ON-VEHICLE TESTING
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
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS
WARNING: To prevent engine from starting while performing tests,
always disable ignition and fuel systems.
Disabling Ignition & Fuel Systems
Remove Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD) located in Power
Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for proper relay
location. PDC is located in engine compartment. On 5.9L diesel
engines, also disconnect fuel shutdown solenoid connector. Solenoid is
located behind upper intake manifold. See appropriate SYSTEM &
COMPONENT TESTING article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.
Enabling Ignition & Fuel Systems
When testing and/or repairs have been completed, verify
battery condition. Recharge battery as necessary, after starter tests
have been completed. Disconnect all test equipment. Install ASD relay.
On 5.9L diesel engines, reconnect fuel shutdown relay connector. On
all models, start engine several times to verify malfunction has been
corrected.
CRANKING TEST
NOTE: Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. High
viscosity oil, extreme cold temperatures, or tight engine
will increase amperage draw.
1) Using a battery load tester, connect positive and negative
leads to battery. Connect inductive ammeter pick-up to positive
battery cable. Disable ignition and fuel systems. See
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS.
2) Ensure all lights and accessories are off. Place A/T in
Park position or M/T in Neutral position. Apply parking brake. Crank
engine and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage is more than 9.6
volts and cranking amperage draw is more than specified amps, proceed
to CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - CARS or
STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - TRUCKS.
3) If voltage is 12.5 volts or more and cranking amperage
draw is less than specified, check starter circuit components in the
following order:
starter solenoid, starter relay, starter relay circuit, park/neutral
position switch or transmission range sensor (A/T), clutch pedal
position switch (M/T), ignition switch, wiring harness and
connections.
CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS
NOTE: If excessive resistance is not found in circuits being
tested, remove starter and proceed to BENCH TESTING.
Battery Connection Resistance Test
1) Disable vehicle ignition and fuel systems. See
DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS. A voltmeter accurate to
one tenth of a volt will be needed for the following tests.
Bosch 2.0L .................................................. (2)
Melco 2.5L & 2.7L ........................................... ( 2)
Nippondenso 2.4L, 2.7L & 3.5L ............................... ( 2)
Power Rating
Bosch 2.0L ............................................... 0.95 Kw
Melco 2.5L & 2.7L ......................................... 1.2 Kw
Nippondenso 2.4L, 2.7L & 3.5L ............................... 1.4 Kw
( 1) - With engine at normal operating temperature. High viscosity oil,
extreme cold temperatures, or tight engine will increase
amperage draw.
( 2) - Information is not available from manufacturer.
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STARTER SPECIFICATIONS - TRUCKS \
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Application Specification
Cranking Amperage Draw ( 1)
Caravan, Town & Country & Voyager ................... 150-200 Amps
Dakota & Durango
2.5L ................................................... 130 Amps
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L .................................. 125-250 Amps
Ram Pickup
Diesel Engines ..................................... 450-700 Amps
Gasoline Engines ................................... 125-250 Amps
Ram Van & Ram Wagon ................................. 125-250 Amps
No-Load Test At 11 Volts
Maximum Amps
Caravan, Town & Country & Voyager ....................... 73 Amps
Dakota & Durango
2.5L .................................................. 90 Amps
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L ..................................... 73 Amps
Ram Pickup
Gasoline .............................................. 73 Amps
Diesel ............................................... 200 Amps
Ram Van & Ram Wagon ..................................... 73 Amps
Minimum RPM
Caravan, Town & Country & Voyager ...................... 3401 RPM
Dakota & Durango
2.5L ................................................. 2600 RPM
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L .................................... 3601 RPM
Ram Pickup
Gasoline ............................................. 3601 RPM
Diesel ............................................... 3000 RPM
Ram Van & Ram Wagon .................................... 3601 RPM
Power Rating
Caravan, Town & Country & Voyager ......................... 1.2 Kw
Dakota & Durango
2.5L ..................................................... 1.2 Kw
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L ........................................ 1.4 Kw
Ram Pickup
Gasoline ................................................. 1.4 Kw
Diesel ................................................... 2.7 Kw
Ram Van & Ram Wagon ....................................... 1.4 Kw
( 1) - With engine at normal operating temperature. High viscosity oil,
extreme cold temperatures, or tight engine will increase
amperage draw.
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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS