Starting - Non-Dtc Based Diagnostics: Diagnosis Dodge Avenger II facelift

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY SYSTEM

The battery, starting, and charging systems in the vehicle operate with one another and must be tested as a complete system. In order for the engine to start and the battery to maintain its charge properly, all of the components that are used in these systems must perform within specifications. It is important that the battery, starting, and charging systems be thoroughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal battery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service. The service information for these systems has been separated within this service information to make it easier to locate the specific information you are seeking. However, when attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.

The diagnostic procedures used for the battery, starting, and charging systems include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmmeter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load tester) and a 12-volt test lamp may be required. All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failure it detects. for the proper charging system on-board diagnostic test procedures. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST

The starter control circuit has

1. Starter motor with integral solenoid
2. Starter relay
3. Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral Position switch with automatic transmissions
4. Ignition switch
5. Battery
6. All related wiring and connections
7. Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

1. Disable ignition and fuel systems.

RELAY TEST

Remove the starter relay as described in this information to perform the following tests

1. A relay in the de-energized position should have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to 2 . If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
2. Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (electromagnet) should be 75 ±5 ohms. If OK, go to 3 . If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
3. Connect a battery B+ lead to terminals 85 and a ground lead to terminal 86 to energize the relay. The relay should click. Also test for continuity between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to «RELAY CIRCUIT TEST»(ref-485602-S33046942702012071300000) procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

RELAY CIRCUIT TEST

1. The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all times. If OK, go to 2 . If not OK, repair the open circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
2. The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position, but is not used for this application. Go to 3 .
3. The relay normally open terminal (87) is connected to the common feed terminal (30) in the energized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87 and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to 4 . If not OK, repair the open circuit to the starter solenoid as required.
4. The coil battery terminal (85) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when the ignition switch is held in the Start position and the clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans). Check for battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the Start position and the clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans), and no voltage when the ignition switch is released to the On position. If OK, go to 5 . If not OK, check for an open or short circuit to the ignition switch and repair, if required. If the circuit to the ignition switch is OK, see the Ignition Switch Test procedure in this information.
5. The coil ground terminal (86) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded by the PCM if the conditions are right to start the car. For automatic trans. cars the PCM must see Park Neutral switch low and near zero engine speed (RPM). For manual trans. cars the PCM only needs to see near zero engine speed (RPM) and low clutch interlock input and see near zero engine speed (RPM). To diagnose the Park Neutral switch of the trans range sensor refer to the appropriate transaxle information. Check for continuity to ground while the ignition switch is in the start position and if equipped the clutch pedal depressed. If not OK and the vehicle has an automatic trans. verify Park Neutral switch operation. If that checks OK check for continuity between PCM and the terminal 86. Repair open circuit as required. Also check the clutch interlock switch operation if equipped with a manual transmission. If OK, the PCM may be defective.

FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST

Before proceeding with this operation, review Diagnostic Preparation and Starter Feed Circuit Tests. The following operation will require a voltmeter, accurate to 1/10 of a volt.

1. To disable the Ignition and Fuel systems, disconnect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD).
2. Gain access to battery terminals.
3. With all wiring harnesses and components properly connected, perform the following: Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative post, and positive lead to the battery negative cable clamp. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and post. Connect positive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive post, and negative lead to the battery positive cable clamp. Rotate and hold the ignition switch key in the START position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between the cable clamp and post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery negative terminal, and positive lead to engine block near the battery cable attaching point. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor contact at ground cable attaching point. If voltage reading is still above 0.2 volt after correcting poor contacts, replace ground cable.
4. Connect positive voltmeter lead to the starter motor housing and the negative lead to the battery negative terminal. Hold the ignition switch key in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to engine ground. Connect the positive voltmeter lead to the battery positive terminal, and negative lead to battery cable terminal on starter solenoid. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor contact at battery cable to solenoid connection. If reading is still above 0.2 volt after correcting poor contacts, replace battery positive cable. If resistance tests do not detect feed circuit failures, replace the starter motor.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors critical input and output circuits of the charging system, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and output circuit monitored by the OBD system. Some circuits are checked continuously and some are checked only under certain conditions.

If the OBD system senses that a monitored circuit is bad, it will put a DTC into electronic memory. The DTC will stay in electronic memory as long as the circuit continues to be bad. The PCM is programmed to clear the memory after 40 good trips if the problem does not occur again.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES

A DTC description can be read using the scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures information.

A DTC does not identify which component in a circuit is bad. Thus, a DTC should be treated as a symptom, not as the cause for the problem. In some cases, because of the design of the diagnostic test procedure, a DTC can be the reason for another DTC to be set. Therefore, it is important that the test procedures be followed in sequence, to understand what caused a DTC to be set.

ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES

The scan tool must be used to erase a DTC.

The following procedures may be used to diagnose the charging system if

1. the check gauges lamp or battery lamp is illuminated with the engine running
2. the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register properly
3. an undercharged or overcharged battery condition occurs.

Remember that an undercharged battery is often caused by

1. accessories being left on with the engine not running
2. a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw Test. Refer to «BATTERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE»(ref-485500-S04719518172012071300000) .
3. loose generator belt.

INSPECTION

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors critical input and output circuits of the charging system, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and output circuit monitored by the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. Some charging system circuits are checked continuously, and some are checked only under certain conditions.

Refer to appropriate Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain Diagnostic information for more DTC information. This will include a complete list of DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.

To perform a complete test of the charging system, refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures service information and the scan tool. Perform the following inspections before attaching the scan tool.

1. Inspect the battery condition. Refer to the Battery information for procedures. Refer to «DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING»(ref-485500-S20169324612012071300000) .
2. Inspect condition of battery cable terminals, battery posts, connections at engine block, starter solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight. Repair as required.
3. Inspect all fuses in the fuseblock for tightness in receptacles. They should be properly installed and tight. Repair or replace as required.
4. Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness. Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Generator Removal/Installation information for torque specifications. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-485501-S10495470482012071300000) .
5. Inspect generator drive belt condition and tension. Tighten or replace belt as required.
6. Inspect decoupler pulley (if equipped). Ensure decoupler pulley is driving the alternator rotor.
7. Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped). Refer to «TENSIONER, BELT»(ref-485484-S27183352372012071300000) for more information.
8. Inspect generator electrical connections at generator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if equipped). Also check generator ground wire connection at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean and tight. Repair as required.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

1. LOCK/UNLOCK FUNCTION NOTE: For all RKE tests, the key must be out of the ignition. Does the Lock/Unlock function with the interior door switches? Yes Go To 2 . No Perform «DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING»(ref-485598-S36167004312012071300000) for Power Lock/Unlock System diagnosis.
2. RKE FUNCTION AT 20 FEET Does the RKE Function at 20 feet? Yes Go To 3 . No Go To 4 .
3. RKE FUNCTION AT 100 FEET Does the RKE Function at 100 feet? Yes Test complete. No Replace the antenna in accordance with the Service Information.
4. WCM/WIN DTCS Does the WCM/WIN display any DTCs? Yes Perform WCM/WIN diagnosis. No Go To 5 .
5. RKE FUNCTION INSIDE VEHICLE Sit inside the vehicle. Push the Key Fob RKE Lock/Unlock buttons. Does the RKE Lock/Unlock work? Yes Go To 6 . No Go To 9 .
6. ANTENNA COAX CABLE NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED Pull on the Antenna COAX cable connector at the WCM/WIN. Did the connector come off without releasing the lock tab (not properly seated)? Yes Connect Antenna Go To 2 . No Go To 7 .
7. VERIFY COAX CONNECTION AT WCM/WIN Pull Antenna connector off WCM/WIN. Verify no bent pins. Are there any bent pins? Yes Replace antenna. Go To 2 . No Go To 8 .
8. PINCHED WIRE Inspect the ANTENNA Lead COAX Cable for a pinched wire. Has the COAX cable been pinched or damaged? Yes Replace antenna. Go To 2 . No Perform WCM/WIN diagnostics.
9. RKE FUNCTION INSIDE VEHICLE Disconnect the Antenna COAX Cable lead connector to WCM/WIN. Sit inside the vehicle. Push the RKE Key Fob Lock/Unlock buttons. Does the RKE Lock/Unlock work? Yes Replace the antenna. No Go To 10 .
10. CHECK FOR 12 VOLTS AT WCM/WIN Connect the Antenna Lead to WCM/WIN. Disconnect the WCM/WIN harness connector. Using the appropriate wiring diagrams, check for Fused B+ at the WCM/WIN harness connector. Is Fused B+ present? Yes Perform WCM/WIN diagnostics. No Repair the appropriate circuits.

STARTING SYSTEM TEST

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the appropriate Wiring Diagrams.

Before removing any unit from the starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspections

1. Battery - Visually inspect the battery for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace the battery, if required. Refer to «STANDARD PROCEDURE»(ref-485500-S04719518172012071300000) for more information.
2. Ignition Switch - Visually inspect the ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
3. Transmission Range Sensor or Park/Neutral Switch - Visually inspect the transmission range sensor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
4. Starter Relay - Visually inspect the starter relay for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
5. Starter Motor - Visually inspect the starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
6. Starter Solenoid - Visually inspect the starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
7. Wiring - Visually inspect the wire harness for damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required. Check for loose or corroded wire harness connections at main engine ground and remote jump post.

STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS