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Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Gasoline Dodge Ram Van B1500 B pre

Testing & Diagnostics ~1251 words

INTRODUCTION

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery.

Before diagnosing symptoms or intermittent faults, perform steps in appropriate BASIC TESTING and TESTS W/CODES (if applicable) articles below in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section. Use this article to diagnose driveability problems that exist when a fault code is not present.

  1. «BASIC TESTING - 3.9L»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-39l)
  2. «BASIC TESTING - 5.2L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-52l-gasoline)
  3. «BASIC TESTING - 5.9L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-59l-gasoline)
  4. «TESTS W/CODES - 3.9L»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-39l)
  5. «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l-gasoline)
  6. «TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-59l-gasoline)

Note. Some driveability problems may have been corrected by manufacturer with a revised Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Check with manufacturer for latest application.

Symptom checks can direct the technician to malfunctioning component(s) for further diagnosis. A symptom should lead to a specific component test, system test or adjustment specification.

Note. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may also be referred to as CHECK ENGINE light.

Use intermittent test procedures to locate driveability problems that do not occur while the vehicle is being tested. These problems may noticeably affect driveability or cause Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to glow. Also use these test procedures if a soft (intermittent) trouble code was present but no problem is found during self-diagnostic testing.

Note. For specific testing procedures, see appropriate SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTING article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section below. For specifications, see appropriate ADJUSTMENTS or SPECIFICATIONS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section below.

  1. «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - 3.9L»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-39l)
  2. «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - 5.2L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-52l-gasoline)
  3. «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - 5.9L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-systemcomponent-tests-59l-gasoline)
  4. «ADJUSTMENTS - 3.9L»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-adjustments-39l)
  5. «ADJUSTMENTS - 5.2L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-adjustments-52l-gasoline)
  6. «ADJUSTMENTS - 5.9L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-adjustments-59l-gasoline)
  7. «SPECIFICATIONS - 3.9L»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/specifications/#engine-controls-specifications-39l)
  8. «SPECIFICATIONS - 5.2L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/specifications/#engine-controls-specifications-52l-gasoline)
  9. «SPECIFICATIONS - 5.9L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/specifications/#engine-controls-specifications-59l-gasoline)

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 TESTS W/CODES (if applicable) articles are performed (see below).

  1. «BASIC TESTING - 3.9L»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-39l)
  2. «BASIC TESTING - 5.2L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-52l-gasoline)
  3. «BASIC TESTING - 5.9L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-59l-gasoline)
  4. «TESTS W/CODES - 3.9L»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-39l)
  5. «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l-gasoline)
  6. «TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L GASOLINE»(/dodge/ram-van-b1500/b-pre-1995-1995/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-59l-gasoline)

Visually inspect all systems before diagnosing a symptom. Symptoms available for diagnosis include following.

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

NO START - COLD ENGINE

  1. Ensure battery is fully charged.
  2. Perform spark test.
  3. Ensure timing belt or chain is not broken or jumped time.
  4. Visually inspect ignition coil wiring and connector.
  5. Check for power to ASD relay.
  6. Check for binding throttle linkage.
  7. Check for sufficient or contaminated fuel.
  8. Check spark plugs and cable routing.
  9. Check fuses.
  10. Check in-line fuse to PCM (if applicable).
  11. Ensure ignition timing and fuel pressure are correct.
  12. Check fuel injectors.
  13. Check coolant temperature sensor and connector.
  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 (leaking injectors).
  3. Ensure spark plugs are not fouled.
  4. Check ignition and coil circuit.
  5. Check for intermittent crankshaft position sensor.
  6. Check TP sensor and connector (if applicable).

STARTS BUT STALLS

  1. Check fuel pressure.
  2. Check coolant temperature sensor.
  3. Check ignition and sensor wires for proper connection.
  4. Check for vacuum leaks.
  5. Check TP sensor and connector (if applicable).
  6. Check crankshaft position sensor.
  7. Check MAP sensor.
  8. Check idle air control motor.

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 TP sensor and connector (if applicable).
  6. Check crankshaft position sensor.
  7. Check MAP sensor.
  8. Check idle air control motor.

ERRATIC IDLE OR SURGING

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Check spark plugs.
  3. Check distributor (if applicable).
  4. Ensure fuel pressure is correct.
  5. Check EGR operation.
  6. Check idle air control motor.
  7. Check minimum idle airflow.
  8. Check crankshaft position sensor.
  9. Check MAP sensor.
  10. Check TP sensor and connector (if applicable).
  11. Check ignition timing.
  12. Check oxygen sensor switching.

BACKFIRING

  1. Ensure ignition timing is correct.
  2. Ensure timing belt/chain has not jumped.
  3. Check distributor (if applicable).
  4. Ensure fuel injectors are not leaking.
  5. Check spark plugs.
  6. Check ignition and coil circuit.
  7. Check crankshaft position sensor.
  8. Check MAP sensor.
  9. Check TP sensor and connector.
  10. Check exhaust system.

INCORRECT IDLE SPEED

  1. Check throttle linkage operation.
  2. Check intake system for leaks.
  3. Check coolant temperature sensor.
  4. Check idle air control motor.
  5. Check TPS and connector (if applicable).

HESITATION - ACCELERATION

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Check spark plugs.
  3. Check distributor (if applicable).
  4. Ensure fuel pressure is correct.
  5. Check EGR operation.
  6. Check idle air control motor.
  7. Check minimum idle airflow.
  8. Check crankshaft position sensor.
  9. Check MAP sensor.
  10. Check TP sensor and connector (if applicable).
  11. Check ignition timing.
  12. Check oxygen sensor switching.

KNOCKING

  1. Check ignition and coil circuit.
  2. Check for restrictions at throttle body air inlet.
  3. Check EGR system.
  4. Check for oxygen sensor switching.
  5. Check TP sensor adjustment (if applicable).
  6. Check engine mechanical condition.
  7. Check MAP sensor.

ENGINE MISFIRE - ALL CONDITIONS

  1. Check fuel injectors.
  2. Check ignition and coil circuit.
  3. Check engine mechanical condition.
  4. Check for vacuum leaks.
  5. Check for EGR valve stuck open.
  6. Check crankshaft position sensor.
  7. Check for gasoline in oil.
  8. Check TP sensor and connector (if applicable).
  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 TP sensor 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 TP sensor and connector (if applicable).
  5. Check for poor wire connections.
  6. Check crankshaft position sensor.
  7. Check MAP sensor (if applicable).

EXCESSIVE HC & CO

  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 TP sensor and connector (if applicable).
  7. Check for vacuum leaks.

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.

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

To reproduce conditions causing a intermittent fault, use following methods.

  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 circuit.

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