
SPECIAL TOOLS
SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The PCM incorporates a Battery Temperature Sen-
sor (BTS) on its circuit board.
OPERATION
The PCM uses the temperature of the battery area
to control the charge rate. This temperature data,
along with data from monitored line voltage, is used
by the PCM to vary the battery charging rate. The
system voltage is higher at cold temperatures and is
gradually reduced as temperature around the battery
increases.
The function of the battery temperature sensor
(BTS) is to enable control of the generator output
based upon ambient battery temperature. As battery
temperature increases, the charging rate should
decrease. As battery temperature decreases, the
charging rate should increase. The sensor functions
similar to the ECT sensor with one major difference,
the ambient sensor does not have a dual temperature
range program. The PCM maintains the optimal out-
put of the generator by monitoring battery voltage
and controlling battery voltage to a range of
13.5-14.7 volts based on battery temperature.
The battery temperature sensor is also used for
OBD II diagnostics. Certain faults and OBD II mon-
itors are either enabled or disabled depending upon
the battery temperature sensor input (example: dis-
able purge and EGR, enable LDP). Most OBD II
monitors are disabled below 20ÉF.
REMOVAL
The battery temperature sensor is not a serviced
separately. If replacement is necessary, the PCM
must be replaced.
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine. It is
serviced only as a complete assembly. The generator
produces DC voltage at the B+ terminal. If the gen-
erator is failed, the generator assembly subcompo-
nents (generator and decoupler pulley) must be
inspected for individual failure and replaced accord-
ingly.
OPERATION
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 vehicles 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 (2.4L) or decou-
pler (3.3/3.8L)
²Incorrect, worn, damaged or misadjusted drive
belt
²Loose mounting bolts
²Misaligned drive pulley
²Defective stator or diode
²Damaged internal fins
REMOVAL - 2.4L
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Disconnect the Inlet Air Temperature sensor.
(4) Remove the Air Box, refer to the Engine/Air
Cleaner for more information.
(5) Remove the EVAP Purge solenoid from its
bracket and reposition.
(6) Disconnect the push-in field wire connector
from back of generator.
(7) Remove nut holding B+ wire terminal to back
of generator.
(8) Separate B+ terminal from generator.
(9) Remove accessory drive belt, refer to the Cool-
ing System section for proper procedures.
(10) Remove the generator.
Fig. 1 GENERATOR DECOUPLER 8433
RSCHARGING8F-23

GENERATOR DECOUPLER
PULLEY
DESCRIPTION
The Generator Decoupler is a one way clutch (Fig.
4). It is attached to the generator and replaces the
standard pulley. It is a non-serviceable item and is to
be replaced as an assembly. It is a dry operation (no
grease or lubricants). The operation of it is not tem-
perature sensitive and has a low sensitivity to elec-
trical load.
OPERATION
The generator decoupler is a one way clutch and
should be replaced as an assembly. It is designed to
help reduce belt tension fluctuation, reduce fatigue
loads, improve belt life, reduce hubloads on compo-
nents, and reduce noise.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Does not drive generator
(Generator not Charging)Clutch failure Replace Decoupler
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Raise vehicle and support.
(4) Remove the right front lower splash shield.
(5) Remove accessory drive belt, refer to the Cool-
ing System section for proper procedures (Fig. 5).
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Remove the Air Box, refer to the Engine section
for more information.
(8) Use Special Tool #8433 (Fig. 6) to loosen the
Generator Decoupler.
(9) Remove the tool.
(10) Remove the Generator Decoupler.
Fig. 4 GENERATOR DECOUPLER 3.3/3.8L
Fig. 5 DRIVE BELT 3.3/3.8L
RSCHARGING8F-25

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the Generator Decoupler to the genera-
tor shaft.
(2) Use Special Tool #8433 (Fig. 6) to tighten the
Generator Decoupler. Refer to the torque chart for
the proper torque.
(3) Install the Air Box, refer to the Engine section
for more information.
(4) Raise vehicle and support.
(5) Install accessory drive belt, refer to the Cooling
System section for proper procedures (Fig. 5).
(6) Install the right front lower splash shield.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Connect battery negative cable.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
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 gener-
ator is controlled by EVR circuitry contained 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 (B+) and
battery temperature or inlet air temperature sensor
(refer to Battery Temperature Sensor or Inlet Air
Temperature Sensor for more information). It then
determines a target charging voltage. If sensed bat-
tery voltage is 325 mv or lower than the target volt-
age, the PCM grounds the field winding until sensed
battery volage is 325 mv above target voltage. A cir-
cuit in the PCM cycles the ground side of the gener-
ator field up to 250 times per second (250Hz), but
has the capability to ground the field control wire
100% of the time (full field) to achieve the target
voltage. If the charging rate cannot be monitored
(limp-in), a duty cycle of 25% is used by the PCM in
order to have some generator output. Also refer to
Charging System Operation for additional informa-
tion.
REMOVAL
The electronic voltage regulator is not a serviced
separately. If replacement is necessary, the PCM
must be replaced.
Fig. 6 SPECIAL TOOL 8433 AND DECOUPLER
8F - 26 CHARGINGRS
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY (Continued)

STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION...........................27
OPERATION.............................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................27
STARTING SYSTEM TEST................27
CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST................29FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST.........31
FEED CIRCUIT TEST....................31
SPECIFICATIONS........................32
STARTER MOTOR
REMOVAL..............................33
INSTALLATION...........................34
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
The starting system has (Fig. 1):
²Ignition switch
²Starter relay
²Transmission Range Sensor or Park/Neutral
Switch
²Wiring harness
²Battery
²Starter motor with an integral solenoid
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
OPERATION
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 PCM controls a double start over-ride safety
that does not allow the starter to be engaged if the
engine is already running.
STARTING SYSTEM TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
INSPECTION
Before removing any unit from the starting system
for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspec-
tions:
Fig. 1 Starting System Schematic
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - STARTER SOLENOID
3 - STARTER MOTOR
4 - STARTER RELAY CONNECTOR
5 - PCM
6 - GROUND CIRCUIT
7 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR/PARK/NEUTRAL SENSE
8 - IGNITION SWITCH
9 - IGNITION FEED
10 - BATTERY
11 - BATTERY RELAY FEED
12 - POSITIVE CABLE
13 - NEGATIVE CABLE
RSSTARTING8F-27

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
3. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.3. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
4. ENGINE SEIZED. 4. REFER TO THE ENGINE SECTION, FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND
SERVICE PROCEDURES.
5. LOOSE
CONNECTION AT
BATTERY, PDC,
STARTER, OR ENGINE
GROUND.5. INSPECT FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS.
6. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.6. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETHAND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
STARTER
ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT
BEFORE
ENGINE
STARTS.1. BROKEN TEETH ON
STARTER RING GEAR.1. REMOVE STARTER. INSPECT RING GEAR AND REPLACE
IF NECESSARY.
2. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.2. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
STARTER DOES
NOT
DISENGAGE.1. STARTER
IMPROPERLY
INSTALLED.1. INSTALL STARTER. TIGHTEN STARTER MOUNTING
HARDWARE TO CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. STARTER RELAY
FAULTY.2. REFER TO RELAY TEST, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
RELAY, IF NECESSARY.
3. IGNITION SWITCH
FAULTY.3. REFER TO IGNITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE STEERING
SECTION.. REPLACE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY.
4. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.4. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
5. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.5. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter motor with integral solenoid
²Starter relay
²Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral
Position switch with automatic transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
²Powertrain Control Module (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 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) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring.
(4) Locate and remove the starter relay from the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC
label for relay identification and location.
RSSTARTING8F-29
STARTING (Continued)

ENGINE SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY SYSTEM - RG ONLY................ 1
CHARGING............................... 5STARTING................................ 7
BATTERY SYSTEM - RG ONLY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION............................1
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................2
BATTERY..............................2BATTERY CHARGING....................3
BATTERY CABLES
REMOVAL...............................4
INSTALLATION............................4
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
There are two different batteries available on this
model. Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize
a spiral wound plate designed battery with recombi-
nation technology. This is a maintenance-free battery
that is capable of delivering more power than a con-
ventional battery. This additional power is required
by a diesel engine during cold cranking. Vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine utilize a conven-
tional battery. Refer to the following information for
detailed differences and descriptions of these two bat-
teries.
SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY - DIESEL ENGINE
Spiral plate technology takes the elements of tradi-
tional batteries - lead and sulfuric acid - to the next
level. By tightly winding layers of spiral grids and
acid-permeated vitreous separators into cells, the
manufacturer has developed a battery with more
power and service life than conventional batteries the
same size. The spiral plate battery is completely, per-
manently sealed. Through gas recombination, hydro-
gen and oxygen within the battery are captured
during normal charging and reunited to form the
water within the electrolyte, eliminating the need to
add distilled water. Therefore, these batteries have
non-removable battery vent caps (Fig. 1). Watercan-
notbe added to this battery.The acid inside an spiral plate battery is bound
within the vitreous separators, ending the threat of
acid leaks. This feature allows the battery to be
installed in any position anywhere in the vehicle.
Fig. 1 MAINTENANCE-FREE DIESEL ENGINE
BATTERY
RGENGINE SYSTEMS8Fa-1

