2001 DODGE RAM service indicator

²Head/Park Lights-On Warning- The CTM
chime tone generator will generate repetitive chime
tones at a fast rate to announce that hard wired
inputs from the driver door ajar switch, headlamp
switch, and ignition switch indicate that the exterior
lamps are turned On with the driver side front door
opened and the ignition switch in the Off position.
The chimes will continue to sound until the exterior
lamps are turned Off, the driver side front door is
closed, or the ignition switch is turned to the On
position, whichever occurs first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning- The BCM chime
tone generator will generate repetitive chime tones at
a fast rate to announce that hard wired inputs from
the driver door ajar switch, headlamp switch, and
ignition switch indicate that the key is in the ignition
lock cylinder with the driver side front door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the key is
removed from the ignition lock cylinder, the driver
side front door is closed, or the ignition switch is
turned to the On position, whichever occurs first.
²Warning Chime Support- The CTM chime
tone generator will generate repetitive chime tones at
a slow rate to announce that a hard wired chime
request input has been received from the EMIC.
These chime tones provide an audible alert to the
vehicle operator that supplements certain visual indi-
cations displayed by the EMIC. Supplemented indica-
tions include the following:
²The ªAirbagº indicator is illuminated. The
chimes will continue to sound for a duration of about
four seconds each time the indicator is illuminated or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²The ªCheck Gagesº indicator is illuminated. The
chimes will continue to sound for a duration of about
two seconds each time the indicator is illuminated or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²The ªLow Fuelº indicator is illuminated. The
chimes will continue to sound for a duration of about
two seconds each time the indicator is illuminated or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²The ªLow Washº indicator is illuminated. The
chimes will continue to sound for a duration of about
two seconds each time the indicator is illuminated or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²The ªTrans Tempº indicator is illuminated (auto-
matic transmission only). The chimes will continue to
sound for a duration of about two seconds each time
the indicator is illuminated or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.²The vehicle is over a programmed speed value
(Middle East Gulf Coast Country (GCC) only). The
CTM chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chime tones at a slow rate to announce that the vehi-
cle speed exceeds a programmed value. The chimes
will continue to sound until the vehicle speed is
below the programmed value.
²The ªWater-In-Fuelº indicator is illuminated
(diesel engine only). The chimes will continue to
sound for a duration of about two seconds each time
the indicator is illuminated or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
The CTM provides chime service for all available
features in the chime warning system. The CTM
relies upon hard wired inputs from the driver door
ajar switch, the EMIC, the headlamp switch, and the
key-in ignition switch (ignition switch) to provide
chime service for all of the chime warning system
features. Upon receiving the proper inputs, the CTM
activates the integral chime tone generator to pro-
vide the audible chime tone to the vehicle operator.
The chime tone generator in the CTM is capable of
producing repeated chime tones at two different
rates, slow or fast. The slow chime rate is about fifty
chime tones per minute, while the fast chime rate is
about 180 chime tones per minute. The internal pro-
gramming of the CTM and the EMIC determines the
priority of each chime tone request input that is
received, as well as the rate and duration of each
chime tone that is to be generated.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the CTM and the EMIC, as well as other hard wired
circuits for this system may be diagnosed and tested
using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features provided by the
chime warning system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME WARNING
SYSTEM
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices and grounds. The hard wired
chime warning system inputs to the Central Timer
Module (CTM) and the Electro-Mechanical Instru-
ment Cluster (EMIC), as well as other hard wired
circuits for this system may be diagnosed and tested
using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERBR/BE
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

²Horn relay control - high-line/premium version
only
²VTSS indicator driver - high-line/premium ver-
sion only
²Wiper motor relay control
MESSAGING
The high-line/premium CTM uses the following
messages received from other electronic modules over
the CCD data bus:
