
master cylinder reservoir from completely draining
out.
(3) Disconnect the brake fluid flex hose from the
caliper assembly and remove it from the vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when clamp-
ing caliper in vise. Excessive vise pressure will
cause bore distortion.
(4) Mount the caliper in a vise equipped with pro-
tective jaws.
(5) Remove the piston dust boot from the caliper
and discard.
NOTE: Do not use a screw driver or other metal tool
for seal removal. Using such tools can scratch the
bore or leave burrs on the seal groove edges.
(6) Using a soft tool such as a plastic trim stick,
work the piston seal out of its groove in caliper pis-
ton bore (Fig. 33). Discard the old seal.
(7) Clean the piston bore and drilled passage ways
using alcohol or a suitable solvent. Wipe it dry using
only a lint-free cloth.
(8) Inspect the piston bore for scoring or pitting.
Bores that show light scratches or corrosion can usu-
ally be cleared of the light scratches or corrosion
using crocus cloth.CLEANING - CALIPER
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET BRAKE LININGS. BREATHING
EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM.
EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING BRAKE
PARTS. DO NOT SAND OR GRIND BRAKE LINING
UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED IS DESIGNED TO CON-
TAIN THE DUST RESIDUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE
PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY DRY
BRUSHING. CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE BY
DAMPENING THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WITH A
FINE MIST OF WATER, THEN WIPING THE BRAKE
COMPONENTS CLEAN WITH A DAMPENED CLOTH.
DISPOSE OF CLOTH AND ALL RESIDUE CONTAIN-
ING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE
CONTAINER WITH THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOL-
LOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING,
AND DISPOSING OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
To clean or flush the internal passages of the brake
caliper, use fresh brake fluid or MopartNon-Chlori-
nated Brake Parts Cleaner. Never use gasoline, ker-
osene, alcohol, oil, transmission fluid or any fluid
containing mineral oil to clean the caliper. These flu-
ids will damage rubber cups and seals.
INSPECTION - CALIPER
Inspect the disc brake caliper for the following:
²Brake fluid leaks in and around boot area and
inboard lining
²Ruptures, brittleness or damage to the piston
dust boot
²Damaged, dry or brittle guide pin dust boots
If caliper fails inspection, disassemble and recondi-
tion caliper, replacing the seals and dust boots.
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - CALIPER GUIDE PIN BUSHINGS
(DISC/DISC BRAKES)
(1) Fold the guide pin bushing in half lengthwise.
NOTE: To avoid damage to the bushing, do not use
a sharp object to install the guide pin bushing.
(2) Insert the folded bushing into the caliper
mounting boss using your fingers from the rear of
the caliper.
Fig. 33 Removing Piston Seal
1 - PLASTIC TRIM STICK
2 - CALIPER
3 - PISTON SEAL GROOVE
4 - PISTON SEAL
RSBRAKES - BASE5-25
DISC BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT (Continued)

NOTE: Do not use a screw driver or other metal tool
for seal removal. Using such tools can scratch the
bore or leave burrs on the seal groove edges.
(6) Using a soft tool such as a plastic trim stick,
work the piston seal out of its groove in caliper pis-
ton bore (Fig. 39). Discard the old seal.
(7) Clean the piston bore and drilled passage ways
using alcohol or a suitable solvent. Wipe it dry using
only a lint-free cloth.
(8) Inspect the piston bore for scoring or pitting.
Bores that show light scratches or corrosion can usu-
ally be cleared of the light scratches or corrosion
using crocus cloth.
CLEANING - CALIPER
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET BRAKE LININGS. BREATHING
EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM.
EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING BRAKE
PARTS. DO NOT SAND OR GRIND BRAKE LINING
UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED IS DESIGNED TO CON-
TAIN THE DUST RESIDUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE
PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY DRY
BRUSHING. CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE BY
DAMPENING THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WITH AFINE MIST OF WATER, THEN WIPING THE BRAKE
COMPONENTS CLEAN WITH A DAMPENED CLOTH.
DISPOSE OF CLOTH AND ALL RESIDUE CONTAIN-
ING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE
CONTAINER WITH THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOL-
LOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING,
AND DISPOSING OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
To clean or flush the internal passages of the brake
caliper, use fresh brake fluid or MopartNon-Chlori-
nated Brake Parts Cleaner. Never use gasoline, ker-
osene, alcohol, oil, transmission fluid or any fluid
containing mineral oil to clean the caliper. These flu-
ids will damage rubber cups and seals.
