turer of the battery charger for details on how to
bypass the polarity-sensing circuitry.
(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. The amount of time
required for a battery to accept measurable charging
current at various voltages is shown in the Charge
Rate Table. If the charging current is still not mea-
surable at the end of the charging time, the battery
is faulty and must be replaced. If the charging cur-
rent is measurable during the charging time, the bat-
tery may be good and the charging should be
completed in the normal manner.
CHARGE RATE TABLE
Voltage Hours
16.0 volts maximum up to 4 hours
14.0 to 15.9 volts up to 8 hours
13.9 volts or less up to 16 hours
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary,
depending upon the following factors:
²Battery Capacity- A completely discharged
heavy-duty battery requires twice the charging time
of a small capacity battery.
²Temperature- A longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18É C (0É F) than at 27É C (80É
F). When a fast battery charger is connected to a cold
battery, the current accepted by the battery will be
very low at first. As the battery warms, it will accept
a higher charging current rate (amperage).
²Charger Capacity- A battery charger that
supplies only five amperes will require a longer
charging time. A battery charger that supplies
twenty amperes or more will require a shorter charg-
ing time.
²State-Of-Charge- A completely discharged bat-
tery requires more charging time than a partially
discharged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water
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. 7). 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.
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.
Fig. 7 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC ROD
8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEMKJ
BATTERY (Continued)
Test the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each
battery cell. If the specific gravity of all cells is above
1.235, but the variation between cells is more than
fifty points (0.050), the battery should be replaced. If
the specific gravity of one or more cells is less than
1.235, charge the battery at a rate of approximately
five amperes. Continue charging the battery until
three consecutive specific gravity tests, taken at one-
hour intervals, are constant. If the cell specific grav-
ity variation is more than fifty points (0.050) at the
end of the charge period, replace the battery.
When the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235,
and the cell variation is less than fifty points (0.050),
the battery may be load tested to determine its
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).(1) Before measuring the open-circuit voltage, the
surface charge must be removed from the battery.
Turn on the headlamps for fifteen seconds, then
allow up to five minutes for the battery voltage to
stabilize.
(2) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (see the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit volt-
age (Fig. 10).
See the Open-Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage
reading will indicate the battery state-of-charge, but
will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has
an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, it may be load tested to reveal its cranking
capacity (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYS-
TEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TABLE
Open Circuit Voltage Charge Percentage
11.7 volts or less 0%
12.0 volts 25%
12.2 volts 50%
12.4 volts 75%
12.6 volts or more 100%
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LOAD TEST
A battery load test will verify the battery cranking
capacity. The test is based on the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating of the battery. To determine
the battery CCA rating, see the label affixed to the
battery case or refer to Battery Specifications for the
proper factory-installed specifications.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 9 Hydrometer - Typical
1 - BULB
2 - SURFACE COHESION
3 - SPECIFIC GRAVITY READING
4 - TEMPERATURE READING
5 - HYDROMETER BARREL
6 - FLOAT
Fig. 10 Testing Open-Circuit Voltage - Typical
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMKJ
BATTERY (Continued)
(1) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first. The battery top and posts should be
clean (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM
- CLEANING).
(2) Connect a suitable volt-ammeter-load tester
(Fig. 11) to the battery posts (Fig. 12). See the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
tester you are using. Check the open-circuit voltage
(no load) of the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE). The battery open-circuit voltage must be
12.4 volts or greater.
(3) Rotate the load control knob (carbon pile rheo-
stat) to apply a 300 ampere load to the battery for
fifteen seconds, then return the control knob to the
Off position (Fig. 13). This will remove the surface
charge from the battery.(4) Allow the battery to stabilize to open-circuit
voltage. It may take up to five minutes for the bat-
tery voltage to stabilize.
(5) Rotate the load control knob to maintain a load
equal to 50% of the CCA rating of the battery (Fig.
14). After fifteen seconds, record the loaded voltage
reading, then return the load control knob to the Off
position.
(6) The voltage drop will vary with the battery
temperature at the time of the load test. The battery
temperature can be estimated by using the ambient
temperature during the past several hours. If the
battery has been charged, boosted, or loaded a few
minutes prior to the test, the battery will be some-
what warmer. See the Load Test Temperature Table
for the proper loaded voltage reading.
Fig. 11 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester - Typical
Fig. 12 Volt-Ammeter-Load
1 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - POSITIVE CLAMP
Fig. 13 Remove Surface Charge from Battery
Fig. 14 Load 50% CCA Rating - Note Voltage -
Typical
KJBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 13
BATTERY (Continued)
LOAD TEST TEMPERATURE TABLE
Minimum VoltageTemperature
ÉF ÉC
9.6 volts 70É and above 21É and above
9.5 volts 60É 16É
9.4 volts 50É 10É
9.3 volts 40É 4É
9.1 volts 30É -1É
8.9 volts 20É -7É
8.7 volts 10É -12É
8.5 volts 0É -18É
(7) If the voltmeter reading falls below 9.6 volts, at
a minimum battery temperature of 21É C (70É F), the
battery is faulty and must be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - IGNITION-OFF
DRAW TEST
The term Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) identifies a nor-
mal condition where power is being drained from the
battery with the ignition switch in the Off position. A
normal vehicle electrical system will draw from five
to thirty-five milliamperes (0.005 to 0.035 ampere)
with the ignition switch in the Off position, and all
non-ignition controlled circuits in proper working
order. Up to thirty-five milliamperes are needed to
enable the memory functions for the Powertrain Con-trol Module (PCM), digital clock, electronically tuned
radio, and other modules which may vary with the
vehicle equipment.
A vehicle that has not been operated for approxi-
mately twenty days, may discharge the battery to an
inadequate level. When a vehicle will not be used for
twenty days or more (stored), remove the IOD fuse
from the Power Distribution Center (PDC). This will
reduce battery discharging.
Excessive IOD can be caused by:
²Electrical items left on.
²Faulty or improperly adjusted switches.
²Faulty or shorted electronic modules and compo-
nents.
²An internally shorted generator.
²Intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over thirty-five milliamperes, the
problem must be found and corrected before replac-
ing a battery. In most cases, the battery can be
charged and returned to service after the excessive
IOD condition has been corrected.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove the ignition key, and close
all doors. If the vehicle is equipped with an illumi-
nated entry system or an electronically tuned radio,
allow the electronic timer function of these systems
to automatically shut off (time out). This may take
up to three minutes. See the Electronic Module Igni-
tion-Off Draw Table for more information.
ELECTRONIC MODULE IGNITION-OFF DRAW (IOD) TABLE
ModuleTime Out?
(If Yes, Interval And Wake-Up Input)IODIOD After Time
Out
Radio No1to3
milliamperesN/A
Audio Power
AmplifierNoup to 1
milliampereN/A
Body Control Module
(BCM)No4.75
milliamperes
(max.)N/A
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)No 0.95 milliampere N/A
ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster
(EMIC)No 0.44 milliampere N/A
Combination Flasher No 0.08 milliampere N/A
Automatic
Transmission
Controller (EATX)Yes, 20 minutes 120 milliampere 0.70 ma
8F - 14 BATTERY SYSTEMKJ
BATTERY (Continued)
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect the lamp wire harness
connector or remove the lamp bulb.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(5) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) and
then in the Junction Block (JB), one at a time until
the amperage reading becomes very low, or nonexist-
ent. Refer to the appropriate wiring information in
this service manual for complete PDC and JB fuse,
circuit breaker, and circuit identification. This will
isolate each circuit and identify the circuit that is the
source of the high-amperage IOD. If the amperage
reading remains high after removing and replacing
each fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect the wire
harness from the generator. If the amperage reading
now becomes very low or nonexistent, refer to Charg-
ing System for the proper charging system diagnosis
and testing procedures. After the high-amperage IOD
has been corrected, switch the multi-meter to pro-
gressively lower amperage scales and, if necessary,
repeat the fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-re-
place process to identify and correct all sources of
excessive IOD. It is now safe to select the lowest mil-
liampere scale of the multi-meter to check the low-
amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(6) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace processin Step 5. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING
MIDTRONICS ELECTRICAL TESTER
Always use the Midtronics Instruction Manual that
was supplied with the tester as a reference. If the
Instruction Manual is not available the following pro-
cedure can be used:
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE EYE
PROTECTION AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
BATTERY TESTING
(1) If testing the battery OUT-OF-VEHICLE, clean
the battery terminals with a wire brush before test-
ing. If the battery is equipped with side post termi-
nals, install and tighten the supplied lead terminal
stud adapters. Do not use steel bolts. Failure to prop-
erly install the stud adapters, or using stud adapters
that are dirty or worn-out may result in false test
readings.
(2) If testing the battery IN-THE-VEHICLE, make
certain all of the vehicle accessory loads are OFF,
including the ignition.The preferred test position
is at the battery terminal. If the battery is not
accessible, you may test using both the positive and
Fig. 15 MIDTRONICS BATTERY AND CHARGING
SYSTEM TESTER - Micro420
KJBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 15
BATTERY (Continued)
negative jumper posts. Select TESTING AT JUMPER
POST when connecting to that location.
(3) Connect the tester to the battery or jumper
posts, the red clamp to positive (+) and the black
clamp to negative (±).
NOTE: Multiple batteries connected in parallel must
have the ground cable disconnected to perform a
battery test. Failure to disconnect may result in
false battery test readings.
NOTE: When testing the battery in a PT Cruiser,
always test at the battery terminals
(4) Using the ARROW key selectinoroutof vehi-
cle testing and press ENTER to make a selection.
(5) If not selected, choose the Cold Cranking Amp
(CCA) battery rating. Or select the appropriate bat-
tery rating for your area (see menu). The tester will
then run its self programmed test of the battery and
display the results. Refer to the test result table
noted below.
CAUTION: If REPLACE BATTERY is the result of the
test, this may mean a poor connection between the
vehicle's cables and battery exists. After discon-
necting the vehicle's battery cables from the bat-
tery, retest the battery using the OUT-OF-VEHICLE
test before replacing.
(6) While viewing the battery test result, press the
CODE button and the tester will prompt you for the
last 4 digits of the VIN. Use the UP/DOWN arrow
buttons to scroll to the correct character; then press
ENTER to select and move to the next digit. Then
press the ENTER button to view the SERVICE
CODE. Pressing the CODE button a second time will
return you to the test results.
BATTERY TEST RESULTS
GOOD BATTERY Return to service
GOOD - RECHARGE Fully charge battery and
return to service
CHARGE & RETEST Fully charge battery and
retest battery
REPLACE BATTERY Replace the battery and
retest complete system
BAD-CELL REPLACE Replace the battery and
retest complete system
NOTE: The SERVICE CODE is required on every
warranty claim submitted for battery replacement.
REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Loosen the battery negative cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp from the battery negative terminal post. If
necessary, use a battery terminal puller to remove
the terminal clamp from the battery post (Fig. 16).
(4) Loosen the battery positive cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(5) Disconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp from the battery positive terminal post. If nec-
essary, use a battery terminal puller to remove the
terminal clamp from the battery post.
(6) Remove the battery holddowns from the bat-
tery. Refer to Battery Holddown for the proper bat-
tery holddown removal procedures.
WARNING: WEAR A SUITABLE PAIR OF RUBBER
GLOVES (NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE) WHEN
REMOVING A BATTERY BY HAND. SAFETY
GLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE WORN. IF THE BAT-
TERY IS CRACKED OR LEAKING, THE ELECTRO-
LYTE CAN BURN THE SKIN AND EYES.
(7) Remove the battery and the battery thermal
guard from the battery tray as a unit.
(8) Remove the battery thermal guard from the
battery case. Refer to Thermal Guard for the proper
battery thermal guard removal procedures.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect all of the battery system
components. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for
the proper cleaning procedures, and refer to Battery
System Inspection for the proper inspection proce-
dures.
Fig. 16 Remove Battery Cable Terminal Clamp -
Typical
1 - BATTERY
2 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMKJ
BATTERY (Continued)
(2) Carefully and evenly slide the battery thermal
guard down over the battery case.
(3) Install the battery and the battery thermal
guard into the battery tray as a unit. Refer to Bat-
tery Installation for the proper battery installation
procedures.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is placed in a molded plastic tray
located in the left front corner of the engine compart-
ment (Fig. 25). The battery hold down hardware is
contained within the battery tray. A hole in the bot-
tom of the battery tray is fitted with a battery tem-
perature sensor. Refer to Charging System for more
information on the battery temperature sensor. Refer
to Battery Hold down for more information on hold
down hardware.
OPERATION
The battery tray provides a secure mounting loca-
tion and supports the battery. On some vehicles, the
battery tray also provides the anchor point/s for the
battery holddown hardware. The battery tray and
the battery holddown hardware combine to secure
and stabilize the battery in the engine compartment,
which prevents battery movement during vehicle
operation. Unrestrained battery movement during
vehicle operation could result in damage to the vehi-
cle, the battery, or both.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the battery from the battery tray
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - REMOVAL).
(2) Unlatch and remove the PDC from the battery
tray.
(3) Remove the battery temperature sensor from
the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARG-
ING/BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the three nuts that secure the battery
tray to the weld studs on the front extension of the
left front wheelhouse inner panel (Fig. 25).
(5) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery tray (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - CLEANING).
(2) Position the battery tray onto the weld studs
on the front extension of the left front wheelhouse
inner panel.
(3) Install the battery temperature sensor onto the
battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install and tighten the three nuts that secure
the battery tray to the weld studs on the front exten-
sion of the left front wheelhouse inner panel. Tighten
the nuts to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the PDC on the battery tray.
(6) Install the battery onto the battery tray (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 24 Battery thermal guard
1 - THERMAL GUARD
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 25 Battery Tray Location
1 - Battery Tray
2 - Battery Tray Retaining Nuts
KJBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 21
THERMAL GUARD (Continued)
CHARGING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM............................22
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - EXCEPT DIESEL.............23
GENERATOR RATINGS - GAS ENGINES . . . 23
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................24
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................24
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................25OPERATION...........................25
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................26
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GENERATOR
DECOUPLER.........................27
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................30
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
CHARGING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Ignition switch
²Battery (refer to 8, Battery for information)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Generator Lamp (if equipped)
²Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to 8, Wir-
ing for information)
OPERATION
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. When the
ASD relay is on, voltage is supplied to the ASD relay
sense circuit at the PCM. This voltage is connected
through the PCM and supplied to one of the genera-
tor field terminals (Gen. Source +) at the back of the
generator.
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.
A battery temperature sensor, located in the bat-
tery tray housing, is used to sense battery tempera-ture. This temperature data, along with data from
monitored line voltage, 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 mag-
netic field. The PCM then compensates and regulates
generator current output accordingly.
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. Refer to
Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain Control
Module; Electronic Control Modules for more DTC
information.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors:
charging system voltage,engine coolant tempera-
ture and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition
is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is
done as reminder to check the three gauges. The sig-
nal to activate the lamp is sent via the CCD bus cir-
cuits. The lamp is located on the instrument panel.
Refer to 8, Instrument Cluster for additional infor-
mation.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp (if equipped) is illumi-
nated with the engine running
8F - 22 CHARGING SYSTEMKJ