Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. 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, Clear DTCs in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
3. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
  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 may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
4. With the scan tool, select View DTCs.
  Is the status Active for this DTC?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 2
  No
  - Refer to the *CHECKING FOR AN INTERMITTENT DTC Diagnostic Procedure. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure
(K344) FUSED MAIN RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE

Fig 1: Checking Fused Main Relay Circuit
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the Ignition Coil 3 harness connector.
3. Turn the ignition on.
4. Using a 12 volt test light connected to ground, check the (K344) Fused Main Relay Output circuit in the Ignition Coil 3 harness connector.
  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?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 3
  No
  - Repair the (K344) Fused Main Relay Output circuit for an open circuit or high resistance.
  - Perform the PCM Verification Test. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
(K18) COIL 3 CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND

Fig 2: Checking Coil 3 Control Circuit
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector.
3. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit in the Ignition Coil 3 harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 100 ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit for a short to ground.
  - Perform the PCM Verification Test. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
  No
  - Go to step 4
(K18) COIL 3 CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE

Fig 3: Checking Coil 3 Control Circuit
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Measure the resistance of the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit between the Ignition Coil 3 harness connector and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go to step 5
  No
  - Repair the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit for an open circuit or high resistance.
  - Perform the PCM Verification Test. See DTC-Based Diagnostics/MODULE, Powertrain Control (PCM) - Standard Procedure .
IGNITION COIL 3

Fig 4: Check Ignition Coil Control Circuit
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

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 may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
1. Connect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector.
2. Using a 12 volt test light connected to 12 volts, check the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit in the Ignition Coil 3 harness connector.
3. Crank the engine for 5 seconds.
  NOTE: The test light should blink each time the circuit is activated by the PCM.
  
  Does the test light blink each time the circuit is activated by the PCM?
  
  Yes
  - Replace the Ignition Coil 3 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 6
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
1. Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the Ignition Coil 3 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. Refer to 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 .