SPIRAL-PLATE BATTERY CHARGE RATE TABLE
Voltage Minutes
14.4 volts maximum up to 10 minutes
13.0 to 14 volts up to 20 minutes
12.9 volts or less up to 30 minutes
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary,
depending upon the following factors:
²Battery Capacity- A completely discharged
heavy-duty battery requires twice the charging time
of a small capacity battery.
²Temperature- A longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18É C (0É F) than at 27É C
(80É F). When a fast battery charger is connected to a
cold battery, the current accepted by the battery will
be very low at first. As the battery warms, it will
accept a higher charging current rate (amperage).
²Charger Capacity- A battery charger that
supplies only five amperes will require a longer
charging time. A battery charger that supplies eight
amperes will require a shorter charging time.
²State-Of-Charge- A completely discharged bat-
tery requires more charging time than a partially
discharged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water
in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the bat-
tery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise.
The Battery Charging Time Table gives an indica-
tion of the time required to charge a typical battery
at room temperature based upon the battery state-of-
charge and the charger capacity.
SPIRAL-PLATE BATTERY CHARGING TIME
TABLE
Charging
Amperage5 Amps 8 Amps
Open Circuit
VoltageHours Charging @ 21É C
(70É F)
12.25 to 12.49 6 hours 3 hours
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours 5 hours
10.00 to 11.99 14 hours 7 hours
Below 10.00 18 hours 9 hours
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONVENTIONAL
BATTERY CHARGING
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize a
unique spiral plate battery. This battery has a maxi-
mum charging voltage that must be used in order to
restore the battery to its full potential, failure to usethe spiral plate battery charging procedure could
result in damage to the battery or personal injury.
Battery charging is the means by which the bat-
tery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A
battery is fully-charged when:
²Micro 420 battery tester indicates battery is OK.
²Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.65 volts
or above.
²Battery passes Load Test multiple times.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the bat-
tery negative cable before charging a battery. Do
not exceed sixteen volts while charging a battery.
Damage to the vehicle electrical system compo-
nents may result.
CAUTION: Battery electrolyte will bubble inside the
battery case during normal battery charging. Elec-
trolyte boiling or being discharged from the battery
vents indicates a battery overcharging condition.
Immediately reduce the charging rate or turn off the
charger to evaluate the battery condition. Damage
to the battery may result from overcharging.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-11
BATTERY (Continued)
found on the original equipment battery label. Be
certain that a replacement battery has the correct
Group Size number, as well as CCA, and RC or AH
ratings that equal or exceed the original equipment
specification for the vehicle being serviced. Refer to
Battery Specificationsin this group for the loca-
tion of the proper factory-installed battery specifica-
tions.
OPERATION
The battery is designed to store electrical energy in
a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to
the terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reac-
tion occurs. This reaction causes the battery to dis-
charge electrical current from its terminals. As the
battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes
place within each cell. The sulfuric acid in the elec-
trolyte combines with the plate materials, causing
both plates to slowly change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The
chemical changes within the battery are caused by
the movement of excess or free electrons between the
positive and negative plate groups. This movement of
electrons produces a flow of electrical current
through the load device attached to the battery ter-
minals. As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery itself, the battery discharging process
is reversed. Charging the battery gradually changes
the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and
lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.
This action restores the difference in the electron
charges deposited on the plates, and the voltage
potential of the battery cells. For a battery to remain
useful, it must be able to produce high-amperage cur-
rent over an extended period. A battery must also be
able to accept a charge, so that its voltage potential
may be restored. The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen
gas that is created when the battery is being charged
or discharged. However, even with these vents,
hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If
hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may
ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery may
arc internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced if the electrolyte level
becomes low.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
terminals should be properly cleaned and inspected
before diagnostic procedures are performed. Refer to
Battery System Cleaning for the proper cleaning pro-
cedures, and Battery System Inspection for the
proper battery inspection procedures. Refer to Stan-
dard Procedures for the proper battery charging pro-
cedures.
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery 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.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty,
and must be replaced. Further testing is not
required. A fully-charged battery must be tested to
determine its cranking capacity. A battery that is ful-
ly-charged, but does not pass the Micro 420 or load
test, is faulty and must be replaced.
NOTE: Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. Refer to Standard
Procedures for the proper battery charging proce-
dures.
RS BATTERY SYSTEM8Fs-9
BATTERY (Continued)
SPIRAL-PLATE BATTERY CHARGE RATE TABLEVoltage Minutes
14.4 volts maximum up to 10 minutes 13.0 to 14 volts up to 20 minutes
12.9 volts or less up to 30 minutes
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary,
depending upon the following factors: ² Battery Capacity - A completely discharged
heavy-duty battery requires twice the charging time
of a small capacity battery. ² Temperature - A longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18É C (0É F) than at 27É C (80É
F). When a fast battery charger is connected to a cold
battery, the current accepted by the battery will be
very low at first. As the battery warms, it will accept
a higher charging current rate (amperage). ² Charger Capacity - A battery charger that
supplies only five amperes will require a longer
charging time. A battery charger that supplies eight
amperes will require a shorter charging time. ² State-Of-Charge - A completely discharged bat-
tery requires more charging time than a partially
discharged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water
in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the bat-
tery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise. The Battery Charging Time Table gives an indica-
tion of the time required to charge a typical battery
at room temperature based upon the battery state-of-
charge and the charger capacity.
SPIRAL-PLATE BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Charging
Amperage 5 Amps 8 Amps
Open Circuit Voltage Hours Charging @ 21É
C (70É F)
12.25 to 12.49 6 hours 3 hours
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours 5 hours 10.00 to 11.99 14 hours 7 hours Below 10.00 18 hours 9 hours
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONVENTIONAL
BATTERY CHARGING
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize a
unique spiral plate battery. This battery has a maxi-
mum charging voltage that must be used in order to
restore the battery to its full potential, failure to use the spiral plate battery charging procedure could
result in damage to the battery or personal injury.
Battery charging is the means by which the bat-
tery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A
battery is fully-charged when: ² Micro 420 battery tester indicates battery is OK.
² Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.65 volts
or above. ² Battery passes Load Test multiple times.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the bat-
tery negative cable before charging a battery. Do
not exceed sixteen volts while charging a battery.
Damage to the vehicle electrical system compo-
nents may result.
CAUTION: Battery electrolyte will bubble inside the
battery case during normal battery charging. Elec-
trolyte boiling or being discharged from the battery
vents indicates a battery overcharging condition.
Immediately reduce the charging rate or turn off the
charger to evaluate the battery condition. Damage
to the battery may result from overcharging.
RS BATTERY SYSTEM8Fs-11
BATTERY (Continued)
IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION SYSTEM..........1
OPERATION - IGNITION SYSTEM...........1
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE.............................2
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........2
SPARK PLUG.........................2
FIRING ORDER........................3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................4
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................5
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L....................5
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................6
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L.................6
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................7REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L....................7
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................7
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L.................7
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................8
REMOVAL - 3.8L.......................8
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................9
INSTALLATION - 3.8L...................9
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - STANDARD 4 CYLINDER . . . 9
DESCRIPTION - PLATINUM PLUGS........9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
REMOVAL - 2.0/2.4L.....................10
INSTALLATION - 2.0/2.4L.................10
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION SYSTEM
NOTE: All engines use a fixed ignition timing sys-
tem. Basic ignition timing is not adjustable. All
spark advance is determined by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM).
The ignition system used on these engines is
referred to as the Direct Ignition System (DIS). The
system's three main components are the coils, crank-
shaft position sensor, and camshaft position sensor. If
equipped with the coil on plug ignition system it uti-
lizes an ignition coil for every cylinder, it is mounted
directly over the each spark plug.
OPERATION - IGNITION SYSTEM
The crankshaft position sensor and camshaft posi-
tion sensor are hall effect devices. The camshaft posi-
tion sensor and crankshaft position sensor generate
pulses that are inputs to the PCM. The PCM deter-
mines engine position from these sensors. The PCM
calculates injector sequence and ignition timing from
crankshaft & camshaft position. For a description of
both sensors, refer to Camshaft Position Sensor and
Crankshaft Position Sensor.
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-1
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
2.4L Target Magnet Screw 3 30
2.4L Camshaft Sensor
Screw12.9 115
3.3/3.8L Camshaft Sensor
Screw14.1 125
2.4L Ignition coil bolts 11.8 105
3.3/3.8LIgnition coil bolts 11.8 105
Spark Plugs 17.5 13
Knock Sensor 10 7
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
2.4L
CABLE Maximum Resistance
1, 2, 3, & 4 10.8K ohms
3.3/3.8L
CABLE Maximum Resistance
#1 22.5K ohms
#2 22.8K ohms
#3 19.3K ohms
#4 19.3K ohms
#5 13.6K ohms
#6 16.4K ohms
SPARK PLUG
Engine Spark Plug Gap Thread Size
2.4L RE14MCC5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in.) reach
Engine Spark Plug Gap Thread Size
3.3L RE14PLP5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in.) reach
3.8L RE14PLP5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in. ) reach
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLRS
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The target magnet has locating dowels that fit into
machined locating holes in the end of the camshaft
(Fig. 7).
