Page 281 of 1938
STARTING SYSTEM
CONTENTS
page
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STARTER ............................. 1
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STARTER
2.0L ENGINE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 1).
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Disconnect solenoid wire connector from termi-
nal.
(4) Remove nut holding B+ wire to terminal.
(5) Disconnect solenoid and B+ wires from starter
terminals.
(6) Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bell-
housing (Fig. 2).
(7) Remove starter.INSTALLATION
(1) Place starter in position on vehicle.
(2) Install starter attaching bolts to transaxle bell-
housing and tighten to the proper torque.
(3) Place solenoid and B+ wires in position on
starter terminals.
(4) Install nut to hold B+ wire to terminal.
(5) Connect solenoid wire connector onto terminal.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect battery negative cable.
(8) Verify starter operation.
Fig. 1 Battery Negative Cable
Fig. 2 Starter - 2.0L Engine
NS/GSSTARTING SYSTEM 8B - 1
Page 282 of 1938

2.4L ENGINE - With Manual Transaxle
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 1).
(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. 3).
(8) Remove starter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place starter in position on vehicle.
(2) Install starter attaching bolts to transaxle bell-
housing and tighten to the proper torque.(3) Place solenoid and B+ wires in position on
starter terminals.
(4) Install nut to hold B+ wire to terminal.
(5) Connect solenoid wire connector onto terminal.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect battery negative cable.
(8) Verify starter operation.
2.4L ENGINE - With Automatic Transaxle
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 1).
(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.
Fig. 3 Starter - 2.4L Engine with Manual Transaxle
8B - 2 STARTING SYSTEMNS/GS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 283 of 1938
(7) Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bell-
housing (Fig. 4).
(8) Remove starter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place starter in position on vehicle.
(2) Install starter attaching bolts to transaxle bell-
housing and tighten to the proper torque
(3) Place solenoid and B+ wires in position on
starter terminals.
(4) Install nut to hold B+ wire to terminal.
(5) Connect solenoid wire connector onto terminal.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect battery negative cable.
(8) Verify starter operation.
3.0L ENGINE
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 1).
(3) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(4) Remove nut holding solenoid wire to terminal
(Fig. 5).(5) Remove nut holding B+ wire to terminal (Fig.
6)
(6) Disconnect solenoid and B+ wires from starter
terminals.
Fig. 4 Starter - 2.4L Engine with Automatic Transaxle
Fig. 5 Wire Connectors
NS/GSSTARTING SYSTEM 8B - 3
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 284 of 1938

(7) Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bell-
housing (Fig. 6).
(8) Remove starter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place starter in position on vehicle.
(2) Install starter attaching bolts to transaxle bell-
housing and tighten to the proper torque.
(3) Place solenoid and B+ wires in position on
starter terminals.
(4) Install nut to hold B+ wire to terminal.
(5) Install nut to hold solenoid wire to terminal.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect battery negative cable.
(8) Verify starter operation.
3.3/3.8L ENGINE
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 1).
(3) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(4) Remove nut holding B+ terminal to starter
solenoid (Fig. 7).
(5) Disconnect solenoid connector from starter.
(6) Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bell-
housing.
(7) Remove starter from bellhousing (Fig. 8).
(8) Separate starter spacer from transaxle bell-
housing.INSTALLATION
(1) Place starter spacer in position on transaxle
bellhousing, flange toward flywheel.
(2) Place starter in position on bellhousing.
(3) Install starter attaching bolts to transaxle bell-
housing and tighten to the proper torque.
(4) Connect solenoid connector into starter.
(5) Install nut to hold B+ terminal to starter sole-
noid.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect battery negative cable.
(8) Verify starter operation.
Fig. 6 Starter±3.0L Engine
Fig. 7 Wire Connectors
8B - 4 STARTING SYSTEMNS/GS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 285 of 1938
2.5L DIESEL ENGINE
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 1).
(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
terminal.
(7) Remove three bolts holding starter to transaxle
bellhousing (Fig. 9).
(8) Remove starter.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures and
verify the operation of the starter.
Fig. 8 Starter±3.3/3.8L Engine
Fig. 9 Starter±2.5L Diesel Engine
NS/GSSTARTING SYSTEM 8B - 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 286 of 1938
Page 287 of 1938

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
Page 288 of 1938

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)