²Airbag Deploy (ACM)
²Charging System Failure (PCM)
²Engine RPM (PCM)
²System Voltage (PCM)
²Vehicle Speed (PCM)
²Voltage Fault (PCM)
The high-line/premium CTM provides the following
messages to other electronic modules over the CCD
data bus:
²Engine Enable (PCM)
²Radio Seek Up (Radio)
²Radio Seek Down (Radio)
²Radio Volume Up (Radio)
²Radio Volume Down (Radio)
²Preset Scan (Radio)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CENTRAL TIMER
MODULE
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
Central Timer Module (CTM) may be diagnosed and
tested using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices and grounds.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the high-line/pre-
mium CTM. In order to obtain conclusive testing of
the high-line/premium CTM, the Chrysler Collision
Detection (CCD) data bus network and all of the elec-
tronic modules that provide inputs to or receive out-
puts from the CTM must also be checked. The most
reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose
the high-line/premium CTM, the CCD data bus net-
work, and the electronic modules that provide inputs
to or receive outputs from the high-line/premium
CTM requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool and the
appropriate diagnostic information. The DRBIIIt
scan tool can provide confirmation that the CCD data
bus network is functional, that all of the electronic
modules are sending and receiving the proper mes-
sages over the CCD data bus, and that the CTM is
receiving the proper hard wired inputs and respond-ing with the proper hard wired outputs needed to
perform its many functions.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: The following tests may not prove conclu-
sive in the diagnosis of the high-line or premium
versions of the Central Timer Module (CTM). The
most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diag-
nose the high-line or premium CTM requires the
use of a DRBIIITscan tool and the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse 13 - 10
ampere) in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse 13 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit between
the JB and the Power Distribution Center (PDC) as
required.
(3) For a base version CTM, check the fused igni-
tion switch output (st-run) fuse (Fuse 11 - 10 ampere)
in the JB. For a high-line/premium version CTM,
check the fused ignition switch output (run-acc) fuse
(Fuse6-25ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. For
a base version CTM, check for battery voltage at the
fused ignition switch output (st-run) fuse (Fuse 11 -
10 ampere) in the JB. For a high-line/premium ver-
sion CTM, check for battery voltage at the fused igni-
tion switch output (run-acc) fuse (Fuse6-25
ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK,
repair the shorted circuit or component as required
and replace the faulty fuse.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the CTM from its mounting bracket to access
the CTM wire harness connector(s). Disconnect the
instrument panel wire harness connector(s) for the
8E - 4 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESBR/BE
BODY CONTROL/CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (Continued)

Based on inputs that it receives, the PCM adjusts
ignition coil dwell. The PCM also adjusts the gener-
ator charge rate through control of the generator
field and provides speed control operation.
NOTE: PCM Inputs:
²A/C request (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C select (if equipped with factory A/C)
²Auto shutdown (ASD) sense
²Battery temperature
²Battery voltage
²Brake switch
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Fuel level
²Generator (battery voltage) output
²Ignition circuit sense (ignition switch in on/off/
crank/run position)
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Leak detection pump (switch) sense (if equipped)
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Oil pressure
²Output shaft speed sensor
²Overdrive/override switch
²Oxygen sensors
²Park/neutral switch (auto. trans. only)
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Speed control multiplexed single wire input
²Throttle position sensor
²Transmission governor pressure sensor
²Transmission temperature sensor
²Vehicle speed inputs from ABS or RWAL system
NOTE: PCM Outputs:
²A/C clutch relay
²Auto shutdown (ASD) relay
²CCD bus (+/-) circuits for: speedometer, voltme-
ter, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge/lamp, engine temp.
gauge and speed control warn. lamp
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²EGR valve control solenoid (if equipped)
²EVAP canister purge solenoid
²Five volt sensor supply (primary)
²Five volt sensor supply (secondary)
²Fuel injectors
²Fuel pump relay
²Generator field driver (-)
²Generator field driver (+)
²Generator lamp (if equipped)²Idle air control (IAC) motor
²Ignition coil
²Leak detection pump (if equipped)
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp).
Driven through CCD circuits.
