
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The stator winding connections deliver the induced
AC current to 3 positive and 3 negative diodes for
rectification. From the diodes, rectified DC current is
delivered to the vehicle electrical system through the
generator battery terminal.
Although the generators appear the same exter-
nally, different generators with different output rat-
ings are used on this vehicle. Be certain that the
replacement generator has the same output rating
and part number as the original unit. Refer to Spec-
ifications and see Generator Ratings for amperage
ratings and part numbers.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by: worn, loose or defective bearings; a loose or defec-
tive drive pulley; incorrect, worn, damaged or misad-
justed fan drive belt; loose mounting bolts; a
misaligned drive pulley or a defective stator or diode.
REMOVAL
Gasoline Powered Engines
CAUTION: DISCONNECT NEGATIVE CABLE FROM
BATTERY BEFORE REMOVING BATTERY OUTPUT
WIRE FROM GENERATOR. FAILURE TO DO SO
CAN RESULT IN INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable
at battery.
CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim
using a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt
can be damaged.CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. The
water pump will be rotating in the wrong direction if
the belt is installed incorrectly, causing the engine
to overheat. Refer to belt routing label in engine
compartment, or refer to Belt Schematics in Cooling
System.
(2) Remove generator drive belt. Refer to 7, Cool-
ing System for procedures.
(3) Unsnap plastic protective cover (Fig. 2) from
B+ mounting stud.
(4) Remove B+ terminal mounting nut (Fig. 2) at
top of generator.
(5) Disconnect field wire electrical connector at
rear of generator (Fig. 2) by pushing on connector
tab.
(6) 2.4L Engine: Remove 2 generator mounting
bolts (Fig. 3).
(7) 3.7L Engine: Remove 1 vertical generator
mounting bolt and 2 horizontal mounting bolts (Fig.
4).
(8) Remove generator from vehicle.
Fig. 2 GENERATOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS -
TYPICAL
1 - PROTECTIVE CAP
2-B+NUT
3 - B+ TERMINAL
4 - FIELD ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
KJCHARGING SYSTEM 8F - 25

INSTALLATION
Gasoline Powered Engines
(1) 2.4L Engine: Position generator to engine and
install 2 mounting bolts. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(2) 3.7L Engine: Position generator to engine and
install 3 mounting bolts. Tighten 2 horizontal mount-
ing bolts to specified torque. Tighten 1 verticle
mounting bolt to specified torque. Refer to torque
specifications.
(3) Snap field wire connector into rear of genera-
tor.
(4) Install B+ terminal and nut to generator
mounting stud. Refer to torque specifications.
(5) Snap plastic protective cover to B+ terminal.
CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim
using a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt
can be damaged.
CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. The
water pump will be rotating in the wrong direction if
the belt is installed incorrectly, causing the engine
to overheat. Refer to belt routing label in engine
compartment, or refer to Belt Schematics in 7, Cool-
ing System.
(6) Install drive belt Refer to 7, Cooling System for
belt routing, belt adjustment and bolt tightening pro-
cedures.
(7) Install negative battery cable to battery.
GENERATOR DECOUPLER
PULLEY
DESCRIPTION
The generator decoupler is used only with
certain engines.The decoupler is used in place of
the standard generator drive pulley (Fig. 5).
Fig. 3 GENERATOR - 2.4L
1 - UPPER MOUNTING BOLT
2 - GENERTOR
3 - LOWER MOUNTING BOLT
Fig. 4 GENERATOR - 3.7L
1 - GENERATOR
2 - VERTICAL MOUNTING BOLT
3 - HORIZONTAL MOUNTING BOLTS
8F - 26 CHARGING SYSTEMKJ
GENERATOR (Continued)

