Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 RAM 3500 HD and 2014 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

ACTIVE DTC
NOTE:
Inspect the vehicle for aftermarket accessories that may exceed the Alternator System output.

NOTE:
The battery must be fully charged.

NOTE:
The Alternator belt tension and condition must be checked before continuing.
1. Ignition on, engine not running.
2. With a scan tool, select View DTCs.
3. Read and record the related Freeze Frame data.
4. With a scan tool, erase DTCs.
5. Start the engine.
6. Allow the idle to stabilize.
7. Ignition on, engine not running.
8. Using the scan tool, read the active DTCs.
  Is the DTC Active at this time?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 2
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. Refer to INTERMITTENT CONDITION .
CHECK THE (A804) ALTERNATOR SENSE CIRCUIT OUTPUT
1. Start the engine.
2. Measure the voltage at the Alternator B+ Output Terminal.
3. Back probe and measure the voltage of the (A804) Alternator Sense circuit at the Alternator Field harness connector.
4. Compare the two voltage readings to each other.
  NOTE:
  The voltage reading at the (A804) Alternator Sense circuit should be within 0.2 volts of the voltage reading at the Alternator B+ Output Terminal.
  
  Are the voltage readings within 0.2 volts of each other?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 3
  No
  - Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the Alternator connector. If OK, replace the Alternator. Refer to GENERATOR, REMOVAL .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
CHECK THE (A804) ALTERNATOR SENSE CIRCUIT FOR HIGH RESISTANCE
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. 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.
3. Connect the (special tool #10436, Adapter, GPEC Diagnostic) In line with the PCM C2 harness connector.
4. Using a voltmeter, probe the (A804) Alternator Sense circuit at the Alternator Field harness connector with one lead.
5. Probe the (A804) Alternator Sense circuit at the GPEC Adaptor with the other lead.
6. Start the engine.
7. Measure the voltage drop on the (A804) Alternator Sense circuit.
  Is the voltage above 0.2 volts?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the excessive resistance in the (A804) Alternator Sense circuit between the Alternator and PCM.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go To 4
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
1. Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the Alternator 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. Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the Alternator and the Powertrain Control Module connectors.
4. Perform any Technical Service Bulletins that may apply.
  Were there any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair as necessary.
  - 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 .