Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSDODGE AND RAM1996CARAVAN V6-229 3.8LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISRELAYS AND MODULESRELAYS AND MODULES - POWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTRELAYS AND MODULES - COMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSBODY CONTROL MODULETESTING AND INSPECTIONSCAN TOOL TESTING AND PROCEDURES
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan V6-229 3.8L
Scan Tool Testing and Procedures
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan V6-229 3.8LSECTION Scan Tool Testing and Procedures
NOTE: DRB III is a Chrysler proprietary scan tool. Other scan tools may differ in functionality.
DRB III Error Messages
Under normal operation, the DRB will display one of only two error messages:
- User-Requested WARM Boot
- User-Requested COLD Boot
If the DRB should display any other error message, record the entire display and call the MDS Hotline, or call for information and assistance at 1-800-825-8737. This is a sample of such an error message display:
ver: 2.14
date: 26 Jul93
file: key_itf.cc
date: Jul 26 1993
line: 548
err: Ox1
User-Requested COLD Boot
Press MORE to switch between this display and the application screen.
Press F4 when done noting information.
DRBIII Does Not Power Up (Blank Screen)
If the LED's do not light or no sound is emitted at start up, check for loose cable connections or a bad cable. Check the vehicle battery voltage (data link connector cavity 16). A minimum of 11 volts is required to adequately power the DRB.
If all connections are proper between the DRB and the vehicle or other devices, and the vehicle battery is fully charged, an inoperative DRB may be the result of faulty cable or vehicle wiring. Perform Vehicle Communication TEST 1A. 1A Identifying Vehicle Communication Problems
Display is Not Visible
Low temperatures will affect the visibility of the display. Adjust the contrast to compensate for this condition.
DRBIII Safety Information
WARNING: Exceeding the limits of the DRB multimeter is dangerous. It can expose you to serious or possibly fatal injury. Carefully read and understand the cautions and the specification limits.
- Follow the vehicle manufacturer's service specifications at all times.
- Do not use the DRB if it has been damaged.
- Do not use the test leads if the insulation is damaged or if metal is exposed.
- To avoid electrical shock, do not touch the test leads, tips, or the circuit being tested.
- Choose the proper range and function for the measurement. Do not try voltage or current measurements that may exceed the rated capacity.
- Voltage between any terminal and ground must not exceed 500v DC or 500v peak AC.
- Use caution when measuring voltage above 25v DC or 25v AC.
- The circuit being tested must be protected by a 10A fuse or circuit breaker.
- Use the low current shunt to measure circuits up to 10A. Use the high current clamp to measure circuits exceeding 10A.
- When testing for the presence of voltage or current, make sure the meter is functioning correctly. Take a reading of a known voltage or current before accepting a zero reading.
- When measuring current, connect the meter in series with the load.
- Disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead.
- When using the meter function, keep the DRB away from spark plug or coil wires to avoid measuring error from outside interference.
DRB III Error Messages
Under normal operation, the DRB will display one of only two error messages:
- User-Requested WARM Boot
- User-Requested COLD Boot
If the DRB should display any other error message, record the entire display and call the MDS Hotline, or call for information and assistance at 1-800-825-8737. This is a sample of such an error message display:
ver: 2.14
date: 26 Jul93
file: key_itf.cc
date: Jul 26 1993
line: 548
err: Ox1
User-Requested COLD Boot
Press MORE to switch between this display and the application screen.
Press F4 when done noting information.
DRBIII Does Not Power Up (Blank Screen)
If the LED's do not light or no sound is emitted at start up, check for loose cable connections or a bad cable. Check the vehicle battery voltage (data link connector cavity 16). A minimum of 11 volts is required to adequately power the DRB.
If all connections are proper between the DRB and the vehicle or other devices, and the vehicle battery is fully charged, an inoperative DRB may be the result of faulty cable or vehicle wiring. Perform Vehicle Communication TEST 1A. 1A Identifying Vehicle Communication Problems
Display is Not Visible
Low temperatures will affect the visibility of the display. Adjust the contrast to compensate for this condition.
DRBIII Safety Information
WARNING: Exceeding the limits of the DRB multimeter is dangerous. It can expose you to serious or possibly fatal injury. Carefully read and understand the cautions and the specification limits.
- Follow the vehicle manufacturer's service specifications at all times.
- Do not use the DRB if it has been damaged.
- Do not use the test leads if the insulation is damaged or if metal is exposed.
- To avoid electrical shock, do not touch the test leads, tips, or the circuit being tested.
- Choose the proper range and function for the measurement. Do not try voltage or current measurements that may exceed the rated capacity.
- Voltage between any terminal and ground must not exceed 500v DC or 500v peak AC.
- Use caution when measuring voltage above 25v DC or 25v AC.
- The circuit being tested must be protected by a 10A fuse or circuit breaker.
- Use the low current shunt to measure circuits up to 10A. Use the high current clamp to measure circuits exceeding 10A.
- When testing for the presence of voltage or current, make sure the meter is functioning correctly. Take a reading of a known voltage or current before accepting a zero reading.
- When measuring current, connect the meter in series with the load.
- Disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead.
- When using the meter function, keep the DRB away from spark plug or coil wires to avoid measuring error from outside interference.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.