INSTALLATION
(1) Position distributor in engine. Make certain that
the O-ring is properly seated on distributor. If O-ring is
cracked or nicked, replace it with new one. (2) Carefully engage distributor drive with auxiliary
shaft drive. When distributor is installed properly,
rotor will be pointing toward cylinder block. If engine
has been cranked while distributor is removed,
establish proper relationship between the dis-
tributor shaft and Number 1 piston position as
follows: (a) Rotate the crankshaft until number one piston
is at top of compression stroke. Pointer on clutch
housing should be in line with the O(TDC)mark on
flywheel. (b) Rotate rotor to a position just ahead of the
number one distributor cap terminal. (c) Lower the distributor into the opening, engag-
ing distributor drive with drive on auxiliary shaft. With distributor fully seated on engine, rotor should
be under the cap number 1 tower.
(3) Install the distributor cap. Ensure all high ten-
sion wires snap firmly in the cap towers. (4) Install hold-down arm screw and finger tighten.
(5) Install splash shield.
(6) Connect distributor pick-up connector lead wire
at wiring harness connector. (7) Set ignition timing to specification. Refer to Ig-
nition Timing.
DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UPÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI AND
2.5L MPI ENGINES
REMOVAL
(1) Remove splash shield and cap. Refer to Distribu-
tor Removal. (2) Remove rotor from shaft (Fig. 15).
(3) Remove Hall effect pick-up assembly (Fig.
16).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place pick-up assembly into distributor housing
(Fig. 16). The distributor pick-up wires may be damaged
if not properly reinstalled. (2) Install rotor (Fig. 15).
(3) Install cap and splash shield. Refer to Distribu-
tor Installation.
DISTRIBUTOR SERVICEÐ3.0L ENGINE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect distributor connector from wiring
harness connector (Fig. 17).
Fig. 12 Splash ShieldÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 13 Distributor Cap Retaining ScrewsÐ2.5L En- gine
Fig. 14 Distributor CapÐ2.5L Engine
8D - 18 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä
(2) 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. Cracked, leaking or faulty cables should
be replaced. 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
terminal as close as possible to the spark plug. Ro-
tate the cover (boot) slightly and pull straight back.
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 insulator. Wipe spark
plug insulator clean before reinstalling cable
and cover. Resistance cables are identified by the words Elec-
tronic Suppression .
Use an ohmmeter to check cables for opens, loose
terminals or high resistance. (a) Remove cable from spark plug.
(b) Remove cable from the coil tower.
(c) Connect the ohmmeter between spark plug
end terminal and the coil end terminal. Resistance
should be within tolerance shown in the cable re-
sistance chart. If resistance is not within tolerance,
replace cable assembly. Test all spark plug cables
in same manner.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
When replacing the spark plug cables, route the ca-
bles correctly and secure them in the appropriate re-
tainers. Incorrectly routed cables can cause the radio
to reproduce ignition noise. It can also cause cross ig-
nition of the spark plugs or short circuit the cables to
ground.
SPARK PLUG REMOVAL
Always remove cables by grasping at boot, rotating
the boot 1/2 turn, and pulling straight back in a
steady motion. (1) Prior to removing the spark plug spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. (2) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert. (3) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plug Condition in this section.
SPARK PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the spark plug gap with a gap gauge. If the
gap is not correct, adjust it by bending the ground
electrode (Fig. 6).
SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION
(1) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand. (2) Tighten spark plugs to 28 N Im (20 ft. lbs.)
torque. (3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
IDLE RPM TEST
WARNING: BE SURE TO APPLY PARKING BRAKE
AND/OR BLOCK WHEELS BEFORE PERFORMING
ANY ENGINE RUNNING TESTS.
Engine idle set rpmshould be tested and recorded
as it is when the vehicle is first brought into shop
for testing. This will assist in diagnosing complaints
of engine stalling, creeping and hard shifting on ve-
hicles equipped with automatic transaxle. Refer to the
Throttle Body Minimum Airflow procedures in Group
14.
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE
Ignition timing cannot be changed or set on Turbo
III, 3.3L or 3.8L engines. For diagnostic information,
refer to the DRBII scan tool and the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures manual.
CABLE RESISTANCE CHART
Fig. 6 Setting Spark Plug GapÐTypical
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 41
disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to START.To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while a helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
lamp. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch. If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
Tee fitting mounted on frame rail in engine compart-
ment below master cylinder (Fig. 8 and 9).
CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to the Powertrain Di-
agnostic Test Procedures booklet.
AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
Fig. 8 Brake Warning Lamp Switch
Fig. 9 Brake System Warning Lamp Diagnosis
8E - 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä
off, there should be continuity in the system. Start
the engine. With the engine running, the ohmmeter
should show no continuity. If the above results are
not obtained, replace the switch.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP
The brake warning lamp illuminates when parking
brake is applied with ignition key turned ON. The
same lamp will also illuminate should one of the two
service brake systems fail when brake pedal is ap-
plied. To test system turn ignition key ON, and ap-
ply parking brake. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or
disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to START. To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while a
helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
light. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch. If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
Tee fitting mounted on frame rail in engine compart-
ment below master cylinder (Fig.6 and 7). CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP
For testing of this system, refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint System.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) LAMP
For testing of this system, refer to the Powertrain
Diagnostic Test Procedure Manual.
MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC CLUSTER REMOVAL
CLUSTER BEZELS REMOVAL
(1) Move gear selector to the low position.
(2) Remove five screws attaching upper bezel to in-
strument panel (Fig. 8). (3) Lift cluster bezel over steering wheel.
(4) Remove four screws attaching lower bezel to in-
strument panel. (5) Lift lower cluster bezel from instrument panel.
(6) For installation reverse above procedures.
CLUSTER MASK AND LENS REMOVAL
(1) Remove cluster bezel.
(2) Remove trip reset knob by pulling straight
back. (3) Remove five screws attaching mask and lens to
cluster. (4) For installation reverse above procedures.
Fig. 4 Combination Oil Sending Unit
Fig. 5 Combination Oil Sending Unit Test
Fig. 6 Brake Warning Lamp Switch
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 25
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the ON or OFF po-
sition, or when the radio frequency is being dis-
played, time keeping is accurately maintained. The procedure for setting the clock varies slightly
with each radio. The correct procedure is described
under the individual radio operating instructions re-
ferred to in the Owner's manual supplied with the
vehicle.
WARNING LAMPS
The AG & AJ Body instrument clusters have warn-
ing lamps or indicators with the electronic cluster for
six different systems. These include low oil pressure,
check gauges, brake system, air bag, seat belt, mal-
function indicator (check engine) lamp.
CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE AND TESTING
CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable, in en-
gine compartment, before servicing instrument
panel. When power is required for test purposes,
reconnect battery cable for test only. Disconnect negative battery cable after test and be-
fore continuing service procedures. It is not necessary to remove instrument cluster
from vehicle for gauge replacement. Gauges must be pulled straight out, when remov-
ing or pins may be damaged.
SWITCH POD ASSEMBLY REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Pry up edge of panel vent grille, using a
straight flat edge tool to disengage clips, then re-
move grille (Fig. 4). (3) Remove two screws located under panel vent
grille. (4) Remove two screws underneath switch POD as-
sembly. (5) With tilt steering adjust steering wheel to the
lowest setting. (6) Pull switch module rearward to remove module
and disconnect all wire connections. (7) For Installation reverse above procedures.
Tighten all screws to 2 N Im (20 in. lbs.) torque.
MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC CLUSTER REMOVAL
CLUSTER MASK AND LENS REMOVAL
(1) Remove switch pod assembly (Fig. 4).
(2) Remove tilt column lever if equipped.
(3) Remove steering column trim cover.
Fig. 4 Switch POD Assembly
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 43
(3) With the ignition switch ON, an open (discon-
nected sending unit wire) causes the oil, fuel or tem-
perature gauge to read below low, empty or cold
indicators. (4) If steps 2 and 3 check OK, refer to the individ-
ual sending unit test procedures.
FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT TEST
Refer to Group 14, Fuel for test procedure.
CHECK GAUGES WARNING LAMP TESTS
The check gauges warning lamp will illuminated
when the ignition key is turned to the ON position.
The lamp will illuminate if the engine oil pressure
drops below a safe level. The check gauge lamp will
light for high engine temperature or for low voltage. To test the system turn ignition key to the ON po-
sition. If the lamp fails to light, inspect for a broken
or disconnected wire at the oil pressure combination
sending unit, which is located at the front of the en-
gine (Fig. 13). If the wire at the connector checks
good pull connector loose from the switch terminal
and with a jumper wire ground connector to the en-
gine. With the ignition key turned to the ON posi-
tion check the warning lamp. If lamp still fails to
light, inspect for a burned lamp. If lamp still fails to
light, inspect for a burned out lamp or disconnected
socket in the cluster.
To test the switch disconnect the switch electrical
connector. Attach positive lead of an ohmmeter to
the switch terminal for the gray (GY) wire and the
negative lead to an engine ground. With the engine
off, there should be continuity in the system. Start
the engine. With the engine running, the ohmmeter
should show no continuity. If the above results are
not obtained, replace the switch.
COMBINATION OIL SENDING UNIT TEST
The combination oil sending unit has two func-
tions: (1) The normal closed circuit keeps the oil pressure
warning lamp on until there is oil pressure. (2) The sending unit provides a resistance that
varies with oil pressure. To test the normally closed oil lamp circuit, discon-
nect the locking connector and measure the resis-
tance between the switch terminal and the metal
housing. The ohmmeter should read 0 ohms. Start
the engine (Fig. 14).
If there is oil pressure, the ohmmeter should read
an open circuit. To test the sending unit, measure the resistance
between the sending unit terminal and the metal
housing. The ohmmeter should read open. Start the
engine. The ohmmeter should read between 30 to 55 ohms,
depending on engine speed, oil temperature, and oil
viscosity. If the above results are not obtained, replace the
sending unit.
SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8U,
Chime Warning/Reminder System.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to the Body Diagnos-
tic Procedures booklet.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST
The brake warning lamp illuminates when parking
brake is applied with ignition key turned ON. The
same lamp will also illuminate should one of the two
service brake systems fail when brake pedal is ap-
plied. To test system turn ignition key ON, and ap-
ply parking brake. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or
disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to START. Refer
to Brake System Warning Lamp Diagnosis Chart
(Fig. 15). To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while aFig. 13 Combination Oil Sending Unit
Fig. 14 Combination Oil Sending Unit Test
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 47
helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
lamp. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch.If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
TEE fitting mounted on frame rail in engine com-
partment below master cylinder (Fig.16).
CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
SPEEDOMETER SYSTEM
The vehicles are equipped with electronically
driven speedometer and odometer assemblies. The
unit has the same appearance as a conventional
speedometer but it eliminates the cable-driven me-
chanical system. A signal is sent from a transmis-
sion-mounted vehicle speed sensor to the
speedometer circuitry through the wiring harness.
By eliminating the speedometer cable, instrument
cluster service and removal is improved. Refer to Fig.
17 Speedometer Diagnosis Chart. When the speedometer is out of calibration. The
electronic automatic transaxle vehicle speed sensor
output must be calibrated to reflect the different combinations of equipment. The procedure is called
Pinion Factor, refer to Group 21, Transaxle for the
procedure.
Fig. 15 Brake System Warning Lamp Diagnosis
Fig. 16 Brake Warning Lamp Switch
8E - 48 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä
FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT TEST
Refer to Group 14, Fuel for test procedures.
LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LAMP TEST
The low oil pressure warning lamp will illuminate
when the ignition key is turned to the ON position
without engine running. The lamp also illuminates
should the engine oil pressure drop below a safe oil
pressure level. To test the system turn ignition key to the ON po-
sition. If the lamp fails to light, inspect for a broken
or disconnected wire at the oil pressure combination
unit, located at the front of the engine (Fig. 3). If the
wire at the connector checks good, pull connector
loose from the switch and with a jumper wire ground
connector to the engine. With the ignition key turned
to the ON position check the warning lamp. If lamp
still fails to light, inspect for a burned out lamp or
disconnected socket in the cluster.
COMBINATION OIL SENDING UNIT TEST
The combination oil sending unit has two func-
tions: (1) The normal closed circuit keeps the oil pressure
warning lamp on until there is oil pressure (Fig. 4).
(2) The sending unit provides a resistance that
varies with oil pressure. To test the normally closed oil lamp circuit, discon-
nect the locking connector and measure the resis-
tance between the switch terminal and the metal
housing. The ohmmeter should read continuity. Start
the engine. If there is oil pressure, the ohmmeter should read
an open circuit. To test the sending unit, measure the resistance
between the sending unit terminal and the metal
housing. The ohmmeter should no continuity. Start
the engine. The ohmmeter should read between 30 to 55 ohms,
depending on engine speed, oil temperature and oil
viscosity. If the above results are not obtained, replace the
sending unit.
SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) SYSTEM
For testing of this system using DRB II, refer to
the Body Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST
The brake warning lamp illuminates when parking
brake is applied with ignition key turned ON. The
same lamp will also illuminate should one of the two
service brake systems fail when brake pedal is ap-
plied. Refer to Brake system warning Lamp Diagno-
sis (Fig. 5). To test system turn ignition key ON and apply
parking brake. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or
disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to start. To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while a
helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
lamp. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch. If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
Tee fitting mounted on frame rail in engine compart-
ment below master cylinder (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
Fig. 3 Combination Oil Sending Unit
Fig. 4 Combination Oil Sending Unit Test
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 59