Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 RAM 3500 HD and 2013 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

ACTIVE DTC
1. Ignition on, engine not running.
2. With the scan tool, record the related Freeze Fame Data and clear the DTCs in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
3. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Hold engine speed greater than 1, 000 rpm for at least one minute. The DTC will not set unless cam phasing becomes active, which may not occur if speed never leaves idle.
  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 can result possible serious or fatal injury.
4. With the scan tool, select View DTCs.
  Is the DTC Active or Pending at this time?
  
  Yes, non VCT vehicles
  - Go To 3
  Yes, vehicles with VCT
  - Go To 2
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
CAMSHAFT POSITION SOLENOID CLEANING
1. With the scan tool perform the Exhaust Phaser 1 Cleaning function.
  Did the DTC return?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 3
  No
  - Repair complete.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
CHECK THE (K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE

Fig 1: Measuring Voltage On VCT Control Circuit At VCT Solenoid Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
3. Disconnect the PCM C2 harness connector.
  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.
4. Connect the (special tool #10436, Adapter, GPEC Diagnostic).
5. Measure the resistance between the (K442) VCT Control circuit and all other power supply circuits at the GPEC Adaptor.
  Is the above 10k Ohms between the (K442) VCT Control circuit and all other power supply circuits?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 4
  No
  - Repair the between the (K442) VCT Control circuit and the circuit that measured below 10k Ohms.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
CHECK THE (K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Measure the resistance of the (K442) VCT Control circuit between the VCT Solenoid harness connector and the GPEC Adaptor.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 5
  No
  - Repair the (K442) VCT Control circuit for an open or high resistance.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
CHECK THE (K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND

Fig 2: Measuring Resistance Between Ground And VCT Control Circuit At VCT Solenoid Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K442) VCT Control circuit at the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  Is the resistance above 10k Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 6
  No
  - Repair the (K442) VCT Control circuit for a short to ground.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
VCT SOLENOID

Fig 3: Using 12-Volt Test Light Connected To Ground To Probe VCT Control Circuit In VCT Solenoid Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Reconnect the PCM C2 harness connector.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Using a 12-volt test light connected to 12 volts probe the (K442) VCT Control circuit in the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  NOTE:
  The test light should be off unless you have a short to ground, except for a brief period immediately after turning ignition on.
4. With the scan tool, actuate the VCT Solenoid control to the ON (100%) position.
  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 during the actuation and was it off when required?
  
  Yes
  - Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the VCT Solenoid and Powertrain Control Module connectors. If OK, replace the VCT Solenoid in accordance with the service information.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  No
  - Go To 7
CHECK THE GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE

Fig 4: Measuring Resistance Of Ground Circuit At VCT Solenoid Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Measure the resistance between ground and the Ground circuit at the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 8
  No
  - Repair the VCT Solenoid ground control circuit for an open or high resistance.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
1. Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the VCT solenoid 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. Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the VCT solenoid and Powertrain Control Module harness connectors.
5. Perform any Technical Service Bulletins that may apply.
  Were any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair as necessary.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  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 STANDARD PROCEDURE .