check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

Propylene - glycol / Ethylene - glycol Mixtures - Should Not
Be Used in Chrysler Vehicles
Propylene-glycol/ethylene-glycol Mixtures can
cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibi-
tors, causing damage to the various cooling system
components. Also, once ethylene-glycol and propy-
lene-glycol based coolants are mixed in the vehicle,
conventional methods of determining freeze point will
not be accurate. Both the refractive index and spe-
cific gravity differ between ethylene glycol and propy-
lene glycol.
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT METHOD
A leak detection additive is available through the
parts department that can be added to cooling sys-
tem. The additive is highly visible under ultraviolet
light (black light). Pour one ounce of additive into
cooling system. Place heater control unit in HEAT
position. Start and operate engine until radiator
upper hose is warm to touch. Aim the commercially
available black light tool at components to be
checked. If leaks are present, black light will cause
additive to glow a bright green color.
The black light can be used in conjunction with a
pressure tester to determine if any external leaks
exist (Fig. 1).
PRESSURE TESTER METHOD
The engine should be at normal operating temper-
ature. Recheck the system cold if cause of coolant
loss is not located during the warm engine examina-
tion.
WARNING: Hot, pressurized coolant can cause
injury by scalding.
Carefully remove coolant recovery pressure con-
tainer cap and check coolant level. Push down on cap
to disengage it from stop tabs. Wipe inside of con-
tainer and examine lower inside sealing seat for
nicks, cracks, paint, dirt and solder residue. Inspect
radiator-to- pressure container hose for internal
obstructions. Insert a wire through the hose to be
sure it is not obstructed.
Inspect cams on outside of pressure container. If
cams are damaged, seating of pressure cap valve and
tester seal will be affected.
Attach pressure tester (7700 or an equivalent) to
coolant pressure container (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Leak Detection Using Black Light - Typical
1 - TYPICAL BLACK LIGHT TOOL
7 - 10 ENGINEVA

Operate tester pump to apply 103.4 kPa (15 psi)
pressure to system. If hoses enlarge excessively or
bulges while testing, replace as necessary. Observe
gauge pointer and determine condition of cooling sys-
tem according to following criteria:
Holds Steady:If pointer remains steady for two
minutes, serious coolant leaks are not present in sys-
tem. However, there could be an internal leak that
does not appear with normal system test pressure. If
it is certain that coolant is being lost and leaks can-
not be detected, inspect for interior leakage or per-
form Internal Leakage Test.
Drops Slowly:Indicates a small leak or seepage
is occurring. Examine all connections for seepage or
slight leakage with a flashlight. Inspect radiator,
hoses, gasket edges and heater. Seal small leak holes
with a Sealer Lubricant (or equivalent). Repair leak
holes and inspect system again with pressure
applied.
Drops Quickly:Indicates that serious leakage is
occurring. Examine system for external leakage. If
leaks are not visible, inspect for internal leakage.
Large radiator leak holes should be repaired by a
reputable radiator repair shop.
INTERNAL LEAKAGE INSPECTION
Remove engine oil pan drain plug and drain a
small amount of engine oil. If coolant is present in
the pan, it will drain first because it is heavier than
oil. An alternative method is to operate engine for a
short period to churn the oil. After this is done,
remove engine dipstick and inspect for water glob-ules. Also inspect transmission dipstick for water
globules and transmission fluid cooler for leakage.
WARNING: WITH RADIATOR PRESSURE TESTER
TOOL INSTALLED ON RADIATOR, DO NOT ALLOW
PRESSURE TO EXCEED 110 KPA (20 PSI). PRES-
SURE WILL BUILD UP QUICKLY IF A COMBUSTION
LEAK IS PRESENT. TO RELEASE PRESSURE,
ROCK TESTER FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN
REMOVING TESTER, DO NOT TURN TESTER MORE
THAN 1/2 TURN IF SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
Operate engine without pressure cap on coolant
container until thermostat opens. Attach a Pressure
Tester to container. If pressure builds up quickly it
indicates a combustion leak exists. This is usually
the result of a cylinder head gasket leak or crack in
engine. Repair as necessary.
If there is not an immediate pressure increase,
pump the Pressure Tester. Do this until indicated
pressure is within system range of 110 kPa (16 psi).
Fluctuation of gauge pointer indicates compression or
combustion leakage into cooling system.
Because the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter,do notremove spark plug cables or short
out cylinders to isolate compression leak.
If the needle on dial of pressure tester does not
fluctuate, race engine a few times to check for an
abnormal amount of coolant or steam. This would be
emitting from exhaust pipe. Coolant or steam from
exhaust pipe may indicate a faulty cylinder head gas-
ket, cracked engine cylinder block or cylinder head.
A convenient check for exhaust gas leakage into
cooling system is provided by a commercially avail-
able Block Leak Check tool. Follow manufacturers
instructions when using this product.
COMBUSTION LEAKAGE TEST - WITHOUT PRES-
SURE TESTER
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean and suitably marked
container for reuse.
WARNING: Do not remove cylinder block drain
plugs or loosen radiator drain with system hot and
under pressure. serious burns from coolant can
occur.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat
removal.
Remove accessory drive belt.
Add coolant to pressure container to bring level to
within 6.3 mm (1/4 in) of top of thermostat housing.
CAUTION: Avoid overheating. Do not operate
engine for an excessive period of time. Open drain-
cock immediately after test to eliminate boil over.
Fig. 2 PRESSURE TESTING
1 - PRESSURE RESERVOIR CAP
2 - PRESSURE RESERVOIR
3 - PRESSURE TESTER
VAENGINE 7 - 11

(17) Take off charge air cooler together with cool-
ing loop of the steering at the radiator (Fig. 10).
(18) Remove bottom radiator trim (Fig. 10).
(19) Detach coolant hose at radiator.
(20) Detach coolant pipe together with coolant
hose at the fan shroud.
(21) Remove radiator fan shroud (Fig. 10).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan shroud to radiator (Fig. 10).
(2) Attach coolant pipe with hoses to fan shroud
(Fig. 10).
(3) Attach coolant hose at radiator (Fig. 10).
(4) Install bottom radiator trim (Fig. 10).
(5) Install charge air cooler along with cooling loop
of the power steering, to radiator (Fig. 10).
(6) Install radiator assembly into the rubber grom-
mets (Fig. 9).
(7) Install both right and left side radiator trim
panels (Fig. 9).
(8) Attach the transmission cooler lines (Fig. 9).
(9) Attach coolant hose to the bottom right of the
radiator (Fig. 9).
(10) Attach both power steering hydraulic lines
(Fig. 9).
(11) Connect coolant level sensor electrical connec-
tor (Fig. 9).
(12) Connect coolant hoses to the coolant reservoir,
radiator and water pump (Fig. 9).(13) Attach air intake pipe at the body.
(14) Attach charge air hose at air intake.
(15) Attach charge air hose at turbocharger.
(16) Install A/C condenser.
(17) Install front bumper.
(18) Install front end cross member.
(19) Refill power steering to proper level.
(20) Refill transmission to proper level.
(21) Close radiator drain plug and refill the cooling
system (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(22) Recharge air conditioning (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(23) Run engine until warm and check for leaks.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with a pressure cap (Fig.
11). This cap releases pressure at some point within
a range of 124-145 kPa (18-21 psi). The pressure
relief point (in pounds) is engraved on top of the cap
The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity. The cap contains a spring-
loaded pressure relief valve. This valve opens when
system pressure reaches the release range of 124-145
kPa (18-21 psi).
A rubber gasket seals the radiator filler neck. This
is done to maintain vacuum during coolant cool-down
and to prevent leakage when system is under pres-
sure.
Fig. 10 RADIATOR AND FAN SHROUD
1 - CLIP
2 - SHROUD
3 - RADIATOR
4 - BOTTOM RADIATOR TRIM PANEL
5 - CHARGE AIR COOLER
6 - TOP RADIATOR TRIM PANEL
7 - POWER STEERING COOLER LOOP
VAENGINE 7 - 19

OPERATION
A vent valve in the center of the cap will remain
shut as long as the cooling system is pressurized. As
the coolant cools, it contracts and creates a vacuum
in cooling system. This causes the vacuum valve to
open and coolant in reserve/overflow tank to be
drawn through connecting hose into radiator. If the
vacuum valve is stuck shut, or overflow hose is
kinked, radiator hoses will collapse on cool-down.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR PRES-
SURE CAP
Remove cap from radiator. Be sure that sealing
surfaces are clean. Moisten rubber gasket with water
and install the cap on pressure tester Tool 7700 or an
equivalent (Fig. 12).Operate the tester pump and observe the gauge
pointer at its highest point. The cap release pressure
should be 124-145 kPa (18-21 psi). The cap is satis-
factory when the pressure holds steady. It is also
good if it holds pressure within the 124-145 kPa
(18-21 psi) range for 30 seconds or more. If the
pointer drops quickly, replace the cap.
CAUTION: Radiator pressure testing tools are very
sensitive to small air leaks, which will not cause
cooling system problems. A pressure cap that does
not have a history of coolant loss should not be
replaced just because it leaks slowly when tested
with this tool. Add water to tool. Turn tool upside
down and recheck pressure cap to confirm that cap
needs replacement.
WATER PUMP
REMOVAL
WARNING: Risk of injury to skin and eyes from
scalding with hot coolant. Risk of poisoning from
swallowing coolant. Do not open cooling system
unless coolant temperature is below 90ÉC (194ÉF)).
Open cap slowly to release pressure. store coolant
in suitable and appropriately marked container.
Wear protective gloves, clothes and eye wear.
Fig. 11 Radiator Pressure Cap - Typical
1 - FILLER NECK SEAL
2 - VACUUM VENT VALVE
3 - PRESSURE RATING
4 - PRESSURE VALVE
Fig. 12 Pressure Testing Radiator Pressure Cap -
Typical
1 - PRESSURE CAP
2 - TYPICAL COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTER
7 - 20 ENGINEVA

(6) Press off cap at belt guide pulleys.
(7) Remove belt guide pulleys.
(8) Remove water pump retaining bolts and
remove water pump.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Clean all mating surfaces.
(1) Fit existing accessory drive belt pulley onto the
water pump.
(2) Properly position water pump with new gasket
to the engine and tighten bolts to 14 N´m (124 lbs.
in)., M8 (20 N´m (177 lbs. in.) (Fig. 13).
NOTE: Be sure to install the washer behind the
guide pulley to assure proper alignment.
(3) Install belt guide pulleys. Tighten bolts to 35
N´m (26 lbs. ft.) (Fig. 13).
(4) Attach the coolant hoses to the water pump
and tighten clamps (Fig. 13).
(5) Attach fuel lines to the brackets at the water
pump.(6) Install accessory drive belt.
(7) Install viscous fan clutch.
(8) Close radiator and or engine drain plug.
(9) Refill cooling system to proper level (Refer to 7
- COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE). Check for leaks.
Fig. 13 WATER PUMP
1 - GASKET 5 - CAP
2 - WASHER 6 - WATER PUMP
3 - GUIDE PULLEY 7 - COOLANT HOSE
4 - BOLT 8 - COOLANT HOSE
7 - 22 ENGINEVA

actuators.These outputs allow the CTM the ability to
control numerous accessory systems in the vehicle.
The CTM monitors its own internal circuitry as
well as many of its input and output circuits, and
will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in elec-
tronic memory for any failure it detects. These DTCs
can be retrieved and diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
HARD WIRED INPUTS
The hard wired inputs to the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Fused B(+)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-start)
²Ground
²Key-in ignition switch sense
²Sliding door switch sense
²Passenger door switch sense
²Driver door switch sense
²PCI bus circuit
HARD WIRED OUTPUTS
The hard wired outputs of the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Door lock relay output
²Door unlock relay output
²VTSS indicator driver
MESSAGING
The CTM uses the following messages received
from other electronic modules over the PCI data bus:
²Airbag Deploy (ACM)
²Beep request (CMTC)
²Charging System Failure (PCM)
²Chime request (EMIC)
²Engine RPM (PCM)
²OK to Arm VTSS (PCM)
²Security indicator request (SKIM)
²System Voltage (PCM)
²Valid/Invalid Key (SKIM)
²Vehicle Distance (PCM)
²Vehicle Speed (PCM)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CENTRAL TIMER
MODULE
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
central timer module (CTM) may be diagnosed and
tested using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the CTM. In
order to obtain conclusive testing of the CTM, the
programmable communications interface (PCI) data
bus network and all of the modules that provide
inputs to or receive outputs from the CTM must also
be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the CTM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the modules that provide inputs to, or
receive outputs from, the CTM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Slide the driver seat to the full forward posi-
tion.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector for the
seat belt latch. (Fig. 1).
(4) Remove the screws that secure the closeout
panel beneathe the driver seat cushion and remove
the panel.
(5) Remove the screws that secure the central
timer module to the bracket.
(6) Disconnect the wire harness connectors from
the central timer module.
(7) Remove the central timer module from the
vehicle.
8E - 2 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESVA

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the central timer module in the vehicle
(2) Connect the wire harness connectors to the
central timer module.
(3) Install the screws that secure the central timer
module. Tighten the screws securely.
(4) Route the seat belt latch wire lead through the
hole in the closeout panel and position the panel
beneath the driver seat cushion
(5) Install the screws that secure the closeout
panel beneath the driver seat cushion. Tighten the
screws securely.
(6) Connect the wire harness connector to the seat
belt latch connector.
(7) Slide the driver seat to back to its original posi-
tion.
(8) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The Controler Antilock Brake (CAB) is mounted to
the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and operates the
ABS system.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the negative battery cable from the
battery.
(2) Pull up on the CAB harness connector release
and remove connector.
(3) Remove the CAB mounting bolts.
(4) Remove the CAB from the HCU.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install CAB to the HCU.
(2) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 2 N´m (16 in.
lbs.).
(3) Install the wiring harness connector to the
CAB and push down on the release to secure the con-
nector.
(4) Install negative battery cable to the battery.
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The electronic control module (ECM) is mounted to
the left lower dash panel and consists of an electronic
printed circuit board which is designed as a milliliter
board assembly fitted on both sides. The routing of
the wiring harness connector at the ECM connector
are split into interfering cables and sensitive cables
in order to achieve improved electromagnetic compat-
ibility. The smaller wiring harness connector is used
for the vehicle wiring harness and the larger harness
is used for the engine wiring harness. The ECM
stores engine specific data, monitors the connected
sensor and analyzes their measurement (Fig. 2).
Its task consists in controlling the following sys-
tems in line with the analysis of the input signals:
²Fuel Supply System
²Injected Quantity Control
²Emission Control System
²Charge Pressure Control
²Cruise Control
²A/C Compressor Shut-Off
²Pre-Heating Output Relay for the Glow Plugs
²Vehicle Theft
²Air Bag
²Monitors inputs/outputs, checks plausibility and
stores faults
²Share information with other control modules
²Diagnosis
If a sensor should fail, provided the fault is not
serious, the ECM will continue to operate the engine
in Limp-Home Mode (emergency mode) using a
default value for the missing signal. The ECM
ensures that, continuing to operate the engine will
not cause damage or effect safety, otherwise a Engine
shut-off process will be carried out (Fig. 3).Fig. 1 Central Timer Module
1 - DRIVER SEAT
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - CLOSEOUT PANEL
5 - CENTRAL TIMER MODULE
6 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR (2)
7 - SCREW (2)
VAELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 3

²Position of selector lever.
²Selected shift range.
²CAN signals.
²Engine Status.
Engine speed limits may be reached in all gears
with full throttle or in kick-down operation. In for-
ward driving, the shift range of the forward gears
can be adjusted by the operator by tipping the selec-
tor lever to the left or right (AutoStick). However, the
TCM features a downshift inhibitor to prevent the
engine from overspeeding.
OPERATION
The transmission control module (TCM) deter-
mines the current operating conditions of the vehicle
and controls the shifting process for shift comfort and
driving situations. It receives this operating data
from sensors and broadcast messages from other
modules.
The TCM uses inputs from several sensors that are
directly hardwired to the controller and it uses sev-
eral indirect inputs that are used to control shifts.
This information is used to actuate the proper sole-
noids in the valve body to achieve the desired gear.
The shift lever assembly (SLA) has several items
that are monitored by the TCM to calculate shift
lever position. The reverse light switch, an integral
part of the SLA, controls the reverse light relay con-
trol circuit. The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) solenoid and the park lockout solenoid (also
part of the SLA) are controlled by the TCM.
The ECM and ABS broadcast messages over the
controller area network (CAN C) bus for use by the
TCM. The TCM uses this information, with other
inputs, to determine the transmission operating con-
ditions.
The TCM:
²determines the momentary operating conditions
of the vehicle.
²controls all shift processes.
²considers shift comfort and the driving situation.
The TCM controls the solenoid valves for modulat-
ing shift pressures and gear changes. Relative to the
torque being transmitted, the required pressures are
calculated from load conditions, engine rpm, vehicle
speed, and ATF temperature.
The following functions are contained in the TCM:
²Shift Program
²Downshift Safety
²Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch.
²Adaptation.
This transmission does not have a TCM relay.
Power is supplied to the SLA and the TCM directly
from the ignition.
The TCM continuously checks for electrical prob-
lems, mechanical problems, and some hydraulic prob-
lems. When a problem is sensed, the TCM stores a
diagnostic trouble code (DTC). Some of these codescause the transmission to go into ªLimp-Inº or
ªdefaultº mode. Some DTCs cause permanent
Limp-In and others cause temporary Limp-In. The
NAG1 defaults in the current gear position if a DTC
is detected, then after a key cycle the transmission
will go into Limp-in, which is mechanical 2nd gear.
Some DTCs may allow the transmission to resume
normal operation (recover) if the detected problem
goes away. A permanent Limp-In DTC will recover
when the key is cycled, but if the same DTC is
detected for three key cycles the system will not
recover and the DTC must be cleared from the TCM
with the DRBIIItscan tool.
TCM SIGNALS
The TCM registers one part of the input signals by
direct inputs, the other part by CAN C bus. In addi-
tion to the direct control of the actuators, the TCM
sends various output signals by CAN C bus to other
control modules.
Selector Lever Position
The TCM monitors the SLA for all shift lever posi-
tions via the CAN bus.
ATF Temperature Sensor
The ATF temperature sensor is a positive temper-
ature co-efficient (PTC) thermistor. It measures the
temperature of the transmission fluid and is a direct
input signal for the TCM. The temperature of the
ATF has an influence on the shifttime and resulting
shift quality. As the temperature rises, resistance
rises, and therefore, the probing voltage is decreas-
ing. Because of its registration, the shifting process
can be optimized in all temperature ranges.
The ATF temperature sensor is wired in series
with the park/neutral contact. The temperature sig-
nal is transmitted to the TCM only when the reed
contact of the park/neutral contact is closed because
the TCM only reads ATF temperature while in any
forward gear, or REVERSE. When the transmission
is in PARK or NEUTRAL, the TCM will substitute
the engine temperature for the ATF temperature.
Starter Interlock
The TCM monitors a contact switch wired in series
with the transmission temperature sensor to deter-
mine PARK and NEUTRAL positions. The contact
switch is open in PARK and NEUTRAL. The TCM
senses transmission temperature as high (switch
supply voltage), confirming switch status as open.
The TCM then broadcasts a message over CAN bus
to confirm switch status. The PCM receives this
information and allows operation of the starter cir-
cuit.
VAELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 7

ENGINE SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY SYSTEM......................... 1
CHARGING SYSTEM....................... 17STARTING SYSTEM....................... 28
BATTERY SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
SYSTEM.............................2
CLEANING.............................5
INSPECTION...........................6
SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS.......6
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY.......7
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BATTERY
CHARGING...........................8
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST........................9
STANDARD PROCEDURE - IGNITION-OFF
DRAW TEST.........................10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING MICRO
420 BATTERY TESTER.................11
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECKING
BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.........12REMOVAL
UNDER HOOD BATTERY REMOVAL.......12
AUXILIARY BATTERY REMOVAL..........13
INSTALLATION
UNDER HOOD BATTERY INSTALLATION . . . 13
AUXILIARY BATTERY INSTALLATION......13
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION.........................13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................14
BATTERY CABLES
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
CABLES............................14
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
BATTERY SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A single 12-volt battery is standard factory-in-
stalled equipment on this model. Some vehicles are
equipped with a second auxiliary battery for running
additional electrical equipment. The standard battery
is located in the engine compartment, while the aux-
iliary battery (if equipped) is located under the pas-
sengers front seat. The battery system for this
vehicle covers the following related components,
which are covered in further detail later in this sec-
tion of the service manual:²Battery- The 12v storage battery(s) provides a
reliable means of storing a renewable source of elec-
trical energy within the vehicle.
²Battery Cables- The battery cables connect
the battery terminal posts to the vehicle electrical
system.
²Battery Holddown- The battery holddown
hardware secures the battery in the battery tray in
the engine compartment.
²Battery Tray- The battery tray provides a
secure mounting location in the vehicle for the bat-
tery and an anchor point for the battery holddown
hardware.
VAENGINE SYSTEMS 8F - 1

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 thermal guard off of the battery case,
if equipped. 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 thermal guard 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 for an indication of the battery condition. If the
battery is discharged, charge as required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
Large capacity, low-maintenance storage batteries
are standard factory-installed equipment on this
model. The primary battery is located in the engine
compartment on all models. A second auxiliary bat-
tery may be installed under the passengers front seat
for running additional electrical equipment.
Male post type terminals made of a soft lead mate-
rial protrude from the top of the molded plastic bat-
tery case to provide the means for connecting the
battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery
positive terminal post is physically larger in diameter
than the negative terminal post to ensure proper bat-
tery connection. The lettersPOSandNEGare also
molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to
their respective positive and negative terminal posts
for identification confirmation. Refer to Battery
Cables for more information on the battery cables
that connect the battery to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem.
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 con-
sists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with
lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - BATTERY
Micro 420 Battery Tester
8F - 6 BATTERY SYSTEMVA