Diagnostic Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Pickup and 2004 Dodge Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Refer to VERIFICATION TESTS for appropriate verification test procedures.

Check for any related TSBs.
Ignition on, engine not running.

With the DRBIII®, read DTCs and record the related Freeze Frame data.

Is the Good Trip Counter displayed and equal to zero?
1. Yes --> Go To 2
2. No --> Refer to the SYMPTOM: INTERMITTENT CONDITION Symptom (Diagnostic Procedure).
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .

NOTE: If a ECT Sensor DTC set along with this code, diagnose the ECT Sensor DTC first.

NOTE: Inspect the ECT terminals and related PCM terminals. Ensure the terminals are free from corrosion and damage.

NOTE: The best way to diagnose this DTC is to allow the vehicle to sit overnight outside in order to have a totally cold soaked engine.

NOTE: Extremely cold outside ambient temperatures may have caused this DTC to set.

WARNING: Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot. The system is under pressure. Extreme burns or scalding may result. Allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system.

Check the coolant system to make sure that the coolant is in good condition and at the proper level.
Is the coolant level and condition OK?
1. Yes --> Go To 3
2. No --> Inspect the vehicle for a coolant leak and add the necessary amount of coolant.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .

NOTE: This test works best if performed on a cold engine (cold soak)

NOTE: If engine coolant temperature is above 82°C (180°F), allow the engine to cool until 65°C (150°F) is reached.

NOTE: As the engine warms up to operating temperature, the actual coolant temperature (thermometer reading) and the Eng Coolant Tmp Deg in the DRBIII® values should stay relatively close to each other.

NOTE: For this test to be valid, the thermostat must be operating correctly.

Ignition on, engine not running.
With the DRBIII®, read the Eng Coolant Tmp Deg value. If the engine was allowed to sit overnight (cold soak), the temperature value should be a sensible value that is somewhere close to the ambient temperature.

Start the Engine.

During engine warm-up monitor the Eng Coolant Tmp Deg value. The temp deg value change should be a smooth transition from start up to normal operating temp 82°C (180°F). Also monitor the actual coolant temperature with a thermometer.

Using the appropriate service information, determine the proper opening temperature of the thermostat.

Did the thermostat open at the proper temperature?
1. Yes --> Go To 4
2. No --> Replace the thermostat.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .

NOTE: This test works best if performed on a cold engine (cold soak)

NOTE: If engine coolant temperature is above 82°C (180°F), allow the engine to cool until 65°C (150°F) is reached.

Ignition on, engine not running.
With the DRBIII® in sensors, read the Eng Coolant Tmp Deg value. If the engine was allowed to sit overnight (cold soak), the temperature value should be a sensible value that is somewhere close to the surrounding temperature (ambient temperature).

Start the engine.

During engine warm-up, monitor the Eng Coolant Tmp Deg value. The temp deg value change should be a smooth transition from start up to normal operating temp 82°C (180°F). The value should reach at least 82°C (180°F).

Was the Eng Coolant Tmp Deg value increase a smooth transition and did it reach at least 180°F?
1. Yes --> Test Complete.
2. No --> Replace the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .