
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK 1-2 
WHERE TOBEGIN l-2 
AVOIDINGTROUBLE 1-2 
MAINTENANCEORREPAIR? 1-2 
AVOIDINGTHEMOSTCOMMONMISTAKES l-2 
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 1-2 
SPECIALTOOLS l-4 
YOUR VEHICLE SAFELY 1-4 
DON'TS l-6 
FASTENERS, MEASUREMENTS AND 
CONVERSIONS l-6 
BOLTS,NUTSANDOTHERTHREADED 
RETAINERS 1-6 
TORQUE l-7 
TORQUEWRENCHES l-7 
TORQUEANGLEMETERS 1-9 
STANDARDANDMETRIC MEASUREMENTS l-9 
SERIAL NUMBER IDENTIFICATION l-10 
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER l-10 
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER I-10 
TRANSAXLEIDENTIFICATION I-10 
DRlVEAXLE(AWDGALANTONLY) l-10 
TRANSFERCASE(AWDGALANTONLY) l-10 
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND TUNE-UP l-14 
AIRCLEANER(ELEMENT) 1-14 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 1-14 
FUELFILTER 1-15 
REMOVAL &INSTALLATION l-15 
PCVVALVE l-15 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION l-15 
EVAPORATIVECANISTER l-16 
SERVICING 1-16 
BATTERY 1-16 
PRECAUTIONS I-16 
GENERALMAINTENANCE 1-16 
BEL BATTERYFLUID 1-16 
CABLES I-17 
CHARGING I-18 
REPLACEMENT 1-18 
TS 1-18 
INSPECTiON l-18 
ADJUSTMENT 1-18 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 1-18 
TIMINGBELTS l-20 
INSPECTION l-20 
HOSES I-20 
INSPECTION l-20 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 
CV-BOOTS 1-21 
INSPECTION l-21 
SPARKPLUGS l-22 
SPARKPLUGHEATRANGE 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 
INSPECTION &GAPPING 1. 
SPARKPLUG WIRES 1-24 
TESTING 1-24 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 
DISTRIBUTORCAPANDROTOR 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 
INSPECTION 1-25 
IGNITIONTIMING 1-25 
. GENERALINFORAMTION l- 
lNSPECTlON&ADJUSTMENl 
VALVE LASH l-27 
ADJUSTMENT l-27 
IDLESPEED 1-28 1-21 
l-22 
l-22 
-23 
1-24 
l-25 
l-25 
.25 
1-26 
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 1-28 
SYSTEMSERVlCEiiREPAlR l-28 
PREVENTIVEMAINTENANCE 1-28 
SYSTEM INSPECTION l-29 
WINDSHIELD WIPERS l-29 
ELEMENT(REFILL)CARE& 
REPLACEMENT l-29 
TIRESANDWHEELS l-30 
TIRE ROTATION I-30 
TIRE DESIGN 1-31 
TIRESTORAGE l-31 
INFLATION &INSPECTION l-31 
CARE OFSPECIALWHEELS l-32 OPERATION INFOREIGNCOUNTRIES l-33 
ENGINE l-33 
OILLEVELCHECK 1-33 
OIL& FILTER CHANGE l-34 
MANUALTRANSAXLE l-35 
FLUIDRECOMMENDATIONS l-35 
LEVELCHECK l-35 
DRAIN&REFILL l-36 
AUTOMATICTRANSAXLE l-36 
FLUIDRECOMMENDATIONS l-36 
LEVELCHECK 1-36 
DRAIN&REFILL l-36 
PAN & FILTERSERVICE 1-36 
TRANSFERCASE(AWDGAlANT ONLY) l-38 
FLUIDRECOMMENDATIONS l-38 
LEVELCHECK l-38 
DRAIN&REFILL l-38 
REARDRlVEAXLE(AWDGALANTONLY) l-38 
FLUIDRECOMMENDATIONS l-38 
LEVELCHECK l-38 
DRAIN&REFILL l-38 
COOLINGSYSTEM l-39 
FLUIDRECOMMENDATIONS l-39 
iM-41 
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS 1-33 
FLUID DISPOSAL 1-33 
FlJELANDENGlNEOILRECOMMENDATlONS 
ENGINE OIL l-33 
FUEL l-33  

* 
l-16 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
Fig. 49 Grasp the valve and gently remove 
Fig. 50 Twist and pull on the valve to re- 
it from the valve cover 
move it from the hose Fig. 51 Inspect the grommet and replace if 
cracked or leaking oil 
SERVICING 
corrosive acid can also eat away at components un- 
der the hood. 
Always visually inspect the battery case for cracks, 
leakage and corrosion. A white corrosive substance 
u See Figure 52 
The evaporative canister requires no periodic ser- 
vicing. However, a careful inspection of the canister 
and hoses should be made frequently, Replace dam- on the battery case or on nearby components would 
indicate a leaking or cracked battery. If the battery is 
cracked, it should be replaced immediately. GENERALMAINTENANCE '_ 
devices that increase parasitic load may discharge a 
battery sooner. If the vehicle is to be stored for 6-B 
weeks in a secure area and the alarm system, if pre- 
sent, is not necessary, the negative battery cable 
should be disconnected at the onset of storage to 
protect the battery charge. 
Remember that constantly discharging and 
recharging will shorten battery life. Take rare not to 
allow a battery to be needlessly discharged. 
aged components as required. 
The canister is typically located under one of the 
front fenders, however on some later models it may 
be under the rear of the vehicle, near the gas tank, 
r on most models # See Figure 53 
A battery that is not sealed must be checked peri- 
odically for electrolyte level. You cannot add water to 
a sealed maintenance-free battery (though not all 
maintenance-free batteries are sealed); however, a 
sealed battery must also be checked for proper elec- 
trolyte level, as indicated by the color of the built-in 
hydrometer “eye.” 
Always keep the battery cables and terminals free 
of corrosion. Check these components about once a 
year. Refer to the removal, installation and cleaning 
procedures outlined in this section, 
Keep the top of the battery clean, as a film of dirt 
can help completely discharge a battery that is not 
used for long periods. A solution of baking soda and 
water may be used for cleaning, but be careful to 
flush this off with clear water. DO NOT let any of the 
solution into the filler holes. Baking soda neutralizes 
battery acid and will de-activate a battery cell. 
Batteries in vehicles which are not operated on a 
regular basis can fall victim to parasitic loads (small 
BA-ITERY FLUID 
Check the battery electrolyte level at least once a 
month. or more often in hot weather or during peri- 
ods of extended vehicle operation. On non-sealed 
batteries, the level can be checked either through the 
case on translucent batteries or by removing the cell 
caps on opaque-cased types. The electrolyte level in 
each cell should be kept filled to the split ring inside 
each ceil, or the line marked on the outside of the 
case. 
If the level is low, add only distilled water through 
the opening until the level is correct. Each cell is sep- 
arate from the others, so each must be checked and 
filled individuallv. Distilled water should be used, be- 
cause the chemicals and minerals found in most 
drinking water are harmful to the battery and could 
significantly shorten its life. 
If water is added in freezing weather, the vehicle 
should be driven several miles to allow the water to 
mix with the electrolyte. Otherwise, the battery could 
freeze. 
current drains which are constantly drawing current 
from the battery). Normal parasitic loads may drain a Although some maintenance-free batteries have 
removable cell caos for access to the electrolyte, the 
cause a short circuit, leading to sparks and possible 
personal injury. 
Do not smoke, have an open flame or create 
sparks near a battery; the gases contained in the bat- 
tery are very explosive and, if ignited, could cause se- 
vere injury or death. 
