(1) Check battery before performing this test. Bat-
tery must be fully charged.
(2) Connect a volt-ampere tester to the battery ter-
minals. Refer to the operating instructions provided
with the tester being used.
(3) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(4) Verify that all lights and accessories are OFF,
and the transmission shift selector is in the PARK
and SET parking brake.
CAUTION: Do not overheat the starter motor or
draw the battery voltage below 9.6 volts during
cranking operations.
(5) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Observe the volt-ampere tester (Fig.
2).
²If voltage reads above 9.6 volts, and amperage
draw reads above 280 amps, check for engine seizing
or faulty starter.
²If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amper-
age reads 0 to 10 amps, check for corroded cables
and/or bad connections.
²Voltage below 9.6 volts and amperage draw
above 300 amps, the problem is the starter. Replace
the starter refer to starter removal.
(6) After the starting system problems have been
corrected, verify the battery state-of-charge and
charge battery if necessary. Disconnect all testingequipment and connect ASD relay. Start the vehicle
several times to assure the problem has been cor-
rected.
SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER
MANUFACTURER NIPPONDENSO
Engine Application 2.4L /3.3/3.8L
Power rating 1.2 Kw
Voltage 12 VOLTS
No. of Fields 4
No. of Poles 4
Brushes 4
Drive Conventional Gear Train
Free running Test
Voltage 11
Amperage Draw 73 Amp
Minimum Speed 3401 RPM
SolenoidClosing Voltage 7.5 Volts
Cranking Amperage Draw
test150 - 200 Amps.
Engine should be up to operating temperature.
Extremely heavy oil or tight engine will increase
starter amperage draw.
Torques
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Starter Mounting Bolts 47.4 35
Starter Solenoid Battery
Nut11.3 8.3 100
8F - 32 STARTINGRS
STARTING (Continued)
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IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
SPECIFICATIONS.........................1
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION............................3
OPERATION.............................3
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION............................3
OPERATION.............................3
REMOVAL...............................3
INSTALLATION............................5
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................6REMOVAL...............................6
INSTALLATION............................6
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION............................7
OPERATION.............................7
REMOVAL...............................7
INSTALLATION............................8
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION............................8
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION............................9
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION SYSTEM
NOTE: All engines use a fixed ignition timing sys-
tem. Basic ignition timing is not adjustable. All
spark advance is determined by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM).
The distributorless ignition system used on these
engines is referred to as the Direct Ignition System
(DIS). The system's three main components are the
coils, crankshaft position sensor, and camshaft posi-
tion sensor. The coil on plug ignition system utilizesan ignition coil for every cylinder, it is mounted
directly over the each spark plug.
OPERATION - IGNITION SYSTEM
The crankshaft position sensor and camshaft posi-
tion sensor are hall effect devices. The camshaft posi-
tion sensor and crankshaft position sensor generate
pulses that are inputs to the PCM. The PCM deter-
mines engine position from these sensors. The PCM
calculates injector sequence and ignition timing from
crankshaft & camshaft position. For a description of
both sensors, refer to Camshaft Position Sensor and
Crankshaft Position Sensor in this section.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
2.4L Target Magnet Screw 3 30
2.4L Camshaft Sensor Screw 12.9 115
3.3/3.8L Camshaft Sensor Screw 14.1 125
2.4L Ignition coil bolts 11.8 105
3.3/3.8L Ignition coil bolts 11.8 105
Spark Plugs 17.5 13
Knock Sensor 10 7
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-1
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(4) Remove bolt holding sensor.
(5) Rotate sensor away from block.
(6) Pull sensor up out of the chain case cover.Do
not pull on the sensor lead.There is an O-ring on
the sensor case. The O-ring may make removal diffi-
cult. A light tap to top of sensor prior to removal may
reduce force needed for removal.
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The target magnet has locating dowels that fit into
machined locating holes in the end of the camshaft
(Fig. 8).(1) Install target magnet in end of camshaft.
