Engine Controls - Basic Engine Testing: Other Chrysler LHS II

Compression

Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. Ensure battery is fully charged, engine is at normal operating temperature and throttle valve is fully open when checking the compression.

On vehicles with coil-on-plug ignition, remove Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay to prevent engine from starting when checking the compression. ASD relay is located behind driver's side strut tower at rear corner of engine compartment and contains a Gray 9-pin connector. (Scheme 1) Once compression test is complete, reinstall ASD relay and use scan tool to clear Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) from Powertrain Control Module (PCM). See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article for clearing of DTC.

On vehicles with Distributorless Ignition System (DIS), ensure electrical connector is disconnected from ignition coil to prevent engine from starting when performing compression test.

Scheme 1

COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

4-CYLINDER FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE

Avenger & Sebring Coupe

1. Remove rear seat cushion. Remove protector for access to fuel pump electrical connector. Fuel pump electrical connector is located on top of fuel tank. Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector from wiring harness.
2. Start engine and allow engine to idle until engine stalls. Turn ignition off. Reinstall fuel pump electrical connector, protector and rear seat cushion. Fuel system components may now be serviced. Cover fuel lines with shop towel before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.

Breeze, Neon, Sebring Convertible & Stratus

1. On Breeze and Stratus, disconnect negative battery cable from remote battery terminal on driver's side strut tower. Remove fuel tank cap to release fuel tank pressure. On Sebring Convertible, Remove fuel pump relay from power distribution center.
2. On all models, remove protective cap from fuel pressure test port on fuel rail. Fuel pressure test port is located at center of fuel rail. Place end of Fuel Pressure Gauge Hose (C-47991) into approved gasoline container.
3. Screw remaining end of fuel pressure gauge hose onto fuel pressure test port. Fuel pressure will be released into gasoline container.
4. After fuel pressure is released, remove fuel pressure gauge hose from fuel pressure test port. Reinstall protective cap on fuel pressure test port and fuel tank cap. Reinstall negative battery cable. Fuel system components may now be serviced. Cover fuel lines with shop towel before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.

V6 FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE

1. Remove rear seat cushion. Remove protector for access to fuel pump electrical connector. Fuel pump electrical connector is located on top of fuel tank. Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector from wiring harness.
2. Start engine and allow engine to idle until engine stalls. Turn ignition off. Reinstall fuel pump electrical connector, protector and rear seat cushion. Fuel system components may now be serviced. Cover fuel lines with shop towel before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.

Cirrus, Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, Sebring Convertible, Stratus & 300M

1. Remove fuel pump relay. Fuel pump relay is located in power distribution center at driver's side front corner of engine compartment, just in front of strut tower.
2. Start engine and allow engine to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to restart engine until engine will no longer run. Turn ignition off. CAUTION: Ensure steps 1 and 2 are performed before proceeding.
3. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Fuel system components may now be serviced. Cover fuel lines with shop towel before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
4. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTCs) may have been stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) due to the removal of fuel pump relay. Using scan tool, clear DTCs from PCM. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article for clearing of DTCs.

Except Avenger & Sebring Coupe

For fuel pressure and fuel pump testing procedures, see appropriate NO TROUBLE CODE and NO START tests in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.

Avenger & Sebring Coupe (4-Cylinder)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «4-CYLINDER FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-552-S42620971172000030800000) . Remove protective cover from service valve on fuel rail. Connect Fuel Pressure Gauge (C-4789) on fuel rail service valve.
2. Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, select FUEL SYSTEM TEST to actuate fuel pump. Ensure fuel does not leak from fuel rail service valve. Observe fuel pressure. Fuel pressure should be 47-50 psi (330-350 kPa). CAUTION: When using scan tool to actuate fuel pump, fuel pump relay will remain energized for 7 minutes or until ignition is turned off.
3. If fuel pressure is less than specified, check for clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel pressure regulator or faulty fuel pump. If fuel pressure is more than specified, check for faulty fuel pressure regulator or clogged fuel return line.
4. Using scan tool, repeat FUEL SYSTEM TEST with ignition on. Turn ignition off, and observe fuel pressure. Fuel pressure should hold for 2 minutes. If fuel pressure drops gradually, check for leaky injector or faulty fuel pressure regulator.
5. If fuel pressure drops sharply immediately after engine is stopped, fuel pump check valve is stuck open. Replace fuel pump.

Avenger & Sebring Coupe (V6)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «V6 FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-552-S03059660412000030800000). Remove fuel plate from fuel rail. (Scheme 2) CAUTION: Cover fuel plate with shop towel to prevent splash of fuel that could be caused by some residual pressure in fuel line.
2. Install fuel pressure gauge on Adapter Hose (MD998709) and Hose Adapter (MD998742) as shown in illustration. (Scheme 3) Install special tool assembly to fuel rail as shown in illustration. (Scheme 4)
3. Using scan tool, select FUEL SYSTEM TEST to drive fuel pump. Ensure fuel pressure gauge connections do not leak. Start engine and let it idle. Observe fuel pressure. Fuel pressure should be 47-50 psi (324-343 kPa). Race engine several times. Check that fuel pressure at idle does not drop.
4. If fuel pressure is less than specified, or if fuel pressure drops after racing engine, check for clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel pressure regulator or faulty fuel pump. If fuel pressure is more than specified, check for faulty fuel pressure regulator or clogged fuel return line.
5. Turn engine off, and observe fuel pressure. Fuel pressure should hold for 2 minutes. If fuel pressure drops gradually, check for leaky injector or faulty fuel pressure regulator.
6. If fuel pressure drops sharply immediately after engine is stopped, fuel pump check valve is stuck open. Replace fuel pump.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

FUEL PUMP RELAY

Avenger & Sebring Coupe fuel pump relay is located behind driver's side strut tower at rear corner of engine compartment. (Scheme 1) On all other models, fuel pump relay is located in power distribution center at driver's side front corner of engine compartment.

