
(5) Inspect battery tray for damage caused by acid
from battery. If acid is present, clean area with bak-
ing soda solution.
(6) Clean battery posts with a battery post clean-
ing tool (Fig. 14).
(7) Clean battery cable clamps with a battery ter-
minal cleaning tool (Fig. 15). Replace cables that are
frayed or have broken clamps.REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BATTERY
WARNING: TO PROTECT THE HANDS FROM BAT-
TERY ACID, A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY
RUBBER GLOVES, NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE,
SHOULD BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SERVIC-
ING A BATTERY. SAFETY GLASSES ALSO SHOULD
BE WORN.
REMOVAL
(1) Verify that the ignition switch and all accesso-
ries are OFF.
(2) Disconnect battery cable terminals from the
battery posts, negative first (Fig. 16).
3
(3) Remove battery hold down (Fig. 17).
(4) Remove battery from vehicle (Fig. 18).
INSTALLATION
Inspect and clean battery and attaching compo-
nents before installation.
(1) Install battery in vehicle making sure that bat-
tery is properly positioned on battery tray.
(2) Install battery hold down.
(3) Connect battery cable terminals, positive cable
first. Make sure the top of battery terminals are
flush with top of posts.
WARNING: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN BATTERY
CABLE CLAMPS, DAMAGE TO CLAMPS CAN
RESULT.
Fig. 13 Cleaning Battery
Fig. 14 Cleaning Battery Post
Fig. 15 Cleaning Battery Cable Terminal
8A - 8 BATTERYNS/GS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

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)

Clean Spark Plug cables with a cloth moistened
with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry.
Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
SPARK PLUG CABLESÐ3.3/3.8L
The spark plug cables and spark plug boots are
made from high temperature silicone materials. The
spark plug boots utilize metal heat shields for ther-
mal protection from the exhaust manifold. The heat
shields slide over the spark plug boots. The notches
on the heat shields ensure the spark plug boot and
shield twist together during spark plug boot removal.
They also identify proper heat shield installation on
the boot for service.Refer to 3.3/3.8L Spark Plug
Cable removal and installation.All spark plug
cable leads are properly identified with cylinder num-
bers. The inside of the spark plug boot is coated with
a special high temperature silicone grease for greater
sealing and to minimize boot bonding to the spark
plug insulator. The convoluted tubing on the rear
plug cables are made of a high temperature plastic
material. Under normal driving conditions, the spark
plug cables have a recommended service life of a
100,000 miles. The spark plugs have a recommended
service life of 75,000 miles for severe driving condi-
tions per schedule B in this manual.
The spark plug heat shield can be reused if an
ignition cable is replaced due to failure. Never reuse
heat shield's that have heat shield anti-twist, side or
spark plug attachment tabs bent or missing. Ensure
that the heat shield is properly attached to the spark
plug to avoid RFI problems. The bottom of the spark
plug heat shield must make contact with the spark
plug hex.
The front ignition cables must not make contact
with the oil dip stick tube and #5 cable must not
touch the coil mounting bolt to avoid abrasion/dielec-
tric failures.
IGNITION COIL
WARNING: THE DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM GEN-
ERATES APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VOLTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT
WITH THIS SYSTEM.
The ignition coil assembly consists of 3 indepen-
dent coils molded together (Fig. 4). The coil assembly
is mounted on the intake manifold. Spark plug cables
route to each cylinder from the coil. The coil fires two
spark plugs every power stroke. One plug is the cyl-
inder under compression, the other cylinder fires on
the exhaust stroke. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) determines which of the coils to charge and
fire at the correct time.
Coil 1 fires cylinders 1 and 4, coil 2 fires cylinders
2 and 5, coil 3 fires cylinders 3 and 6.The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil
primary transfers to the secondary causing the
spark. The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it
does not receive the crankshaft position sensor and
camshaft position sensor inputs. Refer to Auto Shut-
down (ASD) RelayÐPCM Output, in this section for
relay operation.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) operates
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay by switching the
ground path on and off.
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage to the fuel
injectors, electronic ignition coil and the heating ele-
ments in the oxygen sensors.
The PCM controls the relay by switching the
ground path for the solenoid side of the relay on and
off. The PCM turns the ground path off when the
ignition switch is in the Off position unless the 02
Heater Monitor test is being run. Refer to Group 25,
On-Board Diagnostics. When the ignition switch is in
the On or Crank position, the PCM monitors the
crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sen-
sor signals to determine engine speed and ignition
timing (coil dwell). If the PCM does not receive the
crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sen-
sor signals when the ignition switch is in the Run
position, it will de-energize the ASD relay.
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). The PDC is located on the driver's
side inner fender well (Fig. 5). A label on the under-
side of the PDC cover identifies the relays and fuses
in the PDC.
Fig. 4 Ignition Coil Pack
8D - 4 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (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)

(1) Install target magnet in end of camshaft.
Tighten mounting screw to 5.65 N´m (50 in. lbs.)
torque.
(2) Install a new O-ring on sensor.
(3) Install camshaft position sensor. Tighten sensor
mounting screws to 9.6 N´m (85 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Attach engine harness connector to camshaft
position sensor.
(5) Install air cleaner inlet tube and filtered air
tube.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSORÐ2.4/3.3/3.8L
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from MAP sen-
sor (Fig. 12).
(2) Remove two screws holding sensor to the
intake manifold.
INSTALLATION
(1) Reverse the above procedure for installation.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
Refer to Group 14, Fuel Injection Section, for
Removal/Installation.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐ2.4L
The coolant sensor threads into the top of the ther-
mostat housing (Fig. 13). New sensors have sealant
applied to the threads.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
REFER TO GROUP 7- COOLING.
Fig. 10 Target Magnet
Fig. 11 Target Magnet Installation
Fig. 12 Map Absolute Pressure Sensor
Fig. 13 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐ2.4L
8D - 20 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Reverse the above procedure for installation.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐ3.0L
The sensor is installed next to the thermostat
housing (Fig. 3).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
REFER TO GROUP 7- COOLING.
REMOVAL
(1) With the engine cold, drain coolant until level
drops below cylinder head. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System.
(2) Disconnect coolant sensor electrical connector.
(3) Remove coolant sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install coolant sensor. Tighten sensor to 7 N´m
(60 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Attach electrical connector to sensor.
(3) Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Disconnect crankshaft position sensor electrical
connector from the wiring harness connector (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove crankshaft position sensor retaining
bolt.
(4) Pull crankshaft position sensor straight up out
of the transaxle housing.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the removed sensor is to be reinstalled,
clean off the old spacer on the sensor face. A NEW
SPACER must be attached to the sensor face before
installation. If the sensor is being replaced, confirm
that the paper spacer is attached to the face of the
new sensor (Fig. 5).
(1) Install sensor in transaxle and push sensor
down until contact is made with the drive plate.
While holding the sensor in this position, and install
and tighten the retaining bolt to 11.9 N´m (105 in.
lbs.) torque.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Connect crankshaft position sensor electrical
connector to the wiring harness connector.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
Refer to Group 14, Fuel Injection Section, for
Removal/Installation.
Fig. 3 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
Fig. 4 Crankshaft Position Sensor Connector
Fig. 5 Crankshaft Position Sensor and Spacer
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 25
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

3.3/3.8L ENGINE
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FIRING ORDERÐ3.3/3.8L................. 28
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR............ 31
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.......... 30
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR . . 32
IGNITION COIL......................... 30
KNOCK SENSORÐ3.3/3.8L................ 32
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSOR............................. 32SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICEÐ3.3/3.8L
ENGINES............................ 28
SPARK PLUG SERVICEÐ3.3/3.8L ENGINES . . . 29
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR............ 32
SPECIFICATIONS
IGNITION COIL......................... 33
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐ3.3/3.8L . . 34
SPARK PLUG........................... 33
TORQUE.............................. 34
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FIRING ORDERÐ3.3/3.8L
The firing order for 3.3L and 3.8L engines is 1-2-3-
4-5-6.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICEÐ3.3/3.8L ENGINES
WARNING: The ignition cables should not be
removed while the engine is hot. This could cause
sever injury/burns and can cause damage to the
ignition cables.
The spark plug boot heat shield needs to be
installed correctly on the boot before being installed
on the engine (Fig. 1). If it is not installed correctly
engine misfire would occur.
Do not use pliers to pull the boot/heat shield
assembly from the spark plugs. This will damage the
shield assembly.
Spark plug boot heat shields must be replaced if
they are bent or damaged. It is extremely important
the shield is reinstalled correctly as shown. The bot-
tom of the spark plug heat shield must make contact
with the spark plug socket hex.
Firing OrderÐ3.3/3.8L
Fig. 1 Spark Plug Boot/Heat Shield Orientation
8D - 28 IGNITION SYSTEMNS

