(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. 11).
(3)Add only distilled wateruntil the electrolyte
is above the hooks inside the battery cells (Fig. 11).
REMOVAL - BATTERY
WARNING: A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY
RUBBER GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD
BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SERVICING A
BATTERY.
WARNING: REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY TO
AVOID INJURY BY ACCIDENTAL ARCING OF BAT-
TERY CURRENT.
(1) Verify that the ignition switch and all accesso-
ries are OFF.
(2) Disconnect the battery cables from the battery
posts, negative first (Fig. 12).
(3) Remove the battery hold down retaining nut.
(4) Remove the battery hold down bracket.
(5) Remove the battery from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery in the battery tray.(2) Install the battery hold down bracket and
retaining nut. Torque the nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the battery cables to the battery posts,
positive cable first. Torque terminal fasteners to 8.5
N´m (75 in. lbs.).
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION
The battery hold down hardware consists of a
molded plastic lip that is integral to the outboard
edge of the battery tray and support unit, a molded
steel hold down bracket and a single hex nut with a
coned washer.
When installing a battery into the battery tray, be
certain that the hold down hardware is properly
installed and that the fasteners are tightened to the
proper specifications. Improper hold down fastener
tightness, whether too loose or too tight, can result in
damage to the battery, the vehicle or both. Refer to
Battery Hold Downsin this section of this service
manual for the location of the proper battery hold
down installation procedures, including the proper
hold down fastener tightness specifications.
OPERATION
The battery holddown secures the battery in the
battery tray. This holddown is designed to prevent
Fig. 11 HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS - LOW-
MAINTENANCE BATTERY ONLY
1 - TOP OF BATTERY
2 - HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS
Fig. 12 BATTERY POSITION & ORIENTATION
1 - BATTERY THERMOWRAP (IF EQUIPPED)
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
RGBATTERY SYSTEM8Fa-15
BATTERY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
battery movement during the most extreme vehicle
operation conditions. Periodic removal and lubrica-
tion of the battery holddown hardware is recom-
mended to prevent hardware seizure at a later date.
NOTE: Never operate a vehicle without a battery
holddown device properly installed. Damage to the
vehicle, components and battery could result.
REMOVAL
All of the battery hold down hardware can be ser-
viced without removal of the battery or the battery
tray and support unit.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Remove the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit.
(3) Remove the battery hold down bracket from
the battery tray and support unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the battery hold down bracket in the
battery tray and support unit.
(2) Install the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit. Torque to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
BATTERY CABLES
DESCRIPTION
The battery cables are large gauge, stranded cop-
per wires sheathed within a heavy plastic or syn-
thetic rubber insulating jacket. The wire used in the
battery cables combines excellent flexibility and reli-
ability with high electrical current carrying capacity.
Refer toWiring Diagramsin the index of this ser-
vice manual for the location of the proper battery
cable wire gauge information.
A clamping type female battery terminal made of
stamped metal is attached to one end of the battery
cable wire. A square headed pinch-bolt and hex nut
are installed at the open end of the female battery
terminal clamp. Large eyelet type terminals are
crimped onto the opposite end of the battery cable
wire and then solder-dipped. The battery positive
cable wires have a red insulating jacket to provide
visual identification and feature a larger female bat-
tery terminal clamp to allow connection to the larger
battery positive terminal post. The battery negative
cable wires have a black insulating jacket and a
smaller female battery terminal clamp.
The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available forservice replacement only as a unit with the battery
wire harness, which may include portions of the wir-
ing circuits for the generator and other components
on some models. Refer toWiring Diagramsin the
index of this service manual for the location of more
information on the various wiring circuits included in
the battery wire harness for the vehicle being ser-
viced.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a path back to the battery for electrical
current generated by the charging system for restor-
ing the voltage potential of the battery. The female
battery terminal clamps on the ends of the battery
cable wires provide a strong and reliable connection
of the battery cable to the battery terminal posts.
The terminal pinch bolts allow the female terminal
clamps to be tightened around the male terminal
posts on the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals
secured to the opposite ends of the battery cable
wires from the female battery terminal clamps pro-
vide secure and reliable connection of the battery
cables to the vehicle electrical system.
