Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 1626

DR
FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT /
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel gauge sending unit (fuel level sensor) is
attached to the side of the fuel tank module. The
sending unit consists of a float, an arm, and a vari-
able resistor track (card).
OPERATION
The fuel tank module on diesel powered models
has 2 different circuits (wires). Two of these circuits
are used at the fuel gauge sending unit for fuel
gauge operation. The diesel engine does not have a
fuel tank module mounted electric fuel pump. The
electric fuel pump (fuel transfer pump) is mounted to
the engine.
For Fuel Gauge Operation: A constant input
voltage source of about 12 volts (battery voltage) is
supplied to the resistor track on the fuel gauge send-
ing unit. This is fed directly from the Engine Control
Module (ECM). NOTE: For diagnostic purposes,
this 12V power source can only be verified with
the circuit opened (fuel tank module electrical
connector unplugged). With the connectors
plugged, output voltages will vary from about .6
volts at FULL, to about 7.0 volts at EMPTY. The
resistor track is used to vary the voltage (resistance)
depending on fuel tank float level. As fuel level
increases, the float and arm move up, which
decreases voltage. As fuel level decreases, the float
and arm move down, which increases voltage. The
varied voltage signal is returned back to the ECM
through the sensor return circuit.
Both of the electrical circuits between the fuel
gauge sending unit and the ECM are hard-wired (not
multi-plexed). After the voltage signal is sent from
the resistor track, and back to the ECM, the ECM
will interpret the resistance (voltage) data and send
a message across the multi-plex bus circuits to the
instrument panel cluster. Here it is translated into
the appropriate fuel gauge level reading. Refer to
Instrument Panel for additional information.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
For diesel removal and installation procedures,
refer to the gas section of Fuel System/Fuel Delivery.
See Fuel Level Sending Unit/Sensor Removal/Instal-
lation.
FUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL
FUEL LINES
DESCRIPTION
Low-Pressure Lines Are:
• the fuel supply line from fuel tank to fuel trans-
fer (lift) pump.
• the fuel return line back to fuel tank.
• the fuel drain (manifold) line at rear of cylinder
head.
• the fuel supply line from fuel filter to fuel injec-
tion pump.
• the fuel injection pump return line.
High-Pressure Lines Are:
• the fuel line from fuel injection pump to fuel
rail.
• the 6 fuel lines from fuel rail up to injector con-
nector tubes
WARNING: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES DELIVER
DIESEL FUEL UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE FROM
THE INJECTION PUMP TO THE FUEL INJECTORS.
THIS MAY BE AS HIGH AS 160,000 KPA (23,206
PSI). USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS. INSPECT FOR
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH A SHEET OF
CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION PRESSURE
CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF CONTACT IS
MADE WITH THE SKIN.
OPERATION
High-Pressure Lines
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines must be
held securely in place in their holders. The lines
cannot contact each other or other components. Do
not attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to
repair lines that are damaged. If lines are ever
kinked or bent, they must be replaced. Use only the
recommended lines when replacement of high-pres-
sure fuel line is necessary.
High-pressure fuel lines deliver fuel (under pres-
sure) of up to approximately 160,000 kPa (23,206
PSI) from the injection pump to the fuel injectors.
The lines expand and contract from the high-pres-
sure fuel pulses generated during the injection pro-
cess. All high-pressure fuel lines are of the same
length and inside diameter. Correct high-pressure
fuel line usage and installation is critical to smooth
engine operation.
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