STARTING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................32
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................33
INSPECTION - STARTING SYSTEM.........37
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - GAS POWERED.............38
STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED......39
STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................39REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................41
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................42
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
STARTER RELAY......................42
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The starting system consists of:
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
Other components to be considered as part of start-
ing system are:
²Battery
²Battery cables
²Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
²Clutch pedal position switch (manual transmis-
sion)
²Park/neutral position switch (automatic trans-
mission)
²Wire harnesses and connections.
The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct operation of
starting/charging systems, all components used in
these 3 systems must perform within specifications.
When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it
is important that you keep their interdependency in
mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere
ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile
rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.Certain starting system components are monitored
by the PCM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC). Refer to Emission Control. See Diagnos-
tic Trouble Codes for additional information and a
list of codes.
OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes (700
amperes - diesel engine), and a low-amperage control
circuit that operates on less than 20 amperes. The
high-amperage feed circuit components include the
battery, the battery cables, the contact disc portion of
the starter solenoid, and the starter motor. The low-
amperage control circuit components include the igni-
tion switch, the clutch pedal position switch (manual
transmission), the park/neutral position switch (auto-
matic transmission), the starter relay, the electro-
magnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the
connecting wire harness components.
If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmis-
sion, it has a clutch pedal position switch installed in
series between the ignition switch and the coil bat-
tery terminal of the starter relay. This normally open
switch prevents the starter relay from being ener-
gized when the ignition switch is turned to the
momentary Start position, unless the clutch pedal is
depressed. This feature prevents starter motor oper-
ation while the clutch disc and the flywheel are
engaged. The starter relay coil ground terminal is
always grounded on vehicles with a manual trans-
mission.
8F - 32 STARTING SYSTEMKJ

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)

Clutch Pedal Position Switch
²If vehicle is equipped with a manual transmis-
sion, visually inspect clutch pedal position switch for
indications of physical damage and loose or corroded
wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections
as required. Refer toClutch Hydraulic Linkagefor
clutch pedal position switch service procedures.
Park/Neutral Position Switch
²If vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, visually inspect park/neutral position switch
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections. Clean corroded con-
nections as required. Refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchfor park/neutral position switch
service procedures.
Starter Relay
²Visually inspect starter relay for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
Refer toStarter Relayfor starter relay service pro-
cedures.
Starter Motor
²Visually inspect starter motor for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
If problem being diagnosed involves improper starter
engagement, disengagement or noise complaints,
starter motor should be removed. With starter motor
removed, inspect starter pinion and ring gears for
damaged or missing teeth. Replace faulty compo-
nents as required. Refer toStarter Motorfor
removal/installation procedures.
Starter Solenoid
²Visually inspect starter solenoid for indications
of physical damage and loose or corroded wire har-
ness connections. Clean corroded connections as
required. Refer toStarter Motorfor starter solenoid
service procedures.
Wiring
²Visually inspect starting system wire harnesses
for indications of physical damage. Repair or replace
any faulty wiring, as required. Refer toWiring Dia-
gramsfor repair or connector and terminal service
procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - GAS POWERED
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Starter Solenoid Battery
Cable Nut11 - 100
Starter Mounting Bolts -
2.4L54 40 -
Starter Mounting Bolts
-3.7L54 40 -
Starter Heat Shield
Mounting Bolts6-55
8F - 38 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED
Starter Motor and Solenoid
Manufacturer Mitsubishi
Engine Application 2.4L / 3.7L
Power Rating 1.4 Kilowatt (1.9 Horsepower)
Voltage12 Volts
** Number of Permanent Magnets 6
Number of Brushes 4
Drive Type Planetary Gear Reduction
Free Running Test Voltage 11.2 Volts
Free Running Test Maximum Amperage Draw 90 Amperes
Free Running Test Minimum Speed 2400 rpm
Solenoid Closing Maximum Voltage Required 7.8 Volts
* Cranking Amperage Draw Test 160 Amperes
*Test at operating temperature. Cold engine, tight (new) engine, or heavy oil will increase starter amperage draw.
**The starter is equipped with permanent magnets. Never strike the starter case to attempt to loosen a sticking/
stuck armature as permanent magnets may crack or break.
STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER MOTOR
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed
by performing the following free running bench test.
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle. Refer to Specifications for
starter motor specifications.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed
bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on the
mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on
starter motor by field frame.
(3) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester and a
12-volt battery to starter motor in series, and set
ammeter to 100 ampere scale. See instructions pro-
vided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being
used.
(4) Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to
solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should
operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace
faulty starter motor assembly.
(5) Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free
running test voltage. Refer to Specifications for
starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare reading
to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer
to Specifications for starter motor free running test
maximum amperage draw specifications.(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
STARTER SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil termi-
nal.
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity
tester (Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
REMOVAL
2.4L 4±Cylinder
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove solenoid wire from solenoid terminal
(Fig. 11).
(4) Remove battery cable from stud on starter sole-
noid (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove 2 starter mounting bolts (Fig. 9) and
remove starter from vehicle.
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 39
STARTING SYSTEM (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)

