
(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 to Wiring Diagrams in 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 to Wiring Diagramsin the
index 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
B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive
terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet
terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud,
you are reading the combined voltage drop in the
battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal
post connection and the battery positive cable.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
8Fs - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY HOLDDOWN (Continued)

uum reservoir provides a storage container for engine
vacuum. Refer to the engine section of the service
manual for more engine vacuum information. The
drainage hose provides means for any liquid that
might collect in the bottom of the battery tray to
drain under the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable. (2) Remove the battery from the vehicle. Refer to
the procedure in this section. (3) Remove the battery tray retaining fasteners
(Fig. 18).
(4) Pull battery tray up far enough to disconnect
the engine vacuum harness hose from the battery
tray mounted, vacuum reservoir. (5) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery tray in the vehicle.
(2) Connect the engine vacuum harness hose on
the battery tray mounted vacuum reservoir. (3) Position drainage hose and install the battery
tray retaining fasteners (Fig. 18). (4) Install the battery in the vehicle. Refer to the
procedure in this section. (5) Connect the negative battery cable.
THERMOWRAP
DESCRIPTION
A one-piece slip-on thermowrap unit shields the
battery case from engine compartment heat. The
thermowrap slips over the battery case and due to its
one piece design, the battery cables must be removed
in order to install or remove the thermowrap.
OPERATION
The thermowrap protects the battery from engine
compartment temperature extremes. The tempera-
ture of the battery can affect battery life. The air
trapped in the padded material of the thermowrap
creates a dead air space, which helps to insulate the
sides of the battery case from the air temperature
found in the surrounding engine compartment.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable. (2) Disconnect the positive battery cable.
(3) Lift the battery thermowrap straight up to
remove from the battery.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the thermowrap on the battery.
(2) Connect the negative and positive battery
cables.
Fig. 18 BATTERY TRAY POSITION & ORIENTATION
1 - BATTERY TRAY RETAINING FASTENERS
RS BATTERY SYSTEM8Fs-19
BATTERY TRAY (Continued)

ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION) section for more DTC information.The Charging system ªBatteryº light indicates
problems with the charging system (voltage too high/
low, generator failure, etc.). If an extreme condition is
indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. 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 infor-
mation. The PCM uses the ambient air temperature sensor
to control the charge system voltage. This tempera-
ture, 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 gradually 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.
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 DRBIII t
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 DTC
to 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 DRBIII tScan Tool must be used to erase a
DTC. The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if: ² the check gauges lamp or battery lamp is illumi-
nated with the engine running ² the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly ² an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs. Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by: ² accessories being left on with the engine not
running ² a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test (Refer t o 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE) ² loose 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 DRBIII tscan tool.
Perform the following inspections before attaching
the scan tool. (1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to the Bat-
tery section (Refer t o 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. (4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
RS CHARGING8Fs-21
CHARGING (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
(NGC Vehicles) The PCM incorporates a Battery
Temperature Sensor (BTS) on its circuit board.
OPERATION
The PCM uses the temperature of the battery area
to control the charge system voltage. This tempera-
ture, 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 gradually reduced as temperature around the
battery increases. For vehicles with 1.6L engine, there is no physical
battery temp sensor in place to detect battery temp.
Rather, an algorithm buit in PCM is employed to pre-
dict battery temp using inlet air temp, vehicle speed,
and coolant temp, among other signals. 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. The battery temperature sensor is also used for
OBD II diagnostics. Certain faults and OBD II mon-
itors are either enabled or disabled depending upon
the battery temperature sensor input (example: dis-
able purge and EGR, enable LDP). Most OBD II
monitors are disabled below 20ÉF.
REMOVAL
The battery temperature sensor is not serviced sep-
arately. If replacement is necessary, the PCM must
be replaced.
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine. The
generator produces DC voltage at the B+ terminal. If
the generator is failed, the generator assembly sub-
components (generator and decoupler pulley) must be
inspected for individual failure and replaced accord-
ingly.
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 Y type 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 vehicles electrical system
through the generator, battery, and ground terminals. Excessive or abnormal noise emitting from the gen-
erator may be caused by: ² Worn, loose or defective bearings
² Loose or defective drive pulley (2.4L) or decou-
pler (3.3/3.8L) ² Incorrect, worn, damaged or misadjusted drive
belt ² Loose mounting bolts
² Misaligned drive pulley
² Defective stator or diode
² Damaged internal fins
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Disconnect the Inlet Air Temperature sensor.
(4) Remove the Air Box, refer to the Engine/Air
Cleaner for more information. (5) Remove the EVAP Purge solenoid from its
bracket and reposition. (6) Disconnect the push-in field wire connector
from back of generator. (7) Remove nut holding B+ wire terminal to back
of generator. (8) Separate B+ terminal from generator.
GENERATOR DECOUPLER 8433
RS CHARGING8Fs-23
CHARGING (Continued)

