warning DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Repair Manual
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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
top, posts and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned and inspected before diagnostic procedures
are performed. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for
the proper cleaning procedures, and Battery System
Inspection for the proper battery inspection proce-
dures. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
battery charging procedures.
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.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS ARE 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.
The condition of a battery is determined by two cri-
teria:
²State-Of-Charge- This can be determined by
checking the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte
(built-in indicator test or hydrometer test), or by
checking the battery voltage (open-circuit voltage
test).
²Cranking Capacity- This can be determined
by performing a battery load test, which measures
the ability of the battery to supply high-amperage
current.
First, determine the battery state-of-charge. This
can be done in one of three ways. If the battery has a
built-in test indicator, perform the built-in indicator
test to determine the state-of-charge. If the battery
has no built-in test indicator but does have remov-
able cell caps, perform the hydrometer test to deter-
mine the state-of-charge. If the battery cell caps are
not removable, or a hydrometer is not available, per-
form the open-circuit voltage test to determine the
state-of-charge. Refer to open-circuit voltage test in
the Standard Procedures section of this group.
Second, determine the battery cranking capacity by
performing a load test. The battery must be charged
before proceeding with a load test if:
²The battery built-in test indicator has a black or
dark color visible.
²The temperature corrected specific gravity of the
battery electrolyte is less than 1.235.
²The battery open-circuit voltage is less than 12.4
volts.
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
8F - 8 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)
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to determine its cranking capacity. A battery that is
fully-charged, but does not pass the 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.
A battery is fully-charged when:
²All battery cells are gassing freely during charg-
ing.
²A green color is visible in the sight glass of the
battery built-in test indicator.
²Three corrected specific gravity tests, taken at
one-hour intervals, indicate no increase in the spe-
cific gravity of the battery electrolyte.
²Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.4 volts
or greater.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECKING BATTERY
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The following procedure can be used to check the
electrolyte level in the battery.
(1) Remove the battery caps.
(2) Look through the battery cap holes to deter-
mine the level of the electrolyte in the battery. The
electrolyte should be approximately 1 centimeter
above the battery plates or until the hook inside the
battery cap holes is covered.
(3) Add only distilled water until the electrolyte
level is approx. one centimeter above the plates.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BATTERY
CHARGING
Battery charging is the means by which the bat-
tery can be restored to its full voltage potential. 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 12.4 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.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, DO NOTTEST, 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.
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 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures. If the battery
will endure a load test, return the battery to service.
If the battery will not endure a load test, it is faulty
and must be replaced.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-9
BATTERY (Continued)
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REMOVAL - BATTERY
WARNING: A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY
RUBBER GLOVES SHOULD BE WORN WHEN
REMOVING OR SERVICING A BATTERY.
WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD BE WORN
WHEN REMOVING OR SERVICING A BATTERY.
WARNING: REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY TO
AVOID INJURY BY ACCIDENTAL ARCING OF BAT-
TERY CURRENT.
(1) Verify that the ignition switch and all accesso-
ries are OFF.
(2) Disconnect the battery cables from the battery
posts, negative first (Fig. 15).
(3) Remove the battery hold down retaining nut.
(4) Remove the battery hold down bracket.
(5) Remove the battery from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery in the battery tray.
(2) Install the battery hold down bracket and
retaining nut. Torque the nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).(3) Connect the battery cables to the battery posts,
positive cable first. Torque terminal fasteners to 8.5
N´m (75 in. lbs.).
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION
The battery hold down hardware consists of a
molded plastic lip that is integral to the outboard
edge of the battery tray and support unit, a molded
steel hold down bracket and a single hex nut with a
coned washer.
When installing a battery into the battery tray, be
certain that the hold down hardware is properly
installed and that the fasteners are tightened to the
proper specifications. Improper hold down fastener
tightness, whether too loose or too tight, can result in
damage to the battery, the vehicle or both. Refer to
Battery Hold Downsin this section of this service
manual for the location of the proper battery hold
down installation procedures, including the proper
hold down fastener tightness specifications.
OPERATION
The battery holddown secures the battery in the
battery tray. This holddown is designed to prevent
battery movement during the most extreme vehicle
operation conditions. Periodic removal and lubrica-
tion of the battery holddown hardware is recom-
mended to prevent hardware seizure at a later date.
