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Fig. 7 Accessory Drive BeltÐ2.2L Turbo III Engine
Fig. 8 Accessory Drive BeltÐ3.3/3.8L Engines
Ä COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 27
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ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
On all models an engine block heater is available as
an optional accessory. The heater, operated by ordinary
house current (110 Volt A.C.) through a power cord and
connector behind the radiator grille, provides easier
engine starting and faster warm-up when vehicle is
operated in areas having extremely low temperatures.
The heater is mounted in a core hole (in place of a core
hole plug) in the engine block, with the heating ele-
ment immersed in coolant (Fig. 9). The power cord must be secured in its retainer
clips, and not positioned so it could contact link-
ages or exhaust manifolds and become damaged. If unit does not operate, trouble can be in either the
power cord or the heater element. Test power cord for
continuity with a 110-volt voltmeter or 110-volt test
light; test heater element continuity with an ohmmeter
or 12-volt test light.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block.
Refer to Cooling System Drain, Clean, Flush and Re-
fill of this section for procedure. (2) Detach power cord plug from heater.
(3) Loosen screw in center of heater. Remove
heater assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean core hole and heater seat.
(2) Insert heater assembly with element loop posi-
tioned upward.
(3) With heater seated, tighten center screw se-
curely to assure a positive seal. (4) Fill cooling system with coolant to the proper
level, vent air, and inspect for leaks. Pressurize sys-
tem with Radiator Pressure Tool before looking for
leaks.
Fig. 9 Engine Block Heater
7 - 28 COOLING SYSTEM Ä
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SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY
Ä COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 29
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Page 373 of 2438

BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY TEST PROCEDURES ON-VEHICLE . . 3
FAULT CODESÐON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS . . 23
GENERAL INFORMATION .................. 1
GENERATOR TEST PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE.19 IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
............... 9
SPECIFICATIONS ....................... 28
STARTER TEST PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE . 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
² For Battery, Starter or Generator replacement re-
fer to Group 8B, Battery/Starter/Generator Service.
This Group 8A will cover diagnostics only. The Battery, Starting, and Charging Systems oper-
ate with one another, and must be thoroughly tested
as a complete system. To enable the vehicle to start
and charge properly, it must have a battery that will
perform to specifications. The starter motor, genera-
tor, wiring, and electronics also must perform within
specifications. Group 8A will cover Starting (Fig. 1)
and Charging System (Fig. 2) diagnostic procedures.
These will be covered from the most basic conven-
tional methods to On Board Diagnostics (OBD) built
into the vehicle's electronics. The need for conven-
tional testing equipment has not been eliminated by
the introduction of OBD. Frequent use of an amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12 volt (low wattage) test light
will be required. All front wheel drive vehicles are equipped with
OBD and all OBD sensing systems are monitored by
the Powertrain Control Module. The Powertrain Con-
trol module will store in electronic memory, any de-
tectable failure within the monitored circuits. It will
retain this information for a period of 50 engine
starts, then erase the memory if the failure does not
reoccur during that period. This also will translate a
monitored failure as a FAULT CODE when a read-
out command is given. A readout command can be
made by turning the ignition switch to ON-OFF-ON-
OFF-ON without starting the engine. The Malfunc-
tion Indicator (CHECK ENGINE) Lamp on the
instrument cluster will flash in preset sequences to
show Fault Codes. However, the Malfunction Indica-
tor (Check Engine) Lamp cannot express fault codes
for all failures. Fault codes are easier to obtain and
more complete with the use of Diagnostic Tool (DRB
II). This tool is plugged into the diagnostic connector located in the engine compartment (Fig. 2). Refer to
the instructions provided with the (DRB II) tool be-
ing used. For numbered Fault Codes pertaining to compo-
nents within this Group, refer to Failure CodesÐOn
Board Diagnostics in Group 8A. For other Fault
Codes which, do not pertaining to this Group 8A, re-
fer to Group 14, Fuel System, On Board Diagnostics.
Fig. 1 Starting System Components
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 1
Page 374 of 2438
Fig. 2 Charging System Components
8A - 2 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä
Page 375 of 2438

