
See the instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the hydrometer for recommendations on the cor-
rect use of the hydrometer that you are using.
Remove only enough electrolyte from the battery cell
so that the float is off the bottom of the hydrometer
barrel with pressure on the bulb released. To read
the hydrometer correctly, hold it with the top surface
of the electrolyte at eye level (Fig. 9).
CAUTION: Exercise care when inserting the tip of
the hydrometer into a battery cell to avoid damag-
ing the plate separators. Damaged plate separators
can cause early battery failure.
Hydrometer floats are generally calibrated to indi-
cate the specific gravity correctly only at 26.7É C (80É
F). When testing the specific gravity at any other
temperature, a correction factor is required. The cor-
rection factor is approximately a specific gravity
value of 0.004, which may also be identified as four
points of specific gravity. For each 5.5É C above 26.7É
C (10É F above 80É F), add four points. For each 5.5É
C below 26.7É C (10É F below 80É F), subtract four
points. Always correct the specific gravity for temper-
ature variation.
EXAMPLE:A battery is tested at -12.2É C (10É F)
and has a specific gravity of 1.240. Determine the
actual specific gravity as follows:(1) Determine the number of degrees above or
below 26.7É C (80É F):26.6É C - -12.2É C = 38.8É C
(80É F - 10É F = 70É F)
(2) Divide the result from Step 1 by 5.5É C (10É
F):38.8É C45.5ÉC=7(70É F410ÉF=7)
(3) Multiply the result from Step 2 by the temper-
ature correction factor (0.004):7 X 0.004 = 0.028
(4) The temperature at testing was below 26.7É C
(80É F); therefore, the temperature correction factor
is subtracted:1.240 - 0.028 = 1.212
(5) The corrected specific gravity of the battery cell
in this example is 1.212.
Test the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each
battery cell. If the specific gravity of all cells is above
1.235, but the variation between cells is more than
fifty points (0.050), the battery should be replaced. If
the specific gravity of one or more cells is less than
1.235, charge the battery at a rate of approximately
five amperes. Continue charging the battery until
three consecutive specific gravity tests, taken at one-
hour intervals, are constant. If the cell specific grav-
ity variation is more than fifty 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 the cell variation is less than fifty points (0.050),
the battery may be load tested to determine its
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery. Refer to Standard Procedures for the
proper battery charging procedures.
(1) Before measuring the open-circuit voltage, the
surface charge must be removed from the battery.
Turn on the headlamps for fifteen seconds, then
allow up to five minutes for the battery voltage to
stabilize.
(2) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (see the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit volt-
age (Fig. 10).
See the Open-Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage
reading will indicate the battery state-of-charge, but
will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has
an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, it may be load tested to reveal its cranking
capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
Fig. 9 Hydrometer - Typical
1 - BULB
2 - SURFACE COHESION
3 - SPECIFIC GRAVITY READING
4 - TEMPERATURE READING
5 - HYDROMETER BARREL
6 - FLOAT
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

ELECTRONIC MODULE IGNITION-OFF DRAW (IOD) TABLE
ModuleTime Out?
(If Yes, Interval And Wake-Up Input)IODIOD After Time
Out
Radio No1to3
milliamperesN/A
Audio Power
AmplifierNoup to 1
milliampereN/A
Body Control Module
(BCM)No5.90
milliamperes
(max.)N/A
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)No 0.95 milliampere N/A
Transmission Control
Module (TCM) 4.7L
w/45RFEYES (20 minutes, ignition on) 130 milliamperes 0.64 milliampere
ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster
(EMIC)No 0.44 milliampere N/A
Combination Flasher No 0.08 milliampere N/A
(2) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(3) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(4) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), one
at a time until the amperage reading becomes very
low, or nonexistent. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information in this service manual for complete Intel-
ligent Power Module fuse, circuit breaker, and circuit
identification. This will isolate each circuit and iden-tify the circuit that is the source of the high-amper-
age IOD. If the amperage reading remains high after
removing and replacing each fuse and circuit
breaker, disconnect the wire harness from the gener-
ator. If the amperage reading now becomes very low
or nonexistent, refer to Charging System for the
proper charging system diagnosis and testing proce-
dures. After the high-amperage IOD has been cor-
rected, switch the multi-meter to progressively lower
amperage scales and, if necessary, repeat the fuse
and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process to
identify and correct all sources of excessive IOD. It is
now safe to select the lowest milliampere scale of the
multi-meter to check the low-amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(5) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
in Step 4. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-15
BATTERY (Continued)

REMOVAL - BATTERY
WARNING: A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY
RUBBER GLOVES SHOULD BE WORN WHEN
REMOVING OR SERVICING A BATTERY.
WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD BE WORN
WHEN REMOVING OR SERVICING A BATTERY.
WARNING: REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY TO
AVOID INJURY BY ACCIDENTAL ARCING OF BAT-
TERY CURRENT.
(1) Verify that the ignition switch and all accesso-
ries are OFF.
(2) Disconnect the battery cables from the battery
posts, negative first (Fig. 15).
(3) Remove the battery hold down retaining nut.
(4) Remove the battery hold down bracket.
(5) Remove the battery from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery in the battery tray.
(2) Install the battery hold down bracket and
retaining nut. Torque the nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).(3) Connect the battery cables to the battery posts,
positive cable first. Torque terminal fasteners to 8.5
N´m (75 in. lbs.).
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION
The battery hold down hardware consists of a
molded plastic lip that is integral to the outboard
edge of the battery tray and support unit, a molded
steel hold down bracket and a single hex nut with a
coned washer.
When installing a battery into the battery tray, be
certain that the hold down hardware is properly
installed and that the fasteners are tightened to the
proper specifications. Improper hold down fastener
tightness, whether too loose or too tight, can result in
damage to the battery, the vehicle or both. Refer to
Battery Hold Downsin this section of this service
manual for the location of the proper battery hold
down installation procedures, including the proper
hold down fastener tightness specifications.
OPERATION
The battery holddown secures the battery in the
battery tray. This holddown is designed to prevent
battery movement during the most extreme vehicle
operation conditions. Periodic removal and lubrica-
tion of the battery holddown hardware is recom-
mended to prevent hardware seizure at a later date.
NOTE: Never operate a vehicle without a battery
holddown device properly installed. Damage to the
vehicle, components and battery could result.
REMOVAL
All of the battery hold down hardware can be ser-
viced without removal of the battery or the battery
tray and support unit.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Remove the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit.
(3) Remove the battery hold down bracket from
the battery tray and support unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the battery hold down bracket in the
battery tray and support unit.
(2) Install the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit. Torque to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
Fig. 15 BATTERY POSITION & ORIENTATION
1 - BATTERY THERMAL GUARD
2 - INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

BATTERY CABLES
DESCRIPTION
The battery cables are large gauge, stranded cop-
per wires sheathed within a heavy plastic or syn-
thetic rubber insulating jacket. The wire used in the
battery cables combines excellent flexibility and reli-
ability with high electrical current carrying capacity.
Refer toWiring Diagramsin the index of this ser-
vice manual for the location of the proper battery
cable wire gauge information.
A clamping type female battery terminal made of
soft lead is die cast onto one end of the battery cable
wire. A square headed pinch-bolt and hex nut are
installed at the open end of the female battery termi-
nal clamp. Large eyelet type terminals are crimped
onto the opposite end of the battery cable wire and
then solder-dipped. The battery positive cable wires
have a red insulating jacket to provide visual identi-
fication and feature a larger female battery terminal
clamp to allow connection to the larger battery posi-
tive terminal post. The battery negative cable wires
have a black insulating jacket and a smaller female
battery terminal clamp.
The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available for
service replacement only as a unit with the battery
wire harness, which may include portions of the wir-
ing circuits for the generator and other components
on some models. Refer toWiring Diagramsin the
index of this service manual for the location of more
information on the various wiring circuits included in
the battery wire harness for the vehicle being ser-
viced.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a path back to the battery for electrical
current generated by the charging system for restor-
ing the voltage potential of the battery. The female
battery terminal clamps on the ends of the battery
cable wires provide a strong and reliable connection
of the battery cable to the battery terminal posts.
The terminal pinch bolts allow the female terminal
clamps to be tightened around the male terminal
posts on the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals
secured to the opposite ends of the battery cable
wires from the female battery terminal clamps pro-
vide secure and reliable connection of the battery
cables to the vehicle electrical system.The battery positive cable terminal clamp is die
cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal stud of the Intelligent Power
Module (IPM), and the other wire has an eyelet ter-
minal that connects the battery positive cable to the
B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor sole-
noid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp is
also die cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire
has an eyelet terminal that connects the battery neg-
ative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a stud
on the left side of the engine cylinder block. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the left front fender inner shield,
near the battery.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY CABLE
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cable. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
rosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the
battery cable connection and the battery cable again
to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.EXAM-
PLE:When testing the resistance of the battery pos-
itive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery
positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid
B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive
terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet
terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud,
you are reading the combined voltage drop in the
battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal
post connection and the battery positive cable.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²The battery is fully-charged and load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging and load test procedures.
²Fully engage the parking brake.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-17

(4) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and a good
clean ground on the engine block (Fig. 19). Rotate
and hold the ignition switch in the Start position.
Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2
volt, clean and tighten the battery negative cable
eyelet terminal connection to the engine block.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery negative cable.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is mounted in a molded plastic battery
tray and support unit located in the left front corner
of the engine compartment. The battery tray and
support unit is secured with two nuts, one is located
directly under the battery and the other is located on
the right side of the tray which also serves as a cool-
ant bottle neck retaining bolt. An additional bolt is
located directly under the battery.
The battery tray and support unit also includes a
engine vacuum reservoir, located in the rear of the
unit (Fig. 20). And a drainage hose, located in the
front of the unit (Fig. 20).
OPERATION
The battery tray provides a secure mounting loca-
tion and supports the battery. The battery tray also
provides the anchor point for the battery holddown
hardware. The battery tray and the battery hold-
down hardware combine to secure and stabilize the
battery in the engine compartment, which prevents
battery movement during vehicle operation. Unre-
strained battery movement during vehicle operationcould result in damage to the vehicle, the battery, or
both.
The battery tray used on this model also includes a
engine vacuum reservoir and drainage hose. The vac-
uum reservoir provides a storage container for engine
vacuum. Refer to the engine section of the service
manual for more engine vacuum information. The
drainage hose provides means for any liquid that
might collect in the bottom of the battery tray to
drain under the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the battery from the vehicle. Refer to
the procedure in this section.
(3) Remove the battery tray retaining fasteners
(Fig. 21).
(4) Pull battery tray up far enough to disconnect
the engine vacuum harness hose from the battery
tray mounted, vacuum reservoir.
(5) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery tray in the vehicle.
(2) Connect the engine vacuum harness hose on
the battery tray mounted vacuum reservoir.
(3) Position drainage hose and install the battery
tray retaining fasteners (Fig. 21).
Fig. 19 Test Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 20 BATTERY TRAY - TYPICAL
1 - ENGINE VACUUM RESERVOIR
2 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
3 - DRAINAGE HOSE
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-19
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)

(4) Install the battery in the vehicle. Refer to the
procedure in this section.
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
THERMAL GUARD
DESCRIPTION
A one-piece molded plastic clam shell-type thermal
guard unit shields the battery case from engine com-
partment heat (Fig. 22). Two molded latches secure
the side of the thermal guard to the battery tray. The
front is secured by a retaining fastener at the radia-
tor closure panel and the rear by a push pin type
retainer, near the cowl panel.
OPERATION
The thermal guard protects the battery from
engine compartment temperature extremes. The tem-
perature of the battery can affect battery perfor-
mance. The air trapped between the plastic plies of
the thermal guard create a dead air space, which
helps to insulate the sides of the battery case from
the air temperature found in the surrounding engine
compartment.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the battery thermal guard retaining
fastener on the radiator closure panel (Fig. 22).
(2) Remove the push pin retainer near the cowl
trim panel.
(3) Lift the battery thermal guard straight up to
remove from the engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the thermal guard on the battery tray
molded retaining latches.
(2) Install the battery thermal guard retaining fas-
tener on the radiator closure panel.
(3) Install the push pin retainer near the cowl trim
panel.
Fig. 21 BATTERY TRAY POSITION & ORIENTATION
1 - BATTERY TRAY RETAINING FASTENERS
Fig. 22 BATTERY POSITION & ORIENTATION
1 - BATTERY THERMAL GUARD
2 - INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
8F - 20 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY TRAY (Continued)

