1999 DODGE NEON ignition

(2) Install battery hold down clamp, making sure
that it is properly positioned on battery.
(3) Place thermoguard cover over the battery and
snap it together with battery tray (Fig. 17). The bat-
tery tray pencil strut may have to be loosened on one
end to install the thermoguard cover. After the ther-
moguard cover is in place, tighten pencil strut as
necessary.(4) Connect battery cable clamps to battery posts
and making sure top of clamp is flush or below with
top of post (Fig. 18). Install battery positive cable
first.
(5) Tighten clamp nuts securely.
BATTERY TRAY
REMOVAL
(1) Remove battery, refer to Battery Removal.
(2) Remove battery tray pencil strut. Remove bat-
tery tray, refer to (Fig. 17).
INSTALLATION
For installation reverse above procedures.
FRESH AIR INLET TUBE REMOVAL
REMOVAL
(1) Ensure that the ignition switch and all acces-
sories are OFF
(2) Remove battery negative cable first then the
positive cable (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove battery thermoguard cover (Fig. 15).
Fig. 15 Battery Thermoguard
Fig. 16 Battery Hold-Down
Fig. 17 Battery Tray Removal
Fig. 18 Remove and Install Battery Cables
PLBATTERY 8A - 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

STARTING
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
BOSCH STARTER........................ 1
INTRODUCTION......................... 1
SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND CONTROL CIRCUIT.... 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST........... 2
FEED CIRCUIT TEST...................... 2
STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT.............. 1STARTING SYSTEM TEST................. 4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SAFETY SWITCHES...................... 6
STARTER RELAY........................ 7
STARTER .............................. 6
SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER .............................. 7
TORQUE............................... 7
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The starting system (Fig. 1) has:
²Ignition switch
²Starter relay
²Neutral starting and back up switch
²Clutch pedal position switch
²Wiring harness
²Battery
²Starter motor with an integral solenoid
BOSCH STARTER
The Bosch is a permanent magnet starter motor. A
planetary gear train transmits power between starter
motor and pinion shaft. The fields have six perma-
nent magnets. The starter system consists of two
separate circuits:
²A high amperage supply to feed the starter
motor.
²A low amperage circuit to control the starter
solenoid.
SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND CONTROL CIRCUIT
The starter system consists of two separate cir-
cuits:
²A high amperage supply to feed the starter
motor.
²A low amperage circuit to control the starter
solenoid.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter solenoid
²Starter relay²Neutral starting and back up switch with auto-
matic transmissions
²Clutch pedal position switch with manual trans-
mission
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
Fig. 1 Starting System
PLSTARTING 8B - 1

To disable the ignition and fuel systems, disconnect
the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay location.
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: Ignition system also must be disabled
to prevent engine start while performing the follow-
ing tests.
(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 (Fig. 2). Rotate and hold
the ignition switch key in the START position.
Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, cor-
rect poor contact between the cable clamp and
post.
(c) Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery
negative terminal, and positive lead to engine
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 switch
key 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, replace the starter motor.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The following procedure will require a suitable
volt-ampere tester (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
Fig. 2 Test Battery Connection Resistance
Fig. 3 Test Ground Circuit Resistance
8B - 2 STARTINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(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 PARKposition 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
Fig. 6 Volt Ampere Tester
Fig. 7 Volt-Ampere Tester Connections
Fig. 4 Test Starter Motor Ground
Fig. 5 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance
PLSTARTING 8B - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

charge battery if necessary. Disconnect all testing
equipment and connect ASD relay or the Fuel Sole-
noid. Start the vehicle several times to assure the
problem has been corrected.
STARTING SYSTEM TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to
8W-21, Starting System in Group 8W, Wiring Dia-
grams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
INSPECTION
Before removing any unit from the starting system
for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspec-
tions:
²Battery- Visually inspect the battery for indi-
cations of physical damage and loose or corroded
cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and
cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace
the battery, if required. Refer to Group 8A, Battery
for more information.²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect the ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- Visually
inspect the clutch pedal position switch for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded wire
harness connections.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- Visually
inspect the park/neutral position switch for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded wire
harness connections.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect the starter
relay for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter- Visually inspect the starter for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded wire
harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect the starter
solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect the wire harness for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required.
8B - 4 STARTINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
ENGAGE.1. Battery discharged or faulty.
2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.
3. Starter relay faulty.
4. Ignition switch faulty.
5. Park/Neutral position switch
(auto trans) faulty or mis-adjusted.
6. Clutch pedal position switch
(man trans) faulty.
7. Starter solenoid faulty.
8. Starter assembly faulty.1. Refer to Group 8A, Battery. Charge or replace
battery, if required.
2. Refer to Feed Circuit Resistance Test and
Feed Circuit Test in this section.
3. Refer to Relay Test, in this section. Replace
relay, if necessary.
4. Refer to Ignition Switch Test, in Group 8D
Ignition System or Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
Replace switch, if necessary.
5. Refer Park/Neutral Position Switch Test, in
Group 21, Transaxle. Replace switch, if
necessary.
6. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch Test, in
Group 6, Clutch. Replace switch, if necessary.
7. Refer to Solenoid Test, in this section.
Replace starter assembly, if necessary.
8. If all other starting system components and
circuits check OK, replace starter assembly.
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. Battery discharged or faulty.
2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.
3. Starter assembly faulty.
4. Engine seized.1. Refer to Group 8A, Battery. Charge or replace
battery as necessary.
2. Refer to the Feed Circuit Resistance Test and
the Feed Circuit Test in this section. Repair as
necessary.
3. If all other starting system components and
circuits check OK, replace starter assembly.
4. Refer to Group 9 Engine, for diagnostic and
service procedures.
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Broken teeth on starter ring gear.
2. Starter assembly faulty.1. Remove starter. Inspect ring gear and replace
if necessary.
2. If all other starting system components and
circuits check OK, replace starter assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter improperly installed.
2. Starter relay faulty.
3. Ignition switch faulty.
4. Starter assembly faulty.1. Install starter. Tighten starter mounting
hardware to correct torque specifications.
2. Refer to Relay Test, in this section. Replace
relay, if necessary.
3. Refer to Ignition Switch Test, in Group 8D,
Ignition System. Replace switch, if necessary.
4. If all other starting system components and
circuits check OK, replace starter assembly.
PLSTARTING 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
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR.......... 8
CHARGING SYSTEM RESISTANCE TESTS..... 5CHARGING SYSTEM...................... 2
CURRENT OUTPUT TEST.................. 8
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM TEST..... 10
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR......... 11
GENERATOR........................... 10
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS................... 12
TORQUE.............................. 12
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)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Voltmeter (refer to Group 8E, Instrument Panel
and Gauges for information)
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.
PLCHARGING SYSTEM 8C - 1

A battery temperature sensor located on the front
bumper beam is used to sense battery temperature.
This temperature data, along with data from moni-
tored line voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the
battery charging rate. This is done by cycling the
ground path to control the strength of the rotor mag-
netic field. The PCM then compensates and regulates
generator current output accordingly and to maintain
the proper voltage depending on battery tempera-
ture.
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.
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 battery temperature sensor is used to deter-
mine 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.
The sensor is located on the bottom of the battery
tray (Fig. 1).
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.
Fig. 1 Battery Temperature Sensor
8C - 2 CHARGING SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)