NOTE: Never operate a vehicle without a battery
holddown device properly installed. Damage to the
vehicle, components and battery could result.
REMOVAL
All of the battery hold down hardware can be ser-
viced without removal of the battery or the battery
tray and support unit.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Remove the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit.
(3) Remove the battery hold down bracket from
the battery tray and support unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the battery hold down bracket in the
battery tray and support unit.
(2) Install the nut with washer that secures the
battery hold down bracket to the battery tray and
support unit. Torque to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
Fig. 15 BATTERY POSITION & ORIENTATION
1 - BATTERY THERMAL GUARD
2 - INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)
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STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION...........................27
OPERATION.............................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................27
STARTING SYSTEM TEST................27
CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST................29FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST.........31
FEED CIRCUIT TEST....................31
SPECIFICATIONS........................32
STARTER MOTOR
REMOVAL..............................33
INSTALLATION...........................34
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
The starting system has (Fig. 1):
²Ignition switch
²Starter relay
²Transmission Range Sensor or Park/Neutral
Switch
²Wiring harness
²Battery
²Starter motor with an integral solenoid
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
OPERATION
These components form two separate circuits. A
high amperage circuit that feeds the starter motor up
to 300+ amps, and a control circuit that operates on
less than 20 amps.
The PCM controls a double start over-ride safety
that does not allow the starter to be engaged if the
engine is already running.
STARTING SYSTEM TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING 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.
INSPECTION
Before removing any unit from the starting system
for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspec-
tions:
Fig. 1 Starting System Schematic
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - STARTER SOLENOID
3 - STARTER MOTOR
4 - STARTER RELAY CONNECTOR
5 - PCM
6 - GROUND CIRCUIT
7 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR/PARK/NEUTRAL SENSE
8 - IGNITION SWITCH
9 - IGNITION FEED
10 - BATTERY
11 - BATTERY RELAY FEED
12 - POSITIVE CABLE
13 - NEGATIVE CABLE
RSSTARTING8F-27
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
3. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.3. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
4. ENGINE SEIZED. 4. REFER TO THE ENGINE SECTION, FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND
SERVICE PROCEDURES.
5. LOOSE
CONNECTION AT
BATTERY, PDC,
STARTER, OR ENGINE
GROUND.5. INSPECT FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS.
6. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.6. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETHAND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
STARTER
ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT
BEFORE
ENGINE
STARTS.1. BROKEN TEETH ON
STARTER RING GEAR.1. REMOVE STARTER. INSPECT RING GEAR AND REPLACE
IF NECESSARY.
2. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.2. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
STARTER DOES
NOT
DISENGAGE.1. STARTER
IMPROPERLY
INSTALLED.1. INSTALL STARTER. TIGHTEN STARTER MOUNTING
HARDWARE TO CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. STARTER RELAY
FAULTY.2. REFER TO RELAY TEST, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
RELAY, IF NECESSARY.
3. IGNITION SWITCH
FAULTY.3. REFER TO IGNITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE STEERING
SECTION.. REPLACE SWITCH, IF NECESSARY.
4. STARTER ASSEMBLY
FAULTY.4. IF ALL OTHER STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND
CIRCUITS CHECK OK, REPLACE STARTER ASSEMBLY.
5. FAULTY TEETH ON
RING GEAR.5. ROTATE FLYWHEEL 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter motor with integral solenoid
²Starter relay
²Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral
Position switch with automatic transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
²To disable ignition and fuel systems, disconnect
the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
Refer to the PDC cover for the proper relay location.
STARTER SOLENOID
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED.
(1) Verify battery condition. Battery must be in
good condition with a full charge before performing
any starter tests. Refer to Battery Tests.
(2) Perform Starter Solenoid test BEFORE per-
forming the starter relay test.
(3) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring.
(4) Locate and remove the starter relay from the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC
label for relay identification and location.
RSSTARTING8F-29
STARTING (Continued)
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(5) Connect a remote starter switch or a jumper
wire between the remote battery positive post and
terminal 87 of the starter relay connector.
