Page 49 of 408

.~ P.X I_ - “, .- I .-., IS ” .~.I .r
2-2 ENGINE ELECTRICAL
nn
ity and trouble: shooting electrical circuits,
please refer to Section 6 of this manual.
I
The ignition system on the 1.5L, 1993-96 1.8L,
2.OL SOHC, 1994-98 2.4L SOHC, 3.OL SOHC, and
3.5L engines uses a pointless type distributor, whose
advance mechanism is controlled by the Engine Con-
trol Unit (ECU). On the 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.4L and 3.5L en-
gines, the distributor houses a built in ignition coil
and ignition power transistor. The 2.8L SOHC and
3.OL SOHC engines utilize a separate coil and tran-
sister assemblv.
When the ignition switch is turned ON, battery
voltage is applied to the ignition coil primary winding.
As the shaft of the distributor rotates, signals are
transmitted from the oowertrain control module to the
9105zp11 Fig. 1 This spark tester looks iust like a
Fiu. 2 This spark tester has an adjustable
spark plug, attach the clip to ground and air-gap for measuring spark strength and
crank the engine to check for spark testing different voltage ignition systems
.
ignition power trar rsistor. These signals activate the
power transistor to cause ignition coil primary wind-
ing current flow from the ignition coil negative termi-
nal through the power transistor to ground repeatedly.
This interruption induces high voltage in the ignition
coil secondarv windinas, which is diverted throuah
the distributor, spark plug cable and spark plug 6
ground, thus causing ignition in each cylinder.
I
SECONDARYSPARKTEST l;h.4-
! ,L ".~
'$ >,%
If See Figures 1 thru 6
91rJszp12 Fig. 4 This spark tester is the easiest to use
iust alace it on a plug wire and the spark
The best way to perform this procedure is to use a Fig. 3 Attach the clip to ground and crank
spark tester (available at most automotive parts stores). the engine to check for spark
I I voltage is detected and the bulb on the tof
-. will flash with each pulse
I nree types ot spark testers are commonly available.
The Neon Bulb type is connected to the spark plug
wire and flashes with each ignition pulse. The Air Gap
type must be adjusted to the individual spark plug gap
specified for the engine. The last type of spark plug
tester looks like a spark plug with a grounding clip on
the side, but there is no side electrode for the spark to
jump to. The last two types of testers allows the user to
not only detect the presence of spark, but also the in-
tensity (orange/yellow is weak, blue is strong).
1. Disconnect a spark plug wire at the spark plug
end.
2. Connect the plug wire to the spark tester and
ground the tester to an appropriate location on the
engine.
3. Crank the engine and check for spark at the
tester.
4. If spark exists at the tester, the ignition system
is functioning properly.
5. If spark does not exist at the spark plug wire,
perform diagnosis of the ignition system using indi-
vidual component diagnosis procedures,
CYLINDER DROPTEST
p See Figures 7, 8, and 9
The cylinder drop test is performed when an en-
gine misfire is evident. This test helps determine
which cylinder is not contributing the proper power.
The easiest way to perform this test is to remove the
plug wires one at a time from the cylinders with the
engine running. 1. Place the transaxle in P, engage the emer-
gency brake, and start the engine and let it idle.
2. Using a spark plug wire removing tool, prefer-
ably the plier type, carefully remove the boot from
one of the cylinders.
i ’
Make sure your body is free from touching
any part of the car which is metal. The sec-
ondary voltage in the ignition system is high and although it cannot kill you, it will shock
you and it does hurt.
3. The engine will sputter, run worse, and possi-
bly nearly stall. If this happens reinstall the plug wire
and move to the next cylinder. If the engine runs no
differently, or the difference is minimal, shut the en-
gine off and inspect the spark plug wire, spark plug,
and if necessary, perform component diagnostics as
covered in this section. Perform the test on all cylin-
ders to verify the which cylinders are suspect.
Page 50 of 408

ENGINEELECTRICAL 2-3
91c6zp16 Fig. 9. . . note the idle speed and idle char-
acteristics of the engine. The cylinder(s)
with the least drag is the non-contributing
cyltnder(s) -
1
There are no adjustments to the distributor ignition
system other than the ignition timing adjustment. Re-
fer to section 1 for ignition timing adjustment.
TESTING
1.5L, 1.8L, 2.41, and 3.51 Englnes
u See Figures 10, 11, and 12
*The ignition cog is an integral part of the
distributor.
1. Measure the resistance of the primary ignition
coil as follows:
a. Unplug the electrical connector at the dis-
tributor. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resis-
tance between the two terminals of the distributor,
NOT THE WIRE HARNESS, except for the 3.5L
engine, in which you test across terminals 1 and
2 of the distributor.
b. Measure the resistance and compare to the
desired specifications of:
l 0.9-1.2 ohms on the 1.5L, 1.8L, and 2.4L
engines
l 0.5-0.7 ohms on the 35L engine
c. If the actual reading differs from the desired
specification, replace the ignition coil.
d. If the measured value is within standard al-
lowance, there are no broken wires or short cir-
cuits. 2. Measure the resistance of the secondary igni-
desired specifications of: tion coil as follows:
l 21329 kilo-ohms on the 1.5L, 1.8L, and
2.4L engines a. Insert one of the test leads into the sec-
ondary ignition coil terminal on top of the dis-
l 9-13 kilo-ohms on the 3.5L engine tributor cap.
d. If the measured value is within standard al- b. Touch the second test lead to terminal 1 or
terminal 2 of the distributor connector.
lowance, there are no broken wires or short cir-
cuits. c. Measure the resistance and comnare to the
e. If the actual reading differs from the de
sired specification, replace the ignition coi!l.
2.OL SOHC and 3.OL SOHC Engines
# See Figure 13
1. Measure the resistance of the primary ignition
coil as follows:
a. Unplug the electrical connector at the coil.
Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance be-
tween the two terminals of the coil, NOT THE
WIRE HARNESS.
b. Measure the resistance and compare to the
desired specifications of:
l 0.9-1.2 ohms on the 2.OL SOHC engine l 0.72-0.88 ohms on the 3.OL SOHC engine
c. If the actual reading differs from the de-
sired specification, replace the ignition coil.
d. If the measured value is within standard al-
lowance, there are no broken wires or short cir-
cuits. 2.
desired specifications of: Measure the resistance of the secondary igni-
tion coil as follows:
l 20-29 kilo-ohms on the 2.OL SOHC en-
gine a. Insert one of the test leads into the sec-
ondary ignition coil terminal on top of the dis-
l 10.29-13.92 kilo-ohms on the 3.01 SOHC tributor cap.
engine b. Touch the second test lead to terminal 1 or
terminal 2 of the distributor connector.
d. If the measured value is within standard
allowance, there are no broken wires or short c. Measure the resistance and comoare to the
circuits.
e. If the actual reading differs from the
desired specification, replace the ignition
coi!l.
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION
1.5L, 1.8L, 2.4L, and 3.5L Engines
*The ignition coil is an tntegral part of the
distributor.
2.OL SOHC and 3.OL SDHC Engines
u See Figure 14
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the coil wire from the ignition coil by
gripping the boot and not the cable.
3. Detach the electrical connectors for the coil.
High voltage terminal -r
I Q3 ‘I u,
/ - Blm/ I L tflgn
tension
terminal
,
3=%@ @l&M Fig. IO Distributor connector pins and loca-
Fig. 11 Distributor connector pins and loca- Fig. 12 Dlstrfbufor connector plus and loca-
tiou-l.LL and 1.8L engines
lion-2.4L SOHC engtne tio&.5L engine
Page 51 of 408

2-4 ENGINEELECTRICAL
2. Install the distributor in the engine so the rotor
is aligned with the matchmark on the housing and the
housing is aligned with the matchmark on the engine.
4.‘ Remove the retaining screws and coil from en-
gine.
5. Installation is the reverse of the removal proce-
dure. Before removing the distributor, position No. 1
‘cylinder at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compres-
sion stroke and align the timing marks.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the ignition wire cover, if equipped.
3. Detach the distributor harness connector.
4. Remove the distributor cap with all ignition wires
still connected. Remove the coil wire, if necessary.
