(5) Connect the push-in field wire connector to
back of generator.
(6) Install the EVAP Purge solenoid to its bracket.
(7) Install the Air Box, refer to the Engine/Air
Cleaner for more information.
(8) Connect the Inlet Air Temperature sensor.
(9) Connect battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION - 2.5L
(1) Install generator.
(2) Install the 2 lower mounting Bolts (Fig. 8).
(3) Install the Air Cleaner Box (Fig. 7).
(4) Install the upper support bracket (Fig. 6).
(5) Install the wiring harness on upper generator
bracket (Fig. 6).
(6) Connect the field connection (Fig. 5).
(7) Connect the generator battery connection (Fig.
5).
(8) Raise vehicle and support.
(9) Install the generator drive belt (Fig. 4).
(10) Install the right front splash shield (Fig. 3).
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Install the engine cover (Fig. 2).
(13) Connect the negative battery cable (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Roll and place generator in position on vehicle
(Fig. 10).
(2) Install upper bolts to hold generator in place.
(3) Lubricate the o-ring. Install oil dip stick tube.
(4) Install the upper oil dip stick tube bolt.
(5) Place B+ terminal in position on generator.
(6) Install nut to hold B+ wire terminal to back of
generator.
(7) Connect the push-in field wire connector into
back of generator.
(8) Raise vehicle and support.
(9) Install the lower mounting bolt and tighten.
(10) Install the lower oil dip stick tube bolt and
tighten (Fig. 9).
(11) Install accessory drive belt, refer to the Cool-
ing System section for proper procedures.
(12) Install the right front lower splash shield.
(13) Lower vehicle.
(14) Install wiring harness to the oil dip stick tube
(15) Connect battery negative cable.
(16) Verify generator output rate.
INSTALLATION - 3.5L
(1) Install generator (Fig. 16) and the 3 mounting
bolts and tighten.
(2) Connect the generator positive battery cable
(Fig. 15).
(3) Connect the field connector and lock the con-
nector (Fig. 15).
(4) Install the axle shaft to the transmission.(5) Install axle to steering knuckle (Fig. 13).
(6) Install the 2 upper clevies bolts and tighten,
refer to the Suspension section.
(7) Install axle nut and tighten, refer to the Differ-
ential and Driveline section.
(8) Relocate the ABS sensor wiring to bracket (Fig.
12).
(9) Install the accessory drive belt (Fig. 14), refer
to the Cooling section.
(10) Install the right front splash shield.
(11) Install the right front tire, refer to the Wheels
and Tires section.
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Connect the negative battery cable.
GENERATOR DECOUPLER
PULLEY
DESCRIPTION
The Generator Decoupler is a one way clutch (Fig.
17). 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.
Fig. 17 GENERATOR DECOUPLER 3.3/3.8L
8Fa - 28 CHARGINGRG
GENERATOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Remove the starter relay from the PDC as
described in this group to perform the following tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery B+ lead to terminals 86 and
a ground lead to terminal 85 to energize the relay.
The relay should click. Also test for continuity
between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity
between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to Relay
Circuit Test procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty
relay.CAV FUNCTION
30 B (+)
85 P/N POSITION SW.SENSE
86 IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT
87 STARTER RELAY OUTPUT
87A NO CONNECT
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the Start position and
the clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans). Check
for battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86
with the ignition switch in the Start position and the
clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans), and no
voltage when the ignition switch is released to the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, check for
an open or short circuit to the ignition switch and
repair, if required. If the circuit to the ignition switch
is OK, see the Ignition Switch Test procedure in this
group.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded
through the transmission range sensor only when the
gearshift selector lever is in the Park or Neutral
positions. Check for continuity to ground at the cav-
ity for relay terminal 85. If not OK with an auto-
matic transmission, check for an open or short circuit
to the transmission range sensor and repair. It is
grounded by the PCM if the conditions are right to
start the car. For automatic trans. cars the PCM
must see Park Neutral switch and near zero engine
rpm. For manual trans. cars the PCM only needs to
see near zero engine rpm. To diagnose the Park Neu-
tral switch of the trans range sensor refer to the
transaxle section for more information. Check for
continuity to ground while the ignition switch is in
the start position. If not OK and the vehicle has an
automatic trans. verify Park Neutral switch opera-
Starter Relay Pinout
Starter Relay Pinout
RGSTARTING8Fa-35
STARTING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(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.
3).
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 testing
equipment 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 Nut 11.3 8.3 100
RGSTARTING8Fa-37
STARTING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION SYSTEM..........1
OPERATION - IGNITION SYSTEM...........1
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE.............................2
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........2
SPARK PLUG.........................2
FIRING ORDER........................3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................4
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................4
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L....................4
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................6
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L.................6
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................7REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L....................7
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................7
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L.................8
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................8
REMOVAL - 3.8L.......................8
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................8
INSTALLATION - 3.8L...................8
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - STANDARD 4 CYLINDER . . . 9
DESCRIPTION - PLATINUM PLUGS........9
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
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.
