1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM Ignition coil

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

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

ing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions also
can cause spark plug overheating.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
When replacing the spark plug and coil cables,
route the cables correctly and secure them in the ap-
propriate retainers. Failure to route the cables prop-
erly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition noise,
cross ignition of the spark plugs or short circuit the
cables to ground.
SPARK PLUG REMOVAL
Always remove the spark plug cable by grasping at
the spark plug boot turning, 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.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The ignition system is regulated by the powertrain
control module (PCM) (Fig. 14). The PCM supplies
battery voltage to the ignition coil through the Auto
Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The PCM also controls the
ground circuit for the ignition coil. By switching the ground path for the coil on and off, the PCM adjusts
ignition timing to meet changing engine operating
conditions.
During the crank-start period the PCM advances
ignition timing a set amount. During engine opera-
tion, the amount of spark advance provided by the
PCM is determined by these input factors:
² coolant temperature
² engine RPM
² available manifold vacuum
The PCM also regulates the fuel injection system.
Refer to the Fuel Injection sections of Group 14.
DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UPÐPCM INPUT
The engine speed input is supplied to the power-
train control module (PCM) by the distributor pick-
up. The distributor pick-up is a Hall Effect device
(Fig. 15 or Fig. 16).
A shutter (sometimes referred to as an interrupter)
is attached to the distributor shaft. The shutter con-
tains four blades, one per engine cylinder. A switch
plate is mounted to the distributor housing above the
shutter. The switch plate contains the distributor
Fig. 14 Powertrain control module (PCM)
Fig. 15 DistributorÐ2.2L and 2.5L TBI Engines
Fig. 13 Spark Plug Overheating
8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä

pick-up (a Hall Effect device and magnet) through
which the shutter blades rotate. As the shutter
blades pass through the pick-up, they interrupt the
magnetic field. The Hall effect device in the pick-up
senses the change in the magnetic field and switches
on and off (which creates pulses), generating the in-
put signal to the PCM. The PCM calculates engine
speed through the number of pulses generated. On 2.5L MPI (flexible fuel AA-Body) engines, one
of the shutter blades has a window cut into it. The
PCM determines injector synchronization from the
window. Also, the PCM uses the input for detonation
control.
DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UPÐ3.0L ENGINE
The distributor pick-up provides two inputs to the
powertrain control module (PCM). From one input
the PCM determines RPM (engine speed). From the
other input it derives crankshaft position. The PCM
regulates injector synchronization and adjusts igni-
tion timing and engine speed based on these inputs. The distributor pick-up contains two signal gener-
ators. The pick-up unit consists of 2 light emitting
diodes (LED), 2 photo diodes, and a separate timing
disk. The timing disk contains two sets of slots. Each
set of slots rotates between a light emitting diode
and a photo diode (Fig. 17). The inner set contains 6
large slots, one for each cylinder. The outer set con-
tains several smaller slots. The outer set of slots on the rotating disk repre-
sents 2 degrees of crankshaft rotation. Up to 1200
engine RPM, the PCM uses the input from the outer
set of slots to increase ignition timing accuracy. The outer set of slots contains a 10 degree flat spot.
This area is not slotted (Fig. 17). The flat spot tells
the PCM that the next piston at TDC will be number
6. Each piston's position is referenced by one of the
six inner slots (Fig. 18). As each slot on the timing disk passes between the
diodes, they interrupt the beam from the light emit-
ting diode. This creates an alternating voltage in
each photo diode which is converted into on-off
pulses. The pulses are the input to the PCM. During cranking, the PCM cannot determine which
cylinder will be at TDC until the 10 degree flat spot
on the outer set of slots rotates through the optical
unit. Once the flat spot is detected, the PCM knows
piston number 6 will be the next piston at TDC. Since the disk rotates at half crankshaft speed, it
may take up to 2 engine revolutions during cranking
before the PCM determines the position of piston
number 6. For this reason the PCM energizes all six
injectors at the same time until it senses the position
of piston number 6.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
On 2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI engines, the
coolant temperature sensor is installed behind the
thermostat housing and ignition coil in the hot box
(Fig. 19). On 3.0L engines the sensor is located next
Fig. 16 DistributorÐ2.5L MPI (Flexible Fuel AA-Body)Fig. 17 Distributor Pick-upÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 18 Inner and Outer Slots of Rotating DiskÐ3.0L Engine
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 7

to the thermostat housing (Fig. 20). The sensor pro-
vides an input voltage to the powertrain control mod-
ule (PCM). The sensor is a variable resistance
(thermistor) with a range of -40ÉF to 265ÉF. As cool-
ant temperature varies, the sensors resistance
changes, resulting in a different input voltage to the
PCM. The PCM contains different spark advance sched-
ules for cold and warm engine operation. The sched-
ules reduce engine emissions and improve
driveability. Because spark advance changes at dif-
ferent engine operating temperatures during warm-
up, all spark advance testing should be done with the
engine fully warmed. The PCM demands slightly richer air-fuel mixtures
and higher idle speeds until the engine reaches nor-
mal operating temperature. The coolant sensor input is also used for radiator
fan control.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
The MAP sensor reacts to absolute pressure in the
intake manifold and provides an input voltage to the
powertrain control module (PCM). As engine load
changes, manifold pressure varies. The changes in
engine load causes the MAP sensors output voltage
to change. The change in MAP sensor output voltage
results in a different input voltage to the PCM. The input voltage level supplies the PCM with in-
formation relating to ambient barometric pressure
during engine start-up (cranking) and engine load
while its operating. The PCM uses this input along
with inputs from other sensors to adjust air-fuel mix-
ture. On 2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI (flexible fuel
AA-body) engines, the MAP sensor is mounted to the
dash panel (Fig. 21 or Fig. 22). On 3.0L engines, the
sensor is mounted to a bracket across from the dis-
tributor (Fig. 23). The sensor is connected to the
throttle body or intake manifold with a vacuum hose
and to the PCM electrically.
AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY AND FUEL PUMP
RELAY
The powertrain control module (PCM) operates the
auto shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay
through one ground path. The PCM operates the re-
lays by switching the ground path on and off. Both
relays turn on and off at the same time. The ASD relay connects battery voltage to the fuel
injector and ignition coil. The fuel pump relay con-
nects battery voltage to the fuel pump and oxygen
sensor heating element. The PCM turns the ground path off when the igni-
tion switch is in the Off position. Both relays are off.
When the ignition switch is in the On or Crank po-
sition, the PCM monitors the distributor pick-up sig-
Fig. 19 Coolant Temperature SensorÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI Engines
Fig. 20 Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.0L Engines
Fig. 21 MAP SensorÐ2.2L and 2.5L TBI Engines
8D - 8 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä

nal. From the pick-up signal, the PCM determines
engine speed and ignition timing (coil dwell). If the
PCM does not receive a distributor signal when the
ignition switch is in the Run position, it will de-en-
ergize both relays. When the relays are de-energized,
battery voltage is not supplied to the fuel injector, ig-
nition coil, fuel pump and oxygen sensor heating el-
ement. On AC, AG, AJ and AY models, the ASD relay and
fuel pump relay are located in the power distribution
center (Fig. 24, 25, 26, or 27). On AA and AP models, the ASD relay and fuel
pump relay are mounted on the drivers side fender
well, next to the strut tower (Fig. 28).
IGNITION COIL
The 2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI and 3.0L en-
gines use an epoxy type coil. The coils are not oil
filled. The windings are embedded in a heat and vi-
bration resistant epoxy compound. The powertrain control module (PCM) operates the
ignition coil through the auto shutdown (ASD) relay. When the relay is energized by the PCM, battery
voltage is connected to the ignition coil positive ter-
minal. The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it
does not receive an input from the distributor pick-
Fig. 22 MAP SensorÐ2.5L MPI (Flexible Fuel AA-Body) Engines
Fig. 23 MAP SensorÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 24 Power Distribution Center (PDC) (AC Body)
Fig. 25 Relay Identification (AC Body)
Fig. 26 Power Distribution Center (PDC) (AG and AJ Body)
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 9