INSPECTION - CALIPER
Inspect the disc brake caliper for the following:
²Brake fluid leaks in and around boot area and
inboard lining
²Ruptures, brittleness or damage to the piston
dust boot
²Damaged, dry or brittle guide pin dust boots
If caliper fails inspection, disassemble and recondi-
tion caliper, replacing the seals and dust boots.
ASSEMBLY - CALIPER PISTON AND SEAL
NOTE: Never use an old piston seal.
(1) Dip the new piston seal in clean brake fluid
and install it in the groove of the caliper bore. The
seal should be started at one area of the groove and
gently worked around and into the groove (Fig.
40)using only your clean fingers to seat it.
(2) Coat the new piston boot with clean brake
fluid.
(3) Position the dust boot over the piston after
coating it with brake fluid.
CAUTION: Force applied to the piston to seat it in
the bore must be applied uniformly to avoid cock-
ing and binding of the piston.
(4) Install piston into caliper bore pushing it past
the piston seal until it bottoms in the caliper bore
(Fig. 41).
(5) Position the dust boot into the counterbore of
the caliper assembly piston bore.
(6) Using a hammer and Installer, Special Tool
C-4689 or C-4842 (depending on piston size), and
Handle, Special Tool C-4171, drive the boot into the
counterbore of the caliper as necessary (Fig. 42).
Fig. 39 Removing Piston Seal
1 - PLASTIC TRIM STICK
2 - CALIPER
3 - PISTON SEAL GROOVE
4 - PISTON SEAL
RSBRAKES - BASE5-29
DISC BRAKE CALIPER - REAR (Continued)

master cylinder reservoir from completely draining
out.(3) Disconnect the brake fluid flex hose from the
caliper assembly and remove it from the vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when clamp-
ing caliper in vise. Excessive vise pressure will
cause bore distortion.
(4) Mount the caliper in a vise equipped with pro-
tective jaws. (5) Remove the piston dust boot from the caliper
and discard.
NOTE: Do not use a screw driver or other metal tool
for seal removal. Using such tools can scratch the
bore or leave burrs on the seal groove edges.
(6) Using a soft tool such as a plastic trim stick,
work the piston seal out of its groove in caliper pis-
ton bore (Fig. 32). Discard the old seal.
(7) Clean the piston bore and drilled passage ways
using alcohol or a suitable solvent. Wipe it dry using
only a lint-free cloth. (8) Inspect the piston bore for scoring or pitting.
Bores that show light scratches or corrosion can usu-
ally be cleared of the light scratches or corrosion
using crocus cloth.CLEANING - CALIPER
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET BRAKE LININGS. BREATHING
EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM.
EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING BRAKE
PARTS. DO NOT SAND OR GRIND BRAKE LINING
UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED IS DESIGNED TO CON-
TAIN THE DUST RESIDUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE
PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY DRY
BRUSHING. CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE BY
DAMPENING THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WITH A
FINE MIST OF WATER, THEN WIPING THE BRAKE
COMPONENTS CLEAN WITH A DAMPENED CLOTH.
DISPOSE OF CLOTH AND ALL RESIDUE CONTAIN-
ING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE
CONTAINER WITH THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOL-
LOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING,
AND DISPOSING OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
To clean or flush the internal passages of the brake
caliper, use fresh brake fluid or Mopar tNon-Chlori-
nated Brake Parts Cleaner. Never use gasoline, ker-
osene, alcohol, oil, transmission fluid or any fluid
containing mineral oil to clean the caliper. These flu-
ids will damage rubber cups and seals.
INSPECTION - CALIPER
Inspect the disc brake caliper for the following:
² Brake fluid leaks in and around boot area and
inboard lining ² Ruptures, brittleness or damage to the piston
dust boot ² Damaged, dry or brittle guide pin dust boots
If caliper fails inspection, disassemble and recondi-
tion caliper, replacing the seals and dust boots.
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - CALIPER GUIDE PIN BUSHINGS
(CONTINENTAL TEVES BRAKES)
(1) Fold the guide pin bushing in half lengthwise.
NOTE: To avoid damage to the bushing, do not use
a sharp object to install the guide pin bushing. (2) Insert the folded bushing into the caliper
mounting boss using your fingers from the rear of
the caliper.
