
use. Refer to Causes of Battery Discharging in this
Group for more information.
NOTE: CLEAR COLOR = Replace Battery
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE, ASSIST BOOST,
LOAD TEST, OR ADD WATER TO THE BATTERY
WHEN CLEAR COLOR DOT IS VISIBLE. PERSONAL
INJURY MAY OCCUR.
A clear color dot shows electrolyte level in battery
is below the test indicator (Fig. 1). Water cannot be
added to a maintenance free battery. The battery
must be replaced. A low electrolyte level may be
caused by an over charging condition. Refer to Gen-
erator Test Procedures on Vehicle.
CAUSES OF BATTERY DISCHARGING
It is normal to have a small 5 to 25 milliamperes
continuous electrical draw from the battery. This
draw will take place with the ignition in the OFF
position, and the courtesy, dome, storage compart-
ments, and engine compartment lights OFF. The con-
tinuous draw is due to various electronic features or
accessories that require electrical current with the
ignition OFF to function properly. When a vehicle is
not used over an extended period of approximately 20
days the IOD fuse should be pulled. The fuse is
located in the power distribution center. Disconnec-
tion of this fuse will reduce the level of battery dis-
charge. Refer to Battery Diagnosis and Testing table
and to the proper procedures.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
²Corroded battery posts, cables or terminals.
²Loose or worn generator drive belt.
²Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories
installed after delivery.
²Slow driving speeds in heavy traffic conditions
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical
systems in use.²Defective electrical circuit or component causing
excess Ignition Off Draw (IOD). Refer to Battery
Ignition Off Draw (IOD).
²Defective charging system.
²Defective battery.
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
High current draw on the battery with the ignition
OFF will discharge a battery. After a dead battery is
serviced the vehicle Ignition Off Draw (IOD) should
be checked. Determine if a high current draw condi-
tion exists first check the vehicle with a test lamp.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
²Remove key from ignition switch
²Turn off all lights
²Liftgate and glove box door is closed
²Sun visor vanity lights are OFF
²All doors are closed
²Allow the Illuminated Entry System to time out
in approximately 30 seconds, if equipped.
²During Transmission Control Module (TCM)
power down there will be 500 milliamperes present
for 20 minutes. Afterwards less than 1.0 milliampere.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 4).
CAUTION: Always disconnect the meter before
opening a door.
(3) Using an multimeter, that has least a milliam-
pere range of 200 mA. Set meter to the highest mA
range. Install meter between the battery negative
cable and battery negative post (Fig. 5). Carefully
remove the test lamp without disconnecting the
meter. After all modules time-out the total vehicle
IOD should be less than 25 milliamperes. If ignition
off draw is more than 25 milliamperes go to Step 4.
(4) Each time the test lamp or milliampere meter
is disconnected and connected, all electronic timer
functions will be activated for approximately one
minute. The Body Control Module (BCM) ignition off
draw can reach 90 milliamperes.
(5) Remove the PDC fuses:
²Interior lamps
²Brake lamp
²IOD
(6) If there is any reading, with fuses removed
there is a short circuit in the wiring. Refer to Group
8W, wiring diagrams. If reading is less than 25 mA
go to Step 8.
(7) Install all fuses. After installing fuse, the cur-
rent can reach 90 mA. After time-out the reading
should not exceed 25 mA. If OK go to. If not, discon-
nect:
²Radio
²Body Control Module
²Remote Keyless Entry Module
Fig. 3 Test Indicator
NSBATTERY 8A - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

clean. If green dot is not visible in indicator, charge
the 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. Batterytemperature 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 Battery Load Test Temperature Table:
(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.
Fig. 5 Milliampere Meter Connection
Fig. 6 Volt-Ammeter Load Tester Connections
Fig. 7 Remove Surface Charge From Battery
Fig. 8 Load 50% Cold Crank Rating
BATTERY LOAD TEST TEMPERATURE
Minimum VoltageTemperature
ÉF ÉC
9.6 volts 70É and above 21É 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
NSBATTERY 8A - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

