
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 DRBIIIt
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 DRBIIItScan Tool must be used to erase a
DTC.
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp or battery lamp is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
²loose 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
Diagnostic manual 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 DRBIIItscan tool.
Perform the following inspections before attaching
the scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to the Bat-
tery section (Refer to 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
8F - 22 CHARGINGRS
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 to 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:
Type Engine Minimun Test
Amperage
1. Engine RPM : 2500 RPM 20 RPM (HOT)
2. Voltage Output : 14.0 V 0.5 V
3. Field Current : 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
Bolt20 14.7 180
Generator B+ Nut 12.4 9.2 110
Battery Terminal Nut 4 35
Generator Mounting Bolt
2.4L28.2 20.8 250
Generator Mounting Bolts
3.3/3.8L54.2 40
Starter Solenoid Battery
Nut 3.3/3.8L11.3 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
RSCHARGING8F-23
CHARGING (Continued)

the battery, if required. Refer to the Battery section
for more information.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect the ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Transmission Range Sensor or Park/Neu-
tral Switch- Visually inspect the transmission
range sensor for indications of physical damage and
loose or corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect the starter
relay for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect the starter
motor for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect the starter
solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect the wire harness for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Check for loose or corroded wire harness
connections at main engine ground and remote jump
post.
²Power Distribution Center (PDC)- Visually
inspect the B+ connections at the PDC for physical
damage and loose or corroded harness connections.
STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS
TO ENGAGE.1. BATTERY
DISCHARGED OR
FAULTY.1. REFER TO THE BATTERY SECTION FOR MORE
INFORMATION. CHARGE OR REPLACE BATTERY, IF
REQUIRED.
2. STARTING CIRCUIT
WIRING FAULTY.2. REFER TO FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST AND FEED
CIRCUIT TEST IN THIS SECTION.
3. STARTER RELAY
FAULTY.3. REFER TO RELAY TEST, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
RELAY, IF NECESSARY.
4. IGNITION SWITCH
FAULTY.4. REFER TO IGNITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE STEERING
SECTION OR 8 WIRING DIAGRAMS. REPLACE SWITCH, IF
NECESSARY.
5. PARK/NEUTRAL
POSITION SWITCH
(AUTO TRANS) FAULTY
OR MIS-ADJUSTED.5. REFER PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE
TRANSAXLE. SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION. REPLACE
SWITCH, IF NECESSARY.
6. CLUTCH INTERLOCK
SWITCH (MAN TRANS)
FAULTY.6. REFER TO CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH TEST, IN
THE CLUTCH. SECTION. REPLACE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY.
7. STARTER SOLENOID
FAULTY.7. REFER TO SOLENOID TEST, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
STARTER ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY.
8. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.8. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
9. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.9. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
10. PCM DOUBLE
START OVERRIDE
OUTPUT FAILURE.10. REFER TO PCM DIAGNOSTIC. CHECK FOR CONTINUITY
BETWEEN PCM AND TERMINAL 85. REPAIR OPEN CIRCUIT
AS REQUIRED. IF OK, PCM MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
STARTER
ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. BATTERY
DISCHARGED OR
FAULTY.1. REFER TO THE BATTERY SECTION FOR MORE
INFORMATION. CHARGE OR REPLACE BATTERY AS
NECESSARY.
8F - 32 STARTINGRS
STARTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
2. STARTING CIRCUIT
WIRING FAULTY.2. REFER TO THE FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST AND
THE FEED CIRCUIT TEST IN THIS SECTION. REPAIR AS
NECESSARY.
3. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.3. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
4. ENGINE SEIZED. 4. REFER TO THE ENGINE SECTION, FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND
SERVICE PROCEDURES.
5. LOOSE
CONNECTION AT
BATTERY, PDC,
STARTER, OR ENGINE
GROUND.5. INSPECT FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS.
6. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.6. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
STARTER
ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT
BEFORE
ENGINE
STARTS.1. BROKEN TEETH ON
STARTER RING GEAR.1. REMOVE STARTER. INSPECT RING GEAR AND REPLACE
IF NECESSARY.
2. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.2. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
STARTER DOES
NOT
DISENGAGE.1. STARTER
IMPROPERLY
INSTALLED.1. INSTALL STARTER. TIGHTEN STARTER MOUNTING
HARDWARE TO CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. STARTER RELAY
FAULTY.2. REFER TO RELAY TEST, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
RELAY, IF NECESSARY.
3. IGNITION SWITCH
FAULTY.3. REFER TO IGNITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE STEERING
SECTION. REPLACE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY.
4. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.4. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
5. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.5. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONTROL
CIRCUIT TEST
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter motor with integral solenoid
²Starter relay
²Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral
Position switch with automatic transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.²To disable ignition and fuel systems, disconnect
the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Refer to the PDC cover for the proper relay location.
STARTER SOLENOID
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED. THIS MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
(1) Verify battery condition. Battery must be in
good condition with a full charge before performing
any starter tests. Refer to Battery Tests.
RSSTARTING8F-33
STARTING (Continued)

RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
(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
RSSTARTING8F-35
STARTING (Continued)

HORN SYSTEM TEST
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HORN SOUNDS CONTINUOUSLY.
NOTE: IMMEDIATELY UNPLUG HORN
RELAY IN THE IPM.(1) HORN RELAY
INOPERATIVE.(1) REPLACE RELAY.
(2) HORN CONTROL
CIRCUIT TO RELAY
SHORTED TO GROUND.(2) CHECK TERMINAL 85 IN IPM FOR
CONTINUITY TO GROUND. IF
CONTINUITY TO GROUND INDICATES:
(A) STEERING WHEEL HORN SWITCH/
LEAD SHORTED TO GROUND.
(B) WIRING HARNESS SHORTED TO
GROUND. FIND THE SHORT AND
REPAIR AS NECESSARY.
(3) PINCHED HORN SWITCH
WIRE UNDER DRIVER
AIRBAG MODULE.(3) REPLACE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM
COVER.
(4) HORN SWITCH
INOPERATIVE.(4) REPLACE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM
COVER.
(5) CLOCKSPRING
INOPERATIVE.(5) REPLACE CLOCKSPRING.
(6) FRONT CONTROL
MODULE INOPERATIVE.(6) REFER TO ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/FRONT CONTROL MODULE.
HORN SOUND INTERMITTENTLY AS
THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED.(1) HORN RELAY CONTROL
CIRCUIT X3 IS SHORTED TO
GROUND INSIDE STEERING
COLUMN OR WHEEL.(1) REMOVE DRIVER AIRBAG AND/OR
WHEEL. CHECK FOR RUBBING OR
LOOSE WIRE/CONNECTOR, REPAIR AS
NECESSARY.
(2) PINCHED HORN SWITCH
WIRE UNDER DRIVER
AIRBAG MODULE.(2) REPLACE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM
COVER.
(3) HORN SWITCH
INOPERATIVE.(3) REPLACE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM
COVER.
(4) CLOCKSPRING
INOPERATIVE.(4) REPLACE CLOCKSPRING.
HORN DOES NOT SOUND (1) CHECK FUSE 8 IN
INTELLIGENT POWER
MODULE.(1) REPLACE FUSE IF BLOWN REPAIR
AS NECESSARY.
(2) NO VOLTAGE AT HORN
RELAY TERMINALS 30 & 86,
AND FUSE IS OK.(2) NO VOLTAGE, REPAIR THE CIRCUIT
AS NECESSARY.
(3) OPEN CIRCUIT FROM
TERMINAL 85 OF THE HORN
RELAY TO HORN SWITCH,
X3 CIRCUIT.(3) REPAIR CIRCUIT AS NECESSARY.
(4) HORN INOPERATIVE OR
DAMAGED.(4) CHECK VOLTAGE AT HORN WHEN
HORN SWITCH IS PRESSED. IF NO
VOLTAGE, REPLACE HORN.
(5) HORN SWITCH
INOPERATIVE.(5) REPLACE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM
COVER.
8H - 2 HORNRS
HORN SYSTEM (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
(6) CLOCKSPRING
INOPERATIVE.(6) REPLACE CLOCKSPRING.
(7) FRONT CONTROL
MODULE INOPERATIVE.(7) REFER TO ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/FRONT CONTROL MODULE.
FUSE BLOWS WHEN HORN SOUNDS (1) SHORT CIRCUIT IN
HORN OR HORN WIRING.(1) REMOVE HORN RELAY, CHECK
FOR SHORTED HORN OR HORN
WIRING. DISCONNECT HORN WIRE
HARNESS TO ISOLATE SHORT AND
REPAIR AS NECESSARY.
