1999 DODGE NEON Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
LOW1. Has a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) been set indicating a stuck
open engine thermostat?1. Refer to On Board Diagnostic in
Group 25. Replace thermostat if
necessary. If a (DTC) has not been
set, the problem may be with the
temperature gauge.
2. Is the temperature gauge (if
equipped) connected to the
temperature gauge coolant sensor
on the engine?2. Check the connector at the
engine coolant sensor. Refer to
Group 8E. Repair as necessary.
3. Is the temperature gauge (if
equipped) operating OK?3. Check Gauge operation. Refer to
Group 8E. Repair as necessary.
4. Coolant level low during cold
ambient temperature, accompanied
by poor heater performance.4. Check coolant level in the coolant
overflow/reserve tank and the
radiator. Inspect the system for
leaks. Repair as necessary. Refer to
WARNINGS outlined in this section
before removing pressure cap.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
HIGH OR ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES.
COOLANT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
LOST FROM SYSTEM.1. Trailer being towed, a steep hill
being climbed, vehicle being
operated in slow moving traffic, or
engine idling during high ambient
(outside) temperatures with air
conditioning on. High altitudes
Could aggravate these conditions.1. This may be a temporary
condition and repair is not
necessary. Turn off the air
conditioning and drive the vehicle
without any of the previous
conditions. Observe the temperature
gauge the gauge should return to
the normal range. If the gauge does
not return to the normal range,
determine the cause of the
overheating and repair. Refer to
POSSIBLE CAUSES in this section.
2. Is temperature gauge (if
equipped) reading correctly?2. Check gauge. Refer to Group 8E.
Repair as necessary.
3. Is temperature warning lamp (if
equipped) illuminating
unnecessarily?3. Check warning lamp operation.
Refer to Group 8E. Repair as
necessary.
4. Coolant low in overflow/reserve
tank and radiator?4. Check for coolant leaks and
repair as necessary. Refer to
checking cooling system for leaks in
this group.
5. Pressure cap not installed tightly.
If cap is loose, boiling point of
coolant will be lowered. Also refer
to the following step 6.5. Tighten cap.
6. Poor seals at radiator cap. 6. (a) Check condition of cap and
cap seals. Refer to Radiator cap
Inspection. Replace cap if
necessary.
6. (b) Check condition of filler neck.
If neck is bent or damaged, replace
neck.
PLCOOLING 7 - 7

WATER PUMP DIAGNOSIS
A quick flow test to tell whether or not the pump is
working is to see if the heater warms properly. A
defective pump will not be able to circulate heated
coolant through the long heater hose.
Another flow test to help determine pump opera-
tion.
WARNING: DO NOT remove radiator cap if the cool-
ing system is hot or under pressure.
(1) Remove radiator cap.
(2) Remove a small amount of coolant from the
system, start the engine and warm up until thermo-
stat opens. With the thermostat open and coolant
level low you will see if the water pump is pumping
coolant through the system.
COOLING SYSTEM FLOW CHECK
To determine whether coolant is flowing through
the cooling system, use the following procedures:
(1) If engine is cold, idle engine until normal oper-
ating temperature is reached. Then feel the upper
radiator hose. If it is hot, coolant is circulating.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLING SYS-
TEM PRESSURE CAP WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND
UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS
FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
(2) Remove pressure cap when engine is cold,
remove small amount of coolant Idle engine until
thermostat opens, you should observe coolant flow
while looking down the filler neck. Once flow is
detected install the pressure cap.
RADIATOR FAN CONTROL
Fan control is accomplished two ways. The fan
always runs when the air conditioning compressor
clutch is engaged. In addition to this control, the fan
is turned on by the temperature of the coolant which
is sensed by the coolant temperature sensor which
sends the message to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The (PCM) turns on the fan through the
Solid State Fan Relay. The Solid State Fan Relay is
located on the left front inner frame just behind the
radiator. See Wiring Diagrams Manual for circuity
and diagnostics provided.
Switching through the (PCM) provides fan control
for the following conditions.
²The fan will not run during cranking until the
engine starts no matter what the coolant tempera-
ture is.
²Fan will run when the air conditioning clutch is
engaged and low pressure cutout switch is closed.
²Fan will run at vehicle speeds above about 40
mph only if coolant temperature reaches 110ÉC(230ÉF). It will turn off when the temperature drops
to 104ÉC (220ÉF). At speeds below 40 mph the fan
switches on at 102ÉC (215ÉF) and off at 93ÉC (200ÉF).
Refer to Radiator Fan Control Module Group 14,
Fuel Injection for more information.
ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR TEST
Refer to Powertrain Diagnostic Manual for procedure.
TESTING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
The system should be full. With the engine not
running, wipe the filler neck sealing seat clean.
Attach a radiator pressure tester to the filler neck,
as shown in (Fig. 9) and apply 104 kPa (15 psi) pres-
sure. If the pressure drops more than 2 psi in 2 min-
utes, inspect the system for external leaks.
Move all hoses at the radiator and heater while
system is pressurize at 15 psi, since some leaks occur
due to engine rock while driving.
If there are no external leaks after the gauge dial
shows a drop in pressure, detach the tester. Start the
engine, and run the engine to normal operating tem-
perature in order to open the thermostat and allow
the coolant to expand. Reattach the tester. If the nee-
dle on the dial fluctuates it indicates a combustion
leak, usually a head gasket leak.
WARNING: WITH THE PRESSURE TESTER IN
PLACE PRESSURE BUILDS UP QUICKLY. ANY
EXCESSIVE PRESSURE BUILD-UP DUE TO CON-
TINUOUS ENGINE OPERATION MUST BE
RELEASED TO A SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER
PERMIT PRESSURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
If the needle on the dial does not fluctuate, race
the engine a few times. If an abnormal amount of
coolant or steam is emitted from the tail pipe, it may
indicate a faulty head gasket, cracked engine block,
or cracked cylinder head.
Fig. 9 Pressure Testing Cooling SystemÐTypical
7 - 14 COOLINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

IGNITION SYSTEM
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION......................... 1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY............ 3
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR............. 4
COMBINATION ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR................. 5
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR........... 4
ELECTRONIC IGNITION COILS.............. 3
IGNITION INTERLOCK.................... 7
IGNITION SWITCH....................... 7
IGNITION SYSTEM....................... 1
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR........ 6
KNOCK SENSOR......................... 6
LOCK KEY CYLINDER..................... 7
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR
(MAP)............................... 6
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.......... 2
SPARK PLUG CABLES.................... 2
SPARK PLUGS.......................... 2
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)........ 6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR......... 9
CHECK COIL TEST....................... 8
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR . . . 9
FAILURE TO START TESTÐ2.0/2.4L......... 8
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE............. 9
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR........ 9
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSOR TEST......................... 9
SPARK PLUG CONDITION................ 10TESTING FOR SPARK AT COILÐ2.0/2.4L..... 7
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR............. 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY........... 13
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐDOHC..... 14
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐSOHC..... 13
COMBINATION ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSORÐDOHC........ 15
COMBINATION ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSORÐSOHC......... 15
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.......... 15
IGNITION COIL......................... 13
IGNITION INTERLOCK................... 18
IGNITION SWITCH...................... 16
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING............... 18
LOCK KEY CYLINDER.................... 17
MAP/IAT SENSORÐDOHC................ 16
MAP/IAT SENSORÐSOHC................ 16
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) . . . 12
SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICE............ 13
SPARK PLUG SERVICE.................. 12
SPARK PLUG TUBES.................... 13
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR............ 16
SPECIFICATIONS
FIRING ORDERÐ2.0L................... 18
IGNITION COIL......................... 19
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐDOHC . . 18
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐSOHC . . . 18
SPARK PLUG.......................... 19
TORQUE SPECIFICATION................. 18
VECI LABEL........................... 18
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
This section describes the electronic ignition sys-
tem for the 2.0L engines used in Neon vehicles.
The On-Board Diagnostics Section in Group 25
describes diagnostic trouble codes.
Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance, contains
general maintenance information for ignition relateditems. The Owner's Manual also contains mainte-
nance information.DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
IGNITION SYSTEM
Ignition system operation and diagnostics, are
identical for 2.0L Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) and
2.0L Duel Overhead Cam (DOHC) engines.
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 1

The major difference between the two engines is
component location which affects the ignition system
service procedures. There are various sensors that
are in different locations due to a different cylinder
head and intake manifold.
The 2.0L engines use a fixed ignition timing sys-
tem. The distributorless electronic ignition system is
referred to as the Direct Ignition System (DIS).
Basic ignition timing is not adjustable.The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines spark
advance. The system's three main components are
the coil pack, crankshaft position sensor, and cam-
shaft position sensor.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the
ignition system (Fig. 1). The PCM supplies battery
voltage to the ignition coil through the Auto Shut-
down (ASD) Relay. The PCM also controls the ground
circuit for the ignition coil. By switching the ground
path for the coil on and off, the PCM adjusts ignition
timing to meet changing engine operating conditions.
During the crank-start period the PCM maintains
spark advance at 9É BTDC. During engine operation
the following inputs determine the amount of spark
advance provided by the PCM.
²Intake air temperature
²Coolant temperature
²Engine RPM
²Intake manifold vacuum
²Knock sensor
The PCM also regulates the fuel injection system.
Refer to the Fuel Injection sections of Group 14.
SPARK PLUGS
The 2.0L engines uses resistor spark plugs. For
spark plug identification and specifications, Refer to
the Specifications section at the end of this group.Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
Group 0.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective. Refer to the
Spark Plug Condition section of this group. After
cleaning, file the center electrode flat with a small
point file or jewelers file. Adjust the gap between the
electrodes (Fig. 2) to the dimensions specified in the
chart at the end of this section.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion and damage.
Tighten spark plugs to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPARK PLUG CABLES
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electrical
current from the coil pack to individual spark plugs
at each cylinder. The resistor type, nonmetallic spark
plug cables provide suppression of radio frequency
emissions from the ignition system.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil and spark plugs. Terminals should
be fully seated. The nipples and spark plug covers
should be in good condition. Nipples should fit tightly
on the coil. Spark plug boot should completely cover
the spark plug hole in the cylinder head cover. Install
the boot until the terminal snaps over the spark
plug. A snap must be felt to ensure the spark plug
cable terminal engaged the spark plug.
Loose cable connections will corrode, increase resis-
tance and permit water to enter the coil towers.
These conditions can cause ignition malfunction.
Fig. 1 Powertrain Control Module
Fig. 2 Setting Spark Plug Electrode Gap
8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

the camshaft position sensor (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 9) and
crankshaft position sensor. From the two inputs, the
PCM determines crankshaft position.
The camshaft position sensor attaches to the rear
of the cylinder head (Fig. 10). A target magnet
attaches to the rear of the camshaft and indexes to
the correct position. The target magnet has four dif-
ferent poles arranged in an asymmetrical pattern. As
the target magnet rotates, the camshaft position sen-
sor senses the change in polarity (Fig. 11). The sen-
sor input switches from high (5 volts) to low (0.30
volts) as the target magnet rotates. When the north
pole of the target magnet passes under the sensor,
the output switches high. The sensor output switches
low when the south pole of the target magnet passes
underneath.
The camshaft position sensor is mounted to the
rear of the cylinder head. The sensor also acts as a
thrust plate to control camshaft endplay on SOHC
engines.
COMBINATION ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
The coolant temperature sensor provides an input
voltage to the PCM and a separate input voltage to
the temperature gauge on the instrument panel. The
PCM determines engine coolant temperature from
the coolant temperature sensor. As coolant tempera-
ture varies, the coolant temperature sensor resis-
tance changes resulting in a different input voltage
to the PCM.
When the engine is cold, the PCM will demand
slightly richer air-fuel mixtures and higher idle
speeds until normal operating temperatures are
reached.
Fig. 8 Camshaft Position SensorÐSOHC
Fig. 9 Camshaft Position SensorÐDOHC
Fig. 10 Target Magnet ÐTypical
Fig. 11 Target Magnet Polarity
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 5
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

SOHC
The coolant sensor threads into the end of the cyl-
inder head, next to the camshaft position sensor (Fig.
12). New sensors have sealant applied to the threads.
DOHC
The coolant sensor threads into the intake mani-
fold next to the thermostat housing (Fig. 13). New
sensors have sealant applied to the threads.
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The intake air temperature sensor measures the
temperature of the air as it enters the engine. The
sensor supplies one of the inputs the PCM uses to
determine injector pulse-width.
The MAP/Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor,
located on the intake manifold, combines the MAP
and Intake Air Temperature (IAT) functions into one
sensor (Fig. 14) or (Fig. 15).
KNOCK SENSOR
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter motor. When the
knock sensor detects a knock in one of the cylinders,
it sends an input signal to the PCM. In response, the
PCM retards ignition timing for all cylinders by a
scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increase, the knock
sensor output voltage also increases.
NOTE: Over or under tightening effects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR (MAP)
The PCM supplies 5 volts to the MAP sensor. The
MAP sensor function converts intake manifold pres-
sure into voltage. The PCM monitors the MAP sensor
output voltage. As vacuum increases, MAP sensor
voltage decreases proportionately. Also, as vacuum
decreases, MAP sensor voltage increases proportion-
ately.
Key on, before the engine starts running, the PCM
determines atmospheric air pressure from the MAP
sensor voltage. While the engine operates, the PCM
determines intake manifold pressure from the MAP
sensor voltage. Based on MAP sensor voltage and
inputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts spark
advance and the air/fuel mixture.
The MAP/IAT sensor mounts to the intake mani-
fold (Fig. 14) or (Fig. 15).
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
The TPS mounts to the side of the throttle body.
The TPS connects to the throttle blade shaft. The
TPS is a variable resistor that provides the Power-
Fig. 12 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐSOHC
Fig. 13 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐDOHC
Fig. 14 MAP/IAT sensorÐSOHC
8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

ply circuit shorts to ground, neither sensor will pro-
duce a signal (output voltage to the PCM).
When the ignition key is turned and left in the On
position, the PCM automatically energizes the Auto
Shutdown (ASD) relay. However, the controller de-en-
ergizes the relay within one second because it has
not received a camshaft position sensor signal indi-
cating engine rotation.
During cranking, the ASD relay will not energize
until the PCM receives a camshaft position sensor
signal. Secondly, the ASD relay remains energized
only if the controller senses a crankshaft position
sensor signal immediately after detecting the cam-
shaft position sensor signal.
(1) Check battery voltage. Voltage should approxi-
mately 12.66 volts or higher to perform failure to
start test.
(2) Disconnect the harness connector from the coil
pack (Fig. 20).
(3) Connect a test light to the B+ (battery voltage)
terminal of the coil electrical connector and ground.
The B+ wire for the DIS coil is the center terminal.
Do not spread the terminal with the test light
probe.
(4) Turn the ignition key to theON position.The
test light should flash On and then Off.Do not turn
the Key to off position, leave it in the On posi-
tion.
(a) If the test light flashes momentarily, the
PCM grounded the ASD relay. Proceed to step 5.
(b) If the test light did not flash, the ASD relay
did not energize. The cause is either the relay or
one of the relay circuits. Use the DRB scan tool to
test the ASD relay and circuits. Refer to the appro-
priate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure Manual.
Refer to the wiring diagrams section for circuit
information.
(5) Crank the engine. (If the key was placed in the
off position after step 4, place the key in the On posi-tion before cranking. Wait for the test light to flash
once, then crank the engine.)
(6) If the test light momentarily flashes during
cranking, the PCM is not receiving a crankshaft posi-
tion sensor signal.
(7) If the test light did not flash during cranking,
unplug the crankshaft position sensor connector.
Turn the ignition key to the off position. Turn the
key to the On position, wait for the test light to
momentarily flash once, then crank the engine. If the
test light momentarily flashes, the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor is shorted and must be replaced. If the
light did not flash, the cause of the no-start is in
either the crankshaft position sensor/camshaft posi-
tion sensor 8 volt supply circuit, or the camshaft
position sensor output or ground circuits.
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE
The engines for this vehicle, use a fixed ignition
system. The PCM regulates ignition timing. Basic
ignition timing is not adjustable.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CRANKSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR
The output voltage of a properly operating cam-
shaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor
switches from high (5.0 volts) to low (0.3 volts). By
connecting an Moper Diagonostic System (MDS) and
engine analyzer to the vehicle, technicians can view
the square wave pattern.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for Diagnosis and
Testing.
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Refer to Group 14, Fuel System, for Diagnosis and
Testing.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
TEST
Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for Diagnosis and
Testing.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
To perform a complete test of the this sensor and
its circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool and appropri-
ate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures manual. To
test the throttle position sensor only, refer to the fol-
lowing:
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) can be tested
with a digital voltmeter (DVM). The center terminal
of the sensor is the output terminal. One of the other
terminals is a 5 volt supply and the remaining ter-
minal is ground.
Fig. 20 Ignition Coil Engine Harness Connector
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

Connect the DVM between the center and sensor
ground terminal. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams for correct pinout.
With the ignition switch in the ON position, check
the output voltage at the center terminal wire of the
connector. Check the output voltage at idle and at
Wide-Open-Throttle (WOT). At idle, TPS output volt-
age should be approximately 0.38 volts to 1.2 volts.
At wide open throttle, TPS output voltage should be
approximately 3.1 volts to 4.4 volts. The output volt-
age should gradually increase as the throttle plate
moves slowly from idle to WOT.
Check for spread terminals at the sensor and PCM
connections before replacing the TPS.
SPARK PLUG CONDITION
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
The few deposits present will be probably light tan
or slightly gray in color with most grades of commer-
cial gasoline (Fig. 21). There will not be evidence of
electrode burning. Gap growth will not average more
than approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 1600 km
(1000 miles) of operation for non platinum spark
plugs. Non-platnium spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes filed
and regapped, and then reinstalled.
CAUTION: Never attempt to file the electrodes or
use a wire brush for cleaning platinum spark plugs.
This would damage the platinum pads which would
shorten spark plug life.Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
may coat the entire tip of the spark plug with a rust
colored deposit. The rust color deposits can be misdi-
agnosed as being caused by coolant in the combustion
chamber. Spark plug performance is not affected by
MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING (CARBON FOULING)
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling because the deposits that cause cold fouling
are basically carbon (Fig. 21). A dry, black deposit on
one or two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking
valves or misfire conditions. Cold (carbon) fouling of
the entire set may be caused by a clogged air cleaner.
Cold fouling is normal after short operating peri-
ods. The spark plugs do not reach a high enough
operating temperature during short operating peri-
ods.Replace carbon fouled plugs with new
spark plugs.
FUEL FOULING
A spark plug that is coated with excessive wet fuel
is called fuel fouled. This condition is normally
observed during hard start periods.Clean fuel
fouled spark plugs with compressed air and
reinstall them in the engine.
OIL FOULING
A spark plug that is coated with excessive wet oil
is oil fouled. In older engines, wet fouling can be
caused by worn rings or excessive cylinder wear.
Break-in fouling of new engines may occur before
normal oil control is achieved.Replace oil fouled
spark plugs with new ones.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more plugs are oil or ash encrusted, eval-
uate the engine for the cause of oil entering the com-
bustion chambers (Fig. 22). Sometimes fuel additives
can cause ash encrustation on an entire set of spark
plugs.Ash encrusted spark plugs can be cleaned
and reused.
HIGH SPEED MISS
When replacing spark plugs because of a high
speed miss condition;wide open throttle opera-
tion should be avoided for approximately 80 km
(50 miles) after installation of new plugs.This
will allow deposit shifting in the combustion chamber
to take place gradually and avoid plug destroying
splash fouling shortly after the plug change.
Fig. 21 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
8D - 10 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)