(a) If engine cranks, starter/starter solenoid is
good. Go to the Starter Relay Test.
(b) If engine does not crank or solenoid chatters,
check wiring and connectors from starter relay to
starter solenoid for loose or corroded connections.
Particularly at starter terminals.
(c) Repeat test. If engine still fails to crank prop-
erly, trouble is within starter or starter mounted
solenoid, and replace starter.
STARTER RELAY
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION
WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED.
RELAY TEST
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. Refer
to the PDC label for relay identification and location.
Remove the starter relay from the PDC as
described in this group to perform the following tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 7565 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery B+ lead to terminals 86 and
a ground lead to terminal 85 to energize the relay.
The relay should click. Also test for continuity
between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity
between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to Relay
Circuit Test procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty
relay.
CAV FUNCTION
30 B (+)
85 P/N POSITION SW.SENSE
(AUTO)
86 IGNITION SWITCH
OUTPUT
87 STARTER RELAY OUTPUT
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the Start position.
Check for battery voltage at the cavity for relay ter-
minal 86 with the ignition switch in the Start posi-
tion, and no voltage when the ignition switch is
released to the On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If
not OK, check for an open or short circuit to the igni-
tion switch and repair, if required. If the circuit to
the ignition switch is OK, see the Ignition Switch
Test procedure in this group.
Starter Relay Pinout
Starter Relay Pinout
8F - 30 STARTINGRS
STARTING (Continued)
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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 conventional batteries are used
on vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, these
batteries have removable battery cell caps (Fig. 2).
Watercanbe added to this battery. Under normal
service, the composition of this battery reduces gas-
sing and water loss at normal charge rates. Howeverthese batteries may require additional distilled water
after years of service.
Conventional batteries are made up of six individ-
ual cells that are connected in series. Each cell con-
tains positive charged plate groups made of lead
oxide, and negatively charged plate groups made of
sponge lead. The plates are submerged in a sulfuric
acid and water solution called electrolyte.
Both batteries are used to store electrical energy
potential in a chemical form. When an electrical load
is applied to the battery terminals, an electrochemi-
cal reaction occurs within the battery. This reaction
causes the battery to discharge electrical current.
Refer to the RS service information for additional
Battery System information.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECKING BATTERY
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The following procedure can be used to check the
electrolyte level in a lead-acid battery.
(1) Unscrew and remove the battery cell caps with
a flat-bladed screw driver (Fig. 3).
WARNING: NEVER PUT YOUR FACE NEAR A GAS-
SING, HOT OR SWELLED BATTERY. SERIOUS PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
(2) Wearing safety glasses, look through the bat-
tery cell cap holes to determine the level of the elec-
trolyte in the battery. The electrolyte should be above
the hooks inside the battery cells (Fig. 4).
Fig. 2 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION - LOW-MAINTANANCE GASOLINE
ENGINE BATTERY
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
Fig. 3 BATTERY CELL CAP REMOVAL/
INSTALLATION- CONVENTIONAL BATTERY ONLY
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY CASE
8Fa - 2 BATTERY SYSTEM - RG ONLYRG
BATTERY (Continued)
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(3)Add only distilled wateruntil the electrolyte
is above the hooks inside the battery cells (Fig. 4).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SPIRAL PLATE
BATTERY CHARGING
Battery charging is the means by which the bat-
tery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A
battery is fully-charged when:
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. 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 Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures. If the battery
will endure a load test, return the battery to service.
If the battery will not endure 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. 5). If the
reading is below ten volts, the battery charging cur-
rent will be low. It could take some time before the
battery accepts a current greater than a few milliam-
peres. 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.
Fig. 4 HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS -
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY ONLY
1 - TOP OF BATTERY
2 - HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS
Fig. 5 Voltmeter - Typical
RGBATTERY SYSTEM - RG ONLY8Fa-3
BATTERY (Continued)
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WINDSHIELD GRID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SYSTEM TEST
Electrically heated rear window defogger or the
heated windshield wiper deicer operation can be
checked on the vehicle in the following manner:
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
(2) Using a ammeter on the battery, turn the rear
defogger control switch to the ON position, a distinct
increase in amperage draw should be noted.
