charging CHEVROLET DYNASTY 1993 User Guide

BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY TEST PROCEDURES ON-VEHICLE . . 3
FAULT CODESÐON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS . . 23
GENERAL INFORMATION .................. 1
GENERATOR TEST PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE.19 IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
............... 9
SPECIFICATIONS ....................... 28
STARTER TEST PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE . 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
² For Battery, Starter or Generator replacement re-
fer to Group 8B, Battery/Starter/Generator Service.
This Group 8A will cover diagnostics only. The Battery, Starting, and Charging Systems oper-
ate with one another, and must be thoroughly tested
as a complete system. To enable the vehicle to start
and charge properly, it must have a battery that will
perform to specifications. The starter motor, genera-
tor, wiring, and electronics also must perform within
specifications. Group 8A will cover Starting (Fig. 1)
and Charging System (Fig. 2) diagnostic procedures.
These will be covered from the most basic conven-
tional methods to On Board Diagnostics (OBD) built
into the vehicle's electronics. The need for conven-
tional testing equipment has not been eliminated by
the introduction of OBD. Frequent use of an amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12 volt (low wattage) test light
will be required. All front wheel drive vehicles are equipped with
OBD and all OBD sensing systems are monitored by
the Powertrain Control Module. The Powertrain Con-
trol module will store in electronic memory, any de-
tectable failure within the monitored circuits. It will
retain this information for a period of 50 engine
starts, then erase the memory if the failure does not
reoccur during that period. This also will translate a
monitored failure as a FAULT CODE when a read-
out command is given. A readout command can be
made by turning the ignition switch to ON-OFF-ON-
OFF-ON without starting the engine. The Malfunc-
tion Indicator (CHECK ENGINE) Lamp on the
instrument cluster will flash in preset sequences to
show Fault Codes. However, the Malfunction Indica-
tor (Check Engine) Lamp cannot express fault codes
for all failures. Fault codes are easier to obtain and
more complete with the use of Diagnostic Tool (DRB
II). This tool is plugged into the diagnostic connector located in the engine compartment (Fig. 2). Refer to
the instructions provided with the (DRB II) tool be-
ing used. For numbered Fault Codes pertaining to compo-
nents within this Group, refer to Failure CodesÐOn
Board Diagnostics in Group 8A. For other Fault
Codes which, do not pertaining to this Group 8A, re-
fer to Group 14, Fuel System, On Board Diagnostics.
Fig. 1 Starting System Components
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 1

Fig. 2 Charging System Components
8A - 2 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä

BATTERY TEST PROCEDURES ON-VEHICLE INDEX
page page
Battery Charging .......................... 7
Battery Load Test ......................... 6
Battery Open Circuit Voltage Test ............. 4
Causes of Battery Discharging ............... 4 General Information
........................ 3
State of Charge Tests ...................... 4
Test Indicator ............................ 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery stores, stabilizes, and produces electri-
cal current to operate various electrical systems in
the vehicle. The determination of whether a battery
is good or bad is made by the battery's ability to ac-
cept a charge. It also must produce high amperage
current output over an extended period to be able to
start the vehicle. The capability of the battery to
store electrical current comes from a chemical reac-
tion. This reaction takes place between the sulfuric
acid solution electrolyte and the lead +/- plates in
each cell of the battery. As the battery discharges,
the plates react with the acid from the electrolyte.
When the charging system charges the battery, the
water is converted to sulfuric acid in the battery. The
amount of acid, specific gravity in the electrolyte can
be measured with a hydrometer. The factory in-
stalled battery is equipped with a built in hydrome-
ter as a test indicator (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) to help in
determining the battery's state of charge. The factory
installed battery also is sealed. Water cannot and
should not be added.
The battery is vented to release gases that is cre-
ated when the battery is being charged and dis-
charged. The battery top, posts, and terminals should
be cleaned when other under hood maintenance is
performed (Fig. 3).
WARNING: DO NOT ASSIST BOOST, CHARGE, ADD
WATER, OR LOAD TEST BATTERY WHEN ELEC- TROLYTE LEVEL IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE
PLATES. PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
When the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates a yellow or bright color indicator in sight glass
(Figs. 4 and 5), the battery must be replaced. Refer
to Test Indicator. The battery must be completely
charged with a green color in sight glass. The top,
posts, and terminals should be properly cleaned be-
fore diagnostic procedures are performed. Also refer
to Group 8B, Battery/Starter/Generator Service.
TEST INDICATOR
The test indicator a hydrometer is viewed through
a sight glass, it is built into the top of battery case
(Figs. 3, 4 and 5). This provides visual information
for battery testing. The test indicator sight glass is to
be used with diagnostic procedures described in this
Group.
Fig. 3 Battery Construction and Test Indicator
Fig. 4 Built in Test Indicator
Fig. 5 Test Indicator Sight Glass
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 3

It is important when using the Test Indicator that
the battery be level and have a clean top to see the
correct indications. A light may be required to view
the Indicator.
WARNING: DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BAT-
TERY BECAUSE OF EXPLOSIVE GASES AT FORM
ABOVE BATTERY.
STATE OF CHARGE TESTS
USING TEST INDICATOR
The built in test hydrometer (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) mea-
sures the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Specific
Gravity (SG) of the electrolyte will show state of
charge voltage. The test indicator WILL NOT show
cranking capacity of the battery. Refer to Battery
Load. Look into the sight glass (Figs. 4 and 5) and
note the color of the indicator (Fig. 5). Refer to the
following description of colors:
² GREEN = 75 to 100 degree state of charge
The battery is adequately charged for further test-
ing and may be returned to use. If the vehicle will
not crank for a maximum 15 seconds, refer to Bat-
tery Load Test in this Group for more information.
² BLACK OR DAR K=0to75degree state of
charge The battery is INADEQUATELY charged and
must be charged until green dot is visible, (12.4 volts
or greater) before the battery is tested or returned to
use. Refer to Causes of Battery Discharging.
² YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR = Battery must
be replace
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE, ASSIST BOOST,
LOAD TEST, OR ADD WATER TO THE BATTERY
WHEN YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR DOT IS VISI-
BLE. PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
A yellow or bright color dot shows electrolyte level
in battery is below the test indicator (Fig. 5). Water
cannot be added to a maintenance free battery. The
battery must be replaced. A low electrolyte level may
be caused by an over charging condition. Refer to
Generator Test Procedures on Vehicle.
CAUSES OF BATTERY DISCHARGING
It is normal to have a small 5 to 30 milliamperes
continuous electrical draw from the battery. This
draw will take place with the ignition in the OFF po-
sition, and the courtesy, dome, storage compart-
ments, and engine compartment lights OFF. The
continuous draw is due to various electronic features
or accessories that require electrical current with the
ignition OFF to function properly. When a vehicle is
not used over an extended period approximately 20
days the Main Fusible Link Connector (Fig. 6)
should be disconnected. This is located near the bat- tery on the engine wiring harness. Disconnection of
this connector will help prevent battery discharging.
Refer to Fig. 7 for Battery Diagnostics.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
(1) Corroded battery posts, cables or terminals.
(2) Loose or worn generator drive belt.
(3) Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system due to equipment or accessories in-
stalled after delivery. (4) Slow driving speeds in heavy traffic conditions
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical
systems in use. (5) Defective electrical circuit or component caus-
ing excess Ignition Off Draw (IOD). Refer to Ignition
OFF Draw (IOD). (6) Defective charging system.
(7) Defective battery.
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
An open circuit voltage, no load test will show the
state of charge in a battery. Also, if it will pass a
load test of 50 percent of the battery cold crank rat-
ing. Refer to Battery Load Test. If a battery has an
open circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or greater,
and will not pass a load test, it is defective and re-
placement would be required. To test open circuit
voltage, perform the following operation: (1) Remove both battery cables, negative first. If
the battery has been boosted, charged, or loaded just
prior to this operation, allow the battery a few min-
utes to stabilize. (2) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts and measure the open circuit voltage (Fig. 8).
Fig. 6 Main Fusible Link Connector
8A - 4 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä

Fig. 7 Battery Diagnostics
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 5

This voltage reading will show the battery state of
charge. It will not reveal battery cranking capacity
(Fig. 8).
BATTERY LOAD TEST
A fully charged battery must have reserve crank-
ing capacity. This will enable the starter motor and
ignition system enough power to start the engine
over a broad range of ambient temperatures. A bat-
tery load test will verify the actual cranking perfor-
mance based on the cold crank rating of the battery.
WARNING: IF BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZ-
ING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, OR EXCESSIVELY
LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST. ACID
BURNS OR AN EXPLOSIVE CONDITION MAY RE-
SULT. (1) Remove both battery cables, negative first. Bat-
tery top, cables and posts should be clean. If green
dot is not visible in indicator, charge the battery. Re-
fer to Battery Charging Procedures. (2) Use a suitable Volt Ammeter Load tester (Fig.
10) connected to the battery posts (Fig. 11). Check
the open circuit voltage of the battery. Voltage should be equal to or greater than 12.4
volts with the green dot visible in test indicator. (3) Rotate the load control knob Carbon pile rheo-
stat to apply a 300 amp load. Apply this load for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge from the bat-
tery, and return the control knob to off (Fig. 12).
(4) Allow the battery to stabilize for 15 seconds,
and then verify open circuit voltage. (5) Rotate the load control knob on the tester to
maintain 50 percent of the battery cold crank rating
for a minimum 15 seconds (Fig. 13).
Fig. 8 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
Fig. 9 Battery Open Circuit Voltage
Fig. 10 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester
Fig. 11 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester Connections
Fig. 12 Remove Surface Charge from Battery
8A - 6 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä

After 15 seconds, record the loaded voltage reading
and return the load control to the off position. (6) Voltage drop will vary according to battery
temperature at the time of the load test. Battery
temperature can be estimated by the temperature of
exposure over the preceding several hours. If the bat-
tery has been charged, boosted, or loaded a few min-
utes prior to the test, the battery would be slightly
warmer. Refer to Fig. 14 for proper loaded voltage
reading.
(7) If battery passes load test, it is in good condi-
tion and further tests are not necessary. If it fails
load test, it should be replaced.
BATTERY CHARGING
A battery is considered fully charged when it will
meet all the following requirements:
² It has an open circuit voltage charge of at least
12.4 volts (Fig. 9)
² It passes the 15 second load test (Fig. 14)
² The built in test indicator dot is GREEN (Fig. 5)
² The battery cannot be refilled with water. It must
be replaced WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT
HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.
BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND EX-
PLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE BATTERY.
DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE
SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN
BATTERY. BATTERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SE-
VERE BURNS AND THE BATTERY CONTAIN SUL-
FURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES,
OR CLOTHING. IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT,
FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN IMME-
DIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery negative cable
first (Fig. 15) before charging battery to avoid dam-
age to electrical systems. Do not exceed 16.0 volts
while charging battery. Refer to the instructions
supplied with charging equipment
Battery electrolyte will bubble inside the battery
case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte
boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes
while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or
turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery
damage may occur if charging is excessive. Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from
being damaged if improperly connected. If the bat-
tery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor
to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to
operate. Refer to operating instructions provided
with battery charger being used.
CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator ap-
pears green. Do not overcharge.
It may be necessary to jiggle the battery or vehicle
to bring the green dot (in the test indicator) into
view. After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to decide cranking capac-
Fig. 13 Load 50 Percent Cold Crank Rating
Fig. 14 Load Test Temperature
Fig. 15 Disconnect Negative Battery Cable
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 7

ity. Refer to Battery Load Test. If the battery will
endure a load test, return the battery to use. If bat-
tery will not endure a load test, it must be replaced.
Properly clean and inspect battery hold downs, tray,
terminals, cables, posts, and top before completing
service. Also refer to Group 8B, Battery/Starter/Gen-
erator Service.
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary de-
pending upon the following factors:
² SIZE OF BATTERY
A completely discharged large heavy-duty battery
requires more than twice the recharging time as a
completely discharged small capacity battery (Fig.
16).
² TEMPERATURE: A longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18ÉC (0ÉF) than at 27ÉC (80ÉF).
When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery,
current accepted by battery will be very low at first.
In time, the battery will accept a higher rate as bat-
tery warms.
² CHARGER CAPACITY: A charger which, can sup-
ply only five amperes will require a much longer pe-
riod of charging than a charger that can supply 30
amperes or more.
² STATE OF CHARGE: A completely discharged
battery requires more charging time than a partially
charged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water in a
completely discharged battery. At first, the charging
current amperage will be low. As water is converted
to sulfuric acid inside the battery, the current amp
rate will rise. Also, the specific gravity of the electro-
lyte will rise, bringing the green dot (Fig. 5) into
view.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 20 AMPS WHEN
CHARGING A COLD -1ÉC (30ÉF) BATTERY. PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless procedure is
properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced (Fig. 17).
(1) Measure the voltage at battery posts with a
voltmeter accurate to 1/10 volt (Fig. 18). If below 10
volts, charge current will be low, and it could take
some time before it accepts a current in excess of a
few milliamperes. Such low current may not be de-
tectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
(2) Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature
polarity protection circuitry which, prevents opera-
tion unless charger is connected to battery posts cor-
rectly. A completely discharged battery may not have
enough voltage to activate this circuitry. This may
happen even if the leads are connected properly. (3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. For the time required for
the battery to accept measurable charger current at
various voltages, refer to Fig. 17. If charge current is
still not measurable after charging period the battery
should be replaced. If charge current is measurable
during charging time, the battery may be good, and
charging should be completed in the normal manner.
Fig. 16 Battery Charging Time
Fig. 17 Charge Rate
Fig. 18 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt (Connected)
8A - 8 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä

IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
GENERAL INFORMATION
A normal electrical system will draw from 5 to 30
milliamperes from the battery. This is with the ignition
in the OFF position, and all non-ignition controlled cir-
cuits in proper working order. The amount of IOD will
depend on body model and electrical components. A ve-
hicle that has not been operated for an extended period
of approximately 20 days may discharge the battery to
an inadequate level. In this case, the Main Fusible Link
Connector should be disconnected. The Main Fusible
Link connector is located rearward of the battery on the
engine wiring harness (Fig. 19).
If the IOD is over 30 milliamperes, the defect must
be found and corrected before condemning the bat-
tery. Usually, the battery can be charged and re-
turned to service (Fig. 16).
IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD) TESTS
VEHICLES WITHOUT ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/LOAD LEVELINGSUSPENSION OR ALARM SYSTEMS
Testing for HIGHER AMPERAGE IOD must be
performed first to prevent damage to most milliamp
meters. A standard 12 volt test light and a milliamp meter
that is equipped with two leads will be used for the
following tests. The milliamp meter should be able to
handle up to two amps.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
Turn off all lights, close trunk lid, close glove box door,
turn off sun visor vanity lights, close all doors and re- move ignition key. Allow the Illuminated Entry System
if equipped to time out in approximately 30 seconds.
(2) Verify the engine compartment lamp bulb is
working by opening/closing hood. Remove the lamp. (3) Disconnect negative battery cable (Fig. 15).
(4) Connect a typical 12 volt test light between the
negative cable clamp and the negative battery post (Fig.
19). The test light may be brightly lit for up to three
minutes or may not be lit at all. This depending on the
body model or electronic components on the vehicle. (a) The term brightly used throughout the follow-
ing tests. This implies the brightness of the test light
will be the same as if it were connected across the
battery posts. This would be with a fully charged bat-
tery.
(b) The test light or the milliamp meter MUST
be positively connected to the battery post and the
battery cable during all IOD testing. (c) Do not allow the test light or the milliamp
meter to become disconnected during any of the
IOD tests. If this happens, the electronic timer
functions will be started and all IOD tests must be
repeated from the beginning. Clamp the test light
at both ends to prevent accidental disconnection.
(d) After three minutes time has elapsed, the test
light should turn OFF or be dimly lit depending on
the electronic components on the vehicle. If the test
light remains BRIGHTLY lit, do not disconnect test
light. Disconnect each fuse or circuit breaker until
test light is either OFF or DIMLY lit. Refer to the
Front Wheel Drive Car Wiring Diagrams Service
Manual. This will eliminate higher amperage IOD. It
is now safe to install the milliamp meter without
damage to the meter to check for low amperage IOD.
(e) Possible sources of high IOD are usually ve-
hicle lamps trunk lamp, glove compartment, lug-
gage compartment, etc.. (f) If test light is still brightly lit after discon-
necting each fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect
the wiring harness from the generator. Refer to
Generator Testing. Do not disconnect test light.
CAUTION: This last test has higher amperage IOD and
must be performed before going on with low amper-
age IOD tests. The higher amperage IOD must be elim-
inated before hooking up milliamp meter to check for
low amperage IOD. If higher amperage IOD has not
been eliminated, milliamp meter may be damaged.
Most milliamp meters will not handle over one or two
amps. Do not hook up meter if test light is glowing
brightly. Refer to maximum amperage specifications
and instructions supplied with milliamp meter.
After higher amperage IOD has been corrected, low
amperage IOD may be checked. The MAXIMUM IOD=
30 MILLIAMPERES.
Fig. 19 IOD Test
Ä BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 9

(5) With test light still connected, connect milli-
amp meter between battery negative post and nega-
tive battery cable (Fig. 20). Do not open any doors or
turn on any electrical accessories with the test light
disconnected and the milliamp meter connected.
Meter may be damaged.
(6) Disconnect test light. Milliamp meter reading
should be less than 30 milliamperes. If low amperage
IOD is not within specifications, disconnect: (a) The 60 way connector at the Powertrain Con-
trol Module located outboard of the battery. Refer
to Group 8D, Ignition for more information. (b) The 25 way connectors on the Body Control-
ler if equipped. (c) The circuits to the clock and radio.
(d) The wiring harness from the generator. Refer
to Generator Testing.
Check each component until excessive IOD is found.
Each time the test light or milliamp meter is dis-
connected and connected, all electronic timer func-
tions will be activated. Tests must be repeated from
the beginning. Test light or meter MUST remain connected for all
tests.
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, LOADLEVELING SUSPENSION, OR ALARM SYSTEM
This vehicles will have temporary high IOD of 15
amps or more for up to 65 minutes. This higher IOD can often mask another problem and should be con-
sidered when performing IOD testing. Testing for higher IOD will be the same as in the
previous IOD tests. However, certain additional pro-
cedures should be followed.
² WITH ALARM SYSTEM: After disconnecting bat-
tery and hooking up test light, cycle the key lock on
the driver's door to disarm the alarm. The parking
lamps should stop flashing. Also locate the Power Distribution Center. This
Center is located in front of the left front strut tower
(Fig. 21). Remove the cover from the Center and re-
move the 50 amp fuse.
² WITH ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMIS-
SION: If equipped with this option, and high or low
IOD is suspected, allow an additional 25 minutes
minimum of electronic shut off time. To defeat the timer, disconnect the 60-way connec-
tor on the Transmission Controller. This controller is
located on the right inner fender.
² WITH AUTOMATIC LOAD LEVELING SYSTEM:
If equipped with this option, and high or low IOD is
suspected, allow an additional 65 minutes minimum
of electronic shut off time. To defeat the timer, open the trunk lid, locate the
Automatic Load Leveling computer, located inside
right rear wheel house, and disconnect the 11-way
connector. Close the trunk lid. If equipped with an electrical trunk closing feature,
temporarily install a heavy gauge jumper wire be-
tween the disconnected negative cable and the nega-
tive battery post. When this jumper is installed the
trunk lid should automatically close. Do not discon-
nect the test light as all electronic timing features
will be activated and all IOD tests must be repeated
from the beginning. Remove the temporarily installed jumper wire.
Fig. 20 Low Amperage IOD Test
Fig. 21 Power Distribution Center
8A - 10 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS Ä