
(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)

(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) Reinstall the battery thermal guard onto the
battery case. Refer to Thermal Guard for the proper
battery thermal guard installation procedures.
(3) Position the battery and the battery thermal
guard onto the battery tray as a unit. Ensure that
the battery positive and negative terminal posts are
correctly positioned. The battery cable terminal
clamps must reach the correct battery terminal post
without stretching the cables (Fig. 17).
(4) Reinstall the battery holddowns onto the bat-
tery. Refer to Battery Holddown for the proper instal-
lation procedure.
CAUTION: Be certain that the battery cable terminal
clamps are connected to the correct battery termi-
nal posts. Reversed battery polarity may damage
electrical components of the vehicle.
(5) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps and
the battery terminal posts. Refer to Battery System
Cleaning for cleaning procedure.
(6) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 45 in. lbs.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 45 in. lbs.
(8) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or chas-
sis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery cable
terminal clamps and the battery terminal posts.BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION
The battery holddown hardware includes a plastic
holddown bracket and retaining bolt. The battery
holddown bracket meshes with the battery tray to
secure the battery to the battery tray.
When installing a battery into the battery tray, it
is important that the holddown hardware is properly
installed and that the fastener is tightened to the
proper specifications. Improper holddown fastener
tightness, whether too loose or too tight, can result in
damage to the battery, the vehicle, or both. Refer to
Battery Holddown for the proper installation proce-
dure, including the proper holddown fastener torque
specifications.
OPERATION
The battery holddown secures the battery in the
battery tray. This holddown is designed to prevent
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.
CAUTION: Never operate a vehicle without a battery
holddown device properly installed. Damage to the
vehicle, components and battery could result.
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.
(4) Remove the battery hold down bracket retain-
ing bolt from the threaded insert in the battery tray
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery hold down hard-
ware. Refer to Battery Cleaning for the proper bat-
tery system component cleaning procedures, and
Battery Inspection for the proper battery system
component inspection procedures.
(2) Position the battery hold down bracket onto the
battery tray.
Fig. 17 Battery Cables - Typical
1 - RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
2 - WHEELHOUSE INNER PANEL
3 - NEGATIVE CABLE
4 - POSITIVE CABLE
5 - BATTERY
KJBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 17
BATTERY (Continued)

(3) Install and tighten the battery hold down
bracket retaining bolt. Tighten the bolt to 4 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 8.4 N´m (75
in. lbs.).
BATTERY CABLES
DESCRIPTION
The battery cables (Fig. 18) are large gauge,
stranded copper wires sheathed within a heavy plas-
tic or synthetic rubber insulating jacket. The wire
used in the battery cables combines excellent flexibil-
ity and reliability with high electrical current carry-
ing capacity. The battery cables feature a clamping
type female battery terminal made of soft lead that is
die cast onto 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 sol-
der-dipped. The battery positive cable wires have a
red insulating jacket to provide visual identificationand feature a larger female battery terminal clamp
to allow connection to the larger battery positive ter-
minal 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 for
service 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 to the appropriate wiring
information in this service manual for the location of
the proper battery cable wire harness diagrams. The
wiring information also includes proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire har-
ness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
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 die
cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal studs of the Power Distribution
Center (PDC), and the other wire has an eyelet ter-
minal that connects the battery positive cable to the
B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor sole-
noid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp is
also die cast onto 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 stud on the left wheel house, near the bat-
tery.
Fig. 18 Battery Cables - Typical
1 - Battery
2 - Radiator Crossmember
3 - Terminal Clamps
4 - Fender Inner Shield
5 - Negative Cable
6 - Positive Cable
8F - 18 BATTERY SYSTEMKJ
BATTERY HOLDDOWN (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

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 in 8, Battery for more information.
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 DRBtscan tool. Per-form the following inspections before attaching the
scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to 8, Bat-
tery for procedures.
(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.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in 7, Cooling System.
(6) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to 7, Cooling System for information.
(7) 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
TORQUE - EXCEPT DIESEL
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator Horizontal Mounting Bolts - 3.7L 57 42 -
Generator Vertical Mounting Bolt - 3.7L 40 29 -
Generator Mounting Bolts - 2.4L 57 42 -
B+ Terminal Nut at Top of Generator 13 - 115
Generator Decoupler 110 81 -
GENERATOR RATINGS - GAS ENGINES
TYPE PART NUMBER RATED SAE AMPS ENGINES MINIMUM TEST AMPS
DENSO 56044530AB 124 2.4L 88
DENSO 56044532AB 136 2.4L 96
DENSO 56041693AA 136 3.7L 96
DENSO 56029914AA 160 3.7L 112
KJCHARGING SYSTEM 8F - 23
CHARGING SYSTEM (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is attached
to the battery tray located under the battery.
OPERATION
The BTS is used to determine the battery temper-
ature and control battery charging rate. This temper-
ature data, along with data from monitored line
voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the battery
charging rate. System voltage will be higher at colder
temperatures and is gradually reduced at warmer
temperatures.
The PCM sends 5 volts to the sensor and is
grounded through the sensor return line. As temper-
ature increases, resistance in the sensor decreases
and the detection voltage at the PCM increases.The BTS is also used for OBD II diagnostics. Cer-
tain faults and OBD II monitors are either enabled
or disabled, depending upon BTS input (for example,
disable purge and enable Leak Detection Pump
(LDP) and O2 sensor heater tests). Most OBD II
monitors are disabled below 20 degrees F.
REMOVAL
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery (Fig. 1) and is attached to a
mounting hole on battery tray.
(1) Remove battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
(2) Disconnect sensor pigtail harness from engine
wire harness electrical connector.
(3) Pry sensor straight up from battery tray
mounting hole.
INSTALLATION
The battery temperature sensor is located under
vehicle battery and is attached to a mounting hole on
battery tray.
(1) Feed pigtail harness through hole in top of bat-
tery tray and press sensor into top of battery tray.
(2) Connect pigtail harness.
(3) Install battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
GENERATOR DECOUPLER TOOL #8433
GENERATOR DECOUPLER TOOL #8823
Fig. 1 BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
1 - BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - BATTERY TRAY
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
8F - 24 CHARGING SYSTEMKJ
CHARGING SYSTEM (Continued)