Diagnostic Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Dodge Journey and 2015 Dodge Journey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

ACTIVE DTC
1. Ignition on, engine not running.
  NOTE:
  If this code sets during extreme ambient temperatures, improper installation of a block heater may cause this DTC to set.
2. With the scan tool, select View DTCs.
3. Diagnose all other ECT and Cooling System codes before continuing.
  Is the DTC Active at this time?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 2
  No
  - Perform the INTERMITTENT CONDITION diagnostic procedure. Refer to INTERMITTENT CONDITION . .
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
NOTE:
If an Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) DTC is set along with this code, diagnose the ECT DTC first.

NOTE:
Inspect the ECT Sensor terminals and related PCM terminals. Make sure 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 cold soak the engine.

NOTE:
Extreme cold ambient temperatures may cause this DTC to set.

NOTE:
Inspect that there are no changes to the Cooling System that would make the warm up much slower or much faster: worn water pump, addition of aftermarket auxiliary cooler or a performance thermostat.

WARNING:
Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot. The system is under pressure. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system.
1. Inspect the coolant system for proper level and condition. Refer to LEVEL CHECK .
  Is the coolant level and condition OK?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 3
  No
  - Inspect the vehicle for a coolant leak and add the necessary amount of coolant. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
THERMOSTAT
NOTE:
This test works best if performed on a cold engine (cold soak).
1. Ignition on, engine not running.
2. With the scan tool, read the Engine Coolant Temperature Degree value. If the engine was allowed to sit overnight (cold soak), the temperature value should be a value that is close to the ambient temperature.
  NOTE:
  If engine coolant temperature is above 82°C (180°F), allow the engine to cool until 65°C (150°F) is reached.
3. Start the Engine.
4. During engine warm-up, monitor the Engine Coolant Temperature Degree value. The temperature degree 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.
  NOTE:
  As the engine warms up to operating temperature, the actual coolant temperature (thermometer reading) and the Engine Coolant Temperature Degree on the scan tool should stay relatively close to each other.
5. Using the appropriate Service Information, determine the proper opening temperature of the thermostat. Refer to THERMOSTAT, OPERATION .
  Did the thermostat open at the proper temperature?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 4
  No
  - Replace the thermostat.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
ECT SENSOR

Fig 1: ECT Sensor Harness Connector End View
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the ECT Sensor harness connector.
3. With the scan tool, read the ECT voltage.
4. Connect a jumper between the (K2) ECT Signal circuit and the (K900) Sensor ground circuit in the ECT Sensor harness connector.
  Is the voltage below 1.0 Volt with the jumper wired installed?
  
  Yes
  - Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the ECT Sensor and Powertrain Control Module connectors. If OK, replace the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Refer to SENSOR, COOLANT TEMPERATURE, REMOVAL .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
  No
  - Go To 5
(K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE

Fig 2: Checking ECT Signal Circuit For Short To Voltage
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the PCM C2 harness connector.
3. Ignition on, engine not running.
4. Measure the voltage on the (K2) ECT Signal circuit in the ECT Sensor harness connector.
  Is there any voltage present?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the short to voltage in the (K2) ECT Signal circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
  No
  - Go To 6
(K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT OPEN

Fig 3: Checking ECT Signal Circuit For Open Or High Resistance
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Measure the resistance of the (K2) ECT Signal circuit from the ECT Sensor harness connector to the PCM C2 harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 7
  No
  - Repair the open or excessive resistance in the (K2) ECT Signal circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
(K900) SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT OPEN

Fig 4: Checking Sensor Ground Circuit For Open Or High Resistance.
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Measure the resistance of the (K900) Sensor ground circuit from the ECT Sensor harness connector to the PCM C2 harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Go To 8
  No
  - Repair the open or excessive resistance in the (K900) Sensor ground circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
(K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND

Fig 5: Checking ECT Signal Circuit For Short To Ground
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K2) ECT Signal circuit in the ECT Sensor harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 100 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the short to ground in the (K2) ECT Signal circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
  No
  - Go To 9
(K2) ECT SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO THE (K900) SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT

Fig 6: Checking ECT Signal Circuit For Short To Sensor Ground Circuit
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
1. Measure the resistance between the (K2) ECT Signal circuit and the (K900) Sensor ground circuit in the ECT Sensor harness connector.
  Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?
  
  Yes
  - Repair the short between the (K900) Sensor ground and the (K2) ECT Signal circuit.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
  No
  - Go To 10
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
1. Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the ECT Sensor and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
2. Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched or partially broken wires.
3. Look for broken, bent, pushed out or corroded terminals. Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the ECT Sensor and Powertrain Control Module connectors.
4. Perform any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that may apply.
  Were there any problems found?
  
  Yes
  - Repair as necessary.
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .
  No
  - Replace and program the Powertrain Control Module in accordance with the Service Information. Refer to MODULE, POWERTRAIN CONTROL, REMOVAL .
  - Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Refer to POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST . .