
the switch is in its normal (fully extended) position.
When the switch is depressed more than 1.25 mm
(0.050), the ohmmeter should show continuity (zero
ohms).
If ohmmeter readings do not fall within these
ranges, the switch is defective, and must be replaced.
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION
SWITCH±MECHANICAL TEST
With the park brake set and the vehicleIN NEU-
TRAL,turn the key to the start position. The vehicle
should not crank. If the vehicle cranks, the switch is
defective (shorted out) and must be replaced. If the
vehicle does not crank proceed to the next step.
WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING THIS STEP, BE
SURE THAT THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE
IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS AND PEOPLE. VEHI-
CLE MAY MOVE WHEN PERFORMING THIS TEST.With the park brake set and the vehicleIN GEAR,
turn the key to the start position and hold it there.
Slowly depress the clutch pedal and feel for any
vehicle motion when the starter is energized. If there
is no motion the switch is working properly.
If motion is felt, check to see if the switch is mak-
ing contact when the pedal is between 25 mm (1.0
in.) and 6 mm (0.25 in.) from the floor. If this condi-
tion is met, then the problem is either the clutch or
the clutch actuation system (See ªClutch Will Not
Disengage Properlyº). If this condition is not met,
then the switch mounting tab on the brake bracket is
bent, and the brake bracket must be replaced.
If vehicle will not crank, even with clutch pedal
pressed to the floor, refer to ªService Diagnosis-
Clutch Pedal Position Switchº chart in this section.
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS±CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ENGINE WON'T CRANK WHEN
CLUTCH PEDAL IS PRESSED TO
THE FLOORSwitch does not have continuity
when plunger is depressed 1.25 mmDefective switch. Replace switch.
Switch plunger is not depressed
when clutch pedal is pushed to the
floorFloor mat interferes with clutch pedal
movement. Move floor mat out of the
way.
Switch mounting bracket is bent.
Replace brake bracket assembly
Problem is related to other
components in the starting circuitCheck other components in the
starting circuit. Refer to Section 8A,
Battery/Starting/Charging System.
NS/GSCLUTCH 6 - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

BATTERY
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION......................... 1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS..... 1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)........ 1
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED............... 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
BATTERY BUILT-IN TEST INDICATOR........ 2
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)........ 3
BATTERY LOAD TEST..................... 4
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST..... 6SERVICE PROCEDURES
BATTERY CHARGING..................... 6
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY............................. 7
VISUAL INSPECTION..................... 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BATTERY TRAY.......................... 9
BATTERY............................... 8
SPECIFICATIONS
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS............... 10
TORQUE.............................. 10
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The battery stores, stabilizes, and delivers electri-
cal current to operate various electrical systems in
the vehicle. The determination of whether a battery
is good or bad is made by its ability to accept a
charge. It also must supply high-amperage current
for a long enough period to be able to start the vehi-
cle. The capability of the battery to store electrical
current comes from a chemical reaction. This reac-
tion takes place between the sulfuric acid solution
(electrolyte) and the lead +/- plates in each cell of the
battery. As the battery discharges, the plates react
with the acid from the electrolyte. When the charging
system charges the battery, the water is converted to
sulfuric acid in the battery. The concentration of acid
in the electrolyte is measured as specific gravity
using a hydrometer. The original equipment (OE)
battery is equipped with a hydrometer (test indica-
tor) built into the battery cover. The specific gravity
indicates the battery's state-of-charge. The OE bat-
tery is sealed and water cannot be added.
The battery is vented to release gases that are cre-
ated when the battery is being charged and dis-
charged. The battery top, posts, and terminals should
be cleaned when other under hood maintenance is
performed.
When the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates, Clear in the test Indicator, the battery must
be replaced. The battery must be completely charged,
and the battery top, posts, and cable clamps must be
cleaned before diagnostic procedures are performed.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE
CLAMPS TO TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CON-
NECTED TO A BOOSTER SOURCE. DO NOT USE
OPEN FLAME NEAR BATTERY. REMOVE METALLIC
JEWELRY WORN ON HANDS OR WRISTS TO AVOID
INJURY BY ACCIDENTAL ARCING OF BATTERY
CURRENT.
WHEN USING A HIGH OUTPUT BOOSTING DEVICE,
DO NOT ALLOW THE DISABLED VEHICLE'S BAT-
TERY TO EXCEED 16 VOLTS. PERSONAL INJURY
OR DAMAGE TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAN
RESULT.
TO PROTECT THE HANDS FROM BATTERY ACID, A
SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY RUBBER
GLOVES, NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE, SHOULD
BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SERVICING A
BATTERY. SAFETY GLASSES ALSO SHOULD BE
WORN.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
A completely normal vehicle will have a small
amount of current drain on the battery with the key
out of the ignition. It can range from 5 to 25 milli-
amperes after all the modules time out. If a vehicle
will not be operated for approximately a 20 days, the
IOD fuse should be pulled to eliminate the vehicle
electrical drain on the battery. The IOD fuse is
NSBATTERY 8A - 1

use. Refer to Causes of Battery Discharging in this
Group for more information.
NOTE: CLEAR COLOR = Replace Battery
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE, ASSIST BOOST,
LOAD TEST, OR ADD WATER TO THE BATTERY
WHEN CLEAR COLOR DOT IS VISIBLE. PERSONAL
INJURY MAY OCCUR.
A clear color dot shows electrolyte level in battery
is below the test indicator (Fig. 1). Water cannot be
added to a maintenance free battery. The battery
must be replaced. A low electrolyte level may be
caused by an over charging condition. Refer to Gen-
erator Test Procedures on Vehicle.
CAUSES OF BATTERY DISCHARGING
It is normal to have a small 5 to 25 milliamperes
continuous electrical draw from the battery. This
draw will take place with the ignition in the OFF
position, and the courtesy, dome, storage compart-
ments, and engine compartment lights OFF. The con-
tinuous draw is due to various electronic features or
accessories that require electrical current with the
ignition OFF to function properly. When a vehicle is
not used over an extended period of approximately 20
days the IOD fuse should be pulled. The fuse is
located in the power distribution center. Disconnec-
tion of this fuse will reduce the level of battery dis-
charge. Refer to Battery Diagnosis and Testing table
and to the proper procedures.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
²Corroded battery posts, cables or terminals.
²Loose or worn generator drive belt.
²Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories
installed after delivery.
²Slow driving speeds in heavy traffic conditions
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical
systems in use.²Defective electrical circuit or component causing
excess Ignition Off Draw (IOD). Refer to Battery
Ignition Off Draw (IOD).
²Defective charging system.
²Defective battery.
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
High current draw on the battery with the ignition
OFF will discharge a battery. After a dead battery is
serviced the vehicle Ignition Off Draw (IOD) should
be checked. Determine if a high current draw condi-
tion exists first check the vehicle with a test lamp.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
²Remove key from ignition switch
²Turn off all lights
²Liftgate and glove box door is closed
²Sun visor vanity lights are OFF
²All doors are closed
²Allow the Illuminated Entry System to time out
in approximately 30 seconds, if equipped.
²During Transmission Control Module (TCM)
power down there will be 500 milliamperes present
for 20 minutes. Afterwards less than 1.0 milliampere.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 4).
CAUTION: Always disconnect the meter before
opening a door.
(3) Using an multimeter, that has least a milliam-
pere range of 200 mA. Set meter to the highest mA
range. Install meter between the battery negative
cable and battery negative post (Fig. 5). Carefully
remove the test lamp without disconnecting the
meter. After all modules time-out the total vehicle
IOD should be less than 25 milliamperes. If ignition
off draw is more than 25 milliamperes go to Step 4.
(4) Each time the test lamp or milliampere meter
is disconnected and connected, all electronic timer
functions will be activated for approximately one
minute. The Body Control Module (BCM) ignition off
draw can reach 90 milliamperes.
(5) Remove the PDC fuses:
²Interior lamps
²Brake lamp
²IOD
(6) If there is any reading, with fuses removed
there is a short circuit in the wiring. Refer to Group
8W, wiring diagrams. If reading is less than 25 mA
go to Step 8.
(7) Install all fuses. After installing fuse, the cur-
rent can reach 90 mA. After time-out the reading
should not exceed 25 mA. If OK go to. If not, discon-
nect:
²Radio
²Body Control Module
²Remote Keyless Entry Module
Fig. 3 Test Indicator
NSBATTERY 8A - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

BER GLOVES, NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE,
SHOULD BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SER-
VICING A BATTERY. SAFETY GLASSES ALSO
SHOULD BE WORN.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
A completely normal vehicle will have a small
amount of current drain on the battery with the key
out of the ignition. It can range from 5 to 25 milli-
amperes after all the modules time out. If a vehicle
will not be operated for approximately a 20 days, the
IOD fuse should be pulled to eliminate the vehicle
electrical drain on the battery. The IOD fuse is
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Refer to the PDC cover for proper fuse.
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 20 AMPS WHEN
CHARGING A COLD -1ÉC (30ÉF) BATTERY. PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
The time required to charge a battery will vary
depending upon the following factors.
SIZE OF BATTERY
A completely discharged large heavy-duty battery
may require more recharging time than a completely
discharged small capacity battery, refer to (Fig. 2) for
charging times.
TEMPERATURE
A longer time will be needed to charge a battery at
-18ÉC (0ÉF) than at 27ÉC (80ÉF). When a fast charger
is connected to a cold battery, current accepted by
battery will be very low at first. In time, the battery
will accept a higher rate as battery temperature
warms.
CHARGER CAPACITY
A charger which can supply only five amperes will
require a much longer period of charging than a
charger that can supply 20 amperes or more.
STATE OF CHARGE
A completely discharged battery requires more
charging time than a partially charged battery. Elec-
trolyte is nearly pure water in a completely dis-
charged battery. At first, the charging current
amperage will be low. As water is converted back to
sulfuric acid inside the battery, the current amp rate
will rise. Also, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will rise. The electrolyte should be tested with a
Hydrometer to check the specific gravity.
USING HYDROMETER
Before performing a hydrometer test, remove the
battery caps and check the electrolyte level. Add dis-
tilled water as required.
NOTE: Periodically disassemble the hydrometer
and wash components with soap and water. Inspect
the float for possible leaks. If the paper inside has
turned brown, the float is defective.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage:
²Cracked container or cover
²Loose post
²Corrosion
and any other thing that would cause the battery
to be unserviceable. To interpret the hydrometer cor-
rectly, hold it with the top surface of the electrolyte
in the hydrometer at eye level.
Disregard the curvature of the liquid where the
surface rises against the float because of surface
cohesion (Fig. 3). Remove only enough electrolyte
from the battery to keep the float off the bottom of
the hydrometer barrel with pressure on the bulb
released. Keep the hydrometer in a vertical position
while drawing the electrolyte into the hydrometer
and observing the specific gravity. Exercise care
when inserting the tip of the hydrometer into a cell
to avoid damage to the separators. Damaged separa-
tors can cause premature battery failure.
Hydrometer floats are generally calibrated to indi-
cate the specific gravity correctly only at one fixed
temperature, 20ÉC (68ÉF). When testing the specific
gravity at any other temperature, a correction factor
is required, otherwise specific gravity readings will
not indicate the true state of charge.
The correction factor is approximately a specific
gravity value of 0.004, referred to as 4 points of spe-
cific gravity for every 5.5ÉC (10ÉF). If electrolyte tem-
perature is below 20ÉC (68ÉF) you subtract. If the
temperature is above 20ÉC (68ÉF) you add to the
Fig. 2 Battery Charging Time
8A - 2 BATTERYNS/GS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

hydrometer reading. Always correct the specific grav-
ity for temperature variation. Test the specific grav-
ity of the electrolyte in each battery cell. Refer to the
information with the Hydrometer.
