Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Dodge Charger and 2010 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DTC IS ACTIVE
1. Ignition on, engine not running.
2. With the scan tool, record the related Freeze Fame Data and clear the DTCs in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
3. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Hold engine speed greater than 1,000 RPM for at least one minute. The DTC will not set unless cam phasing becomes active, which may not occur if speed never leaves idle.
  WARNING: When the engine is operating, do not stand in direct line with the fan. Do not put your hands near the pulleys, belts, or fan. Do not wear loose clothing. Failure to follow these instructions can result possible serious or fatal injury.
4. With the scan tool, select View DTCs.
  Is the DTC Active or Pending at this time?
  
  Yes, non VCT vehicles
  - Go to step 3
  Yes, vehicles with VCT
  - Go to step 2
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
CAMSHAFT POSITION SOLENOID CLEANING
1. With the scan tool perform the Exhaust Phaser 1 Cleaning function.
  Did the DTC reset?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 3
  No
  - Repair complete.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
(K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE

Fig 1: CHECKING VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SHORT TO VOLTAGE
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
3. Disconnect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) C3 harness connector.
4. Turn the ignition on.
5. Measure the voltage on the (K442) VCT Control circuit at the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  Is the voltage greater than 1.0 volt?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the short to voltage in the (K442) VCT Control circuit.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
  No
  - Go to step 4
(K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT HIGH RESISTANCE

Fig 2: CHECKING VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
  CAUTION: Do not probe the PCM harness connectors. Probing the PCM harness connectors will damage the PCM terminals resulting in poor terminal to pin connection. Install the PCM Pinout Box 8815 to perform diagnosis.
2. Measure the resistance of the (K442) VCT Control circuit between the VCT Solenoid harness connector and the appropriate terminal of PCM Pinout Box 8815.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 5
  No
  - Repair the high resistance in the (K442) VCT Control circuit.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
(K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND

Fig 3: CHECKING VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SHORT TO GROUND
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K442) VCT Control circuit at the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  Is the resistance greater than 20 k/Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 6
  No
  - Repair the short to ground in the (K442) VCT Control circuit.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
VCT SOLENOID

Fig 4: CHECKING VCT SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Connect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) C3 harness connector.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Using a 12-volt test light connected to 12 Volts probe the (K442) VCT Control circuit in the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  NOTE: The test light should be off unless you have a short to ground, except for a brief period immediately after turning ignition on.
4. With the scan tool, actuate the VCT Solenoid control to the ON (100%) position.
  NOTE: The test light should be illuminated and bright. Compare the brightness to that of a direct connection to the battery.
  
  Is the test light illuminated and bright during the actuation and was it off when required?
  
  Yes
  - Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the VCT Solenoid and Powertrain Control Module connectors. If OK, replace the VCT Solenoid in accordance with the Service Information.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
  No
  - Go to step 7
(Z904) GROUND CIRCUIT OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE

Fig 5: CHECKING VCT SOLENOID GROUND CIRCUIT FOR OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Measure the resistance between ground and the (Z904) Ground circuit at the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 8
  No
  - Repair the excessive resistance in the (Z904) VCT solenoid ground control circuit.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
1. Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the VCT solenoid and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
2. Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched or partially broken wires.
3. Look for broken, bent, pushed out or corroded terminals.
4. Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the VCT solenoid and Powertrain Control Module harness connectors.
5. Perform any Technical Service Bulletins that may apply.
  Were any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair as necessary.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
  No
  - Replace and program the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in accordance with the Service Information.
  - Perform the PCM VERIFICATION TEST. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .