Auto Shutdown Relay

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The 5-pin, 12-volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). See Figure . Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location. See Figure . A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to connect the oxygen sensor heater element, ignition coil and fuel injectors to 12 volt + power supply. This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay is energized. If the PCM does not see 12 volts at this input when the ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts) to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain emissions packages it also supplies 12 volts to the oxygen sensor heating elements. The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD relay is controlled by the PCM. The PCM operates the ASD relay by switching its ground circuit on and off. The ASD relay will be shut-down, meaning the 12 volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-activated by the PCM if the ignition key is left in the ON position. This is if the engine has not been running for approximately 1.8 seconds. There is a crankshaft position sensor signal to the PCM that is lower than pre-determined values.