Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 RAM 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CHECK FOR AN ACTIVE CONDITION
NOTE:
Before proceeding with this test procedure, perform any Service Bulletins or PCM Flash updates that relate to this fault code.

WARNING:
Keep lit cigarettes, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources away from the test area to prevent the ignition of explosive gases. Keep the test area well ventilated. Failure to do so may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
1. To continue testing you will need the (special tool #8404C, Kit, EELD And Accessory).
  NOTE:
  The fuel tank should have less than 95% of fuel tank capacity to properly test the EVAP system.
2. Connect the red power lead of the EELD to the battery positive terminal and the black ground lead to battery negative terminal.
3. Connect shop air to the EELD.
4. Set the smoke/air control switch to AIR.
5. Block the end of the tester's AIR supply tip (clear hose).
6. Press the remote smoke/air start button.
7. Position the red flag on the air flow meter so it is aligned with the indicator ball (this is calibrated to no leak).
8. When the calibration is complete, release the remote button. The EELD flow meter is now calibrated in liters per minute to the size leak indicated by the DTC set in the PCM.
9. Connect the service adapter (special tool #8404-ADP, Smoke Machine Adapters) to the ESIM.
  NOTE:
  If not connecting the EELD to the ESIM, the vent must be capped or plugged. The pressure developed by the EELD will over come the weights in the ESIM, causing the vent seal to open allowing the system to vent. This could lead to a false failure condition.
10. Connect the AIR supply hose from the EELD to the adapter.
11. Press the remote button to activate AIR flow.
  NOTE:
  Depending on the vehicles fuel level, or vehicle venting configuration, it can take several minutes to fill the system.
12. Compare the flow meter indicator ball reading to the red flag.
13. ABOVE the red flag indicates a leak present.
14. BELOW the red flag indicates a sealed system.
  Did the Small Leak test pass or fail?
  
  Passed
  - Go To 2
  Failed
  - Go To 3
EVAP SYSTEM INSPECTION
NOTE:
It is possible that the Fuel Filler Cap (if applicable) or Capless Fuel Filler Assembly was previously leaking.

NOTE:
Extreme temperatures during leak testing can yield poor results. High fuel temperature, either from a hot engine or extremely high ambient temperature, can cause excessive fuel vaporization which can cause pressure in the system to become too high or unstable and yield poor results that falsely indicate a leak during testing. Extreme cold temperatures could possibly conceal a potential leak during testing. For best results, if one of the previous conditions is true, allow the vehicle to sit inside the shop and achieve a reasonable temperature before checking for leaks. Recommend somewhere between approximately 10°C (50°F) and 30°C (86°F).
1. Perform a visual inspection of the entire Evaporative Emission System for any of the following conditions but not limited to:
  - Damaged seal points on the Fuel Filler Cap (if applicable) or Capless Fuel Filler Assembly
  - Damaged components
  - Loose sealing points
  - Small holes or cracks
  - Incorrect routing of hoses and tubes
  - A restriction in the line between the Fuel Tank and Charcoal Canister
    - A restriction in the line between the Fuel Tank and Charcoal Canister can cause the ESIM not to close when vacuum is created in the Fuel Tank during key off small leak testing. This will cause the small leak timer to accumulate. The large leak diagnostic could pass or fail during the subsequent engine run cycles. The Purge Flow Monitor doesn't run during the run cycles because the Purge Flow Monitor will only run if the previous engine off Small Leak event was a pass. This will eventually cause small leak and/or large leak to fail without a purge performance fault setting. A good indicator of this condition being present would be the customer experiencing an early fuel shut off during a refueling event.
  Were any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair as necessary.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Replace the ESIM in accordance with the Service Information.
    NOTE:
    During testing an internal ESIM seal leak will be hidden with the EELD machine connected to the ESIM.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION LEAK DETECTION
NOTE:
A thorough visual inspection of the EVAP system hoses, tubes, and connections may save time in your diagnosis. Look for any physical damage or signs of wetness at connections. The strong smell of fuel vapors may aid diagnosis also.
1. Remove the Air supply hose from the adapter.
2. Connect the SMOKE supply tip (black hose) to the adapter.
3. Set the smoke/air control switch to SMOKE.
  NOTE:
  The flow meter indicator ball will not move in the smoke mode.
4. Press the remote smoke/air start button.
  NOTE:
  Make sure that smoke has filled the EVAP System by continuing to press the remote smoke/air start button, remove the vehicle fuel cap (if applicable) or open the flap (capless), and wait for the smoke to exit. Once smoke is indicated reinstall the fuel cap or close the flap.
  
  NOTE:
  For optimal performance, introduce smoke into the system for an additional 60 seconds; continue introducing smoke at 15 second intervals, as necessary.
5. While still holding the remote smoke/air start button, use the white light (special tool #8404-CLL, Light, White) to follow the EVAP system path, and look for the source of the leak indicated by exiting smoke.
6. If a leak is concealed from view (i.e., top of fuel tank), release the remote smoke/air start button, and use the ultraviolet (UV) black light (special tool #8404-UVL, Light, UV) and the yellow goggles (special tool #8404-20, Goggles, Yellow) to look for residual traces of dye that is left behind by the smoke.
7. The exiting smoke deposits a residual fluid that is either bright green, yellow or purple in color when viewed with a UV light.
  NOTE:
  Carefully inspect the vent side of the EVAP Canister. Due to the filtering system in the canister the smoke may not be as thick. Introducing smoke into the filtered side of the canister may assist in locating the leak.
  
  Select the appropriate response from the list below:
  
  A leak was found at the Fuel Cap (if applicable) or Fuel Filler Tube Assembly
  - Perform the appropriate repair by replacing the Fuel Filler Tube Assembly and/or the Fuel Cap (if applicable).
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  A leak was found in the EVAP System.
  - If the leak is at a hose connection, remove the hose then reconnect the hose and check for a leak again. All other leaks, repair as necessary.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No leaks were detected
  - Go To 4
PURGE SOLENOID
1. Disconnect the vacuum hose that connects to the Intake Manifold at the Purge Solenoid.
  NOTE:
  After disconnecting the Purge Solenoid vacuum connection, inspect the line and solenoid for signs of contamination.
2. Check for smoke coming through the Purge Solenoid.
  NOTE:
  The solenoid should be sealed with the ignition off.
  
  Is smoke leaking passed the Purge Solenoid?
  
  Yes
  - Replace the Purge Solenoid in accordance with the Service Information.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - If the system failed the small leak test in step one, a leak is present but was not found during testing. Perform system leak test found in step three over again. While performing test verify all system connection and seal points. Inspect system lines for small cracks that may open with line movement.