DTC Test - Checking System For Diagnostic Trouble Codes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1996 Plymouth Breeze, 1996 Dodge Stratus, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 1995 Dodge Stratus, and 1995 Chrysler Cirrus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Ensure battery is fully charged before proceeding with test.

Attempt to start engine. Crank engine for up to 10 seconds (if necessary). Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be retrieved using scan tool or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on instrument panel.
When using MIL on instrument panel to check for DTCs, see RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM for proper procedure. Read DTCs code flashed by the MIL.
When using scan tool to check for DTCs, connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). Using scan tool manufacturer's instructions, read DTC message (DRB scan tool) or DTC code (generic scan tool).
If scan tool will not power up, check for loose cable connections or bad cable. If cable connections and cable are okay, check voltage at cavity No. 16 (Pink wire) on DLC. Voltage should be at least 11 volts. If voltage is not as specified, check wiring circuit and necessary fuses.
If scan tool displays an error message (i.e., USER-REQUESTED COLD BOOT or USER-REQUESTED WARM BOOT), follow scan tool manufacturer's instructions. If scan tool displays a BUS failure (i.e., SHORT TO BATTERY), this indicates either a scan tool failure or BUS failure. To diagnose and correct BUS failures, see appropriate VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS article.
On all applications, if DTCs are displayed, see DTC MESSAGES & CODES table and perform appropriate test(s). If no DTCs are displayed, perform TEST SC-1A - CHECKING SPEED CONTROL OPERATION .

NOTE: When using MIL to retrieve DTCs, some DTCs have more than one meaning. The MIL is unable to distinguish between different failures for a specified component. See DTC MESSAGES & CODES table.

NOTE: If using Chrysler's Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool, scan tool has ability to display all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Generic OBD-II scan tool and/or MIL can also be used, but has limited diagnostic capability. Generic OBD-II scan tool is not be able to identify all possible DTCs. See DTC MESSAGES & CODES table.

DTC MESSAGES & CODES

Scan Tool Message	SAE Code	MIL Code	Test No.
NO VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL	P0500	15	TC-35A
SPEED CONTROL POWER RELAY CIRCUIT	N/A	77	TC-15A
SPEED CONTROL SOLENOID CIRCUITS	N/A	34	TC-15A
SPEED CONTROL SWITCH ALWAYS HIGH	N/A	34	TC-86A
SPEED CONTROL SWITCH ALWAYS LOW	N/A	34	TC-87A