hydrometer reading. Always correct the specific grav-
ity for temperature variation. Test the specific grav-
ity of the electrolyte in each battery cell. Refer to the
information with the Hydrometer.
Example 1:
²Hydrometer reading: 1.260
²Electrolyte temperature: -7ÉC (20ÉF)
²Subtract specific gravity: -0.019
²Correction specific gravity: 1.241
Example 2:
²Hydrometer reading: 1.225
²Electrolyte temperature: -38ÉC (100ÉF)
²Add specific gravity: +0.013
²Correction specific gravity: 1.238
A fully charged relatively new battery has a spe-
cific gravity reading of 1.285 plus 0.015 or minus
0.010.
If the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235, but
variation between cells is more than 50 points
(0.050), it is an indication that the battery is unser-
viceable.
If the specific gravity of one or more cells is less
than 1.235, recharge the battery at a rate of approx-
imately 5 amperes. Continue charging until three
consecutive specific gravity tests, taken at one-hour
intervals, are constant.
If the cell specific gravity variation is more than 50
points (0.050) at the end of the charge period, replace
the battery.When the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235
and variation between cells is less than 50 points
(0.050), the battery may be tested under heavy load.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
BATTERY DISCHARGING
CAUSE OF BATTERY DISCHARGING
It is normal to have a small 5 to 25 milliamperes
continuous electrical draw from the battery. This
draw will take place with the ignition in the OFF
position, and the courtesy, dome, storage compart-
ments, and engine compartment lights OFF. The con-
tinuous draw is due to various electronic features or
accessories that require electrical current with the
ignition OFF to function properly. When a vehicle is
not used over an extended period of approximately 20
days the IOD fuse should be disconnected. The fuse
is located in the power distribution center. Disconnec-
tion of this fuse will reduce the level of battery dis-
charge. Refer to Battery Diagnosis and Testing Chart
and to the proper procedures.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
²Corroded battery posts, cables or terminals.
²Loose or worn generator drive belt.
²Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories
installed after delivery.
²Slow driving speeds in heavy traffic conditions
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical
systems in use.
²Defective electrical circuit or component causing
excess Ignition Off Draw (IOD). Refer to Battery
Ignition Off Draw (IOD).
²Defective charging system.
²Defective battery.
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW
High current draw on the battery with the ignition
OFF will discharge a battery. After a dead battery is
serviced the vehicle Ignition Off Draw (IOD) should
be checked. Determine if a high current draw condi-
tion exists first check the vehicle with a test lamp.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
²Remove key from ignition switch
²Turn off all lights
²Liftgate and glove box door is closed
²Sun visor vanity lights are OFF
²All doors are closed
²Allow the Illuminated Entry System to time out
in approximately 30 seconds, if equipped.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Battery Hydrometer
NS/GSBATTERY 8A - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

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)

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)

cylinder 4 crankshaft timing marks follow. One cam-
shaft pulse after the 3 pulses indicates cylinder 5.
The 2 camshaft pulses after cylinder 5 signals cylin-
der 6 (Fig. 10). The PCM can synchronize on cylin-
ders1or4.
When metal aligns with the sensor, voltage goes
low (less than 0.3 volts). When a notch aligns with
the sensor, voltage switches high (5.0 volts). As a
group of notches pass under the sensor, the voltage
switches from low (metal) to high (notch) then back
to low. The number of notches determine the amount
of pulses. If available, an oscilloscope can display the
square wave patterns of each timing event.
Top Dead Center (TDC) does not occur when
notches on the camshaft sprocket pass below the cyl-
inder. TDC occurs after the camshaft pulse (or
pulses) and after the 4 crankshaft pulses associated
with the particular cylinder. The arrows and cylinder
call outs on Figure 4 represent which cylinder the
flat spot and notches identify, they do not indicate
TDC position.
The camshaft position sensor is mounted in the
front of the timing case cover (Fig. 11).
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
The MAP sensor reacts to absolute pressure in the
intake manifold and provides an input voltage to the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As engine load
changes, manifold pressure varies. The changes in
engine load cause the MAP sensors resistance to
change. The change in MAP sensor resistance results
in a different input voltage to the PCM.
The input voltage level supplies the PCM with
information relating to ambient barometric pressure
during engine start-up (cranking) and engine load
while its operating. Based on MAP sensor voltage
and inputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts
spark advance and the air-fuel mixture.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR
The ECT sensor is located next to the thermostat
housing (Fig. 12). The sensor provides an input volt-
age to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Thesensor is a variable resistance (thermistor) with a
range of -40ÉF to 265ÉF. As coolant temperature var-
ies, the sensors resistance changes, resulting in a dif-
ferent input voltage to the PCM.
The PCM contains different spark advance sched-
ules for cold and warm engine operation. The sched-
ules reduce engine emission and improve driveability.
When the engine is cold, the PCM will demand
slightly richer air-fuel mixtures and higher idle
speeds until normal operating temperatures are
reached.
The ECT sensor input is also used for cooling fan
control.
Fig. 9 Camshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 10 Camshaft Sprocket
Fig. 11 Camshaft Position Sensor Location
8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)