
_. .I ..-. 
-._. 
GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE l-37 
Fig. 172 Carefully pull the transaxie drain 
plug out and to the side, out of the way oi 
flowing transaxie oil Fig. 173 The differential drain plug is lo- 
cated at the bottom of the transaxie, to the 
left of the fluid pan. Typically the drain plug 
reauires a 17mm wrench 
periodically checking the fluid level to 
make sure you do not overfill the transaxle pan mounting 
bolts, a 1Omm wrench is re- 
Fig. 179 . . , then carefully lower the fluid 
quired. Remove the pan retaining bolts . . . pan from the transaxle 
Fig, 181 . , . then remove the transaxie film 
ter from the valve body Fig. 182 Remove the transaxie pan 
gasket from the pan  

t 
1-38 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
11 I Add the recommended automatic transaxle 
fluid to the transaxle through the dipstick tube. You 
will need a long necked funnel, or a funnel and tube 
to do this. A quick check of the capacities chart later 
in this Section will reveal the capacity of the transaxle 
in your vehicle. On a first fill after removing the pan 
and filter, this number should be cut into a ‘hand 
checked on the dipstick before refilling. 
12. With the transaxle in P, put on the parking 
brake, block the front wheels, start the engine and let 
it idle. DO NOT RACE THE ENGINE. DO NOT MOVE 
THE LEVER THROUGH ITS RANGES. 
13. With the lever in Park, check the fluid level. If 
it’s OK, take the car out for a short drive, park on a 
level surface, and check the level again, as outlined 
earlier in this section. Add more fluid if necessary. Be 
careful not to overfill, which will cause foaming and 
w fluid loss. n of the transfer case filler 
3. Remove the filler and the drain plug and allow 
the oil to drain into the drain pan. 
4. After the fluid has drained completely, install 
the drain plug and tighten to 24 ft. Ibs. (32 Nm). 
5. Refill the transfer case to the proper level with 
Fig. 184 . . . 
the transaxle case before in- 
stalling the gasket 
and pan onto the case FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS Hypoid gear oil SAE 75W-85W/75W-9OW conform- 
ing to API specifications GL-4 or higher. The oil level 
-‘-,*I’ -nnnh +‘* “%om edge of the oil filler hole. 
nxfer raw filler nlm and tinhtm When adding fluid or refilling the transfer case, 
use Hypoid gear oil SAE 75W-85W or 75W-9OW 
conforming to API specifications 61-4 or higher. 
LEVELCHECK 6. Install the tra .._._. ____ .._. T.-J _.._ .lJ . .._.. 
to 24 ft. lbs. (32 Nm). 
7. Carefully lower the vehicle. 
u See Figure 185 
,  1 FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS 
delivery service, the fluid should be changed accord- 
ing to the severe service schedule. 
The fluid must be hot before it is drained; a 20 u See Figure 187 
Since fluid viscosity range may 
vary depending on 
specific temperature range of operation, please refer 
~~ 
tne transaxle case. 
You’ll be very sorry later if you do. bottom edge of the transfer case filler 1 1 Fig. 187 Rear axle lubricant application I 
*If the drained fluld is discolored (brown or 
1 plug hole chart black), thick, or pmmll~ hmmt nnrinmm I transaxle trouble .llln3llU ““III., url,““P s, probably due to overheat- 
,r..rr,rA “#.a.- rrdr 
trig, should be susp~~lr;u. lvUl vLlr J 
transaxle should be inspected by a reliable 
transaxle specialist to determine the prob- 
lem. 
5. Remove the pan and gasket. 
6. Clean the pan with solvent and allow it to air 
dry. If you use a rag to wipe out the pan, you risk 
leaving bits of lint behind, which will clog the dinky 
hydraulic passages in the bansaxle. 
7. Remove the filter retaining bolts and remove 
the filter from the valve bodv. lnsoect each component for leaking. Check the oil 
he filler plug. If the oil is contami- 
ry to replace it with new oil. 
if% nn IPVPI z11rf2r~ 
level by removing t 
nated, it is necessa 
1. Park the vehi,., -.. ,-.“, __. ,“-_. 
2. Remove the filler plug and make sure the oil 
level reaches the lower edge of the filler plug hole. 
3. Check to be sure that the oil is not noticeably 
dirty and that it has the proper viscosity. 
4. If necessary, add oil through the filler hole until 
is runs out of the hole. to the accompanying chart for the proper fluid for 
your vehicle. 
LEVEL CHECK 
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level 
ground. 
2. Remove the oil fill plug to check the oil level. 
3. The oil level is sufficient if it reaches the lower 
portion of the filler plug hole. If the fluid is low, add 
as required through the filler plug. 
To install: . 
8. Install a new filter, then install the retaining 
bolts and tighten them to 5 ft. Ibs. (7 Nm). 
9. Position the gasket on the pan, then install 
the pan. Tighten the bolts evenly and in rotation to 
8-9ft. Ibs. (10-12 Nm.). Do not overtighten. 
IO. Lower the vehicle. DRAIN & REFILL 
I8 DRAIN & REFILL 
u See Figure 188  ) See Figure- 14 
1. Raise and safely support the vehicle, for access 
to the transfer case. 
2. Place a suitable drain pan under the transfer 
case fluid drain plug. 1. Position the vehicle on a flat surface or raise 
and safely support the vehicle in a level position. 
2. Place a suitable drain pan under the rear axle.  

GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 1-39 
leak. In most cases, you will be able to trace the leak 
to a loose fitting or damaged hose. 
Evaporating ethylene glycol antifreeze will have a 
sweet smell and leave small, white (salt-like) de- 
oosits, which can be heloful in tracino a leak. glove box and passenger side floorboard area, and 
check the carpet for any signs of moisture. The 
smartest way to go about finding a leak visually is to 
first inspect any and all joints in the system such as 
where the radiator hoses connect to the radiator and 
the engine. Another thing to look for is white crusty 
stains that are signs of a leak where the coolant has 
6. Install the filler plug and tighten to’24 ft. Ibs. 
(32 Nm). 
7. If raised, carefully lower the vehicle.  amount of fluid. The level should ieach thk bottom of me rating on It, lap3 1s a danciara 10 use out some 
the oil filler hole. A Qss 
tin,t.as ran +tw,, 4liE cars are higher. Overpressurizing the system can 
lose, or worse, in the radiator or 
your cooling system is con- IIC~KI LUG MU PuaJbly cause an injury or a burn if 
s of a leak are probable. There the coolant is hot. Overpressurizing is normally con- 
WI” U”.VlUl ,.“,,I I” 9” about finding the source of trolled by the radiator cap which has a vent valve in it 
your leak. which is opened when the system reaches it’s maxi- 
The first wav should be a visual insnection. Durina mum pressure rating. To pressure test the system:  7 “1sl I ly”lsJa IJ” Wll” IJU 
 If a the fluid level of 
stantly low, the chance cause a rupture in a I: 
h.n+n. nrrrn nnA . . . . ..I. 
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS the visual inspection, look around the &tire engine - 
area including the radiator and the heater hoses. The *The pressure test should be performed with 
the enaine OFF. 
A good quality ethylene glycol based or other alu- 
minum compatible antifreeze is recommended for 
use in the vehicles covered by this manual. It is best 
to add a 50150 mix of antifreeze and distilled water to 
avoid diluting the coolant in the system. interior of the car should be inspected behind the 
LEVELCHECK 
recovery tank and its marking as a guideline. 
*Never overfill the recovery tank. 
