
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3. (3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required. (4) The coil battery terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the Start position and
the clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans). Check
for battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86
with the ignition switch in the Start position and the
clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans), and no
voltage when the ignition switch is released to the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, check for
an open or short circuit to the ignition switch and
repair, if required. If the circuit to the ignition switch
is OK, see the Ignition Switch Test procedure in this
group. (5) The coil ground terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded by the
PCM if the conditions are right to start the car. For
automatic trans. cars the PCM must see Park Neu-
tral switch low and near zero engine speed (rpm).
For manual trans. cars the PCM only needs to see
near zero engine speed (rpm) and low clutch inter-
lock input and see near zero engine speed (rpm). To
diagnose the Park Neutral switch of the trans range
sensor refer to the transaxle section. Check for conti-
nuity to ground while the ignition switch is in the
start position and if equipped the clutch pedal
depressed. If not OK and the vehicle has an auto-
matic trans. verify Park Neutral switch operation. If
that checks OK check for continuity between PCM
and the terminal 86. Repair open circuit as required.
Also check the clutch interlock switch operation if
equipped with a manual transmission. If OK, the
PCM may be defective.
SAFETY SWITCHES
For diagnostics of the Transmission Range Sensor,
refer to the Transaxle section for more information. If equipped with Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch,
refer to Diagnosis and Testing in the Clutch section.
IGNITION SWITCH
After testing starter solenoid and relay, test igni-
tion switch and wiring. Refer to the Ignition Section
or Wiring Diagrams for more information. Check all
wiring for opens or shorts, and all connectors for
being loose or corroded.
BATTERY
For battery diagnosis and testing, refer to the Bat-
tery section for procedures.
ALL RELATED WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Refer to Wiring Diagrams for more information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
RESISTANCE TEST
Before proceeding with this operation, review Diag-
nostic Preparation and Starter Feed Circuit Tests.
The following operation will require a voltmeter,
accurate to 1/10 of a volt.
CAUTION: Ignition and Fuel systems must be dis-
abled to prevent engine start while performing the
following tests.
(1) To disable the Ignition and Fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location. (2) Gain access to battery terminals.
(3) With all wiring harnesses and components
properly connected, perform the following: (a) Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative post, and positive lead to the
battery negative cable clamp. Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the START position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor con-
tact between cable clamp and post. (b) Connect positive lead of the voltmeter to the
battery positive post, and negative lead to the bat-
tery positive cable clamp. Rotate and hold the igni-
tion switch key in the START position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor con-
tact between the cable clamp and post. (c) Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery
negative terminal, and positive lead to engine
block near the battery cable attaching point.
Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START
position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct
poor contact at ground cable attaching point. If
voltage reading is still above 0.2 volt after correct-
ing poor contacts, replace ground cable.
(4) Connect positive voltmeter lead to the starter
motor housing and the negative lead to the battery
negative terminal. Hold the ignition switch key in
the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt,
correct poor starter to engine ground. (a) Connect the positive voltmeter lead to the
battery positive terminal, and negative lead to bat-
tery cable terminal on starter solenoid. Rotate and
hold the ignition switch in the START position. If
voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct poor contact at
8Fs - 34 STARTINGRS
STARTING (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

FIRING ORDERAUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). For the location of the relay within the
PDC, refer to the PDC cover for location. Check elec-
trical terminals for corrosion and repair as necessary
OPERATION
The engine switched battery (NGC vehicles)
informs the PCM when the ASD relay energizes. A 12
volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM that
the ASD has been activated. This input is also used
to power certain drivers on NGC vehicles.
When energized, the ASD relay on NGC vehicles
provides power to operate the injectors, ignition coil,
generator field, O2 sensor heaters (both upstream
and downstream), evaporative purge solenoid, EGR
solenoid (if equipped) wastegate solenoid (if
equipped), and NVLD solenoid (if equipped).
