ors CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2005 Manual PDF

CONVENTIONAL BATTERY - GASOLINE ENGINE
Low-maintenance batteriesare used on export
vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, these bat-
teries have removable battery cell caps (Fig. 5).
Watercanbe added to this battery. Under normal
service, the composition of this battery reduces gas-
sing and water loss at normal charge rates. However
these batteries may require additional distilled water
after years of service.
Maintenance-free batteriesare standard facto-
ry-installed equipment on all domestic vehicles. Male
post type terminals made of a soft lead material pro-
trude from the top of the molded plastic battery case
(Fig. 6)to provide the means for connecting the bat-
tery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery pos-
itive terminal post is visibly larger in diameter than
the negative terminal post, for easy identification.
The lettersPOSandNEGare also molded into the
top of the battery case adjacent to their respective
positive and negative terminal posts for additional
identification confirmation.
This battery is designed to provide a safe, efficient
and reliable means of storing electrical energy in a
chemical form. This means of energy storage allows
the battery to produce the electrical energy required
to operate the engine starting system, as well as to
operate many of the other vehicle accessory systems
for limited durations while the engine and/or thecharging system are not operating. The battery is
made up of six individual cells that are connected in
series. Each cell contains positively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to the
positive terminal post, and negatively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to the
negative terminal post. Each plate consists of a stiff
mesh framework or grid coated with lead dioxide
(positive plate) or sponge lead (negative plate). Insu-
lators or plate separators made of a non-conductive
material are inserted between the positive and nega-
tive plates to prevent them from contacting or short-
ing against one another. These dissimilar metal
plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and water
solution called an electrolyte.
Some factory-installed batteries have a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. For more information on the use of the built-in
test indicator, refer toStandard Procedures. The
chemical composition of the metal coated plates
within the low-maintenance battery used in export
models reduces battery gassing and water loss at
normal charge and discharge rates. Therefore, the
battery should not require additional water in nor-
mal service. If the electrolyte level in this battery
does become low, distilled water must be added. How-
ever, rapid loss of electrolyte can be caused by an
overcharging condition. Be certain to diagnose the
charging system after replenishing the water in the
Fig. 5 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION - LOW-MAINTANANCE GASOLINE
ENGINE BATTERY - EXPORT
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
Fig. 6 Maintenance-Free Battery - Domestic
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - VENT
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - INDICATOR EYE (if equipped)
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
8F - 8 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

Rate Table. If the charging current is still not mea-
surable at the end of the charging time, the battery
is inoperative and must be replaced. If the charging
current is measurable during the charging time, the
battery may be good and the charging should be com-
pleted in the normal manner.
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
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:
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.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-11
BATTERY (Continued)

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.
CAUTION: The battery should not be hot to the
touch. If the battery feels hot to the touch, turn off
the charger and let the battery cool before continu-
ing the charging operation. Damage to the battery
may result.
After the battery has been charged to an open-cir-
cuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or greater, retest
the battery with the Micro 420 tester or perform a
load test to determine the battery cranking capacity.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE) for the proper
battery load test procedures. If the battery passes a
load test, return the battery to service. If the battery
will not pass a load test, it is inoperative and must
be replaced.
Clean and inspect the battery hold downs, tray,
terminals, posts, and top before completing battery
service. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYS-
TEM - CLEANING) for the proper battery system
cleaning procedures, and (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM - INSPECTION) for the proper
battery system inspection procedures.
CHARGING A COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless this proce-
dure is properly followed, a good battery may be
needlessly replaced.
(1) Measure the voltage at the battery posts with a
voltmeter, accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt (Fig. 8). If the
reading is below ten volts, the battery charging cur-
rent will be low. It could take some time before the
battery accepts a current greater than a few milliam-
peres. Such low current may not be detectable on the
ammeters built into many battery chargers.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Connect the battery charger leads. Some bat-
tery chargers are equipped with polarity-sensing cir-
cuitry. This circuitry protects the battery charger and
the battery from being damaged if they are improp-
erly connected. If the battery state-of-charge is too
low for the polarity-sensing circuitry to detect, the
battery charger will not operate. This makes it
appear that the battery will not accept charging cur-
rent. See the instructions provided by the manufac-turer of the battery charger for details on how to
bypass the polarity-sensing circuitry.
(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. The amount of time
required for a battery to accept measurable charging
current at various voltages is shown in the Charge
Rate Table. If the charging current is still not mea-
surable at the end of the charging time, the battery
is inoperative and must be replaced. If the charging
current is measurable during the charging time, the
battery may be good and the charging should be com-
pleted in the normal manner.
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY CHARGE RATE TABLE
Voltage Minutes
16.0 volts maximum up to 10 min.
14.0 to 15.9 volts up to 20 min.
13.9 volts or less up to 30 min.
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
Fig. 8 VOLTMETER ACCURATE TO 1/10 VOLT
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

twenty amperes or more will require a shorter charg-
ing 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 Conventional Battery Charging Time Table
gives an indication of the time required to charge a
typical battery at room temperature based upon the
battery state-of-charge and the charger capacity.
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Charging
Amperage5 Amps10
Amps20 Amps
Open Circuit
VoltageHours Charging @ 21É C (70É
F)
12.25 to 12.49 6 hours 3 hours 1.5
hours
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours 5 hours 2.5
hours
10.00 to 11.99 14 hours 7 hours 3.5
hours
Below 10.00 18 hours 9 hours 4.5
hours
OPEN-CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used if no other battery tester is
available.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE) for
the proper battery charging procedures.
(1) Before measuring the open-circuit voltage, the
surface charge must be removed from the battery.
Turn on the headlamps for fifteen seconds, then
allow up to five minutes for the battery voltage to
stabilize.
(2) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (see the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit volt-
age.
See the Open-Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage
reading will indicate the battery state-of-charge, but
will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has
an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, it may be load tested to reveal its crankingcapacity. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYS-
TEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
USING THE MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER) for
the proper battery load test procedures.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TABLE
Open Circuit Voltage Charge Percentage
11.7 volts or less 0%
12.0 volts 25%
12.2 volts 50%
12.45 volts 75%
12.65 volts or more 100%
IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST
The term Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) identifies a nor-
mal condition where power is being drained from the
battery with the ignition switch in the Off position. A
normal vehicle electrical system will draw from fif-
teen to twenty-five milliamperes (0.015 to 0.025
ampere) with the ignition switch in the Off position,
and all non-ignition controlled circuits in proper
working order. Up to twenty-five milliamperes are
needed to enable the memory functions for the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM), digital clock, electron-
ically tuned radio, and other modules which may
vary with the vehicle equipment.
A vehicle that has not been operated for approxi-
mately twenty-one days, may discharge the battery
to an inadequate level. When a vehicle will not be
used for twenty-one days or more (stored), remove
the IOD fuse from the Integrated Power Module
(IPM). This will reduce battery discharging.
Excessive IOD can be caused by:
²Electrical items left on.
²Faulty or improperly adjusted switches.
²Faulty or shorted electronic modules and compo-
nents.
²An internally shorted generator.
²Intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over twenty-five milliamperes, the
problem must be found and corrected before replac-
ing a battery. In most cases, the battery can be
charged and returned to service after the excessive
IOD condition has been corrected.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove the ignition key, and close
all doors. If the vehicle is equipped with an illumi-
nated entry system or an electronically tuned radio,
allow the electronic timer function of these systems
to automatically shut off (time out). This may take
up to twenty minutes.
(2) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-13
BATTERY (Continued)

(3) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(4) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Integrated Power Module (IPM), one
at a time until the amperage reading becomes very
low, or nonexistent. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information for complete Integrated Power Module
fuse, circuit breaker, and circuit identification. This
will isolate each circuit and identify the circuit that
is the source of the high-amperage IOD. If the
amperage reading remains high after removing and
replacing each fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect
the wire harness from the generator. If the amperage
reading now becomes very low or nonexistent, (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) for the proper charging system diagnosis
and testing procedures. After the high-amperage IOD
has been corrected, switch the multi-meter to pro-
gressively lower amperage scales and, if necessary,
repeat the fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-re-
place process to identify and correct all sources of
excessive IOD. It is now safe to select the lowest mil-
liampere scale of the multi-meter to check the low-
amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(5) Allow twenty minutes for the IOD to stabilize
and observe the multi-meter reading. The low-amper-age IOD should not exceed twenty-five milliamperes
(0.025 ampere). If the current draw exceeds twenty-
five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the fuse
and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process in
Step 4. The multi-meter reading will drop to within
the acceptable limit when the source of the excessive
current draw is disconnected. Repair this circuit as
required; whether a wiring short, incorrect switch
adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
CHECKING BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The following procedure can be used to check the
electrolyte level in a low-maintenance lead-acid bat-
tery.
(1) Unscrew and remove the battery cell caps with
a flat-bladed screw driver (Fig. 9).
WARNING: NEVER PUT YOUR FACE NEAR A GAS-
SING, HOT OR SWELLED BATTERY. SERIOUS PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
Fig. 9 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
ONLY
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
8F - 14 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

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)

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:
²Worn, loose or defective bearings
²Loose or defective drive pulley (2.4L) or decou-
pler (3.3/3.8L)
²Incorrect, worn, damaged or misadjusted drive
belt
²Loose mounting bolts
²Misaligned drive pulley
²Defective stator or diode
²Damaged 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
8F - 24 CHARGINGRS
CHARGING (Continued)

(7) Install the right front lower splash shield.
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Connect battery negative cable.
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)
8F - 30 CHARGINGRS
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY (Continued)

(2) Perform Starter Solenoid test BEFORE per-
forming the starter relay test.
(3) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring.
(4) Locate and remove the starter relay from the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC
label for relay identification and location.
(5) Connect a remote starter switch or a jumper
wire between the remote battery positive post and
terminal 87 of the starter relay connector.
(a) If engine cranks, starter/starter solenoid is
good. Go to the Starter Relay Test.
(b) If engine does not crank or solenoid chatters,
check wiring and connectors from starter relay to
starter solenoid and from the battery positive ter-
minal to starter post for loose or corroded connec-
tions. Particularly at starter terminals.
(c) Repeat test. If engine still fails to crank prop-
erly, trouble is within starter or starter mounted
solenoid, and replace starter. Inspect the ring gear
teeth.
STARTER RELAY
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION
WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED. THIS MAY
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
RELAY TEST
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. Refer
to the PDC label for relay identification and location.
Remove the starter relay from the PDC as
described in this group to perform the following tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75  5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery B+ lead to terminals 85 and
a ground lead to terminal 86 to energize the relay.
The relay should click. Also test for continuity
between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity
between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to Relay
Circuit Test procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty
relay.
CAV FUNCTION
30 B (+)
85 IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT
86
PCM-CONTROLLED GROUND
87 STARTER RELAY OUTPUT
87A NO CONNECT
Starter Relay Pinout
Starter Relay Pinout
Starter Relay Pinout
8F - 34 STARTINGRS
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)