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 .........................23
OPERATION ...........................23 REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L ......................23
REMOVAL - 2.5L ......................24
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L ...................25
INSTALLATION INSTALLATION - 2.4L ..................26
INSTALLATION - 2.5L ..................26
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L ................26
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY DESCRIPTION .........................27
OPERATION ...........................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY ..................27
REMOVAL .............................28
INSTALLATION .........................28
VOLTAGE REGULATOR DESCRIPTION .........................29
OPERATION ...........................29
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION - CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
² Decoupler Pulley (If equipped)
² Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ² Ignition switch (refer to the Ignition System sec-
tion for information) ² Battery (refer to the Battery section for informa-
tion) ² Ambient Air Temperature (If equipped)
² Inlet Air Temperature (calculated battery tem-
perature)(If equipped) ² Voltmeter (refer to the Instrument Cluster sec-
tion for information if equipped) ² Wiring harness and connections (refer to the
Wiring section for information) ² Accessory drive belt (refer to the Cooling section
for more information) ² Battery 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. This voltage is connected through the PCM or IPM (intelligent power module) (if equipped)
and supplied to one of the generator 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. An Ambient air temperature sensor is used to cal-
culate the temperature near the battery. This tem-
perature data, along with data from monitored 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 targeted 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-
8Fs - 20 CHARGINGRS
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)
torque specifications (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHARGING - SPECIFICATIONS). (5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications(Refer t o 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE - SPECIFICATIONS). (6) Inspect decoupler pulley (if equipped). Ensure
decoupler pulley is driving the alternator rotor. (7) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to the Cooling System for more information. (8) Inspect generator electrical connections at gen-
erator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if
equipped). Also check generator ground wire connec-
tion at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean
and tight. Repair as required.SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR
Type Engine Minimun Test Amperage
Denso 2.4 L 80 Amp (HOT)
Denso 3.3/3.8L 100 Amp or 115 Amp (HOT)
Test Specification:
1. Engine RPM : 2500 RPM 20 RPM (HOT)
2. Voltage Output : 14. 0 V 0.5 V
3. Field Curren t : 5 amps 0.1 amps
Part number is located on the side of the generator.
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Battery Hold Down Clamp Bolt 20 14.7 180
Generator B+ Nut 12.4 9.2 110
Battery Terminal Nut 4 35
Generator Mounting Bolt 2.4L 28.2 20.8 250
Generator Mounting Bolts 3.3/3.8L 54.2 40
Starter Solenoid Battery Nut 3.3/3.8L 11.3 8.3 100
Generator Decoupler 109.8 81
SPECIFICATIONS - BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
ÉC ÉF K-Ohms Min. K-Ohms Max.
(40) (40) 291.4 381.7
(20) (4) 85.8 108.4 20 68 11.4 13.6
25 77 9.1 10.9
120 248 0.37 0.41
130 266 0.28 0.32
8Fs - 22 CHARGINGRS
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) Remove the 3 mounting bolts.
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Remove oil dip stick tube from vehicle.
(14) Roll and remove the generator from vehicle
(Fig. 10).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
(1) Install the generator.
(2) Install the accessory drive belt, refer to the
Cooling System section for proper procedures. (3) Connect B+ terminal to generator.
(4) Install nut holding B+ wire terminal to back of
generator. (5) Connect the push-in field wire connector to
back of generator. (6) Install the EVAP Purge solenoid to its bracket.
(7) Install the Air Box, refer to the Engine/Air
Cleaner for more information. (8) Connect the Inlet Air Temperature sensor.
(9) Connect battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION - 2.5L
(1) Install generator.
(2) Install the 2 lower mounting Bolts (Fig. 8).
(3) Install the Air Cleaner Box (Fig. 7).
(4) Install the upper support bracket (Fig. 6).
(5) Install the wiring harness on upper generator
bracket (Fig. 6). (6) Connect the field connection (Fig. 5).
(7) Connect the generator battery connection (Fig.
5). (8) Raise vehicle and support.
(9) Install the generator drive belt (Fig. 4).
