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HOW-TO: Check your Nitro for sensor bugs. It dances too!

13K views 38 replies 27 participants last post by  Scar0 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello all!
I realized in another thread that many members do not know about the Chrysler built in diagnostics computer.
Anyone can access it without any fancy code readers or $400 mechanics.
It is different on different models but it is pretty close.
My Ram, Pt cruiser and Nitro all worked easily.
My sisters Sebring however....mystifies me.:eek:

Anyways, If you are having problems(stalling, not starting, check engine light on, one of those gremlins running around..) you can see what the computer is thinking and maybe fix it yourself. That dang gas cap!:DOops.

Procedure. Nitro.
1. Enter car, shut door.
2. Put on the emergency brake and tranny in "Park"
3. Hold down trip button.
4. Turn key to "ON" position and let off the trip button.
5. You will get a light show along with dancing gauges!:smileup:
6. Do not start the car, Once it is done running its system checks the gauge cluster will return to normal and you can be on your way!

This checks that all gauges and lights are functioning normally.
The important thing is to watch the odometer.
It will have codes coming up.
When it shows a code starting with "p" this is your error code.
for example.
P 1281
What does that mean you ask? Well on my Ram it means the engines cold..
To look up your problem code go here.
www.actron.com/code_lookup.php
OR here for Nitro specific codes

http://www.nitroforumz.com/showthread.php?t=1727
On older Chryslers, or at least not 2007's
hold the trip button down and turn the key OFF,ON,OFF,ON,OFF,ON within 5 seconds and it will run the program.

C'mon anybody else got any little known helpful facts?:thk:
 
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#2 ·
Hello all!
I realized in another thread that many members do not know about the Chrysler built in diagnostics computer.
Anyone can access it without any fancy code readers or $400 mechanics.
It is different on different models but it is pretty close.
My Ram, Pt cruiser and Nitro all worked easily.
My sisters Sebring however....mystifies me.:eek:

Anyways, If you are having problems(stalling, not starting, check engine light on, one of those gremlins running around..) you can see what the computer is thinking and maybe fix it yourself. That dang gas cap!:DOops.

Procedure. Nitro.
1. Enter car, shut door.
2. Put on the emergency brake and tranny in "Park"
3. Hold down trip button.
4. Turn key to "ON" position and let off the trip button.
5. You will get a light show along with dancing gauges!:smileup:
6. Do not start the car, Once it is done running its system checks the gauge cluster will return to normal and you can be on your way!

This checks that all gauges and lights are functioning normally.
The important thing is to watch the odometer.
It will have codes coming up.
When it shows a code starting with "p" this is your error code.
for example.
P 1281
What does that mean you ask? Well on my Ram it means the engines cold..
To look up your problem code go here.
www.actron.com/code_lookup.php

On older Chryslers, or at least not 2007's
hold the trip button down and turn the key OFF,ON,OFF,ON,OFF,ON within 5 seconds and it will run the program.

C'mon anybody else got any little known helpful facts?:thk:
2 questions:

1. Will this work with the standart SXT dash (non EVIC)
2. What do have to do with a 6speed -- do I need to step on the clutch or something?

Ken
 
#3 ·
2 questions:

1. Will this work with the standart SXT dash (non EVIC)
2. What do have to do with a 6speed -- do I need to step on the clutch or something?

Ken
I have the SXT without EVIC also and it worked fine.:smileup:
If you have the 6 just put it in Neutral BUT make sure the E-Brake is firmly in place.
It may require you to lock the doors though i am not sure.
 
#7 ·
Procedure. Nitro.
1. Enter car, shut door.
2. Put on the emergency brake and tranny in "Park"
3. Hold down trip button.
4. Turn key to "ON" position and let off the trip button.
5. You will get a light show along with dancing gauges!:smileup:
6. Do not start the car, Once it is done running its system checks the gauge cluster will return to normal and you can be on your way!
Oh yeah! I forgot that on my 99 Cherokee, the same procedure worked for verifying that all of the gauges and lights on the panel (and associated systems) were working correctly. Don't know if it would have included trouble codes or not.

True, it was sorta fun to watch the "dance"!

:cool:
 
#8 · (Edited)
Diagnostic Trouble Codes can be found right here on our own site. :) Click Here:smileup: The lookup codes from the previously mentioned website will only spit out generic codes and not Chrysler specific DTC's. Codes related to Emissions are available to everyone. Aside from that there are hundreds more brand specific codes. Thanks for the post zmass. :rep:
 
#9 ·
Hello all!
I realized in another thread that many members do not know about the Chrysler built in diagnostics computer.
Anyone can access it without any fancy code readers or $400 mechanics.
$400 mechanics.......guess I'll have to remember that the next time you ask/have a mechanical/electrical question/problem. I take cash! LOL!:Na_Na_Na_Na::shakehead::smileup:
 
#16 ·
I ran the check and did not get any p code errors. it cycled with an S 40.1, I 16.6, C 60.5, L 50.5 and cF 9. The check engine light is on and I am 4000 miles into an oil change. I think the system is set to warn me if I am over my change cycle, but I am not willing to change every 3000 miles as I am not driving it much. 4500 is what I am shooting for. Anyone have any ideas?
 
#17 ·
I ran the check and did not get any p code errors. it cycled with an S 40.1, I 16.6, C 60.5, L 50.5 and cF 9. The check engine light is on and I am 4000 miles into an oil change. I think the system is set to warn me if I am over my change cycle, but I am not willing to change every 3000 miles as I am not driving it much. 4500 is what I am shooting for. Anyone have any ideas?

Hay mhojnacki,

Head over to the Newbie Check in! and introduce your self to everyone, Welcome.

B.H.
 
#18 ·
I ran the check and did not get any p code errors. it cycled with an S 40.1, I 16.6, C 60.5, L 50.5 and cF 9. The check engine light is on and I am 4000 miles into an oil change. I think the system is set to warn me if I am over my change cycle, but I am not willing to change every 3000 miles as I am not driving it much. 4500 is what I am shooting for. Anyone have any ideas?
Welcome to the forum mhojnacki.

I'm not sure the system is set to warn you of missing an oil change, however, and I realize you are free to change your oil where and whenever you feel the need, but if you decide to do your oil changes every 4500 miles and you have any engine problems in the future I pretty much guarantee they will void your warranty for not doing so every 3000 miles as the recommend. 3000 miles is still 3000 miles whether you drive frequently or not. You still need fresh oil in your engine to help it run efficiently and economically.

As I stated though, the choice is yours, but an engine rebuild will cost way more than the few hundred bucks you'll save by missing oil changes.
 
#19 ·
Welcome to the forum mhojnacki.

I'm not sure the system is set to warn you of missing an oil change, however, and I realize you are free to change your oil where and whenever you feel the need, but if you decide to do your oil changes every 4500 miles and you have any engine problems in the future I pretty much guarantee they will void your warranty for not doing so every 3000 miles as the recommend. 3000 miles is still 3000 miles whether you drive frequently or not. You still need fresh oil in your engine to help it run efficiently and economically.

As I stated though, the choice is yours, but an engine rebuild will cost way more than the few hundred bucks you'll save by missing oil changes.
Welcome! Yes I agree its cheep insurance
 
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