INTRODUCTION
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint with a test drive under the conditions the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/ misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed.
Note. Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit tightly and are not corroded. Ensure vacuum hoses are properly routed and are not pinched or cut. Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.
Compression
Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for specific instructions.
| WARNING | DO NOT use ignition switch during compression tests on fuel injected vehicles. Use a remote starter to crank engine. Fuel injectors on many models are triggered by ignition switch during cranking mode, which can create a fire hazard or contaminate the engine's oiling system. |
| Application | Psi (kg/cm 2 ) |
|---|---|
| Normal Compression Pressure | (1) * |
| Minimum Compression Pressure | 100 (7.0) |
| Maximum Variation Between Cylinders | 25 (1.8) |
| (1) Information not available. | |
| (1) | Information not available. |
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
| WARNING | Always release fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel injection-related component. DO NOT allow fuel to contact engine or electrical components. |
| CAUTION | When 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 the COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery. |
Preliminary Inspection
Some 5.2L models use fuel pressure test port mounted on fuel rail, near throttle position sensor, and some models do not. Note if fuel pressure test port is used, then refer to fuel pressure release procedure.
Fuel Rail With Fuel Pressure Test Port
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove fuel tank cap to release fuel tank pressure.
- Remove protective cap from fuel pressure test port on fuel rail. Place fuel pressure gauge end of Fuel Pressure Gauge/Hose (5069) into approved gasoline container. Screw remaining end of fuel pressure gauge hose onto fuel pressure test port. Fuel pressure will be released into gasoline container.
- After fuel pressure is released, remove fuel pressure gauge hose from fuel pressure test port. Reinstall protective cap on fuel pressure test port and fuel tank cap. Reinstall negative battery cable.
Fuel Rail Without Fuel Pressure Test Port
- Remove fuel pump relay from power distribution center. (Scheme 133) Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
- Start engine and allow to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to start engine several times. Once engine will not restart. Turn ignition off.
- Disconnect electrical connector from any fuel injector. Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper wire to remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector. CAUTION: DO NOT apply battery voltage to fuel injector for more than 4 seconds or fuel injector may be damaged.
- Momentarily touch remaining end of jumper wire to negative battery terminal for no more than 4 seconds. This energizes fuel injector and releases most of the fuel pressure. Fuel lines may now be disconnected. Cover fuel lines with shop before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
- Disconnect jumper wires. Reinstall electrical connector on fuel injector. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Diagnostic trouble codes may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when fuel pump relay was removed. To clear diagnostic trouble codes from PCM, see «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l) article.
Power Distribution Center & Relays. Scheme 133
FUEL PRESSURE TEST
Note. For additional information on fuel pressure and fuel pump testing procedures, see appropriate NO TROUBLE CODE (NTC) TEST and NO START (NS) TEST in (Scheme 133).
- Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
- Start engine and allow to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to start engine several times. Once engine will not restart. Turn ignition off.
- Disconnect electrical connector from any fuel injector. Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper wire to remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector. CAUTION: DO NOT apply battery voltage to fuel injector for more than 4 seconds or fuel injector may be damaged.
- Momentarily touch remaining end of jumper wire to negative battery terminal for no more than 4 seconds. This energizes fuel injector and releases most of the fuel pressure. Fuel lines may now be disconnected. Cover fuel lines with shop before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
- Disconnect jumper wires. Reinstall electrical connector on fuel injector. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Diagnostic trouble codes may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when fuel pump relay was removed. To clear diagnostic trouble codes from PCM, see «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l) article.
| CAUTION | When 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 the COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery. |
Note. Some 5.2L models use fuel pressure test port mounted on fuel rail, near throttle position sensor, and some models do not. Note if fuel pressure test port is used, then refer to appropriate fuel pressure test procedure.
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE under FUEL SYSTEM. Install fuel pressure gauge with hose on fuel pressure test port.
- Start engine and allow to idle. Fuel pressure should be 44-54 psi (303-373 kPa). If no fuel pressure exists and engine will not start, fuel pump relay and control circuit may be defective. See FUEL PUMP RELAY under FUEL SYSTEM.
