Home ReviewsRefund
Home/Dodge/Dakota WS/Dodge Dakota WS (1994-1994)/Repair manual/Testing & Diagnostics/Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Gasoline: Diagnosis
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Gasoline: Diagnosis Dodge Dakota WS

Testing & Diagnostics ~315 words

SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS

Symptom checks cannot be used properly unless problem occurs while vehicle is tested. To reduce diagnostic time, verify customer's complaint, ensure steps in appropriate BASIC TESTING and G - TESTS W/ CODES articles (if applicable) in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section are performed and visually inspect all systems before diagnosing a symptom. See appropriate TABLE in this article. Symptoms available for diagnosis include the following

  1. No Start - Cold Engine
  2. No Start - Warm Engine
  3. Starts But Stalls
  4. Hard To Start - Cold Engine
  5. Erratic Idle - Warm-Up
  6. Engine Surges
  7. Backfiring
  8. Incorrect Idle Speed
  9. Hesitation - Acceleration
  10. Hesitation - Coasting
  11. Knocking
  12. Engine Misfire - All Conditions
  13. Insufficient Engine Power
  14. Poor Fuel Economy
  15. Excessive HC & NOx

INTERMITTENT PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Intermittent fault testing requires duplicating circuit or component failure to identify problem. These procedures may lead to computer setting a fault code, which may help in diagnosis.

If problem vehicle does not produce fault codes, monitor voltage or resistance values using a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) while attempting to reproduce conditions causing intermittent fault. A status change on DVOM indicates a fault has been located.

Use a DVOM to pinpoint faults. When monitoring voltage, ensure ignition switch is in ON position or engine is running. Ensure ignition switch is in OFF position or negative battery cable is disconnected when monitoring circuit resistance. Status changes on DVOM during test procedures indicate area of fault.

TEST PROCEDURES

Following methods may reproduce conditions which create an intermittent fault which may be identified during testing

  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 fault. If engine is running, monitor for self-diagnostic codes. Use test results to identify a faulty component or area to be closely inspected for problem.

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