5. Matchmark the rotor to the distributor housing
and the distributor housing to the engine.
6. Remove the hold-down nut.
7. Carefully remove the distributor from the engine.
INSTALLATION
6 See Figures 19 and 2g
Timing Not Disturbed
1, Install a new distributor housing O-ring and 4. Attach the distributor harness connectors.
5. Install the distributor cap.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
7. Adjust the ignition timing and tighten the hold-
down nut to 6 ft. Ibs. (11 Nm).
Timing Dlsturbed
1. Install a new distributor housing O-ring and
lubricate with clean oil.
2. Position the engine so the No. 1 piston is at
Top Dead Center (TDC) of its compression stroke
and the mark on the vibration damper is aligned with
REMOVALS& INSTALLATION lubricate with clean oil. 0 on the timing indicator.
3. Align the distributor housing and gear mating
marks. Install the distributor in the engine so the slot
or groove of the distributor’s installation flange aligns
with the distributor installation stud in the engine
block. Be sure the distributor is fully seated. Inspect
alignment of the distributor rotor making sure the ro- tnr ic dinnnd with thn qn,c$nn of the Nn innitinn
ISL, 1 AIL, 2.4L, and 3.5L Engines
The power transistor (ignition module) is an inte-
gral part of the distributor.
2.gL SDHC and 3.OL SOHC Engines
# See Figure 14
1 x Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the retaining screws and power tran-
Detach the connectors from the dis- Fig. 16 Remove the bolt holding the wire
harness and capacitor, then move the har-
ness and capacitor to the side
Fig. 18 . . . then slide the distributor from
the engine
/ tion’s-3.gL SOHC engine g3is~@ 1 Fig 14 Ignition system component loca-
Page 52 of 408

ENGlNEELECTRliAL 2-5
Fig. 19 Adjusting the distributor-1.5L en-
gine shown, others similar
4. Install the hold-down nut.
5. Attach the distributor harness connectors.
6. Install the distributor cap.
7. Connect the negative battery cable.
8. Adjust the ignition timing and tighten the hold-
down nut to 8 ft. Ibs. (11 Nm).
For procedures on the position sensors, please re-
fer to Section 4 in this manual.
The ignition system found on the 1.6L, 1997-60
1.8L, 2.OL DOHC, 1999-00 2.4L SOHC, 2.4L DOHC,
and 3.OL DOHC engines is a distributorless type.
The advance of this system, like the distributor type
ignition, is controlled by the Engine Control Unit
(ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The
distributorless ignition system contains a crank an-
gle/position sensor which detects the crank angle or
position to each cylinder and converts this data into
pulse signals. These signals are sent to the
ECLVPCM, which calculates the engine rpm and
regulates the fuel injection and ignition timing ac-
cordingly. The system also contains a top dead cen-
ter sensor which detects the top dead center position
of each cylinder and converts this data into pulse
signals. These signals are then sent to the
ECU/PCM, which calculates the sequence of fuel in-
jection and engine rpm.
When the ignition switch is turned ON, battery
voltage is applied to the ignition coil primary wind-
ing. As the crank angle sensor shaft rotates, ignition
signals are transmitted from the multi port injection
control unit to the power transistor. These signals
activate the power transistor to cause ignition coil
primary winding current to flow from the ignition
coil negative terminal through the power transistor
to ground or be interrupted, repeatedly. This action
induces high voltage in the secondary winding of
the ignition coil. From the ignitron coil, the sec-
ondary winding current produced flows through the
spark plug to ground, thus causing ignition in each
cylinder.
Refer to Diagnosis and Testing under Distributor
Ignition in this section,
There are no adjustments to the distributorless ig-
nition system other than the ignition timing adjust-
ment. Refer to section 1 for ignition timing adjust-
ment.
TESTING
1.6L and 1990 2.OL DOHC Engines
6 See Figures 21 and 22
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and igni-
tion coil harness connector.
2. Measure the primary coil resistance as follows:
a. Measure the resistance between terminals
of the coil pack,
NOT THE WIRE HARNESS, between 4 and 2 (coils at the No. 1 and No. 4
cylinder srdes) of the ignition coil, and between
terminals 4 and
1 (coils at the No. 2 and No. 3
cylinder sides).
93152go9 Fig. 21 Measuring ignition coil primary re-
sistance-1.6L and 1990 2.OL DDHC en-
gines
.
For No 1 and No. 4
cvlmders
Fig. 22 Measuring ignition coil secondary
resistance-l .6L and 1990 2.OL DOHC en-
gines
b. Compare reading to the desrred primary
coil resistance of 0.77-0.95 ohms.
3. Measure the coil secondary resistance as fol-
lows:
c. Detach the connector from the ignition coil.
d. Measure the resistance between the high-
voltage terminals for the No. 1 and No. 4 cylin-
ders, and between the high-voltage terminals for
the No. 2 and No. 3 cylinders.
e. Compare the measured resistance to the
desired secondary coil resistance of 10.3-13.9
kilo-ohms.
4. If the readings are not within the specified
value, replace the ignition coil.
1991-!I3 2.OL DDHC Engines
# See Figures 23 and 24
n 0
Fig. 23 Measuring the primary ignition coil
resistance-1991-93 2.OL DOHC enoines
I I
FOR NO 1 AND NO. 4 CYLINDERS
Id
FOR NO. 2 AND NO. 3 CYUNDERS
89572611
Fig. 24 Measuring ignition coil secondary
resistance-1991-93 2.OL DOHC engines
Page 53 of 408

2-6 ENGINEELECTRICAL
Fig. 26 Measuring ignition coil secondary
resistance-1997-00 1.8L and 1994-00
2.4L SOHC engines
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and igni-
tion coil harness connector. 89572914
89572g13
Fig. 28 Measure the primary coil resistance Fig. 27 Measure the secondary resistance
between the connector terminals-2.4L between the towers of the coil-2.4L DOHC
DOHC enaine engine
3. To check the secondary coil resistance, per-
. .
term the tollowmg:
a. Tag and disconnect the spark plug wires
from the ignition coil.
b. Measure the secondary resistance of the
coil between the towers of each individual coil.
c. If the resistance is not between 20.1-27.3
kilo-ohms, replace the ignition coil. 2. Measure the primary coil resistance as follows:
a. Measure the resistance between terminals
3 and 2 (coils at the No. 1 and No. 4 cylinder
sides) of the ignition coil, and between terminals
3 and 1 (coils at the No. 2 and No. 3 cylinder
sides).
b. Compare reading to the desired primary
coil resistance of 0.70-0.86 ohms.
3. Measure the coil secondary resistance as fol-
lows: 3.OL DOHC Engine
c. Detach the connector from the ignition coil.
d. Measure the resistance between the high-
voltage terminals for the No. 1 and No. 4 cylin-
ders, and between the high-voltage terminals for
the No. 2 and No. 3 cylinders.
e. The desired secondary coil resistance is
11.3-15.3 kilo-ohms.
4. If the readings are not within the specified
value, replace the ignition coil.
1997-00 1.8L and 1999-00 2.4L SOHC
Engines
+ See Figure 25 6 See Figures 28 and 29
1. Measure the resistance of the primary ignition
coil as follows:
a. Unplug the electrical connector at the coil
pack. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resis-
tance between the terminals of the coil pack,
NOT THE WIRE HARNESS. Measure the re-
sistance between terminals:
l 2-3 for Coil A l l-3 for Coil B l 4-3 for Coil C
b. Measure the resistance and compare to the
desired specifications of 0.67-0.81 ohms.
1. Measure the resistance of the secondarv iani-
tion coil as follows: , -
a. Insert one of the test leads into the sec-
ondary ignition coil terminal of the coil.
b. Touch the second test lead to terminal 1 or
terminal 2 of the coil connector.
c. Measure the resistance and compare to
the desired specifications of 9.4-12.8 kilo-
ohms.
d. If the measured value is within standard al-
lowance, there are no broken wires or short cir-
cuits.
e. If the actual reading differs from the de-
sired specification, replace the ignition coil.
