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Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2015 >> Durango SXT, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 179 (5.7L - DTCS P2172 To U1440) >> DTC Troubleshooting >> P2181-Cooling System Performance >> Diagnostic Test

Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Durango. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. CHECK FOR AN ACTIVE DTC 
    NOTE:

    Diagnose and repair any Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor DTCs before proceeding with this test.

    NOTE:

    Inspect the ECT sensor and related PCM connector terminals for corrosion or damage.

    NOTE:

    Extremely cold ambient temperatures may cause this DTC to set.

    1. Turn the ignition on.
    2. With the scan tool, read DTCs and record on the repair order.

      Is the DTC active or pending?

      Yes 

      • Go To  2

      No 

  2. LOW ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL 
    1. Turn the ignition on.
      WARNING:

      Allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. The system may be under pressure. Extreme burns or scalding may result. Failure to follow these instructions can result in possible serious or fatal injury.

    2. Inspect the cooling system for proper coolant level and condition.

      Were any problems found?

      Yes 

      • Inspect the vehicle for a coolant leak. Repair as necessary in accordance with the Service Information.
      • Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .

      No 

      • Go To  3
  3. CHECK THE THERMOSTAT OPERATION 
    1. Turn the ignition on.
      NOTE:

      Allow the engine to cool to ambient temperature before proceeding with this test.

    2. Using the appropriate Service Information, determine the proper opening temperature of the thermostat.
    3. With a scan tool, read the ECT sensor value. If the engine was allowed to cool completely, the value should be approximately equal to the ambient temperature.
    4. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature while monitoring the ECT sensor value. The sensor value change should be a smooth transition from start up to normal operating temperature. 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 coolant temperature value on the scan tool should be relatively close. The thermostat should not open until the engine reaches the temperature specified in the Service Information.

      Does the thermostat open at the temperature specified in the Service Information?

      Yes 

      • Go To  4

      No 

  4. CHECK THE (K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE 
    1. Turn the ignition off.
    2. Disconnect the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness connector.
    3. Disconnect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) C2 harness connector.
    4. Turn the ignition on.
    5. Measure the voltage on the (K2) ECT Signal circuit at the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 harness connector.

      Is there any voltage present?

      Yes 

      • Repair the (K2) ECT Signal circuit for a short to voltage.
      • Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .

      No 

      • Go To  5
  5. CHECK THE (K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND 
    1. Turn the ignition off.
    2. Check for continuity between ground and the (K2) ECT Signal circuit at the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness connector.

      Is there continuity between ground and the (K2) ECT Signal circuit?

      Yes 

      • Repair the (K2) ECT Signal circuit for a short to ground.
      • Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .

      No 

      • Go To  6
  6. CHECK FOR THE (K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO THE (K915) SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT 
    1. Check for continuity between the (K2) ECT Signal circuit and the (K915) Sensor Ground circuit at the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness connector.

      Is there continuity between the (K2) ECT Signal circuit and the (K915) Sensor Ground circuit?

      Yes 

      • Repair the (K2) ECT Signal circuit for a short to the (K915) Sensor Ground circuit.
      • Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .

      No 

      • Go To  7
  7. CHECK THE (K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE 
    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.

    1. Connect the (special tool #10436, Adapter, GPEC Diagnostic).
    2. Measure the resistance in the (K2) ECT Signal circuit from the ECT Sensor harness connector to the GPEC Adaptor.

      Is the resistance below 3.0 Ohms?

      Yes 

      • Go To  8

      No 

      • Repair the (K2) ECT Signal circuit for an open circuit or high resistance.
      • Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  8. CHECK THE (K915) SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE 
    1. Measure the resistance of the (K915) Sensor Ground circuit between the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor harness connector and the GPEC Adaptor.

      Is the resistance below 3.0 Ohms?

      Yes 

      • Go To  9

      No 

      • Repair the (K915) Sensor Ground for an open circuit or high resistance.
      • Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST .
  9. ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR 
    1. Turn the ignition off.
    2. Connect the PCM C2 harness connector.
    3. Connect a jumper between the (K915) Sensor Ground circuit and the (K2) ECT Signal circuit in the ECT Sensor harness connector.
    4. Turn the ignition on.
    5. With the scan tool, read the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Signal voltage.

      Is the voltage below 0.1 volts with the jumper in place?

      Yes 

      No 

      • Go To  10
  10. CHECK RELATED PCM AND COMPONENT CONNECTIONS 
    1. Perform any Service Bulletins that apply.
    2. Disconnect all PCM harness connectors.
    3. Disconnect all related in-line harness connections (if equipped).
    4. Disconnect the related component harness connectors.
    5. Inspect harness connectors, component connectors, and all male and female terminals for the following conditions:
      • Proper connector installation.
      • Damaged connector locks.
      • Corrosion.
      • Other signs of water intrusion.
      • Weather seal damage (if equipped).
      • Bent terminals.
      • Overheating due to a poor connection (terminal may be discolored due to excessive current draw).
      • Terminals that have been pushed back into the connector cavity.
      • Check for spread terminals and verify proper terminal tension.

      Repair any conditions that are found.

    6. Reconnect all PCM harness connectors. Be certain that all harness connectors are fully seated and the connector locks are fully engaged.
    7. Reconnect all in-line harness connectors (if equipped). Be certain that all connectors are fully seated and the connector locks are fully engaged.
    8. Reconnect all related component harness connectors. Be certain that all connectors are fully seated and the connector locks are fully engaged.
    9. With the scan tool, erase DTCs.
    10. Test drive or operate the vehicle in accordance with the when monitored and set conditions.
    11. With the scan tool, read DTCs.

      Did the DTC return?

      Yes 

      No 

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