LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
page page
CHASSIS AND BODY .................... 19
DRIVETRAIN ........................... 16 ENGINE
................................ 8
GENERAL INFORMATION .................. 1
GENERAL INFORMATION INDEX
page page
Classification of Lubricants .................. 1
Fluid Capacities .......................... 4
Fuel Usage .............................. 1
Hoisting Recommendations .................. 5
Introduction .............................. 1 Jump Starting Procedure
.................... 4
Parts and Lubricant Recommendations ......... 1
Parts Requiring No Lubrication ............... 4
Severe Service ........................... 1
Towing Recommendations ................... 7
INTRODUCTION
Chrysler Corporation has compiled recommended
lubrication and maintenance schedules and proce-
dures to help reduce premature wear or failure over
a broad range of operating conditions. When select-
ing the proper maintenance schedule, the climate
and operating conditions must be considered. A vehi-
cle subjected to severe usage requires service more
frequently than a vehicle used for general transpor-
tation.
PARTS AND LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS
When service is required, Chrysler Corporation rec-
ommends that only Mopar tbrand parts, lubricants
and chemicals be used. Mopar tprovides the best en-
gineered products for servicing Chrysler Corporation
vehicles.
SEVERE SERVICE
If a vehicle is operated under any of the following
conditions, it is considered severe service.
² Extremely dusty areas.
² 50% or more of vehicle operation in 32ÉC (90ÉF) or
higher temperatures.
² Prolonged idling ( such as, vehicle operation in
stop and go traffic).
² Frequent short running periods. Not allowing en-
gine to warm to operating temperatures.
² Police or taxi usage.
FUEL USAGE
All Chrysler Corporation engines require the use of
unleaded fuel to reduce exhaust emissions. Use fuel
with a minimum octane rating of 87,(R + M)/2. See
Engine section of this group for Fuel Recommenda-
tions.
CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS
Only lubricants that are endorsed by the following
organizations standards should be used to service a
Chrysler Corporation vehicle.
² Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
² American Petroleum Institute (API)
² National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
ENGINE OIL
SAE GRADE RATING INDICATES ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY
² SAE 30 = single grade engine oil.
² SAE 5W-30 = multiple grade engine oil.
API QUALITY CLASSIFICATION.
² SG service engine oil is a high quality crankcase
lubricant designed for use in all naturally aspirated
engines.
² SG/CD service engine oil is a high quality crank-
case lubricant designed for use in most naturally as-
pirated and turbocharged gasoline or diesel engines.
GEAR LUBRICANTS
SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear lu-
bricants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage.
Ä LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 1
LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
symbol on the label. At the bottom NLGI symbol is the usage and qual-
ity identification letters. Wheel bearing lubricant is
identified by the letter ``G''. Chassis lubricant is iden-
tified by the letter ``L''. The letter following the us-
age letter indicates the quality of the lubricant. The
following symbols indicate the highest quality.
FLUID CAPACITIES
Fuel Tank
AP,AG and AJ ......................................53 L (14 gal.)
AA,AC and AY .....................................60 L (16 gal.)
AA-Flexible Fuel ..................................68 L (18 gal.)
Engine Oil
All.........................................................3.8 L (4.5 qts.)
Cooling System
2.2L ......................................................8.5 L (9.0 qts.)
2.5L ......................................................8.5 L (9.0 qts.)
3.0L ......................................................9.0 L (9.5 qts.)
3.3L ......................................................9.0 L (9.5 qts.)
3.8L ......................................................9.0 L (9.5 qts.)
Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle
Automatic Transaxle
Estimated Service Fill
ALL ......................................................3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
Overhaul Fill Capacity with Torque Converter
Empty
3-speed Fleet .......................................8.7 L (9.2 qts.)
3-speed .................................................8.2 L (8.8 qts.)
4-speed Electronic ................................9.4L (9.9 qts.)
Manual Transaxle
All ..........................................................9.4L (9.9 qts.)
Fill to bottom of fill hole.
Power Steering
All ...........................................................75L (1.5 pts.)
PARTS REQUIRING NO LUBRICATION
Many components on a Chrysler Corporation vehi-
cle require no periodic maintenance. Some compo-
nents are sealed and permanently lubricated. Rubber
bushings can deteriorate or limit damping ability if
lubricated. The following list of components require
no lubrication: ²
Air Pump
² Generator Bushings
² Drive Belts
² Drive Belt Idler/Tensioner Pulley
² Front Wheel Bearings
² Rubber Bushings
² Starter Bearings/Bushings
² Suspension Strut Bearings
² Throttle Control Cable
² Throttle Linkage
² Water Pump Bearings
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING: REVIEW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND WARNINGS IN GROUP 8A, BATTERY/START-
ING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS. DO NOT JUMP START A FROZEN BATTERY, PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. DO NOT JUMP START WHEN BATTERY INDICA-
TOR DOT IS YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR. DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE CLAMPS TO
TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CONNECTED TO A
BOOSTER SOURCE. DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BATTERY.
REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY WORN ON HANDS
OR WRISTS TO AVOID INJURY BY ACCIDENTAL
ARCHING OF BATTERY CURRENT. WHEN USING A HIGH OUTPUT BOOSTING DE-
VICE, DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY VOLTAGE TO EX-
CEED 16 VOLTS. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS
PROVIDED WITH DEVICE BEING USED.
CAUTION: When using another vehicle as a
booster, do not allow vehicles to touch. Electrical
systems can be damaged on either vehicle.
TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE:
(1) Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually in-
spect engine compartment for:
² Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary.
² Frozen battery.
² Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped.
² Low battery fluid level.
² Generator drive belt condition and tension.
² Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary.
CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on dis-
abled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle
charging system can result.
(2) When using another vehicle as a booster
source, turn off all accessories, place gear selector in
park or neutral, set park brake and operate engine
at 1200 rpm.
NLGI SYMBOL
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä
ENGINE INDEX
page page
Engine Oil Filter .......................... 9
Battery ................................ 15
Crankcase Ventilation System ............... 13
Drive Belts ............................. 14
Emission Control System ................... 14
Engine Air Cleaner ....................... 11
Engine Cooling System .................... 10 Engine Oil
............................... 8
Frequency of Engine Oil and Filter Changes ..... 8
Fuel Filter .............................. 14
Fuel Recommendations .................... 14
Ignition Cables, Distributor Cap, and Rotor ..... 14
Rubber and Plastic Component Inspection ...... 15
Spark Plugs ............................ 14
FREQUENCY OF ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
CHANGES
ENGINE OIL
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving af-
fect the interval at which your oil should be changed.
Check the following to determine if any apply to you:
² Frequent short trip driving less than 8 kilometers
(5 miles)
² Frequent driving in dusty conditions
² Frequent trailer towing
² Extensive idling (such as vehicle operation in stop
and go traffic)
² More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32ÉC (90ÉF) If any of these apply to you then change your en-
gine oil every 4 800 kilometers (3,000 miles) or 3
months, whichever comes first. If none of these apply to you then change your oil
every 12 000 kilometers (7,500 miles) or 6 months,
whichever comes first. If none of these apply and the vehicle is in com-
mercial type service such as, Police, Taxi or Limou-
sine and principally used for highway driving of 40
kilometers (25 miles) or more between stations, the
engine oil should be changed every 8 000 kilometers
(5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES
Flexible fuel is corrosive and contributes to engine
oil contamination. When flexible fuel is being used,
the engine oil should be changed every 8 000 kilome-
ters (5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new
filter at every second oil change.
ENGINE OIL
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE IR-
RITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED
BY INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EX-
POSED SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL
FUEL, THINNER, OR SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROB-
LEMS CAN RESULT. DO NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE
OIL PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR
GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COL-
LECTION CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
BREAK-IN PERIOD
CAUTION: Wide open throttle operation in low
gears, before engine break-in period is complete,
can damage engine.
On a Chrysler Corporation vehicle an extended
break-in period is not required. Driving speeds of not
over 80-90 km/h (50-55 mph) for the first 100 km (60
miles) is recommended. Hard acceleration and high
engine rpm in lower gears should be avoided.
SELECTING ENGINE OIL
CAUTION: Do not use non-detergent or straight
mineral oil when adding or changing crankcase lu-
bricant. Engine or Turbocharger failure can result.
The factory fill engine oil is a high quality, energy
conserving, crankcase lubricant. The Recommended
SAE Viscosity Grades chart defines the viscosity
grades that must be used based on temperature in
the region where vehicle is operated and optional
equipment.
NON-FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES Chrysler Corporation recommends that Mopar mo-
tor oil, or equivalent, be used when adding or chang-
ing crankcase lubricant. The API symbol (Fig. 1) on
the container indicates the viscosity grade, quality
and fuel economy ratings of the lubricant it contains.
Use ENERGY CONSERVING II motor oil with API
SERVICE SG or SG/CD classification.
0 - 8 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä
tifreeze to achieve adequate protection. A mix table
on the coolant container indicates the amount of an-
tifreeze required to winterize the cooling system
based on the capacity, see Capacity Chart in General
Information section of this group.
SELECTING ANTIFREEZE
Chrysler Corporation recommends Mopar Anti-
freeze/Summer Coolant, or equivalent be used to win-
terize and protect cooling system.
RADIATOR CAP
The radiator cap must be secure to provide proper
pressure release and coolant recovery. Inspect and
test radiator cap when cooling system service is per-
formed or when problem is suspected.
COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE
The cooling system should be drained, flushed and
filled with the proper coolant mixture at the inter-
vals described in the Lubrication and Maintenance
Schedules. Refer to General Information section of
this group. For proper service instructions see Group
7, Cooling System.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER
The engine air cleaner should be serviced at the in-
tervals described in the Lubrication and Mainte-
nance Schedules. Refer to General Information
section of this group. Additional information can be
found in Group 14, Fuel System and Group 25, Emis-
sion System. Inspect all air cleaner hoses or tubes for
damage or leaks when other engine compartment
service is performed. Replace faulty components.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
CAUTION: The air cleaner cover must be installed
properly for the emissions system and engine con-
troller to function correctly. Do not immerse paper air filter element or temper-
ature sensor in cleaning solvents, damage can re-
sult.
TO SERVICE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY: (1) Raise hood of vehicle and inspect all air cleaner
components for damage or improper attachment. (2) Remove air cleaner cover (Fig. 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10).
(3) Remove paper air filter element from air
cleaner body. Hold a shop light on throttle body side
of element. Inspect air intake side of element. If light
is visible through element, blow dust from element
(Fig. 11) and reuse. If element is saturated with oil
or light is not visible, replace filter. If element is sat-
urated with oil, perform crankcase ventilation sys-
tem tests. (4) Remove fiber crankcase filter (Fig. 6, 7, 8, 9, or
10) and clean with solvent, squeeze filter dry and ap- ply small amount of engine oil. If a metallic mesh is
used to retain fiber filter, clean mesh with solvent
and reuse.
(5) Clean inside of air cleaner cover and body with
vacuum or compressed air. If oily, wash with solvent. To Install, reverse the preceding operation.
Fig. 6 Air CleanerÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 7 Air CleanerÐFlexible Fuel Engine
Fig. 8 Air CleanerÐ16 Valve Engine
Ä LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 11
PCV SYSTEM TEST
Refer to group 25, Emission Control System for
proper procedures to test PCV system.
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Chrysler Corporation recommends that only fuel pur-
chased from a reputable retailer be used. Use high qual-
ity, unleaded gasoline to provide satisfactory
driveability and highest fuel economy. Gasoline contain-
ing detergent and corrosion control additives are desire-
able. If the engine develops spark knock (audible ping),
poor performance, hard starting or stalling, purchase
fuel from another source. Engine performance can vary
when using different brands of gasoline with the same
octane rating. Occasional light engine spark knock un-
der heavy acceleration, at low speed or when vehicle is
heavily loaded is not harmful. Extended periods of
spark knock under moderate acceleration or at cruising
speed can damage the engine. The cause of excessive
spark knock condition must be diagnosed and corrected.
For diagnostic procedures refer to Group 14, Fuel Sys-
tem and Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures manual.
SELECTING GASOLINE
CAUTION:Do not use fuel containing METHANOL
(methyl or wood alcohol), damage to fuel system
will result. Do not use leaded gasoline, damage to catalytic
converter will result and vehicle will not conform to
emission control standards.
ETHANOL, MTBE OR ETBE BLENDS
All Chrysler Corporation vehicles are designed to
use unleaded gasoline ONLY. Gasohol blends, con-
taining 10% Ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) 90% un-
leaded gasoline can be used provided it has adequate
octane rating. Fuel blends containing up to 15% MTBE (Methyl
Tertiary Butyl Ether) and 85% unleaded gasoline can
be used. Fuel blends containing up to 17% ETBE
(Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) and 83% unleaded gas-
oline can also be used. Fuel blended with ethanol, MTBE or ETBE are
also referred to as reformulated or clean air gasoline.
These fuels contribute less emissions to the atmo-
sphere. Chrysler Corporation recommends that
blended fuels be used when available
METHANOL BLENDS Using gasoline blended with methanol can result
in starting and driveability problems. Deterioration
of fuel system components will result. Methanol in-
duced problems are not the responsibility of Chrysler
Corporation and may not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES
Use regular unleaded gasoline having a minimum
octane rating of 87 (R+M)/2. Higher octane premium
unleaded gasoline can be used if desired.
2.2L 16 VALVE TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
Use premium unleaded gasoline having a mini-
mum octane rating of 91 (R+M)/2. Gasoline with oc-
tane rating less than 91 (R+M)/2 can be used if
recommended gasoline is not available. Low octane
gasoline will reduce engine performance.
FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES
CAUTION: Do not use 100% methanol, damage to
fuel system can result. Use unleaded regular gasoline having a minimum
octane rating of 87 (R=M)/2 and M85 fuel that is
85% methanol and 15% unleaded gasoline, or a mix-
ture of these two.
FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter requires service only when a fuel
contamination problem is suspected. For proper diag-
nostic and service procedures refer to Group 14, Fuel
System,
IGNITION CABLES, DISTRIBUTOR CAP, AND
ROTOR
Inspect and test ignition cables, distributor cap and
rotor when the spark plugs are replaced. Oil and
grime should be cleaned from the ignition cables and
distributor cap to avoid possible spark plug fouling.
Mopar, Foamy Engine Degreaser, or equivalent is
recommended for cleaning the engine compartment.
For proper service and diagnostic procedures refer to
Group 8D, Ignition System.
SPARK PLUGS
Ignition spark plugs should be replaced at the
mileage interval described in the Lubrication and
Maintenance Schedules. Refer to the General Infor-
mation section of this group. For proper service pro-
cedures refer to Group 8D, Ignition Systems.
DRIVE BELTS
Inspect and adjust drive belts at the interval de-
scribed in the Lubrication and Maintenance Sched-
ules. Refer to General Information section of this
group. For proper inspection and adjustment proce-
dures, see Group 7, Cooling System.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Inspect all emission control components and hoses
when other under hood service is performed. Refer to
emission system Vacuum Hose Label located on the
0 - 14 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 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
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
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