Dakota Quad Cab 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (2002)
test procedures within this manual, diagnostic trouble codes are used as a diagnostic tool.
Active Codes
The code becomes active as soon as the malfunction is detected and stored after one minute of occurrence or key-off, whichever occurs first. An
active trouble code indicates an on-going malfunction. This means that the defect is currently there every time the airbag control module checks
that circuit/function. It is impossible to erase an active code; active codes automatically erase by themselves when the reason for the code has been
corrected.
With the exception of the warning lamp trouble codes or malfunctions, when a malfunction is detected, the airbag lamp remains lit for a minimum
of 12 seconds or as long as the malfunction is present.
Stored Codes
Airbag codes are automatically stored in the ACM's memory after one minute of occurrence or when the ignition is turned OFF. The exception is
the "Loss of Ignition Run Only" code which is an active code only.
A "stored" code indicates there was an active code present at some time. However, the code currently may not be present as an active code,
although another active code could be.
When a trouble code indicates there was an active code present at some time. However, the code currently may not be present as an active code,
although another active code could be.
The minimum time shown for any code will be one minute, even if the code was actually present for less than one minute. Thus, the time shown
for a code that was present for two minutes 13 seconds, for example, would be three minutes.
If a malfunction is detected a diagnostic trouble code is stored and will remain stored. When and if the malfunction ceases to exist, an ignition
cycle count will be initiated for that code. If the ignition cycle count reaches 100 without a reoccurrence of the same malfunction, that diagnostic
trouble code is erased and that ignition cycle counter is reset to zero. If the malfunction reoccurs before the count reaches 100, then the ignition
cycle counter will be reset and the diagnostic trouble code will continue to be a stored code.
If a malfunction is not active while performing a diagnostic test procedure, the active code diagnostic test will not locate the source of the problem.
In this case, the stored code can indicate an area to inspect.
If no obvious problems are found, erase stored codes, and with the ignition "ON" wiggle the wire harness and connectors, rotate the steering wheel
from stop to stop. Recheck for codes periodically as you work through the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunction that is difficult to
locate.
