
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube or
box.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold. The sensors are
used only with the 3.7L engine.
OPERATION
Two knock sensors are used on the 3.7L V-6
engine; one for each cylinder bank. When the knock
sensor detects a knock in one of the cylinders on the
corresponding bank, it sends an input signal to the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). In response, the
PCM retards ignition timing for all cylinders by a
scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives the knock sensor voltage signal as an input.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except at
Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The PCM, using short
term memory, can respond quickly to retard timing
when engine knock is detected. Short term memory
is lost any time the ignition key is turned off.
Fig. 18 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 3.7L
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING NUT
Fig. 19 IGNITION COIL - 3.7L
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors.
REMOVAL
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (Fig. 20).
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Disconnect knock sensor dual pigtail harness
from engine wiring harness. this connection is made
near rear of left valve cover (Fig. 20).
(2) Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolts (Fig. 20). Note
foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is used only to
retain the bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is
not used as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive,
sealant or thread locking compound to these bolts.
(4) Remove sensors from engine.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting holes.
(2) Install sensors into cylinder block.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolts. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(5) Connect knock sensor wiring harness to engine
harness at rear of intake manifold.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
OPERATION
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. This is especially true when plugs
are equipped with tapered seats. Incorrect torque can
distort the spark plug and change plug gap. It can
also pull the plug threads and do possible damage to
both the spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-
Fig. 20 KNOCK SENSOR LOCATION
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
KNOCK SENSOR (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)

subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 23).
This short circuits the electrodes. Spark plugs with
electrode gap bridging can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yel-
low (Fig. 24). They may appear to be harmful, but
this is a normal condition caused by chemical addi-
tives in certain fuels. These additives are designed to
change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease
spark plug misfire tendencies. Notice that accumula-
tion on the ground electrode and shell area may be
heavy, but the deposits are easily removed. Spark
plugs with scavenger deposits can be considered nor-
mal in condition and can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation can also separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 25). Spark plugs with
this condition must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive
combustion chamber temperature. The center elec-
trode dissolves first and the ground electrode dis-
solves somewhat latter (Fig. 26). Insulators appear
relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug
has the correct heat range rating for the engine.
Determine if ignition timing is over advanced or if
other operating conditions are causing engine over-heating. (The heat range rating refers to the operat-
ing temperature of a particular type spark plug.
Spark plugs are designed to operate within specific
temperature ranges. This depends upon the thick-
ness and length of the center electrodes porcelain
insulator.)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
27). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
Fig. 23 Electrode Gap Bridging
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - DEPOSITS
3 - CENTER ELECTRODE
Fig. 24 Scavenger Deposits
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE COVERED WITH WHITE OR
YELLOW DEPOSITS
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
Fig. 25 Chipped Electrode Insulator
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
3 - CHIPPED INSULATOR
8I - 14 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