(10) Install the right front splash shield (Fig. 3).
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Install the engine cover (Fig. 2).
(13) Connect the negative battery cable (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Roll and place generator in position on vehicle
(Fig. 10). (2) Install upper bolts to hold generator in place.
(3) Lubricate the o-ring. Install oil dip stick tube.
(4) Install the upper oil dip stick tube bolt.
(5) Place B+ terminal in position on generator.
(6) Install nut to hold B+ wire terminal to back of
generator. (7) Connect the push-in field wire connector into
back of generator. (8) Raise vehicle and support.
(9) Install the lower mounting bolt and tighten.
(10) Install the lower oil dip stick tube bolt and
tighten (Fig. 9).
Fig. 9 DIP STICK LOWER BOLT
Fig. 10 GENERATOR 3.3/3.8L
8Fs - 26 CHARGINGRS
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)
battery cable to solenoid connection. If reading is
still above 0.2 volt after correcting poor contacts,
replace battery positive cable.(b) If resistance tests do not detect feed circuit
failures, replace the starter motor.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
TEST
NOTE: The following results are based upon the
vehicle being at room temperature.
The following procedure will require a suitable
volt-ampere tester (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
(1) Check battery before performing this test. Bat-
tery must be fully charged. (2) Connect a volt-ampere tester to the battery ter-
minals. Refer to the operating instructions provided
with the tester being used. (3) 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. (4) Verify that all lights and accessories are OFF,
and the transmission shift selector is in the PARK
and SET parking brake.
CAUTION: Do not overheat the starter motor or
draw the battery voltage below 9.6 volts during
cranking operations.
(5) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Observe the volt-ampere tester (Fig.
1). ² If voltage reads above 9.6 volts, and amperage
draw reads above 280 amps, check for engine seizing
or faulty starter. ² If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amper-
age reads 0 to 10 amps, check for corroded cables
and/or bad connections. ² Voltage below 9.6 volts and amperage draw
above 300 amps, the problem is the starter. Replace
the starter refer to starter removal. (6) After the starting system problems have been
corrected, verify the battery state-of-charge and
charge battery if necessary. Disconnect all testing
equipment and connect ASD relay. Start the vehicle
several times to assure the problem has been cor-
rected.
SPECIFICATIONS
Torques
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Starter Mounting Bolts 47.4 35
Starter Solenoid Battery Nut 11.3 8.3 100
Fig. 1 Volt Ampere Tester
RS
STARTING8Fs-35
STARTING (Continued)
STARTER
MANUFACTURER NIPPONDENSOEngine Application 2.4L /3.3/3.8L Power rating 1.2 KwVoltage 12 VOLTS
No. of Fields 4 No. of Poles 4 Brushes 4Drive Conventional Gear Train
Free running Test
Voltage 11
Amperage Draw 73 Amp
Minimum Speed 3401 RPM
SolenoidClosing Voltage 7.5 Volts
Cranking Amperage Draw test 150 - 200 Amps.
Engine should be up to operating temperature.
Extremely heavy oil or tight engine will increase
starter amperage draw.
STARTER MOTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
(1) Release hood latch and open hood (Fig. 2).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. (3) Disconnect solenoid wire connector from termi-
nal (Fig. 3). (4) Remove nut holding B+ wire to terminal.
(5) Disconnect solenoid and B+ wires from starter
terminals. (6) Remove the lower bolt.
(7) Remove the upper bolt and ground wire (Fig.
4). (8) Remove starter.
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. (3) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(4) Remove nut holding B+ terminal to starter
solenoid (Fig. 5). (5) Disconnect solenoid connector from starter.
(6) Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bell-
housing (Fig. 6). (7) Remove starter from bellhousing (Fig. 7). (8) Separate starter spacer from transaxle bell-
housing.
REMOVAL - 2.5L
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) Remove the lower engine splash shield.
(4) Remove the electrical connectors from the
starter (Fig. 8).
Fig. 2 STARTER 2.4L
Fig. 3 BATTERY CABLE AND FIELD WIRE 2.4L
8Fs - 36 STARTINGRS
STARTING (Continued)