A coolant level that consistently drops is usually a 
sign of a small, hard to detect leak, although in the 
worst case it could be a sign of an internal engine “_y “,~-- 
1 Fia. 190 A visual insaection for leaks will 1 
sometimes find a leak. This photo shows Fig. 191 Remove the recovery tank cap to 
/ * ,, /  evfdence of a leak at the upper radfator 
* / /the system  allow the pressure tester 
to be connected to hose-to-thermostat housing junction 
Fig. 189 The coolant level should be be- 
1 coo,ant recovery tank  tween the FULL and LOW levels on the 
“‘~‘_I j Fig. 192 This cooling system requires a Fig. 193 Thread the adapter onto the re- 
e’ffi1pg7 /  g’051p96 / 1 covety tank  threaded adapter for the recovery tank to al- 
low the pressure tester to 
be connected  

. 
GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE l-41 
93151p18 Fig. 202 . , . to remove the cap from the 
radiator 
93151p17 Fig. 205 Be sure the rubber gasket on the 
radiator cap has a tight seal e Fig. 203 Pour the proper *I~ coolant mix- 1 Fig. 204 . . . make sure to fill the coolant 
recovery tank to the proper level also  ture into the radiator . . . 
.I 
4. Allow the engine to cool completely and drain fluid. Any brake fluid that is removed from 
ie system again. 
5. Repeat this processuntil the drained water is 
lear 
and free of scale. 
6. Flush the recovery tank with water and leave ’ 
mpty. the system should be discarded. Also, do not 
allow any brake fluid to come in contact with 
a painted surface; it will damage the paint. 
When adding fluid to the system, ONLY use fresh 
DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. DOT 3 
brake fluid will absorb moisture when it is exposed to 
.a . . . , .*a. . . * .*. . . 
- Never open, service or drain the radiator or 
cooling system when hot; serious bums can 
occur from the steam and hot coolant. Also, 
when draining engine coolant, keep In mind 
that cats and dogs are attracted to ethylene 
glycol antifreeze and could drink any that is 
left in an uncovered container or in puddles 
on the ground. This will prove fatal in suffi- 
4. Place a drain pan of suff i ’ 1 . . . ..I .I. 1,~ cient quantities. Always tne atmospnere, wnrcn wnr rower 1r.s oourng pomr. A 
container that has been opened once, closed and 
placed on a shelf will allow enough moisture to enter 
over time to contaminate the fluid within. If your brake 
fluid is contaminated with water, you could boil the 
brake fluid under hard braking conditions and lose all 
or some braking ability. Don’t take the risk, buy fresh 
brake fluid whenever you must add to the system. 
crenr capacrry unaer me 
drain) on the radiator. 
rrrasuc perwcss easuy bind; Before open- 
ing a plastic radiator petcock, spray it with 
some penetrating lubricant. drain coolant into a 
earner.  sealable container. Coolant should be reused 
unless it is contaminated or is several years 
old. 
The brake master cylinder ~a~~~~r,~~ :A I~nnL.4 n-n  7. Fill and bleed the cooling system as described 
Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and 
polyglycols. Avoid contact with the eyes and  ,LEVEL CHECK 
wash your hands thoroughly after handling 
brake fluid. If vou do oet brake fluid in vour 
eyes, flush your eyeswith clean, runniug wa- 
a-.. ‘Y-- ar -l-..n-- II -.._ I____  k See Figures 206 thru 211 
.a-11-- - __-PA._  radiator and open the petcock ( 
- w&1--x3_ --mm.._..- . . ..-I... 
5. Drain the cooling system completely. 
6. Close the petcock. 
7. Remove the drain pan. 
If necessary, install the splash shield under the  8. 
L.-l 
venicie. 
9. Lower the vehicle. 
10. Determine the capacity of the cooling system, 
then properly refill the system at the recovery tank 
and radiator with a 50/50 mixture of fresh coolant and 
fKm”“ll 15 IUMLC” “II- brake booster and fire-  der the hood, attached to the 
wall on the drivers side of the engine compartment. 
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS rer mr 13 mmures. IT eye irriIauon persim, or if you have taken brake fluid internally, 
IMMEDIATELY seek medical assistance. 
ala in oreerring me sysrem. 