All batteries, regardless of type, should be care- 
fully secured by a battery hold-down device. If this is 
not done, the battery terminals or casing may crack 
from stress applied to the battery during vehicle oper- 
ation. A battery which is not secured may allow acid 
to leak out, making it discharge faster; such leaking m / built-in hydrometer. . 
 
*Although the readings from built-in hy- 
drometers found in sealed batteries may 
vary, a green eye usually indicates a prop 
erly charged battery with sufficient fluid 
level. A dark eye is normally an indicator of a 
battery wlth sufficient fluid, but one which 
may be low in charge. And a light or yellow 
eye is usually an indication that electrolyte 
supply has dropped below the necessary 
tcu1@32 Fig. 53 A typical location for the built-in hv- level for battery (and hydrometer) operation. 
drometer on maintenan 
ce-free batteries ’ I In this last case. sealed batteries with an in- 
sufficient electrolyte level must usually be 
’ discarded.  

G,ENERALlNFORMATlONAND MAINTENANCE l-17 
Fig. 54 On 
non-maintenance-free 
batteries, 
the fluid level can be checked through the Fig. 55 If the fluid 
level 
is low, add only dis- 
1 case on translucent models; the cell caps 1 
must be removed on other models 
1 1 tilled water through the opening until the 
1 level is correct 
Checking the Specific Gravity 
A hydrometer is required to check the specific   
# See Figures 54, 55, and 56 
gravity on all batteries that are not maintenance-free. 
On batteries that are maintenance-free, the soecific 
gravity is checked by observing the built-in hydrome- 
ter “eye” on the top of the battery case. Check with 
your battery’s manufacturer for proper interpretation 
of its built-in hvdrometer readinas. gravity of the battery. It should be between 1.20 and  As stated earlier, the specific gravity of a battery’s 
electrolyte level can be u 
1.26 on the gravity scale. Most auto supply stores  sed as an indication of bat- 
tery charge. At least once 
carry a variety of inexpensive battery testing hydrom-  ? a year, check the specific 
eters. These can be used on any non-sealed battery 
, , , ,, 
.,, . . 
IO rest me specmc gravny in each cell. 
The battery testing hydrometer has a squeeze bulb 
at one end and a nozzle at the other. Battery electrolyte 
the hydrometer until the float is lifted 
-he specific gravity is then read by not- 
n of the float. If gravity is low in one or  mg tne posrtro 
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid. If 
you should splash any on your skin or in your 
eyes, flush the affected area with plenty of 
clear water. If it lands in your eyes, get med- 
ical help immediately. 
The fluid (sulfuric acid solution) contained in the 
battery cells will tell you many things about the con- 
dition of the battery. Because the cell plates must be 
kept submerged below the fluid level in order to op- 
erate, maintaining the fluid level is extremely impor- 
tant. And. because the soecific aravitv of the acid is 
an indication of electrical charge, testing the fluid can 
be an aid in determining if the battery must be re- 
placed. A battery in a vehicle with a properly operat- 
ing charging system should require little mainte- 
nance, but careful, periodic inspection should reveal 
problems before they leave you stranded. Fig. 57 Maintenance is performed with 
Fig. 58 The underside of this special bat- 
household items and with special tools like 
tery tool has a wire brush to clean post ter- 
I this post cleaner 
I 1 minals  Fig. 56 Check the specific gravity of the bat- 
tery’s electrolyte with a hydrometer 
more cells, the battery should be slowly charged and 
Lhecked aqain to see if the aravitv has come 
UP. Gen- 
erally, if affer charging, the specific gravity between any 
two cells varies more than 50 points (0.50) the battery 
should be replaced, as it can no longer produce suffi- 
cient voltage to guarantee proper operation. 
CABLES 
) See Figures 57, 56, 69, 60, and 61 
Once a year (or as necessary), the battery termi- 
nals and the cable clamps should be cleaned. Loosen  

l 
1-18 GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
the clamps and remove the cables, negative cable 
first. On batteries with posts on top, the use of a 
puller specially made for this purpose is recom- 
mended. These are inexoensive and available in most alternator or turn the adjusting bolt to adjust belt ten- 
sion. Once the desired value is reached, secure the 
bolt or locknut and recheck tension. 
d”t” lJdlL> X”lt;>. 31°C LtXlllllldl lJdllt2)’ MLJIC, dlt’ X- cured with a small bolt. ST& I REMOVAL &INSTALLATION 
Clean the cable clamps and the battery terminal I 
with a wire brush, until all corrosion, grease, etc., is 
removed and the metal is shinv. It is esneciallv imnnr- 
tant to c 
knife is useful nere), since a smart 
material or oxidation there will pre  Clean the cable clamps and the battery terminal 
with a wire brush, until all corrosion, grease, etc., is 
removed and the metal is shiny. It is especially impor- 
tant to clean the inside of the clamp thoroughly (an old 
knife is useful here), since a small deposit of foreign 
material or oxidation there will prevent a sound electri- 
cal connection and inhibit either starting or charging. 
Special tools are available for cleaning these parts, 
one type for conventional top post batteries and an- 
other type for side terminal batteries. It is also a good 
idea to apply some dielectric grease to the terminal, as 
this will aid in the prevention of corrosion, 
After the clamps and terminals are clean, reinstall 
the cables, negative cable last; DO NOT hammer the 
clamps onto battery posts. Tighten the clamps se- 
curely, but do not distort them. Give the clamps and 
terminals a thin external coating of grease after in- 
stallation, to retard corrosion. 
Check the cables at the same time that the terminals 
are cleaned. If the cable insulation is cracked or bro- 
ken, or if the ends are frayed, the cable should be re- 
placed with a new cable of the same length and gauge. 
CHARGING 
the cables, negative cable last; DO NOT hammer the 
curely, but do not distort them. Give the clamps and 
terminals a thin external coating of grease after in- 
stallation, to retard corrosion. 
Check the cables at the same time that the terminals 
are cleaned. If the cable insulation is cracked or bro- 
ken, or if the ends are frayed, the cable should be re- 
placed with a new cable of the same length and aauae. 
CHARGING 
Fig. 62 mere are typically 3 types of ac- 
cessory drive belts found on vehicles today 1. Loosen the alternator support nut. 
2. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt. 
3. Rotate the adjuster bolt counter clockwise to 
I .I , . . . * . . 
I Tn i”et*ll*  Fig. 62 There are typically 3 types of ac- 
Fig. 64 Deep cracks in this belt will cause 
flex, building up heat that will eventually 11, 1.8L, 2.OL and 2.4L Engines 
cal connection and inhibit either starting or charging. 
Special tools are available for cleaning these parts, 
one type for conventional top post batteries and an- 
other type for side terminal batterin, I+ if QI@* 3 nnnd 
idea to apply some dielectric grr 
this will aid in the prevention of ,,vIIuaIUII. 
After the clamps and terminals are clean, reinstall 1.5L, 1.6 
AL TERNA TOR BE1 T 
e See Figures 67,68, and 69 
1. Loosen the alternator support nut. 
2. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt. 
3. Rotate the adjuster bolt counter clockwise to 
release the tension on the belt. 
4. Remove the belt. 
To install: 
5. Install the belt on the pulleys. 
6. Rotate the adjuster bolt clockwise until the 
proper tension is reached. 
7. Tighten the adjuster lock bolt and the alternator 
support nut. 
POWER STEERING BELT 
8 See Figures 70 and 71 
1. Remove the alternator belt as described above. 
2. Loosen the power steering pump adjusting 
bolts. 
3. Remove the power steering oumo fixed bolt on 
R Rntatn the cxiillrtm hnit A&+,& until the r -r- .- .- ._.. ._ .______ 
7. Tighten the adjuster lock bolt and the alternator 
support nut. 
POWER STEERING BELT 
1 ..“‘.I ““..Y...Y up II”“. ..IU. ..m.* 
1 lead to belt failure V. 
I 
I 
The chemical reaction which takes place in -  1 the rear of the bracket. 
4. Rotate the pump toward the engine and remove 
the belt. 
all batteries generates explosive hydrogen 
gas. A spark can cause the battery to explode 
and splash acid. To avoid serious personal 
injury, be sure there is proper ventilation and 
take appropriate fire safety precautions when 
connecting, disconnecting, or charging a bat- 
tery and when using jumper cables. To fnstall: 
5. Install the belt on the pulleys. 
A battery should be charged at a slow rate to keep 
the plates inside from getting too hot. However, if 
some maintenance-free batteries are allowed to dis- 
charge until they are almost “dead,” they may have to 
be charged at a high rate to bring them back to “life.” 
Always follow the charger manufacturers instructions 
on charging the battery. 85 The cover of this belt ex- 
Fig. is worn, 
REPLACEMENT 
When it becomes necessary to reolace thn haeoN 
‘” yyL’“‘J’  I or oreMer 
select one with an amperage rating equal tc . 
a ---- 
than the battery originally installed. Deterioration and 
just plain aging of the battery cables, starter motor, 
and associated wires makes the battery’s job harder 
in successive years. The slow increase in electrical 
resistance over time makes it prudent to install a new 
battery with a greater capacity than the old. 1 Fig. 67 Loosen the adjuster lock bolt . . . 
I ‘- 
I -. -_ tm1217 Fig. 66 Installing too wide a belt can resylt 
in serious belt wear and/or breakage 
the belt and run outward. All worn or damaged drive 
belts should be replaced immediately. It is best to re- 
place all drive belts at one time, as a preventive 
uring this service operation.  maintenance measure, d 
- ADJUSTMENT : * 
INSPECTION Excessive belt tension will cause damage to the al- 
e See Figures 62, 83, 64, 65, and 88 
Inspect the belts for signs of glazing or cracking. A 
glazed belt will be perfectly smooth from slippage, 
while a good belt will have a slight texture of fabric 
visible. Cracks will usually start at the inner edge of pulley bearings, while, on 
It tension will 
Droduce slin ternator and water pump 
the other hand, loose be 
r ------ r 
and premature wear on the belt. Therefore, be sure to 
adjust the belt tension to the proper level. 
To 
adjust the tension ’ ’ ’ ” ’ ‘* adjusting bolt or fixing b 
alternator bracket or tens on a onve Den. loosen me I Fig. 68 . . . then 
from the engine remove the alternator 
bolt locknut on the alternator, 
iion pulley. Then move the  

GENERALINFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 1-45 
SLING TYPE 
WHEEL LIFT TYPE 
cles 
SUNG TYPE 
WHEEL LIFT TYPE 
FLAT BED TYPE 
Fig. 220 Rear towing position-FWD vehi 
cles 
personal injury. Remember that batteries contain a 
small amount of explosive hydrogen gas which is a 
by-product of battery charging. Sparks should always 
be avoided when working around batteries, especially 
when attaching jumper cables. To minimize the pos- 
sibility of accidental sparks, follow the procedure 
carefully. 
NEVER hook the batteries up in a series cir- 
cuit or the entire electrical system will go up 
in smoke. includino the starter! 
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine may utilize 
two 12 volt batteries. If so, the batteries are con- 
nected in a parallel circuit (positive terminal to posi- 
tive terminal, negative terminal to negative terminal). 
owrng methods 
a tow truck IS used 
Lrftrng method for 4 wheels-Good 
Front wheels lifted-No good 
Front wheels lifted-No good 
Rear wheels lifted-No good 
Towing by rope or cable-Good 
e9571g92 qemarks 
. For4WD models, the basic principle is that 
all four wheels are to be rarsed before 
towing. 
. The shift lever should be set to 1 st gear and 
the parking brake should be applied. 
l The vehicle must not be towed by tofacing 
only its front wheels or only the rear wheels 
on a rollino dollv, because to do so will 
result in d&e&ration of the visfx~s 
coupling and result in the viscous coupling 
causing the vehicle to jump forward 
suddenly. 
l If only the front wheels or only the rear 
wheels are lifted for towing, the bumper 
wrll bedamyd. 
In addrtron. II trng of the rear wheels causes 
the or1 to flow forward. and may result in 
heat damage to the rear bushing of the 
transfer, and so should never be done. 
l The front and rear wheels must rotate 
normally. 
l The various mechanisms must function 
normally. 
l The shift lever must be set to the neutral 
~Asi&n and the ignition key must be set to 
Fig. 221 Towing instructions-AWD models 
Hooking the batteries up in parallel circuit increases 
battery cranking power without increasing total bat- 
tery voltage output. Output remains at 12 volts. On 
the other hand, hooking two 12 volt batteries up in a 
series circuit (positive terminal to negative terminal, 
positive terminal to negative terminal) increases total 
battery output to 24 volts (12 volts plus 12 volts). 
l Be sure that both batteries are of the same volt- 
age. Vehicles covered by this manual and most vehi- 
cles on the road today utilize a 12 volt charging sys- 
tem. 
l Be sure that both batteries are of the same po- 
larity (have the same terminal, in most cases NEGA- 
TIVE grounded). 
l Be sure that the vehicles are not touching or a 
short could occur. 
l On serviceable batteries, be sure the vent cap 
holes are not obstructed. 
l Do not smoke or allow sparks anywhere near 
the batteries. 
l In cold weather, make sure the battery elec- 
trolyte is not frozen, This can occur more readily in a 
battery that has been in a state of discharge. 
l Do not allow electrolyte to contact your skin or 
clothing. 
1. Make sure that the voltages of the 2 batteries 
are the same. Most batteries and charging systems 
are of the 12 volt variety. 
MAKE CONNECTIONS IN NUMERICAL ORDER 
A FIRST JUMPER CABLE 
WITH CHARGED BATTERY 
- 
lccslQ?,Q 
Fig. 222 Connect the jumper cables to the 
batteries and engine in the order shown  

DISTRIBUTOR IGNITION SYSTEM 
GENERALINFORMATION 2-2 
DIAGNOSISANDTESTING 2-2 
SECONDARYSPARKTEST 2-2 
CYLINDERDROPTEST 2-2 
ADJUSTMENTS 2-3 
IGNITION COIL 2-3 
TESTING 2-3 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-3 
POWERTRANSISTOR 
(Ignition Module) 2-4 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-4 
DISTRIBUTOR 2-4 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-4 2-2 
INSTALLATION 2-4 
CRANKSHAFTANDCAMSHAFTPOSITION 
SENSORS 2-5 
DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION 
SYSTEM 2-5 
GENERALINFORMATION 2-5 
DIAGNOSISANDTESTING 2-5 
ADJUSTMENTS 2-5 
IGNITION COIL(s) 2-5 
TESTING 2-5 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-6 
POWERTRANSISTOR 
(IGNITION MODULE) 2-7 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-7 
CRANKSHAFTANDCAMSHAFTPOSITION 
SENSORS 2-7 
FIRING ORDERS 2-7 
CHARGING SYSTEM 2-8 
GENERALINFORMATION 2-8 
ALTERNATORPRECAUTIONS 2-8 
ALTERNATOR 2-8 
TESTING 2-8 I 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-9 
REGULATOR 2-10 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-10 
STARTING SYSTEM 2-10 
GENERALINFORMATION 2-10 
STARTER 2-10 
TESTING 2-10 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-11 
SENDING UNITS 2-11 
ENGINECOOLANTTEMPERATURE 
SENDING UNIT 2-11 
TESTING 2-11 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-11 
OIL PRESSURESENDING UNIT 2-12 
TESTING 2-12 
REMOVAL&INSTALLATION 2-12  

. 
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.  

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