²Overdrive indicator lamp (if equipped)
²Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) Lamp (MAINT
REQ'D lamp). Driven through CCD circuits.
²Speed control vacuum solenoid
²Speed control vent solenoid
²Tachometer (if equipped). Driven through CCD
circuits.
²Transmission convertor clutch circuit
²Transmission 3±4 shift solenoid
²Transmission relay
²Transmission temperature lamp (if equipped)
²Transmission variable force solenoid
OPERATION - DIESEL
Two different control modules are used: The Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM), and the Engine Con-
trol Module (ECM). The ECMcontrolsthe fuel
system. The PCMdoes not controlthe fuel system.
The PCM's main function is to control: the vehicle
charging system, speed control system, transmission,
air conditioning system and certain bussed messages.
The PCM can adapt its programming to meet
changing operating conditions.
The PCM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
PCM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to asPCM Outputs.The sensors
and switches that provide inputs to the PCM are con-
sideredPCM Inputs.
NOTE: PCM Inputs:
²A/C request (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C select (if equipped with factory A/C)
²Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) output
from ECM
²Auto shutdown (ASD) relay sense
²Battery temperature sensor
²Battery voltage
²Brake switch
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) output from
ECM
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Fuel level sensor
²Generator (battery voltage) output
²Ignition sense
²Output shaft speed sensor
²Overdrive/override switch
²Park/neutral switch (auto. trans. only)
8E - 18 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESBR/BE
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

ENGINE SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY SYSTEM......................... 1
CHARGING.............................. 27STARTING............................... 32
BATTERY SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
BATTERY SYSTEM......................2
CLEANING...............................5
INSPECTION.............................5
SPECIFICATIONS.........................6
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................7
BATTERY..............................7
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................8
CHECKING BATTERY ELECTROLYTE
LEVEL................................8
BATTERY CHARGING....................9
BUILT-IN INDICATOR TEST...............11
HYDROMETER TEST....................12
OPEN-CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST...........13
LOAD TEST...........................14IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST...............15
REMOVAL..............................17
INSTALLATION...........................17
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION...........................18
OPERATION.............................18
REMOVAL..............................18
INSTALLATION...........................18
BATTERY CABLE
DESCRIPTION...........................19
OPERATION.............................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................20
BATTERY CABLES......................20
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................23
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................25
REMOVAL..............................25
INSTALLATION...........................25
BATTERY SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A single 12-volt battery system is standard factory-
installed equipment on gasoline engine equipped
models. Models equipped with a diesel engine utilize
two 12-volt batteries connected in parallel. All of the
components of the battery system are located within
the engine compartment of the vehicle. The service
information for the battery system in this vehicle
covers the following related components, which are
covered in further detail elsewhere in this service
manual:²Battery- The storage battery provides a reli-
able means of storing a renewable source of electrical
energy within the vehicle.
²Battery Cable- The battery cables connect the
battery terminal posts to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem.
²Battery Holddown- The battery holddown
hardware secures the battery in the battery tray in
the engine compartment.
²Battery Tray- The battery tray provides a
secure mounting location in the vehicle for the bat-
tery and an anchor point for the battery holddown
hardware.
BR/BEENGINE SYSTEMS 8F - 1

lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative
plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-
conductive material are inserted between the positive
and negative plates to prevent them from contacting
or shorting against one another. These dissimilar
metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and
water solution called an electrolyte.
The factory-installed battery has a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
built-in indicator test procedures.The factory-in-
stalled low-maintenance battery has non-re-
movable battery cell caps.Water cannot be added
to this battery. The battery is not sealed and has
vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical composition
of the metal coated plates within the low-mainte-
nance battery reduces battery gassing and water
loss, at normal charge and discharge rates. There-
fore, the battery should not require additional water
in normal service. Rapid loss of electrolyte can be
caused by an overcharging condition. Be certain to
diagnose the charging system before returning the
vehicle to service. Refer to Charging System for the
proper charging system diagnosis and testing proce-
dures.
