Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice » Trucks

Chrysler Heater A/C Control Calibration Routine

Rick — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:33:41 +0000

The blend and mode doors on late model Chrysler vehicles are driven by DC servo motors. If the motors get out of synchronization, the control head doesn't know where they are. That can result in cold air when you command heat and vice versa. It can also screw up where the air blows.

Here's how to perform a calibration routine on Caravan, Voyager, and Town and Country. It works on many other Chrysler products as well.

1. Turn Ignition switch to ON

2) Press both the POWER and RECIRCULATE buttons at the SAME time and HOLD for at least 5 seconds.

3) The POWER and RECIRCULATION lights will flash

4) Calibration should take about about 2 minutes to complete if you have heater control and about 20-seconds if you have Automatic Temp Control system.

5) If lights continue to flash AFTER 3 minutes (manual system) or 20-seconds (Auto system), the control unit has detected a failure. You need a scan tool to pull the trouble codes (Thanks Chrysler). If there's a trouble code stored, the lights will CONTINUE to flash until the unit completes a successful calibration OR until the vehicle has driven 8 miles.

If your Chrysler vehicle doesn't have this setup, contact me and I'll look up the procedure for your particular vehicle.

For more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair.

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ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Headlights flicker on vehicle with daytime running lights

Rick — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:02:10 +0000

Every manufacturer has their share of problems with daytime running lights. Basically the system senses that the vehicle is running and the headlight switch is off. Programmed conclusion? Must be daylight, otherwise the driver would turn on the headlights. Other systems have light sensors. The Chrysler Daytime Running Light system gets screwed up by corrosion in the intelligent power module. Some GM vehicles fail due to a cracked Daytime Running Light resistor (computer provides power to the headlights, but runs it through a resistor to cut down on the headlamp brightness). Still another GM system runs the headlight commands through Daytime Running Lamp Module located behind the left side of the instrument panel. This module contains a diode that has a high failure rate. The module sends a command to the Daytime Running Lamps Relay located in the convenience center (firewall passenger side).

If you have the latter system, remove the relay and insert a jumper wire across the power terminals. See Relay Layout. If that fixes the problem, replace the relay. If it doesn’t, replace the Daytime Running Lamp Module.

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Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
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If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

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ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

No crank, no start – Dodge Trucks, Jeep, Avenger, Sebring, PT Cruiser

Rick — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:46:15 +0000

No crank, no start Dodge Trucks and Jeeps

Chrysler has issued a TSB #08-007-08 to address problems with no start, no crank on 2006-08 Dodge 1500-5500 series Ram trucks and 2007-08 Jeep Wrangle, Compass, and Patriot, 2008 Jeep Liberty and Cherokee, 2007-08 Avenger / Sebring, 2007-08 Caliber, and 2006-08 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles. The problem occurs most often in dry or cold conditions and is caused by static electricity latching up the keyless entry module. You can "reboot" the module by either disconnecting the negative battery cable or removing the IOD fuse for 30 seconds and then re-installing. But that's a temporary solution.

The permanent fix is to replace the Wireless Control Module (WCM) with a new style that's better insulated against static electricity. You can replace the module yourself, but you then will have to reprogram the ignition keys to the new module.

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eautorepair.net

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Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

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ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Speedometer needle on wrong side of peg – Caravan

Rick — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:03:22 +0000

Drivers may find that the speedometer needle is on the wrong side of the stop peg after charging or changing the battery or cleaning the battery terminals.

You do NOT need to remove the instrument cluster to fix this problem.

Insert the key in the ignition. Then press and hold the trip odometer reset button until you see "Sof" appear along with a software version number (like Sof 3.2). The cluster will then display any trouble codes and when it's done, the word "end" will appear. The cluster will then initiate a series of tests than include sweeping the needles side to side. When the testing is done, the needle will be on the correct side of the peg.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

P1494 EVAP Leak Detection Pump Switch or Mechanical Fault

Rick — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:49:13 +0000

To diagnose this problem, follow this procedure:

Turn the key to the ON position. Check for battery voltage on the power supply wire (pink/grey)at the 3-way connector located on the Leak Detection Pump. If you detect battery voltage on more than 1 wire, the wire harness is shorted and must be repaired before proceeding with other tests.

If you find battery voltage on the power supply wire, reconnect the connector. Use your computer-safe test light to backprobe the the LDP "sense circuit" (purple/white) at the connector. You should see power on this wire at key ON. Use a jumper wire to quickly backprobe the purple/blue (solenoid) wire and touch the other end to ground. The test light should go out when the solenoid operates. When you remove the ground wire, the light should go on again. If you don't get this result, either you have a short to ground in the wiring harness "sense" circuit, or the LDP is bad.