Spiral plate technology is the process by which the
plates holding the active material in the battery are
wound tightly in coils instead of hanging flat, like
conventional batteries. This design has a lower inter-
nal resistance and also increases the active material
surface area.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 14.4 VOLTS WHEN
CHARGING A SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR BATTERY DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
Due to the maintanance-free design, distilled water
cannot be added to this battery. Therefore, if more
than 14.4 volts are used during the spiral plate bat-
tery charging process, water vapor can be exhausted
through the pressure-sensitive battery vents and lost
for good. This can permanently damage the spiral
plate battery. Never exceed 14.4 volts when charging
a spiral plate battery. Personal injury and/or battery
damage may result.
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY - GASOLINE ENGINE
Low-maintenance conventional batteries are used
on vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, these
batteries have removable battery cell caps (Fig. 2).
Watercanbe added to this battery. Under normal
service, the composition of this battery reduces gas-
sing and water loss at normal charge rates. Howeverthese batteries may require additional distilled water
after years of service.
Conventional batteries are made up of six individ-
ual cells that are connected in series. Each cell con-
tains positive charged plate groups made of lead
oxide, and negatively charged plate groups made of
sponge lead. The plates are submerged in a sulfuric
acid and water solution called electrolyte.
Both batteries are used to store electrical energy
potential in a chemical form. When an electrical load
is applied to the battery terminals, an electrochemi-
cal reaction occurs within the battery. This reaction
causes the battery to discharge electrical current.
Refer to the RS service information for additional
Battery System information.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECKING BATTERY
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The following procedure can be used to check the
electrolyte level in a lead-acid battery.
(1) Unscrew and remove the battery cell caps with
a flat-bladed screw driver (Fig. 3).
WARNING: NEVER PUT YOUR FACE NEAR A GAS-
SING, HOT OR SWELLED BATTERY. SERIOUS PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
(2) Wearing safety glasses, look through the bat-
tery cell cap holes to determine the level of the elec-
trolyte in the battery. The electrolyte should be above
the hooks inside the battery cells (Fig. 4).
Fig. 2 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION - LOW-MAINTANANCE GASOLINE
ENGINE BATTERY
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
Fig. 3 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION- CONVENTIONAL BATTERY ONLY
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
8Fa - 2 BATTERY SYSTEM - RG ONLYRG
BATTERY (Continued)

(3)Add only distilled wateruntil the electrolyte
is above the hooks inside the battery cells (Fig. 4).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SPIRAL PLATE
BATTERY CHARGING
Battery charging is the means by which the bat-
tery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A
battery is fully-charged when:
²Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.65 volts
or above.
²Battery passes Load Test multiple times.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS OR LOW
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST, ASSIST-
BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY MAY ARC
INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY
AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the bat-
tery negative cable before charging a battery. Do
not exceed 14.4 volts while charging a battery.
CAUTION: The battery should not be hot to the
touch. If the battery feels hot to the touch, turn off
the charger and let the battery cool before continu-
ing the charging operation. Damage to the battery
may result.After the battery has been charged to 12.6 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures. If the battery
will endure a load test, return the battery to service.
If the battery will not endure a load test, it is faulty
and must be replaced.
Clean and inspect the battery hold downs, tray,
terminals, posts, and top before completing battery
service. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for the
proper battery system cleaning procedures, and Bat-
tery System Inspection for the proper battery system
inspection procedures.
CHARGING A COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY ± SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless this proce-
dure is properly followed, a good battery may be
needlessly replaced.
(1) Measure the voltage at the battery posts with a
voltmeter, accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt (Fig. 5). If the
reading is below ten volts, the battery charging cur-
rent will be low. It could take some time before the
battery accepts a current greater than a few milliam-
peres. Such low current may not be detectable on the
ammeters built into many battery chargers.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Connect the battery charger leads. Some bat-
tery chargers are equipped with polarity-sensing cir-
cuitry. This circuitry protects the battery charger and
the battery from being damaged if they are improp-
erly connected. If the battery state-of-charge is too
low for the polarity-sensing circuitry to detect, the
battery charger will not operate. This makes it
appear that the battery will not accept charging cur-
rent. See the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the battery charger for details on how to
bypass the polarity-sensing circuitry.
Fig. 4 HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS -
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY ONLY
1 - TOP OF BATTERY
2 - HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS
Fig. 5 Voltmeter - Typical
RGBATTERY SYSTEM - RG ONLY8Fa-3
BATTERY (Continued)