REMOVAL
2.4L
If spark plug for #2 or #3 cylinder is being
removed, throttle body must be removed. Refer to
Throttle Body Removal.
(1) Remove air cleaner tube and housing.
(2) Twist secondary cable at cylinder head to break
loose at spark plug. Remove cable from plug.
(3) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
3.7L
Each individual spark plug is located under each
ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(1) Prior to removing ignition coil, spray com-
pressed air around coil base at cylinder head.
(2) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(3) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also
check condition of ignition coil o-ring and replace as
necessary.
(4) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
CLEANING SPARK PLUGS
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file the center electrode flat with a small point
file or jewelers file before adjusting gap.
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.
INSTALLATION
2.4L
CAUTION: Spark plug tightening on the 2.4L is
torque critical. The plugs are equipped with tapered
seats. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs. torque.
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Install throttle body. Refer to Throttle Body
Installation.
(4) Install air cleaner tube and housing.
3.7L
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
Fig. 26 Preignition Damage
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 27 Spark Plug Overheating
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Before installing coil(s), check condition of coil
o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in coil instal-
lation, apply silicone to coil o-ring.
(4) Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION
One coil capacitor is used. It is located in the
engine compartment and attached (clipped) to a wir-
ing trough near the brake power booster.
OPERATION
The coil capacitor(s) help dampen the amount of
conducted electrical noise to the camshaft position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and throttle posi-
tion sensor. This noise is generated on the 12V sup-
ply wire to the ignition coils and fuel injectors.
REMOVAL
The coil capacitor is located in the engine compart-
ment and is attached (clipped) to a wiring harness
trough near the brake power booster (graphic not
available).
(1) Unclip capacitor from wiring harness trough.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector at capacitor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect electrical connector to coil capacitor.
(2) Position capacitor into v-clip on wiring harness
trough.
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................34
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................35
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35OPERATION...........................36
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WASHER FLUID
INDICATOR..........................36
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................37
OPERATION...........................37
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrument cluster for this model is an Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) module
that is located in the instrument panel above the
steering column opening, directly in front of the
driver (Fig. 1). The remainder of the EMIC, including
the mounts and the electrical connections, are con-
cealed behind the cluster bezel. The EMIC gauges
and indicators are protected by an integral clear
plastic cluster lens, and are visible through a dedi-
cated opening in the cluster bezel on the instrument
panel. Just behind the cluster lens is the cluster hood
and an integral cluster mask, which are constructed
of molded black plastic. Two cluster masks are used;
a base black version is used on base models, while a
premium black version features a chrome trim ring
around the perimeter of each gauge opening is used
on premium models. The cluster hood serves as a
visor and shields the face of the cluster from ambient
light and reflections to reduce glare, while the cluster
mask serves to separate and define the individual
gauges and indicators of the EMIC. On the lower
edge of the cluster lens just right of the speedometer,
the black plastic odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton protrudes through dedicated holes in the clustermask and the cluster lens. The molded plastic EMIC
lens, hood and mask unit has three integral mount-
ing tabs, one each on the lower outboard corners of
the unit and one on the upper surface of the hood
near the center. These mounting tabs are used to
secure the EMIC to the molded plastic instrument
panel cluster carrier with two screws at the top, and
one screw at each outboard tab. A single molded con-
nector receptacle located on the EMIC electronic cir-
cuit board is accessed from the back of the cluster
housing and is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a single dedicated take out and connec-
tor of the instrument panel wire harness.
Behind the cluster lens, hood, and mask unit is the
cluster overlay and gauges. The overlay is a lami-
nated plastic unit. The dark, visible, outer surface of
the overlay is marked with all of the gauge dial faces
and graduations, but this layer is also translucent.
The darkness of this outer layer prevents the cluster
from appearing cluttered or busy by concealing the
cluster indicators that are not illuminated, while the
translucence of this layer allows those indicators and
icons that are illuminated to be readily visible. The
underlying layer of the overlay is opaque and allows
light from the various indicators and illumination
lamps behind it to be visible through the outer layer
of the overlay only through predetermined cutouts.
The orange gauge pointers are each illuminated
internally. The EMIC electronic circuitry is protected
by a molded plastic rear cover that features several
round access holes for service of the cluster illumina-
tion lighting and a single rectangular access hole for
the EMIC connector receptacle. The EMIC housing,
circuit board, gauges, and overlay unit are sand-
wiched between the lens, hood, and mask unit and
the rear cover with screws.
Twelve versions of the EMIC module are offered on
this model, six base and six premium. These versions
accommodate all of the variations of optional equip-
ment and regulatory requirements for the various
markets in which the vehicle will be offered. This
module utilizes integrated circuitry and information
carried on the Programmable Communications Inter-
face (PCI) data bus network for control of all gauges
and many of the indicators. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/COM-
MUNICATION - DESCRIPTION - PCI BUS). The
EMIC also uses several hard wired inputs in order to
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
8J - 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ

perform its many functions. The EMIC module incor-
porates a blue-green digital Vacuum Fluorescent Dis-
play (VFD) for displaying odometer and trip
odometer information, as well as several warning
messages and certain diagnostic information. In addi-
tion to instrumentation and indicators, the EMIC has
the hardware and software needed to provide the fol-
lowing features:
²Chime Warning Service- A chime tone gener-
ator on the EMIC electronic circuit board provides
audible alerts to the vehicle operator and eliminates
the need for a separate chime module. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/CHIME WARNING SYSTEM -
DESCRIPTION).
²Panel Lamps Dimming Service- The EMIC
provides a hard wired 12-volt Pulse-Width Modulated
(PWM) output that synchronizes the dimming level
of the radio display, gear selector indicator, heater-air
conditioner control, and all other dimmable lighting
on the panel lamps dimmer circuit with that of the
cluster illumination lamps and VFD.
The EMIC houses four analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to twenty-four indicators (Fig. 2). The
EMIC includes the following analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
Some of the EMIC indicators are automatically
configured when the EMIC is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system for compatibility with certain
optional equipment or equipment required for regula-
tory purposes in certain markets. While each EMIC
may have provisions for indicators to support every
available option, the configurable indicators will not
be functional in a vehicle that does not have the
equipment that an indicator supports. The EMIC
includes provisions for the following indicators (Fig.
2):
²Airbag Indicator (with Airbag System only)
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
(with ABS only)
²Brake Indicator
²Charging Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Cruise Indicator (with Speed Control Sys-
tem only)
²Four-Wheel Drive Full Time Indicator (with
Selec-Trac Transfer Case only)
²Four-Wheel Drive Low Mode Indicator
²Four-Wheel Drive Part Time Indicator
²Front Fog Lamp Indicator (with Front Fog
Lamps only)
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator²Low Oil Pressure Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Overdrive-Off Indicator (with Automatic
Transmission only)
²Rear Fog Lamp Indicator (with Rear Fog
Lamps only)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Security Indicator (with Vehicle Theft
Security System only)
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS)
Indicator (with SKIS only)
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator (with
Automatic Transmission only)
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
Each indicator in the EMIC is illuminated by a
dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is sol-
dered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board. The
LEDs are not available for service replacement and,
if damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC must be
replaced. Cluster illumination is accomplished by
dimmable incandescent back lighting, which illumi-
nates the gauges for visibility when the exterior
lighting is turned on. Each of the incandescent bulbs
is secured by an integral bulb holder to the electronic
circuit board from the back of the cluster housing.
The incandescent bulb/bulb holder units are available
for service replacement.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator,
the VFD, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
board hardware, the cluster overlay, or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
ule must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and
mask unit and the individual incandescent lamp
bulbs with holders are available for service replace-
ment.
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)