Diagnostic Test

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

PICKUP OR CAB CHASSIS VEHICLE
Is the vehicle a Pickup or Cab Chassis frame?

Pickup
- Go To 2.
Cab Chassis
- Go To 5.
PICKUP VEHICLE INSPECTION OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
NOTE:
The primary failure modes for the DPF are inlet face plugging, internal cracking and internal melting. Inlet face plugging is easily diagnosed. Internal cracking and melting can be identified by soot patterns on the DPF outlet and/or evidence of soot on the outlet tail pipe.
1. Remove the DPF from the vehicle.
2. Inspect the inlet face of the DPF.
  NOTE:
  DPF Inlet is the flanged side.
3. This figure is an example of a failed DPF due to severe face plugging. All inlet channel openings are completely plugged. Symptoms would possibly include hard or no start and/or related P-codes.
  
  Fig 1: Example Of A Failed DPF Due To Severe Face Plugging
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
4. This figure is an example of a good DPF inlet. Note that immediately following a regeneration event, the inlet face will/may look cleaner. Also note that it is normal for the inlet face to be coated with soot. Inlet channels should be open and visible. As long as cell matrix is visible the inlet is ok.
  
  Fig 2: Example Of A Good DPF Inlet
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
5. Inspect the outlet of the DPF.
6. This figure is an example of a failed DPF due to an internal melting of cells. The DPF outlet face and pipe show evidence of soot. Symptoms can include Black Smoke, and/or related P-codes.
  
  Fig 3: Example Of A Failed DPF Due To An Internal Melting Of Cells
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
7. This figure is an example of a failed DPF due to an internal cracking of the substrate. The DPF outlet channel openings show evidence of soot. Close inspection shows several blackened channel openings or black cells. Also Outlet pipe shows evidence of soot. Symptoms can include Black Smoke, and / or related P-codes.
  
  Fig 4: Example Of A Failed DPF Due To An Internal Cracking Of The Substrate
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
8. This figure is an example of a failed DPF due to a leak at the DPF Outlet rim of substrate. Look for black cells on the outlet face.
  
  Fig 5: Example Of A Failed DPF Due To A Leak At The DPF Outlet Rim Of Substrate
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
9. This figure and the next are examples of a good DPF. In this figure, it is not black or does not show any black cells. Note orange appearance near weep hole at bottom. This is dirt ingestion from dusty areas that does not affect filter performance. Outlet pipe is not sooty as compared to a failed part. Normally outlet face is off white or tan in appearance.
  
  Fig 6: Examples Of A Good DPF
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
10. This figure shows an enlarged section with a small black circle near the center of substrate. This is the only sign of soot evident in the entire outlet inspection. A quick check with a 1 inch socket will show pass/fail of this part. Using a one inch socket (1.375 inches Outer Diameter) and extension, cover the black spot at the center of DPF outlet face. If the 1 inch socket covers the black spot and no other black cells are visible, DPF doesn't need to be replaced. If there are any black cells visible around the 1 inch socket, DPF does not meet pass criteria and should be replaced. If there are any black cells on other portions of the outlet face in addition to a black spot in the center, DPF should be replaced.
  
  Fig 7: Checking Pass Or Fail Condition Of DPF Using A 1 Inch Socket
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  
  NOTE:
  Make sure one inch socket has about 1.375 inches of outer diameter (Standard socket not impact). DPF outlet thermistor may be removed, if it is in the path of the black spot.
  
  Does the DPF show signs of face plugging, internal cracking or melting?
  
  Yes
  - Replace the Diesel Particulate Filter in accordance with the service information.
  No
  - Go To 3.
INSPECTION OF THE NOx ABSORBER (NAC) ON A PICKUP
NOTE:
The primary failure modes for the DPF are inlet face plugging, cracking and internal melting. Inlet face plugging is easily diagnosed (would resemble the figure showing face plugging of the DPF).
1. Remove the NAC from the vehicle for inspection.
2. Inspect the inlet side of the NAC.
3. This figure and the next are examples of a good NAC. The inlet shows no signs of face plugging, melted spots, or cracks on the face of the grid. A typical NAC inlet will be coated with soot. The inspection process is to verify that light can be seen through the cells. If light can be seen through the cell matrix then the part is good.
  
