The ECT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as engine coolant
temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
At key-on, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
sends out a regulated 5 volt signal to the ECT sensor.
The PCM then monitors the signal as it passes
through the ECT sensor to the sensor ground (sensor
return).
When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
Open Loop cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-
fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds. This is done
until normal operating temperatures are reached.
The PCM uses inputs from the ECT sensor for the
following calculations:
²for engine coolant temperature gauge operation
through CCD or PCI (J1850) communications
²Injector pulse-width
²Spark-advance curves
²ASD relay shut-down times
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor key-on steps
²Pulse-width prime-shot during cranking
²O2 sensor closed loop times
²Purge solenoid on/off times
²EGR solenoid on/off times (if equipped)
²Leak Detection Pump operation (if equipped)
²Radiator fan relay on/off times (if equipped)
²Target idle speed
REMOVAL
2.4L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at left front of cylinder
head (Fig. 1).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain cooling system.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from cylinder head.
3.7L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at front of intake mani-
fold near rear of generator (Fig. 2).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.(1) Partially drain cooling system.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from intake manifold.
Fig. 1 ECT AND UPPER TIMING BELT COVER/
BOLTS-2.4L
1 - UPPER TIMING BELT COVER
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (ECT)
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 2 MAP SENSOR / ECT SENSOR - 3.7L
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
7 - 20 ENGINEKJ
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
used to sense engine coolant temperature. The sensor
protrudes into an engine water jacket.
The ECT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as engine coolant
temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
At key-on, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
sends out a regulated 5 volt signal to the ECT sensor.
The PCM then monitors the signal as it passes
through the ECT sensor to the sensor ground (sensor
return).
When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
Open Loop cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-
fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds. This is done
until normal operating temperatures are reached.
The PCM uses inputs from the ECT sensor for the
following calculations:
²for engine coolant temperature gauge operation
through CCD or PCI (J1850) communications
²Injector pulse-width²Spark-advance curves
²ASD relay shut-down times
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor key-on steps
²Pulse-width prime-shot during cranking
²O2 sensor closed loop times
²Purge solenoid on/off times
²EGR solenoid on/off times (if equipped)
²Leak Detection Pump operation (if equipped)
²Radiator fan relay on/off times (if equipped)
²Target idle speed
REMOVAL
2.4L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at left front of cylinder
head (Fig. 2).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain cooling system.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from cylinder head.
3.7L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at front of intake mani-
fold near rear of generator (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER 2.4L
1 - CORE HOLE
2 - BLOCK HEATER
3 - POWER CORD
Fig. 2 ECT AND UPPER TIMING BELT COVER/
BOLTS-2.4L
1 - UPPER TIMING BELT COVER
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (ECT)
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
KJENGINE7s-21
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - 2.4L (Continued)
ness routing and retention, connector pin-out infor-
mation and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel center trim
panel.
(3) Remove the radio mounting screws (Fig. 7).
(4) Disconnect the antenna cable by pulling the
locking antenna connector away from the radio (Fig.
8).
(5) Disconnect the electrical harness connector(s).
(6) Remove radio from instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the wire harness connector(s).
(2) Connect the antenna cable.
(3) Install the radio to the instrument panel.
(4) Install the radio mounting screws.
(5) Install the instrument panel center trim panel.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION
GROUND STRAP
DESCRIPTION
Radio noise suppression devices are factory-in-
stalled standard equipment on this vehicle. Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI) and ElectroMagnetic
Interference (EMI) can be produced by any on-board
or external source of electromagnetic energy. These
electromagnetic energy sources can radiate electro-
magnetic signals through the air, or conduct them
through the vehicle electrical system.
When the audio system converts RFI or EMI to an
audible acoustic wave form, it is referred to as radio
noise. This undesirable radio noise is generally man-
ifested in the form of ªbuzzing,º ªhissing,º ªpopping,º
ªclicking,º ªcrackling,º and/or ªwhirringº sounds. In
most cases, RFI and EMI radio noise can be sup-
pressed using a combination of vehicle and compo-
nent grounding, filtering and shielding techniques.
