Dodge Dakota (ND). Manual - part 262

NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mounting bolts will affect knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control. Always use the specified torque when installing the knock sensors.

REMOVAL

3.7L V-6

The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder block
under the intake manifold (1) and (2).

NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifi-
cation tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger
bolt head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
must have and know the correct sensor left/right
positions. Do not mix the sensor locations.

1. Disconnect knock sensor dual pigtail harness from

engine wiring harness. This connection is made
near rear of engine.

2. Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine section.

3. Remove sensor mounting bolts (2). Note foam strip

on bolt threads. This foam is used only to retain the
bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is not used
as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive, sealant or
thread locking compound to these bolts.

4. Remove sensors from engine.

4.7L V-8

The two knock sensors (1) are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (3).

1. Disconnect knock sensor dual pigtail harness from

engine wiring harness. This connection is made
near rear of engine.

2. Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine section.

3. Remove sensor mounting bolts (2). Note foam strip

on bolt threads. This foam is used only to retain the
bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is not used
as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive, sealant or
thread locking compound to these bolts.

4. Remove sensors from engine.

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IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION

INSTALLATION

3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8

1. Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting holes.

2. Install sensors (1) into cylinder block.

NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts (2) will affect knock sensor performance,
possibly causing improper spark control. Always
use the specified torque when installing the knock
sensors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is
relatively light for an 8mm bolt.

NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam
is used only to retain the bolts to sensors for
plant assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not
apply any adhesive, sealant or thread locking
compound to these bolts.

3. Install and tighten mounting bolts. Refer to torque

specification.

4. Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine section.

5. Connect knock sensor wiring harness to engine

harness at rear of intake manifold.

SPARK PLUG

DESCRIPTION

Resistor type spark plugs are used on all engines.

REMOVAL

3.7L V-6

Each individual spark plug is located under each ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be removed to gain
access to each spark plug. Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.

1. Remove necessary air filter tubing at throttle body.

2. Prior to removing ignition coil, spray compressed air around coil base at cylinder head.

IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION

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3. Prior to removing spark plug, spray compressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help prevent foreign

material from entering combustion chamber.

4. Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also check condition

of ignition coil o-ring and replace as necessary.

5. Inspect spark plug condition.

4.7L V-8

Each individual spark plug is located under each ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be removed to gain
access to each spark plug. Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.

1. Remove necessary air filter tubing at throttle body.

2. Prior to removing ignition coil, spray compressed air around coil base at cylinder head.

3. Prior to removing spark plug, spray compressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help prevent foreign

material from entering combustion chamber.

4. Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also check condition

of ignition coil o-ring and replace as necessary.

5. Inspect spark plug condition.

CLEANING

CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENT

The plugs may be cleaned using commercially avail-
able spark plug cleaning equipment. After cleaning, file
center electrode flat with a small point file or jewelers
file before adjusting gap.

CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel
brush to clean spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on spark plug insulator and will cause plug
misfire.

Adjust spark plug gap with a gap gauging tool (1).

INSTALLATION

3.7L V-6

Special care should be taken when installing spark plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be sure the plugs
do not drop into the plug wells as electrodes can be damaged.

Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque. Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a change in the
spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain insulator.

1. Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by hand to avoid cross threading.

2. Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifications.

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IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION

3. Before installing ignition coil(s), check condition of coil o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in coil installation,

apply silicone to coil o-ring.

4. Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.

4.7L V-8

CAUTION: The 4.7L V–8 engine is equipped with copper core ground electrode spark plugs. They must be
replaced with the same type/number spark plug as the original. If another spark plug is substituted, pre-
ignition will result.

Special care should be taken when installing spark plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be sure the plugs
do not drop into the plug wells as electrodes can be damaged.

Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque. Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a change in the
spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain insulator.

1. Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by hand to avoid cross threading.

2. Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifications.

3. Before installing ignition coil(s), check condition of coil o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in coil installation,

apply silicone to coil o-ring.

4. Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.

SWITCH-IGNITION

DESCRIPTION

The ignition switch (5) is located on the steering col-
umn (4). It is used as the main on/off switching device
for most electrical components. The mechanical key
cylinder is used to engage/disengage the electrical
ignition switch.

OPERATION

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a steering column mounted shifter: an interlock
device is located within the shift cable. This interlock device is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK
position when the key cylinder is in any position and the brake pedal is not depressed.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

IGNITION SWITCH

TEST AND REPAIR

If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle with a automatic transmission first adjust the shift linkage, (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE - ADJUSTMENTS).

IGNITION SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION

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