Diagnostic Test

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

DTC IS ACTIVE
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 be 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
  - Go to 2.
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION Diagnostic Procedure. Refer to INTERMITTENT CONDITION .
(K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE

Fig 1: Measuring Voltage On (K442) VCT Control Circuit AT VCT Solenoid Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
3. Disconnect the C3 Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness connector.
4. Turn the ignition on.
5. Measure the voltage on the (K442) VCT Control circuit at the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  Is the voltage greater than 1.0 volt?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the short to voltage in the (K442) VCT Control circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go to 3.
EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE IN THE (K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT

Fig 2: Measuring Resistance Of (K442) VCT Control Circuit Between VCT Solenoid Harness Connector And Appropriate Terminal Of PCM Pinout Box 8815
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
  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 PCM Pinout Box (special tool #8815A, Kit, NGC, 38 Position) to perform diagnosis.
2. Measure the resistance of the (K442) VCT Control circuit between the VCT solenoid harness connector and the appropriate terminal of PCM Pinout Box (special tool #8815A, Kit, NGC, 38 Position).
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go to 4.
  No
  - Repair the excessive resistance in the (K442) VCT Control circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
(K442) VCT CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND

Fig 3: Measuring Resistance Between Ground And (K442) VCT Control Circuit AT VCT Solenoid Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K442) VCT Control circuit at the VCT solenoid harness connector.
  Is the resistance greater than 20k Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go to 5.
  No
  - Repair the short to ground in the (K442) VCT Control circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
VCT SOLENOID

Fig 4: Using 12-volt Test Light Connected To Ground To Probe CMP Sensor Control Circuit In Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Connect the C3 Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 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 POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  No
  - Go to 6.
EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE OR OPEN IN THE (Z908) VCT SOLENOID GROUND CIRCUIT

Fig 5: Measuring Resistance Of VCT Solenoid Ground Circuit From AT Solenoid Harness Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Measure the resistance between ground and the (Z908) VCT solenoid ground circuit at the VCT Solenoid harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go to 7.
  No
  - Repair the excessive resistance in the (Z908) VCT solenoid ground control circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
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 connectors.
5. Refer to any Technical Service Bulletins that may apply.
  Were 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.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .