warning CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 Workshop Manual
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motors, and fuel pumps that have been found to be
potential sources of RFI or EMI.
OPERATION
There are two common strategies that can be used
to suppress Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and
ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) radio noise. The
first suppression strategy involves preventing the
production of RFI and EMI electromagnetic signals
at their sources. The second suppression strategy
involves preventing the reception of RFI and EMI
electromagnetic signals by the audio system compo-
nents.
The use of braided ground straps in key locations
is part of the RFI and EMI prevention strategy.
These ground straps ensure adequate ground paths,
particularly for high current components such as
many of those found in the starting, charging, igni-
tion, engine control and transmission control sys-
tems. An insufficient ground path for any of these
high current components may result in radio noise
caused by induced voltages created as the high cur-
rent seeks alternative ground paths through compo-
nents or circuits intended for use by, or in close
proximity to the audio system components or circuits.
Preventing the reception of RFI and EMI is accom-
plished by ensuring that the audio system compo-
nents are correctly installed in the vehicle. Loose,
corroded or improperly soldered wire harness connec-
tions, improperly routed wiring and inadequate audio
system component grounding can all contribute to
the reception of RFI and EMI. A properly grounded
antenna body and radio chassis, as well as a shielded
antenna coaxial cable with clean and tight connec-
tions will each help reduce the potential for reception
of RFI and EMI.
REMOTE SWITCHES
DESCRIPTION
A remote radio control switch option is available on
some models. Two rocker-type switches are mounted
on the back (instrument panel side) of the steering
wheel spokes (Fig. 12). The switch on the left spoke
is the seek switch and has seek up, seek down, and
preset station advance functions. The switch on the
right spoke is the volume control switch and has vol-
ume up, and volume down functions. The switch on
the right spoke also includes a ªmodeº control that
allows the driver to sequentially select AM radio, FM
radio, cassette player, CD player or CD changer (if
equipped).
OPERATION
These switches are resistor multiplexed units that
are hard-wired to the Body Control Module (BCM)
through the clockspring. The BCM sends the proper
messages on the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus network to the radio
receiver. For diagnosis of the BCM or the PCI data
bus, the use of a DRB IIItscan tool and the proper
Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended. For
more information on the operation of the remote
radio switch controls, refer to the owner's manual in
the vehicle glove box.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE
SWITCHES
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of the DRB IIItdiagnostic
tool. For information on the use of the DRB
IIIt, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
Fig. 12 Remote Radio Switch Operational View
1 - PRESET SEEK
2 - SEEK UP
3 - VOLUME UP
4 - MODE
5 - VOLUME DOWN
6 - SEEK DOWN
8A - 12 AUDIORS
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION COMPONENTS (Continued)
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harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the airbag system capac-
itor to discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the remote radio switch(es) from the
steering wheel (Fig. 13). (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/REMOTE SWITCHES - REMOVAL).
(3) Use an ohmmeter to check the switch resis-
tance as shown in the Remote Radio Switch Test
table.
REMOTE RADIO SWITCH TEST
Switch Switch Position Resistance
Right
(White)Volume Up 1.210 Kilohms
Right
(White)Volume Down 3.010 Kilohms
Right
(White)Mode Advance 0.0511 Kilohms
Left
(Black)Seek Up 0.261 Kilohms
Left
(Black)Seek Down 0.681 Kilohms
Left
(Black)Pre-Set Station
Advance0.162 Kilohms
NOTE: The right remote radio switch back is white
in color. The left switch back is black in color. The
right/left remote radio switch orientation is with the
steering wheel installed, and driver in drivers seat.(4) If the switch resistance checks OK, go to Step
5. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.
(5) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the switch wire harness connector and
a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
(6) Unplug the 24-way white wire harness connec-
tor from the Body Control Module (BCM). Check for
continuity between the radio control circuit cavity of
the remote radio switch wire harness connector and a
good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go
to Step 7. If not OK, repair the short circuit as
required.
(7) Check for continuity between the radio control
circuit cavities of the remote radio switch wire har-
ness connector and the BCM wire harness connector.
There should be continuity. If OK, refer to the proper
Diagnostic Procedures manual to test the BCM and
the PCI data bus. If not OK, repair the open circuit
as required.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the airbag system capac-
itor to discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the driver side airbag module from the
vehicle. Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIR BAG.
(3) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. Refer to STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING
WHEEL.
(4) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
remote radio switch (s).
(5) Remove three screws securing steering wheel
rear cover.
(6) Remove the remote radio switch from the steer-
ing wheel by depressing tabs on each side of each
switch.
NOTE: The right remote radio switch back is white
in color. The left switch back is black in color. The
right/left remote radio switch orientation is with the
steering wheel installed, and driver in drivers seat.
Fig. 13 REMOTE RADIO SWITCHES
1 - BLACK (LEFT) SWITCH
2 - WHITE (RIGHT) SWITCH
RSAUDIO8A-13
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Install remote radio switch to the steering
wheel.
(2) Install three screws securing steering wheel
rear cover.
(3) Connect the wire harness to the remote radio
switch.
(4) Install the steering wheel. Refer to STEERING/
COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL.
(5) Install the driver side airbag module. Refer to
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
SPEAKER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPEAKER
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of the DRB IIItdiagnostic
tool. For information on the use of the DRB
IIIt, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic Service
Manual.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
CAUTION: The speaker output of the radio is a
ªfloating groundº system. Do not allow any speakerlead to short to ground, as damage to the radio
may result.
(1) If all speakers are inoperative, check the radio
fuses in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2. If not
OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Turn the radio receiver ON. Adjust the balance and
fader control controls to check the performance of
each individual speaker. Note the speaker locations
that are not performing correctly. Go to Step 3.
(3) Turn the radio receiver OFF. Turn the ignition
OFF. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the radio receiver.
(4) Check both the speaker feed (+) circuit and
return (-) circuit cavities for the inoperative speaker
at the radio receiver wire harness connector for con-
tinuity to ground. There should be no continuity. If
OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted
speaker feed (+) and/or return (-) circuits(s) to the
speaker as required.
(5) Disconnect wire harness connector at the inop-
erative speaker. Check for continuity between the
speaker feed (+) circuit cavities of the radio receiver
wire harness connector and the speaker wire harness
connector. Repeat the check between the speaker
return (-) circuit cavities of the radio receiver wire
harness connector and the speaker wire harness con-
nector. In each case, there should be continuity. If
OK, replace the faulty speaker. If not OK, repair the
open speaker feed (+) and/or return (-) circuits(s) as
required.
REMOVAL
D-PILLAR SPEAKER
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove rear header trim (right side speaker).
(3) Remove jack cover (left side speaker).
(4) Remove liftgate scuff plate.
(5) Remove upper seat belt bolt. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT OUT-
BOARD FRONT - REMOVAL).
(6) Partially remove quarter trim panel to access
the D-pillar speaker.
(7) Slide the speaker from the retainer (Fig. 14).
(8) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
speaker.
FRONT DOOR SPEAKER
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front door trim panel. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOV-
AL).
8A - 14 AUDIORS
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)
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CHIME/BUZZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHIME/BUZZER
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1WARNING.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME SYSTEM . . 1
CHIME/BUZZER
DESCRIPTION
The chime/buzzer system provides the driver with
warning chimes for:
²Seat Belt
²Exterior Lamps ON
²Key-In Ignition
²Engine Temperature Critical
²Turn Signals ON
²Dome Lamp ON
²Low Oil Pressure
²High Speed Warning
²Warning Lamp Announcement
²Key-In Accessory
²Low/High Tire Pressure
²Service Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
HIGH SPEED WARNING - EXPORT
The chime will sound, acting as a warning to the
driver that the vehicle speed has exceeded 120 3
kph (75 2 mph).
Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures
manual for further description of chimes.
OPERATION
Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures
manual for complete chime/buzzer operation and con-
ditions for operation.
HIGH SPEED WARNING - EXPORT
When the vehicle speed sensor sees 120 3kph
(75 2 mph), it sends a PCI data bus message to the
Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM then turns on
the chime to let the driver know that the vehicle has
reached a speed greater than 120 3kph(75 2
mph). This audible message will continue until the
vehicle is slowed below the predetermined speed.
WARNING
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME SYSTEM
Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures
manual for complete Diagnosis and Testing of the
Chime System.
NO TONE WHEN IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED ON
AND DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IS NOT BUCKLED.
(1) Using a DRB llltscan tool, actuate chime
(BCM actuates).
(2) Using a voltmeter, check for voltage:
(a) BCM has two battery feeds at pin 1 and pin
5 of the 6±way connector.
(b) Pin 5 of the (BX2) 32 way connector of the
BCM for ignition feed.
(c) Check voltage (PX2) connector, pin 34 for 12v.
(d) If voltage OK, go to step Step 3
(e) If NO voltage repair as necessary. Refer to
the appropriate wiring information. The wiring
information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, further details on
wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-
out and location views for the various wire harness
connectors, splices and grounds.
RSCHIME/BUZZER8B-1
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Page 320 of 2177
(6) Remove the screws holding the BCM to the
bulkhead.
(7) Remove the BCM from the mounting bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the BCM to the mounting bracket.
(2) Install the screws holding the BCM to the
bulkhead.
(3) Connect the five wire connectors to the bottom
of the Body Control Module (BCM).
(4) Install the knee blocker and reinforcement
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the lower instrument panel silencer.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
(7) Verify proper operation of BCM and its func-
tions.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The controller antilock brake (CAB) is a micropro-
cessor-based device which monitors the antilock
brake system (ABS) during normal braking and con-
trols it when the vehicle is in an ABS stop. The CAB
is mounted to the HCU as part of the integrated con-
trol unit (ICU) (Fig. 1). The CAB uses a 24-way elec-
trical connector on the vehicle wiring harness. The
power source for the CAB is through the ignition
switch in the RUN or ON position. The CAB is on
the PCI bus.
OPERATION
The primary functions of the controller antilock
brake (CAB) are to:
²Monitor the antilock brake system for proper
operation.
²Detect wheel locking or wheel slipping tenden-
cies by monitoring the speed of all four wheels of the
vehicle.
²Control fluid modulation to the wheel brakes
while the system is in an ABS mode.
²Store diagnostic information.
²Provide communication to the DRBIIItscan tool
while in diagnostic mode.
²Illuminate the amber ABS warning indicator
lamp.
²(With traction control only) Illuminate the TRAC
ON lamp in the message center on the instrument
panel when a traction control event occurs.
²(with traction control only) Illuminate the TRAC
OFF lamp when the amber ABS warning indicator
lamp illuminates.
The CAB constantly monitors the antilock brake
system for proper operation. If the CAB detects a
fault, it will turn on the amber ABS warning indica-
tor lamp and disable the antilock braking system.
The normal base braking system will remain opera-
tional.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with traction con-
trol, the TRAC OFF lamp will illuminate anytime the
amber ABS warning indicator lamp illuminates.
The CAB continuously monitors the speed of each
wheel through the signals generated by the wheel
speed sensors to determine if any wheel is beginning
to lock. When a wheel locking tendency is detected,
the CAB commands the CAB command coils to actu-
ate. The coils then open and close the valves in the
HCU that modulate brake fluid pressure in some or
all of the hydraulic circuits. The CAB continues to
control pressure in individual hydraulic circuits until
a locking tendency is no longer present.
The CAB contains a self-diagnostic program that
monitors the antilock brake system for system faults.
When a fault is detected, the amber ABS warning
indicator lamp is turned on and the fault diagnostic
trouble code (DTC) is then stored in a diagnostic pro-
gram memory. A latched fault will disable certain
system functionality for the current ignition cycle. An
unlatched fault will disable certain system function-
ality until the fault condition disappears. These
DTC's will remain in the CAB memory even after the
ignition has been turned off. The DTC's can be read
and cleared from the CAB memory by a technician
using the DRBIIItscan tool. If not cleared with a
DRBIIItscan tool, the fault occurrence and DTC will
Fig. 1 Integrated Control Unit (ICU)
1 - PUMP/MOTOR
2 - HCU
3 - PUMP/MOTOR CONNECTOR
4 - CAB
RSELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES8E-5
BODY CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
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Page 321 of 2177
be automatically cleared from the CAB memory after
the identical fault has not been seen during the next
3,500 miles. Drive-off may be required for the amber
ABS warning indicator lamp to go out on the next
ignition cycle.
CAB INPUTS
²Wheel speed sensors (four)
²Brake lamp switch
²Ignition switch
²System and pump voltage
²Ground
²Traction control switch (if equipped)
²Diagnostic communication (PCI)
CAB OUTPUTS
²Amber ABS warning indicator lamp actuation
(via BUS)
²Red BRAKE warning indicator lamp actuation
(via BUS)
²Instrument cluster (MIC) communication (PCI)
²Traction control lamps (if equipped)
²Diagnostic communication (PCI, via BUS)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery cables.
(2) Remove the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the vacuum hose connector at the
tank built into the battery tray.
(4) Remove the screw securing the coolant filler
neck to the battery tray.
(5) Remove the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(6) Pull up on the CAB connector lock and discon-
nect the 24±way electrical connector (Fig. 2).
(7) Disconnect the pump/motor connector from the
CAB.
(8) Remove the screws securing the CAB to the
HCU (Fig. 3)
(9) Pull CAB straight forward off HCU.
INSTALLATION
(1) Slide the CAB onto the HCU (Fig. 3).
(2) Install screws securing the CAB to the HCU
(Fig. 3) Tighten the mounting screws to 2 N´m (17 in
lbs).
(3) Reconnect the 24±way wiring connector and
the pump/motor wiring connector. (Fig. 2)
(4) Install the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the screw securing the coolant filler
neck to the battery tray.
(6) Reconnect the vacuum hose to the coolant tank
built into the battery tray.(7) Install the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reconnect the battery cables.
(9) Connect a DRBIIItto the vehicle. Check and
clear any faults, and initialize the system.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION
The data link connector is located inside the vehi-
cle, below instrument panel next to the center col-
umn (Fig. 4).
Fig. 2 CAB Connector Lock
1 - CONNECTOR LOCK
2 - CAB
Fig. 3 CAB Mounting Screws
1 - HCU
2 - MOUNTING SCREWS
3 - CAB
8E - 6 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESRS
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK BRAKE (Continued)
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SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
There are three different batteries available on this
model. Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize
a spiral wound plate designed battery with recombi-
nation technology. This is a maintenance-free battery
that is capable of delivering more power than a con-
ventional battery. This additional power is required
by a diesel engine during cold cranking. Vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine utilize a conven-
tional battery. Refer to the following information for
detailed differences and descriptions of these batter-
ies.
SPIRAL PLATE BATTERY - DIESEL ENGINE
Spiral plate technology takes the elements of tradi-
tional batteries - lead and sulfuric acid - to the next
level. By tightly winding layers of spiral grids and
acid-permeated vitreous separators into cells, the
manufacturer has developed a battery with more
power and service life than conventional batteries the
same size. The spiral plate battery is completely, per-
manently sealed. Through gas recombination, hydro-
gen and oxygen within the battery are captured
during normal charging and reunited to form the
water within the electrolyte, eliminating the need to
add distilled water. Therefore, these batteries havenon-removable battery vent caps (Fig. 4). Watercan-
notbe added to this battery.
The acid inside a spiral plate battery is bound
within the vitreous separators, ending the threat of
acid leaks. This feature allows the battery to be
installed in any position anywhere in the vehicle.
Spiral plate technology is the process by which the
plates holding the active material in the battery are
wound tightly in coils instead of hanging flat, like
conventional batteries. This design has a lower inter-
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 export
vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, these bat-
teries have removable battery cell caps (Fig. 5).
Watercanbe added to this battery. Under normal
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
Fig. 4 MAINTENANCE-FREE DIESEL ENGINE
BATTERY
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
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Page 348 of 2177
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, by
charging 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 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is
designed to help the dealership technicians diagnose
the cause of a defective battery. Follow the instruc-
tion manual supplied with the tester to properly
diagnose a vehicle. If the instruction manual is not
available refer to the standard procedure in this sec-
tion, which includes the directions for using the
Micro 420 battery 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.
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.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty,
and must be replaced. Further testing is not
required. A fully-charged battery must be tested to
determine its cranking capacity. A battery that is ful-
ly-charged, but does not pass the Micro 420 or load
test, is faulty and must be replaced.
NOTE: Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. Refer to Standard
Procedures for the proper battery charging proce-
dures.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-9
BATTERY (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SPIRAL PLATE
BATTERY CHARGING
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize a
unique spiral plate battery. This battery has a maxi-
mum charging voltage that must not be exceeded in
order to restore the battery to its full potential, fail-
ure to use the following 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 OR LOW
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST, ASSIST-
BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY MAY ARC
INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY
AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the bat-
tery negative cable before charging a battery.
Charge the battery directly at the battery terminals.
Do not exceed 14.4 volts while charging a battery.
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 12.6 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Battery Diagnosis and
Testing for the proper battery test procedures. If the
battery will endure a load test, return the battery to
service. If the battery will not pass a load test, it is
faulty and must be replaced.
Clean and inspect the battery hold downs, tray,
terminals, posts, and top before completing battery
service. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for the
proper battery system cleaning procedures, and Bat-
tery System Inspection for the proper battery system
inspection procedures.
CHARGING A COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY ± SPIRAL PLATE 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. 7). Refer
to Battery Removal and Installation for access
instructions. If the reading is below ten volts, the
battery charging current will be low. It could take
several hours before the battery accepts a current
greater than a few milliamperes. 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 faulty and must be replaced. If the charging cur-
rent is measurable during the charging time, the bat-
tery may be good and the charging should be
completed in the normal manner.
Fig. 7 Voltmeter - Typical
8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)
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Page 350 of 2177
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
STANDARD PROCEDURE - 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 usethe 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.
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.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-11
BATTERY (Continued)
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