BATTERY TEST PROCEDURES ON-VEHICLE INDEX
page page
Battery Charging .......................... 7
Battery Load Test ......................... 6
Battery Open Circuit Voltage Test ............. 4
Causes of Battery Discharging ............... 4 General Information
........................ 3
State of Charge Tests ...................... 4
Test Indicator ............................ 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery stores, stabilizes, and produces electri-
cal current to operate various electrical systems in
the vehicle. The determination of whether a battery
is good or bad is made by the battery's ability to ac-
cept a charge. It also must produce high amperage
current output over an extended period to be able to
start the vehicle. The capability of the battery to
store electrical current comes from a chemical reac-
tion. This reaction takes place between the sulfuric
acid solution electrolyte and the lead +/- plates in
each cell of the battery. As the battery discharges,
the plates react with the acid from the electrolyte.
When the charging system charges the battery, the
water is converted to sulfuric acid in the battery. The
amount of acid, specific gravity in the electrolyte can
be measured with a hydrometer. The factory in-
stalled battery is equipped with a built in hydrome-
ter as a test indicator (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) to help in
determining the battery's state of charge. The factory
installed battery also is sealed. Water cannot and
should not be added.
The battery is vented to release gases that is cre-
ated when the battery is being charged and dis-
charged. The battery top, posts, and terminals should
be cleaned when other under hood maintenance is
performed (Fig. 3).
WARNING: DO NOT ASSIST BOOST, CHARGE, ADD
WATER, OR LOAD TEST BATTERY WHEN ELEC- TROLYTE LEVEL IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE
PLATES. PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
When the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates a yellow or bright color indicator in sight glass
(Figs. 4 and 5), the battery must be replaced. Refer
to Test Indicator. The battery must be completely
charged with a green color in sight glass. The top,
posts, and terminals should be properly cleaned be-
fore diagnostic procedures are performed. Also refer
to Group 8B, Battery/Starter/Generator Service.
TEST INDICATOR
The test indicator a hydrometer is viewed through
a sight glass, it is built into the top of battery case
(Figs. 3, 4 and 5). This provides visual information
for battery testing. The test indicator sight glass is to
be used with diagnostic procedures described in this
Group.
Fig. 3 Battery Construction and Test Indicator
Fig. 4 Built in Test Indicator
Fig. 5 Test Indicator Sight Glass
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 3
Page 376 of 2438

It is important when using the Test Indicator that
the battery be level and have a clean top to see the
correct indications. A light may be required to view
the Indicator.
WARNING: DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BAT-
TERY BECAUSE OF EXPLOSIVE GASES AT FORM
ABOVE BATTERY.
STATE OF CHARGE TESTS
USING TEST INDICATOR
The built in test hydrometer (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) mea-
sures the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Specific
Gravity (SG) of the electrolyte will show state of
charge voltage. The test indicator WILL NOT show
cranking capacity of the battery. Refer to Battery
Load. Look into the sight glass (Figs. 4 and 5) and
note the color of the indicator (Fig. 5). Refer to the
following description of colors:
² GREEN = 75 to 100 degree state of charge
The battery is adequately charged for further test-
ing and may be returned to use. If the vehicle will
not crank for a maximum 15 seconds, refer to Bat-
tery Load Test in this Group for more information.
² BLACK OR DAR K=0to75degree state of
charge The battery is INADEQUATELY charged and
must be charged until green dot is visible, (12.4 volts
or greater) before the battery is tested or returned to
use. Refer to Causes of Battery Discharging.
² YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR = Battery must
be replace
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE, ASSIST BOOST,
LOAD TEST, OR ADD WATER TO THE BATTERY
WHEN YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR DOT IS VISI-
BLE. PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
A yellow or bright color dot shows electrolyte level
in battery is below the test indicator (Fig. 5). Water
cannot be added to a maintenance free battery. The
battery must be replaced. A low electrolyte level may
be caused by an over charging condition. Refer to
Generator Test Procedures on Vehicle.
CAUSES OF BATTERY DISCHARGING
It is normal to have a small 5 to 30 milliamperes
continuous electrical draw from the battery. This
draw will take place with the ignition in the OFF po-
sition, and the courtesy, dome, storage compart-
ments, and engine compartment lights OFF. The
continuous draw is due to various electronic features
or accessories that require electrical current with the
ignition OFF to function properly. When a vehicle is
not used over an extended period approximately 20
days the Main Fusible Link Connector (Fig. 6)
should be disconnected. This is located near the bat- tery on the engine wiring harness. Disconnection of
this connector will help prevent battery discharging.
Refer to Fig. 7 for Battery Diagnostics.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
(1) Corroded battery posts, cables or terminals.
(2) Loose or worn generator drive belt.
(3) Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories in-
stalled after delivery. (4) Slow driving speeds in heavy traffic conditions
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical
systems in use. (5) Defective electrical circuit or component caus-
ing excess Ignition Off Draw (IOD). Refer to Ignition
OFF Draw (IOD). (6) Defective charging system.
(7) Defective battery.
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
An open circuit voltage, no load test will show the
state of charge in a battery. Also, if it will pass a
load test of 50 percent of the battery cold crank rat-
ing. Refer to Battery Load Test. If a battery has an
open circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or greater,
and will not pass a load test, it is defective and re-
placement would be required. To test open circuit
voltage, perform the following operation: (1) Remove both battery cables, negative first. If
the battery has been boosted, charged, or loaded just
prior to this operation, allow the battery a few min-
utes to stabilize. (2) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts and measure the open circuit voltage (Fig. 8).
Fig. 6 Main Fusible Link Connector
8A - 4 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä