(2) Remove the appropriate door trim panel from
the vehicle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(3) Remove the weather shield. Refer to Body for
the procedure.
(4) Disconnect the power door control module elec-
trical connectors. Slide the red locking tab out (away
from module) and depress connector retaining tab,
while pulling straight apart.
(5) Remove the control module retaining screw
(Fig. 15).
(6) Remove the module from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the control module and install the
retaining screw.
(2) Connect the control module electrical connec-
tors. Slide the locking tab into the locked position.
(3) Install the appropriate door trim panel on the
vehicle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(4) Install the weather shield. Refer to Body for
the procedure.
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
(6) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power door control module diagnostic trou-
ble codes.
(7) Verify power door system operation. Cycle the
power door through one complete open and close
cycle.
TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
On models equipped with the 2.4L Engine option,
the Transmission Control Module (TCM) is located
behind the left fender and is fastened with three
screws to three clips in the left frame rail forward of
the suspension (Fig. 16). Models equipped with the
3.3/3.8L Engine option utilize a Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) which incorporates TCM functionality.
OPERATION
The TCM is the controlling unit for all electronic
operations of the transaxle. The TCM receives infor-
mation regarding vehicle operation from both direct
and indirect inputs, and selects the operational mode
of the transaxle. Direct inputs are hardwired to, and
used specifically by the TCM. Indirect inputs origi-
nate from other components/modules, and are shared
with the TCM via the J1850 communication bus.
Some examples ofdirect inputsto the TCM are:
²Battery (B+) voltage
²Ignition ªONº voltage
²Transmission Control Relay (Switched B+)
²Throttle Position Sensor²Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
²Transmission Range Sensor (TRS)
²Pressure Switches (L/R, 2/4, OD)
²Transmission Temperature Sensor (Integral to
TRS)
²Input Shaft Speed Sensor
²Output Shaft Speed Sensor
Some examples ofindirect inputsto the TCM
are:
²Engine/Body Identification
²Manifold Pressure
²Target Idle
²Torque Reduction Confirmation
²Speed Control ON/OFF Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature
²Ambient/Battery Temperature
²Brake Switch Status
²DRB Communication
Based on the information received from these var-
ious inputs, the TCM determines the appropriate
shift schedule and shift points, depending on the
present operating conditions and driver demand.
This is possible through the control of various direct
and indirect outputs.
Some examples of TCMdirect outputsare:
²Transmission Control Relay
²Solenoids (LR/CC, 2/4, OD and UD)
²Vehicle Speed (to PCM)
²Torque Reduction Request (to PCM)
An example of a TCMindirect outputis:
²Transmission Temperature (to PCM)
Fig. 16 Transmission Control Module (TCM)
Location
1 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
8E - 20 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESRS
SLIDING DOOR CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PINION FACTOR
SETTING
NOTE: This procedure must be performed if the
PCM/TCM has been replaced with a NEW or
replacement unit. Failure to perform this procedure
will result in an inoperative or improperly calibrated
speedometer.
The vehicle speed readings for the speedometer are
taken from the output speed sensor. The PCM/TCM
must be calibrated to the different combinations of
equipment (final drive and tires) available. Pinion
Factor allows the technician to set the Powertrain/
Transmission Control Module initial setting so that
the speedometer readings will be correct. To properly
read and/or reset the Pinion Factor, it is necessary to
use a DRBIIItscan tool.
(1) Plug the DRBIIItscan tool into the diagnostic
connector located under the instrument panel.
(2) Select the Transmission menu.
(3) Select the Miscellaneous menu.
(4) Select Pinion Factor. Then follow the instruc-
tions on the DRBIIItscan tool screen.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - QUICK LEARN
PROCEDURE
The quick learn procedure requires the use of the
DRBIIItscan tool. This program allows the PCM/
TCM to recalibrate itself. This will provide the best
possible transaxle operation.
NOTE: The quick learn procedure should be per-
formed if any of the following procedures are per-
formed:
²Transaxle Assembly Replacement
²Powertrain/Transmission Control Module
Replacement
²Solenoid/Pressure Switch Assembly Replacement
²Clutch Plate and/or Seal Replacement
²Valve Body Replacement or Recondition
To perform the Quick Learn Procedure, the follow-
ing conditions must be met:
²The brakes must be applied
²The engine speed must be above 500 rpm
²The throttle angle (TPS) must be less than 3
degrees
²The shift lever position must stay until
prompted to shift to overdrive
²The shift lever position must stay in overdrive
after the Shift to Overdrive prompt until the
DRBIIItindicates the procedure is complete²The calculated oil temperature must be above
60É and below 200É
(1) Plug the DRBIIItscan tool into the diagnostic
connector. The connector is located under the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Go to the Transmission screen.
(3) Go to the Miscellaneous screen.
(4) Select Quick Learn Procedure. Follow the
instructions of the DRBIIItto perform the Quick
Learn Procedure.
REMOVAL
NOTE: If transmission control module is being
replaced with a new or replacement unit, the Pinion
Factor and Quick Learn procedures must be per-
formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE) (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Remove left front tire/wheel assembly.
(4) Pull back splash shield to gain access to TCM
location.
(5) Disconnect TCM 60-way connector (Fig. 18).
(6) Remove three (3) TCM-to-rail screws and
remove TCM from vehicle (Fig. 19).
Fig. 18 Transmission Control Module 60-way
Connector
1 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
2 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
RSELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES8E-23
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
²Battery Holddown- The battery holddown
hardware secures the battery in the battery tray in
the engine compartment.
²Battery Thermowrap- The battery thermow-
rap insulates the battery to protect it from engine
compartment temperature extremes.
²Battery Tray- The battery tray provides a
secure mounting location in the vehicle for the bat-
tery and an anchor point for the battery holddown
hardware.
For battery system maintenance schedules and
jump starting procedure, see the owner's manual in
the vehicle glove box. Optionally, refer to the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual for
the recommended battery maintenance schedules and
for the proper battery jump starting procedure. While
battery charging can be considered a maintenance
procedure, the battery charging procedure and
related information are located later in this section of
this service manual. This was done because the bat-
tery must be fully-charged before any battery system
diagnosis or testing procedures can be performed.
OPERATION
The battery system is designed to provide a safe,
efficient, reliable and mobile means of delivering and
storing electrical energy. This electrical energy is
required to operate the engine starting system, as
well as to operate many of the other vehicle acces-
sory systems for limited durations while the engine
and/or the charging system are not operating. The
battery system is also designed to provide a reserve
of electrical energy to supplement the charging sys-
tem for short durations while the engine is running
and the electrical current demands of the vehicle
exceed the output of the charging system. In addition
to delivering, and storing electrical energy for the
vehicle, the battery system serves as a capacitor and
voltage stabilizer for the vehicle electrical system. It
absorbs most abnormal or transient voltages caused
by the switching of any of the electrical components
or circuits in the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems in the
vehicle operate with one another and must be tested
as a complete system. In order for the engine to start
and the battery to maintain its charge properly, all of
the components that are used in these systems must
perform within specifications. It is important that
the battery, starting, and charging systems be thor-
oughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs
to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal bat-
tery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure
must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is
replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service.
The service information for these systems has been
separated within this service manual to make it eas-
ier to locate the specific information you are seeking.
However, when attempting to diagnose any of these
systems, it is important that you keep their interde-
pendency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used for the battery,
starting, and charging systems include the most
basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more
sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an
induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmme-
ter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load
tester) and a 12-volt test lamp may be required. All
OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM.
Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in elec-
tronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
Charging System for the proper charging system on-
board diagnostic test procedures.
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery system tester is
designed to help the dealership technicians diagnose
the cause of a defective battery. Follow the instruc-
tion manual supplied with the tester to properly
diagnose a vehicle. If the instruction manual is not
available refer to the standard procedure in this sec-
tion, which includes the directions for using the
Micro 420 battery tester.
8F - 2 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
NOTE: Never operate a vehicle without a battery
holddown device properly installed. Damage to the
vehicle, components and battery could result.
REMOVAL
All of the battery hold down hardware can be ser-
viced without removal of the battery or the battery
tray and support unit.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Remove the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit.
(3) Remove the battery hold down bracket from
the battery tray and support unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the battery hold down bracket in the
battery tray and support unit.
(2) Install the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit. Torque to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
BATTERY CABLES
DESCRIPTION
The battery cables are large gauge, stranded cop-
per wires sheathed within a heavy plastic or syn-
thetic rubber insulating jacket. The wire used in the
battery cables combines excellent flexibility and reli-
ability with high electrical current carrying capacity.
Refer toWiring Diagramsin the index of this ser-
vice manual for the location of the proper battery
cable wire gauge information.
A clamping type female battery terminal made of
stamped metal is attached to one end of the battery
cable wire. A square headed pinch-bolt and hex nut
are installed at the open end of the female battery
terminal clamp. Large eyelet type terminals are
crimped onto the opposite end of the battery cable
wire and then solder-dipped. The battery positive
cable wires have a red insulating jacket to provide
visual identification and feature a larger female bat-
tery terminal clamp to allow connection to the larger
battery positive terminal post. The battery negative
cable wires have a black insulating jacket and a
smaller female battery terminal clamp.
The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available for
service replacement only as a unit with the battery
wire harness, which may include portions of the wir-
ing circuits for the generator and other components
on some models. Refer toWiring Diagramsin theindex of this service manual for the location of more
information on the various wiring circuits included in
the battery wire harness for the vehicle being ser-
viced.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a path back to the battery for electrical
current generated by the charging system for restor-
ing the voltage potential of the battery. The female
battery terminal clamps on the ends of the battery
cable wires provide a strong and reliable connection
of the battery cable to the battery terminal posts.
The terminal pinch bolts allow the female terminal
clamps to be tightened around the male terminal
posts on the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals
secured to the opposite ends of the battery cable
wires from the female battery terminal clamps pro-
vide secure and reliable connection of the battery
cables to the vehicle electrical system.
The battery positive cable terminal clamp is
attached to the ends of two wires. One wire has an
eyelet terminal that connects the battery positive
cable to the B(+) terminal stud of the Integrated
Power Module (IPM), and the other wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor
solenoid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp
is also attached to the ends of two wires. One wire
has an eyelet terminal that connects the battery neg-
ative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a stud
on the left side of the engine cylinder block. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the left front fender inner shield,
near the battery.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY CABLE
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cable. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
rosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the
battery cable connection and the battery cable again
to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.EXAM-
PLE:When testing the resistance of the battery pos-
itive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery
positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY HOLDDOWN (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CHARGING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION - CHARGING SYSTEM.......20
OPERATION - CHARGING SYSTEM.........20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.................21
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR........................22
TORQUE............................22
SPECIFICATIONS - BATTERY
TEMPERATURE SENSOR...............22
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................23
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L......................23
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L...................24
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L..................24
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L................24
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GENERATOR
DECOUPLER PULLEY..................25
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................26
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION - CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Decoupler Pulley (If equipped)
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Ignition switch (refer to the Ignition System sec-
tion for information)
²Battery (refer to the Battery section for informa-
tion)
²Ambient Air Temperature (If equipped)
²Inlet Air Temperature (calculated battery tem-
perature)(If equipped)
²Voltmeter (refer to the Instrument Cluster sec-
tion for information if equipped)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to the
Wiring section for information)
²Accessory drive belt (refer to the Cooling section
for more information)
²Battery Temperature sensor (if equipped)
OPERATION - CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. The ASD
relay is energized when the PCM grounds the ASD
control circuit. (SBEC vehicles) This voltage is con-
nected through the PCM or IPM (intelligent powermodule) (if equipped) and supplied to one of the gen-
erator field terminals (Gen. Source +) at the back of
the generator.
The generator is driven by the engine through a
serpentine belt and pulley or decoupler pulley
arrangement.
The amount of DC current produced by the gener-
ator is controlled by the EVR (field control) circuitry
contained within the PCM. This circuitry is con-
nected in series with the second rotor field terminal
and ground.
(SBEC vehicles) An Inlet air temperature sensor is
used to calculate the temperature near the battery.
This temperature data, along with data from moni-
tored line voltage (battery voltage sense circuit), is
used by the PCM to vary the battery charging rate.
This is done by cycling the ground path to control the
strength of the rotor magnetic field. The PCM then
compensates and regulates generator current output
accordingly to maintain system voltage at the tar-
geted system voltage based on battery temperature.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM.
Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in elec-
tronic memory for certain failures it detects and
illuminate the (MIL) lamp. Refer to On-Board Diag-
nostics in the Electronic Control Modules(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
8F - 20 CHARGINGRS
ProCarManuals.com
ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION) section for more DTC information.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) or Battery
Lamp monitors:charging system voltage,engine
coolant temperature and engine oil pressure. If an
extreme condition is indicated, the lamp will be illu-
minated. The signal to activate the lamp is sent via
the PCI bus circuits. The lamp is located on the
instrument panel. Refer to the Instrument Cluster
section for additional information.
(If equipped with inlet air temperature sensor) The
PCM uses the inlet air temperature sensor to control
the charge system voltage. This temperature, along
with data from monitored line voltage, is used by the
PCM to vary the battery charging rate. The system
voltage is higher at cold temperatures and is gradu-
ally reduced as the calculated battery temperature
increases.
The ambient temperature sensor is used to control
the battery voltage based upon ambient temperature
(approximation of battery temperature). The PCM
maintains the optimal output of the generator by
monitoring battery voltage and controlling it to a
range of 13.5 - 14.7 volts based on battery tempera-
ture. The system target voltage is 13.5 ± 14.7 volts.
However the actual voltage go below this during
heavy electrical loads and generator speeds. Also the
actual voltage can be lower than the target voltage
between the battery and the battery voltage sense
circuit, approximately 0.2 Ð 0.3 volts.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ON-BOARD
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the OBD system. Some
circuits are checked continuously and some are
checked only under certain conditions.
If the OBD system senses that a monitored circuit
is bad, it will put a DTC into electronic memory. The
DTC will stay in electronic memory as long as the
circuit continues to be bad. The PCM is programmed
to clear the memory after 40 good trip if the problem
does not occur again.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
A DTC description can be read using the DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diag-
nostic Procedures manual for information.
A DTC does not identify which component in a cir-
cuit is bad. Thus, a DTC should be treated as a
symptom, not as the cause for the problem. In some
cases, because of the design of the diagnostic test
procedure, a DTC can be the reason for another DTCto be set. Therefore, it is important that the test pro-
cedures be followed in sequence, to understand what
caused a DTC to be set.
ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
The DRBIIItScan Tool must be used to erase a
DTC.
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp or battery lamp is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
²loose generator belt.
INSPECTION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) system. Some charging system circuits are
checked continuously, and some are checked only
under certain conditions.
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain
Control Module; Electronic Control Modules for more
DTC information. This will include a complete list of
DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.
To perform a complete test of the charging system,
refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual and the DRBIIItscan tool.
Perform the following inspections before attaching
the scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to the Bat-
tery section (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) for proce-
dures.
(2) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(3) Inspect all fuses in both the fuseblock and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) or IPM (if
equipped) for tightness in receptacles. They should be
properly installed and tight. Repair or replace as
required.
RSCHARGING8F-21
CHARGING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) is not a
separate component. It is actually a voltage regulat-
ing circuit located within the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The EVR is not serviced separately. If
replacement is necessary, the PCM must be replaced.
OPERATION
The amount of DC current produced by the gener-
ator is controlled by EVR circuitry contained within
the PCM. This circuitry is connected in series with
the generators second rotor field terminal and its
ground.
Voltage is regulated by cycling the ground path on
SBEC vehicles or the power side on the NGC vehi-
cles, to control the strength of the rotor magnetic
field. The EVR circuitry monitors system line voltage
at the PDC and calculated battery temperature or
inlet air temperature sensor (refer to Inlet Air Tem-
perature Sensor, if equipped, for more information ).
It then determines a target charging voltage. If
sensed battery voltage is lower than the target volt-
age, the PCM feeds the field winding until sensed
battery voltage is at the target voltage. A circuit in
the PCM cycles the feed side of the generator field at
250 times per second (250Hz), but has the capability
to feed the field control wire 100% of the time (full
field) to achieve the target voltage. If the charging
rate cannot be monitored (limp-in), a duty cycle of
20% is used by the PCM in order to have some gen-
erator output. Also refer to Charging System Opera-
tion for additional information.
Fig. 7 DECOUPLER INSTALLATION (Litens)
RSCHARGING8F-27
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM TEST.......................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONTROL
CIRCUIT TEST........................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
RESISTANCE TEST....................32
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
TEST...............................33SPECIFICATIONS
Torques.............................33
STARTER ...........................34
STARTER MOTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L......................34
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L...................35
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L..................35
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L................36
STARTING
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.
OPERATION
These components form two separate circuits. A
high amperage circuit that feeds the starter motor up
to 300+ amps, and a control circuit that operates on
less than 20 amps.
The PCM controls a double start over-ride safety
that does not allow the starter to be engaged if the
engine is already running.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
INSPECTION
Before removing any unit from the starting system
for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspec-
tions:
²Battery- Visually inspect the battery for indi-
cations of physical damage and loose or corroded
cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and
cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace
8F - 28 STARTINGRS
ProCarManuals.com