y case DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

data bus, more function and feature capabilities are
possible.
In addition to reducing wire harness complexity,
component sensor current loads and controller hard-
ware, multiplexing offers a diagnostic advantage. A
multiplex system allows the information flowing
between controllers to be monitored using a diagnos-
tic scan tool. The DaimlerChrysler system allows an
electronic control module to broadcast message data
out onto the bus where all other electronic control
modules can9hear9the messages that are being sent.
When a module hears a message on the data bus
that it requires, it relays that message to its micro-
processor. Each module ignores the messages on the
data bus that are being sent to other electronic con-
trol modules.
OPERATION
Data exchange between modules is achieved by serial
transmission of encoded data over a single wire broad-
cast network. The wire colors used for the PCI data bus
circuits are yellow with a violet tracer, or violet with a
yellow tracer, depending upon the application. The PCI
data bus messages are carried over the bus in the form
of Variable Pulse Width Modulated (VPWM) signals.
The PCI data bus speed is an average 10.4 Kilo-bits per
second (Kbps). By comparison, the prior two-wire
Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus system is
designed to run at 7.8125 Kbps.
The voltage network used to transmit messages
requires biasing and termination. Each module on
the PCI data bus system provides its own biasing
and termination. Each module (also referred to as a
node) terminates the bus through a terminating
resistor and a terminating capacitor. There are two
types of nodes on the bus. The dominant node termi-
nates the bus througha1KWresistor and a 3300 pF
capacitor. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is
the only dominant node for the PCI data bus system.
A standard node terminates the bus through an 11
KW resistor and a 330 pF capacitor.
The modules bias the bus when transmitting a
message. The PCI bus uses low and high voltage lev-
els to generate signals. Low voltage is around zero
volts and the high voltage is about seven and one-
half volts. The low and high voltage levels are gener-
ated by means of variable-pulse width modulation to
form signals of varying length. The Variable Pulse
Width Modulation (VPWM) used in PCI bus messag-
ing is a method in which both the state of the bus
and the width of the pulse are used to encode bit
information. A9zero9bit is defined as a short low
pulse or a long high pulse. A9one9bit is defined as a
long low pulse or a short high pulse. A low (passive)
state on the bus does not necessarily mean a zero bit.
It also depends upon pulse width. If the width isshort, it stands for a zero bit. If the width is long, it
stands for a one bit. Similarly, a high (active) state
does not necessarily mean a one bit. This too depends
upon pulse width. If the width is short, it stands for
a one bit. If the width is long, it stands for a zero bit.
In the case where there are successive zero or one
data bits, both the state of the bus and the width of
the pulse are changed alternately. This encoding
scheme is used for two reasons. First, this ensures
that only one symbol per transition and one transi-
tion per symbol exists. On each transition, every
transmitting module must decode the symbol on the
bus and begin timing of the next symbol. Since tim-
ing of the next symbol begins with the last transition
detected on the bus, all of the modules are re-syn-
chronized with each symbol. This ensures that there
are no accumulated timing errors during PCI data
bus communication.
The second reason for this encoding scheme is to
guarantee that the zero bit is the dominant bit on
the bus. When two modules are transmitting simul-
taneously on the bus, there must be some form of
arbitration to determine which module will gain con-
trol. A data collision occurs when two modules are
transmitting different messages at the same time.
When a module is transmitting on the bus, it is read-
ing the bus at the same time to ensure message
integrity. When a collision is detected, the module
that transmitted the one bit stops sending messages
over the bus until the bus becomes idle.
Each module is capable of transmitting and receiv-
ing data simultaneously. The typical PCI bus mes-
sage has the following four components:
²Message Header- One to three bytes in length.
The header contains information identifying the mes-
sage type and length, message priority, target mod-
ule(s) and sending module.
²Data Byte(s)- This is the actual message that
is being sent.
²Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Byte- This
byte is used to detect errors during a message trans-
mission.
