service DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

rosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the
battery cable connection and the battery cable again
to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.EXAM-
PLE:When testing the resistance of the battery pos-
itive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery
positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid
B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive
terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet
terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud,
you are reading the combined voltage drop in the
battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal
post connection and the battery positive cable.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
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.
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.
WARNING: MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE DIESEL
ENGINE OPTION ALSO HAVE AN AUTOMATIC
SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY LOCATED IN THE
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC), IN THE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HOWEVER, REMOVAL OFTHE ASD RELAY MAY NOT PREVENT THE DIESEL
ENGINE FROM STARTING. BE CERTAIN TO ALSO
DISCONNECT THE FUEL SHUTDOWN SOLENOID
WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR ON MODELS WITH A
DIESEL ENGINE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²The battery is fully-charged and load tested.
Refer toBattery Chargingin the index of this ser-
vice manual for the location of the proper battery
charging procedures. Refer toBatteryin the index of
this service manual for the location of the battery
diagnosis and testing procedures, including the
proper battery load test procedures.
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the
Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a man-
ual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in
the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the
fully depressed position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC), in the engine compartment. See the fuse
and relay layout label affixed to the underside of the
PDC cover for ASD relay identification and location.
To prevent a diesel engine from starting, disconnect
the fuel shutdown solenoid wire harness connector
(Fig. 21).
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable terminal clamp (Fig. 22). Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor con-
nection between the battery negative cable terminal
clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual battery
system, Step 1 must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
terminal clamp (Fig. 23). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor connection
between the battery positive cable terminal clamp
and the battery positive terminal post.
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 21
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

(4) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and a good
clean ground on the engine block (Fig. 25). Rotate
and hold the ignition switch in the Start position.
Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2
volt, clean and tighten the battery negative cable
eyelet terminal connection to the engine block.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery negative cable.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual battery
system, Step 4 must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
POSITIVE CABLE REMOVAL - GASOLINE
Both the battery negative cable and the battery
positive cable are serviced in the battery wire har-
ness. If either battery cable is damaged or faulty, the
battery wire harness assembly must be replaced.
(1) Remove the positive battery cable from the bat-
tery.
(2) Remove the cover from the PDC.
(3) Remove the positive battery cable from the
PDC.
(4) Disconnect the starter motor signal wire har-
ness connector, located on the PDC housing.
(5) Disengage wire harness assembly pushpin
retainers.
(6) From under the vehicle, disengage wire har-
ness assembly pushpin retainers.
(7) Remove the positive battery cable from the
starter motor B+ terminal stud.
(8) Remove the starter motor trigger wire from the
starter motor.
(9) Remove the positive cable wire harness assem-
bly from the vehicle.
NEGATIVE CABLE REMOVAL - GASOLINE
Both the battery negative cable and the battery
positive cable are serviced in the battery wire har-
ness. If either battery cable is damaged or faulty, the
battery wire harness unit must be replaced.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Loosen the battery negative cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp from the battery negative terminal post. If
necessary, use a battery terminal puller to remove
the terminal clamp from the battery post.
(4) Remove the negative cable jumper from the left
side of the radiator closure panel.
(5) Remove the negative cable jumper from the left
side of the frame assembly.
(6) Remove the PDC cover and remove the gener-
ator output wire from the PDC.
(7) Following the wire, remove the pushpin retain-
ers holding the wire assembly in place.
(8) Remove the negative cable eyelet from the
power steering pump pivot bolt.
(9) Remove the generator output wire from the
generator.
(10) Remove the negative battery cable assembly,
by fishing out from under the compressor mounting
bracket, if equipped.
POSITIVE CABLE INSTALLATION - GASOLINE
(1) Position the battery wire harness into the
engine compartment.
(2) Install the positive battery cable on the battery.
(3) Install the positive battery cable on the PDC.
(4) Install the cover on the PDC.
(5) Connect the starter motor signal wire harness
connector, located on the PDC housing.
(6) Install wire harness assembly pushpin retain-
ers in their original position.
(7) From under the vehicle, install wire harness
assembly pushpin retainers.
(8) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery positive cable eyelet terminal to the B(+) ter-
minal stud on the starter solenoid. Tighten the nut to
10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(9) Connect the starter motor trigger wire on the
starter motor.
(10) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.).
(11) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or
chassis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery
cable terminal clamps and the battery terminal
posts.
Fig. 25 Test Ground Circuit
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 23
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

NEGATIVE CABLE INSTALLATION - GASOLINE
(1) Position the battery wire harness into the
engine compartment and under the compressor
mounting bracket, if equipped.
(2) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery negative cable ground eyelet terminal to the
stud on the power steering pump pivot bolt.
(3) Install the generator output cable eyelet termi-
nal onto the generator output terminal stud.
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
generator output cable eyelet terminal to the genera-
tor output terminal stud. Tighten the nut to 8.4 N´m
(75 in. lbs.).
(5) Position the cover for the generator output ter-
minal stud housing onto the back of the generator
and snap it into place.
(6) Secure wire assembly in place with pushpin
retainers in there original positions.
(7) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
battery negative cable eyelet terminal to the radiator
closure panel, near the battery. Tighten the screw to
40 in. lbs.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
battery negative cable eyelet terminal to the left
front side of the frame assembly. Tighten the screw
to 80 in. lbs.
(9) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery positive cable eyelet terminal and the gener-
ator output cable eyelet terminal to the PDC B(+)
terminal stud. Tighten the nut to 80 in. lbs.
(10) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 35 in. lbs.
(11)
Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or chassis
grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery cable ter-
minal clamps and the battery terminal posts.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is mounted in a molded plastic tray (Fig.
26) with an integral support located in the left front cor-
ner of the engine compartment. A U-nut held in a
molded formation on each side of the battery tray pro-
vides anchor points for the battery hold down bolts. The
battery tray is secured on the outboard side to the inner
fender shield by two hex screws with washers, and from
underneath the integral battery tray support is secured
to the left front wheelhouse inner panel by two stud
plates. Each stud plate has two studs and is secured by
two nuts with washers. The stud plate that secures the
front of the battery tray support to the wheelhouse innerpanel is installed through the wheelhouse panel from
the top. The stud plate that secures the rear of the bat-
tery tray support to the wheelhouse inner panel is
installed through the wheelhouse panel from the bottom.
A hole in the bottom of the battery tray is fitted
with a battery temperature sensor. Refer toBattery
Temperature Sensorin the index of this service
manual for the location of more information on the
battery temperature sensor. Models that are
equipped with an optional vehicle speed control sys-
tem have the speed control servo secured to the inte-
gral battery tray support. Refer toSpeed Control
Servoin the index of this service manual for the
location of more information on the speed control
servo and its mounting.
Models that are equipped with the diesel engine
option have a second battery tray located in the right
front corner of the engine compartment. This second
battery tray and its mounting are mirror image of
the standard equipment left battery tray. However,
the right battery tray and support have no provisions
for a battery temperature sensor or a speed control
servo mounting bracket.
Fig. 26 Battery Tray - Typical
1 - STUD PLATE (2)
2 - NUT AND WASHER (4)
3 - FRONT WHEELHOUSE INNER PANEL
4 - SPEED CONTROL SERVO
5 - TRAY
6 - SCREW AND WASHER (2)
7 - BATTERY TREMPERATURE SENSOR
8 - U-NUT (2)
9 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
8F - 24 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

OPERATION
The battery tray provides a secure mounting loca-
tion and supports the battery. On some vehicles, the
battery tray also provides the anchor point/s for the
battery holddown hardware. The battery tray and
the battery holddown hardware combine to secure
and stabilize the battery in the engine compartment,
which prevents battery movement during vehicle
operation. Unrestrained battery movement during
vehicle operation could result in damage to the vehi-
cle, the battery, or both.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
Refer toBatteryin this group for the location of the
proper battery removal procedure.
(2) If the left battery tray is being removed,
remove the battery temperature sensor from the left
battery tray. Refer toBattery Temperature Sensor
in the index of this service manual for the location of
the proper battery temperature sensor removal pro-
cedures.
(3) Remove the two screws with washers that
secure the outboard side of the battery tray to the
inner fender shield (Fig. 27).(4) From the engine compartment, remove the two
nuts with washers that secure the rear of the battery
tray support to the two studs that extend through
the top of the front wheelhouse inner panel.
(5) From inside the front fender wheelhouse,
remove the two nuts with washers that secure the
front of the battery tray support to the two studs
that extend through the underside of the front wheel-
house inner panel.
(6) From inside the front fender wheelhouse,
remove the stud plate that secures the rear of the
battery tray support from the underside of the front
wheelhouse inner panel.
(7) From the engine compartment, remove the bat-
tery tray and the stud plate that secures the front of
the battery tray support from the front wheelhouse
inner panel as a unit.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
vehicle speed control package, the speed control servo
must be removed from the left battery tray support
to complete battery tray removal. Refer toSpeed
Control Servoin the index of this service manual
for the location of the proper speed control servo
removal procedures.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery tray. Refer to
Battery Systemin this group for the location of the
proper battery tray cleaning and inspection proce-
dures.
(2) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
vehicle speed control package, the speed control servo
must be installed onto the left battery tray support
to complete battery tray installation. Refer toSpeed
Control Servoin the index of this service manual
for the location of the proper speed control servo
installation procedures.
(3) Install the stud plate onto the front of the bat-
tery tray support.
(4) From the engine compartment, position the
battery tray and the stud plate that secures the front
of the battery tray support onto the front wheelhouse
inner panel as a unit.
(5) From inside the front fender wheelhouse,
loosely install the two nuts with washers that secure
the front of the battery tray support to the two studs
that extend through the underside of the front wheel-
house inner panel.
(6) From inside the front fender wheelhouse, posi-
tion the stud plate that secures the rear of the bat-
tery tray support onto the underside of the front
wheelhouse inner panel.
(7) From the engine compartment, loosely install
the two nuts with washers that secure the rear of the
battery tray support to the two studs that extend
through the top of the front wheelhouse inner panel.
Fig. 27 Left Battery Tray Remove/Install - Typical for
Right Battery Tray
1 - STUD PLATE (2)
2 - NUT AND WASHER (4)
3 - FRONT WHEELHOUSE INNER PANEL
4 - SPEED CONTROL SERVO
5 - TRAY
6 - SCREW AND WASHER (2)
7 - BATTERY TREMPERATURE SENSOR
8 - U-NUT (2)
9 - FENDER INNER SHIELD
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 25
BATTERY TRAY (Continued)

(8) Install and tighten the two screws with wash-
ers that secure the outboard side of the battery tray
to the inner fender shield. Tighten the screws to 15.8
N´m (140 in. lbs.).
(9) Final tighten the four nuts with washers that
secure the battery tray support to the stud plates on
the front wheelhouse inner panel. Tighten the nuts
to 15.8 N´m (140 in. lbs.).(10) If the left battery tray is being installed,
install the battery temperature sensor onto the left
battery tray. Refer toBattery Temperature Sensor
in the index of this service manual for the location of
the proper battery temperature sensor installation
procedures.
(11) Install the battery onto the battery tray. Refer
toBatteryin this group for the location of the
proper battery installation procedures.
8F - 26 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY TRAY (Continued)

INSPECTION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) system. Some charging system circuits are
checked continuously, and some are checked only
under certain conditions.
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain
Control Module; Electronic Control Modules for more
DTC information. This will include a complete list of
DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.
To perform a complete test of the charging system,
refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual and the DRBtscan tool. Per-
form the following inspections before attaching the
scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to 8, Bat-
tery for procedures.(2) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(3) Inspect all fuses in both the fuseblock and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in
receptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
torque specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in 7, Cooling System.
(6) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to 7, Cooling System for information.
(7) Inspect generator electrical connections at gen-
erator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if
equipped). Also check generator ground wire connec-
tion at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean
and tight. Repair as required.
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS
TYPE PART NUMBERRATED SAE
AMPSENGINESMINIMUM TEST
AMPS
DENSO 56028920AB 1363.9L/5.2L/5.9L
GAS100
DENSO 56029913AA 1173.9L/5.2L/5.9L
GAS90
BOSCH 56028237AB 1173.9L/5.2L/5.9L
GAS90
BOSCH 56028238AB 1363.9L/5.2L/5.9L
GAS100
DENSO 56027221AD 1365.9L
DIESEL120
BOSCH 56028239AB 1365.9L
DIESEL120
BOSCH 56028560AA 136 8.0L 100
DENSO 56028920AC 136 8.0L 100
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE - GENERATOR/CHARGING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator Mounting BoltsÐGas Engine 41 30
Generator Upper Mounting BoltÐDiesel Engine 54 40
Generator Pivot Bolt/NutÐDiesel Engine 54 40
Generator Mounting Bracket-to-Engine BoltÐDiesel Engine 24 18
Generator B+ Cable Eyelet Nut 12 9 108
8F - 28 CHARGINGBR/BE
CHARGING (Continued)

BATTERY TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is attached
to the battery tray located under the battery.
OPERATION
The BTS is used to determine the battery temper-
ature and control battery charging rate. This temper-
ature data, along with data from monitored line
voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the battery
charging rate. System voltage will be higher at colder
temperatures and is gradually reduced at warmer
temperatures.
The PCM sends 5 volts to the sensor and is
grounded through the sensor return line. As temper-
ature increases, resistance in the sensor decreases
and the detection voltage at the PCM increases.
The BTS is also used for OBD II diagnostics. Cer-
tain faults and OBD II monitors are either enabled
or disabled, depending upon BTS input (for example,
disable purge and enable Leak Detection Pump
(LDP) and O2 sensor heater tests). Most OBD II
monitors are disabled below 20ÉF.
REMOVAL
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery (Fig. 1) and is attached (snapped
into) a mounting hole on battery tray. On models
equipped with a diesel engine (dual batteries), only
one sensor is used. The sensor is located under the
battery on drivers side of vehicle.
(1) Remove battery. Refer to 8, Battery for proce-
dures.
(2) Disconnect sensor pigtail harness from engine
wire harness.
(3) Pry sensor straight up from battery tray
mounting hole.
INSTALLATION
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery (Fig. 1) and is attached (snapped
into) a mounting hole on battery tray. On models
equipped with a diesel engine (dual batteries), only
one sensor is used. The sensor is located under the
battery on drivers side of vehicle.
(1) Feed pigtail harness through mounting hole in
top of battery tray and press sensor into top of tray
(snaps in).
(2) Connect pigtail harness.
(3) Install battery. Refer to 8A, Battery for proce-
dures.
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The Y type stator winding connections deliver the
induced alternating current to 3 positive and 3 neg-
ative diodes for rectification. From the diodes, recti-
fied direct current is delivered to the vehicle
electrical system through the generator battery ter-
minal.
Fig. 1 Battery Temperature Sensor Location
1 - BATT. TEMP. SENSOR
2 - BATTERY HOLD DOWN STRAP
3 - PIGTAIL HARNESS
4 - U-NUT
5 - U-NUT
6 - ELEC. CONNEC.
BR/BECHARGING 8F - 29

CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. The
water pump will be rotating in the wrong direction if
the belt is installed incorrectly, causing the engine
to overheat. Refer to belt routing label in engine
compartment, or refer to Belt Schematics in Group
7, Cooling System.
(4) Install generator drive belt. Refer to 7, Cooling
System for procedure.(5) Install negative battery cable(s) to battery(s).
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) is not a
separate component. It is actually a voltage regulat-
ing circuit located within the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The EVR is not serviced separately. If
replacement is necessary, the PCM must be replaced.
OPERATION
The amount of direct current produced by the gen-
erator is controlled by EVR circuitry contained
within the PCM. This circuitry is connected in series
with the generators second rotor field terminal and
its ground.
Voltage is regulated by cycling the ground path to
control the strength of the rotor magnetic field. The
EVR circuitry monitors system line voltage (B+) and
battery temperature (refer to Battery Temperature
Sensor for more information). It then determines a
target charging voltage. If sensed battery voltage is
0.5 volts or lower than the target voltage, the PCM
grounds the field winding until sensed battery volt-
age is 0.5 volts above target voltage. A circuit in the
PCM cycles the ground side of the generator field up
to 100 times per second (100Hz), but has the capabil-
ity to ground the field control wire 100% of the time
(full field) to achieve the target voltage. If the charg-
ing rate cannot be monitored (limp-in), a duty cycle
of 25% is used by the PCM in order to have some
generator output. Also refer to Charging System
Operation for additional information.
Fig. 4 Remove/Install GeneratorÐDiesel Engine
1 - UPPER MOUNTING BOLT
2 - BRACKET-TO-ENGINE BOLT
3 - LOWER MOUNTING BOLT/NUT
4 - GENERATOR
Fig. 5 Generator ConnectorsÐTypical Bosch
1 - FIELD WIRE CONNECTOR
2 - FIELD WIRES
3 - B+ (OUTPUT TERMINAL)
Fig. 6 Generator ConnectorsÐTypical Denso
1 - FIELD WIRES
2 - B+ (OUTPUT TERMINAL)
3 - FIELD WIRE CONNECTOR
BR/BECHARGING 8F - 31
GENERATOR (Continued)

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor in Removal and Installation.
Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear.
Replace starter ring gear, if required.
2. Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace the starter motor assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter motor
improperly installed.1. Refer to Starter Motor in the Removal and Installation
section of this group. Tighten the starter mounting
hardware to the correct tightness specifications.
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. Refer to Starter Relay in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group. Replace starter relay, if required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch, if required.
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
INSPECTION
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Before removing any unit
from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform
the following inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO 8, PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS, 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 DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
²Battery- Visually inspect battery for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded cable
connections. Determine the state-of-charge and
cranking capacity of battery. Charge or replace bat-
tery, if required. Refer toBatteryin 8, Battery.
Note: If equipped with diesel engine, a dual bat-
tery system is used, and both batteries must be
inspected.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, visually inspect clutch
pedal position switch for indications of physical dam-
age and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Refer toClutch Pedal Position Switchin 6,
Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, visually inspect park/
neutral position switch for indications of physical
damage and loose or corroded wire harness connec-tions. Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin
21, Transmission.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect starter relay
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect starter motor
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect starter sole-
noid for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect wire harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.Note: If equipped
with dual battery system (diesel), tester should
be connected to driver side battery only. Also,
tester current reading must be taken from bat-
tery positive cable lead that connects to starter
motor.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
8F - 34 STARTINGBR/BE
STARTING (Continued)

ENGINE STARTER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The starter motors used for the 5.9L diesel engine
and the 8.0L gasoline engine available in this model
are not interchangeable with each other, or with the
starter motors used for the other available engines.
The starter motors used for the 3.9L, 5.2L and the
5.9L gasoline engines available in this model are
interchangeable.
The starter motor for the 5.9L diesel engine is
mounted with three screws to the flywheel housing
on the left side of the engine. The starter motor for
the 8.0L gasoline engine is mounted with two screws
to the flange on the left rear corner of the engine
block, while the starter motors for all of the other
engines are mounted with one screw, a stud and a
nut to the manual transmission clutch housing or
automatic transmission torque converter housing and
are located on the left side of the engine.
Each of these starter motors incorporates several
of the same features to create a reliable, efficient,
compact, lightweight and powerful unit. The electric
motors of all of these starters have four brushes con-
tacting the motor commutator, and feature four elec-
tromagnetic field coils wound around four pole shoes.
The 3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L and 8.0L gasoline engine starter
motors are rated at 1.4 kilowatts (about 1.9 horse-
power) output at 12 volts, while the 5.9L diesel
engine starter motor is rated at 2.7 kilowatts (about
3.6 horsepower) output at 12 volts.
All of these starter motors are serviced only as a
unit with their starter solenoids, and cannot be
repaired. If either component is faulty or damaged,
the entire starter motor and starter solenoid unit
must be replaced.
OPERATION
These starter motors are equipped with a gear
reduction (intermediate transmission) system. The
gear reduction system consists of a gear that is inte-
gral to the output end of the electric motor armature
shaft that is in continual engagement with a larger
gear that is splined to the input end of the starter
pinion gear shaft. This feature makes it possible to
reduce the dimensions of the starter. At the same
time, it allows higher armature rotational speed and
delivers increased torque through the starter pinion
gear to the starter ring gear.
The starter motors for all engines are activated by
an integral heavy duty starter solenoid switch
mounted to the overrunning clutch housing. This
electromechanical switch connects and disconnects
the feed of battery voltage to the starter motor, also
engaging and disengaging the starter pinion gear
with the starter ring gear.All starter motors use an overrunning clutch and
starter pinion gear unit to engage and drive a starter
ring gear that is integral to the flywheel (manual
transmission), torque converter or torque converter
drive plate (automatic transmission) mounted on the
rear crankshaft flange.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER MOTOR
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed
by performing the following free running bench test.
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle. Refer to Starter Specifications
for starter motor specifications.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter MotorRemoval and Installation.
(2) Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed
bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on
mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on
starter motor by field frame.
(3) Connect suitable volt-ampere tester and 12-volt
battery to starter motor in series, and set ammeter to
100 ampere scale (250 ampere scale for diesel engine
starters). See instructions provided by manufacturer
of volt-ampere tester being used.
(4) Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to
solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should
operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace
faulty starter motor assembly.
(5) Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free
running test voltage. Refer to Specifications for the
starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare this
reading to free running test maximum amperage
draw. Refer to Specifications for starter motor free
running test maximum amperage draw specifica-
tions.
(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
STARTER MOTOR SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor. Refer toStarter Motor
Removal and Installation.
(2) Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil termi-
nal.
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with continuity tester
(Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
BR/BESTARTING 8F - 39