Next, disconnect the connector at the PCM and the LDP and check the wiring harness for a short to ground on the sense circuit.

If all the electrical repairs check out, the problem is a vacuum leak.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

ABS light on, speedometer doesn’t work

Rick — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:44:37 +0000

Owners of these vehicles:
1998 - 1999 Dodge Durango 3.9L
2000 - 2000 Dodge Durango 4.7L
1998 - 2000 Dodge Durango 5.2L
1998 - 2000 Dodge Durango 5.9L

might experience an ABS light on and no speedometer operation. The most likely cause is a bad, intermittent, or weak signal from the rear speed sensor. The sensor detects movement of teeth in a notched wheel and sends that information to the ABS controller to determine whether the rear wheels are rotating at a different rate than the front wheels, which might indicate a skid condition.

To test the rear speed sensor, disconnect the electrical connector at the sensor which is located on the rear differential. Use a digital ohmmeter and connect the leads to the sensor. It should read between 1600 and 2800 ohms. If it does not, replace the sensor.

However, if it does give the correct reading, move on to this next test. Disconnect the electrical connector at the antilock brake controller. Find the red/violet and white violet wires. They should be located in connector cavity #1 and #8. Connect your ohmmeter to these two terminals and check resistance again. If the reading is not within the range above, you have a poor connector that is reducing the signal. Disassemble the conector, Undo the crimp connection,and solder the terminals connections to the wire. If that still doesn't fix the problem, you may have to run new wires back to the sensor.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Load moaning sound on cold start – Chrysler vehicles

Rick — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:37:27 +0000

The power steering reservoirs on these Chrysler vehicles have a fine mesh screen in the bottom. As the ATF fluid breaks down it plugs the screen. The return line from the rack is located right at screen level and swirls the fluid around the screen (see photo). When you start these babies cold, the PS pumps are starved for fluid. They make a terrible (and LOUD) moaning sound. As the PS fluid heats up, it swirls around the screen and gets the sediment back in suspension. There is NO WAY to clean out this reservoir. (I've tried). Save yourself the time and aggravation and just buy a new one from the dealer. They're about $25. Then refill the system with ATF+4 fluid. You have to use a vacuum pump to bleed the air out of the system.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

ABS and Speedo Issues Dodge Durango

Rick — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:38:00 +0000

1998-2000 Dodge Durangos get their speedometer information from the speed sensor located in the rear differential housing. When the computer can’t get a good signal, it sets the ABS light and you get a dead speedometer at low speeds.

First step is to disconnect the connector, remove the sensor, and check the resistance. It should be 1600-2800 ohms. If it isn’t, replace it with an OEM sensor (NOT aftermarket). These are pretty tight tolerance devices and I’ve seen many brand new aftermarket sensors that don’t make the grade right out of the box. But if you’ve replaced the sensor and it still doesn’t work, then move on to check the connection at the antilock controller.

Unplug the connector and check the sensor resistance between pins 1 and 8 (red/violet and white/violet). The readings should be close to the ones listed above. If they’re not, you’ve got corrosion in the wiring or a bad connection.

Repair the connection and you should be on your way.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Low Oil Pressure—Dodge Ram/Durango/Aspen/Jeep Grand Cherokee/Commander

Rick — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:07:00 +0000

Chrysler has issued a TSB #18-003-08 to address a problem with a code P0524 Engine Oil Pressure Too Low. This problem occurs on the V-8 5.7 L engine. Before you start replacing parts, check the actual oil pressure by removing the oil sending unit and attaching a gauge. Chances are the oil pressure will test just fine. If it does, you need to have a software update installed. Evidently, there’s a glitch in the factory software that causes a false code.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Parking lights turn on by themselves—Dodge Pickup

Rick — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:24:00 +0000

Talk about electrical gremlins! Owners of 2004 Dodge Ram Pickups are reporting instances where the parking lamps turn on by themselves. In other cases, owners report that front turn signals light up but not the rear lights.

There are two pattern failure points on these vehicles.

First, check the Integrated Power Control box under the hood. Chrysler has re-designed this fuse box to prevent water from entering and corroding the internal connections. Look for green corrosion. If you find it, replace it.

Next, check the trailer socket for corrosion. Any corrosion in that socket can cause a feedback problem to the front control module.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use