(1) Install target magnet in end of camshaft.
Tighten mounting screw to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
Over torqueing could cause cracks in magnet. If mag-
net cracks replace it.
(2) Install camshaft position sensor. Tighten sensor
mounting screws to 12.9 N´m (115 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Carefully attach electrical connector to cam-
shaft position sensor.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
If the removed sensor is reinstalled, clean off
the old spacer on the sensor face. A NEW SPACER
must be attached to the face before installation.
Inspect O-ring for damage, replace if necessary. If the
sensor is being replaced, confirm that the paper
spacer is attached to the face and O-ring is posi-
tioned in groove of the new sensor (Fig. 8).
(1) Apply a couple drops of clean engine oil to the
O-ring prior to installation.
(2) Install sensor in the chain case cover and
rotate into position.
(3) Push sensor down until contact is made with
the camshaft gear. While holding the sensor in this
position, install and tighten the retaining bolt 14
N´m (125 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect camshaft position sensor electrical
connector to harness connector.
(5) Install the air box cover and inlet hose (Fig. 5).
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition coil assembly consists of 2 or 3 inde-
pendent coils molded together (Fig. 9) or (Fig. 10).
The coil assembly for the 3.3/3.8L is mounted on the
intake manifold. The coil assembly for the 2.4L is
mounted on the cylinder head cover. Spark plug
cables route to each cylinder from the coil.
Fig. 7 Target Magnet Installation
1 - LOCATING DOWELS
2 - LOCATING HOLES (2)
Fig. 8 Camshaft Position Sensor and Spacer
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - O-RING
3 - PAPER SPACER
Fig. 9 IGNITION COIL - 2.4L
8I - 6 IGNITION CONTROLRS
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)
OPERATION
The coil fires two spark plugs every power stroke.
One plug is the cylinder under compression, the
other cylinder fires on the exhaust stroke. The Pow-
ertrain Control Module (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 magnetic energy in
the coil transfers to the secondary causing the spark.
The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does
not receive the crankshaft position sensor and cam-
shaft position sensor inputs. Refer to Auto Shutdown
(ASD) RelayÐPCM Output, in this section for relay
operation.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
The electronic ignition coil pack attaches directly
to the valve cover.
(1) Diconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil pack.
(3) Remove coil pack mounting bolts.
(4) Remove coil pack and heat shield (Fig. 9).
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.(2) Remove the throttle and speed control cables
from clip.
(3) Remove 2 bolts from the Power steering reser-
voir to intake manifold.
(4) Loosen the lower nut for the power steering
reservoir from stud on ignition coil bracket.
(5) Reposition the Power steering reservoir (Fig.
11).
(6) Remove the ignition cables from the ignition
coil.
(7) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
ignition coil.
(8) Remove 2 nuts from the ignition coil studs.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
(1) Install ignition coil and heat shield to valve
cover and tighten bolts.
(2) Connect the electrical connector to the ignition
coil.
(3) Transfer spark plug cables to new coil pack.
The coil pack towers are numbered with the cylinder
identification. Be sure the ignition cables are fully
seated onto the towers.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Install coil over studs on bracket.
(2) Install 2 nuts to the ignition coil studs. Tighten
nuts and bolts.
Fig. 10 IGNITION COIL - 3.3/3.8L
1 -Ignition Coil
Fig. 11 IGNITION COIL BRACKET 3.3/3.8L
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-7
IGNITION COIL (Continued)
(3) Connect the electrical connector to the ignition
coil.
(4) Install the ignition cables to the ignition coil.
(5) Reposition the Power steering reservoir. Slide
bracket over the mounting stud (Fig. 11).
(6) Install 2 bolts to the Power steering reservoir
to intake manifold.
(7) Tighten the lower nut to stud on ignition coil
bracket.
(8) Install the throttle and speed control cables to
clip.
(9) Connect the negative battery cable.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The knock sensor threads into the cylinder block.
The knock sensor is designed to detect engine vibra-
tion that is caused by detonation.
OPERATION
When the knock sensor detects a knock in one of
the cylinders, it sends an input signal to the PCM. In
response, the PCM retards ignition timing for all cyl-
inders by a scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives as an input the knock sensor voltage signal.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except WOT.
The PCM, using short term memory, can respond
quickly to retard timing when engine knock is
detected. Short term memory is lost any time the
ignition key is turned off.
NOTE: Over or under tightening affects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(2) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensors.
REMOVAL - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles remove the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit), refer to the Transmission sec-
tion for more information.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(5) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensor.
8I - 8 IGNITION CONTROLRS
IGNITION COIL (Continued)