2004 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY battery replacement

INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended
inspection procedures for the battery and related
components. In addition to the maintenance sched-
ules found in this service manual and the owner's
manual, it is recommended that these procedures be
performed any time the battery or related compo-
nents must be removed for vehicle service. (1) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
damage. Replace any battery cable that has a dam-
aged or deformed terminal clamp. (2) Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts. (3) Slide the thermowrap off of the battery case.
Inspect the battery case for cracks or other damage
that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also, check the
battery terminal posts for looseness. Batteries with
damaged cases or loose terminal posts must be
replaced. (4) Inspect the battery thermowrap for tears,
cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any
battery thermal guard that has been damaged. (5) Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight
glass(if equipped) for an indication of the battery con-
dition. If the battery is discharged, charge as
required. Refer to Standard Procedures for the
proper battery built-in indicator test procedures. Also
refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
The battery Group Size number, the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating, and the Reserve Capacity
(RC) rating or Ampere-Hours (AH) rating can be 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. Battery
sizes and ratings are discussed in more detail below.
² Group Size - The outside dimensions and ter-
minal placement of the battery conform to standards
established by the Battery Council International
(BCI). Each battery is assigned a BCI Group Size
number to help identify a correctly-sized replace-
ment. ² Cold Cranking Amperage - The Cold Crank-
ing Amperage (CCA) rating specifies how much cur-
rent (in amperes) the battery can deliver for thirty
seconds at -18É C (0É F). Terminal voltage must not
fall below 7.2 volts during or after the thirty second
discharge period. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements. ² Reserve Capacity - The Reserve Capacity (RC)
rating specifies the time (in minutes) it takes for bat-
tery terminal voltage to fall below 10.5 volts, at a
discharge rate of 25 amperes. RC is determined with
the battery fully-charged at 26.7É C (80É F). This rat-
ing estimates how long the battery might last after a
charging system failure, under minimum electrical
load. ² Ampere-Hours - The Ampere-Hours (AH) rat-
ing specifies the current (in amperes) that a battery
can deliver steadily for twenty hours, with the volt-
age in the battery not falling below 10.5 volts. This
rating is also sometimes identified as the twenty-
hour discharge rating.
BATTERY CLASSIFICATIONS & RATINGS
Part Number BCI Group Size
Classification Cold Cranking
Amperage Reserve
Capacity Ampere -
Hours Load Test
Amperage
4686158AD 34 500 110 Minutes 60 250
4727159AD 34 600 120 Minutes 66 300
4727242AD DIN H6 600 120 Minutes 66 300 4868999AA 34 700 95 Minutes 50 350
8Fs - 6 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY SYSTEM (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)

(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)

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)

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)

front seat retaining bolts and lay the seat rearward,
up against one of the rear seats. It is not necessary
to disconnect the seat electrical connectors, just use
care not to damage the attached wire harnesses
while testing.
NOTE: When checking heated seat elements for
continuity, be certain to move the heating element
being checked. Moving the element, such as sitting
in the seat will eliminate the possibility of an inter-
mittent open in the element which would only be
evident if the element was in a certain position.
Failure to check the element in various positions
could result in an incomplete test.
SEAT CUSHION ELEMENT
(1) From under the vehicle, remove the appropri-
ate seats four retaining nuts.
(2) From inside the vehicle, pull the seat up, off
the mounting studs and lay it back, up against one of
the rear seats.
(3) Locate the heated seat module, attached to the
bottom of the seat cushion pan. Remove the heated
seat module from the seat cushion pan. Do not dis-
connect the electrical connectors at this time.
(4) Locate and disconnect the green 4-way electri-
cal connector, connected to the heated seat module.
(5) Check for continuity between the two outboard
circuit cavities of the wire harness connector (Pins
1&4). There should be continuity. If OK, refer to
Heated Seat Module Diagnosis and Testing in the
Electronic Control Modules section of the service
manual for complete system testing procedures. If
not OK, install a replacement heated seat cushion
element. Refer to the procedure in this section.
SEAT BACK ELEMENT
(1) From under the vehicle, remove the appropri-
ate seats four retaining nuts.
(2) From inside the vehicle, pull the seat up and
off the mounting studs and lay it back, up against
one of the rear seats.
(3) Locate the heated seat module, attached to the
bottom of the seat cushion pan. Remove the heated
seat module from the seat cushion pan. Do not dis-
connect the electrical connectors at this time.
(4) Locate and disconnect the gray 2-way electrical
connector, connected to the heated seat module.
(5) Check for continuity between the two circuit
cavities of the 2-way wire harness connector. There
should be continuity. If OK, refer to Heated Seat
Module Diagnosis and Testing in the Electronic Con-
trol Modules section of the service manual for com-
plete system testing procedures. If not OK, install a
replacement heated seat back element. Refer to the
procedure in this section.
REMOVAL
Do not remove the OEM heating element from the
seat or seat back cushion/trim covers. The original
element is permanently attached and cannot be
removed without permanent damage. The service
replacement heating element is designed to be
applied directly on the seat cushion.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate seat cushion or seat
back trim cover. Refer to the Body section of the ser-
vice manual for the procedures.
(3) Disconnect the inoperative heated seat cushion
or seat back element electrical connectors.
(4) Locate the wires leading from the inoperative
heating element and cut them off flush with the edge
of the original heating element.
INSTALLATION
(1) Peel off the adhesive backing on the back of the
replacement heating element and stick directly on
the foam cushion.
CAUTION: During the installation of the replace-
ment heating element, be careful not to fold or
crease the element assembly. Folds or creases will
cause premature failure.
(2) Connect the new heating element electrical
connectors (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5 HEATING ELEMENT INSTALLED - TYPICAL
1 - SEAT BACK WIRE HARNESS
2 - HEATED SEAT WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - HEATED SEAT CUSHION ELEMENT
RSHEATED SEAT SYSTEM8G-11
HEATED SEAT ELEMENTS (Continued)

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SELF-
DIAGNOSTICS.........................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUSTER
DIAGNOSIS...........................2REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
CLUSTER LENS
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrumentation gauges are contained in a
subdial assembly within the instrument cluster. The
individual gauges are not serviceable. If one of the
cluster gauges becomes faulty, the entire cluster
would require replacement.
The Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) with a
tachometer is equipped with a electronic vacuum flu-
orescent transmission range indicator (PRND3L),
odometer, and trip odometer display.
The MIC without a tachometer is equipped with a
Light Emitting Diode (LED) transmission range indi-
cator (PRND3L) and a vacuum fluorescent odometer
display.
The MIC is equipped with the following warning
lamps.
²Lift Gate Ajar
²Low Fuel Level
²Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level
²Cruise
²Battery Voltage
²Fasten Seat Belt
²Door Ajar
²Coolant Temperature
²Anti-Lock Brake
²Brake
²Oil Pressure
²MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
²VTSS/SKIS Indicator
²Airbag
²Traction Control
²Autostick
The MIC without a tachometer also has the follow-
ing warning lamps:
²Turns Signals
²High Beam
WATER IN FUEL LAMP - EXPORT
The Water In Fuel Lamp is located in the message
center. When moisture is found within the fuel sys-
tem, the sensor sends a message via the PCI data
bus to the instrument cluster. The MIC illuminates
the bulb in the message center, The sensor is located
underneath the vehicle, directly above the rear axle.
The sensor is housed within the fuel filter/water sep-
arator assembly cover. The sensor is not serviced sep-
arately. If found defective, the entire assembly cover
must be replaced.
OPERATION
Refer to the vehicle Owner's Manual for operation
instructions and conditions for the Instrument Clus-
ter Gauges.
WATER IN FUEL LAMP - EXPORT
The Water In Fuel Sensor is a resistive type
switch. It is calibrated to sense the different resis-
tance between diesel fuel and water. When water
enters the fuel system, it is caught in the bottom of
the fuel filter/water separator assembly, where the
sensor is located. Water has less resistance than die-
sel fuel. The sensor then sends a PCI data bus mes-
sage to the instrument cluster to illuminate the
lamp.
If the lamp is inoperative, perform the self diag-
nostic test on the instrument cluster to check the
lamp operation before continuing diagnosis.
RSINSTRUMENT CLUSTER8J-1

READING LAMP
REMOVAL
The front reading lamps are incorporated into the
overhead console. If the reading lamps require
replacement, the overhead console must be replaced.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE -
REMOVAL). The rear reading lamps are incorporated
into the assist handle. If the rear reading lamps
require replacement, the assist handle must be
replaced. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/ASSIST
HANDLE - REMOVAL). The bulbs can be serviced
separately.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Using a flat bladed tool, pry off the lamp lens
(Fig. 4), (Fig. 5).
(3) Remove bulb from lamp (Fig. 6), (Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install bulb to lamp.
(2) Press lens into place.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 4 OVERHEAD CONSOLE
1 - LAMP LENS
2 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE
Fig. 5 COURTESY/READING LAMP
1 - HVAC LOUVER
2 - ASSIST HANDLE
3 - LAMP LENS
Fig. 6 OVERHEAD CONSOLE LAMP
1 - LAMP
2 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE
Fig. 7 COURTESY/READING LAMP
1 - COURTESY/READING LAMP
RSLAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR8L-23