2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

²It passes the 15 second load test. Refer to Bat-
tery Load Test.
²The built in test indicator dot is GREEN (Fig.
2).
NOTE: The battery cannot be refilled with water, it
must be replaced.
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT
HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.
BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND
EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE
BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CRE-
ATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST
BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BAT-
TERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS
POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. BAT-
TERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE
EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND
CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery NEGATIVE cable
first, before charging battery to avoid damage to
electrical systems. Lift the red battery boot cover
from the positive cable clamp. Do not exceed 16.0
volts while charging battery. Refer to the instruc-
tions supplied with charging equipment
Battery electrolyte may bubble inside of battery
case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte
boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes
while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or
turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery
damage may occur if charging is excessive.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from
being damaged if improperly connected. If the bat-
tery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor
to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to
operate. Refer to operating instructions provided
with battery charger being used.
CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator
appears green. Do not overcharge.
It may be necessary to jiggle the battery or vehicle
to bring the green dot in the test indicator into view.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. Refer to Battery Load Test in this Group. If
the battery passes the load test, the battery is OK to
use. If battery will not pass the load test, it must be
replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery holddowns, tray, terminals, cables, posts, and top before
completing service.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless procedure is
properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced. Refer to Battery Charging Rate Table for
proper charging time.
(1) Measure the voltage at battery posts with a
voltmeter accurate to 1/10 volt (Fig. 12). If below 10
volts, charge current will be low, and it could take
some time before it accepts a current in excess of a
few milliamperes. Such low current may not be
detectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
(2) Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature
polarity protection circuitry that prevents operation
unless charger is connected to battery posts correctly.
A completely discharged battery may not have
enough voltage to activate this circuitry. This may
happen even though the leads are connected properly.
(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. For the time required for
the battery to accept measurable charger current at
various voltages, refer to the Battery Charging Rate
table. If charge current is still not measurable after
charging times, the battery should be replaced. If
charge current is measurable during charging time,
the battery may be good, and charging should be
completed in the normal manner.
BATTERY CHARGING RATE
Voltage Hours
16.0 volts maximum up to 4 hours
14.0 to 15.9 volts up to 8 hours
13.9 volts or less up to 16 hours
Fig. 12 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt (Connected)
8A - 8 BATTERYPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

VISUAL INSPECTION
CAUTION: Do not allow baking soda solution to
enter vent holes, as damage to battery can result.
(1) Clean top of battery with a solution of warm
water and baking soda.
(2) Apply soda solution with a bristle brush and
allow to soak until acid deposits loosen (Fig. 13).
(3) Rinse soda solution from battery with clear
water and blot battery dry with paper toweling. Dis-
pose of toweling in a safe manner. Refer to the
WARNINGS on top of battery.
(4) Inspect battery case and cover for cracks, leak-
age or damaged hold down ledge. If battery is dam-
aged replace it.
(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.
Fig. 13 Cleaning Battery - Typical
1 ± BATTERY
2 ± CLEANING BRUSH
3 ± TEST INDICATOR
4 ± WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
Fig. 14 Cleaning Battery Post - Typical
1 ± BATTERY
2 ± TEST INDICATOR
3 ± BATTERY POST CLEANER
4 ± BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 15 Cleaning Battery Cable Terminal - Typical
1 ± BATTERY CABLE CLEANING TOOL MX75
2 ± BATTERY CABLE
3 ± TEST INDICATOR
PLBATTERY 8A - 9
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BATTERY
REMOVAL
WARNING: TO PROTECT THE HANDS FROM BAT-
TERY ACID, A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY RUB-
BER GLOVES, NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE, SHOULD
BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SERVICING A BAT-
TERY. SAFETY GLASSES ALSO SHOULD BE WORN.
(1) Make sure ignition switch is in OFF position
and all accessories are OFF.
(2) Open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable then the positive cable (Fig. 16).
(4) Remove thermowrap from battery.
(5) Loosen bolt and retainer that holds the battery
down to the tray.
(6) Lift battery out of battery tray and remove
from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
When replacing battery, the Thermowrap MUST be
transferred to the new battery. Refer to Battery Ther-
mowrap Removal and Installation in this section.
(1) Install battery in vehicle making sure that the
thermowrap is present and battery is properly posi-
tioned on battery tray.(2) Install battery hold down clamp, making sure
that it is properly positioned on battery.
(3)
Connect battery cable clamps to battery posts and
making sure top of clamp is flush or below with top of
post (Fig. 16). Install battery positive cable first.
(4) Tighten clamp nuts securely.
BATTERY THERMOWRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable then the positive cable (Fig. 16).
(3) Carefully lift the thermowrap off over the bat-
tery (Fig. 17) taking care not to rip it.
Fig. 16 Disconnect and Isolate the
Battery Negative Cable
1 ± NEGATIVE CABLE
2 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY POST
Fig. 17 Battery Thermowrap
1 ± BATTERY THERMOWRAP
2 ± BATTERY
8A - 10 BATTERYPL