2.4L DDHC Engines
# See Figures 26 and 27
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. To check the primary coil resistance, perform
the following:
a. Detach the electrical connector from the
coil pack.
b. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resis-
tance between the two terminals of the coil, NOT
THE WIRE HARNESS.
c. If the resistance is not between 0.74-0.90
ohms, replace the ignition coil. c. If the actual reading differs from the de-
sired specification, replace the ignition coil.
Fig. 28 Measuring ignition coil primary re-
sistance-3.01 DOHC engine
Fig. 29 Measuring ignition coil secondary
resistance-3.01 DOHC enaine d. If the measured value is within standard al-
lowance, there are no broken wires or short cir-
cuits.
2. Measure the resistance of the secondary igni-
tion coil as follows:
3. Insert the lead of the ohmmeter between coil
pack cylinder terminals:
l Between coil terminals l-4 for Co11 A l Between coil terminals 2-5 for Coil B l Between coil terminals 3-6 for Coil C
e. Measure the resistance and compare to the
desired specifications of 11.3-l 5.3 kilo-ohms.
f. If the measured value is within standard al-
lowance, there are no broken wires or short cir-
cuits.
g. If the actual reading differs from the de-
sired specification, replace the ignition coil pack.
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION
1.6L, 2.OL DOHC, and 2.4L DOHC Engines
# See Figure 30
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Tag and remove the spark plug wires from the
ignition coil by gripping the boot and not the cable.
I
~::::L “1
I cemer Cwer
2 Scabpiwcabk
3 SPaark piug
I lgnlllancoll
5 Powertran3lrtor
6 ThrotflsDcnv*w
I Crankangle lmsm
93152g11
Fig. 30 Ignition system component loca-
lions-l .6L and 2.OL DOHC engines
Page 54 of 408

ENGINEELECTRICAL 2-7
3. Detach the electrical connectors for the COIL
4. Remove the retaining screws and coil from en-
gine.
5. Installation is the reverse of the removal proce-
dure.
1997-00 1.81 and 1994-00 2.4L Engines
) See Figure 31
1, Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Detach the electrical connector(s) for the
coil(s).
3. Remove the spark plug wire(s) to the compan-
ion cylinder(s).
4 Remove the coil retaining bolts and lift the coil
from the cylinder head.
5. The installation is the reverse of the removal.
3.OL DOHC Engine
# See Figure 32
1, Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the intake manifold plenum (upper in-
take mamfold) Refer to Section 3.
3. Tag and remove the spark plug wires from the
ignition coil by gripping the boot and not the cable.
4 Detach the electrical connectors for the coil.
5. Remove the retaining screws and coil from en-
gine.
6. Installation is the reverse of the removal proce-
dure.
REMOVAL &INSTALLATION
1 AL, 2.01 DOHC, and 2.4L DOHC Engines
) See Figure 30
1 lgnltlo” co,,
2 sparlt plug case
3 Spark plug
4 Imltlon fatlure semm
93152g1:
Fig. 31 Ignition system component loca,
iions-1997-00 1.8L engine shown
1999-00 2.4L engine similar
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Detach the electrical connectors for the transis-
tor.
3. Remove the retaining screws and remove the
transistor from engine.
4. Installation is the reverse of the removal proce-
dure.
1.8L and 1999-00 2.4L Engines
The power transistor (ignition module) is an inte-
gral part of the powertrain control module.
3.OL DOHC Engine
# See Figure 32
9315291 Fig. 32 Ignition system component loca,
tions-3.01 DOHC engine
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the intake manifold plenum (upper in-
take manifold). Refer to Section 3.
3 Detach the electrical connectors for the transis-
tor.
4. Remove the retaining screws and remove the
transistor from engine.
5. Installation is the reverse of the removal proce-
dure.
For procedures on the positlon sensors, please re-
fer to Section 4 in this manual.
# See Figures 33 thru 40
*To avoid confusion, remove and tag the
spark plug wires one at a time, for replace-
ment.
