Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 RAM 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

ACTIVE DTC
NOTE:
Make sure the coolant level and condition are within specifications before continuing with this Diagnostic.

NOTE:
DANGER: Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot. The system is under pressure. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury including extreme burns, scalding, or fatal injury. Allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system.

NOTE:
If there are any Engine Coolant Temperature, Ambient Air Temperature, Camshaft Position, or Crankshaft Position Sensor DTCs present, perform the Diagnostics for those DTCs before proceeding with this one.
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. With the scan tool, record all Freeze frame data.
3. With the scan tool, erase DTCs.
4. Turn the ignition off for 75 seconds.
5. Start the engine.
6. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.
  NOTE:
  It may be necessary to drive the vehicle to meet the conditions to set this DTC, try to repeat the conditions in which the fault originally set by reviewing the Freeze Frame data.
7. With the scan tool, read DTCs.
  Did the DTC reset?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 2
  No
  - Perform to the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. Refer to INTERMITTENT DTC .
THERMOSTAT OPERATION
NOTE:
This test works best if performed on a cold engine (cold soak).
1. Ignition on, engine not running.
2. With the scan tool, read the ECT Deg value. If the engine was allowed to sit overnight (cold soak), the temperature value should be a value that is somewhere close to the ambient temperature.
3. Start the Engine.
4. During engine warm-up, monitor the ECT Deg value. The temp deg value change should be a smooth transition from start up to normal operating temp 88°C (190°F). Also monitor the actual coolant temperature with a thermometer.
  NOTE:
  As the engine warms up to operating temperature, the actual coolant temperature (thermometer reading) and the scan tool, ECT Temperature value should stay relatively close to each other.
5. Using the appropriate service information, determine the proper opening temperature of the thermostat.
  Did the thermostat open at the proper temperature?
  
  Yes
  - Replace and program the Powertrain Control Module in accordance with the service information. Refer to REMOVAL .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Replace the thermostat in accordance with the service information.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .