1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM check engine

STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTS
The starter control circuit has:
² Starter solenoid
² Starter relay (Fig. 2)
² Neutral starting and back-up switch with auto-
matic transmissions
² Clutch pedal mounted starter interlock switch
with manual transmissions
² Ignition switch
² Battery
² All related wiring and connections
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition system must be disabled.
² VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONVEN-
TIONAL DISTRIBUTOR: Disconnect coil wire from
distributor cap center tower. Secure wire to a good
ground to prevent engine from starting (Fig. 6).
² VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIRECT IGNI-
TION SYSTEM: Unplug the coils electrical connector
(Fig. 7).
STARTER SOLENOID 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 this starter solenoid test BEFORE per-
forming the starter relay test. (3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring. (5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Locate the starter relay as follows:
² On AC, AG, AJ and AY Bodies the relay is located
in the Power Distribution Center. This Center is mounted near the front of the left front strut tower
(Fig. 13). The position of the starter relay within this
Center will be shown on the Center cover.
² On AA/AP Bodies the relay is located on the front
of the left front strut tower (Fig. 14).
(7) Remove the starter relay from the connector.
(8) Connect a remote starter switch or a jumper
wire between the battery positive post and terminal
87 on the starter relay connector. To decide the
starter relay terminal numbers, refer to the Starter
Relay Tests.
² If engine now cranks, starter/starter solenoid is
good. Go to the starter relay test.
² If engine does not crank with this test, or solenoid
chatters, check wiring and connectors from starter
Fig. 12 Test Positive Battery Cable Resistance
Fig. 13 Starter Relay LocationÐAC, AG, AJ, and AY Bodies
Fig. 14 Starter Relay LocationÐAA/AP Body
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 15

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

GENERATOR TEST PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE INDEX
page page
Charging System Diagnostics (Fig. 1) ......... 19
Current Output Test ...................... 19 Output Wire Resistance Test
................ 19
CHARGING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS (Fig. 1)
OUTPUT WIRE RESISTANCE TEST
The generator output wire resistance test shows
the amount of voltage drop across the generator out-
put wire between the generator B+ terminal and the
positive battery post.
PREPARATION
Before starting test, make sure the vehicle has a
fully charged battery. Tests and procedures to check
for a fully charged battery is shown in the Battery
section. (1) Turn the ignition switch OFF.
(2) Disconnect battery NEGATIVE cable.
(3) Disconnect the generator B+ output wire from
the generator output battery terminal (Fig. 2). (4) Connect a 0-150 ampere scale (DC) ammeter in
series between B+ terminal and output wire (Fig. 2
and 3). Connect positive lead to B+ terminal, and
negative lead to output wire. (5) Using o-18 volt scale voltmeter, connect the
positive lead to the disconnected (B+) output wire
(Fig. 2). Connect the negative lead to positive battery
post. (6) Remove fresh air hose between Powertrain
Control Module and air cleaner if necessary. (7) Connect jumper wire between a good ground
and K20 circuit terminal at the back of the genera-
tor.
CAUTION: Do not connect the A142 circuit terminal
(Fig. 2) to ground the Fusible link will burn.
(8) Connect an engine tachometer and connect bat-
tery negative cable. (10) Connect a volt/amp tester equipped with a
variable carbon pile rheostat between battery termi-
nals (Fig. 4).
Caution: Be sure the carbon pile is in OFF position
before connecting leads.
TEST
(1) Start engine. Immediately after starting, re-
duce engine speed to idle. (2) Adjust engine speed and carbon pile to main-
tain 20 amperes flowing in the circuit. Observe volt-
meter reading. Voltmeter reading should not exceed
0.5 volts.
RESULTS
If a higher voltage drop is shown, inspect, clean
and tighten all connections between generator B+
terminal and battery positive post. A voltage drop
test may be performed at each connection to locate a
connection with excessive resistance. If resistance
tests are satisfactory, reduce engine speed, turn off
carbon pile, and turn off ignition switch. (1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove test ammeter, voltmeter, carbon pile,
and tachometer. (3) Remove jumper wire.
(4) Connect generator output wire to generator B+
terminal. (5) Connect battery negative cable.
(6) Connect fresh air hose between Powertrain
Control Module and air cleaner if removed.
CURRENT OUTPUT TEST
The current output test decides whether the gener-
ator can deliver its rated current output. For gener-
ator identification and output amperage
specifications, refer to Generator Specifications. For generator maximum voltage at individual tem-
peratures, refer to Generator Output Voltage Specifi-
cations.
PREPARATION
Before starting any tests, make sure the vehicle
has a fully charged battery. Tests and procedures to
check for a fully charged battery is shown in Battery
section. (1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect output wire at the B+ terminal
(Figs. 2 and 5). (3) Connect a 0-150 ampere scale (DC) ammeter in
series between the B+ terminal and output wire.
Connect Positive lead to B+ terminal and negative
lead to output wire. (4) Using 0-18 voltmeter, connect positive lead to
B+ terminal (Figs. 2 and 5). Connect negative lead
to a good ground.
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 19

FAULT CODESÐON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS INDEX
page page
Diagnostic Testing Using Fault Codes ......... 24
Drb II Diagnostic Tester ................... 24 General Description/Information
.............. 23
GENERAL DESCRIPTION/INFORMATION
Another way of diagnosing charging system prob-
lems can be accomplished using the On Board Diag-
nostic System Fault Codes. A Fault Code shows a potential problem in a mon-
itored circuit, or a condition caused by a faulty component. A
Fault Code can be retrieved by turning the ignition
switch ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON without starting the
engine, and counting the number of flashes of the
Malfunction Indicator (CHECK ENGINE) Lamp in
the instrument cluster.
EXAMPLES:
² If the Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp
flashes four times, pauses, and flashes one more
time, a Code 41 is shown. The first set of four flashes
indicates number four. The second set of one flash in-
dicates one.
² If the Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp
flashes four times, pauses, and flashes six more
times, a Code 46 is shown. The first set of four
flashes indicates number four. The second set of six
flashes indicates six.
² If the Malfunction Indication (Check Engine)
Lamp flashes four times, pauses, and flashes seven
more times, a Code 47 is shown. The first set of four
flashes indicates number four. The second set of
seven flashes indicates seven. POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The Powertrain Control Module is equipped with
On Board Diagnostic features and monitors all en-
gine control circuits during a run/drive period. If a
circuit or system does not perform properly, the pow-
ertrain control module will file in memory a preset
Fault Code. This can be used to help in diagnosing a
problem. After 50 to 100 ignition switch ON/RUN cy-
cles, the memory will be erased if the fault does not
reoccur. The Powertrain Control Module is located in the
engine compartment outboard of the battery (Fig. 7).
Refer to Fig. 8 Generator Fault Codes Chart for re-
lationships of generator/charging system Fault Code
numbers.
Fig. 7 Powertrain Control Module
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 23

COMPASS MODULE REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove overhead console.
(2) Using a small screwdriver, release the 2 snaps
at rear of compass module. (3) After releasing the 2 snaps, slide compass mod-
ule rearward until free of mounting bar. (4) For installation reverse above procedures.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
(1) Raise and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) From behind front bumper fascia, remove screw
attaching sensor to front lower crossmember (Fig. 7). (3) For installation, reverse above procedures.
AC AND AY BODY
INDEX
page page
Ambient Temperature Sensor ............... 12
Automatic Calibration Set Procedure ........... 8
Bezel/Button Switch Removal ............... 10
Bus Accessed Diagnostics .................. 10
Console Removal ........................ 10
Electronic Board Assembly Replacement ....... 10
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Overhead Console ....................... 6 Engine Compartment Node Removal
.......... 12
EVIC Self Check Diagnostics ................ 8
Manual Calibration Set Procedure ............. 8
Map Reading Lamps/Power Sunroof Switch Removal .............................. 11
Overhead Reading/Courtesy Lamp Console ..... 11
Wiring Harness Removal ................... 10
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center is a
computer controlled warning system which, monitors
various sensors used on the vehicle. The system sup-
plements the warning indicators in 8the instrument
cluster. Visual warning messages are displayed by a
digital display in the overhead console (Fig. 1).
When a warning message has been activated, a
tone will sound to attract the driver's attention. The
warning message will then be displayed on the over-
head console until the condition is corrected or a new
display function is called up. A tone will announce each new warning condition.
For complete diagnostic procedures for the EVIC
systems, refer to the Body-Chassis Diagnostic Test
Procedures Manual. The EVIC has a 24 function system that provides
the driver with visual messages when a warning con-
dition exists. These messages are displayed on the
overhead console. For complete EVIC overhead console operating in-
structions, refer to the Owners Manual provided with
the vehicle.
EVIC BUTTON FUNCTIONS
TIME button will display:
² Time of day
² Day of week
² Day of month
² Month of year
The body controller is the source of this informa-
tion. The EVIC function buttons are used to reset
and display this data.
² To set HOURS, press TIME button and within four
seconds press the SET button. An arrow will appear
on the display and point to the hours. Press and hold
the SET button to advance the hours or INFO button
to set back the hours.
² To set MINUTES, press TIME button. The arrow
will point to the minutes. Press and hold the SET
button to advance the minutes or INFO button to set
back the minutes.
Fig. 7 Ambient Temperature Sensor
Fig. 1 EVIC Overhead Console
8C - 6 OVERHEAD CONSOLE Ä

VISUAL MESSAGES
Following are the visual messages and the condi-
tions under which, the messages will be given:
² Keys in ignition
² Exterior lamps on
These messages will appear if the conditions are
present and the driver's door is open while the igni-
tion switch is in the OFF, LOCK, or ACC positions.
A tone will sound until the condition is corrected or
the door is closed.
² Passenger door ajar
² Driver door ajar
² Trunk ajar
² Park brake engaged
² Right rear door ajar
² Left rear door ajar
These messages will appear if a condition is de-
tected after the vehicle is in motion. When the con-
dition is corrected, a short tone will sound to
acknowledge the action. LOW OIL PRESSURE
If this message is displayed while the vehicle is at
cruising speeds, immediate attention is required. If
this message appears at idle speed, increase the idle
speed and the message should go off. If the message
remains on, immediate attention is required. ENGINE TEMP CRITICAL
This message appears when a sensor has determined
that the engine coolant is overheating. If this message
comes on and stays on, immediate action is required.
COOLANT LEVEL LOW
LOW FUEL LEVEL
LOW BRAKE FLUID
WASHER FLUID LOW
These messages will appear if a continuous warn-
ing condition is detected while the engine is running.
Inspection is required. To clear this message from
the display, after the condition is corrected, the igni-
tion switch must be turned OFF. CHECK TRANS
This message will appear if a continuous warning
condition is detected while the engine is running. Im-
mediate attention is recommended. To clear this mes-
sage from the display, after the condition has been
corrected, the ignition switch must be turned OFF. VOLTAGE IMPROPER
This message will appear if a continuous warning
condition is detected. Immediate attention is re-
quired. To clear this message from the display, after
the condition has been corrected, the ignition switch
must be turned OFF. TURN SIGNAL ON
This message will appear if the turn signal is left
on while vehicle speed is over 15 mph and the vehi-
cle has traveled over one-half mile. FASTEN SEAT BELTS An intermittent chime tone will sound for several
seconds if the seat belt is not fastened. CHK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
If this message is delivered, a check of the engine
oil dipstick is suggested. To clear this message, after
the condition is corrected, the ignition switch must
be turned OFF. HEADLAMP OUT
BRAKE LAMP OUT
TAIL LAMP OUT
These conditions are monitored only when the lamps
are on. The message will remain, even after the lamp is
replaced, until the lamp is turned on and operates.
SERVICE REMINDER
The maintenance reminder statement is programmed
to provide general information only. Refer to Group 0,
Lubrication & Maintenance for specific vehicle require-
ments.
The service reminder message is displayed at 7,500
miles or 12 months intervals, which ever comes first. MONITORED SYSTEMS OK
If there is no warning condition to report, the mes-
sage Monitored Systems OK is displayed (Fig. 2).
AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION SET PROCEDURE
The engine compartment node will continuously
and automatically recalibrate the compass under nor-
mal driving conditions. As long as the vehicle is
turning, the engine compartment node will record
new compass data. This new data will be used to
recalibrate the compass at a rate of at least once per
full (360 degree) turn of the vehicle. Automatic cali-
bration does not require operator interface.
MANUAL CALIBRATION SET PROCEDURE
Manual compass calibration has been replaced by
automatic calibration set procedure. The manual cal-
ibration set procedure is available, but no longer
serves any useful purpose.
EVIC SELF CHECK DIAGNOSTICS
Ignition switch ON, the EVIC not displaying any
message, may imply a system failure and not an
EVIC failure. Turn the ignition OFF, close all vehi-
cle doors and wait at least 60 seconds before begin-
ning test. Turn ignition switch to the ON position.
Pressing the TEMP, FUEL and INFO buttons at the
same time shall provide the visual message MOD-
ULE SELF CHECK for two seconds. Following at
two second interval there will be messages:
² E2-0 SELF CHECK
² E3-0 SELF CHECK
² END OF SELF CHECK
Showing the microcomputer is working properly.
When the self check mode and message shows:
² E2-1
² E3-2
This would show a fault exists in the EVIC's micro-
computer and the EVIC should be replaced (Fig. 3).
8C - 8 OVERHEAD CONSOLE Ä

AG AND AJ BODIES INDEX
page page
Ambient Temperature Sensor Removal ......... 20
Compass Calibration ...................... 16
Compass Diagnostics ...................... 18
Compass Module Replacement .............. 20
Demagnetizing Procedure .................. 17
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ..... 13
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Removal .............................. 20 Engine Compartment Node (ECN)
............ 15
Engine Compartment Node Compass Calibration . 16
Engine Node Sensor Removal ............... 20
Map Reading Lamps ...................... 13
Overhead Console Replacement ............. 20
Thermometer and Compass ................. 16
Variance Procedure ....................... 17
MAP READING LAMPS
The map lamps are actuated by pressing on the lens.
These same lamps also serve as courtesy lamps when-
ever a door is opened. The illuminated entry system is
activated, or the headlamp switch is turned fully
clockwise (Fig. 1).
LAMP REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove lens by inserting a screw driver or knife
blade into slot located along-side of lens. Once screw-
driver is inserted pry lens to the side and swing down
as it unhooks from housing edge. (2) Remove lamp by pulling straight down.
(3) Install new lamp by pushing firmly into recep-
tacle. (4) Snap lens into position taking care to orient the
tabs on the lens with the slots in the housing.
LAMP TEST
(1) Close vehicle doors.
(2) Press each lamp switch. Right hand switch
should light passenger lamp and left hand switch
should light drivers lamp. (3) If either of the lamps fail to illuminate, open
vehicle doors. (a) If lamp does not illuminate check for a burned
out lamp. (b) If lamp illuminates when doors are open check
switch and wiring.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC)
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center is a com-
puter controlled warning system which, monitors vari-
ous sensors used on the vehicle. The system supple-
ments the warning indicators in the instrument
cluster. Visual warning messages are displayed by a
digital display (Fig. 2).
When a warning message has been activated, a tone
will sound to attract the driver's attention. The warn-
ing message will then be displayed on the EVIC center
until the condition is corrected or a new display func-
tion is called up. A tone will announce each new
warning condition. For complete diagnostic procedures for the EVIC
systems, refer to the Body-Chassis Diagnostic Test
Procedures Manual. The EVIC has a 24 function system that provides the
driver with visual messages when a warning con-
Fig. 1 Overhead Console Lamp Replacement
Fig. 2 EVIC
Ä OVERHEAD CONSOLE 8C - 13

VISUAL MESSAGES
Following are the visual messages and the condi-
tions under which, the messages will be given:
² Keys in ignition
² Exterior lamps on
These messages will appear if the conditions are
present and the driver's door is open while the igni-
tion switch is in the OFF, LOCK, or ACC positions.
A tone will sound until the condition is corrected or
the door is closed.
² Passenger door ajar
² Driver door ajar
² Trunk ajar
² Park brake engaged
² Right rear door ajar
² Left rear door ajar
These messages will appear if a condition is de-
tected after the vehicle is in motion. When the con-
dition is corrected, a short tone will sound to
acknowledge the action. LOW OIL PRESSURE
If this message is displayed while the vehicle is at
cruising speeds, immediate attention is required. If
this message appears at idle speed, increase the idle
speed and the message should go off. If the message
remains on, immediate attention is required. ENGINE TEMP CRITICAL
This message appears when a sensor has deter-
mined that the engine coolant is overheating. If this
message comes on and stays on, immediate action is
required. COOLANT LEVEL LOW
LOW FUEL LEVEL
LOW BRAKE FLUID WASHER FLUID LOW
These messages will appear if a continuous warn-
ing condition is detected while the engine is running.
Inspection is required. To clear this message from
the display, after the condition is corrected, the igni-
tion switch must be turned OFF. CHECK TRANS
This message will appear if a continuous warning
condition is detected while the engine is running. Im-
mediate attention is recommended. To clear this mes-
sage from the display, after the condition has been
corrected, the ignition switch must be turned OFF. VOLTAGE IMPROPER
This message will appear if a continuous warning
condition is detected. Immediate attention is re-
quired. To clear this message from the display, after
the condition has been corrected, the ignition switch
must be turned OFF. TURN SIGNAL ON
This message will appear if the turn signal is left
on while vehicle speed is over 15 mph and the vehi-
cle has traveled over one-half mile. FASTEN SEAT BELTS
An intermittent chime tone will sound for several
seconds if the seat belt is not fastened. CHK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
If this message is delivered, a check of the engine
oil dipstick is suggested. To clear this message, after
the condition is corrected, the ignition switch must
be turned OFF. HEADLAMP OUT
BRAKE LAMP OUT
TAIL LAMP OUT
These conditions are monitored only when the
lamps are on. The message will remain, even after
the lamp is replaced, until the lamp is turned on and
operates. SERVICE REMINDER
The maintenance reminder statement is pro-
grammed to provide general information only. Refer
to Group 0, Lubrication & Maintenance for specific
vehicle requirements. The service reminder message is displayed at 7,500
miles or 12 months intervals, which ever comes first. MONITORED SYSTEMS OK
If there is no warning condition to report, the mes-
sage Monitored Systems OK is displayed (Fig. 3).
ENGINE COMPARTMENT NODE (ECN)
The Engine Compartment Node is a microcomputer
controlled unit which, informs the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) via the CCD bus of:
² Outside temperature
² Compass direction
and the following warning messages:
² Low Brake Fluid
² Low Coolant Level
² Low Engine Oil Level
Fig. 3 EVIC Messages and Sensors
Ä OVERHEAD CONSOLE 8C - 15