12. Start the engine and allow it to idle until the 
thermostat opens (the upper radiator hose will be- 
come hot). The coolant level should go down, this is 
normal as the system bleeds the air pockets out of the 
svstem. 
IRVf!l ._._. 14. Turn the engine OFF and check for leaks. IMMEDIATELY seek medical assistance.”  Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and 
polyglycols. Avoid contact with the eyes and 
wash your hands thoroughly after handling 
brakefluid. If you do get brake fluid in your 
eyes, flush your eyes with clean, running wa- 
or if vou have taken brake fluid internallv. 
Before removing the master cylinder reservoir cap, 
make sure the vehicle is resting on level ground and  Be careful to avoid spilling any brake fluid on 
painted surfaces, because the paint coat will 
become discolored or damaged. 
Observe the fluid level indicators on the master 
._ ._ __ 
‘eve1 should be between the MIN 
ano 
ivw unes.  13. Refill the system with coolant to the proper ter for 15 minutes; If eye irritation persists, cylinder; the tluld II 
..J ..I” I.... 
FLUSHING & CLEANINGTHE SYSTEM 
1. Drain the cooling system completely as de: 
scribed earlier. 
2. Close the petcock and fill the system with a 
cooling system flush (clean water may also be used, 
but is not as efficient). 
3. Idle the engine until the upper radiator hose 
gets hot. Clean, high quality brake fluid is essential to 
the safe and proper operation of the brake 
system. You should always buy the highest 
quality brake fluid that is available. If the 
brake fluid becomes contaminated, drain and 
flush the system, then refill the master cylin- 
der with new fluid. Never reuse any brake clean all dirt away from the top of the master cylinder. 
Unscrew the cap and fill the master cylinder until the 
level is between the MIN and MAX lines. 
If the level of the brake fluid is less than half the 
volume of the reservoir, it is advised that you check 
the brake system for leaks. Leaks in a hydraulic brake 
system most commonly occur at the wheel cylinder 
and brake line junction points.  

1-42 GENERAL~INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE 
Fig. 206 The fluid level should be between 
llow,be*“retoch~ckiebrake~ . the MAX and MIN hnes if the fhud level IS 
93151p31 Fig. 209 If the master cylinder capgasket 
is swelled like such, it can be a sign of con- 
tamination. If the gasket is swelled . . . Fig. 207 Wipe the master cylinder reservoir 
clean before opening the cap to ensure that 
no contamination enters the brake fluid 
Fig. 210 . . . 
make sure to push the gasket 
back to the normal position 
93151p29 I Fig. 208 Unscrew the master cylinder cap 
and remove it from the reservoir 
Fig. 211 Carefully pour approved brake fluid 
from a fresh, sealed container directly into 
the reservoir 
2. Inspect the fluid in the reservoir, making sure 
fluid is between the MAX and the MIN marks. 
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS 
When adding or changing the fluid in the systems, 
use a quality brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 speci- 
fications from an sealed container. Never reuse old 
brake fluid. 
LEVEL CHECK 
b See Figures 212, 213, and 214 
1. Wipe the clutch master cylinder reservoir cap 
and the surrounding area clean with a shop towel. 3. If required, remove the clut ch master cylinder 
reservoir lid. then add fresh fluid I FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS 
mark on the’reservoir. to fill to the top full 
When adding or changing the power steering 
fll$,“” Dexron@il ATF (Automatic Transmission 
- 
- . 
Be careful to avoid sf Billing any brake fluid on LEVELCHECK 
painted surfaces, bet 
:ause the paint coat will 
become discolored or damaged. 
b See Figures 215, 216, 217, and 218 
4. Reinstall the lid onto the clutch master cylin- Like all other general maintenance items, check 
der. every 3,OOfl miles (4,800 km) or once a month. In- 
5. If removed, install the air cleaner assembly. spect the oil level in the reservoir by checking the po- 
Fig. 212 The clutch master cylinder has 
MAX (A) and MIN (B) fill lines on the reser 
volr  

GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE l-43 
l Special car washing detergent is the best to 
use. Liquid dishwashing detergent can remove wax 
and leave the car’s paint unprotected and in addition 
some liquid detergents contains abrasives which can 
scratch the paint. 
l Bird droppings should be removed from the 
paintwork as soon as possible, otherwise the finish 
may be permanently stained. 
