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Mechanical Inspection: Compression

Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. Ensure battery is fully charged, engine is at normal operating temperature and throttle valve is fully open when checking the compression.

Remove Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay to prevent engine from starting when checking the compression. ASD relay is located behind driver's side strut tower at rear corner of engine compartment and contains a Gray 9-pin connector. See Fig 1 . Once compression test is complete, reinstall ASD relay and use scan tool to clear Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) from Powertrain Control Module (PCM). See appropriate TESTS W/CODES - NON-TURBO article for clearing of DTC.

Fig 1: Locating ASD & Fuel Pump Relays
G98C00697Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Application psi (kPa)
4-Cylinder
Normal Compression Pressure 170-225 (1172-1551)
Minimum Compression Pressure 100 (689)
Maximum Variation Between Cylinders (1)
(1) Maximum variation between cylinders is 25 percent.