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 for?
1. Yes --> Go To 2
2. No --> Refer to the SYMPTOM: INTERMITTENT CONDITION Symptom (Diagnostic Procedure).
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the coil on plug harness connector.

Ignition on, engine not running.

With the DRBIII®, actuate the ASD Relay.

Using a 12-volt test light connected to ground, probe the (A142) ASD Relay Output circuit at the Coil on plug harness connector.

Does the test light illuminate brightly?
1. Yes --> Go To 3
2. No --> Go To 8
Stop All Actuations
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the coil on plug harness connector.

NOTE: The following resistance measurement should be taken at 70°-80° F.

Measure the resistance of the Primary Ignition Coil.

3.7L Primary Ignition Coil resistance is 0.6 to 0.9 of an ohm at 77°F (25°C).

Is the resistance within the given specification for the Ignition Coil being tested?
1. Yes --> Go To 4
2. No --> Replace the coil on plug.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .
Using a 12-volt test light connected to a 12-volt source, probe the Ignition Coil Driver circuit.
Crank the engine for 5 seconds while observing the test light.

What is the condition of the test light while cranking the engine?
1. Brightly blinking.
  1. Replace the Coil on plug.
  2. Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .
2. ON constantly.
  1. Go To 5
3. OFF constantly.
  1. Go To 6
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the PCM harness connectors.

Measure the resistance between the Coil Control circuit and known good ground.

Is the resistance below 100 ohms?
1. Yes --> Repair the short to ground in the Coil Control circuit.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .
2. No --> Go To 7
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the PCM harness connectors.

Measure the resistance of the Coil Control circuit from the Coil on plug connector to the PCM connector.

Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms?
1. Yes --> Go To 7
2. No --> Repair the open in the Coil Control circuit.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .

NOTE: Before continuing, check the PCM harness connector terminals for corrosion, damage, or terminal push out. Repair as necessary.

Using the schematics as a guide, inspect the wire harness and connectors. Pay particular attention to all Power and Ground circuits.
If there are no possible causes remaining, review repair.
1. Repair
  1. Replace and program the Powertrain Control Module per Service Information.
  2. Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .
Turn the ignition off.
Remove the ASD Relay from the IPM.

Measure the resistance of the (A142) ASD Relay Output circuit between the ASD Relay connector and the Ignition Coil harness connector.

Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms?
1. Yes --> Go To 9
2. No --> Repair the open in the (A142) ASD Relay Output circuit.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .
Install the ASD Relay.
NOTE: Repeat the following test for both capacitors

NOTE: The Capacitors are attached to the side of each valve cover.

Disconnect the Capacitor harness connector.

Install a good INJ/COIL fuse.

With the DRBIII®, actuate the ASD Relay.

NOTE: If the above test results in an open fuse for both capacitor tests, the problem is a short to ground in the (A142) ASD Relay Output circuit. Repair the short to ground in the (A142) ASD Relay Output circuit and refer to VER-5

Is the INJ/COIL fuse OK for both capacitor tests?
1. Yes --> Replace the Capacitor(s)
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .
2. No --> Repair the short to ground in the (A142) ASD Relay Output circuit.
  Perform POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST VER - 5 .