Example 1:
²Hydrometer reading: 1.260
²Electrolyte temperature: -7ÉC (20ÉF)
²Subtract specific gravity: -0.019
²Correction specific gravity: 1.241
Example 2:
²Hydrometer reading: 1.225
²Electrolyte temperature: -38ÉC (100ÉF)
²Add specific gravity: +0.013
²Correction specific gravity: 1.238
A fully charged relatively new battery has a spe-
cific gravity reading of 1.285 plus 0.015 or minus
0.010.
If the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235, but
variation between cells is more than 50 points
(0.050), it is an indication that the battery is unser-
viceable.
If the specific gravity of one or more cells is less
than 1.235, recharge the battery at a rate of approx-
imately 5 amperes. Continue charging until three
consecutive specific gravity tests, taken at one-hour
intervals, are constant.
If the cell specific gravity variation is more than 50
points (0.050) at the end of the charge period, replace
the battery.When the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235
and variation between cells is less than 50 points
(0.050), the battery may be tested under heavy load.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
BATTERY DISCHARGING
CAUSE OF BATTERY DISCHARGING
It is normal to have a small 5 to 25 milliamperes
continuous electrical draw from the battery. This
draw will take place with the ignition in the OFF
position, and the courtesy, dome, storage compart-
ments, and engine compartment lights OFF. The con-
tinuous draw is due to various electronic features or
accessories that require electrical current with the
ignition OFF to function properly. When a vehicle is
not used over an extended period of approximately 20
days the IOD fuse should be disconnected. The fuse
is located in the power distribution center. Disconnec-
tion of this fuse will reduce the level of battery dis-
charge. Refer to Battery Diagnosis and Testing Chart
and to the proper procedures.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
²Corroded battery posts, cables or terminals.
²Loose or worn generator drive belt.
²Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories
installed after delivery.
²Slow driving speeds in heavy traffic conditions
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical
systems in use.
²Defective electrical circuit or component causing
excess Ignition Off Draw (IOD). Refer to Battery
Ignition Off Draw (IOD).
²Defective charging system.
²Defective battery.
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW
High current draw on the battery with the ignition
OFF will discharge a battery. After a dead battery is
serviced the vehicle Ignition Off Draw (IOD) should
be checked. Determine if a high current draw condi-
tion exists first check the vehicle with a test lamp.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
²Remove key from ignition switch
²Turn off all lights
²Liftgate and glove box door is closed
²Sun visor vanity lights are OFF
²All doors are closed
²Allow the Illuminated Entry System to time out
in approximately 30 seconds, if equipped.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Battery Hydrometer
NS/GSBATTERY 8A - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

²Body Control Module
²Remote Keyless Entry Module
(8) Disconnect one component at time, to see if any
component is at fault. If the high reading is not elim-
inated there is a short circuit in the wiring. Refer to
Group 8W, wiring diagrams.
(9) Remove interior and brake lamp fuses. Install
the fuses. The milliampere reading should be 2-4 mA.
If reading is higher than 4 mA:
(a) Disconnect PCM.
(b) If reading is OK, replace PCM.
(c) If reading does not change there is a short
circuit to the PCM. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Dia-
grams.
BATTERY LOAD TEST
A fully charged battery must have cranking capac-
ity, to provide the starter motor and ignition system
enough power to start the engine over a broad range
of ambient temperatures. A battery load test will ver-
ify the actual cranking capability of the battery.
WARNING: IF BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZ-
ING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, OR EXCESSIVELY
LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST. ACID
BURNS OR AN EXPLOSIVE CONDITION MAY
RESULT.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative cable
first. The battery top, cables and posts should be
clean. Test battery with a hydrometer. If battery
charge is low the charge battery. Refer to Battery
Charging Procedures.(2) Connect a Volt/Ammeter/Load tester to the bat-
tery posts (Fig. 6). Rotate the load control knob of the
Carbon pile rheostat to apply a 300 amp load. Apply
this load for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge
from the battery, and return the control knob to off
(Fig. 7).
(3) Allow the battery to stabilize for 2 minutes,
and then verify open circuit voltage.
(4) Rotate the load control knob on the tester to
maintain 50% of the battery cold crank rating for 15
seconds (Fig. 8). Record the loaded voltage reading
and return the load control to off. Refer to the Bat-
tery Specifications at the rear of this Group.
