1996 CHRYSLER VOYAGER charging

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)

(6) If battery passes load test, it is in good condi-
tion and further tests are not necessary. If it fails
load test, it should be replaced.
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
An open circuit voltage no load test shows the
state of charge of a battery and whether it is ready
for a load test at 50 percent of the battery's cold
crank rating. Refer to Battery Load Test. If a battery
has open circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, and will not pass the load test, replace the
battery because it is defective. To test open circuit
voltage, perform the following operation.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative cable
first. Battery top, cables and posts should be clean. If
green dot is not visible in indicator, charge the bat-
tery. 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 the open circuit voltage (Fig. 9).
(4) This voltage reading will approximate the state
of charge of the battery. It will not reveal battery
cranking capacity (Fig. 10).
SERVICE PROCEDURES
BATTERY CHARGING
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT
HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.
BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND
EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE
BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CRE-
ATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST
BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BAT-
TERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS
POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. BAT-
TERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE
EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND
CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN.
Fig. 8 Load 50% Cold Crank Rating
Load Test Temperature
Minimum VoltageTemperature
ÉF ÉC
9.6 volts 70É and
above21É and
above
9.5 volts 60É 16É
9.4 volts 50É 10É
9.3 volts 40É 4É
9.1 volts 30É -1É
8.9 volts 20É -7É
8.7 volts 10É -12É
8.5 volts 0É -18É
Fig. 9 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
Fig. 10 Battery Open Circuit Voltage
8A - 6 BATTERYNS/GS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CAUTION: Disconnect the battery NEGATIVE cable
first (Fig. 4) before charging battery to avoid dam-
age to electrical systems. Do not exceed 16.0 volts
while charging battery. Refer to the instructions
supplied with charging equipment
A battery is considered fully charged when it will
meet all the following requirements.
²It has an open circuit voltage charge of at least
12.4 volts (Fig. 10).
²It passes the 15 second load test, refer to the
Load Test Temperature chart.
²The specific gravity reading is 1.285 plus 0.015
or minus 0.010.
Battery electrolyte will bubble inside of battery
case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte
boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes
while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or
turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery
damage may occur if charging is excessive.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from
being damaged if improperly connected. If the bat-
tery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor
to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to
operate. Refer to operating instructions provided
with battery charger being used.
CAUTION: Do not overcharge Battery.
Test the battery until the specific gravity reading
is 1.285 plus 0.015 or minus 0.010.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. Refer to Battery Load Test in this Group. If
the battery passes the load test, return the battery to
use. If battery will not endure a load test, it must be
replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery hold
downs, tray, terminals, cables, posts, and top before
completing service.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless procedure is
properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced (Fig. 11).
(1) Measure the voltage at battery posts with a
voltmeter accurate to 1/10 volt (Fig. 12). If below 10
volts, charge current will be low, and it could take
some time before it accepts a current in excess of a
few milliamperes. Such low current may not be
detectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
(2) Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature
polarity protection circuitry that prevents operation
unless charger is connected to battery posts correctly.
A completely discharged battery may not haveenough voltage to activate this circuitry. This may
happen even though the leads are connected properly.
(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. For the time required for
the battery to accept measurable charger current at
various voltages, refer to (Fig. 11). If charge current
is still not measurable after charging times, the bat-
tery should be replaced. If charge current is measur-
able during charging time, the battery may be good,
and charging should be completed in the normal
manner.VISUAL INSPECTION
CAUTION: Do not allow baking soda solution to
enter vent holes, as damage to battery can result.
(1) Clean top of battery with a solution of warm
water and baking soda.
(2) Apply soda solution with a bristle brush and
allow to soak until acid deposits loosen (Fig. 13).
(3) Rinse soda solution from battery with clear
water and blot battery dry with paper toweling. Dis-
pose of toweling in a safe manner. Refer to the
WARNINGS on top of battery.
(4) Inspect battery case and cover for cracks, leak-
age or damaged hold down ledge. If battery is dam-
aged replace it.
Fig. 11 Charging Rate
Fig. 12 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt (Connected)
NS/GSBATTERY 8A - 7
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