(2) CLOCKSPRING
INOPERATIVE.(2) REPLACE CLOCKSPRING.
FUSE BLOWS WITHOUT BLOWING
HORN(1) SHORT CIRCUIT. (1) REMOVE RELAY, INSTALL NEW
FUSE, IF FUSE DOES NOT BLOW
REPLACE HORN RELAY. IF FUSE
BLOWS WITH RELAY REMOVED,
CHECK FOR SHORT TO GROUND
WITH OHMMETER ON CIRCUIT
BETWEEN TERMINALS 30 & 86 AND
THE FUSE TERMINAL. REPAIR AS
NECESSARY.
(2) CLOCKSPRING
INOPERATIVE.(2) REPLACE CLOCKSPRING.
HORN
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
HORN
HORN
(1) Disconnect wire connector at horn.
(2) Using a voltmeter, connect one lead to ground
terminal and the other lead to the positive wire ter-
minal (Fig. 1).
(3) Depress the horn switch, battery voltage
should be present.
(4) If no voltage, refer toHORNS WILL NOT
SOUND. If voltage is OK, go to step Step 5.
(5) Using ohmmeter, test ground wire for continu-
ity to ground.
(6) If no ground repair as necessary.
(7) If wires test OK and horn does not sound,
replace horn.
HORNS SOUND CONTINUOUSLY
CAUTION: Continuous sounding of horns may
cause relay to fail.
The horn switch (membrane) sometimes can be the
cause without the switch being depressed.(1) Remove the horn relay from the intelligent
power module.
(2)
Using a continuity tester, test continuity from the
X3 cavity of the horn relay to ground. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector
repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and
retention, connector pin-out information and location
views for the various wire harness connectors, splices
and grounds.
(a)If continuity is detected, proceed to step Step 3.
(b) If NO continuity, replace the horn relay.
(3) Remove the airbag trim cover from the steering
wheel and disengage horn connector.
(4) Install horn relay into Integrated Power Mod-
ule (IPM).
(a)
If horn does not sound, replace airbag trim
cover.
(b) If horn sounds, repair grounded X3 circuit
from IPM to clockspring in the steering column.
HORNS WILL NOT SOUND
Check horn fuse#8intheIPM. If fuse is blown,
check for a shorted switch in the airbag module. and
refer to FUSE BLOWN section. If fuse is OK, refer to
FUSE OK section.
FUSE BLOWN
(1) Verify condition of battery terminals and volt-
age, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM
RSHORN8H-3
HORN SYSTEM (Continued)

REMOVAL
When replacing the spark plugs and spark plug
cables, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise, cross ignition of the spark plugs orshort cir-
cuit the cables to ground.
Always remove cables by grasping at the boot,
rotating the boot 1/2 turn, and pulling straight back
in a steady motion.
(1) Prior to removing the spark plug, spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug.
(2) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a foam insert.
(3) Inspect the spark plug condition.
INSTALLATION
When replacing the spark plugs and spark plug
cables, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise, cross ignition of the spark plugs orshort cir-
cuit the cables to ground.
(1) Coat threads of spark plug with anti-seize. Be
sure not to get anti-seizeANYWHERE BUT ON
THE THREADS OF THE SPARK PLUG as
shown in (Fig. 13).
(2) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand.
(3) Tighten spark plugs to 17.5 N´m (13 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(4) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs. A
click will be heard and felt when the cable properly
attaches to the spark plug.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as
secondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electri-
cal current from the ignition coil pack to individualspark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark plug
cables are of nonmetallic construction. The cables
provide suppression of radio frequency emissions
from the ignition system.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil, and spark plugs. Terminals should
be fully seated. The insulators should be in good con-
dition and should fit tightly on the coil, and spark
plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that are
cracked or torn must be replaced.
Clean Spark Plug cables with a cloth moistened
with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry.
Check for brittle or cracked insulation. The spark
plug cables and spark plug boots are made from high
temperature materials.
REMOVAL - 2.0/2.4L
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
Remove spark plug cable from coil first.
Always remove the spark plug cable by grasping
the top of the spark plug insulator, turning the boot
1/2 turn and pulling straight up in a steady motion.
INSTALLATION - 2.0/2.4L
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
Install spark plug insulators over spark plugs.
Ensure the top of the spark plug insulator covers the
upper end of the spark plug tube, then connect the
other end to coil pack.
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLRS
SPARK PLUG (Continued)