OPERATION
The battery is designed to store electrical energy in
a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to
the terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reac-
tion occurs. This reaction causes the battery to dis-
charge electrical current from its terminals. As the
battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes
place within each cell. The sulfuric acid in the elec-
trolyte combines with the plate materials, causing
both plates to slowly change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The
chemical changes within the battery are caused by
the movement of excess or free electrons between the
positive and negative plate groups. This movement of
electrons produces a flow of electrical current
through the load device attached to the battery ter-
minals.
As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery itself, the battery discharging process
is reversed. Charging the battery gradually changes
the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and
lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.
This action restores the difference in the electron
charges deposited on the plates, and the voltage
potential of the battery cells. For a battery to remain
useful, it must be able to produce high-amperage cur-
rent over an extended period. A battery must also be
able to accept a charge, so that its voltage potential
may be restored.
The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen
gas that is created when the battery is being charged
or discharged. However, even with these vents,
hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If
hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may
ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery may
arc internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced if the electrolyte level
becomes low.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
top, posts and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned and inspected before diagnostic procedures
are performed. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for
the proper cleaning procedures, and Battery System
Inspection for the proper battery inspection proce-
dures. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
battery charging procedures.
Fig. 4 Low-Maintenance Battery - Typical
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - TEST INDICATOR
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - GREEN BALL
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 7
BATTERY (Continued)

in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the bat-
tery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise.
The Battery Charging Time Table gives an indica-
tion of the time required to charge a typical battery
at room temperature based upon the battery state-of-
charge and the charger capacity.
BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Charging
Amperage5 Amps10
Amps20 Amps
Open Circuit
VoltageHours Charging @ 21É C
(70É F)
12.25 to 12.49 6 hours 3 hours 1.5
hours
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours 5 hours 2.5
hours
10.00 to 11.99 14 hours 7 hours 3.5
hours
Below 10.00 18 hours 9 hours 4.5
hours
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUILT-IN
INDICATOR TEST
An indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of the
battery case provides visual information for battery
testing (Fig. 8). Like a hydrometer, the built-in indi-
cator measures the specific gravity of the battery
electrolyte. The specific gravity of the electrolyte
reveals the battery state-of-charge; however, it will
not reveal the cranking capacity of the battery. A load
test must be performed to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures.WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. In order to
obtain correct indications from the built-in indicator,
it is important that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass. Additional light may be required to
view the indicator.Do not use open flame as a
source of additional light.
To read the built-in indicator, look into the sight
glass and note the color of the indication (Fig. 9). The
battery condition that each color indicates is
described in the following list:
²Green- Indicates 75% to 100% battery state-of-
charge. The battery is adequately charged for further
testing or return to service. If the starter will not
crank for a minimum of fifteen seconds with a fully-
charged battery, the battery must be load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
load test procedures.
²Black or Dark- Indicates 0% to 75% battery
state-of-charge. The battery is inadequately charged
and must be charged until a green indication is visi-
ble in the sight glass (12.4 volts or more), before the
battery is tested further or returned to service. Refer
to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charg-
ing procedures. Also refer to Diagnosis and Testing
for more information on the possible causes of the
discharged battery condition.
Fig. 8 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC ROD
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 11
BATTERY (Continued)

²Clear or Bright- Indicates a low battery elec-
trolyte level. The electrolyte level in the battery is
below the built-in indicator. A maintenance-free bat-
tery with non-removable cell caps must be replaced if
the electrolyte level is low. Water must be added to a
low-maintenance battery with removable cell caps
before it is charged. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery filling procedures. A low electro-
lyte level may be caused by an overcharging condi-
tion. Refer to Charging System for the proper
charging system diagnosis and testing procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROMETER TEST
The hydrometer test reveals the battery state-of-
charge by measuring the specific gravity of the elec-
trolyte.This test cannot be performed on
maintenance-free batteries with non-removable
cell caps.If the battery has non-removable cell caps,
refer to Diagnosis and Testing for alternate methods
of determining the battery state-of-charge.
Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of the
battery electrolyte to the density of pure water. Pure
water has a specific gravity of 1.000, and sulfuric acid
has a specific gravity of 1.835. Sulfuric acid makes up
approximately 35% of the battery electrolyte by
weight, or 24% by volume. In a fully-charged battery
the electrolyte will have a temperature-corrected spe-
cific gravity of 1.260 to 1.290. However, a specific grav-
ity of 1.235 or above is satisfactory for the battery to
be load tested and/or returned to service.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. Then
remove the battery cell caps and check the electrolyte
level. Add distilled water if the electrolyte level is
below the top of the battery plates. Refer to Battery
System Cleaning for the proper battery inspection
procedures.
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. 10).
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)
Fig. 9 Built-In Indicator Sight Glass Chart
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY (Continued)

OPERATION - HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM
The solid state electronic control logic and timer
circuitry for the heated mirror system receives bat-
tery current from a fuse in the Junction Block (JB)
only when the ignition switch is in the On or Start
positions. After the heated mirror system is turned
On, the electronic control logic and timer circuitry
will automatically turn the system off after a pro-
grammed time interval of about fifteen minutes.
After the initial time interval has expired, if the
heated mirror switch is depressed and released a sec-
ond time during the same ignition cycle, the elec-
tronic control logic and timer circuitry will
automatically turn the heated mirror system off after
a programmed time interval of about five minutes.
The heated mirror system will be shut off automati-
cally if the ignition switch is turned to the Off or
Accessory positions. After the heated mirror system
is turned On, it can also be turned off manually by
depressing and releasing the heated mirror switch a
second time.
When the heated mirror system is turned On, the
heated mirror system control logic and timer cir-
cuitry energizes the heated mirror system indicator
lamp and the heated mirror relay. When energized,
the heated mirror relay supplies fused ignition
switch output (run/start) current from a fuse in the
JB to the outside mirror heating grids located behind
the mirror glass of each of the outside rear view mir-
rors. When energized, each of the outside mirror
heating grids produces enough heat to warm the
glass of the outside rear view mirrors.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRROR
SYSTEM
If only one of the outside mirror heating grids is
inoperative, perform continuity checks on the circuits
and heater grid for that mirror only. If both outside
mirror heating grids are inoperative, proceed with
the heated mirror system diagnosis as follows. (Refer
to Appropriate Wiring Information).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.The operation of the heated mirror system can be
confirmed in one of the following manners:
²Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter,
momentarily depress and release the heated mirror
switch. When the heated mirror system is turned On,
a distinct voltmeter needle deflection should be
noted.
²Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Momentarily depress and release the heated mirror
switch to turn the heated mirror system On. The
heated mirror operation can be checked by feeling
the outside rear view mirror glass. A distinct differ-
ence in temperature between the unheated and
heated mirror glass can be detected within three to
four minutes of system operation.
The above checks will confirm system operation.
Illumination of the heated mirror system indicator
lamp means that there is electrical current available
at the heated mirror relay, but does not confirm that
the electrical current is reaching the outside mirror
heating grids.
If the heated mirror system does not operate, the
problem should be isolated in the following manner:
(1) Confirm that the ignition switch is in the On
position.
(2) Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) and in the Junction Block (JB). The fuses
must be tight in their receptacles and all electrical
connections must be secure.
When the above steps have been completed and
both outside mirror heating grids are still inopera-
tive, one or more of the following is faulty:
²Heated mirror switch, electronic control logic
and timer circuitry, and heated mirror relay.
²Heated mirror wire harness circuits or connec-
tors.
²Outside mirror heating grid (both mirror grids
would have to be faulty).
If turning On the heated mirror system produces a
severe voltmeter deflection or fuse failures, check for
a shorted circuit between the output of the heated
mirror relay and the outside mirror heating grids.
8G - 2 HEATED MIRRORSBR/BE
HEATED MIRRORS (Continued)