Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 347

8A -14 BATTEiY/STARTIiG/CHARGiiG SYSTE1S DIAGNOSTICS
B R
COLD CRANKING TEST
(1) Battery must be fully-charged and load tested
before proceeding. See Battery, in this group.
(2) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the
battery terminals (Fig. 12). Refer to the operating in­
structions provided with the tester being used.
Fig. 12 Volt-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
(3) Fully engage parking brake. Place manual
transmission in NEUTRAL and fully depress clutch
pedal. Place automatic transmission in PARK.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are OFF.
(5) To prevent engine from starting, unplug Auto
Shut-Down (ASD) relay from Power Distribution
Center (PDC) on gas engine models, or disconnect
fuel shutdown solenoid connector (Fig. 13) on diesel
engine models. Relay location is shown on underside
of PDC cover.
FRONT OF ENGINE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
SOLENOID ELECTRICAL J9414-93
CONNECTOR J y 4 l 4 V J
Fig. 13 Fuel Shutdown Solenoid - Diesel Engine
(6) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Note cranking voltage and amper­
age.
(a) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and amperage
draw reads above specifications, see Feed Circuit
Tests.
(b) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and am­
perage reads below specifications, see Control Cir­
cuit Tests.
A cold engine will increase starter current
and reduce battery voltage.
FEED CIRCUIT TESTS
The starter feed circuit tests (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in the
high-amperage circuit. When performing these tests,
it is important that the voltmeter be connected prop­
erly. Connect voltmeter leads to the terminals that
the cable connectors or clamps are attached to, not to
the cable connectors or clamps. For example: When
testing between the battery and solenoid, touch the
voltmeter leads to the battery post and the solenoid
threaded stud.
The following operation will require a voltmeter ac­
curate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing the tests,
be certain the following procedures are accomplished:
• unplug Auto Shut-Down (ASD) relay from Power
Distribution Center (PDC) on gas engine models to
prevent engine from starting
• disconnect the fuel shutdown solenoid connector on
diesel engine models to prevent engine from starting
• place transmission in NEUTRAL (manual trans­
mission) or PARK (automatic transmission)
• install a jumper wire between two clutch pedal po­
sition switch connectors (manual transmission)
• parking brake is applied
• battery is fully-charged (see Battery, in this
group).
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery
negative post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to
battery negative cable clamp (Fig. 14). Rotate and
hold ignition switch in the START position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and post.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery
positive post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to
battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 14). Rotate and
hold ignition switch in the START position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and post.
(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between the bat­
tery positive post and the starter solenoid battery
stud (Fig. 15). Rotate and hold ignition switch in the
START position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage reads
above 0.2 volt, correct poor contact at battery cable to
solenoid connection. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace battery positive cable.