²Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral
Position switch with automatic transmissions
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch with manual
transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
²To disable ignition and fuel systems, disconnect
the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The ASD relay
is located in the in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for the proper relay
location.
STARTER SOLENOID
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED
(1) Verify battery condition. Battery must be in
good condition with a full charge before performing
any starter tests. Refer to Battery Tests.
(2) Perform Starter Solenoid test BEFORE per-
forming the starter relay test.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Locate and remove the starter relay from the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC
label for relay identification and location.
(7) Connect a remote starter switch or a jumper
wire between the remote battery positive post and
terminal 87 of the starter relay connector.
(a) If engine cranks, starter/starter solenoid is
good. Go to the Starter Relay Test.
(b) If engine does not or solenoid chatters, check
wiring and connectors from starter relay to starter
solenoid for loose or corroded connections. Particu-
larly at starter terminals.
(c) Repeat test. If engine still fails to crank prop-
erly, trouble is within starter or starter mounted
solenoid, and replace starter.
STARTER RELAY
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION/NEUTRAL
WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED
RELAY TEST
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. Refer
to the PDC label for relay identification and location.
Remove the starter relay from the PDC as
described in this group to perform the following tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 7565 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery B+ lead to terminals 86 and
a ground lead to terminal 85 to energize the relay.
The relay should click. Also test for continuity
between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity
between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to Relay
Circuit Test procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty
relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the Start position. On
Starter Relay
8B - 2 STARTERNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
(1) Connect a volt-ampere tester to the battery ter-
minals (Fig. 7). Refer to the operating instructions
provided with the tester being used.
(2) 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. The 2.5L Diesel Engine, to disable the
engine from starting, disconnect wire connector from
the Fuel Solenoid.
(3) Verify that all lights and accessories are OFF,
and the transmission shift selector is in the PARK
position or with the clutch pedal depressed and SET
parking brake.
CAUTION: Do not overheat the starter motor or
draw the battery voltage below 9.6 volts during
cranking operations.
(4) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Observe the volt-ampere tester (Fig.
6).
²If voltage reads above 9.6 volts, and amperage
draw reads above 280 amps or the Diesel engine
above 450 amps, check for engine seizing or faulty
starter.
²If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amper-
age reads 0 to 10 amps, check for corroded cables
and/or bad connections.
²Voltage below 9.6 volts and amperage draw
above 300 amps or Diesel engine above 500 amps,
the problem is the starter. Replace the starter refer
to starter removal.
(5) After the starting system problems have been
corrected, verify the battery state-of-charge and
charge battery if necessary. Disconnect all testingequipment and connect ASD relay or the Fuel Sole-
noid. Start the vehicle several times to assure the
problem has been corrected.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STARTERÐ2.4L ENGINE
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 8).
(3) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(4) Disconnect solenoid wire connector from termi-
nal.
(5) Remove nut holding B+ wire to terminal.
(6) Disconnect solenoid and B+ wires from starter
terminals.
(7) Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bell-
housing (Fig. 9).
(8) Remove starter.
Fig. 7 Volt-Ampere Tester Connections
Fig. 8 Battery Negative Cable
Fig. 9 Starter±2.4L Engine
NSSTARTER 8B - 5
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)
TEST
(1) Perform the previous test Preparation.
(2) Fully engage the parking brake.
(3) Start engine.
(4) Bring engine speed to 2500 rpm.
(5) With engine speed held at 2500 rpm, slowly
adjust the rheostat control (load) on the tester to
obtain the highest amperage reading. Do not allow
voltage to drop below 12 volts. Record the reading.
This load test must be performed within 15 sec-
onds to prevent damage to test equipment.On
certain brands of test equipment, this load will be
applied automatically. Refer to the operating manual
supplied with test equipment.
(6) The ammeter reading must meet the Minimum
Test Amps specifications as displayed in the Genera-tor Ratings chart. This can be found in the Specifica-
tions section at the end of this group. A label stating
a part reference number is attached to the generator
case. On some engines this label may be located on
the bottom of the case. Compare this reference num-
ber to the Generator Ratings chart.
(7) Rotate the load control to the OFF position.
(8) Continue holding engine speed at 2500. If EVR
circuitry is OK, amperage should drop below 15±20
amps. With all electrical accessories and vehicle
lighting off, this could take several minutes of engine
operation. If amperage did not drop, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures man-
ual for testing.
(9) Remove volt/amp tester.
If minimum amperage could not be met, refer to
the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures
manual for testing.
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM TEST
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the OBD system. Some
circuits are checked continuously and some are
checked only under certain conditions.
If the OBD system senses that a monitored circuit
is bad, it will put a DTC into electronic memory. The
DTC will stay in electronic memory as long as the
circuit continues to be bad. The PCM is programmed
to clear the memory after 50 engine starts if the
problem does not occur again.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Refer to Group 25, On Board Diagnostic for more
information. A DTC description can be read using the
DRB scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual for information.
A DTC does not identify which component in a cir-
cuit is bad. Thus, a DTC should be treated as a
symptom, not as the cause for the problem. In some
cases, because of the design of the diagnostic test
procedure, a DTC can be the reason for another DTC
to be set. Therefore, it is important that the test pro-
cedures be followed in sequence, to understand what
caused a DTC to be set.
ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
The DRB Scan Tool must be used to erase a DTC.
Fig. 1 Generator Terminals
Fig. 2 Battery Voltage TestÐTypical
NSCHARGING SYSTEM 8C - 7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
NOTE: Over or under tightening effects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
TESTING FOR SPARK AT COILÐ2.4/3.3/3.8L
ENGINES
WARNING: THE DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEMS GEN-
ERATES APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VOLTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT
WITH THIS SYSTEM.
The coil pack contains independent coils. Each coil
must be checked individually.
CAUTION: Spark plug wire damage may occur if
the spark plug is moved more than 1/4 inch away
from the engine ground.
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected any longer than 30 seconds or possi-
ble heat damage to catalytic converter will occur.
CAUTION: Test must be performed at idle and in
park only with the parking brake on.
Use a new spark plug and spark plug cable
for the following test.
(1) Insert a new spark plug into the new spark
plug boot. Ground the plug to the engine (Fig. 15).
Do not hold with your hand.
(2) Starting with coil insulator #1, remove it from
the DIS coil.(3) Plug the test spark plug cable onto #1 coil
tower. Make sure a good connection is made; there
should be a click sound.
(4) Crank the engine and look for spark across the
electrodes of the spark plug.
CAUTION: Always install the cable back on the coil
tower after testing to avoid damage to the coil and
catalytic converter.
(5) Repeat the above test for the remaining coils. If
there is no spark during all cylinder tests, proceed to
the Failure To Start Test.
(6) If one or more tests indicate irregular, weak, or
no spark, proceed to Check Coil Test.
TESTING FOR SPARK AT COILÐ3.0L
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 using non-conduc-
tive ignition pliers (Fig. 16). Crank the engine and
inspect for spark at the coil secondary cable.
There must be a constant spark at the coil second-
ary cable. If spark is not constant or there is no
spark, proceed to the failure to start test. If the
spark is constant, continue 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 a constant spark is present and no arcing occurs
at the coil tower, the ignition system is producing the
necessary high secondary voltage. However, make
Fig. 15 Testing For Spark
Fig. 16 Checking for Spark
8D - 8 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (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)
(2) Connect wire connector into back of instrument
cluster.
(3) Position instrument cluster in instrument
panel.
(4) Install instrument cluster mounting screws to
instrument panel.
(5) Install instrument cluster bezel.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH MECHANICAL
TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the lower steering column cover.
(2) Remove the metal knee blocker panel.
(3) Disconnect the transmission range indicator
cable end from shift lever by flexing the HOOP on
the transmission shift cable rearward and slip the
indicator cable loop off the lever pin (Fig. 23).
(4) Disconnect the clip holding the indicator cable
to the steering column/transmission shift cable
bracket.
(5) Remove the instrument cluster bezel.
(6) Rotate top of the cluster rearward.
(7) Disconnect the wire connector from back of the
instrument cluster.
(8) Remove the instrument cluster carefully while
guiding the range indicator cable and guide tube
through the opening to avoid any damage (Fig. 24).
INSTALLATION
(1) Verify the free travel of the range indicator
cable from P to 1 by gently pulling on the cable and
relaxing the cable. DO NOT SNAP THE CABLE
ONCE IT IS PULLED.
(2) Position the instrument cluster in instrument
panel and route the indicator cable and guide tube
through the opening in the instrument panel. Posi-tion the cluster by leading the bottom in first, con-
nect the wire connector, and rotate upward.
(3) Install the screws to hold the instrument clus-
ter to the instrument panel.
(4) Install the instrument cluster bezel.
(5) Connect the clip to hold the indicator cable to
steering column/transmission shift cable bracket. The
indicator cable and guide tube should BOW towards
the passenger side of the vehicle (Fig. 25).
(6) Connect indicator cable loop end to shift lever
by flexing the hoop on the transmission shift cable
rearward, then slip the indicator cable loop over the
shift lever pin and into the groove.
(7) Assuming the transmission shift system is
properly adjusted, place the shift lever in neutral N
position.
NOTE: The parking brake should have been
engaged for safety purposes.
Fig. 22 Instrument Panel ±Electronic Transmission
Range IndicatorFig. 23 Range Indicator
Fig. 24 Removing and Installing Cluster
8E - 24 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMSNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Place lower console in position.
(2) Slide console forward around instrument panel
supports.
(3) Install screws to hold lower console to floor
bracket and instrument panel.
LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the right end cover.
(2) Remove the steering column bezel.
(3) Remove the radio bezel and the HVAC control.
(4) Remove the lower console.
(5) Remove the convenience cup holder and track.
(6) Remove the glove box.
(7) Remove the glove box latch striker.
(8) Remove the glove box lamp.
(9) Disconnect the wire connector from glove box
lamp.
(10) Remove the screws holding the lower instru-
ment panel to the reinforcement frame around the
glove box opening (Fig. 44).
(11) Remove the screw holding the lower instru-
ment panel to the right side of instrument panel.
(12) Remove the screw holding the lower instru-
ment panel to the upper instrument panel at the left
side panel above the accelerator pedal.
(13) Remove the instrument cluster bezel as neces-
sary to gain access to the lower instrument panel
screws.
(14) Remove the screw holding instrument panel
to the upper panel below the instrument cluster.
(15) Remove the screws holding rear of storage
pocket to the panel support frame.
(16) Remove the screws holding the lower instru-
ment panel to the upper instrument panel from
below radio.(17) Remove the screws holding lower instrument
panel to the support frame in floor console area.
(18) Separate the lower instrument from the upper
instrument panel.
(19) Disconnect the wire connectors from back of
the 12 volt outlet base.
(20) Remove the lower instrument from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
LOWER STEERING COLUMN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove screws holding parking brake release
handle to instrument panel (Fig. 45).
(2) Remove screws holding bottom of lower steer-
ing column cover to instrument panel (Fig. 46).
(3) Remove screw holding right side of lower steer-
ing column cover to instrument panel.
Fig. 44 Lower Instrument Panel
Fig. 45 Park Brake Release Handle
Fig. 46 Lower Steering Column Cover
NSINSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMS 8E - 31
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)