DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual

CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Remove and inspect fuse No. 11 from junction block.
Junction block is on left side of instrument panel. If fuse is open,
go to next step. If fuse is okay, go to step 3).
2) Using external ohmmeter, measure resistance between ground
and fused ignition switch output run/start terminal (Dark Blue/White
wire) on fuse No. 11 socket. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair
short to ground in Dark Blue/White wire. Replace fuse No. 11. If
resistance is 5 ohms or more, replace fuse No. 11.
3) Install fuse No. 11. Remove and inspect fuse No. 6 from
junction block. If fuse is open, next step. If fuse is okay, go to
step 5).
4) Using external ohmmeter, measure resistance between ground
and fused ignition switch output run/accy terminal (Dark Blue wire) on\
fuse No. 6 socket. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair short to
ground in Dark Blue wire. Replace fuse No. 6. If resistance is 5 ohms
or more, replace fuse No. 6.
5) Install fuse No. 6. Disconnect Central Timer Module (CTM)\
.
CTM is located under left side of instrument panel. Using external
ohmmeter, measure resistance between ground and CTM 18-pin connector
terminal No. 3 (Black/Orange wire). If resistance is more than 5 ohms,\
repair open Black/Orange wire. If resistance is 5 ohms or less, go to
next step.
6) Measure resistance between ground and CTM 14-pin connector
terminal No. 6 (Black/Light Green wire). If resistance is more than 5
ohms, repair open Black/Light Green wire. If resistance is 5 ohms or
less, go to next step.
7) Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, perform CCD Bus test.
Connect jumper wire between ground and CTM 18-pin connector terminal
No. 16 (Violet/Brown wire). If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO\
GROUND, repair open Violet/Brown wire. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT
TO GROUND, go to next step.
8) Disconnect jumper wire. Connect jumper wire between ground
and CTM 18-pin connector terminal No. 17 (White/Black wire). If scan
tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND, repair open White/Black
wire. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO GROUND, replace CTM.
NO RESPONSE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1A after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, select BODY CONTROL
MODULE. If scan tool displays NO RESPONSE, go to NO RESPONSE CENTRAL
TIMER MODULE. If scan tool does not display NO RESPONSE, go to next
step.
2) Using scan tool, select SYSTEM TEST. If scan tool displays
PCM ACTIVE ON THE BUS, go to next step. If scan tool does not display
PCM ACTIVE ON THE BUS, go to NO RESPONSE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.
3) Turn ignition off. Remove instrument cluster. Turn
ignition on. Using scan tool, turn on CCD bus bias under SYSTEM
MONITORS, then CCD BUS VOLTAGE. Connect jumper wire between ground and
instrument cluster connector C1 terminal No. 10 (Violet/Brown wire).
If scan tool voltage did not drop to about zero volts, repair open
Violet/Brown wire. If scan tool voltage dropped to about zero volts,
go to next step.

4) Move jumper to instrument cluster connector C1 terminal
No. 9 (White/Black wire). Monitor CCD BUS VOLTAGE. If scan tool
voltage did not drop to about zero volts, repair open White/Black
wire. If scan tool voltage did not drop to about zero volts, replace
instrument cluster.
NO RESPONSE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1 after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) If engine does not run, see appropriate BASIC DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section. If engine runs, go
to next step.
2) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). PCM is mounted in right side of firewall. Turn ignition on.
Connect jumper wire between ground and PCM connector C3 terminal. No.
30 (Violet/Brown wire). Using scan tool, perform CCD BUS test. If scan\
tool does not display SHORT TO GROUND, repair open Violet/Brown wire.
If scan tool displays SHORT TO GROUND, go to next step.
3) Move jumper wire to PCM connector C3 terminal No. 28
(White/Black wire). Perform CCD BUS test. If scan tool does not
display SHORT TO GROUND, repair open White/Black wire. If scan tool
displays SHORT TO GROUND, replace PCM.
NO RESPONSE COMPASS/MINI-TRIP SYSTEM
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1 after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Remove and inspect fuse No. 11 from junction block.
Junction block is on left side of instrument panel. If fuse is open,
go to next step. If fuse is okay, go to step 3).
2) Using external ohmmeter, measure resistance between ground
and fused ignition switch output run/start terminal (Dark Blue/White
wire) on fuse No. 11 socket. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair
Dark Blue/White wire for short to ground. Replace fuse No. 11. If
resistance is 5 ohms or more, replace fuse No. 11.
3) Reinstall fuse. Disconnect CMTC 12-pin connector. Turn
ignition on. Using external voltmeter, measure voltage between ground
and CMTC connector terminal No. 1 (Dark Blue/White wire). If voltage
is less than 9.5 volts, repair open Dark Blue/White wire. If voltage
is 9.5 volts or more, go to next step.
4) Using external voltmeter, measure voltage between ground
and CMTC connector terminal No. 5 (Pink wire). If voltage is less than\
9.5 volts, repair open Pink wire. If voltage is 9.5 volts or more, go
to next step.
5) Turn ignition off. Using external ohmmeter, measure
resistance between ground and CMTC connector terminal No. 7
(Black/Light Green wire). If resistance is 5 ohms or less, go to next
step. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, repair open Black/Light Green
wire.
6) Using scan tool, perform CCD bus test. Connect jumper wire
between ground and CMTC connector terminal No. 2 (Violet/Brown wire).
If scan tool displays BUS (+) SHORTED TO GROUND, go to next step. If

scan tool does not display BUS (+) SHORTED TO GROUND, repair open
Violet/Brown wire.
7) Move jumper wire to CMTC connector terminal No. 8
(White/Black wire). If scan tool displays BUS (+) SHORTED TO GROUND,\
replace CMTC. If scan tool does not display BUS (+) SHORTED TO GROUND,\
repair open White/Black wire.
NO RESPONSE RADIO
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1A after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) If radio screen is not blank, go to step 7). If radio
screen is blank, go to next step.
2) Remove and inspect junction block fuse No. 8 (radio). If
fuse is blown, go to next step. If fuse is okay, go to step 4).
3) Turn ignition off. Disconnect radio Gray connector. Using
external ohmmeter, measure resistance between ground and radio Gray
connector terminal No. 6 (Red/White wire). If resistance is less than
5 ohms, repair Red/White wire for short to ground. Replace junction
block fuse No. 8. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, replace radio.
Replace junction block fuse No. 8.
4) Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between ground and
terminal No. 7 (Pink wire). If voltage is 10 volts or less, repair
open Pink wire. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to next step.
5) Install fuse. Disconnect radio Gray connector. Using
external voltmeter, measure voltage between ground and radio Gray
terminal No. 6 (Red/White wire). If voltage is 10 volts or less,
repair open Red/White wire. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to
next step.
6) Inspect ground strap and antenna for correct installation.
Repair as needed. If ground strap and antenna are okay, replace radio.
7) Disconnect 2-pin CCD BUS connector on back of radio.
Connect jumper wire between terminal No. 2 (White/Black wire) and
ground. Using scan tool, select BODY, BODY COMPUTER, then SYSTEM TEST.
Perform CCD BUS test. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO
GROUND, repair open White/Black wire. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT
TO GROUND, go to next step.
8) Move jumper wire to terminal No. 1 (Violet/Brown wire).
Perform CCD BUS test. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO
GROUND, repair open Violet/Brown wire. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT
TO GROUND, replace radio.
NO TERMINATION
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1 after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Disconnect Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connectors. PC\
M
is mounted in right side of firewall. Connect jumper wire between
ground and PCM connector C3 terminal No. 30 (Violet/Brown wire). Using\
scan tool, select SYSTEM MONITORS. Perform CCD BUS test. If scan tool
does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND, repair open Violet/Brown wire.
If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO GROUND, go to next step.
2) Move jumper wire to PCM connector C3 terminal No. 28

(White/Black wire). Perform CCD BUS test. If scan tool does not
display BUS SHORT TO GROUND, repair open White/Black wire. If scan
tool displays BUS SHORT TO GROUND, replace PCM.
NOT RECEIVING BUS MESSAGES CORRECTLY
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1 after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Disconnect anti-lock brake controller module. Controller
module is mounted to top of ABS hydraulic unit. Turn ignition on. If
scan tool displays BUS OPERATIONAL, replace anti-lock brake controller
module. If scan tool does not display BUS OPERATIONAL, go to next
step.
2) Turn ignition off and wait 2 minutes. Disconnect Air Bag
Control Module (ACM). ACM is located under center of instrument panel.\
Turn ignition on. If scan tool displays BUS OPERATIONAL, replace ACM.
If scan tool does not display BUS OPERATIONAL, go to next step.
3) Disconnect Central Timer Module (CTM). CTM is located
under left side of instrument panel. Turn ignition on. If scan tool
displays BUS OPERATIONAL, replace CTM. If scan tool does not display
BUS OPERATIONAL, replace scan tool cable or scan tool.
BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1 after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). PCM is mounted in right side of firewall. Turn ignition on. If
scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, go to step 10). If
scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, go to next step.
2) Turn ignition off. Disconnect anti-lock brake controller
module. Controller module is mounted to top of ABS hydraulic unit.
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS,
replace anti-lock brake controller module. If scan tool displays BUS
SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, go to next step.
3) Turn ignition off. Disconnect instrument cluster. Turn
ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS,
replace instrument cluster circuit board. If scan tool displays BUS
SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, go to next step.
4) Turn ignition off. Disconnect compass mini-trip computer.
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS,
replace compass mini-trip computer. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO
5 VOLTS, go to next step.
5) Turn ignition off. Disconnect CCD radio. Turn ignition on.
If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, replace radio. If
scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, go to next step.
6) Turn ignition off and wait 2 minutes. Disconnect Air Bag
Control Module (ACM). ACM is located under center of instrument panel.\
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS,
replace ACM. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, go to next
step.
7) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Central Timer Module (CTM).\
CTM is mounted behind right corner of dash, beside glove box. Turn

ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS,
replace CTM. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO 5 VOLTS, go to next
step.
8) Disconnect scan tool from DLC. Using external voltmeter,
measure voltage between ground and DLC connector terminal No. 3
(Violet/Brown wire). If voltage is more than 4 volts, repair
Violet/Brown wire for short to voltage. If voltage is 4 volts or less,
go to next step.
9) Measure voltage between ground and DLC connector terminal
No. 11 (White/Black wire). If voltage is more than 4 volts, repair
White/Black wire for short to voltage. If voltage is less than 4
volts, replace scan tool cable or scan tool as necessary.
10) Turn ignition off. Using external ohmmeter, measure
resistance between Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector C3
terminal No. 30 (Violet/Brown wire) and connector C1 terminal No. 17
(Violet/Black wire). PCM is located at right inner fender. If
resistance is less than 800 ohms, repair short between Violet/Brown
wire and Violet/Black wire. If resistance is 800 ohms or more, go to
next step.
11) Measure resistance between PCM connector C3 terminal No.
28 (White/Black wire) and PCM connector C1 terminal No. 17
(Violet/Black wire). If resistance is less than 800 ohms, repair short\
between Violet/Black and White/Black wires of both connectors. See
wiring diagram for clarification. If resistance is 800 ohms or more,
replace PCM.
BUS SHORT TO BATTERY
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1 after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). PCM is mounted in right side of firewall. Turn ignition on. If
scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO BATTERY, go to step 10). If
scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO BATTERY, go to next step.
2) Turn ignition off. Disconnect instrument cluster. Turn
ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO BATTERY,
replace instrument cluster. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO
BATTERY, go to next step.
3) Turn ignition off. Disconnect compass mini-trip computer.
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO BATTERY,
replace compass mini-trip computer. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO
BATTERY, go to next step.
4) Turn ignition off. Disconnect CCD radio. Turn ignition on.
If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO BATTERY, replace radio. If
scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO BATTERY, go to next step.
5) Turn ignition off and wait 2 minutes. Disconnect Air Bag
Control Module (ACM). ACM is located under center of instrument panel.\
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO BATTERY,
replace ACM. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO BATTERY, go to next
step.
6) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Central Timer Module (CTM).\
CTM is located under left side of instrument panel. Turn ignition on.
If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO BATTERY, replace CTM. If
scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO BATTERY, go to next step.
7) Turn ignition off. Disconnect anti-lock brake controller
module. Controller module is mounted to top of ABS hydraulic unit.
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO BATTERY,
replace anti-lock brake controller module. If scan tool displays BUS