This vehicle is equipped with factory-installed radio
noise suppression devices that were designed to min-
imize exposure to typical sources of RFI and EMI;
thereby, minimizing radio noise complaints.
Factory-installed radio noise suppression is accom-
plished primarily through circuitry or devices that
are integral to the factory-installed radios, audio
power amplifiers and other on-board electrical com-
ponents such as generators, wiper motors, blower
motors, and fuel pumps that have been found to be
potential sources of RFI or EMI. External radio noise
suppression devices that are used on this vehicle to
control RFI or EMI, and can be serviced, include the
following:
²Engine-to-body ground strap- This length of
braided ground strap has an eyelet terminal connec-
tor crimped to each end. One end is secured to the
engine cylinder head(s). The other is secured to the
plenum.
²Resistor-type spark plugs- This type of spark
plug has an internal resistor connected in series
between the spark plug terminal and the center elec-
trode to help reduce the production of electromag-
netic radiation that can result in radio noise.
Fig. 7 RADIO
Fig. 8 ANTENNA TO RADIO
1 - RADIO
2 - LOCKING ANTENNA CONNECTOR
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL ANTENNA CABLE
KJAUDIO 8A - 9
RADIO (Continued)
IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - IGNITION TIMING.......2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 2.4L 4-CYLINDER . 2
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 3.7L V-6.........2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 2.4L........2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 3.7L V-6.....3
SPARK PLUGS........................3
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE - 2.4L . . . 3
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM............3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
OPERATION
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....4
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ASD AND FUEL
PUMP RELAYS........................4
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 2.4L....................5
DESCRIPTION-3.7L.....................6
OPERATION
OPERATION - 2.4L.....................6OPERATION - 3.7L.....................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................13
REMOVAL.............................15
CLEANING SPARK PLUGS................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil(s)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²2 Knock Sensors (3.7L only)
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect
on the control of the ignition system.
OPERATION
2.4L
A common ignition coil divided into 2 halves is
used. Secondary, high-tension spark plug cables are
also used. One half of the coil fires two spark plugs
simultaneously (one plug is the cylinder under com-pression, and the other plug is the cylinder on the
exhaust stroke). Coil half number one fires cylinders
1 and 4. Coil half number two fires cylinders 2 and 3.
The PCM determines which of the coils to charge and
fire at the correct time.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil
primary transfers to the secondary causing a spark.
The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does
not receive inputs from either the crankshaft or cam-
shaft position sensors.
A distributor is not used with the 2.4L engine.
3.7L
The 3.7L V6 engine uses a separate ignition coil for
each cylinder. The one-piece coil bolts directly to the
cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the secondary ter-
minal ends of the coils to the top of all 6 spark plugs.
A separate electrical connector is used for each coil.
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1
(4) Connect the ohmmeter between terminals 87
and 30. The ohmmeter should not show continuity at
this time.
(5) Connect one end of a jumper wire (16 gauge or
smaller) to relay terminal 85. Connect the other end
of the jumper wire to the ground side of a 12 volt
power source.
(6) Connect one end of another jumper wire (16
gauge or smaller) to the power side of the 12 volt
power source.Do not attach the other end of the
jumper wire to the relay at this time.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW OHMMETER TO CON-
TACT TERMINALS 85 OR 86 DURING THIS TEST.
DAMAGE TO OHMMETER MAY RESULT.
(7) Attach the other end of the jumper wire to
relay terminal 86. This activates the relay. The ohm-
meter should now show continuity between relay ter-
minals 87 and 30. The ohmmeter should not show
continuity between relay terminals 87A and 30.
(8) Disconnect jumper wires.
(9) Replace the relay if it did not pass the continu-
ity and resistance tests. If the relay passed the tests,
it operates properly. Check the remainder of the ASD
and fuel pump relay circuits. Refer to 8, Wiring Dia-
grams.
REMOVAL
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 4). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Install relay to PDC.
(2) Install cover to PDC.
CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 2.4L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 2.4L
4±cylinder engine is bolted to the right-front side of
the cylinder head (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC)
1 - BATTERY
2 - PDC
3 - PDC COVER
Fig. 5 CMP LOCATION - 2.4L
1 - CMP SENSOR
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3-
4 - SLOTTED HOLES
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 5
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY (Continued)
²Normally Closed Terminal- The normally
closed terminal (87A) is connected to the low speed
brush of the front wiper motor through a front wiper
high/low relay low speed output circuit, and is con-
nected to the low speed brush whenever the relay is
de-energized.
The wiper high/low relay can be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER HIGH/LOW
RELAY
The wiper high/low relay (Fig. 26) is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment near the battery. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, details of wire harness routing and
retention, connector pin-out information and location
views for the various wire harness connectors, splices
and grounds.
(1) Remove the wiper high/low relay from the
PDC. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASH-
ERS/WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY - REMOVAL).
(2) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 8 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, reinstall the relay and use a DRBIIIt
scan tool to perform further testing. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 27).
(3) Remove the wiper high/low relay by grasping it
firmly and pulling it straight out from the receptacle
in the PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper high/low relay to the proper
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
(Fig. 27).
(2) Align the wiper high/low relay terminals with
the terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(3) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the wiper
high/low relay until the terminals are fully seated in
the terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(4) Reinstall the cover onto the PDC.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 26 ISO Micro Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 27 Power Distribution Center
1 - FUEL PUMP RELAY
2 - STARTER MOTOR RELAY
3 - BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
4 - A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
5 - OXYGEN SENSOR DOWNSTREAM RELAY
6 - AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
7-SPARE
8-SPARE
9a - (M/T) CLUTCH INTERLOCK RELAY
9b - (A/T) TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
10 - SPARE
11 - WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY
12 - WIPER ON/OFF RELAY
8R - 24 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER ON/OFF
RELAY
The wiper on/off relay (Fig. 29) is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment near the battery. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, details of wire harness routing and
retention, connector pin-out information and location
views for the various wire harness connectors, splices
and grounds.
(1) Remove the wiper on/off relay from the PDC.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ON/OFF RELAY - REMOVAL).
(2) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 8 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, reinstall the relay and use a DRBIIIt
scan tool to perform further testing. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 30).
(3) Remove the wiper on/off relay by grasping it
firmly and pulling it straight out from the receptacle
in the PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper on/off relay to the proper
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
(Fig. 30).
(2) Align the wiper on/off relay terminals with the
terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(3) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the wiper
on/off relay until the terminals are fully seated in the
terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(4) Reinstall the cover onto the PDC.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 29 ISO Micro Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 30 Power Distribution Center
1 - FUEL PUMP RELAY
2 - STARTER MOTOR RELAY
3 - BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
4 - A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
5 - OXYGEN SENSOR DOWNSTREAM RELAY
6 - AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
7-SPARE
8-SPARE
9a - (M/T) CLUTCH INTERLOCK RELAY
9b - (A/T) TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
10 - SPARE
11 - WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY
12 - WIPER ON/OFF RELAY
8R - 26 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
WIPER ON/OFF RELAY (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either per-
formance (e.g., engine idles rough and stalls) or
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)ÐPERFORMANCE and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)ÐMECHANICAL for
possible causes and corrections of malfunctions.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) and (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for the fuel system diagnosis.Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following diagnosis:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery 1. Charge or replace as necessary.
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to the terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
4. Faulty coil or control unit. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
6. Incorrect right bank cam timing. 6. Refer to engine timing in this
section.
7. Dirt or water in fuel system. 7. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
8.Faulty fuel pump, relay or wiring. 8.Repair or replace as necessary.
9. Faulty cam or crank sensor 9. Refer to Ignition system.
ENGINE STALLS OR ROUGH IDLE 1. Vacuum leak. 1. Inspect intake manifold and
vacuum hoses, repair or replace as
necessary.
2. Faulty crank position sensor 2. Replace crank position sensor.
4. Faulty coil. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
9 - 4 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)