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
1. If there are any ECT Sensor, EGR, Injector, FRP Sensor, Turbocharger, MAF/Intake Air Sensor, O2 Sensor, or Misfire DTCs present, perform the Diagnostics for those DTCs before continuing with this one.
  NOTE:
  Check for contaminants that may have damaged an O2 Sensor: contaminated fuel, unapproved silicone, oil and coolant.
2. Start the engine.
3. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.
4. With the scan tool, read DTCs.
  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.
  
  Is the DTC Active or Pending at this time?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 2
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. Refer to INTERMITTENT DTC .
ECT SENSOR OPERATION
NOTE:
For this test to be valid, the thermostat must be operating correctly.

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 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor value. If the engine was allowed to sit overnight (cold soak), the temperature value should be a sensible value that is somewhere close to the ambient temperature.
  NOTE:
  If engine coolant temperature is above 82°C (180°F), allow the engine to cool until 65°C (150°F) is reached.
3. Start the Engine.
4. During engine warm-up, monitor the ECT Sensor value. The temperature value change should be a smooth transition from start up to normal operating temperature 88°C (190°F).
  Did the ECT value increase smoothly and did it reach at least 88°C (190°F)?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 3
  No
  - Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the ECT Sensor and Powertrain Control Module connectors. Replace the ECT Sensor if no problems were found with the connectors.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM
1. Perform the CHECKING THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM test procedure. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
  Were any problems found with the fuel system?
  
  Yes
  - Perform the appropriate repair.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go To 4
CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
1. Perform the CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR LEAKS test procedure. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
  Were any exhaust leaks found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair or replace the leaking exhaust parts as necessary.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go To 5
O2 SENSOR OPERATION
1. Perform the CHECKING THE OXYGEN SENSOR OPERATION test procedure. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
2. Were any problems found with the O2 Sensors?
  
  Yes
  - Perform the appropriate repair.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go To 6
ENGINE MECHANICAL
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Check for any of the following conditions/mechanical problems:
  - AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM - must be free from leaks.
  - ENGINE VALVE TIMING - must be within specifications
  - ENGINE COMPRESSION - must be within specifications
  - ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM - must be free of any restrictions or leaks.
  - ENGINE PCV SYSTEM - must flow freely
  - TORQUE CONVERTER STALL SPEED - must be within specifications
  - FUEL - must be free of contamination
  - FUEL INJECTOR - plugged or restricted injector; control wire not connected to correct injector
  Are there any engine mechanical problems?
  
  Yes
  - Repair as necessary.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go To 7
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
NOTE:
The most likely cause of this DTC is a fuel, air intake, or engine mechanical condition (low compression, vacuum leak, exhaust leak, etc.). Exhaust all other possibilities before replacing the Powertrain Control Module.
1. Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the Sensors and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
  - Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched or partially broken wires.
  - Look for broken, bent, pushed out or corroded terminals.
  - Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the O2 Sensor 1/1 and Powertrain Control Module connectors.
  - Perform any Technical Service Bulletins that may apply.
  Were there any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair as necessary.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - 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 .