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Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Gasoline: Other Dodge Cab & Chassis Dakota

Testing & Diagnostics ~739 words

NO START (COLD ENGINE)

  1. Ensure battery is fully charged
  2. Check for contaminated fuel
  3. Check spark plugs
  4. Check fuel pump fuse(s)
  5. Check in-line fuse to control unit (if applicable)
  6. Ensure ignition timing and fuel pressure are correct
  7. Check fuel injectors
  8. Ensure timing belt is not broken (if applicable)
  9. Ensure ignition coil resistance is correct
  10. Ensure rotor, distributor and spark plug wires are okay
  11. Check ignition control unit
  12. Check coolant temperature sensor and connector
  13. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  14. Check engine speed sensor
  15. Check airflow sensor

NO START (WARM ENGINE)

  1. Ensure fuel pressure is correct
  2. Check for gasoline in oil
  3. Ensure fuel injectors are not leaking
  4. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection
  5. Ensure spark plugs are not fouled
  6. Check ignition and coil circuit
  7. Check engine speed sensor
  8. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)

STARTS BUT STALLS

  1. Check coolant temperature sensor
  2. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection
  3. Check fuel injectors
  4. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  5. Check engine speed sensor

HARD TO START (COLD ENGINE)

  1. Check spark plugs
  2. Check distributor (if applicable)
  3. Ensure fuel pressure is correct
  4. Check ignition timing
  5. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)

ERRATIC IDLE (WARM-UP)

  1. Check throttle switch and connection (if applicable)
  2. Check coolant temperature sensor and connection
  3. Check air temperature sensor (if applicable)
  4. Ensure spark plugs are not fouled
  5. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection
  6. Check distributor (if applicable)
  7. Check ignition and coil circuit
  8. Check intake system
  9. Check engine speed sensor
  10. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  11. Check MAP sensor (if applicable)

ENGINE SURGES

  1. Check ignition and fuel system
  2. Check for vacuum leaks
  3. Check EGR system

BACKFIRING

  1. Ensure ignition timing is correct.
  2. Ensure timing belt/chain has not jumped.
  3. Check distributor (if applicable)
  4. Check for gasoline in oil
  5. Ensure fuel injectors are not leaking
  6. Check spark plugs
  7. Check ignition and coil circuit
  8. Check engine speed sensor
  9. Check throttle switch and connector
  10. Check exhaust system

INCORRECT IDLE SPEED

  1. Check fuel injectors
  2. Check intake system for leaks
  3. Check coolant temperature sensor
  4. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  5. Check distributor (if applicable)

HESITATION ON ACCELERATION

  1. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection
  2. Check distributor cap for moisture or carbon tracking (if applicable)
  3. Ensure spark plug wires are okay
  4. Ensure spark plugs are not fouled
  5. Check MAP sensor (if applicable)
  6. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  7. Check ignition and coil circuit
  8. Check engine speed sensor

HESITATION WHEN COASTING

  1. Check fuel injectors
  2. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection
  3. Check throttle switch and connector
  4. Check engine speed sensor
  5. Check for gasoline in oil

KNOCKING

  1. Check ignition and coil circuit
  2. Check for defect in throttle body power system
  3. Check for restrictions at throttle body air inlet
  4. Check EGR system
  5. Ensure spark plugs fire
  6. Check knock sensor (if applicable)
  7. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  8. Check engine speed sensor
  9. Check MAP sensor (if applicable)

ENGINE MISFIRE ON ALL CONDITIONS

  1. Check fuel injectors
  2. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection
  3. Check ignition and coil circuit
  4. Check for gasoline in oil
  5. Check intake and exhaust system
  6. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  7. Check for vacuum leaks
  8. Check engine speed sensor
  9. Check MAP sensor (if applicable)

INSUFFICIENT ENGINE POWER

  1. Check fuel injectors
  2. Check for air inlet restriction
  3. Ensure fuel pressure is correct
  4. Check airflow sensor
  5. Check for restricted exhaust
  6. Check coolant temperature sensor
  7. Check air temperature sensor (if applicable)
  8. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  9. Check ignition and coil circuit
  10. Check MAP sensor (if applicable)
  11. Check engine speed sensor
  12. Check intake and exhaust system
  13. Check EGR system

POOR FUEL ECONOMY

  1. Check for leaky fuel injectors
  2. Ensure spark plugs are not fouled
  3. Check for faulty oxygen sensor
  4. Check throttle switch and connector
  5. Check for poor wire connections
  6. Check engine speed sensor
  7. Check for gasoline in oil
  8. Check MAP sensor (if applicable)

EXCESSIVE HC & NOx

  1. Check for gasoline in oil
  2. Check for leaky fuel injectors
  3. Check for faulty oxygen sensor
  4. Check ignition and sensor wires for poor connection
  5. Check engine speed sensor
  6. Check throttle switch and connector (if applicable)
  7. Check for vacuum leaks

INTERMITTENT SIMULATION

To reproduce the conditions creating an intermittent fault, use the following methods

  1. Lightly vibrate component
  2. Heat component
  3. Wiggle or bend wiring harness
  4. Spray component with water
  5. Remove/apply vacuum source

Monitor circuit/component voltage or resistance while simulating intermittent. If engine is running, monitor for self-diagnostic codes. Use test results to identify a faulty component or circuit.

More articles — Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Gasoline