Fig. 32 Removing Piston Seal
1 - PLASTIC TRIM STICK
2 - CALIPER
3 - PISTON SEAL GROOVE
4 - PISTON SEAL
5s - 24 BRAKESRS
DISC BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT (Continued)

NOTE: Do not use a screw driver or other metal tool
for seal removal. Using such tools can scratch the
bore or leave burrs on the seal groove edges.(6) Using a soft tool such as a plastic trim stick,
work the piston seal out of its groove in caliper pis-
ton bore (Fig. 38). Discard the old seal.
(7) Clean the piston bore and drilled passage ways
using alcohol or a suitable solvent. Wipe it dry using
only a lint-free cloth. (8) Inspect the piston bore for scoring or pitting.
Bores that show light scratches or corrosion can usu-
ally be cleared of the light scratches or corrosion
using crocus cloth.
CLEANING - CALIPER
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET BRAKE LININGS. BREATHING
EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM.
EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING BRAKE
PARTS. DO NOT SAND OR GRIND BRAKE LINING
UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED IS DESIGNED TO CON-
TAIN THE DUST RESIDUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE
PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY DRY
BRUSHING. CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE BY
DAMPENING THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WITH A FINE MIST OF WATER, THEN WIPING THE BRAKE
COMPONENTS CLEAN WITH A DAMPENED CLOTH.
DISPOSE OF CLOTH AND ALL RESIDUE CONTAIN-
ING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE
CONTAINER WITH THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOL-
LOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING,
AND DISPOSING OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
To clean or flush the internal passages of the brake
caliper, use fresh brake fluid or Mopar tNon-Chlori-
nated Brake Parts Cleaner. Never use gasoline, ker-
osene, alcohol, oil, transmission fluid or any fluid
containing mineral oil to clean the caliper. These flu-
ids will damage rubber cups and seals.
INSPECTION - CALIPER
Inspect the disc brake caliper for the following:
² Brake fluid leaks in and around boot area and
inboard lining ² Ruptures, brittleness or damage to the piston
dust boot ² Damaged, dry or brittle guide pin dust boots
If caliper fails inspection, disassemble and recondi-
tion caliper, replacing the seals and dust boots.
ASSEMBLY - CALIPER PISTON AND SEAL
NOTE: Never use an old piston seal.
(1) Dip the new piston seal in clean brake fluid
and install it in the groove of the caliper bore. The
seal should be started at one area of the groove and
gently worked around and into the groove (Fig.
39)using only your clean fingers to seat it. (2) Coat the new piston boot with clean brake
fluid. (3) Position the dust boot over the piston after
coating it with brake fluid.
CAUTION: Force applied to the piston to seat it in
the bore must be applied uniformly to avoid cock-
ing and binding of the piston.
(4) Install piston into caliper bore pushing it past
the piston seal until it bottoms in the caliper bore
(Fig. 40). (5) Position the dust boot into the counterbore of
the caliper assembly piston bore. (6) Using a hammer and Installer, Special Tool
C-4689 or C-4842 (depending on piston size), and
Handle, Special Tool C-4171, drive the boot into the
counterbore of the caliper as necessary (Fig. 41).
Fig. 38 Removing Piston Seal
1 - PLASTIC TRIM STICK
2 - CALIPER
3 - PISTON SEAL GROOVE
4 - PISTON SEAL
5s - 28 BRAKESRS
DISC BRAKE CALIPER - REAR (Continued)

OPERATION
The data link connector (diagnostic connector)
links the DRB scan tool with the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). Refer to On-Board Diagnostics in the
General Diagnosis section of this group.
FRONT CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a micro con-
troller based module located in the engine compart-
ment. This FCM mates to the power distribution
center to form the Integrated Power Module (IPM).
The IPM connects directly to the battery and pro-
vides the primary means of circuit protection and
power distribution for all vehicle electrical systems.
The FCM controls power to some of these vehicle sys-
tems electrical and electromechanical loads based on
inputs received from hard wired switch inputs and
data received on the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus.
For information on the IPM, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED
POWER MODULE - DESCRIPTION)
OPERATION
As messages are sent over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus, the Front Con-
trol Module (FCM) reads these messages and controls
power to some of the vehicles electrical systems by
completing the circuit to ground (low side driver) or
completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side
driver).
The following functions arecontrolledby the
Front Control Module:²Accessory Relay Actuation
²Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Functions
(BTSI)
²Diesel Cabin Heater (Diesel Engine Vehicles)
²Electronic Back Light (EBL) Rear Defogger
²Electronic Transaxle (Gasoline engine Vehicles)
²Front and Rear Blower Motor Relay Actuation
²Front Fog Lamp Relay Actuation
²Front Washer Motor
²Front Windshield Wiper ªHIº & ªLOº Relay
Actuation
²Front Windshield Wiper ªONº Relay Actuation
²Headlamp Power with Voltage Regulation
²Horn Relay Actuation
²Headlamp Washer Relay Actuation
²Name Brand Speaker (NBS) Relay Actuation
²Occupant Restraint Controller Voltage
²Park Lamp Relay Actuation
²Rear Washer Motor
²Side Airbag Voltage
The following inputs areReceived/Monitoredby
the Front Control Module:
²Ambient Temperature Sensing
²Back-Up switch
²Brake Fluid Level
²B+ Connection Detection
²Engine Crank Signal (Diesel Engine Vehicles)
²Horn Input
²Ignition Switch Start Only
²Ignition Switch Run and Start Only
²Stop Lamp Sense
²Washer Fluid Level
²Windshield Wiper Park
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FRONT CONTROL
MODULE
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a printed cir-
cuit board based module with a on-board micro-pro-
cessor. The FCM interfaces with other electronic
modules in the vehicle via the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus. In order to
obtain conclusive testing the PCI data bus and all of
the electronic modules that provide inputs to, or
receive outputs from the FCM must be checked. All
PCI communication faults must be resolved prior to
further diagnosing any front control module related
issues.
The FCM was designed to be diagnosed with an
appropriate diagnostic scan tool, such as the DRB
IIIt. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means
to diagnose the front control module requires the use
of a DRB IIItscan tool and the proper Body Diag-
nostic Procedures manual.
Before any testing of the FCM is attempted, the
battery should be fully charged and all wire harness
Fig. 4 DATA LINK CONNECTOR
RSELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES8E-7
DATA LINK CONNECTOR (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
There are three different batteries available on this
model. Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize
a spiral wound plate designed battery with recombi-
nation technology. This is a maintenance-free battery
that is capable of delivering more power than a con-
ventional battery. This additional power is required
by a diesel engine during cold cranking. Vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine utilize a conven-
tional battery. Refer to the following information for
detailed differences and descriptions of these batter-
ies.
SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY - DIESEL ENGINE
Spiral plate technology takes the elements of tradi-
tional batteries - lead and sulfuric acid - to the next
level. By tightly winding layers of spiral grids and
acid-permeated vitreous separators into cells, the
manufacturer has developed a battery with more
power and service life than conventional batteries the
same size. The spiral plate battery is completely, per-
manently sealed. Through gas recombination, hydro-
gen and oxygen within the battery are captured
during normal charging and reunited to form the
water within the electrolyte, eliminating the need to
add distilled water. Therefore, these batteries havenon-removable battery vent caps (Fig. 4). Watercan-
notbe added to this battery.
The acid inside a spiral plate battery is bound
within the vitreous separators, ending the threat of
acid leaks. This feature allows the battery to be
installed in any position anywhere in the vehicle.
Spiral plate technology is the process by which the
plates holding the active material in the battery are
wound tightly in coils instead of hanging flat, like
conventional batteries. This design has a lower inter-
nal resistance and also increases the active material
surface area.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 14.4 VOLTS WHEN
CHARGING A SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR BATTERY DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
Due to the maintanance-free design, distilled water
cannot be added to this battery. Therefore, if more
than 14.4 volts are used during the spiral plate bat-
tery charging process, water vapor can be exhausted
through the pressure-sensitive battery vents and lost
for good. This can permanently damage the spiral
plate battery. Never exceed 14.4 volts when charging
a spiral plate battery. Personal injury and/or battery
damage may result.
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY - GASOLINE ENGINE
Low-maintenance batteriesare used on export
vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, these bat-
teries have removable battery cell caps (Fig. 5).
Watercanbe added to this battery. Under normal
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
Fig. 4 MAINTENANCE-FREE DIESEL ENGINE
BATTERY
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

service, the composition of this battery reduces gas-
sing and water loss at normal charge rates. However
these batteries may require additional distilled water
after years of service.
