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. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature.
  WARNING:
  When the engine is operating, do not stand in direct line with the fan. Do not put your hand near the pulleys, belts, or fan. Do not wear loose clothing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in possible serious or fatal injury.
2. With the scan tool, read DTCs and record on the repair ordor.
  Is the DTC active or pending?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 2
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. Refer to INTERMITTENT CONDITION .
CHECK IGNITION COIL 3 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/HIGH RESISTANCE

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the Coil On Plug 3 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 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 4
  No
  - Repair the (F343) Fused ASD Relay Output circuit for an open or high resistance.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK THE (K18) IGNITION COIL 3 CONTROL CIRCUIT.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Using a 12-volt test light connected to 12 volts, check the (K18) Coil 3 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 (K18) IGNITION COIL 3 CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the PCM C2 harness connector.
3. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit in the Coil On Plug 3 harness connector.
  Is the resistance above 100 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 6
  No
  - Repair the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit for a short to ground.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK THE (K18) IGNITION COIL 3 CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE
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 GPEC Diagnostic Adaptor to perform the diagnosis.
1. Connect the (special tool #10436, Adapter, GPEC Diagnostic).
2. Measure the resistance of the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit between the Coil On Plug 3 harness connector and the GPEC Adaptor.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 7
  No
  - Repair the (K18) Coil 3 Control circuit for an open or high resistance.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK RELATED HARNESS CONNECTIONS
1. Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the Coil On Plug 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. Perform any Technical Service Bulletins that may apply.
  Were any harness connectors, component connectors, or male and female terminal problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair any harness connectors, component connectors, or male and female terminal conditions that are found.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Replace and program the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in accordance with the service information. Refer to MODULE, POWERTRAIN CONTROL, REMOVAL .
  - 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 contamination or mechanical 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 SPARK PLUG
1. Inspect the spark plug for the following conditions:
  - Cracks
  - Carbon Tracking
  - Gap size out of specifications
  - Loose or broken electrode
  Were any spark plug 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 .