The battery positive cable terminal clamp is
attached to the ends of two wires. One wire has an
eyelet terminal that connects the battery positive
cable to the B(+) terminal stud of the Integrated
Power Module (IPM), and the other wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor
solenoid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp
is also attached to the ends of two wires. One wire
has an eyelet terminal that connects the battery neg-
ative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a stud
on the left side of the engine cylinder block. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the left front fender inner shield,
near the battery.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY CABLE
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cable. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
rosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the
battery cable connection and the battery cable again
to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.EXAM-
8Fa - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMRG
BATTERY HOLDDOWN (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
REMOVAL
The battery cables on this model may include por-
tions of wiring circuits for the generator and other
components on the vehicle. If battery cable replace-
ment is required, it will be necessary to extract the
cables out of the engine wire harness assembly. Use
care not to damage the other wires and circuits
which are also packaged into the engine wire harness
assembly.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable terminal.(3) Remove the battery thermowrap (if equipped)
from the battery tray.
(4) Remove the tape from the engine wire harness
assembly, to access the desired battery cable.
(5) One at a time, trace and disconnect the battery
cable retaining fasteners and routing clips until the
desired cable is free from the vehicle.
(6) Feed the battery cable out of the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery cable in the vehicle.
(2) One at a time, trace and install the battery
cable retaining fasteners and routing clips until the
desired cable is properly installed in the engine wire
harness assembly.
(3) Install the tape on the engine wire harness
assembly.
(4) Install the battery thermowrap (if equipped) on
the battery tray.
(5) Connect the negative battery cable terminal.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is mounted in a molded plastic battery
tray and support unit located in the left front corner
of the engine compartment. The battery tray and
support unit is secured with two nuts, one is located
Fig. 15 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 16 TEST GROUND CIRCUIT RESISTANCE -
TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 17 RS BATTERY TRAY
1 - ENGINE VACUUM RESERVOIR
2 - BATTERY TRAY ASSEMBLY
3 - DRAINAGE HOSE
8Fa - 18 BATTERY SYSTEMRG
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)
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CHARGING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION - CHARGING SYSTEM.......20
OPERATION - CHARGING SYSTEM.........20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.................21
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR........................22
TORQUE............................22
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................22
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L......................23REMOVAL - 2.5L......................24
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L...................25
REMOVAL - 3.5L......................26
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L..................27
INSTALLATION - 2.5L..................28
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L................28
INSTALLATION - 3.5L..................28
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GENERATOR
DECOUPLER PULLEY..................29
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................30
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION - CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Decoupler Pulley (If equipped)
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Ignition switch (refer to the Ignition System sec-
tion for information)
²Battery (refer to the Battery section for informa-
tion)
²Inlet Air Temperature (calculated battery tem-
perature)
²Voltmeter (refer to the Instrument Cluster sec-
tion for information if equipped)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to the
Wiring section for information)
²Accessory drive belt (refer to the Cooling section
for more information)
OPERATION - CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. The ASD
relay is energized when the PCM grounds the ASD
control circuit. This voltage is connected through the
PCM or IPM (intelligent power module) (if equipped)and supplied to one of the generator field terminals
(Gen. Source +) at the back of the generator.
The generator is driven by the engine through a
serpentine belt and pulley or decoupler pulley
arrangement.
The amount of DC current produced by the gener-
ator is controlled by the EVR (field control) circuitry
contained within the PCM. This circuitry is con-
nected in series with the second rotor field terminal
and ground.
An Inlet air temperature sensor is used to calcu-
late the temperature near the battery. This tempera-
ture data, along with data from monitored line
voltage (battery voltage sense circuit), is used by the
PCM to vary the battery charging rate. This is done
by cycling the ground path to control the strength of
the rotor magnetic field. The PCM then compensates
and regulates generator current output accordingly
to maintain system voltage at the targeted system
voltage based on battery temperature.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM.
Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in elec-
tronic memory for certain failures it detects and
illuminate the (MIL) lamp. Refer to On-Board Diag-
nostics in the Electronic Control Modules(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
8Fa - 20 CHARGINGRG
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ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION) section for more DTC information.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) or Battery
Lamp monitors:charging system voltage,engine
coolant temperature and engine oil pressure. If an
extreme condition is indicated, the lamp will be illu-
minated. The signal to activate the lamp is sent via
the PCI bus circuits. The lamp is located on the
instrument panel. Refer to the Instrument Cluster
section for additional information.
The PCM uses the inlet air temperature sensor to
control the charge system voltage. This temperature,
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 the calculated battery tempera-
ture increases.
