contact at battery cable to solenoid connection. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace positive bat-
tery cable.
(5) Connect voltmeter to measure between the bat-
tery negative post and the engine block (Fig. 4).
(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in the START po-
sition. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor con-tact at ground cable attaching point. Voltage reading
still above 0.2 volt, replace ground cable.
(7) Connect positive voltmeter lead to starter mo-
tor housing. Connect negative lead to battery nega-
tive terminal (Fig. 5).
(8) Rotate and hold ignition switch in the START
position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor
starter to engine ground.
If resistance tests detect no feed circuit failures, re-
move the starter motor and go to Solenoid Testing.
STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTS
The starter control circuit consists of a starter so-
lenoid, starter relay, ignition switch, park/neutral po-
sition switch (automatic transmission), and all their
wiring and connections.
Testing procedures for these components are as fol-
lows and should be followed in order as described.
CAUTION: Before performing any test, disconnect dis-
tributor connector to prevent engine from starting.
SOLENOID TESTING
Refer to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Ser-
vice for starter removal procedures.
(1) Disconnect field coil wire from field coil terminal.
(2) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and field coil terminal with a continuity tester.
There should be continuity (Fig. 6).
Fig. 2 Test Battery Connection Resistance
Fig. 3 Test Positive Battery Cable Resistance
(Typical)
Fig. 4 Test Ground Circuit Resistance
Fig. 5 Test Starter Motor Ground (Typical)
Fig. 6 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal
and Field Coil Terminal
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 11
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal and
solenoid housing. There should be continuity (Fig. 7).
(4) If there is continuity, solenoid is good. If there
is no continuity in either test, solenoid has an open
circuit and is defective. Replace starter motor.
(5) Install starter as described in Group 8B.
(6) Connect field coil wire to field coil terminal.
STARTER RELAY OPERATION/TESTING
The starter relay is in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (Figs. 8 and 9). Refer to the underside of the
Power Distribution Center cover for relay location.
OPERATION
²Terminal No. 30 is usually connected to battery
voltage and can be switched or B+ at all times.
²Terminal No. 87A is connected to terminal 30 in
the de-energized position.
²Terminal No. 87 is connected to terminal 30 in the
energized position which supplies battery voltage to
the operated device.
²Terminal No. 86 is connected to the electromagnet
and usually connected to a switched power source.²Terminal No. 85 is connected to the electromagnet
and is usually grounded by a switch or Powertrain
Control Module.
TESTING
Remove relay from Power Distribution Center to
perform the following tests.
²A relay in the de-energized position should have
continuity between terminal 87A and terminal 30.
²Resistance value between terminals 85 and 86
(electromagnet) is 7565 ohms.
²Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86. There
should be continuity between terminal 30 and 87.
Fig. 9 Power Distribution CenterÐYJ
STARTER RELAY CONNECTIONS
Fig. 7 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal
and Solenoid Case
Fig. 8 Power Distribution CenterÐXJ
8A - 12 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ
DIAGNOSTICS/SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX
page page
Automatic Shut Down (ASD) Relay............ 8
Camshaft Position Sensor Test............... 8
Crankshaft Position Sensor Test.............. 9
Distributor Cap........................... 9
Distributor Rotor......................... 10
DRB Scan Tool.......................... 10
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Test...... 12
General Information........................ 8
Ignition Coil............................. 11
Ignition Secondary Circuit Diagnosis.......... 12Ignition Timing........................... 14
Intake Manifold Air Temperature Sensor Test . . . 14
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Test . 14
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)................ 19
Oxygen Sensor Tests..................... 19
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)............ 15
Spark Plug Secondary Cables............... 17
Spark Plugs............................ 16
Throttle Position Sensor Test............... 18
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section of the group, Diagnostics/Service Pro-
cedures, will discuss basic ignition system diagnos-
tics and service adjustments.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera-
tion section of this group.
For removal or installation of ignition system com-
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa-
tion section of this group.
For other useful information, refer to On-Board Di-
agnostics in the General Diagnosis sections of Group
14, Fuel System in this manual.
For operation of the DRB Scan Tool, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice manual.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN (ASD) RELAY
Refer to RelaysÐOperation/Testing in the Group
14, Fuel System section of this service manual.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TEST
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor on all engines.
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
2.5L OR 4.0L ENGINE
For this test, an analog voltmeter is needed.Do
not remove the distributor connector from the dis-
tributor. Using small paper clips, insert them into
the backside of the distributor wire harness connec-
tor to make contact with the terminals. Be sure that
the connector is not damaged when inserting the pa-
per clips. Attach voltmeter leads to these paper clips.
(1) Connect the positive (+) voltmeter lead into
the sensor output wire. This is at done the distribu-
tor wire harness connector. For wire identification,
refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.(2) Connect the negative (-) voltmeter lead into the
ground wire. For wire identification, refer to Group
8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(3) Set the voltmeter to the 15 Volt DC scale.
(4) Remove distributor cap. Rotate (crank) engine
with starter until pulse ring (Fig. 1) enters the mag-
netic pickup on camshaft position sensor. Distributor
rotor should be pointed in 9 o'clock position. The
movable pulse ring should now be within the sensor
pickup.
