locking tab and rotating the connector arm outboard, until the connector is free from the TIPM assembly (1). Be certain to pull the connectors straight off.
  6. Remove the TIPM (1) from the vehicle.