Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Gasoline: Other Dodge Ram Wagon B1500

HARD START

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check engine vacuum.
  3. Check fuel pressure.
  4. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  5. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  7. Check minimum idle airflow.
  8. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  9. Check engine mechanical condition.
  10. Check evaporative system.
  11. Check EGR system.
  12. Check coolant temperature sensor and connector.
  13. Check Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor calibration.

STARTS BUT STALLS

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check fuel pressure.
  4. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  5. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  7. Check minimum idle airflow.
  8. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.

HESITATION OR STUMBLE

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check engine vacuum.
  4. Check fuel pressure.
  5. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  7. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  8. Check minimum idle airflow.
  9. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  10. Check oxygen sensor heater.
  11. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  12. Check engine mechanical condition.
  13. Check evaporative system.
  14. Check EGR system.
  15. Check Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor calibration.
  16. Check Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch.

SURGING

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check engine vacuum.
  4. Check fuel pressure.
  5. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  7. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  8. Check minimum idle airflow.
  9. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  10. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  11. Check evaporative system.

LACK OF POWER

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check fuel pressure.
  4. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  5. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  7. Check minimum idle airflow.
  8. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  9. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  10. Check EGR system.

KNOCKING

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check fuel pressure.
  4. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  5. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  7. Check minimum idle airflow.
  8. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  9. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  10. Check evaporative system.

ENGINE MISFIRE

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check fuel pressure.
  4. Check minimum idle airflow.
  5. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  6. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  7. Check EGR system.

BACKFIRE

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check fuel pressure.
  4. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  5. Check minimum idle airflow.
  6. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  7. Check EGR system.

ROUGH OR ERRATIC IDLE

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check engine vacuum.
  4. Check fuel pressure.
  5. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  7. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  8. Check minimum idle airflow.
  9. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  10. Check oxygen sensor heater.
  11. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  12. Check engine mechanical condition.
  13. Check evaporative system.
  14. Check EGR system.
  15. Check Intake Air Temperature (IAT) motor operation.
  16. Check Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch.

POOR FUEL ECONOMY

Check the following

  1. Check secondary ignition system.
  2. Check PCM power and ground circuits.
  3. Check engine vacuum.
  4. Check fuel pressure.
  5. Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor calibration.
  6. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor calibration.
  7. Check Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) calibration.
  8. Check minimum idle airflow.
  9. Check oxygen sensor switching.
  10. Check oxygen sensor heater.
  11. Check Idle Air Control (IAC) motor operation.
  12. Check engine mechanical condition.
  13. Check evaporative system.
  14. Check EGR system.
  15. Check Intake Air Temperature (IAT) motor operation.
  16. Check Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch.

Intermittent Simulation

To reproduce the conditions creating an intermittent fault, use the 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. If engine is running, monitor for DTCs. Use test results to identify a faulty component or circuit.