If a distributor is not keyed for installation with
only one orientation, it could have been removed pre-
viously and rewired. The resultant wiring would hold
the correct firing order, but could change the relative
placement of the plug towers in relation to the en-
gine. For this reason it is imperative that you label all
wires before disconnecting any of them. Also, before
removal, compare the current wiring with the accom-
panying illustrations. If the current wiring does not
match, make notes in your book to reflect how your
engine is wired.
ujamm-p:@
79233921
Fig. 33 1.5L (4615) and 1993-96 1.81
(4693) engines
Firing order: l-3-4-2
Distributor rotation: Counterclockwise 7923392: :ig. 34 2.OL (4663) SOHC engine
‘iring order: l-3-4-2
Distributor rotation: Clockwise
Page 55 of 408

.
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.
Page 56 of 408

ENGlNEELECTRldAL 2-9
TESTING
Voltage Test able for use by customers. An alternator
bench test is the most definitive way to de-
termine the condition of your alternator.
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION
1. Make sure the engine is OFF, and turn the 1.51,1.61, 1.6L, 2.OL and 2.4L Engines
headlights on for 15-20 seconds to remove any sur-
face charge from the battery. , See Figures 4, thru 48
2. Using a DVOM set to volts DC, probe across
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
the battery terminals.
3. Measure the battery voltage. 2. Remove the left side cover panel under the
vehicle.
4. Write down the voltage reading and proceed to
3. On turbocharaed Galant models, remove the
the next test.
air intake hose. -
No-load Test
1. Connect a tachometer to the engine. 4. Remove the drive belts.
5. Remove the water pump pulleys.
6. Remove the alternator upper bracket/brace.
Ensure that the transmission
is in Park and the emergency brake is set. Blocking a wheel
is optional and an added safety measure.
2. Turn off all electrical loads (radio, blower mo-
tor, wipers, etc.)
3. Start the engine and increase engine speed to
approximately 1500 rpm.
4. Measure the voltage reading at the battery with
the engine holding a steady 1500 rpm. Voltage
should have raised at least 0.5 volts, but no more
than 2.5 volts.
5. If the voltage does not go up more than 0.5
volts, the alternator is not charging. If the voltage
goes up more than 2.5 volts, the alternator is over-
* 7. On the 1.6L engine remove the battery, wind-
shield washer reservoir and battery tray.
8. On the 1.6L engine, remove the attaching
bolts at the top of the radiator and lift up the radiator.
Do not disconnect the radiator hoses.
9. Detach the alternator wiring connectors.
10. Remove the alternator mounting bolts and re-
move the alternator.
To install:
11. Position the alternator on the lower mountina
fixture and install the lower mounting bolt and nut. U
Tighten nut just enough to allow for movement of the
alternator.
12. On the 1.6L engine, lower the radiator and re-
install the upper attaching bolts.
13. On the 1.6L engine, install the battery, wind-
shield washer reservoir and battery tray.
/ tery cable to the alternator . , . 93152p12 Fig 42 Remove the nut retaining the bat-
cnargmg.
*Usually under and overcharging is‘caused
by a defective alternator, or its related parts
(regulator), and replacement will fix the
problem; however, faulty wiring and other
problems can
cause the charging system to
malfunction. Further testing, which is not
covered by this book, will reveal the exact
component failure. Many automotive parts
stores have alternator bench testers avaii-
able for use by customers. An alternator
bench test is the most definitive way to de-
termine the condition of your alternator.
6. If the voltage is within specifications, proceeU
to the next test.
Load Test
1. With the engine running, turn on the blower
motor and the hioh beams (or other electrical acces-
sories to place aioad on the charging system). Fig. 44 Remove the nut retaining the
then remove the batte harness to the alternator and remov
,
2. Increase and hold engine speed to 2000 rpm.
3. Measure the voltage reading at the battery.
4. The voltage should increase at least 0.5 volts
from the voltage test. If the voltage does not meet
specifications, the charging system is malfunction-
ing.
*Usually under and overcharging is caused
by a defective alternator, or its related parts
(regulator), and replacement will fix the
problem; however, faulty wiring and other
problems can cause the charging system to
malfunction. Further testing, which is not
covered by this book, will reveal the exact
component failure. Many automotive parts
stores have alternator bench testers avaii-
93152p17 en remove the pivot bolt from