The BCM continually monitors the door ajar
switches that are integral to each door latch to deter-
mine the status of the doors. The BCM then sends
the proper door ajar lamp-on and lamp-off messages
to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of
the door ajar indicator or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the door
ajar switches and circuits, the BCM, the PCI data
bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the door ajar indicator, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An engine coolant temperature gauge is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The engine
coolant temperature gauge is located in the right
lower corner of the instrument cluster, to the right of
the speedometer. The engine coolant temperature
gauge consists of a movable gauge needle or pointer
controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry and a
fixed 90 degree scale on the cluster overlay that
reads left-to-right from ªCº (or Cold) to ªHº (or Hot)
for all engines. An International Control and Display
Symbol icon for ªEngine Coolant Temperatureº is
located on the cluster overlay, in the center of the
gauge directly above the hub of the gauge needle.
The engine coolant temperature gauge graphics are
dark blue and black against a beige field, except for a
single light blue graduation at the far left (Cold) end
of the gauge scale and a single red graduation at the
far right (Hot) end of the gauge scale, making them
clearly visible within the instrument cluster in day-
light. When illuminated from behind by the panel
lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumination lighting
with the exterior lamps turned On, the blue graphics
appear blue and the red graphics appear red. The
orange gauge needle is internally illuminated. Gauge
illumination is provided by replaceable incandescent
bulb and bulb holder units located on the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The engine coolant
temperature gauge is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The engine coolant temperature gauge gives an
indication to the vehicle operator of the engine cool-
ant temperature. This gauge is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received bythe cluster from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The engine coolant temper-
ature gauge is an air core magnetic unit that receives
battery current on the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board through the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit whenever the ignition switch is
in the On or Start positions. The cluster is pro-
grammed to move the gauge needle back to the low
end of the scale after the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position. The instrument cluster circuitry
controls the gauge needle position and provides the
following features:
²Engine Temperature Normal Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is within
the normal operating range [up to about 124É C (255É
F) for gasoline engines, or about 110É C (230É F) for
diesel engines], the gauge needle is moved to the rel-
ative temperature position of the gauge scale.
²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is high
[above about 127É C (260É F) for gasoline engines, or
112É C (233É F) for diesel engines], the gauge needle
is moved into the center of the red warning zone on
the gauge scale.
²Engine Temperature Critical Message-
Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature is
critical [above about 132É C (269É F) for gasoline
engines, or 115É C (239É F) for diesel engines], the
gauge needle is moved to the high end of the red
warning zone on the gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
swept to the gauge calibration points on the gauge
scale in sequence in order to confirm the functional-
ity of the gauge and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the engine coolant
temperature sensor to determine the engine operat-
ing temperature. The PCM then sends the proper
engine coolant temperature messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the engine cool-
ant temperature gauge or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster moves the
engine coolant temperature gauge needle to indicate
a high or critical engine temperature, it may indicate
that the engine or the engine cooling system requires
service. For proper diagnosis of the engine coolant
temperature sensor, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the engine coolant temperature
8J - 18 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
DOOR AJAR INDICATOR (Continued)