SHORT TO BATTERY, go to next step.
8) Disconnect scan tool from DLC. Using external voltmeter,
measure voltage between ground and DLC connector terminal No. 3
(Violet/Brown wire). If voltage is more than .2 volt, repair
Violet/Brown wire for short to voltage. If voltage is .2 volt or less,
go to next step.
9) Measure voltage between ground and DLC connector terminal
No. 11 (White/Black wire). If voltage is more than .2 volt, repair
White/Black wire for short to voltage. If voltage is less than .2
volt, replace scan tool cable or scan tool as necessary.
10) Turn ignition off. Using external ohmmeter, measure
resistance between ground and Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
connector C1 terminal No. 31 (Black/Tan wire). PCM is located at right\
inner fender, at corner of firewall. If resistance is less than 10
ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 10 ohms or more, repair open
Black/Tan wire.
11) Measure resistance between ground and PCM connector C1
terminal No. 32 (Black/Tan wire). If resistance is less than 10 ohms,
replace PCM. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open Black/Tan
wire.
BUS SHORT TO GROUND
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1 after each repair.
CAUTION: Always turn ignition off prior to disconnecting any module
connector.
1) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). PCM is mounted in right side of firewall. Turn ignition on. If
scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND, replace PCM. If scan
tool displays BUS SHORT TO GROUND, go to next step.
2) Turn ignition off. Disconnect anti-lock brake controller
module. Controller module is mounted to top of ABS hydraulic unit.
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND,
replace anti-lock brake controller module. If scan tool displays BUS
SHORT TO GROUND, go to next step.
3) Turn ignition off. Disconnect instrument cluster. Turn
ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND,
replace instrument cluster circuit board. If scan tool displays BUS
SHORT TO GROUND, go to next step.
4) Turn ignition off. Disconnect compass mini-trip computer.
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND,
replace compass mini-trip computer. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO
GROUND, go to next step.
5) Turn ignition off. Disconnect CCD radio. Turn ignition on.
If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND, replace radio. If
scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO GROUND, go to next step.
6) Turn ignition off and wait 2 minutes. Disconnect Air Bag
Control Module (ACM). ACM is located under center of instrument panel.\
Turn ignition on. If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND,
replace ACM. If scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO GROUND, go to next
step.
7) Turn ignition off. Disconnect Central Timer Module (CTM).\
CTM is located under left side of instrument panel. Turn ignition on.
If scan tool does not display BUS SHORT TO GROUND, replace CTM. If
scan tool displays BUS SHORT TO GROUND, go to next step.
8) Disconnect scan tool from DLC. Using external ohmmeter,
measure resistance between ground and DLC connector terminal No. 3
(Violet/Brown wire). If resistance is less than 700 ohms, repair
Violet/Brown wire for short to ground. If resistance is 700 ohms or

more, go to next step.
9) Measure resistance between ground and DLC connector
terminal No. 11 (White/Black wire). If resistance is less than 700
ohms, repair White/Dark Green wire for short to ground. If resistance
is 700 ohms or more, replace scan tool cable or scan tool as
necessary.
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1
1) Reconnect all previously disconnect connectors. Turn
ignition on, engine off. Using scan tool, erase all fault messages.
Turn ignition off. Wait 10 seconds. Turn ignition on, engine off.
Operate system that is malfunctioning. If system does not operate
properly, perform SYMPTOM IDENTIFICATION of BODY CONTROL COMPUTER
TESTS - RAM PICKUP article. If system operates properly, go to next
step.
2) Using scan tool, read fault messages. If fault messages
exist, perform SYMPTOM IDENTIFICATION of BODY CONTROL COMPUTER TESTS -
RAM PICKUP article. If fault messages do not exist, repair is
complete.


WAVEFO RM S - IN JE C TO R P A TTE R N T U TO RIA L

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Waveforms - Injector Pattern Tutorial
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: This article is intended for general information purposes
only. This information may not apply to all makes and models.
PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE
Learning how to interpret injector drive patterns from a Lab
Scope can be like learning ignition patterns all over again. This
article exists to ease you into becoming a skilled injector pattern
interpreter.
You will learn:
* How a DVOM and noid light fall short of a lab scope.
* The two types of injector driver circuits, voltage controlled
& current controlled.
* The two ways injector circuits can be wired, constant
ground/switched power & constant power/switched ground.
* The two different pattern types you can use to diagnose with,
voltage & current.
* All the valuable details injector patterns can reveal.
SCOPE OF THIS ARTICLE
This is NOT a manufacturer specific article. All different
types of systems are covered here, regardless of the specific
year/make/model/engine.
The reason for such broad coverage is because there are only
a few basic ways to operate a solenoid-type injector. By understanding
the fundamental principles, you will understand all the major points
of injector patterns you encounter. Of course there are minor
differences in each specific system, but that is where a waveform
library helps out.
If this is confusing, consider a secondary ignition pattern.
Even though there are many different implementations, each still has
a primary voltage turn-on, firing line, spark line, etc.
If specific waveforms are available in On Demand for the
engine and vehicle you are working on, you will find them in the
Engine Performance section under the Engine Performance category.
IS A LAB SCOPE NECESSARY?
INTRODUCTION
You probably have several tools at your disposal to diagnose
injector circuits. But you might have questioned "Is a lab scope
necessary to do a thorough job, or will a set of noid lights and a
multifunction DVOM do just as well?"
In the following text, we are going to look at what noid
lights and DVOMs do best, do not do very well, and when they can
mislead you. As you might suspect, the lab scope, with its ability to
look inside an active circuit, comes to the rescue by answering for
the deficiencies of these other tools.
OVERVIEW OF NOID LIGHT

