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)
IGNITION SYSTEM
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION................... 1
2.4L ENGINE............................ 16
3.0L ENGINE............................ 233.3/3.8L ENGINE........................ 28
IGNITION SWITCH AND LOCK CYLINDER..... 35
GENERAL INFORMATION
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY....... 4
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR............. 5
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR........... 5
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT)
SENSOR.............................. 6
IGNITION COIL.......................... 4
IGNITION SYSTEM....................... 2
INTRODUCTION......................... 1
KNOCK SENSOR......................... 7
LOCK KEY CYLINDER..................... 7
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSOR.............................. 6
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE........... 1
SPARK PLUG CABLE...................... 3
SPARK PLUGSÐ2.4/3.0L................... 2
SPARK PLUGSÐ3.3/3.8L................... 2
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)........ 7DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR......... 11
CHECK COIL TESTÐ2.4L.................. 9
CHECK COIL TESTÐ3.3/3.8L................ 9
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR . . 11
FAILURE TO START TEST................. 10
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE............ 11
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR........ 11
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSOR TEST........................ 11
SPARK PLUG CONDITION................. 11
TESTING FOR SPARK AT COILÐ2.4/3.3/3.8L
ENGINES............................. 8
TESTING FOR SPARK AT COILÐ3.0L......... 8
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR............ 13
SERVICE PROCEDURES
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE............ 15
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.......... 13
SPARK PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT........... 13
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
This group describes the ignition systems for the
2.4, 3.0, and 3.3/3.8L engines.
On Board Diagnostics is described in Group 25 -
Emission Control Systems.
Group 0 - Lubrication and Maintenance, contains
general maintenance information for ignition related
items. The Owner's Manual also contains mainte-
nance information.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The ignition system is regulated by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) (Fig. 1). The PCM supplies
battery voltage to the ignition coil through the Auto
Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The PCM also controls
ground circuit for the ignition coil. By switching the
ground path for the coil on and off, the PCM adjusts
ignition timing to meet changing engine operating
conditions.
During the crank-start period the PCM advances
ignition timing a set amount. During engine opera-
tion, the amount of spark advance provided by the
PCM is determined by the following input factors:
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 1
(3) Remove ignition cables from the secondary tow-
ers of the coil. Measure the secondary resistance of
the coil between the towers of each individual coil
(Fig. 21). Secondary resistance should be 7,000 to
15,800 ohms. Replace the coil if resistance is not
within tolerance.
FAILURE TO START TEST
This no-start test checks the camshaft position sen-
sor and crankshaft position sensor.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies 8
volts to the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft
position sensor through one circuit. If the 8 volt sup-
ply circuit shorts to ground, neither sensor will pro-
duce a signal (output voltage to the PCM).
When the ignition key is turned and left in the On
position, the PCM automatically energizes the Auto
Shutdown (ASD) relay. However, the controller de-en-
ergizes the relay within one second because it has
not received a camshaft position sensor signal indi-
cating engine rotation.
During cranking, the ASD relay will not energize
until the PCM receives a camshaft position sensor
signal. Secondly, the ASD relay remains energized
only if the controller senses a crankshaft position
sensor signal immediately after detecting the cam-
shaft position sensor signal.
(1) Check battery voltage. Voltage should be
approximately 12.66 volts or higher to perform fail-
ure to start test.
(2) Disconnect the harness connector from the coil
pack.
(3) Connect a test light to the B+ (battery voltage)
terminal of the coil electrical connector and ground
as shown in (Fig. 22). The B+ wire for the DIS coil is
dark green with an orange tracer.Do not spread
the terminal with the test light probe.(4) Turn the ignition key to theON position.The
test light should flash On and then Off.Do not turn
the Key to off position, leave it in the On posi-
tion.
(a) If the test light flashes momentarily, the
PCM grounded the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay.
Proceed to step 5.
(b) If the test light did not flash, the ASD relay
did not energize. The cause is either the relay or
one of the relay circuits. Use the DRB scan tool to
test the ASD relay and circuits. Refer to the appro-
priate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure Manual.
Refer to the wiring diagrams section for circuit
information.
(5) Crank the engine. (If the key was placed in the
off position after step 4, place the key in the On posi-
tion before cranking. Wait for the test light to flash
once, then crank the engine.)
(6) If the test light momentarily flashes during
cranking, the PCM is not receiving a crankshaft posi-
tion sensor signal. Use the DRB scan tool to test the
crankshaft position sensor and sensor circuits. Refer
to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure
Manual. Refer to the wiring diagrams section for cir-
cuit information.
(7) If the test light did not flash during cranking,
unplug the crankshaft position sensor connector.
Turn the ignition key to the off position. Turn the
key to the On position, wait for the test light to
momentarily flash once, then crank the engine. If the
test light momentarily flashes, the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor is shorted and must be replaced. If the
light did not flash, the cause of the no-start is in
Fig. 21 Checking Ignition Coil Secondary
ResistanceFig. 22 Ignition Coil Engine Harness Connector
8D - 10 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining screws
(Fig. 3).
(3) Remove parking brake release cable from han-
dle (Fig. 4).