Tighten mounting screw to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
Over torqueing could cause cracks in magnet. If mag-
net cracks replace it.
(2) Install camshaft position sensor. Tighten sensor
mounting screws to 12.9 N´m (115 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Carefully attach electrical connector to cam-
shaft position sensor. Installation at an angle may
damage the sensor pins.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
If the removed sensor is reinstalled, clean off
the old spacer on the sensor face. A NEW
SPACER must be attached to the face before
installation.Inspect O-ring for damage, replace if
necessary. If the sensor is being replaced, confirm
that the paper spacer is attached to the face and
O-ring is positioned in groove of the new sensor (Fig.
9).
(1) Apply a couple drops of clean engine oil to the
O-ring prior to installation.
(2) Install sensor in the chain case cover and
rotate into position.
(3) Push sensor down until contact is made with
the camshaft gear. While holding the sensor in this
position, install and tighten the retaining bolt 14
N´m (125 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect camshaft position sensor electrical
connector to harness connector.
(5) Install the air box cover and inlet hose (Fig. 6).
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 7 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Fig. 8 Target Magnet Installation
1 - LOCATING DOWELS
2 - LOCATING HOLES (2)
Fig. 9 Camshaft Position Sensor and Spacer
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - O-RING
3 - PAPER SPACER
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-5
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)
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INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 13).
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
INSTALLATION - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles install the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit) for the rear wheels, refer to
the Transmission section for more information.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Connect the negative cable.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION - STANDARD 2.4L
All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
Refer to the Specifications section for gap and type
of spark plug.
DESCRIPTION - PLATINUM 3.3/3.8L
These engines utilize platinum spark plugs. Refer
to the maintenance schedule.
All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
The spark plugs are double platinum and have a
recommended service life of 100,000 miles for normal
driving conditions per schedule A in this manual. The
spark plugs have a recommended service life of
75,000 miles for severe driving conditions per sched-
ule B in this manual. A thin platinum pad is welded
to both electrode ends as show in (Fig. 14). Extreme
care must be used to prevent spark plug cross
threading, mis-gaping and ceramic insulator damage
during plug removal and installation.
Fig. 13 Knock Sensor
1 - GENERATOR
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
3 - KNOCK SENSOR
4-STARTER
Fig. 14 Platinum Pads
1 - APPLY ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND HERE ONLY
2 - PLATINUM SPARK SURFACE
8I - 8 IGNITION CONTROLRS
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)
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CAUTION: Cleaning of the platinum plug may dam-
age the platinum tip.
REMOVAL
When replacing the spark plugs and spark plug
cables, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise, cross ignition of the spark plugs orshort cir-
cuit the cables to ground.
Always remove cables by grasping at the boot,
rotating the boot 1/2 turn, and pulling straight back
in a steady motion.
(1) Prior to removing the spark plug, spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug.
(2) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a foam insert.
(3) Inspect the spark plug condition.
INSTALLATION
When replacing the spark plugs and spark plug
cables, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise, cross ignition of the spark plugs orshort cir-
cuit the cables to ground.(1) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand.
(2) Tighten spark plugs to 17.5 N´m (13 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs. A
click will be heard and felt when the cable properly
attaches to the spark plug.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as
secondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electri-
cal current from the ignition coil pack to individual
spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark plug
cables are of nonmetallic construction. The cables
provide suppression of radio frequency emissions
from the ignition system.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil, and spark plugs. Terminals should
be fully seated. The insulators should be in good con-
dition and should fit tightly on the coil, and spark
plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that are
cracked or torn must be replaced.
Clean Spark Plug cables with a cloth moistened
with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry.
Check for brittle or cracked insulation. The spark
plug cables and spark plug boots are made from high
temperature silicone materials. All spark plug cable
leads are properly identified with cylinder numbers.
The inside of most the spark plug boot is coated with
a special high temperature silicone grease for greater
sealing and to minimize boot bonding to the spark
plug insulator.
REMOVAL
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
Remove spark plug cable from coil first.
Always remove the spark plug cable by grasping
the top of the spark plug insulator, turning the boot
1/2 turn and pulling straight up in a steady motion.
INSTALLATION
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
Install spark plug insulators over spark plugs.
Ensure the top of the spark plug insulator covers the
upper end of the spark plug tube.Then connect the
other end to coil pack.
Fig. 15 Setting Spark Plug Electrode Gap
1 - TAPER GAUGE
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-9
SPARK PLUG (Continued)
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ature Module (CT) equipped vehicles depress the
US/M push buttonto step through the zone num-
bers, until the zone number for your geographic loca-
tion appears in the display.
(6) On Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC)
equipped vehicles momentarily depress and release
theReset push buttonto enter the displayed zone
number into the EVIC/CMTC module memory. On
Compass Temperature Module (CT) equipped vehicles
depress theC/T push buttonto enter the displayed
zone number into the electronic module memory.
(7) Confirm that the correct directions are now
indicated by the compass.
REMOVAL - OVERHEAD CONSOLE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the remote negative bat-
tery cable.
(2) Remove the overhead console retaining screw,
located in the front of console.
(3) Using your fingertips, grasp the sides of the
overhead console and pull straight down evenly to
disengage the two snap clips at the rear of the unit.
(4) Lower the overhead console far enough to
access the wire harness connectors.
(5) Disconnect the EVIC, CMTC or CT electronic
module and the reading/courtesy lamps electrical
connector.
(6) Remove the overhead console from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the overhead console in the vehicle.
(2) Connect the EVIC, CMTC or CT electronic
module and the reading/courtesy lamps electrical
connector.
(3) Using your fingertips, grasp the sides of the
overhead console and push straight up evenly to
engage the two snap clips at the rear of the unit.
CAUTION: DO NOT PRESS ON THE SUNGLASS
STORAGE BIN DOOR. DAMAGE TO THE DOOR MAY
RESULT.
(4) Install the overhead console retaining screw,
located in the front of console. Torque the screw to
1.2 N´m (10 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the remote negative battery cable.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO
CENTER
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
is a module located in the overhead console on some
models. The EVIC module features a large Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) screen for displaying
information, and back-lit push button switches
labeled C/T (compass/thermometer), RESET, STEP,
and MENU.
Fig. 2 Variance Settings
8M - 6 OVERHEAD CONSOLERS
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)
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(3) Disconnect the pinch sensor wire harness con-
nector (Fig. 4).
(4) Remove screws holding the pinch sensor to lift-
gate.
(5) Feed the pinch sensor wire harness out of the
liftgate and remove the sensor from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the pinch sensor and install screws
holding the sensor to the liftgate. Torque screws to
25 in. lbs.
(2) Install wire harness grommet in liftgate flange
and route, connect the pinch sensor wire harness
connector.
(3) Install the trim panel on the liftgate. Refer to
the Body section for the procedure.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
(5) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the pinch sensor.
(6) Verify power liftgate system and pinch sensor
operation. Cycle the power liftgate through one com-
plete open and close cycle, during the final close cycle
press the pinch sensor to verify the power liftgate
detects an obstruction and returns to the full open
position.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TEST-
ING PINCH SENSOR OPERATION.
FULL OPEN SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
full open switch. This switch is located on the gear
motor housing (Fig. 5) and is used to signal the
power liftgate module when the liftgate is in the full
open position. Two wires are used from the full open
switch contacts to the gear motor assemblies main
electrical connector.
The full open switch is a serviceable component.
Consult your Mopar parts catalog for a specific part
number.
OPERATION
When the power liftgate reaches the full open posi-
tion, the gear motor housing mounted full open
switch electrical contacts come in contact with each
other. This sends a ground signal to the power lift-
gate control module, telling the module that the lift-
gate has reached the full open position.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the lift gear and link rod assembly
from the vehicle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DOORS/CONTROL ROD - REMOVAL).
