
dition exists. These messages are displayed on the
center of the instrument panel.For complete EVIC operating instructions, refer to
the Owners Manual provided with the vehicle.
EVIC BUTTON FUNCTIONS
TIME button will display:
² Time of day
² Day of week
² Day of month
² Month of year
² To set HOURS, press TIME button and within four
seconds press the SET button. An arrow will appear
on the display and point to the hours. Press and hold
the SET button to advance the hours or INFO button
to set back the hours.
² To set MINUTES, press TIME button. The arrow
will point to the minutes. Press and hold the SET
button to advance the minutes or INFO button to set
back the minutes.
² To set DAY of WEEK, press TIME button. An ar-
row will appear on the display and point to the Day.
Press and hold the SET button to move the day for-
ward or INFO button to move it backward.
² To set DAY of MONTH, press TIME button. The
arrow will point to Date. Press and hold the SET
button to advance the date or INFO button to move
it backwards.
² To set MONTH of YEAR, press TIME button. The
arrow will point to the Month. Press and hold the
SET button to advance the Month forward or INFO
button to move backward. TEMP button, pressing the Temp button will dis-
play:
² The temperature outside the vehicle
² Vehicle direction define by an eight point compass
If Compass has lost calibration or not receiving
good information from the engine compartment node,
an asterisk (*) will flash on the display and the word
calibrate will appear. Refer to Compass Calibration. FUEL BUTTON, WILL DISPLAY:
² Pressing FUEL button the first time will show, the
estimated number of miles that can be driven with
the remaining fuel. The destination to empty indica-
tion will vary every few seconds as the amount of
fuel and fuel efficiency is calculated. This function
can not be reset.
² Pressing the FUEL button second time; will dis-
play the fuel consumed.
² Pressing the FUEL button third time; will display
the average fuel economy in miles per gallon since
last reset. The display will be updated every 16 sec-
onds.
² Pressing the FUEL button forth time, the current
fuel economy will be displayed. The current fuel
economy will be up updated every two seconds. ²
To reset Fuel consumed, press SET button until
the fuel consumed message is displayed and then
within five seconds press SET button.
² To reset AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY, press the
FUEL button until average fuel economy is displayed
and within five seconds press SET button. TRIP RESET, press FUEL button and wait four
seconds press the SET button twice. This clears all
trip information and the message Trip Reset will be
displayed. This will occur only if a reset function is
currently being displayed. The reset functions:
² Fuel consumed
² Average fuel economy message
INFO button, will active a MONITORED SYS-
TEMS OK message on display if all monitored sys-
tems are operating properly. If a problem is detected,
the appropriate message will be displayed. SET button, will clear the various functions after
they have been displayed. It is used to enter the
clock set or compass variance modes. This button is
also used to reset certain trip computer functions and
the maintenance reminder message. The EVIC display may be turned off by pressing
the TIME and SET buttons at the same time. Press-
ing the buttons a second time will restore the dis-
play.
EVIC INFORMATION SOURCES
The EVIC monitors information provided by the
body controller, engine compartment node and pow-
ertrain control module. Refer to Body Diagnostic Test
Procedure Manual for test procedures. The Body Controller is a micro-controller unit
which, informs the EVIC via the CCD bus of:
² Time of day
² Day of week
² Day of month
² Month of year
² Fuel range
² Fuel consumed
² Fuel efficiency
² Warning messages as noted in Fig. 3.
The Engine Compartment Node is a microcomputer
controlled unit which, informs the EVIC via the CCD
bus of:
² Outside temperature
² Compass direction
THE FOLLOWING ARE WARNING MESSAGES:
² Low brake fluid
² Low coolant level
² Low engine oil level
The powertrain control module is a microcomputer
controlled unit which, informs the EVIC via the CCD
bus of the following warning messages:
² Engine temperature high
² Voltage improper
8C - 14 OVERHEAD CONSOLE Ä

VISUAL MESSAGES
Following are the visual messages and the condi-
tions under which, the messages will be given:
² Keys in ignition
² Exterior lamps on
These messages will appear if the conditions are
present and the driver's door is open while the igni-
tion switch is in the OFF, LOCK, or ACC positions.
A tone will sound until the condition is corrected or
the door is closed.
² Passenger door ajar
² Driver door ajar
² Trunk ajar
² Park brake engaged
² Right rear door ajar
² Left rear door ajar
These messages will appear if a condition is de-
tected after the vehicle is in motion. When the con-
dition is corrected, a short tone will sound to
acknowledge the action. LOW OIL PRESSURE
If this message is displayed while the vehicle is at
cruising speeds, immediate attention is required. If
this message appears at idle speed, increase the idle
speed and the message should go off. If the message
remains on, immediate attention is required. ENGINE TEMP CRITICAL
This message appears when a sensor has deter-
mined that the engine coolant is overheating. If this
message comes on and stays on, immediate action is
required. COOLANT LEVEL LOW
LOW FUEL LEVEL
LOW BRAKE FLUID WASHER FLUID LOW
These messages will appear if a continuous warn-
ing condition is detected while the engine is running.
Inspection is required. To clear this message from
the display, after the condition is corrected, the igni-
tion switch must be turned OFF. CHECK TRANS
This message will appear if a continuous warning
condition is detected while the engine is running. Im-
mediate attention is recommended. To clear this mes-
sage from the display, after the condition has been
corrected, the ignition switch must be turned OFF. VOLTAGE IMPROPER
This message will appear if a continuous warning
condition is detected. Immediate attention is re-
quired. To clear this message from the display, after
the condition has been corrected, the ignition switch
must be turned OFF. TURN SIGNAL ON
This message will appear if the turn signal is left
on while vehicle speed is over 15 mph and the vehi-
cle has traveled over one-half mile. FASTEN SEAT BELTS
An intermittent chime tone will sound for several
seconds if the seat belt is not fastened. CHK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
If this message is delivered, a check of the engine
oil dipstick is suggested. To clear this message, after
the condition is corrected, the ignition switch must
be turned OFF. HEADLAMP OUT
BRAKE LAMP OUT
TAIL LAMP OUT
These conditions are monitored only when the
lamps are on. The message will remain, even after
the lamp is replaced, until the lamp is turned on and
operates. SERVICE REMINDER
The maintenance reminder statement is pro-
grammed to provide general information only. Refer
to Group 0, Lubrication & Maintenance for specific
vehicle requirements. The service reminder message is displayed at 7,500
miles or 12 months intervals, which ever comes first. MONITORED SYSTEMS OK
If there is no warning condition to report, the mes-
sage Monitored Systems OK is displayed (Fig. 3).
ENGINE COMPARTMENT NODE (ECN)
The Engine Compartment Node is a microcomputer
controlled unit which, informs the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) via the CCD bus of:
² Outside temperature
² Compass direction
and the following warning messages:
² Low Brake Fluid
² Low Coolant Level
² Low Engine Oil Level
Fig. 3 EVIC Messages and Sensors
Ä OVERHEAD CONSOLE 8C - 15

The Engine Compartment Node is located behind
the grille. For complete diagnostic procedures for the Engine
Compartment Node, refer to the Body Diagnostic
Test Procedure Manual.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT NODE COMPASS
CALIBRATION
Automatic or Manual Calibration, refer to AY
Body Compass Calibration.
THERMOMETER AND COMPASS
OPERATION
The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACCES-
SORY position before the temperature and compass
reading can be displayed. The Comp/Temp switch
turns the compass display on and off. The US/Metric
switch changes the temperature reading from Fahr-
enheit to Celsius (Fig. 4). When the vehicle is standing still, engine compart-
ment temperatures may be radiated to the tempera-
ture sensor. Therefore the most accurate ambient
temperature readings are displayed when the vehicle
is moving in a forward motion. When the ignition switch is in the ON position the
temperature display is updated every 5 minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned off the last dis-
played temperature reading stays in memory. When the ignition switch is turned on again the thermom-
eter will display the memory temperature for 1
minute; then update the display to the actual tem-
perature within 5 minutes.
COMPASS CALIBRATION
Do not attempt to set the compass near large metal
objects, such as, other vehicles, large buildings, or
bridges. The compass unit automatically calibrates itself as
the vehicle is driven; therefore, no calibration should
be required. When the compass is first powered up,
the CAL light on the display should be on. The CAL
light will go off and the compass will be accurate af-
ter the vehicle completes 1 to 3 complete circles. If the vehicle's compass headings are inaccurate,
the compass also can be manually calibrated using
the following procedures: (1) Depress and hold down both the Comp/Temp
button and the U.S./Metric button. (2) The display will go off and after 5 seconds the
VAR light will come on. Continue to hold both but-
tons down. (3) In approximately 10 seconds, the CAL light
will come on. Release both buttons and the display
will show the heading and outside temperature.
Fig. 4 Overhead Console
8C - 16 OVERHEAD CONSOLE Ä

OVERHEAD CONSOLE REPLACEMENT
(1) Unscrew the mounting screw in sun glass bin
compartment (Fig. 8).
(2) Slide console forward toward windshield until
the console unhooks from roof bracket. (3) Disconnect wire harness from console.
(4) For installation reverse above procedures.
COMPASS MODULE REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove overhead console.
(2) Using a small screwdriver, release the 2 snaps
at rear of compass module (Fig. 9).
(3) After releasing the 2 snaps, slide compass mod-
ule rearward until free of mounting bar. (4) For installation reverse above procedures.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) REMOVAL
(1) Use a straight edge tool to pry out one end of
the EVIC center and continue to disengage six clips
along the length of the message center. (2) Remove the EVIC center and disconnect the
wiring. (3) For installation reverse the above procedures.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) From behind front bumper fascia, remove screw
attaching sensor to radiator closure panel (Fig. 10).
(3) For installation, reverse above procedures.
ENGINE NODE SENSOR REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) From behind front bumper fascia, remove
screws attaching engine node to bumper fascia (Fig.
11). (3) For installation, reverse above procedures.
Fig. 8 Overhead Console Mounting
Fig. 9 Compass Module Removal
Fig. 10 Ambient Temperature Sensor
Fig. 11 Engine Node
8C - 20 OVERHEAD CONSOLE Ä

AP BODY INDEX
page page
Ambient Temperature Sensor Removal ........ 25
Compass Calibration ...................... 21
Compass Diagnostics ..................... 23
Compass Module Replacement .............. 25
Demagnetizing Procedure .................. 22 Map Reading Lamps Operation
.............. 21
Overhead Console Replacement ............. 25
Thermometer and Compass ................ 21
Variance Procedure ....................... 22
MAP READING LAMPS OPERATION
The map lamps are actuated by pressing on the
lens (Fig. 1).
LAMP REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove lens by inserting a screw driver or
knife blade into slot located along-side of lens. Once
screwdriver is inserted pry lens to the side and swing
down as it unhooks from housing edge. (2) Remove lamp by pulling straight down.
(3) Install new lamp by pushing firmly into recep-
tacle. (4) Snap lens into position taking care to orient
the tabs on the lens with the slots in the housing.
MAP LAMP TEST
(1) Press each lamp switch. Right hand switch
should light passenger lamp and left hand switch
should light drivers lamp. (2) If lamp does not illuminate check for a burned
out lamp, voltage, defective switch or faulty wiring.
THERMOMETER AND COMPASS
The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACCES-
SORY position before the temperature and compass
reading can be displayed. The Comp/Temp switch
turns the compass display on and off. The US/Metric
switch changes the temperature reading from Fahr-
enheit to Celsius (Fig. 2). When the vehicle is standing still, engine compart-
ment temperatures may be radiated to the tempera-
ture sensor. Therefore the most accurate ambient
temperature readings are displayed when the vehicle
is moving in a forward motion. When the ignition switch is in the ON position the
temperature display is updated every 5 minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned off the last dis-
played temperature reading stays in memory. When
the ignition switch is turned on again the thermom-
eter will display the memory temperature for 1
minute; then update the display to the actual tem-
perature within 5 minutes.
COMPASS CALIBRATION
Do not attempt to set the compass near large metal
objects, such as, other vehicles, large buildings, or
bridges. The compass unit automatically calibrates itself as
the vehicle is driven; therefore, no calibration should
be required. When the compass is first powered up,
the CAL light on the display should be on. The CAL
light will go off and the compass will be accurate af-
ter the vehicle completes one to three complete cir-
cles. If the vehicle's compass headings are inaccurate,
the compass also can be manually calibrated using
the following procedures: (1) Depress and hold down both the Comp/Temp
button and the U.S./Metric button. (2) The display will go off and after 5 seconds the
VAR light will come on. Continue to hold both but-
tons down. (3) In approximately 10 seconds, the CAL light
will come on. Release both buttons and the display
will show the heading and outside temperature. (4) Drive the vehicle 1 to 3 complete circles, with-
out turning ignition OFF. The CAL light will then
go off, showing the compass is calibrated.
Fig. 1 Overhead Console Lamp Replacement
Ä OVERHEAD CONSOLE 8C - 21

IGNITION SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
page page
2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI AND 3.0L IGNITION SYSTEMSÐDIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
..... 11
2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI AND 3.0L IGNI- TION SYSTEMSÐSERVICE PROCEDURES . 14
2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI AND 3.0L IGNI- TION SYSTEMSÐSYSTEM OPERATION .... 1
2.2L TURBO III, 3.3L AND 3.8L IGNITION SYSTEMÐDIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
.... 35
2.2L TURBO III, 3.3L AND 3.8L IGNITION SYSTEMÐSYSTEM OPERATION ......... 24
2.2L TURBO III, 3.3L AND 3.8L IGNITION SYSTEMSÐSERVICE PROCEDURES ...... 39
IGNITION SWITCH ...................... 45
SPECIFICATIONS ....................... 47
GENERAL INFORMATION
Throughout this group, references are made to par-
ticular vehicles by letter designation. A chart ex-
plaining the designations appears in the Introduction
Section of this manual.
2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI AND 3.0L IGNITION SYSTEMSÐSYSTEM OPERATION
INDEX
page page
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay and Fuel Pump Relay . 8
Coolant Temperature Sensor ................. 7
Distributor Cap ........................... 1
Distributor Pick-UpÐ3.0L Engine .............. 7
Distributor Pick-UpÐPCM Input ............... 6
General Information ........................ 1 Ignition Coil
.............................. 9
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor ...... 8
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ............. 6
Rotor .................................. 2
Spark Plug Cables ........................ 2
Spark Plugs ............................. 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section describes the ignition systems of the
2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI (flexible fuel AA-body)
and 3.0L engines. The Fuel Injection sections of Group 14 explain On
Board Diagnostics. Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance, contains
general maintenance information for ignition related
items. The Owner's Manual also contains mainte-
nance information.
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
Remove the distributor cap and inspect the inside
for flash over, cracking of carbon button, lack of
spring tension on carbon button, cracking of cap, and
burned, worn terminals (Fig. 1). Also check for bro-
ken distributor cap towers. If any of these conditions
are present the distributor cap and/or cables should
be replaced. When replacing the distributor cap, transfer cables
from the original cap to the new cap one at a time.
Ensure each cable is installed into the corresponding tower of the new cap. Fully seat the wires into the
towers. If necessary, refer to the appropriate engine
firing order diagram (Fig. 2 or Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Distributor Cap Inspection
Ä
IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 1

Light scaling of the terminals can be cleaned with
a sharp knife. If the terminals are heavily scaled, re-
place the distributor cap. A cap that is greasy, dirty or has a powder-like
substance on the inside should be cleaned with a so-
lution of warm water and a mild detergent. Scrub
the cap with a soft brush. Thoroughly rinse the cap
and dry it with a clean soft cloth.
ROTOR
Replace the rotor if it is cracked, the tip is exces-
sively burned or heavily scaled (Fig. 4). If the spring
terminal does not have adequate tension, replace the
rotor.
SPARK PLUG CABLES
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires. They transfer electrical cur-
rent from the distributor to individual spark plugs at
each cylinder. 2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI, Turbo
III and 3.0L engines use resistance type cables. The
cables suppress radio frequency emissions from the
ignition system. Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil and distributor cap towers and at
the spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated.
The nipples and spark plug covers should be in good condition. Nipples should fit tightly on the coil and
distributor cap towers and spark plug cover should fit
tight around spark plug insulators. Loose cable connec-
tions can cause ignition malfunctions by permitting
water to enter the towers, corroding, and increasing
resistance. To maintain proper sealing at the ter-
minal connections, the connections should not
be broken unless testing indicates high resis-
tance, an open circuit or other damage.
CAUTION: Do not pull spark plug cables from dis-
tributor cap of four cylinder engines. The cables must
be released from inside the distributor cap (Fig. 5).
Clean high tension cables with a cloth moistened
with a non-flammable solvent and wipe dry. Check for
brittle or cracked insulation.
Fig. 2 Engine Firing OrderÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI and Turbo III Engines
Fig. 3 Engine Firing OrderÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 4 Rotor InspectionÐTypical
Fig. 5 Spark Plug Cable Removal/InstallationÐ2.2L and 2.5L TBI Engines
8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä

When testing secondary cables for punctures and
cracks with an oscilloscope follow the equipment
manufacturers instructions. If an oscilloscope is not available, secondary cables
can be tested as follows:
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected any longer than necessary during test-
ing. Excessive heat could damage the catalytic con-
verter. Total test time must not exceed ten minutes.
(a) With the engine not running, connect one end
of a test probe to a good ground. Use a probe made of
insulated wire with insulated alligator clips on each
end. (b) With engine running, move test probe along
entire length of all cables (approximately 0 to 1/8
inch gap). If punctures or cracks are present there
will be a noticeable spark jump from the faulty area
to the probe. Check the coil cable the same way.
Replace cracked, leaking or faulty cables.
When replacing cables, install the new high
tension cable and nipple assembly over cap or
coil tower. When entering the terminal into the
tower, push lightly, then pinch the large diam-
eter of nipple to release air trapped between the
nipple and tower. Continue pushing on the cable
and nipple until cables are properly seated in the
cap towers. A snap should be heard as terminal
goes into place. Use the same procedure to install cable in coil tower.
Wipe the spark plug insulator clean before reinstalling
cable and cover. Use the following procedure when removing the high
tension cable from the spark plug. First, remove the
cable from the retaining bracket. Then grasp the ter-
minal as close as possible to the spark plug. Rotate the
cover and pull the cable straight back. Pulling on the
cable itself will damage the conductor and termi-
nal connection. Do not use pliers and do not pull
the cable at an angle. Doing so will damage the
insulation, cable terminal or the spark plug in-
sulator. Wipe spark plug insulator clean before
reinstalling cable and cover. Resistance type cable is identified by the words
Electronic Suppression printed on the cable jacket.
Use an ohmmeter to check resistance type cable for
open circuits, loose terminals or high resistance as
follows: (a) Remove cable from spark plug.
(b) Lift distributor cap from distributor with
cables intact. Do not remove cables from cap. The
cables must be removed from the spark plugs. (c) Connect the ohmmeter between spark plug end
terminal and the corresponding electrode inside the
cap, make sure ohmmeter probes are in good contact.
Resistance should be within tolerance shown in the cable resistance chart. If resistance is
not within tolerance, remove cable at cap tower
and check the cable. If resistance is still not within
tolerance, replace cable assembly. Test all spark
plug cables in same manner.
To test coil to distributor cap high tension cable,
remove distributor cap with the cable intact. Do not
remove cable from the cap. Connect the ohmmeter
between center contact in the cap and remove the ca-
ble at coil tower and check cable resistance. If resis-
tance is not within tolerance, replace the cable.
SPARK PLUGS
Resistor spark plugs are used in all engines and
have resistance values of 6,000 to 20,000 ohms when
checked with at least a 1000 volt tester. Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indi-
cates that a problem exists in the corresponding
cylinder. Replace spark plugs at the intervals recom-
mended in Group O. Undamaged low milage spark plugs can be cleaned
and reused. Refer to the Spark Plug Condition sec-
tion of this group. After cleaning, file the center elec-
trode flat with a small point file or jewelers file.
Adjust the gap between the electrodes (Fig. 6) to the
dimensions specified in the chart at the end of this
section. Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion and change
spark plug gap. Tighten spark plugs to 28 N Im (20 ft.
lbs.) torque.
SPARK PLUG CONDITION
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
The few deposits present will be probably light tan
or slightly gray in color with most grades of commer-
cial gasoline (Fig. 7). There will not be evidence of
electrode burning. Gap growth will not average more
than approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 1600 km
(1000 miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have nor-
mal wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed and regapped, and then reinstalled. Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
CABLE RESISTANCE CHART
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 3