The ASD relay also provides a sense circuit to the
PCM for diagnostic purposes. If the PCM does not
receive 12 volts from this input after grounding the
control side of the ASD relay, it sets a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM energizes the ASD
any time there is an engine speed that exceeds a pre-
determined value (typically about 50 rpm). The ASD
relay can also be energized after the engine has been
turned off to perform an O2 sensor heater test, if
vehicle is equipped with OBD II diagnostics.
As mentioned earlier, the PCM energizes the ASD
relay during an O2 sensor heater test. On NGC vehi-
cles it checks the O2 heater upon vehicle start. The
PCM still operates internally to perform several
checks, including monitoring the O2 sensor heaters.
FIRING ORDER 2.4L
Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6 3.3/3.8L
1 - Electrical Connector
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The camshaft position sensor for the 3.3/3.8L is
mounted in the front of the timing case cover (Fig. 6)
and the camshaft position sensor for the 2.4L is
mounted on the end of the cylinder head (Fig. 3).
OPERATION
The camshaft position sensor provides cylinder
identification to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) (Fig. 1). The sensor generates pulses as
groups of notches on the camshaft sprocket pass
underneath it (Fig. 2). The PCM keeps track of
crankshaft rotation and identifies each cylinder by
the pulses generated by the notches on the camshaft
sprocket. Four crankshaft pulses follow each group of
camshaft pulses.
When the PCM receives 2 cam pulses followed by
the long flat spot on the camshaft sprocket, it knows
that the crankshaft timing marks for cylinder 1 are
next (on driveplate). When the PCM receives one
camshaft pulse after the long flat spot on the
sprocket, cylinder number 2 crankshaft timing marks
are next. After 3 camshaft pulses, the PCM knows
cylinder 4 crankshaft timing marks follow. One cam-
shaft pulse after the 3 pulses indicates cylinder 5.
The 2 camshaft pulses after cylinder 5 signals cylin-
der 6 (Fig. 2). The PCM can synchronize on cylinders
1or4.When metal aligns with the sensor, voltage goes
low (less than 0.3 volts). When a notch aligns with
the sensor, voltage switches high (5.0 volts). As a
group of notches pass under the sensor, the voltage
switches from low (metal) to high (notch) then back
to low. The number of notches determine the amount
of pulses. If available, an oscilloscope can display the
square wave patterns of each timing event.
Top Dead Center (TDC) does not occur when
notches on the camshaft sprocket pass below the sen-
sor. TDC occurs after the camshaft pulse (or pulses)
and after the 4 crankshaft pulses associated with the
particular cylinder. The arrows and cylinder call outs
on (Fig. 2) represent which cylinder the flat spot and
notches identify, they do not indicate TDC position.
Fig. 1 Camshaft Position Sensor
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - O-RING
3 - PAPER SPACERFig. 2 Camshaft Sprocket
1 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
2 - CYL #6
3 - CYL #5
4 - CYL #4
5 - CYL #3
6 - CYL #2
7 - CYL #1
8I - 4 IGNITION CONTROLRS

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)

SPEEDOMETER DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO POINTER
MOVEMENT.1. INTERNAL CLUSTER
FAILURE.1.A. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND
CHECK FOR FAULT CODES.
²IF SPEEDOMETER POINTER MOVES TO CALIBRATION
POINTS DURING TEST LOOK FOR ANOTHER POSSIBLE
CAUSE OF FAILURE.
²IF THE POINTER DOESN'T MOVE DURING TEST,
CHECK FOR POWER AND GROUND TO THE MIC. IF
POWER AND GROUND ARE PRESENT GO TO STEP 1.B.
1.B. REPLACE CLUSTER. GO TO STEP 1.C.
