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18
Oct

Dodge Ram Ignition Switch Replacement

1.    Disconnect negative battery cable(s)). No sweat, pair of 1/2" open box wrenches, and it is done. I notice that the terminals were almost loose, the lead lugs are pinched tight together, and the things clearly need cleaning. I store that observation away for later action.

2.    If the vehicle has a tilt column, remove tilt lever by turning it counterclockwise. Right! .... Takes stronger fingers than mine, but I notice a square wrench flat ... looks mighty small ... I have some ignition wrenches, remember those from days gone by? If you have a 7/32 ignition wrench it will fit the wrench flat on the tilt lever and the thing will unscrew easily. It is also handy for reinstalling it.

3.    Remove the upper and lower covers from steering column (Fig. 1)   I perform a contortionist bending act (the first of many) that would have qualified me for the circus and observe that the screw I can see is a torx drive screw. I look at it, and notice it is bigger than the one I have in the study for the Compaq computer case screws. I go upstairs and get it and prove my eye is good. No problem, I have a 1/4" drive torx T-20 socket and a screwdriver grip 1/4" driver - I remover the center screw. The others however are buried up inside deep holes that I can not reach with my stubby little socket. I rummage in the tool box and find a screwdriver handle T-20 driver, and joy unbounded - the other two are out.

4.    Remove ignition switch mounting screws (Snap-on Torx bit tool TTRX20B0 or equiv).

5.    Gently pull switch away from column. Release two connector locks on the 7-terminal wiring connector. Remove the connector from the ignition switch (Fig 3).   Switch and connectors come apart just fine.

6.    Release connector lock on the JKey-In-Switch and Halo Light 4-terminal connector.

7.    Remove key cylinder from the ignition switch as follows:

(a)    With the key inserted and the ignition switch in the lock position, proceed as follows: Use a small screwdriver to depress the key cylinder retaining pin flush with the key cylinder.

(b)    Rotate the key clockwise to the OFF position. The key cylinder should now be unseated from the ignition switch assembly.

CAUTION:   Do not remove key cylinder at this time.

(c)    With key cylinder in unseated position (key cylinder bezel about 1/8" above ignition switch halo ring), proceed as follows: Rotate the key counterclockwise to the lock position and remove the key.

(d) Remove key cylinder

 

Last Updated ( Saturday, 18 October 2008 00:30 )
 
18
Oct

1997 Dodge Ram Compass Calibration

From p. 50 of the 1997 owner's manual

Compass/temperature display
This display provides the outside temperature and one of eight compass readings to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing. There is a button on either side of the display window.  The comp/temp button on the left can be used to calibrate the compass if it becomes necessary. The button on the right is a US/metric button.  When you press this button the display will toggle between US and metric readings.

Compass calibration
This compass is self calibrating which eliminates the need to manually set the compass.  When the vehicle is new, the compass may appear erratic and the CAL symbol will be displayed. Complete three 360 degree turns in an area free from large metal or metallic objects in not less than 48 seconds.  The CAL symbol will turn off and the compass will function normally.

Manual compass calibration
If the compass appears erratic and the CAL symbol does not appear, you must manually put the compass into the Calibration Mode. To put into a calibration mode:  turn on the ignition and set the display to comp/temp.  While pressing the US/metric button, press the comp/temp button for at least 10 seconds until the cal symbol appears.  Release both buttons and complete three 360 degree turns in an area free from large metal objects in not less than 48 seconds.  The cal symbol will turn off and the compass will function normally.

NOTE: TSB 08-51-98 includes complete instructions for compass recalibration.  

Last Updated ( Saturday, 18 October 2008 00:30 )
 

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