Charging System - Generators & Regulators: Other Dodge Durango I

BELT TENSION

BELT TENSION

INITIAL CHECKS

Before proceeding with charging system diagnosis, ensure following conditions are met

1. Battery is fully charged and in good condition.
2. Battery cables are in good condition with connections clean and secure.
3. Generator belt is in good condition and properly tightened.
4. Generator and PCM wiring harness connections are clean and tight.
5. Engine ground strap is in place.
6. Generator mounting bolts are tight.

UNSTEADY OR LOW CHARGING

Check for loose generator belt, charging resistance too high, loose generator ground wire, corroded battery terminals or faulty generator.

OVERCHARGING

Check for grounded generator field wiring or faulty generator.

NOISY GENERATOR

Check for worn or frayed drive belt, loose generator mounting, or faulty generator.

PRECAUTIONS

Before proceeding with diagnosis, observe following precautions

1. Ensure battery is fully charged.
2. Probe PCM connector from pin side. DO NOT backprobe PCM connector or probe wires through insulation.
3. DO NOT cause short circuits when performing electrical tests. This will set additional DTCs, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
4. DO NOT use a test light in place of a voltmeter.
5. Always begin repair with lowest DTC number (MIL) or first DTC displayed (scan tool).
6. Always perform verification (VER) test after repairs are made.
7. Always disconnect scan tool after use.
8. Always disconnect scan tool before charging battery.

RETRIEVING DTCS

Note. Self-diagnostic tests are written specifically for Chrysler's Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool. A generic scan tool may also be used for system diagnostics, but may have limited diagnostic capability.

1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located below instrument panel, near steering column.
2. Using scan tool manufacturer's instructions, retrieve and record DTCs displayed on scan tool and proceed to «SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTS»(ref-3591-S41732316872000051100000) . Once repairs are made, clear DTCs from PCM memory. See «CLEARING DTCS»(ref-3591-S29947978362000051100000) .

CLEARING DTCS

PCM automatically clears DTCs from PCM memory after 40 engine warm-up cycles. DTCs can also be cleared using scan tool by following scan tool manufacturer's instructions.

Blank Message Screen

Check for loose cable connections or bad cable. If cable connections and cable are okay, check voltage at DLC terminal No. 16 (Pink wire). Voltage should be at least 11 volts. If voltage is not as specified, check wiring circuit and necessary fuses.

NO RESPONSE Message

See TEST NS-6A in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.

Note. For more information on scan tool and PCM diagnostics, see appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.

BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR

1. Using scan tool, check and record AMBIENT/BAT TMP DEG. Check air temperature near sensor. If temperature difference between readings is less than 10°F, go to next step. If temperature difference between readings is more than 10°F, replace battery temperature sensor. Perform «TEST VER-5A»(ref-3591-S01369654752000051100000) .
2. While observing scan tool BTS voltage, wiggle wiring harness for BTS sensor. If voltage changes, repair wiring harness as necessary where wiggling caused problem to appear. Perform «TEST VER-5A»(ref-3591-S01369654752000051100000) . If voltage does not change, inspect all related wiring and connectors and repair as necessary. If no problems were found with wiring and connectors, DTC may have been set by intermittent condition.