2002 JEEP LIBERTY section 8

TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.Note: Certain diesel
equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, tester should be con-
nected to battery on left side of vehicle only.
Also, tester current reading must be taken from
positive battery cable lead that connects to
starter motor.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE,
ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE A FEW TIMES
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FOLLOWING STEP.(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage)
draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
(a) If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin Diagnosis and Testing. If starter
motor is OK, refer toEngine Diagnosisin 9,
Engine for further testing of engine. If starter
motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
(b) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current
(amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer
toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor does not turn, refer toControl Cir-
cuit Testingin this section.
(d) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed Cir-
cuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current
(amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery volt-
age reading.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wir-
ing circuit diagrams, refer 8, Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of
resistance between two points at which voltmeter
probes are attached.
Example:When testing resistance of positive bat-
tery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery
cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid.
If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable
connector at starter solenoid, you are reading com-
bined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-
terminal post connection and positive battery cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests,
be certain that following procedures are accom-
plished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
²Fully engage parking brake.
²If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 35
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SYSTEM............................11
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH............................12
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION.........................13OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT...........................13
HEATED SEAT SENSOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SENSOR............................14
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH............................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
Individually controlled electrically heated front
seats are available on models that are also equipped
with the optional leather trim package. Vehicles with
this option can be visually identified by the two sep-
arate heated seat switches mounted on the outboard
seat cushion side shields. The heated seat system
allows the front seat driver and passenger to select
from two different levels of supplemental electrical
seat heating, or no seat heating to suit their individ-
ual comfort requirements. The heated seat system for
this vehicle includes the following major components:
²Heated Seat Switches- Two heated seat
switches are used per vehicle, including two Light-
Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lamps and an incan-
descent back lighting bulb for each switch. One
switch for the driver and one for the passenger front
seats. The switches are mounted on the outboard
seat cushion side shields.
²Heated Seat Module- also referred to as the
Seat Heat Interface Module (SHIM), this module con-
tains the solid state electronic control and diagnostic
logic circuitry for the heated seat system. One heated
seat module is used per vehicle and is mounted
under the left front seat cushion. Refer to the Elec-
tronic Control Modules section of the service manual
for heated seat module information.
²Heated Seat Elements- Four heated seat ele-
ments are used per vehicle, one for each front seat
back and one for each front seat cushion. The ele-
ments are integral to the individual front seat andseat back cushions and cannot be removed from the
cushions, once installed at the factory.
²Heated Seat Sensors- Two heated seat sen-
sors are used per vehicle, one for each front seat. The
sensors are integral to the individual front seat heat-
ing elements.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the heated seat system. See the own-
er's manual in the vehicle glove box for more infor-
mation on the features, use and operation of the
heated seat system. Refer toWiring Diagramsfor
the location of complete heated seat system wiring
diagrams.
OPERATION
The heated seat module receives fused battery cur-
rent through fuse #29 in the Junction Block (JB)
when the ignition switch is in the ªONº position. The
heated seat switches receive battery current through
fuse #25 in the Junction Block also, when the igni-
tion switch is in the ªONº position. The heated seat
module shares a common ground circuit with each of
the heated seat elements. The heated seat elements
will only operate when the surface temperature of
the seat cushion is below the designed temperature
set points of the system.
The heated seat system will also be turned off
automatically whenever the ignition switch is turned
to any position except On. If the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position while a heated seat is
turned ON, the heated seat will remain Off after the
ignition switch is turned back ªONº until a heated
seat switch is depressed again.
8G - 10 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMKJ

The heated seat module monitors inputs from the
heated seat sensors and the heated seat switches. In
response to these inputs the heated seat module uses
its internal programming to control outputs to the
heated seat elements in both front seats and to con-
trol the heated seat LED indicator lamps located in
both of the heated seat switches. The heated seat
module is also programmed to provide self-diagnostic
capability. When the module detects certain failures
within the heated seat system, it will provide a
visual indication of the failure by flashing the indica-
tor lamps in the affected heated seat switch. The
heated seat module will automatically turn off the
heated seat elements if it detects a short or open in
the heated seat element circuit or a heated seat sen-
sor value that is out of range.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SYSTEM
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM SELF-DIAGNOSIS
The heated seat system is capable of performing
some self-diagnostics. The following table depicts the
various monitored failures which will be reported to
the vehicle operator or technician by flashing the
individual heated seat switch Light Emitting Diode
(LED) indicator lamps. Refer to the Heated Seat Sys-
tem Self-Diagnosis table for failure identification.