(5) Turn ignition key to ON position. Voltmeter
should read approximately 5.0 volts.
(6) If voltage is not present, check the voltmeter
leads for a good connection.
(7) If voltage is still not present, check for voltage
at the supply wire. For wire identification, refer to
Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 1 Pulse Ring/Rotor PositionÐTypical
8D - 8 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
IGNITION COIL
To perform a complete test of the ignition coil and
its circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to
the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures
manual. To test the coil only, refer to the following:
The ignition coil (Fig. 11) is designed to operate
without an external ballast resistor.
Inspect the ignition coil for arcing. Test the coil ac-
cording to coil tester manufacturer's instructions.
Test the coil primary and secondary resistance. Re-
place any coil that does not meet specifications. Refer
to the Ignition Coil Resistance chart.
If the ignition coil is being replaced, the secondary
spark plug cable must also be checked. Replace cable
if it has been burned or damaged.
Arcing at the tower will carbonize the cable nipple,
which if it is connected to a new ignition coil, will
cause the coil to fail.
If the secondary coil cable shows any signs of dam-
age, it 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 ignition coil.
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE
Fig. 9 Firing OrderÐ4.0L 6 Cylinder Engine
Fig. 10 Rotor InspectionÐTypical
Fig. 11 Ignition CoilÐTypical
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 11
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TEST
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
The sensor is installed in the thermostat housing
(Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect wire harness connector from sensor
(Fig. 12).
(2) Test the resistance of the sensor with a high in-
put impedance (digital) volt-ohmmeter. The resis-
tance should be less than 1340 ohms at normal
engine operating idle temperature. For resistance
values, refer to the Sensor Resistance chart. Replace
the sensor if it is not within the range of resistance
specified in the chart.
(3) Test continuity of the wire harness. This is
done between Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
wire harness connector terminal-2 and the sensor
connector terminal. Also check continuity between
wire harness terminal-4 to the sensor connector ter-
minal. Repair the wire harness if an open circuit is
indicated.
IGNITION SECONDARY CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS
CHECKING FOR SPARK
CAUTION: When disconnecting a high voltage cable
from a spark plug or from the distributor cap, twist
the rubber boot slightly (1/2 turn) to break it loose.
Grasp the boot (not the cable) and pull it off with a
steady, even force.
(1) Disconnect the ignition coil secondary cable
from center tower of the distributor cap. Hold the ca-
ble terminal approximately 12 mm (1/2 in.) from a
good engine ground (Fig. 13).WARNING: BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN THE ENGINE
IS CRANKING. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR
THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN. DO NOT
WEAR LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING.
(2) Rotate (crank) the engine with the starter mo-
tor and observe the cable terminal for a steady arc. If
steady arcing does not occur, inspect the secondary
coil cable. Refer to Spark Plug Cables in this group.
Also inspect the distributor cap and rotor for cracks
or burn marks. Repair as necessary. If steady arcing
occurs, connect ignition coil cable to the distributor
cap.
(3) Remove a cable from one spark plug.
Fig. 12 Coolant Temperature SensorÐTypical
SENSOR RESISTANCE (OHMS)
Fig. 13 Checking for SparkÐTypical
8D - 12 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
(4) Using insulated pliers, hold the cable terminal
approximately 12 mm (1/2 in.) from the engine cylin-
der head or block while rotating the engine with the
starter motor. Observe the spark plug cable terminal
for an arc. If steady arcing occurs, it can be expected
that the ignition secondary system is operating cor-
rectly. If steady arcing occurs at the spark plug ca-
bles, but the engine will not start, connect the DRB
scan tool. Refer to the Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual for DRB operation.
FAILURE TO START TEST
To prevent unnecessary diagnostic time and wrong
test results, the previous Checking For Spark test
should be performed prior to this test.
WARNING: SET PARKING BRAKE OR BLOCK THE
DRIVE WHEELS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS
TEST.
(1) Unplug the ignition coil harness connector at
the coil (Fig. 14).
(2) Connect a set of small jumper wires (18 gauge
or smaller) between the ignition coil and coil electri-
cal connector (Fig. 15).
(3) Determine that sufficient battery voltage (12.4
volts) is present for the starting and ignition sys-
tems.
(4) Crank the engine for 5 seconds while monitor-
ing the voltage at the coil positive terminal:
²If the voltage remains near zero during the entire
period of cranking, refer to On-Board Diagnostics in
Group 14, Fuel Systems. Check the powertrain con-
trol module (PCM) and auto shut down relay.
²If voltage is at near battery voltage and drops to
zero after 1-2 seconds of cranking, check the cam-
shaft position sensor-to-PCM circuit. Refer to On-
Board Diagnostics in Group 14, Fuel Systems.
²If voltage remains at near battery voltage during
the entire 5 seconds, turn the key off. Remove the60-way connector (Fig. 16) from the PCM. Check 60-
way connector for any spread terminals.
(5) Remove test lead from the coil positive termi-
nal. Connect an 18 gauge jumper wire between the
battery positive terminal and the coil positive termi-
nal.
(6) Make the special jumper shown in Figure 17.
Using the jumper,momentarilyground terminal-19
of the 60-way connector. A spark should be generated
at the coil cable when the ground is removed.
(7) If spark is generated, replace the powertrain
control module (PCM).
(8) If spark is not seen, use the special jumper to
ground the coil negative terminal directly.
(9) If spark is produced, repair wiring harness for
an open condition.
Fig. 14 Coil Harness ConnectorÐTypical
Fig. 15 Coil TerminalsÐTypical
Fig. 16 PCM 60-Way Connector
Fig. 17 Special Jumper Ground-to-Coil Negative
Terminal
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 13
(10) If spark is not produced, replace the ignition
coil.
IGNITION TIMING
Base (initial) ignition timing is NOT adjustable
on any of the 2.5L 4 cylinder or 4.0L 6 cylinder
engines. Do not attempt to adjust ignition timing
by rotating the distributor.
Do not attempt to modify the distributor hous-
ing to get distributor rotation. Distributor posi-
tion will have no effect on ignition timing.
All ignition timing functions are controlled by the
powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to On-Board
Diagnostics in the Multi-Port Fuel InjectionÐGen-
eral Diagnosis section of Group 14, Fuel Systems for
more information. Also refer to the appropriate Pow-
ertrain Diagnostics Procedures service manual for
operation of the DRB Scan Tool.
INTAKE MANIFOLD AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
TEST
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
(1) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
sensor (Figs. 18 or 19).
(2) Test the resistance of the sensor with a input
impedance (digital) volt-ohmmeter. Do not remove
the sensor from the engine for testing. For resistance
values, refer to the Sensor Resistance chart. Replace
the sensor if it is not within the range of resistance
specified in the chart.
(3) Test the resistance of the wire harness. This is
done between the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
wire harness connector terminal-21 and the sensor
connector terminal. Also check continuity between
terminal-4 to the sensor connector terminal. Repair
the wire harness as necessary if the resistance is
greater than 1 ohm.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
TEST
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
The MAP sensor is located on the cowl panel near
the rear of the engine cylinder head (valve) cover
(Fig. 20).
(1) Inspect the sensor vacuum hose connections at
the throttle body and sensor (Fig. 20). Repair as nec-
essary.
CAUTION: When testing the sensor, be sure that
the harness wires are not damaged by the test
meter probes.Fig. 18 Air Temperature SensorÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 19 Air Temperature SensorÐ4.0L Engine
SENSOR RESISTANCE (OHMS)
8D - 14 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
Check the high-tension cable connections for good
contact at the ignition coil, distributor cap towers
and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated.
The terminals and spark plug covers should be in
good condition. Terminals should fit tightly to the ig-
nition coil, distributor cap and spark plugs. The
spark plug cover (boot) of the cable should fit tight
around the spark plug insulator. Loose cable connec-
tions can cause corrosion and increase resistance, re-
sulting in shorter cable service life.
Clean the high tension cables with a cloth moist-
ened with a nonflammable solvent and wipe dry.
Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected for longer than necessary during test-
ing. This may cause possible heat damage to the
catalytic converter. Total test time must not exceed
ten minutes.
With the engine not running, connect one end of a
test probe to a good ground. Start the engine and run
the other end of the test probe along the entire
length of all spark plug cables. If cables are cracked
or punctured, there will be a noticeable spark jump
from the damaged area to the test probe. The cable
running from the ignition coil to the distributor cap
can be checked in the same manner. Cracked, dam-
aged or faulty cables should be replaced with resis-
tance type cable. This can be identified by the words
ELECTRONIC SUPPRESSION printed on the cable
jacket.
Use an ohmmeter to test for open circuits, exces-
sive resistance or loose terminals. Remove the dis-
tributor cap from the distributor.Do not remove
cables from cap.Remove cable from spark plug.
Connect ohmmeter to spark plug terminal end of ca-
ble and to corresponding electrode in distributor cap.
Resistance should be 250 to 1000 Ohms per inch of
cable. If not, remove cable from distributor cap tower
and connect ohmmeter to the terminal ends of cable.
If resistance is not within specifications as found in
the Spark Plug Cable Resistance chart, replace the
cable. Test all spark plug cables in this manner.To test ignition coil-to-distributor cap cable, do not
remove the cable from the cap. Connect ohmmeter to
rotor button (center contact) of distributor cap and
terminal at ignition coil end of cable. If resistance is
not within specifications as found in the Spark Plug
Cable Resistance chart, remove the cable from the
distributor cap. Connect the ohmmeter to the termi-
nal ends of the cable. If resistance is not within spec-
ifications as found in the Spark Plug Cable
Resistance chart, replace the cable. Inspect the igni-
tion coil tower for cracks, burns or corrosion.
For removal and installation of spark plug cables,
refer to Spark Plug Secondary Cables in the Compo-
nent Removal/Installation section.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR TEST
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
The throttle position sensor can be tested with a
digital voltmeter. The center terminal of the sensor
connector is the output terminal (Figs. 30 or 31).
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
Fig. 30 SensorÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 31 SensorÐ4.0L Engine
8D - 18 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