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Intermittent No Crank Condition Tests: Diagnosis Dodge Nitro I

Testing & Diagnostics 7 illustrations ~2035 words

Diagnostic Test

  1. ETC STARTER INHIBIT NOTE: This ETC equipped engine will try to relearn ETC position when the key is left in the on position for an extended period of time and will not allow the starter to crank during this procedure. This procedure can take up to 2.5 seconds. To verify the cause of the no crank condition or delayed crank use the scan tool, and read the ETC Starter Inhibit mileage. The controller will store the mileage at which the no start condition occurred because of the ETC testing procedure. This is considered normal operation for a vehicle equipped with an Electronic Throttle Control System and no repairs are necessary. Is a mileage stored under the ETC Starter Inhibit? Yes Test Complete. No Refer to the appropriate diagnostic procedure for further assistance if any other DTC's are set. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .
  1. FUEL PUMP MODULE NOTE: Before continuing visually and physically inspect the fuel delivery system for external leaks or damage. Repair/replace as necessary. WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Turn the ignition off. Install special tool #6539 (5/16") or #6631 (3/8") fuel line adapter. Install the fuel pressure gauge. Start the engine and allow the fuel system to reach maximum pressure. Turn the ignition off. NOTE: Fuel specification is 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (59 psi +/- 5 psi). Using special tool #C4390, Hose Clamp Pliers, pinch the rubber fuel line between the fuel pressure gauge and the engine. Monitor the fuel pressure gauge for a minimum of 5 minutes. NOTE: The pressure should not fall below 241 kPa (35 psi) Does the fuel pressure drop? Yes Replace Fuel Pump Module. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Go To step 2 .
  2. FUEL INJECTOR(S) WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Remove special tool #C4390. Start the engine and allow the fuel system to reach maximum pressure. Turn the ignition off. NOTE: Fuel specification is 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (59 psi +/- 5 psi). Move special tool #C4390, Hose Clamp Pliers, from between the fuel pressure gauge and the engine to between the fuel pressure gauge and fuel pump module. Monitor the fuel pressure gauge for a minimum of 5 minutes. NOTE: The pressure should not fall below 241 kPa (35 psi) Does the fuel pressure drop? Yes Replace the leaking fuel injectors. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Test Complete.
  1. CHECKING FUEL PRESSURE WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Turn the ignition off. Install a fuel pressure gauge at the engine. Ignition on, engine not running. With a scan tool, actuate the ASD Fuel System test and observe the fuel pressure gauge. NOTE: Fuel pressure specification is 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (59 psi +/- 5 psi). Choose a conclusion that best matches your fuel pressure reading. Below Specification Go To step 2 . Within Specification Go To step 4 .
  2. RESTRICTED FUEL SUPPLY LINE WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Turn the ignition off. Raise vehicle on hoist, and disconnect the fuel supply line at the fuel pump module. Install special tool #6539 (5/16") #6631(3/8") fuel line adapter and the fuel pressure gauge between the fuel supply line and the fuel pump module. Ignition on, engine not running. With the scan tool, actuate the ASD Fuel System test and observe the fuel pressure gauge. NOTE: Fuel pressure specification is 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (59 psi +/- 5 psi). Is the fuel pressure within specification? Yes Visually and physically inspect the fuel supply lines between the fuel tank and the fuel rail. Repair/replace as necessary. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Go To step 3 .
  3. CHECKING THE FUEL INLET STRAINER WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Turn the ignition off. Remove the Fuel Pump Module and inspect the Fuel Inlet Strainer. Is the Fuel Inlet Strainer plugged? Yes Replace the Fuel Pump Inlet Strainer. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Replace the Fuel Pump Module. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .
  4. FUEL PUMP MODULE NOTE: Before continuing visually and physically inspect the fuel delivery system for external leaks or damage. Repair/replace as necessary. WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Turn the ignition off. Install special tool #6539 (5/16") or #6631 (3/8") fuel line adapter. Install the fuel pressure gauge. Start the engine and allow the fuel system to reach maximum pressure. Turn the ignition off. NOTE: Fuel specification is 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (59 psi +/- 5 psi). Using special tool #C4390, Hose Clamp Pliers, pinch the rubber fuel line between the fuel pressure gauge and the engine. Monitor the fuel pressure gauge for a minimum of 5 minutes. NOTE: The pressure should not fall below 241 kPa (35 psi) Does the fuel pressure drop? Yes Replace Fuel Pump Module. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Go To step 5 .
  5. FUEL INJECTOR(S) WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Remove special tool #C4390. Start the engine and allow the fuel system to reach maximum pressure. Turn the ignition off. NOTE: Fuel specification is 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (59 psi +/- 5 psi). Move special tool #C4390, Hose Clamp Pliers, from between the fuel pressure gauge and the engine to between the fuel pressure gauge and fuel pump module. Monitor the fuel pressure gauge for a minimum of 5 minutes. NOTE: The pressure should not fall below 241 kPa (35 psi) Does the fuel pressure drop? Yes Replace the leaking fuel injectors. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Check the fuel for contaminants. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .

Scheme 539

Scheme 539: *NO CRANK CONDITION

For complete wiring diagrams refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article.

Possible Causes
MECHANICAL CONDITION
FUSED B+ CIRCUITS OPEN
BATTERY CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TOO HIGH
(T752) STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND
(T752) STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN
(T750) STARTER RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND
(T750) STARTER RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPEN
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM)
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
STARTER

Scheme 540

Scheme 540: Diagnostic Test

Scheme 541

Scheme 541

Scheme 542

Scheme 542

Scheme 543

Scheme 543

Scheme 544

Scheme 544

Scheme 545

Scheme 545
  1. MECHANICAL CONDITION NOTE: Verify the battery is fully charged and capable of passing a load test before continuing. WARNING: Make sure the battery is disconnected, then wait two minutes before proceeding. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or possible death. Turn the engine over by hand to make sure the engine is not seized. Is the engine able to turn over? Yes Go To step 2 . No Repair the mechanical condition preventing the starter motor from cranking. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .
  2. PCM FUSED B+ CIRCUITS Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the C1 PCM harness connector. CAUTION: Do not probe the PCM harness connectors. Probing the PCM harness connectors will damage the PCM terminals resulting in poor terminal to pin connection. Install Miller Special Tool #8815 to perform diagnosis. Using a 12-volt test light connected to ground, probe the Fused B+ circuits at the appropriate terminals of special too #8815. Does the test light illuminate brightly? Yes Go To step 3 . No Repair the open or short to ground in the PCM Fused B+ circuits. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .
  3. TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the TRS harness connectors. Move the Gear selector through all gear positions, from Park to 1st and back. While moving the gear selector through each gear, measure the resistance between ground and the TRS (T41) Sense (P/N Sense) circuit at the TRS connector. NOTE: The circuit is grounded in Park and Neutral and open in the other positions. Did the resistance change from above 100 kohms (open) to below 10.0 ohms (grounded) ? Yes Go To step 4 . No Replace the Transmission Range Sensor. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .
  4. EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE IN THE BATTERY CIRCUIT Turn the ignition off. Check the Battery Cables for excessive resistance using the service information procedure. Did either Battery Cable have a voltage drop greater than 0.2 of a volt? Yes Repair the excessive resistance in the Battery circuit. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Go To step 5 .
  5. STARTER CAUTION: The Parking Brake must be on and the Transmission must be in park for a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. WARNING: When the engine is operating, do not stand in direct line with the fan. Do not put your hands near the pulleys, belts, or fan. Do not wear loose clothing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Turn ignition off. Disconnect the Starter Solenoid harness connector. NOTE: The Stater Solenoid harness connector must remain disconnected at this time. Have an assistant turn the ignition key to the CRANK position. Using a 12-volt test light connected ground, probe the (T750) Stater Relay Output circuit in the Starter Solenoid harness connector while the ignition key is in the CRANK position. Does the test light illuminate brightly? Yes Replace the Starter per Service Information. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Go To step 6 .
  6. (T752) STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT CHECK Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the C2 TIPM harness connector. Use a 12-volt test light connected to ground and probe the (T752) Starter Relay Control circuit in the C2 TIPM harness connector. WARNING: When the engine is operating, do not stand in direct line with the fan. Do not put your hands near the pulleys, belts, or fan. Do not wear loose clothing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death. Have an assistant turn the key to the CRANK position. Does the test light illuminate brightly when the key is turned to the crank condition? Yes Go To step 7 . No Repair the excessive resistance or short to ground in the (T752) Starter Relay Control circuit between the PCM and TIPM. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .
  7. (T750) STARTER CONTROL OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPEN Disconnect the Starter Solenoid connector. Measure the resistance of the (T750) Starter Control Output circuit between the Starter Solenoid harness connector and the C2 TIPM harness connector. Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms? Yes Go To step 8 . No Repair the open in the (T750) Starter Control Output circuit. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) .
  8. (T750) STARTER RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND Measure the resistance between ground and the (T750) Starter Relay Output circuit in the Starter Solenoid harness connector. Is the resistance below 100 ohms? Yes Repair the short to ground in the (T750) Starter Relay Output circuit. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Go To step 9 .
  9. TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) NOTE: Before continuing, check the TIPM harness connector terminals for corrosion, damage, or terminal push out. Repair as necessary. Using the schematics as a guide, inspect the wire harness and connectors. Pay particular attention to all Power and Ground circuits. Were any problems found? Yes Repair as necessary. Perform «POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST»(ref-306217-S13377649292008120900000) . No Replace the Totally Integrated Power Module in accordance with the Service Information. Perform «BODY VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1»(ref-306151-S09725333202008120900000) .