The driver side heated seat switch indicator lamps
will flash if a failure occurs in the driver side heated
seat, and the passenger side heated seat switch indi-
cator lamps will flash for a passenger side heated
seat failure. If a monitored heated seat system fail-
ure occurs, the switch indicator lamps will flash at a
pulse rate of about one-half second on, followed by
about one-half second off for a duration of about one
minute after the switch for the faulty heated seat is
depressed in either the Low or High direction. This
process will repeat every time the faulty heated seat
switch is actuated until the problem has been cor-
rected.
Heated Seat System Self-Diagnosis
Monitored FailureSwitch High
Indicator LampSwitch Low
Indicator Lamp
Heated Seat
Element ShortedFlashing Flashing
Heated Seat
Element OpenFlashing Off
Heated Seat
Sensor Value Out
of RangeOff FlashingIf the heated seat system failure is identified by
flashing heated seat switch indicator lamps, go to the
appropriate diagnosis and testing procedure in this
section and confirm the condition, using the step by
step procedure. If the monitored failure is confirmed,
replace the component. If the monitored failure is not
confirmed, replace the heated seat module with a
known good unit and retest the system.
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM TESTING
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams. Before
testing the individual components in the heated seat
system, perform the following preliminary checks:
²If a single indicator lamp for one heated seat
switch does not operate and the heated seat elements
do heat, refer toDiagnosis and Testing the
Heated Seat Switchin this section for the location
of heated seat switch diagnosis and testing proce-
dures.
²If both indicator lamps for a heated seat switch
operate, but the heated seat elements do not heat,
refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein Electronic Control Modules for the loca-
tion of heated seat module diagnosis and testing pro-
cedures.
²If an indicator lamp on either heated seat switch
remains illuminated after the heated seat has been
turned Off, refer toDiagnosis and Testing the
Heated Seat Modulein Electronic Control Modules
for the location of heated seat module diagnosis and
testing procedures. Also refer to the Body Diagnostic
Manual for additional diagnosis and testing proce-
dures.
DRIVER SEAT HEATER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the out-
board cushion side shield of the driver and passenger
front seats (Fig. 1). The two, three-position rocker
type switches provide a resistor multiplexed signal to
the Heated Seat Module through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch has an Off, Low and High set-
ting. Each switch contains two light emitting diodes
(LED), one for each High and Low setting to let the
occupant know that the seat heater system is on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
KJHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 11
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)

OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the front of the switch rocker is fully
depressed, the High position is selected and the high
position LED indicator illuminates. When the rear of
the switch rocker is fully depressed, the Low position
is selected and the low position LED indicator illumi-
nates. When the switch rocker is depressed a second
time in either direction, Off is selected and both LED
indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the Heated Seat Module
to indicate the selected switch position. The heated
seat module monitors the switch inputs and responds
to the heated seat switch status messages by control-
ling the output to the seat heater elements of the
selected seat. The Low heat position set point is
about 36É C (97É F), and the High heat position set
point is about 41É C (105É F).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
If a heated seat fails to heat and one or both of the
indicator lamps on a heated seat switch flash, refer
toHeated Seat System Diagnosis and Testingin
this section for flashing LED failure identification.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor complete heated seat
system wiring diagrams.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves a
heated seat switch indicator lamp that remains illu-
minated after the heated seat has been turned Off,refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein the Electronic Control Modules section for
heated seat module diagnosis and testing procedures.
If not, go to Step 2
(2) Remove the heated seat switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH - REMOVAL). Check for continuity
between the ground circuit cavity #5 of the heated
seat switch connector and a good ground. There
should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK,
repair the open ground circuit as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output circuit cavity #1 of the heated seat switch con-
nector. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output circuit as required.
(4) Check the continuity between pin #1 and pin
#3 of the heated seat switch (Fig. 2). If the readings
do not correspond to those in the Heated Seat Switch
Continuity table below, replace the heated seat
switch. If OK, and the heated seat system is still not
operating properly refer toDiagnosis and Testing
the Heated Seat Module.
NOTE: ANY RESISTANCE VALUES (OHMSV) GIVEN
IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT ARE SUPPLIED USING
THE AUTOMATIC RANGE GENERATED BY A
FLUKETAUTOMOTIVE METER. IF ANOTHER TYPE
OF MEASURING DEVICE IS USED, THE VALUES
GENERATED MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS THE
RESULTS SHOWN HERE, OR MAY HAVE TO BE
CONVERTED TO THE RANGE USED HERE.
Fig. 1 KJ POWER / HEATED SEAT
Fig. 2 Heated Seat Switches
8G - 12 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMKJ
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

HEATED SEAT SWITCH CONTINUITY
CONTINUITY
BETWEENSWITCH
POSITIONOHMS
READING +/±
10%
PIN 1 AND 3 OFF 2.2 K (2200)
OHMS
PIN 1 AND 3 LO .415 K (415)
OHMS
PIN 1 AND 3 HI 33 OHMS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate seat cushion side
shield (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT CUSHION
SIDE COVERS - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the heated seat switch electrical
connector. Depress the locking tab and pull straight
apart.
(4) Working from the underside of the switch, gen-
tly rock the switch back and forth out of its mounting
location.
INSTALLATION
(1) Gently rock the switch back and forth in to its
mounting location.
(2) Connect the heated seat switch electrical con-
nector.
(3) Install the appropriate seat cushion side shield.
Refer to the Body section of the service manual for
the procedure.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat system includes four seat heating
elements. Two are located in each front seat, one for
the seat cushion and the other for the seat back. All
models use two resistor wire heating elements for
each seat that are connected in series with the
Heated Seat Module (HSM). The temperature sensor
is a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) ther-
mistor. One temperature sensor is used for each seat,
and it is located on the seat cushion heating element
for all models.
The seat heating elements are permanently
attached to the seat cushions. The heated seat ele-
ments and the temperature sensor cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
seat cushions must be replaced. Refer to the Body
section for the seat cushion service procedures.
OPERATION
The heated seat elements resist the flow of electrical
current. When battery current is passed through the
elements, the energy lost by the resistance of the ele-
ments to the current flow is released in the form of
heat. When the temperature of the seat cushion cover
rises, the resistance of the sensor decreases. The Heated
Seat Module supplies a five-volt current to one side of
each sensor, and monitors the voltage drop through the
sensor on a return circuit. The Heated Seat Module
uses this temperature sensor input to monitor the tem-
perature of the seat, and regulates the current flow to
the seat heating elements accordingly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT
SEAT CUSHION ELEMENT
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the green heated seat cushion ele-
ment wire harness connector from the power seat
wire harness. The power seat wire harness connec-
tors for the seat cushion heating elements are
secured to a bracket located under the seat cushion
frame. Refer toWiringfor connector pin information.
(2) Check for continuity between the two heated
seat element circuit cavities. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, the elements within the seat assembly
test OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty
seat heating element and cushion assembly.
(3) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the heated seat wire har-
ness element connector for a shorted or open circuit.
If OK, element is OK, proceed with testing the
heated seat sensor and module. If not OK, repair the
shorted or open seat wire harness as required.
SEAT BACK ELEMENT
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the green heated seat back element
wire harness connector from the power seat wire har-
ness. The power seat wire harness connectors for the
seat cushion heating elements are secured to a
bracket located under the seat cushion frame. Refer
toWiringfor connector pin information.
(2) Check for continuity between the two heated
seat element circuit cavities. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, the elements within the seat assembly
test OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty
seat heating element and cushion assembly.
(3) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the heated seat wire har-
ness element connector for a shorted or open circuit.
If OK, element is OK, proceed with testing the
heated seat sensor and module. If not OK, repair the
shorted or open seat wire harness as required.
KJHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 13
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

HEATED SEAT SENSOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SENSOR
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWIRING.
NOTE: ANY RESISTANCE VALUES (OHMSV) GIVEN
IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT ARE SUPPLIED USING
THE AUTOMATIC RANGE GENERATED BY A
FLUKETAUTOMOTIVE METER. IF ANOTHER TYPE
OF MEASURING DEVICE IS USED THE VALUES
GENERATED MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS THE
RESULTS SHOWN HERE, OR MAY HAVE TO BE
CONVERTED TO THE RANGE USED HERE.
(1) Disconnect the heated seat wire harness con-
nector from under the seat. Using an ohmmeter,
check the resistance between the heated seat sensor
input circuit cavity and the heated seat sensor feed
circuit cavity in the heated seat wire harness connec-
tor. The heated seat sensor resistance should be
between 1 kilohm and 100 kilohms. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, replace the faulty seat heating element
assembly.