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-1
ProCarManuals.com
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
2.4L Target Magnet Screw 3 30
2.4L Camshaft Sensor
Screw12.9 115
3.3/3.8L Camshaft Sensor
Screw14.1 125
2.4L Ignition coil bolts 11.8 105
3.3/3.8LIgnition coil bolts 11.8 105
Spark Plugs 17.5 13
Knock Sensor 10 7
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
2.4L
CABLE Maximum Resistance
1, 2, 3, & 4 10.8K ohms
3.3/3.8L
CABLE Maximum Resistance
#1 22.5K ohms
#2 22.8K ohms
#3 19.3K ohms
#4 19.3K ohms
#5 13.6K ohms
#6 16.4K ohms
SPARK PLUG
Engine Spark Plug Gap Thread Size
2.4L RE14MCC5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in.) reach
Engine Spark Plug Gap Thread Size
3.3L RE14PLP5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in.) reach
3.8L RE14PLP5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in. ) reach
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLRS
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
FIRING ORDERAUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). For the location of the relay within the
PDC, refer to the PDC cover for location. Check elec-
trical terminals for corrosion and repair as necessary
OPERATION
The ASD sense circuit informs the PCM when the
ASD relay energizes. A 12 volt signal at this input
indicates to the PCM that the ASD has been acti-
vated. This input is used only to sense that the ASD
relay is energized.
When energized, the ASD relay supplies battery
voltage to the fuel injectors, ignition coils and the
heating element in each oxygen sensor.
When energized, the ASD relay provides power to
operate the injectors, ignition coil, generator field, O2
sensor heaters (both upstream and downstream),
(EGR solenoid and PCV heater if equipped) and also
provides a sense circuit to the PCM for diagnostic
purposes. If the PCM does not receive 12 volts from
this input after grounding the ASD relay, it sets a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM energizes
the ASD any time there is a Crankshaft Position sen-
sor signal that exceeds a predetermined value. The
ASD relay can also be energized after the engine has
been turned off to perform an O2 sensor heater test,
if vehicle is equipped with OBD II diagnostics.
As mentioned earlier, the PCM energizes the ASD
relay during an O2 sensor heater test. This test is
performed only after the engine has been shut off.
The PCM still operates internally to perform several
checks, including monitoring the O2 sensor heaters.
CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The camshaft position sensorfor the 3.3/3.8L is
mounted in the front of the timing case cover (Fig. 6)
and the camshaft position sensor for the 2.4L is
mounted on the end of the cylinder head (Fig. 3).
FIRING ORDER 2.4L
Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6 3.3/3.8L
1 - Electrical Connector
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The target magnet has locating dowels that fit into
machined locating holes in the end of the camshaft
(Fig. 7).
(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.
(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.
8).
(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. 5).
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition coil assembly consists of 2 or 3 inde-
pendent coils molded together (Fig. 9) or (Fig. 10).
The coil assembly for the 3.3/3.8L is mounted on the
intake manifold. The coil assembly for the 2.4L is
mounted on the cylinder head cover. Spark plug
cables route to each cylinder from the coil.
OPERATION
The coil fires two spark plugs every power stroke.
One plug is the cylinder under compression, the
other cylinder fires on the exhaust stroke. The Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) determines which of
the coils to charge and fire at the correct time.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the magnetic energy in
the coil transfers to the secondary causing the spark.
The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does
not receive the crankshaft position sensor and cam-
shaft position sensor inputs. Refer to Auto Shutdown
(ASD) RelayÐPCM Output, in this section for relay
operation.
Fig. 7 Target Magnet Installation
1 - LOCATING DOWELS
2 - LOCATING HOLES (2)
Fig. 8 Camshaft Position Sensor and Spacer
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - O-RING
3 - PAPER SPACER
8I - 6 IGNITION CONTROLRS
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)
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INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Install coil over studs on bracket.
(2) Install 2 bolts to ignition coil.
(3) Install 2 nuts to the ignition coil studs. Tighten
nuts and bolts.
(4) Connect the electrical connector to the ignition
coil.
(5) Install the ignition cables to the ignition coil.
(6) Reposition the Power steering reservoir. Slide
bracket over the mounting stud (Fig. 11).
(7) Install 2 bolts to the Power steering reservoir
to intake manifold.
(8) Tighten the lower nut to stud on ignition coil
bracket.
(9) Install the throttle and speed control cables to
clip.
(10) Connect the negative battery cable.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The knock sensor threads into the cylinder block.
The knock sensor is designed to detect engine vibra-
tion that is caused by detonation.
OPERATION
When the knock sensor detects a knock in one of
the cylinders, it sends an input signal to the PCM. In
response, the PCM retards ignition timing for all cyl-
inders by a scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives as an input the knock sensor voltage signal.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (aslong as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except WOT.
The PCM, using short term memory, can respond
quickly to retard timing when engine knock is
detected. Short term memory is lost any time the
ignition key is turned off.
NOTE: Over or under tightening affects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(2) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensors.
REMOVAL - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles remove the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit), refer to the Transmission sec-
tion for more information.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(5) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensor.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 12).
(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.
8I - 8 IGNITION CONTROLRS
IGNITION COIL (Continued)
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