Home/Dodge/Dakota Sport/Dodge Dakota Sport (1989-1994)/Repair manual/Testing & Diagnostics/Engine Controls - Tests W/codes - 3.9L: Diagnosis
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - Tests W/codes - 3.9L: Diagnosis Dodge Dakota Sport

Testing & Diagnostics 45 illustrations ~1178 words

SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

The self-diagnostic capabilities of this system, if properly utilized, can simplify testing. The Single-Board Engine Controller (SBEC) monitors several different engine control system circuits.

If a problem is sensed with a monitored circuit, a fault code is stored in the SBEC, the CHECK ENGINE light illuminates, and SBEC enters limp-in mode. In limp-in mode, SBEC compensates for component failure by substituting information from other sources. This allows vehicle operation until repairs can be made.

Once fault codes are known, refer to FAULT CODES table in this article to determine the questionable circuit. Test circuits and repair or replace components as required. If problem is repaired or ceases to exist, the SBEC cancels that fault code after approximately 50 ignition on-off cycles. To clear fault codes, see CLEARING FAULT CODES in this article.

A specific fault code is the result of a particular system failure, but it DOES NOT indicate that cause of failure is necessarily within system. The fault code DOES NOT condemn any specific component; it pinpoints a probable malfunctioning area.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

To obtain fault codes, see RETRIEVING FAULT CODES in this article. If fault codes are NOT present and/or Diagnostic Readout Box II (DRB-II) is used, proceed to one of the following tests.

  1. Go to NO START TEST 1A ( «NS-1A»(ref-10648-S09087819232000111000000) ) chart if a no-start condition exists, or engine stalls after start-up. Perform indicated VERIFICATION PROCEDURE chart after repairs. Ensure charts apply to engine being tested.
  2. Go to DRIVEABILITY TEST 1A ( «DR-1A»(ref-10648-S01539978692000111000000) ) chart if engine runs but has performance problems. Perform indicated VERIFICATION PROCEDURE chart after repairs. Ensure charts apply to engine being tested.

Note. When using trouble shooting charts for diagnosis, DO NOT skip any steps in chart, or incorrect diagnosis may result.

Before proceeding with diagnosis, the following precautions must be followed

  1. Vehicle must have a fully charged battery, and functional charging system.
  2. Probe SBEC connector from pin side. DO NOT backprobe SBEC connector.
  3. DO NOT cause short circuits when performing electrical tests. This will set additional fault codes, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
  4. DO NOT use a test light in place of a voltmeter.
  5. When checking for spark, ensure coil wire is NO more than 1/4" from ground. If coil wire is more than 1/4" from ground, damage to vehicle electronics and/or SBEC may result.
  6. DO NOT prolong testing of fuel injectors, or engine may hydrostatically (liquid) lock.
  7. Always repair lowest fault code number (CHECK ENGINE light), or first fault displayed (DRB-II) first.
  8. Always perform VERIFICATION PROCEDURE test after repairs are made.
  9. Always disconnect DRB-II after use.
  10. Always disconnect DRB-II before charging battery.

ACTUATOR TEST MODE

Actuator test mode is used to check operation of output circuits of devices the SBEC cannot recognize. The following, depending on engine and model application, can be activated in actuator test mode to ensure component operation: relays, solenoids and various components. The following are information or components that may be accessed through actuator test mode.

  1. A/C Clutch Relay
  2. Air Idle Speed (AIS) Motor
  3. Air Switch Solenoid
  4. Alternator Field
  5. ASD (Auto Shutdown) Relay
  6. ASD (Auto Shutdown) System
  7. CHECK ENGINE Light
  8. EGR Solenoid
  9. Emission Maintenance Reminder (EMR) Light
  10. Fuel Injector
  11. Ignition Coil
  12. Overdrive Solenoid
  13. Part Throttle Unlock (PTU) A/T Only
  14. Purge Solenoid
  15. Radiator Fan Relay
  16. Shift Indicator Light (M/T Only)
  17. Solenoid/Relays
  18. Speed Control Servo Solenoids
  19. Stop All Tests
  20. Tachometer Output

KEYPAD TEST FAILURE

Ensure ignition is off. DO NOT touch keypad on DRB-II. Turn ignition on. If DRB-II displays KEYPAD TEST FAILURE, replace DRB-II. If KEYPAD TEST FAILURE message is not displayed, proceed with diagnostics.