(2) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the heated seat wire har-
ness connector for a shorted or open circuit. If OK,
refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein Electronic Control Modules, for the
proper heated seat module diagnosis and testing pro-
cedures. If not OK, repair the shorted or open heated
seat wire harness as required.
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the out-
board cushion side shield of the driver and passenger
front seats (Fig. 3). The two, three-position rocker
type switches provide a resistor multiplexed signal to
the Heated Seat Module through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch has an Off, Low and High set-
ting. Each switch contains two light emitting diodes
(LED), one for each High and Low setting to let the
occupant know that the seat heater system is on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the front of the switch rocker is fullydepressed, the High position is selected and the high
position LED indicator illuminates. When the rear of
the switch rocker is fully depressed, the Low position
is selected and the low position LED indicator illumi-
nates. When the switch rocker is depressed a second
time in either direction, Off is selected and both LED
indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the Heated Seat Module
to indicate the selected switch position. The heated
seat module monitors the switch inputs and responds
to the heated seat switch status messages by control-
ling the output to the seat heater elements of the
selected seat. The Low heat position set point is
about 36É C (97É F), and the High heat position set
point is about 41É C (105É F).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
If a heated seat fails to heat and one or both of the
indicator lamps on a heated seat switch flash, refer
toHeated Seat System Diagnosis and Testingin
this section for flashing LED failure identification.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor complete heated seat
system wiring diagrams.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves a
heated seat switch indicator lamp that remains illu-
minated after the heated seat has been turned Off,
refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein the Electronic Control Modules section for
heated seat module diagnosis and testing procedures.
If not, go to Step 2
Fig. 3 KJ POWER / HEATED SEAT
8G - 14 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMKJ

(2) Remove the heated seat switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED SEATS/DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH - REMOVAL). Check for continuity
between the ground circuit cavity #5 of the heated
seat switch connector and a good ground. There
should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK,
repair the open ground circuit as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output circuit cavity #1 of the heated seat switch con-
nector. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output circuit as required.
(4) Check the continuity between pin #1 and pin
#3 of the heated seat switch (Fig. 4). If the readings
do not correspond to those in the Heated Seat Switch
Continuity table below, replace the heated seat
switch. If OK, and the heated seat system is still not
operating properly refer toDiagnosis and Testing
the Heated Seat Module.NOTE: ANY RESISTANCE VALUES (OHMSV) GIVEN
IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT ARE SUPPLIED USING
THE AUTOMATIC RANGE GENERATED BY A
FLUKETAUTOMOTIVE METER. IF ANOTHER TYPE
OF MEASURING DEVICE IS USED, THE VALUES
GENERATED MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS THE
RESULTS SHOWN HERE, OR MAY HAVE TO BE
CONVERTED TO THE RANGE USED HERE.
HEATED SEAT SWITCH CONTINUITY
CONTINUITY
BETWEENSWITCH
POSITIONOHMS
READING +/±
10%
PIN 1 AND 3 OFF 2.2 K (2200)
OHMS
PIN 1 AND 3 LO .415 K (415)
OHMS
PIN 1 AND 3 HI 33 OHMS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate seat cushion side
shield (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT CUSHION
SIDE COVERS - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the heated seat switch electrical
connector. Depress the locking tab and pull straight
apart.
(4) Working from the underside of the switch, gen-
tly rock the switch back and forth out of its mounting
location.
INSTALLATION
(1) Gently rock the switch back and forth in to its
mounting location.
(2) Connect the heated seat switch electrical con-
nector.
(3) Install the appropriate seat cushion side shield.
Refer to the Body section of the service manual for
the procedure.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 4 Heated Seat Switches
KJHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 15
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
the Lubrication and Maintenance section.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Also refer to Spark Plug Conditions.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 21). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basi-
cally carbon (Fig. 21). A dry, black deposit on one or
two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves
or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling
of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused by a
clogged air cleaner element or repeated short operat-
ing times (short trips).
WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING
A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil
is wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings,
leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear
can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled
engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (nor-
mal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usu-
ally be resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the
fouled plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash
encrusted (Fig. 22), evaluate engine condition for the
cause of oil entry into that particular combustion
chamber.
ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose
deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits
accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous
stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
Fig. 21 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
Fig. 22 Oil or Ash Encrusted
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
SPARK PLUG (Continued)