(3) Remove package separator clamp and mix plas-
tic conductive epoxy thoroughly.
(4) For grid line, mark off area to be repaired with
masking tape (Fig. 5).
(5) Apply conductive epoxy through slit in masking
tape. Overlap both ends of the break.
(6) For a terminal replacement, apply a thin layer
of epoxy to area where terminal was fastened.
(7) Apply a thin layer of epoxy on terminal and
place terminal on desired location. To prevent termi-
nal from falling off use a wooden wedge to secure it.
(8) Carefully remove masking tape from grid line.
CAUTION:
Do not allow the laminated windshield glass surface
to exceed 82É C (180É F) or the glass may fracture.
The rear window glass surface should not exceed
204É C (400É F).
(9) Allow epoxy to cure 24 hours at room tempera-
ture.(10) After epoxy is properly cured remove wedge
from terminal and check the operation of the rear
window defogger.
Fig. 5 Grid Line Repair
1 - BREAK
2 - GRID LINE
3 - MASKING TAPE
8G - 4 HEATED GLASSRS
WINDSHIELD GRID (Continued)

inoperative heated seat switch(es) and a good ground.
There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 7. If
not OK, repair the shorted seat heater switch sensor
ground circuit as required.
(7) Check for continuity between the seat heater
switch sensor ground circuit cavities of the instru-
ment panel wire harness connector for the in opera-
tive heated seat switch and the instrument panel
wire harness connector for the BCM. There should be
continuity. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, repair the
open seat heater switch sensor ground circuit as
required.
(8) Check for continuity between the seat heater
switch mux circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector for the inoperative heated
seat switch and a good ground. There should be no
continuity. If OK, go to Step 9. If not OK, repair the
shorted seat heater switch mux circuit as required.
(9) Check for continuity between the seat heater
switch mux circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector for the inoperative heated
seat switch and the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the BCM. There should be continuity. If
OK, use a DRB IIItscan tool and the proper Diag-
nostic Procedures manual to test the BCM. If not
OK, repair the open seat heater switch mux circuit
as required.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO THE RESTRAINTS SECTION OF
THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEER-
ING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel center bezel.
Refer toInstrument Panel Center Bezelin the
Body section for the procedure.
(3) Remove the three screws (Fig. 4) that secure
the heated seat switch to the back of the instrument
panel center bezel.
(4) Remove the heated seat switch from the back
of the instrument panel center bezel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the heated seat switch onto the back
of the instrument panel center bezel.
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heated seat switch to the back of the instrumentpanel center bezel. Tighten the screws to 1.5 N´m (13
in. lbs.) (Fig. 4).
(3) Install the center bezel onto the instrument
panel. Refer toInstrument Panel Center Bezelin
the Body section for the procedure.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat system includes two seat heating
elements in each front seat, one for the seat cushion
and the other for the seat back. The two elements for
each seat that are connected in series with the
Heated Seat Module (HSM). The temperature sensor
is a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) ther-
mistor. One temperature sensor is used for each seat,
and it is located on the seat cushion heating element
for all models.
The seat heating elements are sewn into the seat
cushion cover trim and seat back cover trim units.
The heated seat elements and the temperature sen-
sor cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, the seat cushion or seat back assembly
must be replaced. Refer toSeat CushionorSeat
Backin the Removal and Installation section of
Body for the seat cushion and seat back service pro-
cedures.
Fig. 4 SWITCH RETAINING SCREWS
1 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY
2 - RETAINING SCREWS
8G - 10 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMRS
DRIVER HEATED SEAT SWITCH (Continued)