CHARGING SYSTEM
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERVIEW............................. 1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR.......... 2
CHARGING SYSTEM OPERATION........... 1
ELECTRONIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR......... 2
GENERATOR............................ 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHARGING SYSTEM RESISTANCE TESTS..... 4
CHARGING SYSTEM...................... 2CURRENT OUTPUT TEST.................. 4
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM TEST...... 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GENERATORÐ2.4L ENGINE................ 9
GENERATORÐ3.0L ENGINE................ 9
GENERATORÐ3.3/3.8 L ENGINE........... 10
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR........................... 11
TORQUE.............................. 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate with one another, and must be tested as a com-
plete system. In order for the vehicle to start and
charge properly, all of the components involved in
these systems must perform within specifications.
Group 8A covers the battery, Group 8B covers the
starting system, and Group 8C covers the charging
system. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for
complete circuit descriptions and diagrams. We have
separated these systems to make it easier to locate
the information you are seeking within this Service
Manual. However, when attempting to diagnose any
of these systems, it is important that you keep their
interdependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in these groups
include the most basic conventional diagnostic meth-
ods to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of an induction ammeter, volt/ohmmeter,
battery charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester),
and 12-volt test lamp may be required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. See the
On-Board Diagnostics Test in Group 8C - Charging
System for more information.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CHARGING SYSTEM OPERATION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Ignition switch (refer to Group 8D, Ignition Sys-
tem for information)
²Battery (refer to Group 8A, Battery for informa-
tion)
²Temperature is measured by a sensor in the
PCM circuitry
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to Group
8W, Wiring for information)
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, battery voltage is applied to the
generator rotor through one of the two field termi-
nals to produce a magnetic field. The generator is
driven by the engine through a serpentine belt and
pulley arrangement.
The amount of DC current produced by the gener-
ator is controlled by the EVR (field control) circuitry,
contained within the PCM. This circuitry is con-
nected in series with the second rotor field terminal
and ground.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including the
EVR (field control) circuitry, are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. See On-
Board Diagnostic System Test in this group for more
information.
NSCHARGING SYSTEM 8C - 1

GENERATOR
The generator is belt-driven by the engine. It is
serviced only as a complete assembly. If the genera-
tor fails for any reason, the entire assembly must be
replaced.
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The Y type stator winding connections deliver the
induced AC current to 3 positive and 3 negative
diodes for rectification. From the diodes, rectified DC
current is delivered to the vehicle electrical system
through the generator, battery, and ground terminals.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by:
²Worn, loose or defective bearings
²Loose or defective drive pulley
²Incorrect, worn, damaged or misadjusted drive
belt
²Loose mounting bolts
²Misaligned drive pulley
²Defective stator or diode
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The temperature sensor, in the PCM, is used to
determine the battery temperature. This temperature
data, along with data from monitored line voltage, is
used by the PCM to vary the battery charging rate.
System voltage will be higher at colder temperatures
and is gradually reduced at warmer temperatures.
ELECTRONIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR
The Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) is not a
separate component. It is actually a voltage regulat-
ing circuit located within the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The EVR is not serviced separately. If
replacement is necessary, the PCM must be replaced.
Operation:The amount of DC current produced
by the generator is controlled by EVR circuitry con-
tained within the PCM. This circuitry is connected in
series with the generators second rotor field terminal
and its ground.
Voltage is regulated by cycling the ground path to
control the strength of the rotor magnetic field. The
EVR circuitry monitors system line voltage and bat-
tery temperature (refer to Battery Temperature Sen-
sor for more information). It then compensates and
regulates generator current output accordingly. Also
refer to Charging System Operation for additional
information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHARGING SYSTEM
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion, battery potential will register on the voltmeter.
During engine cranking a lower voltage will appear
on the meter. With the engine running, a voltage
reading higher than the first reading (ignition in ON)
should register.
The following are possible symptoms of a charging
system fault:
²The voltmeter does not operate properly
²An undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²Accessories being left on with the engine not
running
²A faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. See Ignition-Off Draw Test
in Group 8A, Battery for more information.
The following procedures may be used to correct a
problem diagnosed as a charging system fault.
INSPECTION
(1) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(2) Inspect all fuses in the fuseblock module and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in
receptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(3) Inspect the electrolyte level in the battery.
Replace battery if electrolyte level is low.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
torque specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in Group 7, Cooling Sys-
tem.
(6) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for information.
(7) Inspect connections at generator field, battery
output, and ground terminals. Also check ground con-
nection at engine. They should all be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
8C - 2 CHARGING SYSTEMNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

CHARGING SYSTEM SCHEMATICÐTYPICAL
NSCHARGING SYSTEM 8C - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CHARGING SYSTEM RESISTANCE TESTS
These tests will show the amount of voltage drop
across the generator output wire from the generator
output (B+) terminal to the battery positive post.
They will also show the amount of voltage drop from
the ground (-) terminal on the generator or case
ground (Fig. 1) to the battery negative post.
A voltmeter with a 0±18 volt DC scale should be
used for these tests. By repositioning the voltmeter
test leads, the point of high resistance (voltage drop)
can easily be found.
PREPARATION
(1) Before starting test, make sure battery is in
good condition and is fully-charged. See Group 8A,
Battery for more information.
(2) Check condition of battery cables at battery.
Clean if necessary.
(3) Start the engine and allow it to reach normal
operating temperature.
(4) Shut engine off.
(5) Connect an engine tachometer.
(6) Fully engage the parking brake.
TEST
(1) Start engine.
(2) Place heater blower in high position.
(3) Turn on headlamps and place in high-beam
position.
(4) Turn rear window defogger on.
(5) Bring engine speed up to 2400 rpm and hold.
(6) Testing (+ positive) circuitry:
(a) Touch the negative lead of voltmeter directly
to battery positivePOST(Fig. 2).
(b) Touch the positive lead of voltmeter to the
B+ output terminal stud on the generator (not the
terminal mounting nut). Voltage should be no
higher than 0.6 volts. If voltage is higher than 0.6
volts, touch test lead to terminal mounting stud
nut and then to the wiring connector. If voltage is
now below 0.6 volts, look for dirty, loose or poor
connection at this point. Also check condition of the
generator output wire-to-battery bullet connector.
Refer to Group 8, Wiring for connector location. A
voltage drop test may be performed at each (-
ground) connection in this circuit to locate the
excessive resistance.
(7) Testing (- ground) circuitry:
(a) Touch the positive lead of voltmeter directly
to battery negativePOST.
(b) Touch the negative lead of voltmeter to the
generator case. Voltage should be no higher than
0.3 volts. If voltage is higher than 0.3 volts, touch
test lead to generator case and then to the engine
block. If voltage is now below 0.3 volts, look for
dirty, loose or poor connection at this point. A volt-
age drop test may be performed at each connectionin this circuit to locate the excessive resistance.
This test can also be performed between the gener-
ator case and the engine. If test voltage is higher
than 0.3 volts, check for corrosion at generator
mounting points or loose generator mounting.
CURRENT OUTPUT TEST
The current output test will determine if the
charging system can deliver its minimum test cur-
rent (amperage) output. Refer to the Specifications
section at the end of this group for minimum test
current (amperage) requirements.
The first part of this test will determine the com-
bined amperage output of both the generator and the
Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry.
PREPARATION
(1) Determine if any Diagnostic Trouble Codes
(DTC) exist. To determine a DTC, refer to On-Board
Diagnostics in this group. For repair, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures man-
ual.
(2) Before starting test, make sure battery is in
good condition and is fully-charged. See Group 8A,
Battery for more information.
(3) Check condition of battery cables at battery.
Clean if necessary.
(4) Perform the Voltage Drop Test. This will
ensure clean and tight generator/battery electrical
connections.
(5) Be sure the generator drive belt is properly
tensioned. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for
information.
(6) A volt/amp tester equipped with both a battery
load control (carbon pile rheostat) and an inductive-
type pickup clamp (ammeter probe) will be used for
this test. Refer to operating instructions supplied
with tester. When using a tester equipped with an
inductive-type clamp, removal of wiring at the gener-
ator will not be necessary.
(7) Start the engine and allow it to reach operating
temperature.
(8) Shut engine off.
(9) Turn off all electrical accessories and all vehicle
lighting.
(10) Connect the volt/amp tester leads to the bat-
tery. Be sure the carbon pile rheostat control is in the
OPEN or OFF position before connecting leads. See
Load Test in Group 8A, Battery for more information.
Also refer to the operating instructions supplied with
test equipment.
(11) Connect the inductive clamp (ammeter probe).
Refer to the operating instructions supplied with test
equipment.
(12) If volt/amp tester is not equipped with an
engine tachometer, connect a separate tachometer to
the engine.
8C - 4 CHARGING SYSTEMNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CHARGING SYSTEM TEST
NSCHARGING SYSTEM 8C - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)