(11) Install accessory drive belt, refer to the Cool-
ing System section for proper procedures. (12) Install the right front lower splash shield.
(13) Lower vehicle.
(14) Install wiring harness to the oil dip stick tube
(15) Connect battery negative cable.
(16) Verify generator output rate.
GENERATOR DECOUPLER
PULLEY
DESCRIPTION
The Generator Decoupler is a one way clutch (Fig.
11). It is attached to the generator and replaces the
standard pulley. It is a non-serviceable item and is to
be replaced as an assembly. It is a dry operation (no
grease or lubricants). The operation of it is not tem-
perature sensitive and has a low sensitivity to elec-
trical load.
OPERATION
The generator decoupler is a one way clutch and
should be replaced as an assembly. It is designed to help reduce belt tension fluctuation, reduce fatigue
loads, improve belt life, reduce hubloads on compo-
nents, and reduce noise.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY
CONDITION VERIFICATION PROCEDURE POSSIBLE
CAUSESCORRECTION
Does not drive generator
(Generator not Charging) 1. Start engine and allow engine to idle. Clutch failure Replace Decoupler
2.Verify generator pulley is rotating.
3. View generator internal fins thru
generator housing.
4. Fins either do not rotate or rotate very
erratic.
5. Rotate decoupler pulley in clockwise
direction then quickly rotate in
counterclockwise direction to see if clutch
engages.
Noise from
generator at engine
shut down. 1. Start engine and allow engine to idle. Defective decoupler
pulley bearing.Replace decoupler
pulley.
2. Shutdown engine and listen to generator.
3. Noise heard just as engine stops.
Sounds like a click.
4. Remove accessory drive belt.
5. Verify rotation in counterclock wise
direction is rough.
Fig. 11 GENERATOR DECOUPLER 3.3/3.8L
RS CHARGING8Fs-27
GENERATOR (Continued)

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 within the PCM on the NGC
vehicles, 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. 15 DECOUPLER INSTALLATION (Litens)
RS CHARGING8Fs-29
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY (Continued)

STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING DESCRIPTION .........................30
OPERATION ...........................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTINGSYSTEM TEST .......................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST ........................32
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST ....................34
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT TEST ...............................35 SPECIFICATIONS
Torques .............................35
STARTER ...........................36
STARTER MOTOR REMOVAL REMOVAL - 2.4L ......................36
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L ...................36
REMOVAL - 2.5L ......................36
INSTALLATION INSTALLATION - 2.4L ..................37
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L ................37
INSTALLATION - 2.5L ..................38
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
The starting system consists of:
²Starter relay
² Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid) Other components to be considered as part of start-
ing system are: ² Battery
² Battery cables
² Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
² Clutch pedal position switch (manual transmis-
sion) ² Park/neutral position switch (automatic trans-
mission) ² Wire 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: ² Battery - 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
8Fs - 30 STARTINGRS

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION2. STARTING CIRCUIT
WIRING FAULTY. 2. REFER TO THE FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST AND
THE FEED CIRCUIT TEST IN THIS SECTION. REPAIR AS
NECESSARY.
3. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY. 3. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
4. ENGINE SEIZED. 4. REFER TO THE ENGINE SECTION, FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND SERVICE PROCEDURES.
5. LOOSE
CONNECTION AT
BATTERY, PDC,
STARTER, OR ENGINE
GROUND. 5. INSPECT FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS.
6. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR. 6. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
STARTER
ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT
BEFORE
ENGINE
STARTS. 1. BROKEN TEETH ON
STARTER RING GEAR.
1. REMOVE STARTER. INSPECT RING GEAR AND REPLACE
IF NECESSARY.
2. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY. 2. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
STARTER DOES
NOT
DISENGAGE. 1. STARTER
IMPROPERLY
INSTALLED. 1. INSTALL STARTER. TIGHTEN STARTER MOUNTING
HARDWARE TO CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. STARTER RELAY
FAULTY. 2. REFER TO RELAY TEST, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
RELAY, IF NECESSARY.
3. IGNITION SWITCH
FAULTY. 3. REFER TO IGNITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE STEERING
SECTION. REPLACE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY.
4. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY. 4. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
5. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR. 5. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONTROL
CIRCUIT TEST
The starter control circuit has:
²
Starter motor with integral solenoid
² Starter relay
² Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral
Position switch with automatic transmissions ² Ignition switch
² Battery
² All related wiring and connections
² Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled. ²
To disable ignition and fuel systems, disconnect
the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Refer to the PDC cover for the proper relay location.
STARTER SOLENOID
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED. THIS MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
(1) Verify battery condition. Battery must be in
good condition with a full charge before performing
any starter tests. Refer to Battery Tests.
8Fs - 32 STARTINGRS
STARTING (Continued)