On all models, if fuel pump relay or control circuit becomes defective, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may be stored in PCM. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article for diagnosis of DTC for fuel pump relay. For additional information on diagnosis for fuel pump with fuel pump relay and control circuit, see appropriate NO START test in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.

For ignition system spark testing and component testing, see NO START TESTING PROCEDURES under NO START TESTS.

Concorde, Intrepid, LHS & 300M

For ignition system spark testing and component testing, see TEST NS-1A: QUALIFYING A NO START CONDITION in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - CONCORDE, INTREPID, LHS & 300M article.

All Other Models

For ignition system spark testing and component testing, see appropriate NO TROUBLE CODE and NO START tests in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.

Avenger & Sebring Coupe 2.0L

1. Remove No. 2 spark plug cable. Insert new spark plug in cable boot. Ground body of spark plug and crank engine. If spark occurs, check for spark at remaining spark plug cables. If no spark occurs, check camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - AVENGER & SEBRING COUPE - 2.0L article. If spark from one or more cables is weak or missing, check ignition coil and spark plug cables.
2. Disconnect 3-pin coil wiring harness connector. Check primary coil resistance between center coil terminal and each outer coil terminal. Resistance should be .51-.61 ohm. Remove spark plug cables. Check secondary coil resistance between coil towers No. 1 and No. 4. Check secondary coil resistance between coil towers No. 2 and No. 3. Resistance should be 11,500-13,500 ohms. Replace coil if any resistance is not as specified.
3. Remove each spark plug cable. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance of each spark plug cable. Resistance should be 8000 ohms or less. Replace any spark plug cable that has resistance more than 8000 ohms. Check spark plugs.

Avenger & Sebring Coupe 2.5L

1. Remove No. 2 spark plug cable. Insert new spark plug in cable boot. Ground body of spark plug and crank engine. If spark occurs, check for spark at remaining spark plug cables. If spark from one or more cables is weak or missing, check ignition coil, transistor and spark plug cables.
2. Disconnect distributor wiring connector. Using ohmmeter, check resistance between coil terminals No. 11 and No. 12. (Scheme 5) Resistance should be.6-.8 ohm. Check resistance between coil terminal No. 11 and high voltage terminal. Resistance should be 12,000-18,000 ohms. Replace coil if any resistance is not as specified.
3. Disconnect transistor wiring connector. Connect a 1.5-volt battery positive terminal to transistor terminal No. 6. (Scheme 5) Connect negative battery terminal to transistor terminal No. 5. Using an analog ohmmeter, check for continuity between transistor terminals No. 5 and No. 12. Continuity should exist. Remove 1.5-volt battery. Check for continuity between transistor terminals No. 5 and No. 12. Continuity should not exist. Replace transistor if continuity is not as specified.
4. Remove each spark plug cable. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance of each spark plug cable. Resistance should be 22,000 ohms or less. Replace any spark plug cable that has resistance more than 22,000 ohms. Check spark plugs. Check camshaft position sensor, located in distributor. For camshaft position sensor testing, see SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - AVENGER & SEBRING COUPE - 2.5L article.

Scheme 5

For additional information on no start testing procedures, see appropriate NO START test in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.

IGNITION TIMING

Ignition timing is controlled by Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and is nonadjustable. On models with distributor, DO NOT attempt to adjust ignition timing by rotating distributor.

1. Start engine and warm engine until coolant temperature is 176-203°F (80-95°C). Shut engine off. Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located below driver's side of instrument panel, near steering column. (Scheme 6) Scan tool is used to read engine RPM.
2. Start engine and allow engine to idle for at least 2 minutes. Ensure all accessories are off and transaxle is in Park (A/T) or Neutral (M/T). Ensure idle speed is 700-900 RPM.
3. Turn ignition off. If idle speed is within specification, remove scan tool. If idle speed is not within specification, go to next step.
4. PCM controls Idle Air Control (IAC) motor for proper idle speed. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - AVENGER & SEBRING COUPE - 2.0L article for diagnosis of IAC motor operation. Remove scan tool.

Scheme 6

Manufacturer does not list procedure for checking idle speed. Idle speed is controlled by Powertrain Control Module (PCM). No adjustment is required. The PCM controls Idle Air Control (IAC) motor for proper idle speed. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article for diagnosis of incorrect IAC motor operation.

1. Start engine and warm engine until coolant temperature is 176-203°F (80-95°C). Shut engine off. Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located below driver's side of instrument panel, near steering column. (Scheme 6) Scan tool is used to read engine RPM.
2. Start engine and allow engine to idle for at least 2 minutes. Ensure all accessories are off and transaxle is in Park. Ensure idle speed is 650-850 RPM.
3. Turn ignition off. If idle speed is within specification, remove scan tool. If idle speed is not within specification, go to next step.
4. PCM controls Idle Air Control (IAC) motor for proper idle speed. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - AVENGER & SEBRING COUPE - 2.5L article for diagnosis of incorrect IAC motor operation. Remove scan tool.

Manufacturer does not list procedure for checking idle speed. Idle speed is controlled by Powertrain Control Module (PCM). No adjustment is required. The PCM controls Idle Air Control (IAC) motor for proper idle speed. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article for diagnosis of incorrect IAC motor operation.

SUMMARY

If no faults were found while performing basic diagnostic procedures, proceed to appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no diagnostic trouble codes are found during self-diagnostics, proceed to appropriate TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO-START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.