
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 

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 

2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI AND 3.0L IGNITION SYSTEMSÐDIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES 
INDEX
page page 
Coolant Temperature Sensor Test  ............ 13 
Failure to Start TestÐ2.5L TBI and 3.0L Engines . 12
General Information  ....................... 11 
Ignition Coil  ............................. 11  Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Test . 13 
Poor Performance Test  .................... 13 
Spark Plugs  ............................ 11 
Testing for Spark at Coil  ................... 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
For additional information, refer to On Board Di- 
agnostics in the Fuel Injection General Diagnosis
sections of Group 14. Also, refer to the DRBII scan
tool and appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures Manual.
SPARK PLUGS
Faulty or fouled spark plugs may perform well at
idle speed, but frequently fail at higher engine
speeds. Faulty plugs can be identified in a number of
ways: poor fuel economy, power loss, decrease in en-
gine speed, hard starting and, in general, poor en-
gine performance. Spark plugs also malfunction because of carbon
fouling, excessive electrode air gap, or a broken insu-
lator. Refer to the General Information Section of
this group for spark plug diagnosis.
IGNITION COIL
The ignition coil is designed to operate without an
external ballast resistor. Inspect the coil for arcing. Test the coil according
to coil tester manufacturer's instructions. Test coil
primary and secondary resistance. Replace any coil
that does not meet specifications. Refer to the Coil
Resistance chart. If the ignition coil is replaced due to a burned
tower, carbon tracking, arcing at the tower, or dam-
age to the terminal or boot on the coil end of the sec-
ondary cable, the cable must be replaced. Arcing at  the tower will carbonize the nipple which, if it is con- 
nected to a new coil, will cause the coil to fail.  If a secondary cable shows any signs of damage,
the cable should be replaced with a new cable and
new terminal. Carbon tracking on the old cable can
cause arcing and the failure of a new coil.
TESTING FOR SPARK AT COIL
WARNING: APPLY PARKING BRAKE AND/OR
BLOCK THE WHEELS BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
TEST WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. 
CAUTION: Spark plug cables may be damaged if 
this test is performed with more than 1/4 inch clear-
ance between the cable and engine ground. 
Remove the coil secondary cable from the distribu- 
tor cap. Hold the end of cable about 6 mm (1/4-inch)
away from a good engine ground (Fig. 1). Crank the
engine and inspect for spark at the coil secondary ca-
ble. There must be a constant spark at the coil second-
ary cable. If the spark is constant, have a helper con-
tinue to crank engine and, while slowly moving coil
secondary cable away from ground, look for arcing at
the coil tower. If arcing occurs at the tower, replace
the coil. If spark is not constant or there is no spark,
proceed to the failure to start test. If a constant spark is present and no arcing occurs
at the coil tower, the ignition system is producing
the necessary high secondary voltage. However,
COIL RESISTANCE
Ä  IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 11 

2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI AND 3.0L IGNITION SYSTEMSÐSERVICE PROCEDURES 
INDEX
page page 
Coolant Temperature Sensor  ................ 14 
Distributor Pick-UpÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI Engines  ....................... 18 
Distributor ServiceÐ3.0L Engine  ............. 18 
DistributorÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI Engines  .............................. 17 
Idle RPM TestÐ2.5L and 3.0L Engines  ........ 16 
Ignition CoilÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI Engines  ....................... 14  Ignition CoilÐ3.0L Engines 
................. 15 
Ignition Timing ProcedureÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI, 2.5L MPI, and 3.0L Engines  ............... 16 
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor ServiceÐ2.5L TBI and 3.0L Engines  ........ 22 
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)  ............ 14 
Spark Plug Service  ....................... 15
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The powertrain control module (PCM) is located 
next to the battery (Fig. 1).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove air cleaner duct or air cleaner assem- 
bly. (2) Remove battery.
(3) Remove PCM mounting screws.
(4) Remove 60-way wiring connector from the
PCM. (5) Remove PCM.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect 60-Way electrical connector to PCM
(Fig. 1). (2) Install PCM. Tighten mounting screws.
(3) Install battery.
(4) Install air cleaner duct or air cleaner assembly.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
On 2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI (flexible fuel
AA-Body) engines, the coolant temperature sensor is
located behind the ignition coil (Fig. 2). On 3.0L en-
gines the sensor is located next to the thermostat
housing (Fig. 3).
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system until coolant level is below
coolant sensor. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System. (2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from engine.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install coolant sensor. Tighten 2.2L TBI, 2.5L
TBI or 2.5L MPI engine coolant sensor to 28 N  Im (20 
ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the 3.0L engine coolant sensor
to7N  Im (60 in. lbs.) torque. 
(2) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(3) Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System.
IGNITION COILÐ2.2L TBI, 2.5L TBI AND 2.5L MPI 
ENGINES
The ignition coil mounts to the thermostat housing 
(Fig. 4).
Fig. 1 Powertrain control module (PCM)
Fig. 2 Coolant Temperature SensorÐ2.2 TBI, 2.5L TBI and 2.5L MPI Engines
8D - 14 IGNITION SYSTEMS  Ä 

Fig. 35 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐ2.2L and 2.5L TBI EnginesFig. 36 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
SensorÐ2.5L MPI (Flexible Fuel AA-Body) Engines
Fig. 34 DistributorÐ3.0L Engine
Ä  IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 23 

2.2L TURBO III, 3.3L AND 3.8L IGNITION SYSTEMÐSYSTEM OPERATION INDEX
page page 
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay and Fuel Pump  Relay  ................................ 32 
Camshaft Position Sensor  .................. 28 
Coolant Temperature Sensor  ................ 32 
Crankshaft Position Sensor  ................. 29 
General Information  ....................... 24  Ignition Coil 
............................. 31 
Knock SensorÐTurbo III Engine  ............. 32 
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor  ..... 32 
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)  ............ 24 
Spark Plug Cables  ....................... 25 
Spark Plugs  ............................ 26
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section describes the ignition systems for 2.2L 
Turbo III, 3.3L and 3.8L engines. The Fuel Injection sections of Group 14 describe On 
Board Diagnostics. Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance, contains
general maintenance information for ignition related
items. The Owner's Manual also contains maintenance
information. 2.2L Turbo III, 3.3L and 3.8L engines uses a
fixed ignition timing system. Basic ignition tim-
ing is not adjustable. All spark advance is deter-
mined by the powertrain control module (PCM). The ignition system does not use a distributor. The
system is referred to as the Direct Ignition System. The
system's three main components are the coil pack,
crankshaft position sensor, and camshaft position sen-
sor. The crankshaft and camshaft sensors are hall
effect devices. The camshaft position and crankshaft position sen-
sors generate pulses that are the inputs sent to the
PCM. The PCM interprets crankshaft and camshaft
position from these sensors. The PCM uses crankshaft
position sensor input to determine ignition timing. The
PCM determines injector sequence from the camshaft
position sensor.  The camshaft position sensor determines when a 
slot in the camshaft gear passes beneath it (Fig. 1 or
Fig. 2). The crankshaft position sensor determines
when a window in the drive plate passes under it
(Fig. 3 or Fig. 4). When metal aligns with the sensor,
voltage goes low (less than 0.5 volts). When a notch
aligns with the sensor, voltage spikes high (5.0
volts). As a group of notches pass under the sensor,
the voltage switches from low (metal) to high (notch)
then back to low.
FIRING ORDER
The firing order of the 2.2L Turbo III engine direct 
ignition system is 1-3-4-2 (Fig. 5). The firing order of
the 3.3L and 3.8L engines direct ignition system is
1-2-3-4-5-6 (Fig. 6).
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The ignition system is regulated by the powertrain
control module (PCM) (Fig. 7). The PCM supplies
battery voltage to the ignition coil through the Auto
Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The PCM also controls
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.
Fig. 37 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐ3.0L Engine
8D - 24 IGNITION SYSTEMS  Ä 

The coil's low primary resistance allows the PCM to 
fully charge the coil for each firing.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
On 2.2L Turbo III engines, the coolant temperature
sensor is installed into the thermostat housing (Fig. 30).
On 3.3L and 3.8L engines, the coolant temperature sensor
is located next to the thermostat housing (Fig. 31).
The coolant temperature sensor provides an input
voltage to the powertrain control module (PCM). The
sensor is a variable resistance (thermistor) with a
range of -40ÉC to 130ÉC (-40ÉF to 265ÉF). As coolant
temperature varies, the sensor resistance changes,
resulting in a different input voltage to the PCM.
The PCM contains different spark advance schedules
for cold and warm engine operation. The schedules reduce
engine emission and improve driveability.
The PCM demands slightly richer air-fuel mixtures 
and higher idle speeds until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.  The coolant sensor input is also used for cooling 
fan control.
KNOCK SENSORÐTURBO III ENGINE
Turbo III engines use a knock sensor. The sensor gen-
erates a signal when spark detonation occurs in the
combustion chambers. The sensor is mounted on the in-
take manifold behind the PCV breather (Fig. 32). The
sensor provides input voltage used by the powertrain
control module (PCM) to modify spark advance and
boost schedules in order to eliminate detonation.
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 cause the MAP 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 infor-
mation relating to ambient barometric pressure during
engine start-up (cranking) and engine load while its op-
erating. The PCM uses this input along with inputs
from other sensors to adjust air-fuel mixture.
On Turbo III engines, the MAP sensor is mounted
to the front right fender (Fig. 33) On 3.3L and 3.8L
engines, the MAP sensor (Fig. 34) is mounted to the
side of the intake manifold, below the positive crank-
case ventilation (PCV) valve. The sensor is connected
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.
Fig. 32 Knock SensorÐTurbo III Engine
Fig. 30 Coolant Temperature SensorÐTurbo III En-  gines
Fig. 31 Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.3L and 3.8LEngines
8D - 32 IGNITION SYSTEMS  Ä 

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES
CONTENTS
page page
AA BODY .............................. 1 
AC AND AY BODIES  .................... 23  AG AND AJ BODIES 
.................... 42 
AP BODY  ............................. 58 
AA BODY  INDEX
page page 
Cluster and Gauge Service and Testing  ........ 2 
Electronic Cluster  ........................ 13 
Fuel GaugeÐFlexible Fuel  .................. 2 
Gauges  ................................. 7 
General Information  ........................ 1  Instrument Panel 
......................... 21 
Interior Lamp Replacement  ................. 21 
Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Removal  ......... 5 
Switch and Panel Component Service  ......... 15
GENERAL INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
There are three instrument cluster assemblies. The 
mechanical clusters incorporate magnetic type
gauges. The electronic instrument cluster incorpo-
rates, a digital speedometer/odometer and electronic
analog gauges. The mechanical Lo-Line instrument cluster has
magnetic type gauges for coolant temperature, fuel
level and charging system voltage (Fig. 1). 
The mechanical Hi-Line instrument cluster has 
magnetic type gauges for oil pressure, coolant tem-
perature, charging system voltage and fuel level. The
premium instrument cluster also has a tachometer
(Fig. 2). If the ignition switch is in the OFF position each
gauge will show a reading, except for the volt gauge.  However the readings are only accurate when the ig- 
nition switch is in the ON position.
TACHOMETER DRIVE MODULE
The tachometer drive module is an electronic mod-
ule used to drive a magnetic tachometer in a conven-
tional instrument cluster.
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 OFF position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time
keeping is accurately maintained.
MESSAGE CENTER
The message center includes the graphic display of
the car with illuminating graphics for: low wind-
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster With Tachometer
Ä  INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 1