1996 CHRYSLER VOYAGER ignition

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)

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
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)

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

²available manifold vacuum
²barometric pressure
²engine coolant temperature
²engine RPM
²intake air temperature (2.4L only)
²throttle position
The PCM also regulates the fuel injection system.
Refer to the Fuel Injection sections of Group 14.
IGNITION SYSTEM
NOTE: The 2.4, 3.0 and 3.3/3.8L engines use a fixed
ignition timing system. Basic ignition timing is not
adjustable. All spark advance is determined by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The distributorless ignition system used on 2.4 and
3.3/3.8L engines is refered to as the Direct Ignition
System (DIS). The system's three main components
are the coil pack, crankshaft position sensor, and
camshaft position sensor. The crankshaft position
sensor and camshaft position sensor are hall effect
devices.
The 3.0L engine uses a distributor, crankshaft sen-
sor and ignition coil. The system's main components
are the distributor, distributor pickup, camshaft sig-
nal, crankshaft signal and ignition coil.
SPARK PLUGSÐ2.4/3.0L
All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
Group O - Lubrication and Maintenance.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Refer to the Spark Plug Condition section of
this group. After cleaning, file the center electrode
flat with a small flat point file or jewelers file. Adjust
the gap between the electrodes (Fig. 2) to the dimen-
sions specified in the chart at the end of this section.
Special care should be used when installing spark
plugs in the 2.4L cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the wells, damage to
the electrodes can occur.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap. Overtightening can
also damage the cylinder head. Tighten spark plugs
to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.SPARK PLUGSÐ3.3/3.8L
The 3.3/3.8L engines utilize platinum spark plugs.
Refer to the maintenance schedule in Group 0 of this
service manual.
Fig. 1 Powertrain Control Module
Fig. 2 Setting Spark Plug Electrode Gap
8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
Group O - Lubrication and Maintenance.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Refer to the Spark Plug Condition section of
this group.
The spark plugs are double platinum and have a
recommended service life of 100,000 miles for normal
driving conditions per schedule A in this manual. The
spark plugs have a recommended service life of
75,000 miles for serve driving conditions per schedule
B in this manual. A thin platinum pad is welded to
both electrode ends as show in (Fig. 3). Extreme care
must be used to prevent spark plug cross threading,
mis-gaping and ceramic insulator damage during
plug removal and installation.
CAUTION: Never attempt to file the electrodes or
use a wire brush for cleaning platinum plugs. This
would damage the platinum pads which would
shorten spark plug life.
Apply a very small amount of anti-seize compound
to the threads when reinstalling the vehicle's original
spark plugs that have been determined good.Do not
apply anti-seize compound to new spark plugs.
NOTE: Anti-seize compound is electrically conduc-
tive and can cause engine misfires if not applied
correctly. It is extremely important that the anti-
seize compound doesn't make contact with the
spark plug electrodes or ceramic insulator.
Never force a gap gauge between the platinum
electrodes or adjust the gap on platinum spark plugs
without reading the 3.3/3.8L Spark Plug Gap Mea-
surement procedures in this section.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap. Overtightening can
also damage the cylinder head. Tighten spark plugs
to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
Due to the engine packaging environment for the
3.3/3.8L engines, extreme care should be used wheninstalling the spark plugs to avoid cross threading
problems.
3.3/3.8L SPARK PLUG GAP MEASUREMENT
CAUTION: The Platinum pads can be damaged dur-
ing the measurement of checking the gap if extreme
care is not used.
²USE ONLY A TAPER GAP GAUGE (Fig. 2)
²Never force the gap gauge through the platinum
pads. Only apply enough force until resistance is felt.
²Never use a wire brush or spark plug cleaner
machine to clean platinum spark plugs
²Use an OSHA approved air nozzle when drying
gas fouled spark plugs.
If gap adjustment is required of platinum plug,
bend only the ground electrode. DO NOT TOUCH
the platinum pads. Use only a proper gapping tool
and check with a taper gap gauge.
CAUTION: Cleaning of the platinum plug may dam-
age the platinum tip.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as
secondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electri-
cal current from the ignition coil pack, distributor
(3.0L), to individual spark plugs at each cylinder. The
resistive spark plug cables are of nonmetallic con-
struction. The cables provide suppression of radio fre-
quency emissions from the ignition system.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil, distributor cap towers (3.0L), and
spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated. The
insulators should be in good condition and should fit
tightly on the coil, distributor (3.0L) and spark plugs.
Spark plug cables with insulators that are cracked or
torn must be replaced.
Fig. 3 Platinum Pads
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 3
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)