RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-4.7L (2008)
Battery Cable: Testing and Inspection
BATTERY CABLES
A voltage drop test will determine if there is excessive resistance in the battery cable terminal connections or the battery cables. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connection point should be disassembled, cleaned of all corrosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the battery cable connection and the battery cable again to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is important to remember that the voltage drop is giving an indication of the resistance between the two points
at which the voltmeter probes are attached.
Example: When testing the resistance of the battery positive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery positive cable terminal clamp and to the
battery positive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive terminal post and the
battery positive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud, you are reading the combined voltage drop in the battery
positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal post connection and the battery positive cable.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
WARNING: Models equipped with a diesel engine have an automatic shutdown (ASD) relay located in the power distribution center (PDC).
Removal of the ASD relay may not prevent the diesel engine from starting. Be certain to disconnect the fuel shutdown solenoid wire harness
connector to prevent the engine from starting. Failure to do so may result in personal injury.
The following operation will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
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The battery is fully-charged and tested, See: Testing and Inspection/Micro 420 Battery Tester .
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Fully engage the parking brake.
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If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the fully depressed position.
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Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
1. Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter (1) to the battery negative terminal post. Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to the battery
negative cable terminal clamp. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the
poor connection between the battery negative cable terminal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with two 12v batteries, step #1 must be performed twice, once for each battery.
