P0542

[AK Bob]

@Electrojake brings up a good point, you will need to have a multimeter and a basic knowledge of DC circuits to troubleshoot this issue. Looking at the electrical diagram provided in the previous attachment I would suggest starting off by testing and eliminating half of the circuit.

To do this label and remove the two small wires from the heater relay (wires K174 from terminal 85 & K974 from terminal 86 on diagram).

Insulate each wire with electrical tape. I would then attach a DC clamp on ammeter capable of measuring up to 300 amps around the wire going to the intake heater(wire A19 or A122 on diagram) Next apply battery power (+/-12VDC) to the solenoid terminals CAUTION: do not apply any voltage to the K174 or K974 wires or you will fry your PCM apply voltage to the solenoid terminals momentarily while watching the ammeter.

If the ammeter measures approximately 220 amps DC the test is compete and you know for sure the heater circuit, fusible link, heater element, and solenoid are all good. CAUTION: do not leave the solenoid energized for any longer than 30 seconds as you could burn out the heater element.

If the test was successful then this leaves the two small heater relay wires to troubleshoot by checking continuity between each wire from wire harness C2 on the PCM pins 75 to terminal 85 & pin 76 to terminal 86.

Again this is the way I would troubleshoot this issue, do not attempt if you are not comfortable or don’t understand my suggestions.


2014 RAM 3500 (Aisin) 3.73 4X4 Limited Crew Cab Long Bed DRW. Oil Bypass Filter, 50 Gallon auxiliary fuel tank.

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[Electrojake]

When I came across this picture in the P2609 thread I was quite impressed that someone actually had a DC current clamp.



I have a feeling I could learn quite a bit from your posts.
Just saying.

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[AK Bob]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-To...L380/308554222


2014 RAM 3500 (Aisin) 3.73 4X4 Limited Crew Cab Long Bed DRW. Oil Bypass Filter, 50 Gallon auxiliary fuel tank.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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[PullinAir]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-To...L380/308554222


2014 RAM 3500 (Aisin) 3.73 4X4 Limited Crew Cab Long Bed DRW. Oil Bypass Filter, 50 Gallon auxiliary fuel tank.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm a commercial & residential HVAC Tech.

I went out to my tool bag to check my fluke clamp on ammeter and it won't do DC amps.

I can measure DC voltage.

This thread has made me realize I'm going to need more tools now that I have this truck.

LOL, I don't see that as a problem.

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[Electrojake]

I'm a commercial & residential HVAC Tech.

This thread has made me realize I'm going to need more tools now that I have this truck.
LOL, I don't see that as a problem.

100% Agreed! @PullinAir
I've never owned a vehicle that needed this much support equipment in my life!

Laptop with diagnostic software,
an AllData account,
the FCA shop manual,
and the FCA wiring diagrams,
not to mention the tools & test equipment I already had on hand. Yikes! $$$

My first diesel truck. It was quite a reality check, especially dealing with the recalls.
Proud to say its NEVER been to a dealership or private shop and (hopefully) never will.

As info...
This is the Fluke DC current clamp I use:


Thanks for jumping in on the thread!
-Jake-

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[PullinAir]

100% Agreed! @PullinAir
I've never owned a vehicle that needed this much support equipment in my life!

Laptop with diagnostic software,
an AllData account,
the FCA shop manual,
and the FCA wiring diagrams,
not to mention the tools & test equipment I already had on hand. Yikes! $$$

My first diesel truck. It was quite a reality check, especially dealing with the recalls.
Proud to say its NEVER been to a dealership or private shop and (hopefully) never will.

As info...
This is the Fluke DC current clamp I use:
https://i.postimg.cc/sDZwqMwb/fluke-325-clamp-meter.jpg

Thanks for jumping in on the thread!
-Jake-

So far I'm doing all the maintenance on this truck, I like to learn and I can't stand paying someone to do something I can do. I have my limits though...

Not trying to hijack the thread, I'm learning about these trucks so I do a lot of reading. I intend to keep this truck for as long as possible.

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[Electrojake]

Not trying to hijack the thread, I'm learning about these trucks so I do a lot of reading.
I intend to keep this truck for as long as possible.

Until the OP (RamCummins_15) gets back you're not really hijacking the thread. Besides, this is all grid heater related stuff.
I'm going to try and have a P0542 video posted for @RamCummins_15 by Monday evening. That will properly get us back to 'his' concerns.

In the mean time we can lean this into P2609 territory, or maybe take a look at the link below for some similar discussion...
https://www.igotacummins.com/threads...eater-troubles

Regards,
-Jake-

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[BlackBart]

100% Agreed! @PullinAir
I've never owned a vehicle that needed this much support equipment in my life!

Laptop with diagnostic software,
an AllData account,
the FCA shop manual,
and the FCA wiring diagrams,
not to mention the tools & test equipment I already had on hand. Yikes! $$$

My first diesel truck. It was quite a reality check, especially dealing with the recalls.
Proud to say its NEVER been to a dealership or private shop and (hopefully) never will.

Neither has mine, except for tires

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[RamCummins_15]

Thanks for the help again, my truck has not been deleted, for now haha. I do have a meter. I’m not a car mechanic or tech, but I am a electronic tech and was a industrial mechanic for 7 years. I work on all my stuff never take it to a dealer. Just new to emission crap on these trucks.

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[Electrojake]

And to further derail the thread (temporarily). . .
I cant imagine the service & maintenance costs on this monster. . .



Not to mention the size of the tools required!
-Jake-

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