RAM TEST FAILURE

If message is displayed, replace DRB-II and proceed with diagnostics.

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHARTS

Note. The following trouble shooting charts and illustrations are courtesy of Chrysler Motors.

Schematic Test NS-1A Check For Faults & Spark. Scheme 193

Scheme 193: Schematic Test NS-1A Check For Faults & Spark

Test NS-1A (1 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark. Scheme 194

Scheme 194: Test NS-1A (1 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark

Test NS-1A (2 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark. Scheme 195

Scheme 195: Test NS-1A (2 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark

Test NS-1A (3 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark. Scheme 196

Scheme 196: Test NS-1A (3 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark

Test NS-1A (4 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark. Scheme 197

Scheme 197: Test NS-1A (4 of 4) Check For Faults & Spark

Test NS-2A (1 of 2) Fuel System Check. Scheme 198

Scheme 198: Test NS-2A (1 of 2) Fuel System Check

Test NS-2A (2 of 2) Fuel System Check. Scheme 199

Scheme 199: Test NS-2A (2 of 2) Fuel System Check

Test NS-3A (1 of 2) Spark Delivery & Engine Mechanical Check. Scheme 200

Scheme 200: Test NS-3A (1 of 2) Spark Delivery & Engine Mechanical Check

Test NS-3A (2 of 2) Spark Delivery & Engine Mechanical Check. Scheme 201

Scheme 201: Test NS-3A (2 of 2) Spark Delivery & Engine Mechanical Check

Test NS-4A Check Low Fuel Pressure Check. Scheme 202

Scheme 202: Test NS-4A Check Low Fuel Pressure Check

Test NS-4B (1 of 2) High Fuel Pressure Check. Scheme 203

Scheme 203: Test NS-4B (1 of 2) High Fuel Pressure Check

Test NS-4B (2 of 2) High Fuel Pressure Check. Scheme 204

Scheme 204: Test NS-4B (2 of 2) High Fuel Pressure Check

Schematic Test NS-5A Ignition Coil Check. Scheme 205

Scheme 205: Schematic Test NS-5A Ignition Coil Check

Test NS-5A (1 of 2) Ignition Coil Check. Scheme 206

Scheme 206: Test NS-5A (1 of 2) Ignition Coil Check

Test NS-5A (2 of 2) Ignition Coil Check. Scheme 207

Scheme 207: Test NS-5A (2 of 2) Ignition Coil Check

Schematic Test NS-6A Fuel Pump Check. Scheme 208

Scheme 208: Schematic Test NS-6A Fuel Pump Check

Test NS-6A Fuel Pump Check. Scheme 209

Scheme 209: Test NS-6A Fuel Pump Check

Schematic Test NS-7A No Response. Scheme 210

Scheme 210: Schematic Test NS-7A No Response

Test NS-7A (1 of 3) No Response. Scheme 211

Scheme 211: Test NS-7A (1 of 3) No Response

Test NS-7A (2 of 3) No Response. Scheme 212

Scheme 212: Test NS-7A (2 of 3) No Response

Schematic For Test NS-7A (3 of 3) No Response. Scheme 213

Scheme 213: Schematic For Test NS-7A (3 of 3) No Response

Test NS-7A (3 of 3) No Response. Scheme 214

Scheme 214: Test NS-7A (3 of 3) No Response

Test NS-7B (1 of 2) No Response. Scheme 215

Scheme 215: Test NS-7B (1 of 2) No Response

Test NS-7B (2 of 2) No Response. Scheme 216

Scheme 216: Test NS-7B (2 of 2) No Response

Test NS-7C (1 of 2) No Response. Scheme 217

Scheme 217: Test NS-7C (1 of 2) No Response

Test NS-7C (2 of 2) No Response. Scheme 218