²In-Frame Response (IFR) byte(s)-Ifa
response is required from the target module(s), it can
be sent during this frame. This function is described
in greater detail in the following paragraph.
The IFR consists of one or more bytes, which are
transmitted during a message. If the sending module
requires information to be received immediately, the
target module(s) can send data over the bus during
the original message. This allows the sending module
to receive time-critical information without having to
wait for the target module to access the bus. After
the IFR is received, the sending module broadcasts
an End of Frame (EOF) message and releases control
of the bus.
8E - 2 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
COMMUNICATION (Continued)

²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²EATX module (if equipped)
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Fuel level (through J1850 circuitry)
²Generator (battery voltage) output
²Ignition circuit sense (ignition switch in on/off/
crank/run position)
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Knock sensors (2 on 3.7L engine)
²Leak detection pump (switch) sense (if equipped)
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Oil pressure
²Oxygen sensors
²Park/neutral switch (auto. trans. only)
²Power ground
²Power steering pressure switch (if equipped)
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Speed control multiplexed single wire input
²Throttle position sensor
²Transfer case switch (4WD range position)
²Vehicle speed signal
NOTE: PCM Outputs:
²A/C clutch relay
²Auto shutdown (ASD) relay
²J1850 bus (+/-) circuits for: speedometer, voltme-
ter, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge/lamp, engine temp.
gauge and speed control warn. lamp
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²EGR valve control solenoid (if equipped)
²EVAP canister purge solenoid
²Five volt sensor supply (primary)
²Five volt sensor supply (secondary)
²Fuel injectors
²Fuel pump relay
²Generator field driver (-)
²Generator field driver (+)
²Idle air control (IAC) motor
²Ignition coil(s)
²Leak detection pump (if equipped)
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp).
Driven through J1850 circuits.²Oxygen sensor heater relays
²Oxygen sensors (pulse width modulated)
²Radiator cooling fan relay (pulse width modu-
lated)
²Speed control vacuum solenoid
²Speed control vent solenoid
²Tachometer (if equipped). Driven through J1850
circuits.
²Transmission convertor clutch circuit. Driven
through J1850 circuits.
OPERATION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Primary 5±volt supply:
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor.
²supplies a reference voltage for the Manifold
Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor.
²supplies a reference voltage for the Throttle
Position Sensor (TPS) sensor.
Secondary 5±volt supply:
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
oil pressure sensor.
²supplies the required 5 volt power source for the
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) (if equipped).
²supplies the 5 volt power source to the transmis-
sion pressure sensor (certain automatic transmis-
sions).
OPERATION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
The ignition circuit sense input tells the PCM the
ignition switch has energized the ignition circuit.
Battery voltage is also supplied to the PCM
through the ignition switch when the ignition is in
the RUN or START position. This is referred to as
the9ignition sense9circuit and is used to9wake up9
the PCM. Voltage on the ignition input can be as low
as 6 volts and the PCM will still function. Voltage is
supplied to this circuit to power the PCM's 8-volt reg-
ulator and to allow the PCM to perform fuel, ignition
and emissions control functions.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 11
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) (Fig. 8)
is a microprocessor-based assembly, controlling the
4X4 transfer case shift functions via the actuation of
a shift motor and utilizing the feedback of a mode
sensor assembly. Communication is via the PCI serial
bus. Inputs include user selectable 4X4 modes that
include 2WD, AWD, 4HI, 4LO, and Neutral. The logic
and driver circuitry is contained in a molded plastic
housing with an embedded heat-sink and is located
behind the left side of the lower instrument panel.
OPERATION
The Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) utilizes
the input from the transfer case mounted mode sen-
sor, the instrument panel mounted selector switch,
and the following information from the vehicle's PCI
serial bus to determine if a shift is allowed.
