I am having a problem locating the ignition ballast resistor on my 94 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with a 5.2 (318) engine and auto trans.

I bought a new one at NAPA today, surprisingly it looks like the ones I used to install 30 years ago ( ceramic rectangle with either 2 or 4 Spade terminals sticking out ).

I didn't think this year had one, but all the auto parts stores tell me different.

Thanks for any help, it will be much appreciated.

 

Don't know. Have service manual? Recently acquired my first Ram and it is a 1999.

You can go to the FAQ/DIY section and download the factory service manual. If it has one, it would be listed there?

Out of curiousity, what made you decide this was needed? What was truck doing/not doing?

 

i don't think they use ballast resister any more. i think the last year they were used was 88.

 

Thanks for the input, I downloaded the manual and took a look at the wiring diagrams and I don't see and indication of any ballast resistor or resistance wire.

Additionally , here are the truck specs: 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd, 5.2 engine, Auto trans, A/c

Funny, all the Auto parts stores tell me there is one ( either a 2 or 4 prong ceramic ). I even bought both at NAPA figuring that I would use one of them when I got home. :-))

Anyway, Um having a problem with poor initial cold start running (first 2 minutes) and intermittent misfire & hesitation after warmup, , additionally I seem to be burning thru the ignition rotor once a year and I only use it maybe 7,000 miles a year. Seems like everytime I take the RPM's up to 3000 - 4200, it does it ( burns thru the rotor).

I've replaced the following: Ignition coil, Spark plug Wires (which I routed according to the manual), cap, rotor (seems to burn rather fast), pickup coil (old one tested ok, but replaced as maintenance item), coolant temp sensor, idle control solenoid, fuel pump, injectors (Rebuilt ones), hmmm.

Map sensor , air temp sensor and cam & crank sensor are about it, BUT This vehicle has had alot of wiring problems over the years, Sooo......

Now that I have the service manual that should help alot, I'll keep ya posted and once again I really appreciate the input, before and future !!!

 

What brand fuel pump did you install? May wanna check fuel pressure at initial cold start.

Have you done anything about your plenum yet? (see stickied thread)

What plugs are you using??

 

Agreed

 

Is it the one with the aluminum inserts? If so replace it with an "oem style" that has brass inserts. The aluminum ones corrode.