RAM 3500 Truck 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1999)
The overhead consoles for this model include two front-mounted reading and courtesy lamps, a garage door opener storage bin, and a sunglasses
storage bin. The premium overhead console includes a compass mini-trip computer. The base overhead console uses the same overhead console
housing, but has a computer cover plug installed in place of the compass mini-trip computer display module lens and push buttons.
The rear of the overhead console is secured to two rear mounting holes in the inner roof panel by two plastic hook formations that are integral to
the overhead console housing. The front of the overhead console is secured to the two front mounting holes of the inner roof panel by two plastic
latches that are integral to the overhead console housing. A single electrical connection joins the overhead console wire harness to the roof wire
harness for both the base and premium overhead console units.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the use and operation of the various overhead console features.
Thermometer
The thermometer displays the outside ambient temperature in whole degrees. The temperature display can be changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius
using the U.S./Metric push button. The displayed temperature is not an instant reading of conditions, but an average temperature. It may take the
thermometer display several minutes to respond to a major temperature change, such as driving out of a heated garage into winter temperatures.
When the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, the last displayed temperature reading stays in the thermometer unit memory. When the
ignition switch is turned to the On position again, the thermometer will display the memory temperature if the engine coolant temperature is above
about 43° C (109° F). If the engine coolant temperature is below about 43° C (109° F), the thermometer will display the actual temperature sensed
by the ambient temperature sensor. The thermometer temperature display update interval varies with the vehicle speed.
The thermometer function is supported by an ambient temperature sensor. The sensor is mounted outside the passenger compartment near the front
and center of the vehicle, and is hard wired to the module. The ambient temperature sensor is available as a separate service item.
Overhead Console Reading And Courtesy Lamp
The overhead console in this vehicle is equipped with two individual reading and courtesy lamps. The lamp lenses are the only visible components
of these lamps. The reading and courtesy lamp lenses are mounted in the overhead console housing between the garage door opener storage bin
and the sunglasses storage bin. Each lamp has its own switch, bulb, reflector and lens; but both lamps share a common lamp housing within the
overhead console.
The overhead console reading and courtesy lamps operate on battery current that is provided at all times, regardless of the ignition switch position.
The ground feed for the lamps is switched through the integral reading and courtesy lamp switches or through the door jamb switches. Each lamp
is designed and aimed to provide illumination that will be directed only to that side of the vehicle on which the lamp is located.
The reading and courtesy lamp lenses, bulbs and the lamp housing and reflector unit are available for service replacement. The reading and
courtesy lamp switches, bulb holders and wiring are only available as part of the overhead console wire harness. If either of the lamp switches or
bulb holders is faulty or damaged, the entire overhead console wire harness assembly must be replaced.
For service of the reading and courtesy lamp bulbs, refer to Overhead Console Reading Lamp Bulbs in the Replacement of Lamps. For diagnosis
of the reading and courtesy lamps, refer to Lamp Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing of Lamps.
OPERATION
All reading and courtesy lamps located in the overhead console are activated by the door jamb switches. When all of the doors are closed, these
lamps can be individually activated by depressing the corresponding lens. When any door is open, depressing the lamp lenses to activate the lamp
switches will not turn the lamps off.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the use and operation of the overhead console reading and courtesy
lamps.
