service indicator CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 Service Manual

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not
harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy
spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and
immediate service is required. Engine damage result-
ing from operation with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have
issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications
(the Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel
properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
performance and durability for your vehicle. We rec-
ommend the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC
specifications if they are available.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE
Many areas of the country require the use of
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as ªreformulat-
edº gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contain oxygen-
ates, and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle
emissions and improve air quality.
We strongly support the use of reformulated gaso-
line. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability for the
engine and fuel system components.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE.
Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country
during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide
emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may
be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline containing METH-
ANOL. Gasoline containing methanol may damage
critical fuel system components.
MMT IN GASOLINE
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive
that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane.
Gasoline blended with MMT provide no performance
advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane num-
ber without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT
reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. We recommend that
gasoline free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The
MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gaso-
line retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains
MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasoline with-
out MMT in Canada because MMT can be used atlevels higher than allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California refor-
mulated gasoline.
SULFUR IN GASOLINE
If you live in the northeast United States, your
vehicle may have been designed to meet California
low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning Cali-
fornia reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such
fuels are not available in states adopting California
emission standards, your vehicles will operate satis-
factorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission control system performance may be
adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California
is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may
affect the performance of the vehicle's catalytic con-
verter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine Soon
light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a dif-
ferent brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur
to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to
returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
CAUTION: If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL),
Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is flash-
ing, immediate service is required; see on-board
diagnostics system section.
MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL
All gasoline sold in the United States and Canada
are required to contain effective detergent additives.
Use of additional detergents or other additives is not
needed under normal conditions.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
CAUTION: Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle's performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance, damage the emission control system, and
could result in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully
loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the tem-
perature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to
help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists,
lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-5
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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come in contact with a hub mounted drum (drum for
disc/drum brakes or drum-in-hat for disc/disc brakes)
and hold it in place.
WARNING
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET BRAKE LININGS. BREATHING
EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM.
EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING BRAKE
PARTS. DO NOT SAND OR GRIND BRAKE LINING
UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED IS DESIGNED TO CON-
TAIN THE DUST RESIDUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE
PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY DRY
BRUSHING. CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE BY
DAMPENING THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WITH A
FINE MIST OF WATER, THEN WIPING THE BRAKE
COMPONENTS CLEAN WITH A DAMPENED CLOTH.
DISPOSE OF CLOTH AND ALL RESIDUE CONTAIN-
ING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE
CONTAINER WITH THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOL-
LOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING,
AND DISPOSING OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
CAUTION
CAUTION: During service procedures, grease or
any other foreign material must be kept off brake
shoe assemblies, and braking surfaces of brake
rotor or drum, and external surfaces of hub and
bearing assembly.
CAUTION: Handling of brake rotors and calipers
must be done in such a way as to avoid damage to
the rotor and scratching or nicking of brake lining
on the brake shoes.
CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle, can
a sheet metal screw, bolt or other metal fastener be
installed in the shock tower to take the place of an
original plastic clip. Also, NO holes can be drilled
into the front shock tower in the area shown in (Fig.1), for the installation of any metal fasteners into
the shock tower. Because of the minimum clear-
ance in this area (Fig. 1), installation of metal fas-
teners could damage the coil spring coating and
lead to a corrosion failure of the spring. If a plastic
clip is missing, or is lost or broken during servicing
a vehicle, replace only with the equivalent part
listed in the Mopar parts catalog.
CAUTION: Only the recommended jacking or hoist-
ing positions for this vehicle are to be used when-
ever it is necessary to lift a vehicle. Failure to raise
a vehicle from the recommended locations could
result in lifting a vehicle by the hydraulic control
unit mounting bracket. Lifting a vehicle by the
hydraulic control unit mounting bracket will result
in damage to the mounting bracket and the hydrau-
lic control unit.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BASE BRAKE
SYSTEM
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover the RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR
LAMP, BRAKE NOISE and OTHER BRAKE CONDI-
TIONS.
Fig. 1 Shock Tower To Spring Minimum Clearance
Area
1 - SHOCK TOWER
2 - COIL SPRING
3 - NO SHEET METAL SCREWS, BOLTS, OR ANY OTHER
METAL FASTENERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED INTO SHOCK
TOWER IN THIS AREA. ALSO, NO HOLES ARE TO BE DRILLED
INTO SHOCK TOWER IN THIS SAME AREA.
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)
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(M) Check Engine Lamp (MIL) will illuminate during engine operation if this Diagnostic Trouble Code was recorded.
(G) Generator Lamp Illuminated
GENERIC
SCAN TOOL
CODEDRB SCAN TOOL DISPLAY DESCRIPTION OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE
P1683 SPD CTRL PWR Relay; or S/C 12v
Driver CKTAn open or shorted condition detected in the speed control
servo power control circuit. (SBECII: ext relay).
P1684 Battery Loss In The Last 50 Starts The battery has been disconnected within the last 50 starts.
P1685 Skim Invalid Key The engine controller has received an invalid key from the
SKIM.
P1686 No SKIM BUS Messages Received No CCD/J1850 messages received from the Smart Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM).
P1687 No MIC BUS Message No CCD/J1850 messages received from the Mechanical
Instrument Cluster (MIC) module.
P1693 DTC Detected in Companion Module A fault has been generated in the companion engine control
module.
P1694 Fault In Companion Module No CCD/J1850 messages received from the powertrain
control module-Aisin transmission.
P1695 No CCD/J1850 Message From Body
Control ModuleNo CCD/J1850 messages received from the body control
module.
P1696 (M) PCM Failure EEPROM Write Denied Unsuccessful attempt to write to an EEPROM location by the
control module.
P1697 (M) PCM Failure SRI Mile Not Stored Unsuccessful attempt to update Service Reminder Indicator
(SRI or EMR) mileage in the control module EEPROM.
P1698 (M) No CCD/J1850 Message From TCM No CCD/J1850 messages received from the electronic
transmission control module (EATX) or the Aisin transmission
controller.
P1719 Skip Shift Solenoid Circuit An open or shorted condition detected in the transmission
2-3 gear lock-out solenoid control circuit.
P1740 TCC or O/D Solenoid Performance Rationality error detected in either the torque convertor
clutch or solenoid or overdrive solenoid system.
P1756 GOV Press Not Equal to Target @
15-20 PSIThe requested pressure and the actual pressure are not
within a tolerance band for the Governor Control System
which is used to regulate governor pressure to control shifts
for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. (Mid Pressure Malfunction)
P1757 GOV Press Not Equal to Target @
15-20 PSIThe requested pressure and the actual pressure are not
within a tolerance band for the Governor Control System
which is used to regulate governor pressure to control shifts
for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear (Zero Pressure Malfunction)
P1762 Gov Press Sen Offset Volts Too Low
or HighThe Governor Pressure Sensor input is greater than a
calibration limit or is less than a calibration limit for 3
consecutive park/neutral calibrations.
P1763 Governor Pressure Sensor Volts Too
HiThe Governor Pressure Sensor input is above an acceptable
voltage level.
P1764 Governor Pressure Sensor Volts Too
LowThe Governor Pressure Sensor input is below an acceptable
voltage level.
P1765 Trans 12 Volt Supply Relay CTRL
CircuitAn open or shorted condition is detected in the Transmission
Relay control circuit. This relay supplies power to the TCC
P1899 (M) P/N Switch Stuck in Park or in Gear Incorrect input state detected for the Park/Neutral switch.
8E - 24 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESRS
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
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(BCM), and the DRB IIItscan tool. The SKIM trans-
mits and receives RF signals through a tuned
antenna enclosed within a molded plastic ring forma-
tion that is integral to the SKIM housing. When the
SKIM is properly installed on the steering column,
the antenna ring fits snugly around the circumfer-
ence of the ignition lock cylinder housing. If this ring
is not mounted properly, communication problems
may arise in the form of transponder-related faults.
For added system security, each SKIM is pro-
grammed with a unique9Secret Key9code. This code
is stored in memory and is sent over the PCI bus to
the PCM and to each key that is programmed to
work with the vehicle. The9Secret Key9code is there-
fore a common element found in all components of
the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). In the
event that a SKIM replacement is required, the
9Secret Key9code can be restored from the PCM by
following the SKIM replacement procedure found in
the DRB IIItscan tool. Proper completion of this
task will allow the existing ignition keys to be repro-
grammed. Therefore, new keys will NOT be needed.
In the event that the original9Secret Key9code can
not be recovered, new ignition keys will be required.
The DRB IIItscan tool will alert the technician if
key replacement is necessary. Another security code,
called a PIN, is used to gain secured access to the
SKIM for service. The SKIM also stores in its mem-
ory the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which it
learns through a bus message from the assembly
plant tester. The SKIS scrambles the information
that is communicated between its components in
order to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIM
access and/or disabling.
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is moved to the RUN
position, the SKIM transmits an RF signal to the
transponder in the ignition key. The SKIM then
waits for a response RF signal from the transponder
in the key. If the response received identifies the key
as valid, the SKIM sends a9valid key9message to
the PCM over the PCI bus. If the response received
identifies the key as invalid or no response is
received from the transponder in the ignition key, the
SKIM sends an9invalid key9message to the PCM.
The PCM will enable or disable engine operation
based upon the status of the SKIM messages. It is
important to note that the default condition in the
PCM is9invalid key.9Therefore, if no response is
received by the PCM, the engine will be immobilized
after two (2) seconds of running.The SKIM also sends indicator light status mes-
sages to the BCM to operate the light. This is the
method used to turn the light ON solid or to flash it
after the indicator light test is complete to signify a
fault in the SKIS. If the light comes ON and stays
ON solid after the indicator light test, this signifies
that the SKIM has detected a system malfunction
and/or that the SKIS has become inoperative. If the
SKIM detects an invalid keyORa key-related fault
exists, the indicator light will flash following the
indicator light test. The SKIM may also request an
audible chime if the customer key programming fea-
ture is available and the procedure is being utilized
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECU-
RITY/TRANSPONDER KEY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
REMOVAL
(1)Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
(2) Remove Lower Instrument Panel Cover. Refer
to Body, Instrument Panel, Lower Instrument Panel
Cover, Removal.
(3) Remove the steering column upper and lower
shrouds. Refer to Steering, Column, Column Shroud,
Removal.
(4) Disengage the steering column wire harness
from the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM).
(5) Remove the one screws securing the SKIM to
the steering column.
(6) Rotate the SKIM upwards and then to the side
away from the steering column to slide the SKIM
antenna ring from around the ignition switch lock
cylinder housing.
(7) Remove the SKIM from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Slip the SKIM antenna ring around the igni-
tion switch lock cylinder housing. Rotate the SKIM
downwards and then towards the steering column.
(2) Install the one screws securing the SKIM to
the steering column.
(3) Engage the steering column wire harness from
the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM).
(4) Install the steering column upper and lower
shrouds. Refer to Steering, Column, Column Shroud,
Installation.
(5) Install the Lower Instrument Panel Cover.
Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Lower Instrument
Panel Cover, Installation.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
RSELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES8E-27
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (Continued)
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(4) Inspect the battery thermowrap for tears,
cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any
battery thermal guard that has been damaged.
(5) Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight
glass(if equipped) for an indication of the battery con-
dition. If the battery is discharged, charge as
required. Refer to Standard Procedures for the
proper battery built-in indicator test procedures. Also
refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
The battery Group Size number, the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating, and the Reserve Capacity
(RC) rating or Ampere-Hours (AH) rating can be
found on the original equipment battery label. Be
certain that a replacement battery has the correct
Group Size number, as well as CCA, and RC or AH
ratings that equal or exceed the original equipment
specification for the vehicle being serviced. Battery
sizes and ratings are discussed in more detail below.
²Group Size- The outside dimensions and ter-
minal placement of the battery conform to standards
established by the Battery Council International
(BCI). Each battery is assigned a BCI Group Size
number to help identify a correctly-sized replace-
ment.
²Cold Cranking Amperage- The Cold Crank-
ing Amperage (CCA) rating specifies how much cur-
rent (in amperes) the battery can deliver for thirty
seconds at -18É C (0É F). Terminal voltage must not
fall below 7.2 volts during or after the thirty second
discharge period. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements.
²Reserve Capacity- The Reserve Capacity (RC)
rating specifies the time (in minutes) it takes for bat-
tery terminal voltage to fall below 10.5 volts, at a
discharge rate of 25 amperes. RC is determined with
the battery fully-charged at 26.7É C (80É F). This rat-
ing estimates how long the battery might last after a
charging system failure, under minimum electrical
load.
²Ampere-Hours- The Ampere-Hours (AH) rat-
ing specifies the current (in amperes) that a battery
can deliver steadily for twenty hours, with the volt-
age in the battery not falling below 10.5 volts. This
rating is also sometimes identified as the twenty-
hour discharge rating.
BATTERY CLASSIFICATIONS & RATINGS
Part NumberBCI Group Size
ClassificationCold Cranking
AmperageReserve
CapacityAmpere -
HoursLoad Test
Amperage
4686158AB 34 500 110 Minutes 60 250
4727159AB 34 600 120 Minutes 66 300
4727242AB DIN H6 600 120 Minutes 66 300
5033235AA 34 700 95 Minutes 48 350
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - BATTERY
8F - 6 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
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CONVENTIONAL BATTERY - GASOLINE ENGINE
Low-maintenance batteriesare used on vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine, these batteries have
removable battery cell caps (Fig. 5). Watercanbe
added to this battery. Under normal service, the com-
position of this battery reduces gassing 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 this model. Male post type
terminals made of a soft lead material protrude from
the top of the molded plastic battery case (Fig. 6)to
provide the means for connecting the battery to the
vehicle electrical system. The battery positive termi-
nal post is visibly larger in diameter than the nega-
tive terminal post, for easy identification. The letters
POSandNEGare 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 systemsfor limited durations while the engine and/or the
charging 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 ProceduresThe
chemical composition of the metal coated plates
within the low-maintenance battery reduces battery
gassing and water loss, at normal charge and dis-
charge rates. Therefore, the battery should not
require additional water in normal service. If the
electrolyte level in this battery does become low, dis-
tilled water must be added. However, rapid loss of
Fig. 5 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION - LOW-MAINTANANCE GASOLINE
ENGINE BATTERY
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
Fig. 6 Maintenance-Free Battery
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)
ProCarManuals.com

(4) Clean the battery thermowrap with a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution using a soft bristle parts cleaning brush to
remove any acid film.
(5) Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal
posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal
cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 3).
INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended
inspection procedures for the battery and related
components. In addition to the maintenance sched-
ules found in this service manual and the owner's
manual, it is recommended that these procedures be
performed any time the battery or related compo-
nents must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
damage. Replace any battery cable that has a dam-
aged or deformed terminal clamp.
(2) Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
(3) Slide the thermowrap off of the battery case.
Inspect the battery case for cracks or other damage
that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also, check thebattery terminal posts for looseness. Batteries with
damaged cases or loose terminal posts must be
replaced.
(4) Inspect the battery thermowrap for tears,
cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any
battery thermal guard that has been damaged.
(5) Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight
glass(if equipped) for an indication of the battery con-
dition. If the battery is discharged, charge as
required. Refer to Standard Procedures for the
proper battery built-in indicator test procedures. Also
refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
The battery Group Size number, the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating, and the Reserve Capacity
(RC) rating or Ampere-Hours (AH) rating can be
found on the original equipment battery label. Be
certain that a replacement battery has the correct
Group Size number, as well as CCA, and RC or AH
ratings that equal or exceed the original equipment
specification for the vehicle being serviced. Battery
sizes and ratings are discussed in more detail below.
²Group Size- The outside dimensions and ter-
minal placement of the battery conform to standards
established by the Battery Council International
(BCI). Each battery is assigned a BCI Group Size
number to help identify a correctly-sized replace-
ment.
²Cold Cranking Amperage- The Cold Crank-
ing Amperage (CCA) rating specifies how much cur-
rent (in amperes) the battery can deliver for thirty
seconds at -18É C (0É F). Terminal voltage must not
fall below 7.2 volts during or after the thirty second
discharge period. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements.
²Reserve Capacity- The Reserve Capacity (RC)
rating specifies the time (in minutes) it takes for bat-
tery terminal voltage to fall below 10.5 volts, at a
discharge rate of 25 amperes. RC is determined with
the battery fully-charged at 26.7É C (80É F). This rat-
ing estimates how long the battery might last after a
charging system failure, under minimum electrical
load.
²Ampere-Hours- The Ampere-Hours (AH) rat-
ing specifies the current (in amperes) that a battery
can deliver steadily for twenty hours, with the volt-
age in the battery not falling below 10.5 volts. This
rating is also sometimes identified as the twenty-
hour discharge rating.
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - BATTERY
8Fa - 6 BATTERY SYSTEMRG
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

nal resistance and also increases the active material
surface area.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 14.4 VOLTS WHEN
CHARGING A SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR BATTERY DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
Due to the maintanance-free design, distilled water
cannot be added to this battery. Therefore, if more
than 14.4 volts are used during the spiral plate bat-
tery charging process, water vapor can be exhausted
through the pressure-sensitive battery vents and lost
for good. This can permanently damage the spiral
plate battery. Never exceed 14.4 volts when charging
a spiral plate battery. Personal injury and/or battery
damage may result.
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY - GASOLINE ENGINE
Low-maintenance batteriesare used on vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine, these batteries have
removable battery cell caps (Fig. 5). Watercanbe
added to this battery. Under normal service, the com-
position of this battery reduces gassing 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 this model. Male post typeterminals made of a soft lead material protrude from
the top of the molded plastic battery case (Fig. 6)to
provide the means for connecting the battery to the
vehicle electrical system. The battery positive termi-
nal post is visibly larger in diameter than the nega-
tive terminal post, for easy identification. The letters
POSandNEGare 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 the
charging 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-
Fig. 5 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION - LOW-MAINTANANCE GASOLINE
ENGINE BATTERY
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
Fig. 6 Maintenance-Free Battery
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
8Fa - 8 BATTERY SYSTEMRG
BATTERY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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 ProceduresThe
chemical composition of the metal coated plates
within the low-maintenance battery reduces battery
gassing and water loss, at normal charge and dis-
charge rates. Therefore, the battery should not
require additional water in normal service. If the
electrolyte level in this battery does become low, dis-
tilled water must be added. However, rapid loss of
electrolyte can be caused by an overcharging condi-
tion. Be certain to diagnose the charging system after
replenishing the water in the battery for a low elec-
trolyte condition and before returning the vehicle to
service. Refer toCharging Systemfor additional
information.
The battery Group Size number, the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating, and the Reserve Capacity
(RC) rating or Ampere-Hours (AH) rating can be
found on the original equipment battery label. Be
certain that a replacement battery has the correct
Group Size number, as well as CCA, and RC or AH
ratings that equal or exceed the original equipment
specification for the vehicle being serviced. Refer to
Battery Specificationsin this group for the loca-
tion of the proper factory-installed battery specifica-
tions.
OPERATION
The battery is designed to store electrical energy in
a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to
the terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reac-
tion occurs. This reaction causes the battery to dis-
charge electrical current from its terminals. As the
battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes
place within each cell. The sulfuric acid in the elec-
trolyte combines with the plate materials, causing
both plates to slowly change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The
chemical changes within the battery are caused by
the movement of excess or free electrons between the
positive and negative plate groups. This movement of
electrons produces a flow of electrical current
through the load device attached to the battery ter-
minals.
As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, bycharging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery itself, the battery discharging process
is reversed. Charging the battery gradually changes
the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and
lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.
This action restores the difference in the electron
charges deposited on the plates, and the voltage
potential of the battery cells. For a battery to remain
useful, it must be able to produce high-amperage cur-
rent over an extended period. A battery must also be
able to accept a charge, so that its voltage potential
may be restored.
The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen
gas that is created when the battery is being charged
or discharged. However, even with these vents,
hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If
hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may
ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery may
arc internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced if the electrolyte level
becomes low.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
terminals should be properly cleaned and inspected
before diagnostic procedures are performed. Refer to
Battery System Cleaning for the proper cleaning pro-
cedures, and Battery System Inspection for the
proper battery inspection procedures. Refer to Stan-
dard Procedures for the proper battery charging pro-
cedures.
MICRO 420 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TESTER
The Micro420 automotive battery tester is designed
to help the dealership technicians diagnose the cause
of a defective battery. Follow the instruction manual
supplied with the tester to properly diagnose a vehi-
cle. If the instruction manual is not available refer to
the standard procedure in this section, which
includes the directions for using the Micro420 electri-
cal system tester.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
RGBATTERY SYSTEM8Fa-9
BATTERY (Continued)
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WINDSHIELD GRID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SYSTEM TEST
Electrically heated rear window defogger or the
heated windshield wiper deicer operation can be
checked on the vehicle in the following manner:
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
(2) Using a ammeter on the battery, turn the rear
defogger control switch to the ON position, a distinct
increase in amperage draw should be noted.
(3) The rear window defogger or the heated wind-
shield wiper deicer operation can be checked by feel-
ing the glass. A distinct difference in temperature
between the grid lines and adjacent clear glass can
be detected in 3 to 4 minutes of operation.
(4) Using a DC voltmeter (Fig. 4) contact terminal
B with the negative lead, and terminal A with the
positive lead. The voltmeter should read 10-14 volts.
(5) Indicator light illumination means that there is
power available at the switch only and does not nec-
essarily verify system operation.
(6) If turning the defogger switch ON, no distinct
current draw on the ammeter the problem should be
isolated in the following manner:
²Confirm that ignition switch is ON.
²Ensure that the heated rear window or the
heated windshield wiper deicer feed pigtail is con-
nected to the wiring harness and that the ground
pigtail is in fact grounded.
²Ensure that the proper fuse in the PDC is OK.
(7) When the above steps have been completed and
the system is still inoperative it may be necessary to
connect a DRBIII scan tool and refer to the Diagnos-
tic Service Manual, you may also check for the fol-
lowing being defective:
²HVAC control assembly
²Rear window defogger relay in the PDC portion
of the IPM.
²Rear window defogger relay control circuity in
the FCM portion of the IPM.
²Check for loose connector or a wire pushed out
of connector.
²Rear window or the windshield grid lines (all
grid lines would have to be broken, or one of the feed
pigtails not connected to the bus bar, for no ammeter
deflection).
(8) If turning the switch ON produces severe volt-
meter deflection, the circuit should be closely checked
for a shorting condition.
(9) If the system operation has been verified but
indicator LED does not light, replace the HVAC con-
trol assembly.
(10) For detailed wiring information, refer to the
appropriate section for Wiring Diagrams.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - GRID LINE AND
TERMINAL REPAIR
WARNING:
REPAIR KIT MAY CAUSE SKIN OR EYE IRRITATION.
CONTAINS EPOXY RESIN AND AMINE TYPE HARD-
ENER, HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN AND EYES. FOR SKIN, WASH
AFFECTED AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO
NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. IF TAKEN INTERNALLY,
INDUCE VOMITING; CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDI-
ATELY. IF IN CONTACT WITH EYES, FLUSH WITH
PLENTY OF WATER. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTI-
LATION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME. CON-
TENTS CONTAINS 3% FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
The repair for the front windshield or the rear win-
dow grids are the same.
The repair of grid lines and replacement of the ter-
minal is possible using the MopartRepair Package
or equivalent.
(1) Clean area surrounding grid line or terminal
by gently rubbing area with steel wool.
(2) Wipe area with clean cloth soaked in alcohol or
similar solvent. It is necessary that all contaminants
be removed from repair area.
(3) Remove package separator clamp and mix plas-
tic conductive epoxy thoroughly.
Fig. 4 Grid Line Test
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - TERMINAL B
3 - FEED WIRE
4 - MID-POINT C (TYPICAL)
5 - HEATED REAR WINDOW GRIDS
6 - GROUND WIRE
7 - TERMINAL A
RSHEATED GLASS8G-3
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