(3) Cut the two wires leading to the full open
switch or back the wires out of the electrical connec-
tor (Fig. 5). Refer to the Wiring section of the service
manual for detailed instructions.
(4) Remove the full open switch retaining screw
and remove the full open switch from the gear motor
housing assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Perform a wiring repair on the full open switch
wires following the approved procedure in the Wiring
section of the service manual. Or install new termi-
nals on the wire ends and reinstall in the main lift-
gate motor electrical connector.
(2) Position and install the full open switch retain-
ing screw.
(3) Install the power liftgate lift gear and link rod
assembly. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DOORS/CONTROL ROD - INSTALLATION)
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
(5) Using an appropriate scan tool, check any
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes.
Fig. 5 FULL OPEN SWITCH LOCATION
1 - FULL OPEN SWITCH
2 - GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY RETAINING BOLT (1 OF 3)
8N - 10 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
PINCH SENSOR (Continued)
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(6) Verify power liftgate system and full open
switch operation. Cycle the power liftgate through
one complete open and close cycle, this will allow the
power liftgate control module to relearn its cycle with
the new components.
LIFTGATE MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate, utilize a
liftgate gear motor assembly (Fig. 6). The gear motor
assembly consists of a DC motor, hall effect sensor,
engage actuator, full open switch, lift gear, aluminum
housing, drive gears and wire harness. The gears and
motor portion of the assembly provides the power
and torque required to open or close the liftgate
under the worst case conditions. The hall effect sen-
sor is used to provide the liftgate control module with
a speed reading, which is used to monitor the resis-
tance of liftgate travel. This speed reading also
allows the power liftgate control module to detect
obstructions and move the liftgate accordingly. The
engage actuator is used to toggle between power
open/close mode and full manual mode when desired.
The full open switch is used to let the power liftgate
control module know when the liftgate is approach-
ing the full open position.Serviceable components of the power liftgate gear
motor assembly are the complete gear motor assem-
bly, motor and wire harness, lift gear and control rod,
engage actuator, full open switch and the transverse
bracket. Refer to additional information in this group
for more component details.
OPERATION
With the push of a power liftgate command switch
(liftgate closed), the power liftgate control module
will signal the latch assembly to release the door
from its primary closed and latched position to the
released and movable position. The liftgate motor
mounted, engage actuator then engages the liftgate
motor assembly, which moves the liftgate into the
open position. The liftgate motor provides the torque
and power to move the door to its full open or closed
position(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DOORS -
OPERATION) for additional information.
REMOVAL
The power liftgate motor can be serviced in two
different ways. The first of which is called out here,
the complete gear motor assembly. The second way
includes the motor, aluminum housing, drive gears
and wire harness assembly. To perform this service
procedure, use the following procedure to remove the
gear motor assembly from the vehicle. Then refer to
the other procedures called out this section to trans-
fer the remaining components (engage actuator, full
open switch, transverse bracket and lift gear and
rod) to the replacement motor assembly.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the left rear D-pillar trim panel from
the vehicle. Refer to the Body section for the proce-
dure.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
motor assembly (Fig. 6).
(4) Remove the two bolts from the motor housing
and the one bolt from the transverse mount bracket.
(5) Grab the liftgate motor assembly and lift
upward and out to unhook the motor assembly from
the D-pillar.
(6) Remove the liftgate motor assembly from the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Using the motor housing tab, hook the liftgate
motor assembly on the D-pillar.
(2) Install the three motor assembly retaining
bolts. Torque the two rear most bolts first to 9.5 N´m
(85 in. lbs.). Torque the remaining bolt next to the
window actuator to 9.5 N´m (85 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the liftgate motor assembly electrical
connector.
Fig. 6 POWER LIFTGATE COMPONENTS
1 - POWER LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
2 - POWER LIFTGATE CONTROL MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL GROUND LOCATION
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-11
FULL OPEN SWITCH (Continued)
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