1.C. CONNECT CLUSTER INTO INSTRUMENT PANEL
WIRING HARNESS. PLACE IT BACK INTO THE PROPER
POSITION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. PUT IN THE
TOP FOUR MOUNTING SCREWS AND SECURE THE
CLUSTER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
2. NO SPEED PCI BUS
MESSAGE OR ZERO
MPH PCI SPEED BUS
MESSAGE.2.A. CHECK THE PCM (CODE 10) USING A DRB IIIT
SCAN TOOL. IF OK, GO TO STEP 2.B. IF NOT OK,
REFER TO THE PROPER POWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES MANUAL TO REPAIR THE PCM.
2.B. CHECK THE SPEED SIGNAL INPUT INTO THE PCM.
THE SPEED SIGNAL ORIGINATES FROM THE TCM FOR
VEHICLES WITH THE 4 SPEED ELECTRONIC
TRANSMISSIONS. CHECK CONTINUITY FROM TCM TO
PCM. IF OK, USE A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL TO CHECK
TCM. REFER TO THE PROPER TRANSMISSION
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES MANUAL TO REPAIR THE
TCM. IF NOT OK, REPAIR WIRING.
8J - 4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERRS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
ERRATIC POINTER
MOVEMENT.1. ERRATIC MESSAGE
FROM ANOTHER
MODULE.1.A. CHECK THE BCM USING A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL IF
OK, GO TO STEP 1.B. IF NOT OK, REFER TO THE
PROPER BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES MANUAL
TO REPAIR THE BCM.
1.B. CHECK THE PCM USING A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL. IF
OK, GO TO STEP 1.C. IF NOT OK, REFER TO THE
PROPER POWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
MANUAL TO REPAIR THE PCM.
1.C. CHECK THE SPEED SIGNAL INPUT INTO THE PCM.
THE SPEED SIGNAL ORIGINATES FROM THE TCM FOR
VEHICLES WITH THE 4 SPEED ELECTRONIC
TRANSMISSIONS. CHECK CONTINUITY FROM TCM TO
PCM. IF OK, USE A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL TO CHECK
TCM. REFER TO THE PROPER TRANSMISSION
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES MANUAL TO REPAIR THE
TCM. IF NOT OK, REPAIR WIRING.
2. INTERNAL CLUSTER
FAILURE.2.A. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND
CHECK FOR FAULT CODES.
²IF THE POINTER MOVES DURING TEST BUT STILL
APPEARS ERRATIC, THEN GO TO STEP 2.B.
2.B. REPLACE CLUSTER ASSEMBLY.
SPEEDOMETER
INACCURATE.1. SPEEDOMETER OUT
OF CALIBRATION.1. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST.
²IF SPEEDOMETER IS ACCURATE TO THE
CALIBRATION POINTS THEN LOOK FOR ANOTHER
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF INACCURACY.
²IF SPEEDOMETER IS NOT ACCURATE TO THE
CALIBRATION POINTS, REPLACE CLUSTER ASSEMBLY.
2. WRONG
SPEEDOMETER PINION
FOR TIRE SIZE.2.A. IF VEHICLE HAS A 4 SPEED ELECTRONIC
TRANSMISSION GO TO STEP 2.C. OTHERWISE GO TO
STEP 2.B.
2.B. CHECK IF CORRECT SPEEDOMETER PINION IS
BEING USED WITH TIRES ON VEHICLE. REFER TO
TRANSMISSION FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.
²IF THE INCORRECT PINION IS IN TRANSMISSION
THEN REPLACE WITH CORRECT PINION.
²IF THE CORRECT PINION IS IN THE TRANSMISSION,
CHECK TIRE SIZE.
2.C. USE A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL TO CHECK THE TCM
TO SEE IF THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE HAS BEEN
PROGRAMMED INTO THE TCM.
²IF THE INCORRECT TIRE SIZE WAS SELECTED,
SELECT THE PROPER TIRE SIZE.
²IF THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE WAS SELECTED, CHECK
SPEED SENSOR.
3. BAD SPEED SENSOR. 3. REFER TO TRANSMISSION, SPEED SENSOR,
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.
RSINSTRUMENT CLUSTER8J-5
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)