(4) Remove the thermowrap from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
BATTERY TRAY
REMOVAL
(1) Remove battery. Refer to Battery Removal and
Installation in this section.
(2) Remove two nuts to the rear and two bolts to
the front of the battery tray (Fig. 18).
(3) Slide battery tray out form under the air
cleaner assembly. Do not remove the air cleaner
assembly.
(4) Remove battery tray from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation reverse the above procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
COLD CRANK RATING
The current battery can deliver for 30 seconds and
maintain a terminal voltage of 7.2 volts or greater at
±18É C (0É F).
RESERVE CAPACITY RATING
The length of time a battery can deliver 25 amps
and maintain a minimum terminal voltage of 10.5
volts at 27ÉC (80ÉF).TORQUE
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Battery Hold Down Bolt Clamp Bolt . . 135615 in.
lbs.
Battery Mount Fasteners....... 105610 in. lbs.
Fig. 18 Battery Tray Removal
1 ± BATTERY TRAY
2 ± LEFT STRUT TOWER
3 ± PDC
4 ± MOUNTING HOLES/SLOTS
5 ± COOLANT RESERVOIR
Load Test Cold
CrankingReserve
(Amps) Rating @
-18ÉC (0ÉF)Capacity
225 Amp 450 Amp 85 Minutes
PLBATTERY 8A - 11
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

STARTING SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION..........................1
SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND CONTROL CIRCUIT.....1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STARTER MOTOR.........................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CONTROL CIRCUIT........................2
FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE................3
FEED CIRCUIT...........................5STARTING SYSTEM.......................6
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SAFETY SWITCHES.......................8
STARTER MOTOR.........................8
STARTER RELAY.........................8
SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER MOTOR.........................9
TORQUE................................9
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The starting system (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2) has:
²Ignition switch
²Starter relay
²Park/Neutral Starting Back-Up Lamp Switch
with automatic transmissions
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch with manual
transmissions
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for double
start over ride
²Wiring harness
²Battery
²Starter motor with an integral solenoid
These components form two separate circuits. A
high amperage circuit that feeds the starter motor up
to 300+ amps, and a control circuit that operates on
less than 20 amps.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls a
double start over ride safety that does not allow thestarter to be engaged if the engine is already run-
ning.
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.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STARTER MOTOR
The starter is a permanent magnet starter motor.
The fields have six permanent magnets. A planetary
gear train transmits power between starter motor
and pinion shaft. The starter provides mechanical
torque to rotate the crankshaft at an RPM (crank
speed) necessary for self-sustained spark/ignition.Fig. 1 Starting System Components - Automatic
Fig. 2 Starting System Components - Manual
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CONTROL CIRCUIT
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter solenoid
²Starter relay
²Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp
Switch with automatic transmissions
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch with manual
transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
²Double Start Override algorithm located in the
PCM
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 starter switch or a jumper wire
between the remote battery positive post and termi-
nal 87 of the starter relay connector.
(a) If engine cranks, starter motor and starter
solenoid is good. Go to the Starter Relay Test.(b) If engine does not crank or solenoid chatters,
check wiring and connectors from starter relay to
starter solenoid for loose or corroded connections.
Check for corroded connections at starter termi-
nals.
(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 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.
Use the Starter Relay Pin Call-Out table and (Fig. 3)
for relay testing.
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. Test for continuity between
terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity between ter-
minals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to Relay Circuit Test
procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
Fig. 3 Starter Relay
8B - 2 STARTING SYSTEMSPL

STARTER RELAY PIN CALL-OUT
PIN CIRCUIT COLOR DESCRIPTION
1 (86) A041 YL IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT (START)
2 (85) K090 TN PCM
3 (30) A001 RD FUSED B+
4 (87A) NOT USED
5 (87) T040 BR STARTER SOLENOID
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
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 interlock/upstop
switch for an open or a short circuit. If the circuit is
OK, refer to the Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch
Diagnosis and Testing in Group 6-Clutch.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded
through the PCM only when the gearshift selector
lever is in the Park or Neutral positions. On vehicles
with a manual transmission, it is grounded through
the PCM when the clutch pedal is depressed. Check
for continuity to ground at the cavity for relay termi-
nal 85. If not OK, check for an open or short circuit
to the park/neutral starting and back-up lamp
switch, or the clutch interlock/upstop switch. Repair,
as necessary. If the circuit is OK, refer to the Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp Switch Removal
and Installation in Group 21-Transaxle. Testing is
located within the Removal and Installation proce-
dures.
SAFETY SWITCHES
For diagnosis of:
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch, refer to Diagno-
sis and Testing in Group 6-Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp
Switch, refer to Removal and Installation in Group
21-Transaxle. Testing is located within the Removal
and Installation procedures.
IGNITION SWITCH
After testing starter solenoid and relay, test igni-
tion switch and wiring. Check all wiring for opens or
shorts, and all connectors for being loose or corroded.
Refer to Group 8D-Ignition Systems, or Group
8W-Wiring Diagrams.
BATTERY
Refer to Group 8A-Battery for Diagnosis and Test-
ing of the battery.
ALL RELATED WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Refer to Group 8W-Wiring Diagrams.
FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE
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 following
tests.
(1) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay. 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:
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)