²Engine RPM and Vehicle Speed
²Diagnostic Requests
²Manual Transmission and Brake Applied
²PRNDL
²Ignition Status
²ABS Messages
Once the TCCM determines that a requested shift
is allowed, it actuates the bi-directional shift motor
as necessary to achieve the desired transfer case
operating mode. The TCCM also monitors the mode
sensor while controlling the shift motor to determine
the status of the shift attempt.Several items can cause the requested shift not to
be completed. If the TCCM has recognized a fault
(DTC) of some variety, it will begin operation in one
of four Functionality Levels. These levels are:
²Level Zero- Normal Operation.
²Level One- Only Mode Shifts Are Allowed.
²Level Two- Only Mode Shifts and Shifts Into
LOW Are Allowed (No Neutral Shifts Are Allowed).
²Level Three- No Shifts Are Allowed
The TCCM can also be operating in one of three
possible power modes. These power modes are:
²Full Power Modeis the normal operational
mode of the module. This mode is achieved by normal
PCI bus traffic being present and the ignition being
in the RUN position.
²Reduced Power Modewill be entered when
the ignition has been powered off. In this state, the
module will shut down power supplied to external
devices, and to electronic interface inputs and out-
puts. From this state the module can enter either
Sleep Mode or Full Power Mode. To enter this mode,
the module must receive an ignition message denot-
ing that the ignition is off, or not receive any mes-
sages for 5  0.5 seconds. To exit this mode, the
module must receive one ignition message that
denotes that the ignition is in the RUN position.
²Sleep Modewill be entered, from the Reduced
Power Mode, when no PCI traffic has been sensed for
20  1 seconds. If during Sleep Mode the module
detects PCI bus traffic, it will revert to the Reduced
Power mode while monitoring for ignition messages.
It will remain in this state as long as there is traffic
other than run or start messages, and will return to
Sleep mode if the bus goes without traffic for 20  1
seconds.
SHIFT REQUIREMENTS
If the TCCM is in full power mode and at function-
ality level zero, it uses the following criteria to deter-
mine if a shift is allowed.
If any of the driver controllable conditions are not
met once the shift request is recognized, the TCCM
will solidly illuminate the source position's LED and
flash the desired position's LED for all shifts except
NEUTRAL. The NEUTRAL shift LED strategy will
be discussed later.
Mode shiftswill be allowed regardless of trans-
mission gear or vehicle speed, whenever the following
conditions are met:
²Front and rear wheel speed are within 21 km/hr
(13 mph).
²A change in the Selector switch state indicates
that a mode shift has been requested.
²A valid mode sensor signal is being sensed by
the TCCM.
Fig. 8 Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)
Location
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE (TCCM)
3 - TRANSFER CASE SELECTOR SWITCH
8E - 16 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR

²Proper transmit/receive messages are occurring
on the PCI bus.
²Ignition key switch is in the RUN position.
Range shiftswill be allowed only if all of the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
²Front and rear wheel speed are within 21 km/hr
(13 mph).
²A change in the Selector Switch state indicating
a range shift has been requested.
²Transmission in NEUTRAL signal must be rec-
ognized for at least 1.5 seconds  100 msec. (Auto-
matic transmissions only)
²Proper transmit/receive messages are occurring
on the PCI bus.
²Clutch signal is recognized for 500 msec   50
msec (Manual transmissions only).
²Vehicle speed is less than or equal to 4.8 km/hr
(3 miles per hour).
²Ignition key switch is in the RUN position.
²A valid mode sensor signal is being sensed by
the TCCM.
Ashift into transfer case Neutralwill be
allowed only if all of the following conditions are met:
²Front and rear wheel speed are within 21 km/hr
(13 mph).
²The recessed Neutral Selection switch has been
depressed continuously for 4.0 seconds  100 msec
while all shift conditions have been continuously met.
²Transmission in NEUTRAL signal recognized
from the bus. (Automatic transmissions only)
²Clutch signal is recognized from the bus (Man-
ual transmissions only).
²Proper message transmissions/receptions are
occurring on the PCI bus.
²Vehicle speed is less than or equal to 4.8 km/hr
(3 miles per hour).
²Ignition key switch is in the RUN position,
engine off.
²Foot Brake is applied.
²A valid mode sensor signal is being sensed by
the TCCM.
Ashift out of transfer case Neutralwill be
allowed only if all of the following conditions are met:
²Front and rear wheel speed are within 21 km/hr
(13 mph).
²The recessed Neutral Selection switch has been
depressed continuously for 1.0 seconds  100 msec
while all shift conditions have been continuously met.
²Transmission in NEUTRAL signal recognized
from the bus.(Automatic transmissions only)
²Clutch signal is recognized from the bus (Man-
ual transmissions only).
²Proper message transmissions/receptions are
occurring on the PCI bus.
²Vehicle speed is less than or equal to 4.8 km/hr
(3 miles per hour).²Ignition key switch is in the RUN position.
²Foot Brake is applied.
²A valid mode sensor signal is being sensed by
the TCCM.
SHIFT SEQUENCES
Once all the driver controllable conditions for the
requested shift have been met, the TCCM begins a
shift timer with a maximum duration of 1 second per
'D' channel transition. If the shift timer expires
before the TCCM recognizes to correct mode sensor
code, the shift is considered to have been blocked.
The blocked shift will increment the blocked shift
counter by one. The TCCM strategy for handling
blocked shifts will be described later. The process the
TCCM performs for the various shifts will be
described first.
RANGE AND MODE SHIFTS
The process for performing all the range and mode
shifts are the same. The following steps describe the
process.
²Allow time for Selector Switch debounce; 250
msec  50 msec.
²Extinguish the source gear's LED while flashing
desired transfer case position's LED.
²Engage the shift motor for a maximum of 1 sec-
ond  100 msec per 'D' channel transition in the des-
tination gear's direction while monitoring the mode
sensor channel transitions.
²Disengage the shift motor when the correct
mode sensor code is recognized.
²Solidly illuminate the selected gear's LED.
²Transmit a bus message that the transfer case
shift is complete.
²If the desired mode sensor code is not received
after the shift timer expires (ie. a blocked or other
condition exists), stop driving the motor and wait for
200 msec  50 msec. The shift motor is then reversed
in the direction back toward the source gear for up to
1.0 seconds  100 msec. per 'D' channel. The TCCM
waits for 2.0 seconds  50 msec. and repeats the
attempt to shift to the desired position.
The exception to the preceding sequence is when a
shift from 4L to 2WD/AWD is requested. If 2WD/
AWD is requested from the 4L position, the transfer
case is first driven to the 4H position. If the 4H posi-
tion is reached, the transfer case is then driven back
to the 2WD/AWD position and the shift is considered
complete. If the transfer case does not reach any the
4H position, but is in the 2WD/AWD 'D' channel, or
the 2WD/AWD between gear position on the 4H side
of 2WD/AWD, the shift is also considered complete.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 17
TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL
The following steps describe the process for a shift
out of NEUTRAL.
²Extinguish the Neutral LED.
²Engage the shift motor for a maximum of 1 sec-
ond  100 msec toward the transfer case 4H mode
position while monitoring the mode sensor channel
transitions.
²Disengage the shift motor when the correct
mode sensor code is recognized.
²Extinguish the Neutral LED.
²Transmit a bus message that the transfer case
shift is complete.
²If the desired mode sensor code is not received
after the shift timer expires (ie. a blocked or other
condition exists), stop driving the motor and wait for
200 msec  50 msec. The shift motor is then reversed
in the direction back toward the source gear for up to
1.0 seconds 100 msec. The TCCM waits for 2.0 sec-
onds  50 msec. and repeats the attempt to shift to
the desired position.
²When the Neutral button is released, if the 4H
position is the desired position, the shift is complete.
Illuminate the 4H LED.
²Otherwise when the Neutral button is released,
if all of the shift requirements are being met then
engage the shift motor towards the desired position
for 1 second  100 msec per 'D' channel. (if require-
ments for shifting are not met, illuminate the 4H
LED and flash the destination LED as an indication
to the driver that all of the driver controllable shift
conditions are not being met). If this requires
another range or mode shift, begin the range/mode
shift process.
²If the desired mode sensor code is not received
after the shift timer expires (i.e. a blocked or other
condition exists), refer to the section on Blocked Shift
Strategy.
BLOCKED SHIFT STRATEGY
When a shift is commanded, the shift motor will be
driven towards its destination position, except in the
case of shifting out of Neutral if 4L was selected (the
transfer case will shift to the 4H position first, before
proceeding to 4L). If the shift is blocked on the way
to the destination, the TCCM may attempt to drivethe motor back to the original position. This process
will be allowed to occur 5 times. If the transfer case
has reached a non-NEUTRAL 'D' channel during the
shift re-attempts, the LED for the achieved gear posi-
tion is illuminated and the shift attempts are
stopped. To re-attempt the desired shift, the selector
switch will need to be rotated to the current position
until the switch debounce timer expires then a shift
will need to be requested again.
At the end of the 5th blocked attempt, the shift
motor is driven towards the last known 'D' channel
position. If this motor drive allows the transfer case
to reach the 2WD/AWD 'D' channel, or the 2WD/AWD
between gear position on the 4H side of 2WD/AWD,
the shift is considered complete and the shift
attempts are ended.
If the mode sensor is in the NEUTRAL region at
the expiration of the shift timer, the TCCM will con-
tinue to make the shift attempts according to the
blocked shift strategy independent of whether or not
the driver controlled conditions are met.
For shifts from NEUTRAL, if all 5 attempts fail to
reach the desired position (which by default is 4H),
the motor will be driven to stall in the direction of
4H or 4L, depending on the achieved position. If the
transfer case has reached the 2WD/AWD or 4L
between gear position nearest the NEUTRAL posi-
tions and the shift conditions are no longer being
met, the transfer case will be driven toward the cor-
responding 'D' channel. Otherwise, the transfer case
will be driven in the direction opposite the last
attempt with the desired target being 4H or 4L.
If the transfer case reaches the 2WD/AWD 'D'
channel when being driven in the 4H direction, then
one final 1.0 second drive toward 4H is attempted. If
the transfer case then reaches any of the 4H posi-
tions, the shift is considered complete and the 4H
LED is illuminated. If the transfer case is still the
2WD/AWD position, the shift is considered complete
and the 2WD/AWD LED is illuminated.
NOTE: If after the 5th blocked shift and reversal
attempt, if the transfer case position is in the NEU-
TRAL region, shift attempts will continue until a
non-NEUTRAL 'D' channel is reached.
8E - 18 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

SHIFT REVERSAL TARGETS
If the shift timer expires (1 second per 'D' channel)
and the transfer case has not reached the desired
position, all shifts will attempt to return to their
original position with the exceptions of:
²If the intended shift is going to the High rail
from Low and can't make it, but it can make the
2WD/AWD position, the motor stops at that position.
The TCCM will not attempt to cross back over NEU-
TRAL if it does not have to. This means that there
was a block on the first attempt to go to 4H and the
transfer case has made it through NEUTRAL to a
known good position, then the motor will go back
only to the 2WD/4WD position and execute the
remainder of the attempts from there.
²For shifts out of NEUTRAL, any time a shift is
commanded out of NEUTRAL, the system needs to
get out. The TCCM should never go to NEUTRAL
unless the driver is commanding it and all required
conditions are being met
ENCODER DRIFT CORRECTION
Whenever a shift is completed, the TCCM stores
the position in memory as the transfer case's
intended position. The TCCM continuously monitors
the mode sensor and if the mode sensor drifts toward
into a NEUTRAL region sensor position for 2.0 sec-
onds, the TCCM will perform a motor drive to correct
the drift. The transfer case will be driven toward the
intended position for 1.0 seconds 100 msec. The
TCCM will wait for 2.0 seconds  50 msec. and repeat
the attempt to shift to the desired position. This will
continue until the intended position is reached.
SHIFT MOTOR BRAKING
Two modes of shift motor braking are employed to
improve shift performance, static and dynamic. Static
shift motor braking is utilized under the following
conditions:
²Whenever the transfer case is in the 2WD/AWD
or 4L 'D' channel position.²Whenever an invalid mode sensor code is
present.
Static motor braking is achieved by applying +12V
on both shift motor wires.
NOTE: Static Shift Motor Braking is independent of
ignition key position.
SHIFT ATTEMPT LIMIT
To protect the transfer case system, the TCCM will
impose a limit on the number of shifts that can occur
over a calibrated time period. The system will moni-
tor the number of 'D' channel segment transitions
that occur in any 30 second time period. If the num-
ber of segment transitions is 30 or greater, the sys-
tem will go into a default mode. The default mode of
operation for shifting is that the number of allowed
'D' channel transitions permitted to occur will be 3
over each 15 second  100 msec calibrated window of
time. After 5 minutes  100 msec, the motor can be
assumed to have cooled down and the system will
revert to normal operation. The following rules also
apply to the shift limit:
²The attempt limit will not prevent shifts coming
out of NEUTRAL, they will be allowed regardless of
the counter/timer.
²Any shift that is in progress when the counter
reaches a maximum count in time will be allowed to
complete before the default mode is entered. D-chan-
nel transitions during this period will not be counted
towards the default mode limit.
²A block, regardless of the direction, whether
towards destination or back towards reversal target
(shift timer expiring), will count as a value of 2 tran-
sitions towards the 30 segment transitions to go into
default mode as defined above. Current attempt limit
values are 30 transitions in 30 seconds and default
mode values are 3 transitions every 15 seconds for 5
minutes.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 19
TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
THE BATTERY SEEMS
WEAK OR DEAD WHEN
ATTEMPTING TO START
THE ENGINE.1. The electrical system
ignition-off draw is excessive.1. Refer to the IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST
Standard Procedure for the proper test
procedures. Repair the excessive ignition-off
draw, as required.
2. The charging system is
faulty.2. Determine if the charging system is performing
to specifications. Refer to Charging System for
additional charging system diagnosis and testing
procedures. Repair the faulty charging system, as
required.
3. The battery is discharged. 3. Determine the battery state-of-charge using the
Micro 420 battery tester. Refer to the Standard
Procedures in this section for additional test
procedures. Charge the faulty battery, as
required.
4. The battery terminal
connections are loose or
corroded.4. Refer to Battery Cables for the proper battery
cable diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean
and tighten the battery terminal connections, as
required.
5. The battery has an
incorrect size or rating for
this vehicle.5. Refer to Battery System Specifications for the
proper size and rating. Replace an incorrect
battery, as required.
6. The battery is faulty. 6. Determine the battery cranking capacity using
the Micro 420 battery tester. Refer to the
Standard Procedures in this section for additional
test procedures. Replace the faulty battery, as
required.
7. The starting system is
faulty.7. Determine if the starting system is performing
to specifications. Refer to Starting System for the
proper starting system diagnosis and testing
procedures. Repair the faulty starting system, as
required.
8. The battery is physically
damaged.8. Inspect the battery for loose terminal posts or a
cracked and leaking case. Replace the damaged
battery, as required.
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 3
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

CLEANING
The following information details the recommended
cleaning procedures for the battery and related com-
ponents. In addition to the maintenance schedules
found in this service manual and the owner's man-
ual, it is recommended that these procedures be per-
formed any time the battery or related components
must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all
corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush
or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution (Fig. 1).
(2) Clean the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion
using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any
exposed bare metal.
(3) If the removed battery is to be reinstalled,
clean the outside of the battery case and the top
cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle
parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film (Fig. 2).
Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the
cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells
through the vent holes. If the battery is being
replaced, refer to Battery System Specifications for
the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm
that the replacement battery is the correct size and
has the correct ratings for the vehicle.(4) Clean the battery thermal guard with a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution using a stiff 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 thermal guard off of the battery case
(if equipped). Inspect the battery case for cracks or
other damage that could result in electrolyte leaks.
Also, check the battery terminal posts for looseness.
Batteries with damaged cases or loose terminal posts
must be replaced.
Fig. 1 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 2 Clean Battery - Typical
1 - CLEANING BRUSH
2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
3 - BATTERY
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 5
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery
(Fig. 4) is standard factory-installed equipment on
this model. Models equipped with a diesel engine
must utilize two 12-volt batteries connected in paral-
lel. Male post type terminals made of a soft lead
material protrude from the top of the molded plastic
battery case to provide the means for connecting the
battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery
positive terminal post is physically larger in diameter
than the negative terminal post to ensure proper bat-
tery connection. The lettersPOSandNEGare also
molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to
their respective positive and negative terminal posts
for identification confirmation. Refer to Battery
Cables for more information on the battery cables
that connect the battery to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem.
The battery is made up of six individual cells that
are connected in series. Each cell contains positively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the positive terminal post, and negatively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the negative terminal post. Each plate con-
sists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with
lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative
plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-
conductive material are inserted between the positive
and negative plates to prevent them from contacting
or shorting against one another. These dissimilar
metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and
water solution called an electrolyte.
The factory-installed battery has a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
built-in indicator test procedures.The factory-in-
stalled low-maintenance battery has non-re-
movable battery cell caps.Water cannot be added
to this battery. The battery is not sealed and has
vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical composition
of the metal coated plates within the low-mainte-
nance battery reduces battery gassing and water
loss, at normal charge and discharge rates. There-
fore, the battery should not require additional water
in normal service. Rapid loss of electrolyte can be
caused by an overcharging condition.
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
Fig. 4 Low-Maintenance Battery - Typical
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - TEST INDICATOR (IF EQUIPPED)
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - GREEN BALL
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is
designed to help the dealership technician diagnose
the cause of a defective battery. Follow the instruc-
tion manual supplied with the tester to properly
diagnose a battery. 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 load tested
to determine its cranking capacity. A battery that is
fully-charged, but does not pass the load test, is
faulty and must be replaced. Always test battery
using the Micro 420 battery tester before attempting
to replace a battery under the manufactures war-
ranty provisions.
NOTE: Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. Refer to Standard
Procedures for the proper battery charging proce-
dures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BATTERY
CHARGING
Battery charging can be performed fast or slow, in
terms of time.Slowbattery charging is the best
means of restoring a battery to full potential. Fast
battery charging should only be performed when
absolutely necessary due to time restraints. A battery
is fully-charged when:²All of the battery cells are gassing freely during
battery charging.
²A green color is visible in the sight glass of the
battery built-in test indicator.
²Three hydrometer tests, taken at one-hour inter-
vals, indicate no increase in the temperature-cor-
rected specific gravity of the battery electrolyte.
²Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.65 volts
or above.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED TWENTY AMPERES
WHEN CHARGING A COLD (-1É C [30É F] OR
LOWER) BATTERY. THE BATTERY MAY ARC INTER-
NALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR
VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
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.
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.
NOTE: Models equipped with the diesel engine are
equipped with two 12-volt batteries, connected in
parallel (positive-to-positive and negative-to-nega-
tive). In order to ensure proper charging of each
battery, these batteries MUST be disconnected from
each other, as well as from the vehicle electrical
system while being charged.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity-
sensing circuitry. This circuitry protects the battery
charger and the battery from being damaged if they
are improperly 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 current. See the instructions provided by
the manufacturer of the battery charger for details
on how to bypass the polarity-sensing circuitry.
8F - 8 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY (Continued)