Scheme 218: Test NS-7C (2 of 2) No Response

Schematic Test NS-8A No Reference Signal During Cranking. Scheme 219

Scheme 219: Schematic Test NS-8A No Reference Signal During Cranking

Test NS-8A No Reference Signal During Cranking. Scheme 220

Scheme 220: Test NS-8A No Reference Signal During Cranking

Test NS-8B No Reference Signal During Cranking. Scheme 221

Scheme 221: Test NS-8B No Reference Signal During Cranking

Test NS-8C No Reference Signal During Cranking. Scheme 222

Scheme 222: Test NS-8C No Reference Signal During Cranking

Test NS-9A (1 of 2) Auto Shutdown Relay Control Circuit. Scheme 223

Scheme 223: Test NS-9A (1 of 2) Auto Shutdown Relay Control Circuit

Test NS-9A (2 of 2) Auto Shutdown Relay Control Circuit. Scheme 224

Scheme 224: Test NS-9A (2 of 2) Auto Shutdown Relay Control Circuit

Schematic Test NS-10A No ASD Relay Voltage Sense At Controller. Scheme 225

Scheme 225: Schematic Test NS-10A No ASD Relay Voltage Sense At Controller

Test NS-10A No ASD Relay Voltage Sense At Controller. Scheme 226

Scheme 226: Test NS-10A No ASD Relay Voltage Sense At Controller

Test NS-11A (1 of 3 Fault in Injector Circuit. Scheme 227

Scheme 227: Test NS-11A (1 of 3 Fault in Injector Circuit

Test NS-11A (2 of 3) Fault in Injector Circuit. Scheme 228

Scheme 228: Test NS-11A (2 of 3) Fault in Injector Circuit

Test NS-11A (3 of 3) Fault in Injector Circuit. Scheme 229

Scheme 229: Test NS-11A (3 of 3) Fault in Injector Circuit

Schematic Test NS-12A Idle Speed Motor Check. Scheme 230

Scheme 230: Schematic Test NS-12A Idle Speed Motor Check

Test NS-12A (1 of 2) Idle Speed Motor Check. Scheme 231

Scheme 231: Test NS-12A (1 of 2) Idle Speed Motor Check

Test NS-12A (2 of 2) Idle Speed Motor Check. Scheme 232

Scheme 232: Test NS-12A (2 of 2) Idle Speed Motor Check

DR-45A PERFORMING NO FAULT CODE MECHANICAL TEST

At this point in the driveability test procedure, it has been determined that all engine control systems are operating as designed and are not the cause of the driveability problem. Check the following additional items for possible causes

  1. Valve timing.
  2. Torque converter stall speed.
  3. Engine compression.
  4. Camshaft and crankshaft sprockets.
  5. Power brake booster for internal vacuum leaks.
  6. For fuel contamination.
  7. Exhaust system for restriction.
  8. Ensure injectors are not plugged or restricted.
  9. Ensure engine vacuum is at least 13 in. Hg.
  10. Ensure PCV system is functioning properly.

Test DR-46A Intermittent Test for Solenoids & Relays. Scheme 233

Scheme 233: Test DR-46A Intermittent Test for Solenoids & Relays

Test DR-47A Intermittent Test for Voltage Sensors. Scheme 234

Scheme 234: Test DR-47A Intermittent Test for Voltage Sensors

Test DR-47B Intermittent Test for MAP Sensor Signal Change. Scheme 235

Scheme 235: Test DR-47B Intermittent Test for MAP Sensor Signal Change

Test DR-48A Intermittent Test for AIS Motor Circuits. Scheme 236

Scheme 236: Test DR-48A Intermittent Test for AIS Motor Circuits

Test DR-49A Intermittent Test for Fuel Injectors. Scheme 237

Scheme 237: Test DR-49A Intermittent Test for Fuel Injectors