RAM 1500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (2001)
Starter Relay: Testing and Inspection
Fig. 10 Starter Relay
The starter relay (Fig. 10) is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. Refer to label affixed to underside of PDC
cover for starter relay identification and location. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Starting System in Wiring Diagrams.
1. Remove starter relay from PDC.
2. A relay in de-energized position should have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
3. Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (electromagnet) should be 75 ± 5 ohms. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
4. Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86. There should now be continuity between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, perform Relay Circuit Test that follows. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
Relay Circuit Test
1. The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair
open circuit to fuse in PDC as required.
2. The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is connected to terminal 30 in de-energized position, but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
3. The relay normally open terminal (87) is connected to common feed terminal (30) in energized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to
starter solenoid field coils. There should be continuity between cavity for relay terminal 87 and starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair open circuit to starter solenoid as required.
4. The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to electromagnet in relay. It is energized when ignition switch is held in Start position. Check for
battery voltage at cavity for relay terminal 86 with ignition switch in Start position, and no voltage when ignition switch is released to ON position.
If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, check for an open or short circuit to ignition switch and repair, if required. If circuit to ignition switch is OK, refer
to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
5. The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded through park/neutral position switch only when gearshift
selector lever is in Park or Neutral positions. Check for continuity to ground at cavity for relay terminal 85. If not OK, check for an open or short
circuit to park/neutral position switch and repair, if required. If circuit to park/neutral position switch is OK, refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch.