ity. Refer to Battery Load Test. If the battery will
endure a load test, return the battery to use. If bat-
tery will not endure a load test, it must be replaced.
Properly clean and inspect battery hold downs, tray,
terminals, cables, posts, and top before completing
service. Also refer to Group 8B, Battery/Starter/Gen-
erator Service.
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary de-
pending upon the following factors:
² SIZE OF BATTERY
A completely discharged large heavy-duty battery
requires more than twice the recharging time as a
completely discharged small capacity battery (Fig.
16).
² TEMPERATURE: A longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18ÉC (0ÉF) than at 27ÉC (80ÉF).
When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery,
current accepted by battery will be very low at first.
In time, the battery will accept a higher rate as bat-
tery warms.
² CHARGER CAPACITY: A charger which, can sup-
ply only five amperes will require a much longer pe-
riod of charging than a charger that can supply 30
amperes or more.
² STATE OF CHARGE: A completely discharged
battery requires more charging time than a partially
charged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water in a
completely discharged battery. At first, the charging
current amperage will be low. As water is converted
to sulfuric acid inside the battery, the current amp
rate will rise. Also, the specific gravity of the electro-
lyte will rise, bringing the green dot (Fig. 5) into
view.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 20 AMPS WHEN
CHARGING A COLD -1ÉC (30ÉF) BATTERY. PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless procedure is
properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced (Fig. 17).
(1) Measure the voltage at battery posts with a
voltmeter accurate to 1/10 volt (Fig. 18). If below 10
volts, charge current will be low, and it could take
some time before it accepts a current in excess of a
few milliamperes. Such low current may not be de-
tectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
(2) Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature
polarity protection circuitry which, prevents opera-
tion unless charger is connected to battery posts cor-
rectly. A completely discharged battery may not have
enough voltage to activate this circuitry. This may
happen even if the leads are connected properly. (3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. For the time required for
the battery to accept measurable charger current at
various voltages, refer to Fig. 17. If charge current is
still not measurable after charging period the battery
should be replaced. If charge current is measurable
during charging time, the battery may be good, and
charging should be completed in the normal manner.
Fig. 16 Battery Charging Time
Fig. 17 Charge Rate
Fig. 18 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt (Connected)
8A - 8 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä
IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
GENERAL INFORMATION
A normal electrical system will draw from 5 to 30
milliamperes from the battery. This is with the ignition
in the OFF position, and all non-ignition controlled cir-
cuits in proper working order. The amount of IOD will
depend on body model and electrical components. A ve-
hicle that has not been operated for an extended period
of approximately 20 days may discharge the battery to
an inadequate level. In this case, the Main Fusible Link
Connector should be disconnected. The Main Fusible
Link connector is located rearward of the battery on the
engine wiring harness (Fig. 19).
If the IOD is over 30 milliamperes, the defect must
be found and corrected before condemning the bat-
tery. Usually, the battery can be charged and re-
turned to service (Fig. 16).
IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD) TESTS
VEHICLES WITHOUT ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/LOAD LEVELINGSUSPENSION OR ALARM SYSTEMS
Testing for HIGHER AMPERAGE IOD must be
performed first to prevent damage to most milliamp
meters. A standard 12 volt test light and a milliamp meter
that is equipped with two leads will be used for the
following tests. The milliamp meter should be able to
handle up to two amps.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
Turn off all lights, close trunk lid, close glove box door,
turn off sun visor vanity lights, close all doors and re- move ignition key. Allow the Illuminated Entry System
if equipped to time out in approximately 30 seconds.
(2) Verify the engine compartment lamp bulb is
working by opening/closing hood. Remove the lamp. (3) Disconnect negative battery cable (Fig. 15).
(4) Connect a typical 12 volt test light between the
negative cable clamp and the negative battery post (Fig.
19). The test light may be brightly lit for up to three
minutes or may not be lit at all. This depending on the
body model or electronic components on the vehicle. (a) The term brightly used throughout the follow-
ing tests. This implies the brightness of the test light
will be the same as if it were connected across the
battery posts. This would be with a fully charged bat-
tery.
(b) The test light or the milliamp meter MUST
be positively connected to the battery post and the
battery cable during all IOD testing. (c) Do not allow the test light or the milliamp
meter to become disconnected during any of the
IOD tests. If this happens, the electronic timer
functions will be started and all IOD tests must be
repeated from the beginning. Clamp the test light
at both ends to prevent accidental disconnection.
(d) After three minutes time has elapsed, the test
light should turn OFF or be dimly lit depending on
the electronic components on the vehicle. If the test
light remains BRIGHTLY lit, do not disconnect test
light. Disconnect each fuse or circuit breaker until
test light is either OFF or DIMLY lit. Refer to the
Front Wheel Drive Car Wiring Diagrams Service
Manual. This will eliminate higher amperage IOD. It
is now safe to install the milliamp meter without
damage to the meter to check for low amperage IOD.
(e) Possible sources of high IOD are usually ve-
hicle lamps trunk lamp, glove compartment, lug-
gage compartment, etc.. (f) If test light is still brightly lit after discon-
necting each fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect
the wiring harness from the generator. Refer to
Generator Testing. Do not disconnect test light.
CAUTION: This last test has higher amperage IOD and
must be performed before going on with low amper-
age IOD tests. The higher amperage IOD must be elim-
inated before hooking up milliamp meter to check for
low amperage IOD. If higher amperage IOD has not
been eliminated, milliamp meter may be damaged.
Most milliamp meters will not handle over one or two
amps. Do not hook up meter if test light is glowing
brightly. Refer to maximum amperage specifications
and instructions supplied with milliamp meter.
After higher amperage IOD has been corrected, low
amperage IOD may be checked. The MAXIMUM IOD=
30 MILLIAMPERES.
Fig. 19 IOD Test
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 9
relay to starter solenoid for loose or corroded connec-
tions. Particularly at starter terminals.
² Repeat test. If engine still fails to crank properly,
trouble is within starter or starter mounted solenoid,
and it must be removed for repairs. Refer to Group
8B, Battery/Starter/Generator Service, Starter re-
placement.
STARTER RELAY TEST
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN PARK OR NEUTRAL WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED
(1) Verify battery condition. Battery must be in
good condition with a full charge before performing
any starter tests. Refer to Battery Tests. (2) Perform the preceding starter solenoid tests
BEFORE performing starter relay tests. Refer to
Starter Solenoid Test. (3) Locate and remove the starter relay. For
starter relay locations, refer to Starter Solenoid Test
(Fig. 13 or 14). (4) After the starter relay has been located and re-
moved, refer to Starter Relay Tests (Fig. 15).
NEUTRAL STARTING AND BACK-UP SWITCH
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ONLY
For electrical diagnostics, when checking starter
circuits, refer to Starter Relay Tests (Fig. 15). For replacement of switch, refer to Group 21, Tran-
saxle, Neutral Starting and Switch Replacement.
STARTER INTERLOCK SWITCHÐCLUTCH PEDAL MOUNTED
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY
For electrical diagnostics, refer to the Starter Relay
Tests. For replacement and/or adjustment of the switch,
refer to Group 6, Manual Transaxle Clutch, Manual
Transaxle Starter Interlock Switch.
IGNITION SWITCH TEST
After testing the starter solenoid and relay, test ig-
nition switch and wiring. Refer to Group 8D, Ignition
Systems, or the Front Wheel Drive Car Wiring Dia-
grams Service Manual. Check all wiring for opens or
shorts, and all connectors for being loose or corroded.
BENCH TESTING STARTER SOLENOID
(1) Disconnect field coil wire from field coil termi-
nal (Fig. 16 or 17). (2) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and field coil terminal with a continuity tester. Con-
tinuity should be detected (Fig. 18 or 19). (3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid housing (Fig. 20 or 21). Continuity
should be detected. If continuity is detected, solenoid
is good. (4) If continuity is not detected in either test, sole-
noid has an open circuit and is defective. If equipped
with:
² BOSCH STARTER: Replace the solenoid.
² NIPPONDENSO STARTER: Replace the starter
assembly.
8A - 16 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä
(2) Adjust the carbon pile and engine speed in
steps until an engine speed of 1250 rpm, and a volt-
meter reading of 15 volts is obtained.
CAUTION: Do not allow the battery voltage to ex-
ceed 16 volts. (3) The generator amperage must meet the output
requirements for the particular generator being
tested. Refer to Generator Specifications for genera-
tor identification and amperage outputs.
RESULTS
(1) If amperage reading is less than specified, and
generator output wire resistance is not found exces-
sive from the previous tests, generator should be re-
placed. Refer to Group 8B, Battery/Starter/Generator
Service, Generator Replacement. These generators
are not intended to be disassembled for service. It
must be replaced as an assembly. (2) After current output test is completed, reduce
engine speed, turn off carbon pile, and turn off igni-
tion switch. (3) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(4) Remove test ammeter, voltmeter, tachometer
and carbon pile. (5) Remove jumper wire between K20 circuit ter-
minal and ground. (6) Connect output wire to B+ terminal.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
(8) Connect fresh air hose between powertrain con-
trol module and air cleaner if removed.
Fig. 5 Generator Current Output Test
Fig. 6 Volt/Amp Tester Connections
8A - 22 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä
BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY REMOVAL, INSTALLATION AND SERVICE ............................. 1
GENERATOR ............................ 9 SPECIFICATIONS
....................... 12
STARTER ............................... 4
BATTERY REMOVAL, INSTALLATION AND SERVICE
GENERAL INFORMATION
This first section will cover Battery replacement and
service procedures only. For Battery diagnostic proce-
dures, refer to Group 8A, Battery/Starting/Charging
Systems Diagnostics. Factory installed batteries (Fig. 1) do not have re-
movable battery cell caps. Water cannot be added to
factory installed battery. Battery is sealed, except for
small vent holes in the top. Chemical composition
inside the battery produces an extremely small amount
of gases at normal charging voltages. The factory
installed battery is equipped with a test indicator that
displays a colored ball to show the battery's state of
charge.
² Green Indicator = Full charge
² Black Indicator = Discharged
² Yellow Indicator = Battery replacement required.
BATTERY VISUAL INSPECTION AND SERVICE
(1) Make sure ignition switch is in OFF position and
all accessories are OFF. (2) Disconnect and remove the battery cable termi-
nals from the battery posts. Remove negative cable
first (Fig. 2). WARNING: TO PROTECT THE HANDS FROM BAT-
TERY ACID, A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY
RUBBER GLOVES, NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE,
SHOULD BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SERVIC-
ING A BATTERY. SAFETY GLASSES ALSO SHOULD
BE WORN.
(3) Lift battery heat shield off battery, if equipped
(Fig. 3). (4) Remove battery hold down nut and clamp.
Fig. 1 Maintenance Free Battery
Fig. 2 Remove Battery Cables
Fig. 3 Battery Hold-Down
Ä BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE 8B - 1
(5) Remove the battery from vehicle.
(6) Clean top of battery with a solution of warm
water and baking soda. Apply solution with a bristle
brush and allow to soak until acid deposits loosen
(Fig. 4). Rinse with clear water and blot dry with pa-
per toweling. Dispose of toweling in a safe manner.
Refer to the WARNINGS on the top of battery.
CAUTION: Do not allow baking soda solution to en-
ter vent holes, as damage to battery can result.
(7) Inspect battery case and cover for cracks or
leakage. If leakage is present, battery must be re-
placed. (8) Inspect battery tray (Fig. 5) for damage caused
by acid from battery. If acid damage is present, it
will be necessary to clean area with same solution
described in Step (6). (9) Clean battery posts with a suitable battery post
cleaning tool (Fig. 6). (10) Clean inside surfaces of battery cable terminal
clamps with a suitable battery terminal cleaning tool
(Fig. 7). Replace damaged or frayed cables and bro-
ken terminal clamps. (11) Inspect battery for proper or damaged hold
down ledge. (12) Install battery in vehicle making sure that
battery is positioned properly on battery tray (Fig.
3). (13) Install battery hold down clamp and nut. Be
sure that clamp is positioned properly and aligned on
battery. (14) Install battery heat shield.
(15) Place felt grease washer onto Positive (+) bat-
tery post. (16) Connect battery cable clamps to battery posts
making sure top of clamp is flush with top of post
(Fig. 8). Install POSITIVE cable first. (17) Tighten clamp nuts securely.
Fig. 4 Cleaning Battery
Fig. 5 Battery Tray
Fig. 6 Cleaning Battery Posts
8B - 2 BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE Ä
Fig. 7 Cleaning Battery Cable Terminal
Fig. 8 Battery Cables Disconnected
Ä BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE 8B - 3
STARTER INDEX
page page
General Information ........................ 4
Neutral Starter and Back-Up Switch ........... 8
Starter Component Replacement .............. 5
Starter Interlock Switch: Clutch Pedal Mounted/ Manual Transmission Only ................. 7 Starter Motor Replacement
.................. 4
Starting System ........................... 4
Supply Circuit and Control Circuit ............. 4
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section will cover Starter replacement and
service procedures only. For starter diagnostic proce-
dures, refer to Group 8A, Battery/Starting/Charging
Systems Diagnostics.
STARTING SYSTEM
The starting system has:
² Ignition switch
² Starter relay
² Neutral starting and back-up switch with auto-
matic transmissions
² Clutch pedal mounted starter interlock switch
with manual transmissions
² Wiring harness
² Battery
² Starter motor with an integral solenoid
BOSCH STARTERS
²A Bosch permanent magnet starter motor is avail-
able on 2.2L, 2.5L and 3.0L engines on all vehicles.
A planetary gear train transmits power between
starter motor and pinion shaft. The fields consist of
six permanent magnets.
NIPPONDENSO STARTERS
² A Nippondenso reduction gear-field coil starter
motor is available on 3.0L, 3.3L and 3.8L engines.
SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND CONTROL CIRCUIT
Both starter systems consist of two separate cir-
cuits:
² A high amperage supply to feed the starter motor.
² A low amperage circuit to control the starter sole-
noid. For additional information on starter motor supply
and control circuits, refer to Group 8A, Battery/Start-
ing/Charging Systems Diagnostics.
STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
BOSCH STARTERÐ2.2L/2.5L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 1).
(2) Raise vehicle. (3) Remove heat shield clip from the starter and
heat shield is clipped to starter (Fig. 2). For easier
servicing, do not remove the wiring from starter at
this time.
(4) Remove two bolts and one nut attaching starter
to engine (Fig. 3). (5) Remove starter/starter solenoid assembly from
engine. Position the starter to gain access to the wir-
ing connectors. (6) Disconnect the positive battery cable and wir-
ing at the starter. (7) Remove the starter from vehicle.
Fig. 1 Remove or Install Battery Cable
Fig. 2 Starter Heat ShieldÐ4 Cylinder Engines
8B - 4 BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE Ä