Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CHECK FOR AN ACTIVE DTC
1. With the scan tool, read DTCs and record on the repair order.
2. Record the Freeze Frame Data and Environmental Data.
3. With the scan tool, erase DTCs.
4. Using the recorded Freeze Frame and Environmental Data, along with the When Monitored and Set Conditions above, operate the vehicle in the conditions that set the DTC.
5. With the scan tool, read DTCs.
  Did the DTC return?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 2
  No
  - Perform the TESTING FOR AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION procedure. Refer to TESTING FOR AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION .
CHECK THE IGNITION COIL OPERATION
CAUTION:
Do not allow the ignition coil to fire with the secondary circuit open. PCM driver failure may result. Install a spark tester whenever testing for spark or a cylinder misfire.

NOTE:
The spark test must be repeated for the adjacent spark plug.
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the ignition wire from the spark plug.
  NOTE:
  Inspect the ignition coil and the spark plug insulator for damage or carbon tracking. If any problems are found, replace the ignition coil.
3. Attach the spark tester to the ignition wire.
4. Crank the engine and observe the spark tester.
  NOTE:
  A crisp blue spark that jumps the gap of the spark tester should be generated.
  
  Is a good spark generated?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 8
  No
  - Go To 3
CHECK THE (F343) FUSED ASD RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the Coil On Plug 1 harness connector.
3. Turn the ignition on.
4. Using a scan tool, actuate the Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Control State.
5. Using a 12-volt test light connected to ground, check the (F343) Fused ASD Relay Output circuit in the Coil On Plug 1 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 4
  No
  - Repair the (F343) Fused ASD Relay Output circuit for an open circuit or high resistance.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK THE IGNITION COIL USING A TEST LIGHT

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Using a 12-volt test light connected to 12 Volts, check the (K86) Coil 1 Control circuit.
3. Crank the engine for five seconds while observing the test light.
  Does the test light blink/flicker?
  
  Yes
  - Replace the Ignition Coil in accordance with the service information. Refer to COIL, IGNITION, REMOVAL .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go To 5
CHECK THE (K86) COIL 1 CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K86) Coil 1 Control circuit in the Coil On Plug 1 harness connector.
  Is the resistance above 100 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 6
  No
  - Repair the (K86) Coil 1 Control circuit for a short to ground.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK THE (K86) COIL 1 CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Measure the resistance of the (K86) Coil 1 Control circuit between the Coil On Plug 1 harness connector and the PCM C2 harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 7
  No
  - Repair the (K86) Coil 1 Control circuit for an open circuit or high resistance.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK RELATED HARNESS CONNECTIONS
1. Disconnect all PCM harness connectors.
2. Disconnect all related in-line harness connections (if equipped).
3. Disconnect the related component harness connectors.
4. Inspect harness connectors, component connectors, and all male and female terminals for the following conditions:
  - Proper connector installation.
  - Damaged connector locks.
  - Corrosion.
  - Other signs of water intrusion.
  - Weather seal damage (if equipped).
  - Bent terminals.
  - Overheating due to a poor connection (terminal may be discolored due to excessive current draw).
  - Terminals that have been pushed back into the connector cavity.
  - Check for spread terminals and verify proper terminal tension.
  Repair any conditions that are found.
5. Connect all PCM harness connectors. Be certain that all harness connectors are fully seated and the connector locks are fully engaged.
6. Connect all in-line harness connectors (if equipped). Be certain that all connectors are fully seated and the connector locks are fully engaged.
7. Connect all related component harness connectors. Be certain that all connectors are fully seated and the connector locks are fully engaged.
8. With the scan tool, erase DTCs.
9. Test drive or operate the vehicle in accordance with the when monitored and set conditions.
10. With the scan tool, read DTCs.
  Did the DTC return?
  
  Yes
  - Replace and program the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in accordance with the Service Information. Refer to MODULE, POWERTRAIN CONTROL (PCM), REMOVAL .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - The wiring or poor connection problem has been repaired.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK FOR AN ENGINE MECHANICAL CONDITION
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Inspect the spark plug for the contamination, fouling or evidence of oil or coolant.
  Were any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the engine mechanical condition and replace the spark plug.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go To 9
CHECK THE SPARK PLUG OPERATION
1. Inspect the spark plug for the following conditions:
  - Cracks
  - Carbon Tracking
  - Gap size out of specifications
  - Loose or broken electrode
  Were any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Replace the spark plug in accordance with the service information. Refer to SPARK PLUG, REMOVAL .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. Refer to INTERMITTENT CONDITION .