The noid light is an excellent "quick and dirty" tool. It can
usually be hooked to a fuel injector harness fast and the flashing
light is easy to understand. It is a dependable way to identify a no-
pulse situation.
However, a noid light can be very deceptive in two cases:
* If the wrong one is used for the circuit being tested.
Beware: Just because a connector on a noid light fits the
harness does not mean it is the right one.
* If an injector driver is weak or a minor voltage drop is
present.
Use the Right Noid Light
In the following text we will look at what can happen if the
wrong noid light is used, why there are different types of noid lights
(besides differences with connectors), how to identify the types of
noid lights, and how to know the right type to use.
First, let's discuss what can happen if the incorrect type of
noid light is used. You might see:
* A dimly flashing light when it should be normal.
* A normal flashing light when it should be dim.
A noid light will flash dim if used on a lower voltage
circuit than it was designed for. A normally operating circuit would
appear underpowered, which could be misinterpreted as the cause of a
fuel starvation problem.
Here are the two circuit types that could cause this problem:
* Circuits with external injector resistors. Used predominately
on some Asian & European systems, they are used to reduce the
available voltage to an injector in order to limit the
current flow. This lower voltage can cause a dim flash on a
noid light designed for full voltage.
* Circuits with current controlled injector drivers (e.g. "Peak
and Hold"). Basically, this type of driver allows a quick
burst of voltage/current to flow and then throttles it back
significantly for the remainder of the pulse width duration.
If a noid light was designed for the other type of driver
(voltage controlled, e.g. "Saturated"), it will appear dim
because it is expecting full voltage/current to flow for the
entire duration of the pulse width.
Let's move to the other situation where a noid light flashes
normally when it should be dim. This could occur if a more sensitive
noid light is used on a higher voltage/amperage circuit that was
weakened enough to cause problems (but not outright broken). A circuit\
with an actual problem would thus appear normal.
Let's look at why. A noid light does not come close to
consuming as much amperage as an injector solenoid. If there is a
partial driver failure or a minor voltage drop in the injector
circuit, there can be adequate amperage to fully operate the noid
light BUT NOT ENOUGH TO OPERATE THE INJECTOR.
If this is not clear, picture a battery with a lot of
corrosion on the terminals. Say there is enough corrosion that the
starter motor will not operate; it only clicks. Now imagine turning on
the headlights (with the ignition in the RUN position). You find they
light normally and are fully bright. This is the same idea as noid
light: There is a problem, but enough amp flow exists to operate the
headlights ("noid light"), but not the starter motor ("injector").
How do you identify and avoid all these situations? By using
the correct type of noid light. This requires that you understanding

the types of injector circuits that your noid lights are designed for.
There are three. They are:
* Systems with a voltage controlled injector driver. Another
way to say it: The noid light is designed for a circuit with
a "high" resistance injector (generally 12 ohms or above).
* Systems with a current controlled injector driver. Another
way to say it: The noid light is designed for a circuit with
a low resistance injector (generally less than 12 ohms)
without an external injector resistor.
* Systems with a voltage controlled injector driver and an
external injector resistor. Another way of saying it: The
noid light is designed for a circuit with a low resistance
injector (generally less than 12 ohms) and an external
injector resistor.
NOTE: Some noid lights can meet both the second and third
categories simultaneously.
If you are not sure which type of circuit your noid light is
designed for, plug it into a known good car and check out the results.
If it flashes normally during cranking, determine the circuit type by
finding out injector resistance and if an external injector resistor
is used. You now know enough to identify the type of injector circuit.
Label the noid light appropriately.
Next time you need to use a noid light for diagnosis,
determine what type of injector circuit you are dealing with and
select the appropriate noid light.
Of course, if you suspect a no-pulse condition you could plug
in any one whose connector fit without fear of misdiagnosis. This is
because it is unimportant if the flashing light is dim or bright. It
is only important that it flashes.
In any cases of doubt regarding the use of a noid light, a
lab scope will overcome all inherent weaknesses.
OVERVIEW OF DVOM
A DVOM is typically used to check injector resistance and
available voltage at the injector. Some techs also use it check
injector on-time either with a built-in feature or by using the
dwell/duty function.
There are situations where the DVOM performs these checks
dependably, and other situations where it can deceive you. It is
important to be aware of these strengths and weaknesses. We will cover
the topics above in the following text.
Checking Injector Resistance
If a short in an injector coil winding is constant, an
ohmmeter will accurately identify the lower resistance. The same is
true with an open winding. Unfortunately, an intermittent short is an
exception. A faulty injector with an intermittent short will show
"good" if the ohmmeter cannot force the short to occur during testing.
Alcohol in fuel typically causes an intermittent short,
happening only when the injector coil is hot and loaded by a current
high enough to jump the air gap between two bare windings or to break
down any oxides that may have formed between them.
When you measure resistance with an ohmmeter, you are only
applying a small current of a few milliamps. This is nowhere near
enough to load the coil sufficiently to detect most problems. As a
result, most resistance checks identify intermittently shorted
injectors as being normal.
There are two methods to get around this limitation. The
first is to purchase an tool that checks injector coil windings under