CAUTION: Never coat the inside of spark plug
boots with silicone grease. Some types of silicone
grease can damage the ignition cable conductor.
SPARK PLUG CABLES #3 AND #5
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the resonator.
(2) Grasp the spark plug boot/heat shield as close
as possible to the spark plug.Twist the boot
slightly to break its seal with the plug and pull
straight back. Do not use pliers, pull on the
ignition cable, or pull the spark plug boot at an
angle.This could damage the spark plug insulator,
terminal, or the cable insulation. Wipe spark plug
insulator clean with a dry cloth before installation.
(3) Remove the cable from the retaining bracket.
Make sure that they are also detached from the rear
retaining clip mounted on the rear of the intake
manifold.
INSTALLATION
(1) When installing the spark plug cables, make
sure the coil and spark plug insulator and terminals
are fully seated. Aclick sound should be heard or
terminal engagement is felt when the terminals
are properly attached.
(2) Install the cable into the retaining bracket.
Make sure that they are also attached to the rear
retaining clip mounted on the rear of the intake
manifold.
(3) Install the resonator.
SPARK PLUG CABLE #1
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the accessory drive belt, refer to Group
7, Cooling.
(2) Remove the four bolts from the upper half of
the generator bracket.
(3) Push the Generator rearward.
(4) Grasp the spark plug boot/shield assembly as
close as possible to the spark plug.Twist the boot
slightly to break its seal with the plug and pull
straight back. Do not use pliers, pull on the
ignition cable, or pull the spark plug boot at an
angle.This could damage the spark plug insulator,
terminal, or the cable insulation. Wipe spark plug
insulator clean with a dry cloth before installation.
(5) Remove the cable from the retaining bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) When installing the spark plug cables, make
sure the coil and spark plug insulator and terminals
are fully seated. Aclick sound should be heard orterminal engagement is felt when the terminals
are properly attached.
(2) Rotate Generator back into place.
(3) Install upper Generator bracket with the four
bolts.
(4) Install the accessory drive belt, refer to Group
7, Cooling.
SPARK PLUG SERVICEÐ3.3/3.8L ENGINES
WARNING: The ignition cables should not be
removed while the engine is hot. This could cause
server injury/burns and can cause damage to the
ignition cables.
Use extreme care when removing and installing
the spark plug cables.
The spark plug boot heat shield needs to be
installed correctly on the boot before being installed
on the engine (Fig. 1). If it is not installed correctly
engine misfire would occur.
Do not use pliers to pull the boot/heat shield
assembly from the spark plugs. This will damage the
shield assembly.
SPARK PLUG #3 AND #5
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the resonator.
(2) Remove intake strut to cylinder head bolt at
cylinder head.
(3) Loosen bolt for intake strut at intake.
(4) Swing strut away.
(5) Grasp the spark plug boot/shield assembly as
close as possible to the spark plug.Twist the boot/
shield assembly slightly to break the seal with
the plug and pull straight out. Do not use pli-
ers, pull on the ignition cable, or pull the spark
plug boot at an angle.This could damage the
spark plug insulator, terminal, heat shield or the
insulation. Wipe spark plug insulator clean with a
dry cloth before installation.
(6) Remove spark plug
INSTALLATION
(1) Install spark plug and tighten to 28 N´m (20 ft.
lbs.).
(2) When installing the spark plug cables, make
sure spark plug insulator and terminals are fully
seated. Aclick sound should be heard or felt
when the terminals are properly attached.
(3) Install the cable into the retaining bracket.
Make sure that they are also attached to the rear
retaining clip mounted on the rear of the intake
manifold.
(4) Swing strut back into place.
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 29
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)