Specialized High Performance Accessories for your Dodge/Jeep, Ford, and GM Vehicles SpeedTweaks - Tips and Tricks (Dodge) How to Reset the PCM • • • Disconnect NEG Battery Terminal Turn the ignition key to the START position and hold for 15-20 seconds Release key (OFF) and reconnect the battery When should I reset the PCM? If you change items such as the Throttle Body, Headers, Ignition System (or any internal parts with aftermarket, performance parts), then you should reset the PCM.
How to clean your Throttle Body Most people think that cleaning the throttle body requires a can of Carb/Throttle Body Cleaner and a quick "wash" of the bores. This may work, but only washes the dirt and cleaner down into your intake manifold where it can puddle up and break down the belly-pan gasket. Then, it also is pulled into the combustion chamber where is can foul up the spark plugs.
Oil Recommendations There's a lot of "Hocus Pocus" on who's oil is better and Synthetic vs. "Dino" Oil. We've run Redline, Royal Purple, Amsoil, Mobil-1, Castrol, Valvoline, and a few others just to see what would happen. What ultimately happened was that we were a few dollars shorter in our pocket book...with the exception of the Royal Purple oil (mileage went up .5mpg and overall engine operation was much smoother and more responsive).
muffler that you can see through rather than the chambered style? If you want to spend the money, like the sound, and own a race car (Bracket, Drag, etc.)...by all means, go for it. Just remember, just because you can see through it doesn't mean its any better than a chambered. Ignition Systems (MSD) Most people choose the MSD Ignition Systems as their "High Performance" ignition system.
Poor idle with big cam (Less than 112 degrees on Lobe Separation) If you install a larger cam that has a Lobe Separation of less than 112 degrees, you will notice a very poor idle (sometimes dies at the light) and running too rich at idle as well. This is caused by the MAP signal being too low due to the cam. The MAP vacuum at idle (with a stock cam) is 12-13" at the MAP port on the throttle body. With a larger cam, that has a 108-110 degree Lobe Separation, the vacuum at the MAP port is 6-8".
Points to look at: • • • "The spacer makes no HP on the Dyno. It makes all of it's power in torque in the low end." "If you haven't noticed any power on the Dyno or the track then it's doing what it's supposed to." "The idea of the spacer is to improve overall drivability and fuel mileage." So...it doesn't make any more HP, is not supposed to help in 1/4 mile performance (or on the Dyno), and is mainly for mileage and bottom end Torque.
Open and Closed Loop Operation: There are 7 different modes (conditions) that are used (besides Key-ON and Key-Off mode). Here is a table of what sensors are monitored and what determines the mode. One thing to remember, under OPEN LOOP Operation, the O2 Sensor(s) are ignored by the PCM.
Will aftermarket parts void my warranty? This is a common question with an easy answer: NO. Federal law sets forth requirements for warranties and contains a number of provisions to prevent vehicle manufacturers, dealers and others from unjustly denying warranty coverage. With regard to aftermarket parts, the gist of the law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply because such parts are present on the vehicle, or have been used.
CHECK 1. Turn ignition key to OFF position. 2. Remove air cleaner. 3. Verify that throttle body lever is at curb idle position. Then verify that transmission throttle lever is also at idle (full forward) position. 4. Slide cable off attachment stud on throttle body lever. 5. Compare position of cable end to attachment stud on throttle body lever: a. Cable end and attachment stud should be aligned (or centered on one another) to within 1 mm (0.039 inch) in either direction. b.
Crower Rocker Arm Installation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Disconnect coil wire. Remove air cleaner and inlet hose. Clear a path to remove the valve covers Remove spark plug wires and valve cover hold down bolts. Remove valve covers. Clean them and set them aside. Remove stock rockers, leaving pushrods in place. Don’t let pushrods drop down into engine. Install Crower studs (#88416 for V6, V8, V10 Magnum / #88417 for V10 Viper). Torque studs to 20-24 ft lbs for #88416 or 30-38 ft lbs for #88417.
How to bleed the Brake System (Base Instructions) Use Mopar brake fluid, or an equivalent quality fluid meeting SAE J1703-F and DOT 3 standards only. Use fresh, clean fluid from a sealed container at all times. Do not pump the brake pedal at any time while bleeding. Air in the system will be compressed into small bubbles that are distributed throughout the hydraulic system. This will make additional bleeding operations necessary. Do not allow the master cylinder to run out of fluid during bleed operations.
PRESSURE BLEEDING Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using pressure equipment. Do not exceed the tank manufacturer’s pressure recommendations. Generally, a tank pressure of 15-20 PSI is sufficient for bleeding. Fill the bleeder tank with recommended fluid and purge air from the tank lines before bleeding. Do not pressure bleed without a proper master cylinder adapter. The wrong adapter can lead to leakage, or drawing air back into the system.
Distributor Indexing - Without using a Scanner (We highly recommend setting the Fuel-Sync with a scanner but this will work for an initial setting) SYMPTOM/CONDITION: Vehicles may exhibit surging, light bucking, or intermittent engine misfiring. This will most likely occur when the vehicle is at operating temperature, and under a light load at approximately 2000 RPM. This condition may be caused by a mis -indexed distributor.
Electrical - Multiple Systems Inoperative NO: 08-10-98 GROUP: Electrical DATE: Mar.
How to check codes on a 1997 Dodge OBTAINING DTC'S USING MIL LAMP Cycle the ignition key On-Off-On-Off-On within 5 seconds. Count the number of times the MIL (check engine lamp) on the instrument panel flashes on and off. The number of flashes represents the trouble code. There is a slight pause between the flashes representing the first and second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate individual two digit trouble codes.
How to check codes on a 1999 Dodge The 1999 Dodge Dakota shop manual, page 8E-6 has the following self diagnostic test that checks the instrument cluster and CCD data bus message-controlled indicator lamps, for the other codes a DRB scan tool is required. NOTE: If the ignition switch is turned to the off position during this test, or if a Vehicle speed message indicating the vehicle is moving is received from the PCM on the CCD data bus during the test, repeat test if required.
950 The cluster is not receiving an ABS lamp -on message from the CAB. connections at the CAB 2. Check the CAB fuse. 1. Record the failure message. 999 An error has been discovered. 2. Depress the trip odometer reset button to continue the self diagnostic test. If no fault codes appear the instrument cluster will begin a walking segment and gauge test. Walking segment and gauge test This test requires a visual inspection of each odometer segment as it is displayed to determine a pass or fail condition.
I've got Four (4) O2 Sensors...What do they do? OXYGEN SENSOR-PCM INPUTS When the vehicle is equipped with a this engine and two-wheel-drive (2WD), four heated O2S sensors Will be used. They are: Left, right, pre-catalyst and post catalyst. The left, right and post catalyst sensors will fine-tune air-fuel ratio. The pre -catalyst and post catalyst sensors will determine catalytic converter efficiency. Two of these sensors are installed into the left and right exhaust manifold down pipes.
Supercharged V6 Tuning Tips (1) Use a V8 Throttle Body, Flometrics 48mm (50mm if running 9# boost), or APS 50mm modified throttle body (preferably with V8 cable as well for ease of installation) (2) 3923 Spark Plugs (3) A good ignition coil (4) 180 Degree T'Stat (5) Boost Bypass Valve (not the MAP/Boost Bypass Valve) REQUIRED for anything at 9# or above (also helps with 6# but not really required) (6) Ford Motorsport – FV-140 PCV Valve (7) Headers (recommended but not required unless you plan on higher boos
Upper Control Arm Bushing Problem It's a known fact that the passenger-side, upper control arm bushings deteriorate much quicker than the driver-side. This is due to the offset of the engine in the engine bay. The heat from the factory manifold causes the rubber to deteriorate prematurely...not because of headers as some dealerships claim. (It happens to both factory manifolds and headers...even Mopar headers.) There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on this from 1997-2000 vehicles (Dakota/Durango).
(9) Start the engine but do NOT step on the accelerator pedal...let the computer learn the new initial voltage setting. (10) Turn the engine off and close the hood...drive away of you want...your throttle response should be much more precise now.
Update 02/20/02: We've run the truck with over 5000 miles on the Denso spark plugs and are switching back to the Autolites. While the Denso Iridium plugs will outlast the Autolites, the Accel ignition, boost, and nitrous have taken a toll on the plugs. For the average daily driver, they Iridium plugs are a good alternative/replacement (especially for Platinum plugs) but don't work any better than the Autolites in our specific case. What is a "S-Bolt" and how do I make one? Here are the actual measurements.
Engine - Rattling/Lifter Type Noise NO: 09-07-97 GROUP: Engine DATE: June 27, 1997 SUBJECT: Timing Chain Noise MODELS: (Applies to '98+ models as well) 1990 - 1997 (AN) Dakota 1990 - 1997 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon 1990 - 1993 (AD) Ram Pickup/Ram Cab & Chassis/Ramcharger 1994 - 1997 (BR) Ram Truck NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.9L ENGINE. SYMPTOM/CONDITION: A Rattling or lifter type noise coming from the front (chain case) area of the engine.
. 3. Remove the thrust plate and chain oil tab (Figure 1). Discard the parts. 4. Install the timing chain tensioner p/n 53021195AA in the position where the thrust plate and oil tab was installed (Figure 2). Torque the bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.). 5. Install the new timing sprockets and chain p/n 083507095. Align the timing marks per the appropriate service manual procedure. Torque the camshaft bolt to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.). 6. Remove the lock pin that holds the tensioner plate for the chain.
TIME ALLOWANCE: Labor Operation No: Optional Equipment: FAILURE CODE: 09-10-05-92 09-10-05-61 Power Steering 09-10-05-63 Air Conditioning 2.3 Hrs. 0.2 Hrs. 0.4 Hrs. P8 - New Part How to relocate your IAT Sensor (Applies to ’92-‘03 models except for the 5.7L “Hemi”) • • • The IAT Sensor is located on the #2 Intake Runner (3.9/5.2/5.9L) or under the Throttle Body, in the manifold (4.
condition may be present. The vehicle operator may experience an engine spark knock during acceleration and/or an increase in the amount of engine oil consumed by the engine. DIAGNOSIS: Make sure Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 18-48-98 has been performed. NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COIL AND SPARK PLUG WIRES ARE ROUTED EXACTLY AS SPECIFIED IN TSB 18-48-98 TO ACHIEVE THE MOST BENEFIT. Inspect the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
NOTE: DURING THIS DIAGNOSIS, IT WOULD BE NORMAL FOR THE ENGINE TO DEVELOP PRESSURE WITHIN THE ENGINE CRANKCASE. THIS IS DUE TO THE NORMAL PROCESS OF EXHAUST BLOW-BY GASES LEAKING PAST THE ENGINE PISTON RINGS AND ACCUMULATING IN THE ENGINE CRANKCASE. DO NOT ALLOW MORE THAN 3 PSI (20.7 kpa) OF PRESSURE TO BUILD WITHIN THE ENGINE WHEN PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE. 8. Start the warmed engine and observe the vacuum gauge. 9. Allow the engine to idle for approximately 30 seconds.
NOTE: CLEAN ALL OIL RESIDUE FROM THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE PLENUM PAN AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLENUM CHAMBER. THE PROPER BOLT TORQUE AND TIGHTENING SEQUENCE IS CRITICAL AND MUST BE FOLLOWED WHEN TIGHTENING BOTH THE PLENUM PAN BOLTS AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FLANGE BOLTS. 3.9L Bolt Tightening Sequence and Torque Procedure: 3.
3.9 Intake Manifold Flange Bolt Torque Procedure 5.2L / 5.9L Plenum Bolt Tightening Sequence and Torque Procedure: 5.2L / 5.9L Plenum Pan Bolt Torque Procedure 5.2L / 5.9L Intake Manifold Flange Bolt Torque Procedure 2. With the engine reassembled, inspect the coil and spark plug wires for proper routing. Refer to TSB 0948-98 for additional assistance. 3. Start the engine and allow it to warm to normal engine operating temperature. 4.
NOTE: ALLOW THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER CLEANER TO SOAK INSIDE OF THE ENGINE FOR 2 TO 2.5 HOURS. NOTE: A SECOND APPLICATION OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER CONDITIONER MAY BE REQUIRED IF THERE WAS A LARGE QUANTITY OF OIL LEAKAGE PAST THE INTAKE PLENUM PAN GASKET. 5. Verify proper engine oil level. Do those "Wonder Oils" really work? While we try to refrain from degrading other products that we haven't tested...we've tested these and they do NOT work and have had claims filed against them from the FTC.
Cab Mount - Popping Noise on Steep Inclines NO: 23-65-97 Rev. A GROUP: Body DATE: December 31, 1997 SUBJECT: Loud Popping Noise Is Heard When Vehicle Makes A Sharp Turn Onto A Steep Incline 1997-2001 (AN) Dakota NOTE: This bulletin applies to 4X2 and 4X4 extended cab vehicles. SYMPTOM/CONDITION: A loud popping noise is heard coming from the rear of the cab as the vehicle is turned onto a steep incline such as a driveway approach.
• • • • • • • • Place blocks of wood between the cab cross member and the frame and lower the cab onto the blocks of wood. Remove both rear cab upper isolators. Grind 1/4 in. to 3/8 in. off the metal sleeve of the rear cab upper isolator as shown in Figure 2. Perform this operation on both rear cab upper isolators. Install the rear cab upper isolators back onto the isolator mount. With a jack, raise the cab high enough to remove the blocks of wood.
monitoring for a popping noise or sensation. If a popping noise or sensation can be heard and/or felt in the steering column while turning, perform the Repair Procedure. REPAIR PROCEDURE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Start the engine. Rotate the steering wheel so that the steering wheel is in an upside down position then remove the ignition key to lock the steering wheel in this position.
20HP Timing Advance Kit - eBay (WARNING) Folks, it has been brought to our attention that an individual on eBay is selling a "Timing Advance Kit" with claims of a 20HP gain on the Dodge, GM, and Ford engines. This is a scam and is not worth the money spent as it is a simple resistor which costs no more than 50 cents at your local radio shack. It uses the same trick as the old-fashioned "resistor trick" as described on the IAT Adjuster page.
What grade of fuel should I use - Octane from Gasoline Questions & Answers for Your Car API Publication 1580, Sixth edition, January 1996 Q. What is octane? A. Octane is a measure of a gasoline's ability to resist knock or pinging noise from an engine. In older vehicles, knock may be accompanied by engine run-on, or dieseling. Knock is the sharp, metallic-sounding engine noise that results from uncontrolled combustion. Severe knocking over an extended time may damage pistons and other engine parts.
midgrade at 89 (R+M)/2, and premium at 93 (R+M)/2. In high-altitude areas such as the Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S., the (R+M)/2 number may be lower by one or two numbers. After January 1, 1996, no leaded gasoline may be sold for highway use. Q. Which octane grade should I use in my car? A. Use the recommendation in your car owner's manual as a starting point for selecting the proper gasoline.
What do the Tire Wear Ratings mean? Uniform Tire Quality Grading - UTQG Ratings The Department of Transportation requires each manufacturer to grade its tires under the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) labeling system and establish ratings for tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. These tests are conducted independently by each manufacturer following government guidelines to assign values that represent a comparison between the tested tire and a control tire.
up shift). Customers concerned about this noise should be advised that this condition is normal and no repair attempts should be made. A/T - Engine Bucking/Surging at 5,300 RPM NO: 18-19-98 GROUP: Driveability DATE: Apr.
1 - 56041403AA, Governor Pressure Sensor REPAIR PROCEDURE: This bulletin involves installing a newly designed governor pressure sensor. (1) Following the procedures in the applicable service manual, replace the governor pressure sensor with p/n 56041403AA (See picture below). (2) Check the throttle valve cable adjustment. Make appropriate adjustments, if necessary, following the applicable service manual procedure. How to test your Instrument Cluster (Lamps, Gauges, Indicators) 1.
10. The Self-Diagnostic Test is now completed. The cluster will automatically exit the self-diagnostic mode and return to normal operation at the completion of the test, if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position during the test, or if a vehicle speed message indicating the vehicle is moving is received from the PCM on the CCD data bus during the test. Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if required.
BRAKE stall in not a consistent way to measure your stall converter and has many variables. This method will be lower then TRUE stall by 400-800 RPM. What is FLASH Stall? Flash stall is generally read while the car is in motion. While rolling at a slow speed the throttle is depressed fully to see where the RPM will flash (or peak). This method will not be true if tires spin or car is rolling too fast. Due to the turbine already turning in the converter we end up with less torque multiplication.
Why we do not recommend O-Ringing the Mopar Cylinder Heads Cylinder heads can be o-ringed but you'll need the matching block to make sure they're aligned properly. No production engine has perfectly aligned combustion chambers or bores so there will be inconsistencies in the exact alignment of the heads vs. block. The best way to o-ring (when using factory style gaskets) is either cutting a groove around the bore for a mechanical lock or using a wire - on the block.
Proper Methods for O-Ringing the block (with NO receiver groove) Supercharger/Turbocharger - Blow-by/PCV Fix For those running either a Supercharger or Turbocharger, you may notice some blow-by on valve cover (via the breather cap). Normally, this is caused by the factory PCV valve not sealing up properly under boost. We've found that the PCV Valve from a late model Ford works excellent even under a 120psi air pressure test. The part to find is a Ford Motorcraft: FV-140 PCV Valve.
MODELS: 2001 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon 2001 (AN) Dakota 2001 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup 2001 (DN) Durango 2001 (JR) Sebring Sedan/Stratus Sedan/Sebring Convertible 2002 (KJ) Liberty 2001 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/LHS/300M 2001 (PL) Neon 2001 (PR) Prowler 2001 (PT) PT Cruiser 2001 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets) 2001 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager 2001 (ST) Sebring Coupe 2001 (SR) Viper 2001 (TJ) Wrangler 2001 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets) 2001 (WJ) Grand Cherokee 2001 (XJ) Cherokee NOTE: THIS
What does Short-Term and Long-Term Fuel Trim mean (STFT / LTFT)? Short Term Fuel Trend (STFT) - Instantaneous fuel trend indicator - a numeric indicator (-) is rich (+) is lean. Any deviation from 0% indicates the short term fuel trim is changing the injector pulse width. The amount of pulse width change depends on how far the short term fuel trim value is from 0%. Long Term Fuel Trend (LTFT) - The long term fuel trim is a matrix of cells arranged by RPM and MAP.