The ambient temperature sensor is used to control
the battery voltage based upon ambient temperature
(approximation of battery temperature). The PCM
maintains the optimal output of the generator by
monitoring battery voltage and controlling it to a
range of 13.5 - 14.7 volts based on battery tempera-
ture.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the OBD system. Some
circuits are checked continuously and some are
checked only under certain conditions.
If the OBD system senses that a monitored circuit
is bad, it will put a DTC into electronic memory. The
DTC will stay in electronic memory as long as the
circuit continues to be bad. The PCM is programmed
to clear the memory after 50 engine starts if the
problem does not occur again.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
A DTC description can be read using the DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diag-
nostic Procedures manual for information.
A DTC does not identify which component in a cir-
cuit is bad. Thus, a DTC should be treated as a
symptom, not as the cause for the problem. In some
cases, because of the design of the diagnostic test
procedure, a DTC can be the reason for another DTC
to be set. Therefore, it is important that the test pro-
cedures be followed in sequence, to understand what
caused a DTC to be set.ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
The DRBIIItScan Tool must be used to erase a
DTC.
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp or battery lamp is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
INSPECTION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) system. Some charging system circuits are
checked continuously, and some are checked only
under certain conditions.
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain
Control Module; Electronic Control Modules for more
DTC information. This will include a complete list of
DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.
To perform a complete test of the charging system,
refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual and the DRBIIItscan tool.
Perform the following inspections before attaching
the scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to the Bat-
tery section (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) for proce-
dures.
(2) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(3) Inspect all fuses in both the fuseblock and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in
receptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
torque specifications (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHARGING - SPECIFICATIONS).
RGCHARGING8Fa-21
CHARGING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications(Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE - SPECIFICATIONS).
(6) Inspect decoupler pulley (if equipped). Ensure
decoupler pulley is driving the alternator rotor.
(7) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to the Cooling System for more information.
(8) Inspect generator electrical connections at gen-
erator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if
equipped). Also check generator ground wire connec-
tion at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean
and tight. Repair as required.SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR
Type Engine Minimun Test
Amperage
Denso 2.4 L 125 Amp
Denso 3.3/3.8L 135 Amp or 145
Amp
Test Specification:
1. Engine RPM : 2500 RPM 20 RPM
2. Voltage Output : 14.0 V 0.5 V
3. Field Current : 5 amps 0.1 amps
Part number is located on the side of the generator.
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Battery Hold Down Clamp
Bolt20 14.7 180
Generator B+ Nut 12.4 9.2 110
Battery Terminal Nut 4 35
Generator Mounting Bolt
2.4L28.2 20.8 250
Generator Mounting Bolts
3.3/3.8L54.2 40
Starter Solenoid Battery
Nut 3.3/3.8L11.3 8.3 100
Generator Decoupler 109.8 81
SPECIAL TOOLS
GENERATOR DECOUPLER 8433
8Fa - 22 CHARGINGRG
CHARGING (Continued)
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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 system voltage. This tempera-
ture, 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 ambient temperature sensor is used to control
the battery voltage based upon ambient temperature
(approximation of battery temperature). The PCM
maintains the optimal output of the generator by
monitoring battery voltage and controlling it to a
range of 13.5 - 14.7 volts based on battery tempera-
ture.
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 serviced sep-
arately. 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.
Excessive or abnormal noise emitting from the gen-
erator 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
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.
RGCHARGING8Fa-23
ProCarManuals.com
(7) Remove the 2 upper clevies bolts.
(8) Remove axle from knuckle (Fig. 13).
(9) Remove the right front splash shield.
(10) Remove the accessory drive belt (Fig. 14),
refer to the cooling section.
(11) Disconnect the generator positive battery
cable.
(12) Unlock the electrical connector for the field
connector (Fig. 15).(13) Disconnect the field connector.
(14) Remove the axle from vehicle, oil will leak
from transmission.
(15) Remove the 3 mounting bolts for generator.
(16) Remove generator from vehicle (Fig. 16).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
(1) Install the generator.
(2) Install the accessory drive belt, refer to the
Cooling System section for proper procedures.
(3) Connect B+ terminal to generator.
(4) Install nut holding B+ wire terminal to back of
generator.
Fig. 13 AXLE AND KNUCKLE
Fig. 14 ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT
Fig. 15 GENERATOR CONNECTORS
Fig. 16 GENERATOR REMOVEL/INSTALLATION
RGCHARGING8Fa-27
GENERATOR (Continued)
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