Maintenance-free batteriesare standard facto-
ry-installed equipment on all domestic versions of
this model. Male post type terminals made of a soft
lead material protrude from the top of the molded
plastic battery case (Fig. 6)to provide the means for
connecting the battery to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem. The battery positive terminal post is visibly
larger in diameter than the negative terminal post,
for easy identification. The lettersPOSandNEGare
also molded into the top of the battery case adjacent
to their respective positive and negative terminal
posts for additional identification confirmation.
This battery is designed to provide a safe, efficient
and reliable means of storing electrical energy in a
chemical form. This means of energy storage allows
the battery to produce the electrical energy required
to operate the engine starting system, as well as to
operate many of the other vehicle accessory systems
for limited durations while the engine and/or the
charging system are not operating. The battery is
made up of six individual cells that are connected in
series. Each cell contains positively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to the
positive terminal post, and negatively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to thenegative terminal post. Each plate consists of a stiff
mesh framework or grid coated with lead dioxide
(positive plate) or sponge lead (negative plate). Insu-
lators or plate separators made of a non-conductive
material are inserted between the positive and nega-
tive plates to prevent them from contacting or short-
ing against one another. These dissimilar metal
plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and water
solution called an electrolyte.
Some factory-installed batteries have a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. For more information on the use of the built-in
test indicator, refer toStandard Procedures. The
chemical composition of the metal coated plates
within the low-maintenance battery used in export
models reduces battery gassing and water loss at
normal charge and discharge rates. Therefore, the
battery should not require additional water in nor-
mal service. If the electrolyte level in this battery
does become low, distilled water must be added. How-
ever, rapid loss of electrolyte can be caused by an
overcharging condition. Be certain to diagnose the
charging system after replenishing the water in the
battery for a low electrolyte condition and before
returning the vehicle to service. Refer toCharging
Systemfor additional information.
The battery Group Size number, the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating, and the Reserve Capacity
(RC) rating or Ampere-Hours (AH) rating can be
Fig. 5 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION - LOW-MAINTANANCE GASOLINE
ENGINE BATTERY - EXPORT
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
Fig. 6 Maintenance-Free Battery - Domestic
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - VENT
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - INDICATOR EYE (if equipped)
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
8F - 8 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
There are three different batteries available on this
model. Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize
a spiral wound plate designed battery with recombi-
nation technology. This is a maintenance-free battery
that is capable of delivering more power than a con-
ventional battery. This additional power is required
by a diesel engine during cold cranking. Vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine utilize a conven-
tional battery. Refer to the following information for
detailed differences and descriptions of these batter-
ies.
SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY - DIESEL ENGINE
Spiral plate technology takes the elements of tradi-
tional batteries - lead and sulfuric acid - to the next
level. By tightly winding layers of spiral grids and
acid-permeated vitreous separators into cells, the
manufacturer has developed a battery with more
power and service life than conventional batteries the
same size. The spiral plate battery is completely, per-
manently sealed. Through gas recombination, hydro-
gen and oxygen within the battery are captured
during normal charging and reunited to form the
water within the electrolyte, eliminating the need to
add distilled water. Therefore, these batteries have non-removable battery vent caps (Fig. 4). Water
can-
not be added to this battery.
The acid inside a spiral plate battery is bound
within the vitreous separators, ending the threat of
acid leaks. This feature allows the battery to be
installed in any position anywhere in the vehicle. Spiral plate technology is the process by which the
plates holding the active material in the battery are
wound tightly in coils instead of hanging flat, like
conventional batteries. This design has a lower inter-
nal resistance and also increases the active material
surface area.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 14.4 VOLTS WHEN
CHARGING A SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR BATTERY DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
Due to the maintanance-free design, distilled water
cannot be added to this battery. Therefore, if more
than 14.4 volts are used during the spiral plate bat-
tery charging process, water vapor can be exhausted
through the pressure-sensitive battery vents and lost
for good. This can permanently damage the spiral
plate battery. Never exceed 14.4 volts when charging
a spiral plate battery. Personal injury and/or battery
damage may result.
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY - GASOLINE ENGINE
Low-maintenance batteries are used on export
vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, these bat-
teries have removable battery cell caps (Fig. 5).
Water canbe added to this battery. Under normal
Micro 420 Battery Tester
Fig. 4 MAINTENANCE-FREE DIESEL ENGINE
BATTERY
RS BATTERY SYSTEM8Fs-7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)