Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

VALIDATION
1. Before starting the validation, confirm on the scan tool that the engine is still at an operating temperature of 180°F (82°C).
  NOTE:
  The following procedure will provide the necessary drive cycle to allow the PCM to learn normal system operation and the ability to detect most aftertreatment sooting issues. It is not necessary to have a technician perform the 50 minute drive cycle however, the technician must verify "Estimated Soot Load Based on Delta" (ESL/D), measured in Grams while driving the vehicle at a steady state speed. The technician will monitor the scan tool while another person drives the vehicle.
2. The technician must perform a short light load steady state drive cycle to ensure the vehicle will operate normally and allow a passive regeneration if necessary during the next step. During the drive cycle monitor Estimated Soot Load Based on Delta" (ESL/D), measured in Grams for a short period to ensure that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) will not plug during the next steps. In addition, illumination of the MIL during the drive cycle indicates that further diagnosis may be required before proceeding.
  NOTE:
  If the soot load threshold for a P242F DTC is reached during this short drive cycle, the mil will illuminate and passive regeneration will not occur.
3. Record the mileage from the vehicle odometer into section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet step 1.
4. Have an associate (porter) drive at the vehicle least 50 minutes at a steady state speed so the RPM is maintained at about 1900. If highway access is not available, use a lower gear on surface streets. A steady throttle is important. Use cruise control if possible.
5. Once the initial 50 minute drive cycle is complete, return to the repair shop and record the mileage from the vehicle odometer into section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet step 2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
6. Have the associate restart the engine and record the key cycle event into step 3 of section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet.
7. The technician will ride in the passenger seat while monitoring the scan tool. Monitor "Estimated Soot Load Based on Delta" (ESL/D), measured in Grams.
8. Drive the vehicle and maintain steady engine speed of 1800 - 1900 RPM. Use cruise control if possible, (steady throttle pressure).
9. ESL/D should maintain steady or even start to decrease slowly even though truck is NOT in deSoot mode. This is because the latest software may actually "scrub" soot when driving at higher speeds.
10. Ensure vehicle is operating in "Normal" mode. (Not in desoot, desox or denox mode).
11. Take a reading of the ESL/D. Record the ESLD into step 4 of section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet and continue to drive for 10 minutes.
12. Record that the 10 minute drive cycle has been completed in step 5 of section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet.
13. After 10 minutes, take another reading of the ESL/D and record this number in step 6 of section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet.
14. Step 7 of section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet will automatically calculate the estimated soot load difference.
15. Step 8 of section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet will automatically PASS or FAIL based upon results of step 7 of section 4D "After Treatment Validation Test" of the Diesel Diagnostic Worksheet.
  Did the ESL/D test pass?
  
  Yes
  - Vehicle is properly repaired.
  No
  - Vehicle is NOT repaired completely. Return back to the test that sent you here or continue diagnosing the vehicle with the ENGINE MISFIRE/RUNS ROUGH/POOR PERFORMANCE test procedure. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing , 6.7L .