  Fig 8: Examples Of A Good NAC
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
4. This figure is a zoomed view to show a close sample of wash-coat spots. Typically the size of these spots are 3/16". These are not due to melting and does not require replacement.
  Does the NAC show signs of face plugging, internal cracking or melting?
  
  Fig 9: Close Up View Of Wash-Coat Spots
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  
  Yes
  - Replace the NOx Absorber (NAC) in accordance with the service information.
  No
  - Go To 4.
INSPECTION OF THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)
NOTE:
The DOC inlet is the only portion that can be inspected easily. Key modes of failure are FACE plugging, debris and possibly melted channels.
1. This figure is an example of a good DOC. Soot is present on the inlet which is normal. As long as cell matrix is visible the inlet is ok.
  
  Fig 10: Example Of A Good DOC
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  
  Does the DOC show signs of face plugging, internal cracking or melting?
  
  Yes
  - Replace the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) in accordance with the service information.
  No
  - Test complete.
CAB CHASSIS VEHICLE INSPECTION OF THE DOC/DPF (DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST AND DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER)
NOTE:
The inlet side to the DOC/DPF on the Cab Chassis is the Catalyst portion. It resembles the Pickup NAC in appearance. The outlet side is the Diesel Particulate Filter portion. This functions exactly the same as the DPF on the pickup truck. Because they are combined, only the inlet of the DOC and outlet of DPF on the cab chassis can be inspected.
1. Remove the DOC/DPF from the vehicle for inspection.
2. Inspect the DOC inlet. Look for signs of FACE plugging, debris and possibly melted channels.
  NOTE:
  The DOC inlet can be identified by a "diffuser" leading into the inlet.
  
  Fig 11: Identifying DOC Inlet And Diffuser
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
3. This figure and the next are examples of a good DOC. The inlet shows no signs of face plugging, melted spots, or cracks on the face of the grid.
4. This figure is a zoomed view to show close up sample of wash-coat spots. Typically the size of these spots are 3/16". These are not due to melting and does not require replacement.
  
  Fig 12: Close Up View Of Wash-Coat Spots
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
5. Inspect the outlet of the DPF.
6. This figure is an example of a failed DPF due to an internal melting of cells. The DPF outlet face and pipe show evidence of soot. Symptoms can include Black Smoke, and/or related P-codes.
  
  Fig 13: Example Of A Failed DPF Due To An Internal Melting Of Cells
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
7. This figure is an example of a failed DPF due to an internal cracking of the substrate. The DPF outlet channel openings show evidence of soot. Close inspection shows several blackened channel openings or black cells. Also Outlet pipe shows evidence of soot. Symptoms can include Black Smoke, and / or related P-codes.
  
  Fig 14: Example Of A Failed DPF Due To An Internal Cracking Of The Substrate
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
8. This figure is an example of a failed DPF due to a leak at the DPF Outlet rim of substrate. Look for black cells on the outlet face.
  
  Fig 15: Example Of A Failed DPF Due To A Leak At The DPF Outlet Rim Of Substrate
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
9. This figure and the next are examples of a good DPF. In this figure, it is not black or does not show any black cells. Note orange appearance near weep hole at bottom. This is dirt ingestion from dusty areas that does not affect filter performance. Outlet pipe is not sooty as compared to a failed part. Normally outlet face is off white or tan in appearance.
  
  Fig 16: Examples Of A Good DPF
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
10. This figure shows an enlarged section with a small black circle near the center of substrate. This is the only sign of soot evident in the entire outlet inspection. A quick check with a 1 inch socket will show pass/fail of this part. Using a one inch socket (1.375 inches Outer Diameter) and extension, cover the black spot at the center of DPF outlet face. If the 1 inch socket covers the black spot and no other black cells are visible, DPF doesn't need to be replaced. If there are any black cells visible around the 1 inch socket, DPF does not meet pass criteria and should be replaced. If there are any black cells on other portions of the outlet face in addition to a black spot in the center, DPF should be replaced.
  
  Fig 17: Checking Pass Or Fail Condition Of DPF Using A 1 Inch Socket
  Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  
  NOTE:
  Make sure one inch socket has about 1.375 inches of outer diameter (Standard socket not impact). DPF outlet thermistor may be removed, if it is in the path of the black spot.
  
  Does the DOC/DPF appear to be face plugged, melted or have any internal cracking?
  
  Yes
  - Replace the DOC/DPF in accordance with the service information.
  No
  - Test complete.