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

NO START - COLD ENGINE

1. Ensure battery is fully charged.
2. Check for sufficient or contaminated fuel.
3. Check spark plugs.
4. Check fuel pump fuse(s).
5. Check in-line fuse to PCM (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 TPS and connector (if applicable).
14. Check crankshaft position sensor.
15. Check MAP 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 crankshaft position sensor.
8. Check TPS 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 TPS and connector (if applicable).
5. Check crankshaft position 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 TPS and connector (if applicable).

ERRATIC IDLE - WARM-UP

1. Check TPS 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 idle air control motor.
10. Check crankshaft position sensor.
11. Check TPS and connector (if applicable).
12. 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 crankshaft position sensor.
9. Check TPS 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 idle air control motor.
5. Check TPS and connector (if applicable).
6. Check distributor (if applicable).

HESITATION - ACCELERATION

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

HESITATION - COASTING

1. Check fuel injectors.
2. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection.
3. Check TPS and connector.
4. Check crankshaft position 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 TPS and connector (if applicable).
7. Check crankshaft position sensor.
8. Check MAP sensor (if applicable).

ENGINE MISFIRE - 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 TPS and connector (if applicable).
7. Check for vacuum leaks.
8. Check crankshaft position sensor.
9. Check MAP sensor (if applicable).

INSUFFICIENT ENGINE POWER

1. Check fuel injectors.
2. Check fuel level.
3. Check for air inlet restriction.
4. Ensure fuel pressure is correct.
5. Check MAP sensor.
6. Check for restricted exhaust.
7. Check coolant temperature sensor.
8. Check air temperature sensor (if applicable).
9. Check TPS and connector (if applicable).
10. Check ignition and coil circuit.
11. Check MAP sensor (if applicable).
12. Check crankshaft position sensor.
13. Check intake and exhaust system.
14. 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 TPS and connector.
5. Check for poor wire connections.
6. Check crankshaft position 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 crankshaft position sensor.
6. Check TPS and connector (if applicable).
7. Check for vacuum leaks.