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Home/Dodge/Ram Wagon B2500/Dodge Ram Wagon B2500 (1997-1998)/Repair manual/Testing & Diagnostics/Engine System Testing & Engine Component Testing - 5.9l
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Engine System Testing & Engine Component Testing - 5.9l Dodge Ram Wagon B2500

Testing & Diagnostics ~671 words

INTRODUCTION

Before testing individual components or systems, perform procedures in BASIC TESTING - 5.9L article. Since many computer controlled and monitored components set a fault message if they malfunction, also perform procedures in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Note. Testing of individual components does not isolate possible shorts or opens in wiring harness of electronically controlled systems. Perform all voltage tests using a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance unless otherwise instructed in procedure. Use an ohmmeter to isolate wiring harness shorts or opens.

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)

The PCM power and ground circuits may be checked by performing TEST NTC-11A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article. For PCM location, see PCM LOCATION table.

ApplicationLocation
Van/WagonOn Firewall, Near Blower Motor

PCM LOCATION

Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor

See TEST TC-1A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor

See TEST TC-40A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor

See TEST TC-30A and TC-31A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)

See appropriate Trouble Code (TC) TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor

See TEST TC-57A and TC-58A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor

See TEST TC-36A and TC-37A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Throttle Position (TP) Sensor

See appropriate Trouble Code (TC) TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)

See appropriate Trouble Code (TC) TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Park/Neutral Position Switch

See TEST TC-114A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

A/C Clutch Relay, Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay & Fuel Pump Relay

See Trouble Code (TC) TEST in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

FUEL DELIVERY

Note. For fuel system pressure testing, see appropriate TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

Fuel Injector

See TEST TC-21A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) MOTOR

See TEST TC-25A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

IGNITION SYSTEM

Note. For basic ignition checks, see TEST NTC-2A in TESTS W/CODES - 5.9L article.

EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS

Note. To locate emission components, refer to emission control information label in engine compartment.

No Air Supply

  1. Start engine, and raise engine speed to 1500 RPM. Check air supply at rubber hoses. If air supply increases with RPM, air pump operation is okay.
  2. If air pump is okay, check for leakage at hoses and fittings. Repair or replace hoses as necessary.
  3. If hoses are okay, check pressure relief valve for leakage. If air is expelled through pressure relief valve at idle, replace relief valve.
  4. If relief valve is okay on 5.9L, test is complete. On 8.0L, check inlet air filter. Repair air filter if plugged. If air filter is okay, test is complete.

EVAP Canister

EVAP canister is located in engine compartment. Canister has no moving parts. Check for loose, missing, cracked or broken connections and parts. Repair or replace as necessary. No liquid should be in canister.

PCV Valve

  1. With engine running at curb idle, remove PCV valve from grommet. If valve is functioning properly, a hissing sound will be heard as air passes through valve.
  2. With engine running, place finger over valve inlet. Strong vacuum should be felt at valve inlet. Stop engine. Remove and shake PCV valve to ensure a metallic clicking noise can be heard, indicating valve is free. Reinstall PCV valve.
  3. Remove crankcase ventilation filter or oil filler cap from valve cover. Hold a piece of stiff paper over opening. After allowing about one minute for crankcase pressure stabilization, paper should be drawn against opening.
  4. If paper is held against opening, performance is okay. If paper is not held against opening, replace PCV valve and retest. If performance does not improve, inspect system for restrictions and clean as necessary.

MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS

Note. Although the controlled device listed here is not technically an engine performance component, it can affect driveability if it malfunctions.

A/C Clutch Relay

See RELAYS.

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