(4) Remove screws holding steering column
shrouds (Fig. 5) and remove lower shroud.
(5) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Depress
lock cylinder retaining tab and remove key cylinder
(Fig. 6).
(6) Remove ignition switch mounting screw (Fig. 7)
with a #10 Torxttamper proof bit.(7) Depress retaining tab (Fig. 3) or (Fig. 8) and
gently pry ignition switch from steering column (Fig.
9).
(8) Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition
switch and remove switch (Fig. 10).
Fig. 3 Steering Column Cover
Fig. 4 Parking Brake Release Cable
Fig. 5 Steering Column Shroud Screws
Fig. 6 Lock Cylinder Retaining Tab
8D - 36 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Ensure the ignition switch is in the RUN posi-
tion and the actuator shaft in the lock housing is in
the RUN position.(2) Install electrical connectors to ignition switch.
(3) Carefully install the ignition switch. The
switch will snap over the retaining tabs (Fig. 11).
Install mounting screw (Fig. 7).
(4) Install upper and lower shrouds.
(5) Install key cylinder (cylinder retaining tab will
depress only in the RUN position).
(6) Connect negative cable to battery.
(7) Check for proper operation of ignition switch
and key-in warning switch.
Fig. 7 Ignition Switch Mounting Screw
Fig. 8 Ignition Switch Retaining Tab
Fig. 9 Removing Ignition Switch
Fig. 10 Ignition Switch Connectors
Fig. 11 Ignition Switch Installation
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 37
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
LOCK KEY CYLINDER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining screws
(Fig. 3).
(3) Remove screws holding steering column
shrouds (Fig. 5) and remove lower shroud.
(4) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Depress
lock cylinder retaining tab and remove key cylinder
(Fig. 6).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install key in lock cylinder. Turn key to run
position (retaining tab on lock cylinder can be
depressed).
(2) The shaft at the end of the lock cylinder aligns
with the socket in the end of the housing. To align
the socket with the lock cylinder, ensure the socket is
in the Run position (Fig. 12).
(3) Align the lock cylinder with the grooves in the
housing. Slide the lock cylinder into the housing
until the tab sticks through the opening in the hous-
ing.
(4) Turn the key to the Off position. Remove the
key.
(5) Install lower steering column shroud.
(6) Install steering column cover.(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
IGNITION INTERLOCK
Refer to Group 21, Transaxle for Shifter/Ignition
Interlock Service.
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
Refer to Steering Column in Group 19, Steering,
for Lock Cylinder Housing Service.
Fig. 12 Socket in Lock Cylinder Housing
8D - 38 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
INSTALLATION
Transfer speed control cable to replacement speed
control servo. Reverse the preceding operation.
SPEED CONTROL SWITCHES
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Remove airbag/horn pad from steering wheel,
refer to Group 8M, Restraint Systems for proper pro-
cedures.
(4) Disconnect wire connector from horn switch,
airbag, and speed control switches.
(5) Remove screws holding speed control switch to
airbag/horn pad (Fig. 11).
(6) Separate speed control switch from airbag/horn
pad.
INSTALLATION
Reverse the preceding operation.
STOP LAMP SWITCH
REMOVAL
Remove the switch from the bracket by depressing
the brake pedal and rotating the switch in a counter-
clockwise direction approximately 30 degrees. Pull
the switch rearward and remove from bracket. Dis-
connect wiring harness connector.
INSTALLATION
Before installing the switch, reset the adjustable
switch plunger by pulling on the plunger head until
the plunger reaches the end of its travel. A ratchet-
ing sound will be heard during this procedure.
Connect the wiring harness to the switch. Mount
the switch into the bracket by holding the switch
with the plunger facing forward in car. There is an
index key on the switch that mates with the bracket
slot at the top of the square hole. Align key and push
switch into square hole in bracket while depressing
the brake pedal. Once the switch is seated in the
hole, rotate clockwise approximately 30 degrees to
lock into place. The switch will automatically adjust
when the pedal is released. Pull back on the pedal to
assure correct adjustment.
SPEED CONTROL CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) On vehicles with 3.3/3.8 L engine, remove air
cleaner resonator. Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for
proper procedure.
(3) Disconnect throttle and speed control cable
ends from throttle body (Fig. 8).
(4) Depress lock tabs holding speed control cable
casing to cable mount bracket (Fig. 12).
(5) Remove tie wrap holding vacuum line, throttle
cable, and speed control cable together.
(6) Remove nuts holding speed control cable case
to servo.
(7) Remove cable case from servo.
(8) Remove hairpin clip holding cable end to servo
diaphragm (Fig. 12).
(9) Remove speed control cable.
INSTALLATION
Reverse the preceding operation.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
For Removal/Installation refer to Powertrain Con-
trol Module in Group 14, Fuel Injection System.
USE THE DRB SCAN TOOL TO REPROGRAM
THE NEW PCM WITH THE VEHICLES ORIGI-
NAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) AND
THE ORGINAL VEHICLES MILAGE. IF THIS
Fig. 10 Speed Control Servo
Fig. 11 Speed Control Switches
NSVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM 8H - 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)