When the car is driven immediately after be- 
ing washed, apply the brakes several times 
93151p14 93151p12 Fig. 215 Twist the reservoir cap, then lift up 
I I 
in order to remove any moisture from the 
Fig. 216 Wipe the dipstick off, reinsert it braking surfaces. 
on the integral cap/dipstick assembly 
into the reservoir and check the level 
I 
Engine cleaning agents should not be used 
when the engine is warm, a fire risk is pre- 
sent as most engine cleaning agents are 
highly flammable. 
sition of the fluid against the mark on the dipstick, 
Add fluid to the reservoir if the fluid does not reach 
the appropriate full line. 
On most models, the manufacturer doesn’t install 
lubrication fittings on lube points on the steering 
linkage or suspension. However, if the lubrication 
point does have a grease fitting, lubricate with multi- 
purpose NLGI No. 2 (Lithium base) grease. 
CAR WASHING 
The car should be washed at regular intervals to 
remove dirt, dust, insects, and tar and other possibly 
damaging stains that can adhere to the paint and may 
cause damage. Proper exterior maintenance also 
helps in the resale value of the vehicle by maintaining 
its like-new appearance. 
Mt is particularly important ta frequentiy 
wash the car in the wintertime to prevent cor- 
rosion, when salt has been used on the roads. 
There are many precautions and tips on washing, 
including the following: 
l When washing the car, do not expose it do di- 
rect sunlight. 
. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before 
you wash with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid 
scratching. 
l A detergent can be used to facilitate the soften- 
ing of dirt and oil. * A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in 
cases of sticky dirt. However, use a washplace with a 
drainage separator. 
l Dry the car with a clean chamois and remem- 
ber to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker 
panels. 
l If equipped with a power radio antenna, it must 
be dried after washing. 
Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or 
paint thinner, always use the same agent as 
used on the painted surfaces of the vehicle. 
l Tar spots can be removed with tar remover or 
kerosene after the car has been washed. 
l A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water 
can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent 
cleaning improves visibility when using the wipers 
considerably. 
l Wash off the did from the underside (wheel 
housings, fenders, etc.). 
l In areas of high industrial fallout, more fre- 
quent washing is recommended. 
During high pressure washing the spray nonle 
must never be closer to the vehicle than 13 
inches (30cm). Do not spray into the locks. 
l When washing or steam cleaning the engine, 
avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electri- 
cal components or near the distributor or ignition 
components. After cleaning the engine, the spark 
plug wells should be inspected for water and blown 
dry if necessary. Automatic car washing is a simple and quick way 
to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it 
is not as thorough as when you yourself clean the 
car. Keeping the underbody clean is vitally important, 
and some automatic washers do not contain equip- 
ment for washing the underside of the car. 
When driving into an automatic was, make sure 
the following precautions have been taken: 
l Make sure all windows are up, and no objects 
that you do not want to get wet are exposed. 
l In some cases, rotating the side view mirrors 
in can help to avoid possible damage. 
l If your car is equipped with a power antenna, 
lower it. If your vehicle has a solid mounted, non- 
power antenna, it is best to remove it, but this is not 
always practical. Inspect the surroundings to reduce 
the risk of possible damage, and check to see if the 
antenna can be manually lowered. 
Most manufacturers do not recommend auto- 
matic car washing in the first six months due 
to the possibility of insufficient paint curing; 
a safe bet is to wait until after six months of 
ownership (when purchased new) to use an 
automatic car wash. 
WAXING 
eBefore applying wax, the vehicle must be 
washed and thoroughly dried. 
Waxing a vehicle can help to preserve the appear- 
ante of your vehicle. A wide range of polymer-based 
car waxes are available today. These waxes are easy 
to use and produce a long-lasting, high gloss finish 
that protects the body and paint against oxidation, 
road dirt, and fading. 
Sometimes, waxing a neglected vehicle, or one 
that has sustained chemical or natural element dam- 
age (such as acid rain) require more than waxing, 
and a light-duty compound can be applied. For se- 
verely damaged surfaces, it is best to consult a pro- 
fessional to see what would be required to repair the 
damage. 
Waxing procedures differ according to manufac- 
turer, type, and ingredients, so it is best to consult 
the directions on the wax and/or polish purchased.  

. 
2-8 ENGINEELECTRICAL 
Front 
of the 
Vehicle 
Fig. 35 1.61(4661) and 2.OL (4663) DDHC 
engines 
Firing order: l-3-4-2 
Distributorless ignition system 
Fig. 36 2.4L (4664) DDHC engine with dis- 
lributorless ignition 
Firing order: l-3-4-2 
gistributorless ignition system 
Front 
of the 
Vehicle 
+ 
Fig. 36 1997-00 1.6L (4693) and 1999-00 
2.41(4664) Engines with distributorless ig- 
nition 
Firing order: l-3-4-2 
Distributorless ignition system 
792!33g26 Fig. 39 3.OL (6672) SDHC and 3.5L (6674) 
engines 
Firing order: l-2-3-65-6 
Distributor rotation: Counterclockwise Fig. 37 2.4L (4664) engine with distributor 
ignition 
Firing order: l-3-4-2 
Distributor rotation: Counterclockwise 
:ig. 40 3.OL (6672) DDHC engine 
Yring order: l-2-3-4-5-6 
Iistributorless ignition system 
The automobile charging system provides electri- 
cal power for operation of the vehicle’s ignition and 
starting systems and all the electrical accessories. 
The battery serves as an electrical surge or storage 
tank, storing (in chemical form) the energy originally 
produced by the engine driven alternator. The system 
also provides a means of regulating generator output 
to protect the battery from being overcharged and to 
avoid excessive voltage to the accessories. 
The storage battery IS a chemical device incorpo- 
rating parallel lead plates in a tank containing a sul- 
furic acid/water solution. Adjacent plates are slightly 
dissimilar, and the chemical reaction of the 2 dissim- 
ilar plates produces electrical energy when the battery 
is connected to a load such as the starter motor. The 
chemical reaction is reversible, so that when the gen- 
erator IS producing a voltage (electrical pressure) 
greater than that produced by the battery, electricity is 
forced into the battery, and the battery is returned to 
its fully charged state. 
The vehicle’s alternator is driven mechanically, by 
a belt(s) that is driven by the engine crankshaft. In an alternator, the field rotates while all the current pro- 
duced passes only through the stator winding. The 
brushes bear against continuous slip rings rather 
than a commutator. This causes the current produced 
to periodically reverse the direction of its flow creat- 
ing alternating current (A/C). Diodes (electrical one- 
way switches) block the flow of current from traveling 
in the wrong direction. A series of diodes is wired to- 
gether to permit the alternating flow of the stator to be 
converted to a pulsating, but unidirectional flow at 
the alternator output, The alternators field is wired in 
series with the voltage regulator. 
The regulator consists of several circuits. Each cir- 
cuit has a core, or magnetic coil of wire, which oper- 
ates a switch. Each switch is connected to ground 
through one or more resistors. The coil of wire re- 
sponds directly to system voltage. When the voltage 
reaches the required level, the magnetic field created 
by the winding of wire closes the switch and inserts a 
resistance into the generator field circuit, thus reduc- 
ing the output. The contacts of the switch cycle open 
and close many times each second to precisely con- 
trol voltage. Several precautions must be observed when per- 
forming work on alternator equipment. 
l If the battery is removed for any reason, make 
sure that it is reconnected with the correct polarity. 
Reversing the battery connections may result In dam- 
age to the one-way rectifiers. 
l Never operate the alternator with the main cir- 
cuit broken. Make sure that the battery, alternator, 
and regulator leads are not disconnected while the 
engine is running. 
l Never attempt to polarize an alternator. l When charging a battery that is installed in the 
vehicle, disconnect the negative battery cable. 
l When utilizing a booster battery as a starting 
aid, always connect it in parallel; negatrve to nega- 
tive, and positive to positrve. 
l When arc (electric) welding is to be performed 
on any part of the vehicle, disconnect the negative 
battery cable and alternator leads. 
l Never unplug the PCM while the engine is run- 
ning or with the ignition in the ON position. Severe 
and expensive damage may result within the solid 
state equipment.  

ENGINE ELECTRICAL 2-11 
l.unVeMlil(GSflWtWJ 
2.Gwwator harness con- connectk,,, 
3. Engme OS, level d,pst,& 
4 Generator 
Fig. 51 Alternator mounting -3.51 engine 
The starting system includes the battery, starter 
motor, solenoid, ignition switch, circuit protection 
and wiring connecting the components. An inhibitor 
switch located in the park/neutral safety switch or 
Transmission Range (TR) sensor is included in the 
starting system to prevent the vehicle from being 
started with the vehicle in gear. 
When the ignition key is turned to the START po- 
sition, current flows and energizes the starters sole- 
noid coil. The solenoid plunger and clutch shift lever 
are activated and the clutch pinion engages the ring 
gear on the flywheel. The switch contacts close and 
the starter cranks the engine until it starts. 
To prevent damage caused by excessive starter ar- 
mature rotation when the engine starts, the starter in- 
corporates an over-running clutch in the pinion gear. 2. Connect a voltmeter between the positive ter- 
minal of the battery and the starter B+ circuit. 
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position 
and note the voltage on the meter. 
4. If voltage reads 0.5 volts or more, there is high 
resistance in the starter cables or the cable ground, 
repair as necessary. If the voltage reading is ok pro- 
teed to the next step. 
5. Connect a voltmeter between the positive ter- 
minal of the battery and the starter M circuit, 
6. Turn the ignition key to the START position 
and note the voltage on the meter. 
7. If voltage reads 0.5 volts or more, there is high 
resistance in the starter. Repair or replace the starter 
as necessary. 
*Many automotive parts stores have starter 
bench testers available for use by customers. 
A starter bench test is the most definitive 
way to determine the condition of your 
starter. 3. Remove the resonator retaining nuts and re- 
move the air intake hose and resonator assembly as 
required. 
rllse care when removing the air cleaner 
cover because the air-flow sensor is attached 
and is a sensitive component. 
4. If equipped with Active-ECS suspension, re- 
move the air compressor as follows: 
a. Detach the two electrical connectors, from 
the compressor. 
b. Disconnect the air line at the compressor. 
c. Remove the three mounting bolts, securing 
the compressor to the chassis. 
5. Raise the vehicle and support safely. 
6. Remove the engine undercover. 
7. Remove the heat shield from beneath the in- 
take manifold on the 1.5L engine. 
8. If necessary, detach the speedometer cable 
connector at the transaxle end. 
9. Detach the starter motor electrical connac- 
TESTING 
Voltage Drop Test 
*The battery must be in good condition and 
fully charged prior to performing this test. REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 
# See Figures 52 and 53 
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 
2. Detach the air-flow sensor assembly connec- 
tor and remove the breather hose. 
1. Disable the ignition system by unplugging the 
coil pack. Verify that the vehicle will not start. tions. 
10. Remove the starter motor mounting bolts and 
remove the starter. 
11. The installation is the reverse of the removal 
procedure. Tighten the starter mounting bolts to 22 ft. 
Ibs. (31 Nm). 
12. Connect the negative battery cable and check 
the starter for proper operation. 
9315zp19 Fig. 53 Location of the two starter retaining bolts