- If fuel pressure exceeds specification, fuel pump is okay, but fuel pressure regulator is defective. Replace fuel pressure regulator. Fuel pressure regulator is incorporated with the fuel filter. Fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator is located on top of fuel tank, at fuel pump module. See «REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/removal-installation/#how-to-overhaul-installation-52l-the-engine-controls-removal) article.
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE under FUEL SYSTEM. Fuel pressure gauge is installed between fuel supply line and fuel line fitting on fuel rail.
- To disconnect fuel supply line from fuel rail, ensure area around fuel supply line and fuel rail are clean. Note direction of latch clip installation. Latch clip is located on top of fuel supply line at fuel rail. (Scheme 134) Using 2 screwdrivers, pry latch clip upward, and remove from fuel rail.
- Pull fuel supply line from fuel rail. Install Adapter (6923) into fuel rail. (Scheme 134) Ensure adapter is fully seated in fuel rail. Install latch clip into fuel rail, with latch clip fingers pointing downward. If latch clip will not fully seat so latch clip fingers extend downward below fitting on fuel rail, adapter may not be fully seated in fuel rail.
- Connect fuel supply line to adapter. Ensure fuel supply line fully seats in adapter. Remove protective cap from test port, and install Fuel Pressure Gauge/Hose (5069) at test port. (Scheme 134)
- Start engine and allow to idle. Fuel pressure should be 44-54 psi (303-373 kPa). If no fuel pressure exists and engine will no start, fuel pump relay and control circuit may be defective. See FUEL PUMP RELAY under FUEL SYSTEM.
- If fuel pressure exceeds specification, fuel pump is okay, but fuel pressure regulator is defective. Replace fuel pressure regulator. Fuel pressure regulator is incorporated with the fuel filter. Fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator is located on top of fuel tank, at fuel pump module. See «REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/removal-installation/#how-to-overhaul-installation-52l-the-engine-controls-removal) article.
- Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE under FUEL SYSTEM. Remove latch clip. Remove test equipment. Before reinstalling fuel supply line, ensure fuel supply line fitting and fitting on fuel rail are clean.
- Lubricate fuel supply line fitting and fitting on fuel rail with engine oil. Install fuel supply line on fuel rail.
- Install latch clip into fuel rail, with latch clip fingers pointing downward. Ensure latch clip is fully seated. Latch clip fingers should extend downward below fitting on fuel rail when fully seated. (Scheme 134)
- Pull on fuel supply line to ensure fuel supply line is fully locked on fuel rail. Reinstall negative battery cable. Start engine and check for fuel leaks.
Scheme 134
FUEL PUMP RELAY
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls fuel pump relay operation by controlling fuel pump relay ground circuit. PCM opens ground circuit when ignition is off, and completes ground circuit when ignition is on, to provide fuel pump operation. When ignition is first turned on, fuel pump will operate for approximately one second unless engine is running, or starter is engaged and engine is cranking. If engine cranking signal is not received, PCM will de-energize fuel pump relay.
Fuel pump relay receives battery voltage from fuse No. 19. (Scheme 135) Fuse is located in junction block (fuse box) located under glove box.
Fuel pump relay is located in power distribution center. (Scheme 133) Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
If fuel pump relay or control circuit becomes defective, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may be stored in the PCM. See DTC TEST in appropriate (Scheme 133).
- Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
- Start engine and allow to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to start engine several times. Once engine will not restart. Turn ignition off.
- Disconnect electrical connector from any fuel injector. Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper wire to remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector. CAUTION: DO NOT apply battery voltage to fuel injector for more than 4 seconds or fuel injector may be damaged.
- Momentarily touch remaining end of jumper wire to negative battery terminal for no more than 4 seconds. This energizes fuel injector and releases most of the fuel pressure. Fuel lines may now be disconnected. Cover fuel lines with shop before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
- Disconnect jumper wires. Reinstall electrical connector on fuel injector. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Diagnostic trouble codes may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when fuel pump relay was removed. To clear diagnostic trouble codes from PCM, see «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l) article. For additional information on diagnosis for fuel pump relay and control circuit, see TEST NS-1A in (Scheme 133).
- Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
- Start engine and allow to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to start engine several times. Once engine will not restart. Turn ignition off.
- Disconnect electrical connector from any fuel injector. Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper wire to remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector. CAUTION: DO NOT apply battery voltage to fuel injector for more than 4 seconds or fuel injector may be damaged.
- Momentarily touch remaining end of jumper wire to negative battery terminal for no more than 4 seconds. This energizes fuel injector and releases most of the fuel pressure. Fuel lines may now be disconnected. Cover fuel lines with shop before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
- Disconnect jumper wires. Reinstall electrical connector on fuel injector. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Diagnostic trouble codes may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when fuel pump relay was removed. To clear diagnostic trouble codes from PCM, see «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l) article.
Scheme 135
IGNITION CHECKS
Note. For ignition system spark testing and component testing, see appropriate NO TROUBLE CODE (NTC) TEST and NO START (NS) TEST in the (Scheme 133).
- Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
- Start engine and allow to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to start engine several times. Once engine will not restart. Turn ignition off.
- Disconnect electrical connector from any fuel injector. Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper wire to remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector. CAUTION: DO NOT apply battery voltage to fuel injector for more than 4 seconds or fuel injector may be damaged.
- Momentarily touch remaining end of jumper wire to negative battery terminal for no more than 4 seconds. This energizes fuel injector and releases most of the fuel pressure. Fuel lines may now be disconnected. Cover fuel lines with shop before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
- Disconnect jumper wires. Reinstall electrical connector on fuel injector. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Diagnostic trouble codes may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when fuel pump relay was removed. To clear diagnostic trouble codes from PCM, see «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l) article.
NO-START TESTING PROCEDURES
For additional information on no-start testing procedures, see NO START (NS) tests in the (Scheme 133).
- Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
- Start engine and allow to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to start engine several times. Once engine will not restart. Turn ignition off.
- Disconnect electrical connector from any fuel injector. Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper wire to remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector. CAUTION: DO NOT apply battery voltage to fuel injector for more than 4 seconds or fuel injector may be damaged.
- Momentarily touch remaining end of jumper wire to negative battery terminal for no more than 4 seconds. This energizes fuel injector and releases most of the fuel pressure. Fuel lines may now be disconnected. Cover fuel lines with shop before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
- Disconnect jumper wires. Reinstall electrical connector on fuel injector. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Diagnostic trouble codes may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when fuel pump relay was removed. To clear diagnostic trouble codes from PCM, see «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l) article.
IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING
Ensure idle speed and ignition timing are set to specification. For adjustment procedures, see ADJUSTMENTS - 5.2L article.
SUMMARY
If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, proceed to (Scheme 133).
- Power distribution center is bolted to top of radiator support, above radiator.
- Start engine and allow to idle until engine stalls. Attempt to start engine several times. Once engine will not restart. Turn ignition off.
- Disconnect electrical connector from any fuel injector. Connect jumper wire between one electrical terminal on fuel injector and positive battery terminal. Connect another jumper wire to remaining electrical terminal on fuel injector. CAUTION: DO NOT apply battery voltage to fuel injector for more than 4 seconds or fuel injector may be damaged.
- Momentarily touch remaining end of jumper wire to negative battery terminal for no more than 4 seconds. This energizes fuel injector and releases most of the fuel pressure. Fuel lines may now be disconnected. Cover fuel lines with shop before disconnecting, as some residual fuel pressure may exist.
- Disconnect jumper wires. Reinstall electrical connector on fuel injector. Reinstall fuel pump relay. Diagnostic trouble codes may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when fuel pump relay was removed. To clear diagnostic trouble codes from PCM, see «TESTS W/CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wcodes-52l) article. If no diagnostic trouble codes are found in self-diagnostics, proceed to «TESTS W/O CODES - 5.2L»(/dodge/ram-wagon-b2500/1997-1998/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-tests-wo-codes-52l) article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO-START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.