Chrysler Code Retrieval

Except Colt, Colt Vista, Conquest, Summit, Summit Wagon & 1990-96 Laser & Talon

Using Check Engine
Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If suitable diagnostic read-out tool is not available, stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) can be accessed directly through the power loss/check engine lamp. To call up DTC's, cycle ignition switch On, Off, On, Off and On within five seconds. Once the lamp starts flashing the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's), it cannot be stopped. If a DTC is missed, the entire procedure must be repeated. The lamp will not indicate if oxygen feedback system is switching lean-rich or if idle motor system is operational.

Using C-4805 Tester

To obtain diagnostic trouble codes using diagnostic read-out tool No. C-4805, connect the unit to the diagnostic connector located in the engine compartment near the strut tower. Place the Read/Hold switch on the readout box in Read position. Start the engine if possible, then cycle the transmission selector and air conditioning switch and shutoff the engine. Cycle the ignition switch on and off twice, then turn ignition on and record all DTC's displayed within five seconds. Note that the power loss/check engine lamp should light for two seconds as a bulb check.

Using Diagnostic Readout Box II (DRB II)

1987-1988 Models

The Diagnostic Readout Box II (DRB II) must be used to enter the system into one of five test modes: A Diagnostic Test Mode, Circuit Actuation Test Mode (ATM), Switch Test Mode, Sensor Test Mode and Engine Running Test Mode. These five test modes are required to diagnose the system as called for in Diagnostic Procedures. To use the tester, proceed as follows:

1. Connect the diagnostic readout box Serial Communication Interface (SCI) to the engine controller connector located near engine controller, and then connect the red power supply lead to the positive battery terminal.
2. Plug the desired cartridge into the readout box. For a few seconds a test pattern, then an identification logo will appear on the display. After a few more seconds the display will read Select Model Year.
3. Press the F1 or F2 key until the display indicates 1988, then press the Yes key. The display will now read Select System. If at this time you wish to return to Select Model Year, press the No key.
4. Press the F1 or F2 key until the display indicates Power Train, then press the yes key. The display will now read Select Engine. If at this time you wish to return to Select System, press the No key.
5. Press the F1 or F2 key until the display indicates EFI/Turbo, then press the Yes key. The display will now read Select Test. If at this time you wish to return to Select Engine, press the No key.
6. At this point, one of two tests must be selected: Engine Off Test or Engine Running Test. If the Diagnostic Test Mode, switch Test Mode, circuit Actuation Test Mode (ATM Test) or Sensor Test Mode is required, select the Engine Off Test. If the Engine Running Test Mode is required, select the Engine Running Test. Press the F1 or F2 key until the desired test is displayed on the readout, press the Yes key, then proceed to the desired test mode as outlined under Test Modes. If at this time you wish to return to Select Test, press the No key.

1989-96 Models

1. Connect DRB II tester to diagnostic connector, using suitable adapter. On 2.2L and 2.5L models with TBI, the diagnostic connector is located in the engine compartment near the engine controller. On 2.2L, 2.5L, 3.0L, 3.3L and 3.8L MFI engines except Concorde, Intrepid, Trucks, Vans, Vision & 1994-95 New Yorker LHS models, the diagnostic connector is located in the engine compartment near the strut tower. On Concorde, Intrepid, Vision & 1994-95 New Yorker, and LHS models, the data link connector (DLC) is located in the passenger compartment, under the center of the instrument panel toward the driver’s side. On 1989-95 Mini-Vans, the DLC is located in the engine compartment on the left hand inner front fender well. On 1989-1992 Full-Size Vans, the DLC is located in the engine compartment on the cowl near the Single Module Engine Controller. On 1993-95 Full Size Vans, the data link connector is located in the engine compartment on the cowl near the brake booster. On 1989-95 Dakota models, the DLC is located in the engine compartment on the right-hand inner front fender well near cowl. On Full-Size Pickup & Ram charger models, the data link connector is located in the engine compartment on the left- hand inner front fender well near cowl. On all 1996 passenger car and light truck models, the DLC is located below the instrument panel near the steering column.
2. If possible start engine and cycle A/C compressor On and Off, then place ignition switch in the Off position.
3. Place ignition switch in the On position, access Read Fault Screen and note all diagnostic trouble codes displayed on the DRB II screen.
4. The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument panel should light for two seconds and then go off as a bulb check.