(5) Voltage drop will vary according to battery
temperature at the time of the load test. Battery
temperature can be estimated by the temperature of
exposure over the preceding several hours. If the bat-
tery has been charged or boosted a few minutes prior
to the test, the battery would be slightly warmer.
Refer to Load Test Voltage Chart for proper loaded
voltage reading.
Fig. 5 Milliampere Meter ConnectionFig. 6 Volt-Ammeter Load Tester Connections
Fig. 7 Remove Surface Charge From Battery
NS/GSBATTERY 8A - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

vehicles with a manual transmission, the clutch
pedal must be fully depressed for this test. Check for
battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86
with the ignition switch in the Start position, and no
voltage when the ignition switch is released to the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK with an
automatic transmission, check for an open or short
circuit to the ignition switch and repair, if required.
If the circuit to the ignition switch is OK, see the
Ignition Switch Test procedure in this group. If not
OK with a manual transmission, check the circuit
between the relay and the clutch pedal position
switch for an open or a short. If the circuit is OK, see
the Clutch Pedal Position Switch Test procedure in
this group.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. On vehicles with an
automatic transmission, it is grounded through the
park/neutral position switch only when the gearshift
selector lever is in the Park or Neutral positions. On
vehicles with a manual transmission, it is grounded
at all times. Check for continuity to ground at the
cavity for relay terminal 85. If not OK with an auto-
matic transmission, check for an open or short circuit
to the park/neutral position switch and repair, if
required. If the circuit is OK, see the Park/Neutral
Position Switch Test procedure in this group. If not
OK with a manual transmission, repair the circuit to
ground as required.
SAFETY SWITCHES
For diagnostics,
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch, refer to Group 6,
Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch, refer to Group 21,
Transaxle
IGNITION SWITCH
After testing starter solenoid and relay, test igni-
tion switch and wiring. Refer to Group 8D, Ignition
Systems or Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams. Check all
wiring for opens or shorts, and all connectors for
being loose or corroded.
BATTERY
Refer to Group 8A, Battery for proper procedures.
ALL RELATED WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams,
FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST
Before proceeding with this operation, review Diag-
nostic Preparation and Starter Feed Circuit Tests.
The following operation will require a voltmeter,
accurate to 1/10 of a volt.
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
(1) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(2) With all wiring harnesses and components
properly connected, perform the following:
(a) Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative post, and positive lead to the
battery negative cable clamp (Fig. 2). Rotate and
hold the ignition switch in the START position.
Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, cor-
rect poor contact between cable clamp and post.
(b) Connect positive lead of the voltmeter to the
battery positive post, and negative lead to the bat-
tery positive cable clamp. Rotate and hold the igni-
tion switch key in the START position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor con-
tact between the cable clamp and post.
(c) Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery
negative terminal, and positive lead to engine
Fig. 2 Test Battery Connection Resistance
NSSTARTER 8B - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

block near the battery cable attaching point (Fig.
3). Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt,
correct poor contact at ground cable attaching
point. If voltage reading is still above 0.2 volt after
correcting poor contacts, replace ground cable.
(3) Connect positive voltmeter lead to the starter
motor housing and the negative lead to the battery
negative terminal (Fig. 4). Hold the ignition switchkey in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2
volt, correct poor starter to engine ground.
(a) Connect the positive voltmeter lead to the
battery positive terminal, and negative lead to bat-
tery cable terminal on starter solenoid (Fig. 5).
Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START
position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct
poor contact at battery cable to solenoid connec-
tion. If reading is still above 0.2 volt after correct-
ing poor contacts, replace battery positive cable.
(b) If resistance tests do not detect feed circuit
failures, remove the starter motor and go to
Starter Solenoid Test in this Group.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The following procedure will require a suitable
volt-ampere tester (Fig. 6).
Fig. 4 Test Starter Motor Ground
Fig. 3 Test Ground Circuit Resistance
Fig. 5 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance
Fig. 6 Volt Ampere Tester
8B - 4 STARTERNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)