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You can reset the computer on your Dodge Ram 3500 right from your home garage or driveway, saving yourself time and money. The Dodge is equipped with an on-board diagnostics computer that monitors all functions of the vehicle. Sensors positioned throughout the Dodge Ram 3500 send trouble codes to the computer when they sense a malfunction. The computer illuminates warning lights and service lights on the instrument panel to alert you to have the vehicle looked at and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Once the repairs have been made, you need to reset the computer to turn off the warning and service lights.

Instructions

1

Pop up the hood of your truck and hold it open with the rod. Locate the battery. On the batter is the negative battery cable clamp with a nut on it. Loosen the nut with an end wrench.

2

Remove the negative cable clamp from the battery, taking care not to touch the positive side of the battery with it.

3

Let the vehicle sit for 30 minutes. Put the negative cable clamp back onto the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut with the end wrench.

4

Put the key into the ignition and turn over the engine. Examine the instrument panel to make sure all service and warning lights have shut off. If so, the computer has been reset.

Removal of the overhead console in your Dodge Ram will allow access to the electronics and light assemblies mounted in it. The console comes out without much effort and its removal does not require any special tools. There are several wiring connections under the console to disconnect before removal of the console, but they are readily accessible once the mounting hardware is removed. If your vehicles console is damaged, replacements are available from the dealerships parts department.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery by removing the retaining bolt on the cable end with a wrench, then isolate the cable end from the battery. Move inside the truck and open the sunglasses storage bin.

2

Locate the screws inside the storage bin and remove them with a Phillips head screwdriver. Set the screws aside for later use.

3

Grasp the sides of the console with your hands, then pull straight down on it until the two clips under the console release. The console may come off suddenly, so beware that you are not directly under it.

4

Slide your hand in under the console and disconnect the EVIC, CMTC and lamp connections from the back of the console. Lower the console and remove it from the truck.

A Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck that Chrysler has manufactured under its Dodge brand since 1981. The 2003 model belongs to the third generation of this series, which was in production from 2002 to 2008. The anti-lock braking system in a 2003 Dodge Ram has a brake controller known as a hydraulic control unit, or HCU. The HCU prevents the wheels from locking during an emergency stop by reducing the braking power to a wheel when it rotates more slowly than the other wheels.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the housing for the left front turn signal with a socket wrench and remove the extension panel under the housing. Detach the electrical connector for the horn and disconnect the horns access cover.

2

Disconnect the mounting screws for the windshield washer reservoir and pull the reservoir up. Detach the electrical connector and hose from the windshield washer pump. Disconnect the reservoir and remove it from the engine compartment.

3

Remove the cables from the battery with a socket wrench and disconnect the power distribution center in the engine compartment. Push the connectors for the electrical wiring harness together to detach it from the controller anti-lock brakes. Disconnect the brake lines from the HCU.

4

Disconnect the front mounting bolt for the HCU bracket through the access opening with a socket wrench. Disconnect the rear mounting bolt for the HCU bracket from the engine compartment. Pull the HCU assembly up slightly and detach it from its bracket.

5

Place the new HCU in its mounting bracket, and install the HCU assembly. Tighten the mounting bolts for the HCU bracket to 11 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the brake lines to the HCU and tighten its retaining nuts 115 inch-pounds. Attach the wiring harness for the controller anti-lock brakes and lock the connectors into place.

6

Install the reservoir for the windshield washer. Connect the motor and hose for the windshield washer pump. Fasten the mounting screws for the reservoir with a socket wrench.

7

Attach the battery cables and the power distribution center. Connect the electrical connector for the horn, and replace the horns access cover. Fasten the extension panel and housing for the left front turn signal.

The oxygen sensors on a 2002 Dodge Ram 4.7-liter engine regulate the amount of oxygen burned in the engine, and they improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. Over time, the Rams sensors can become ineffective, causing the Dodge to have poor fuel economy and produce excess pollution. The 2002 Dodge Ram 4.7-liter engine has two oxygen sensors, and replacing them when necessary can make your truck more fuel-efficient.

Instructions

1

Locate the Rams oxygen sensors. They are located on either side of the catalytic converter on the exhaust system, and they look similar to a spark plug with an electrical wire at the end.

2

Remove the Rams wiring harness. Pull off the wire at the end of the pickups oxygen sensors. Do not damage the end of the wire harness.

3

Remove the Rams oxygen sensors from the exhaust system, using an oxygen sensor wrench.

4

Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the oxygen sensors and the threads into which they connect.

5

Insert the new oxygen sensors, using a wrench to tighten them onto the Rams exhaust system. Reconnect the wiring harness to the oxygen sensors by pressing firmly until they click into place.

A common problem in the Dodge Ram is deterioration and failure of the bushings at each end of the track bar. The track bar keeps the front axle from moving side to side. It is held onto the truck in two locations. One end mounts to the axle, and the other end mounts to the frame. Replacement track bars can be purchased at your local auto parts store. A mechanic can install the track bar for you, but you can do it yourself and save on the labor.

Instructions

1

Spray each bolt that secures the track bar to the vehicle with penetrating fluid. Allow the fluid to seep into the track bar for 15 minutes.

2

Remove the cotter pins on the bolts with a pair of pliers.

3

Unscrew the bolts that secure the track bar in place with a ratchet and socket.

4

Detach the track bar from the brackets on the vehicle.

5

Install the new track bar into its brackets and install the bolts into the mounting holes.

6

Tighten the nuts with the ratchet and socket.

7

Place the end of a grease gun onto the fitting and fill the bushing with grease.

8

Slide the cotter pins that came with the new track bar through the holes in the mounting bolts. Bend the end of the cotter pin with pliers to prevent the nuts from vibrating loose.

Shock absorbers should be replaced every 75,000 miles. Your 2003 Dodge ram has four shocks, one at each corner. The shocks that came with your truck from the factory are known to have problems. Your local mechanic may be able to do the installation for you, but you can do it yourself to save money.

Instructions

Front Shock Replacement

1

Open the hood by pulling the release lever inside the cab.

2

Spray each bolt that secures the shocks in place with penetrating fluid

3

Remove the nuts that hold the shock tower in place from inside the engine compartment using a ratchet and a 12mm socket.

4

Remove the bolt that secures the top of the shock to the shock tower using a ratchet and socket.

5

Remove the 3/4-inch nut that secures the shock to the axle using a ratchet and socket. Remove the shock from the brackets.

6

Install the replacement shock and tighten the lower bolt with a ratchet and socket.

7

Place the shock tower onto the top of shock and tighten the nut with a ratchet and socket.

8

Reinstall the shock tower and tighten the 12mm nuts with a ratchet and socket.

9

Repeat on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Rear Shock Replacement

10

Remove the 3/4-inch bolts that secure the rear shocks to the axle and the frame with a ratchet and socket.

11

Remove the shock from the brackets.

12

Install the new shock into the brackets and thread the stock bolts through the mounting holes. Install the nuts and tighten them using a ratchet and socket.

13

Repeat to the opposite side of the vehicle.

If you have not operated your 2001 Dodge Ram for a month or longer, you might find that the truck will not start. Long periods without use can cause the trucks fuel and oil to drain out of the engine, or the battery to drain as the alternator has not been recharging it regularly. You can follow a few simple steps to determine why your 2001 Dodge Ram is not starting after sitting idle for one month.

Instructions

1

Check to make sure that your truck is in Park all the way and that the steering is not locked and preventing the key from turning in the ignition. If you have an alarm with a cut-off, make sure the switch is in the "on" position and that the alarm is functioning properly. These oversights can sometimes be the cause of the problem and are simple to check.

2

Turn on your lights and radio. If your lights and radio do not function, the Rams battery has probably been drained of its power. Try to jumpstart the Ram. If a jumpstart does not work, take the battery to an auto garage for testing. If your lights and radio do function, the battery is probably not the problem.

3

Check your fuel level. If the truck cranks when you turn the key but does not start, the problem is likely fuel related. You may have left the truck with little or no gas in the tank, or the gauge may read that there is more fuel than there really is. If you left the truck in a cold climate, water in the gas may have frozen preventing fuel from reaching the engine. Even in warm climates, water in the tank can prevent fuel from firing. Add a container of dry gas or gas line antifreeze to the fuel tank to remove any excess water and try starting the Ram again.

4

Check your fuel pump. Have a helper turn the ignition while you listen to the engine with the hood open. Once the ignition is turned, you should hear a little whining sound which lasts a few seconds. This is the fuel pump bringing gasoline to the engine. If you do not hear this sound, your fuel pump may be faulty.

5

Check your ignition system fuse. A blown ignition fuse is an unlikely cause of the issue, but is worth a look before moving on to bigger things. You can find the fuse in the trucks fuse box.

6

Determine whether the starter is functioning. If you have power but nothing happens when the key turns, the issue may lie with your starter or starter switch. Change the switch and see if that fixes the problem. If not, a new starter may be needed.

7

Contact an automobile mechanic or garage if your truck still will not start. Special equipment may be needed to perform ignition system tests or further analyze the issue.