(3) The rear window defogger or the heated wind-
shield wiper deicer operation can be checked by feel-
ing the glass. A distinct difference in temperature
between the grid lines and adjacent clear glass can
be detected in 3 to 4 minutes of operation.
(4) Using a DC voltmeter (Fig. 4) contact terminal
B with the negative lead, and terminal A with the
positive lead. The voltmeter should read 10-14 volts.
(5) Indicator light illumination means that there is
power available at the switch only and does not nec-
essarily verify system operation.
(6) If turning the defogger switch ON, no distinct
current draw on the ammeter the problem should be
isolated in the following manner:
²Confirm that ignition switch is ON.
²Ensure that the heated rear window or the
heated windshield wiper deicer feed pigtail is con-
nected to the wiring harness and that the ground
pigtail is in fact grounded.
²Ensure that the proper fuse in the PDC is OK.
(7) When the above steps have been completed and
the system is still inoperative it may be necessary to
connect a DRBIII scan tool and refer to the Diagnos-
tic Service Manual, you may also check for the fol-
lowing being defective:
²HVAC control assembly
²Rear window defogger relay in the IPM.
²Check for loose connector or a wire pushed out
of connector.
²Rear window or the windshield grid lines (all
grid lines would have to be broken, or one of the feed
pigtails not connected to the bus bar, for no ammeter
deflection).
(8) If turning the switch ON produces severe volt-
meter deflection, the circuit should be closely checked
for a shorting condition.
(9) If the system operation has been verified but
indicator LED does not light, replace the HVAC con-
trol assembly.
(10) For detailed wiring information, refer to the
appropriate section for Wiring Diagrams.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - GRID LINE AND
TERMINAL REPAIR
WARNING:
REPAIR KIT MAY CAUSE SKIN OR EYE IRRITATION.
CONTAINS EPOXY RESIN AND AMINE TYPE HARD-
ENER, HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN AND EYES. FOR SKIN, WASH
AFFECTED AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO
NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. IF TAKEN INTERNALLY,
INDUCE VOMITING; CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDI-
ATELY. IF IN CONTACT WITH EYES, FLUSH WITH
PLENTY OF WATER. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTI-
LATION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME. CON-
TENTS CONTAINS 3% FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
The repair for the front windshield or the rear win-
dow grids are the same.
The repair of grid lines and replacement of the ter-
minal is possible using the MopartRepair Package
or equivalent.
(1) Clean area surrounding grid line or terminal
by gently rubbing area with steel wool.
(2) Wipe area with clean cloth soaked in alcohol or
similar solvent. It is necessary that all contaminants
be removed from repair area.
Fig. 4 Grid Line Test
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - TERMINAL B
3 - FEED WIRE
4 - MID-POINT C (TYPICAL)
5 - HEATED REAR WINDOW GRIDS
6 - GROUND WIRE
7 - TERMINAL A
RSHEATED GLASS8G-3
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Page 438 of 2321

OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, or High.
When the left side of the switch rocker is fully
depressed, the Low position is selected and the high
position LED indicator illuminates. When the right
side of the switch rocker is fully depressed, the High
position is selected and the low position LED indica-
tor illuminates. When the switch rocker is moved to
its neutral position (middle), Off is selected and both
LED indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the BCM to indicate the
selected switch position. The BCM monitors the
switch inputs and sends heated seat switch status
messages to the Heated Seat Module (HSM) or the
Memory Heated Seat Module (MHSM) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The HSM or MHSM responds to the heated seat
switch status messages by controlling the output to
the seat heater elements of the selected seat. The
Low heat position set point is about 36É C (97É F),
and the High heat position set point is about 41É C
(105É F).
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO THE RESTRAINTS SECTION OF
THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEER-
ING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run)
fuse in the intelligent power module. If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or com-
ponent as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run) fuse in the intelligent power module. If
OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused
ignition switch output (run) circuit to the ignition
switch as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel and disconnect the instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors from the heated seat switch connec-
tor receptacle. Check for continuity between the
ground circuit cavity of the instrument panel wireharness connector for the inoperative heated seat
switch(es) and a good ground. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit to ground as required.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery
voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run) cir-
cuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector for the inoperative heated seat switch(es). If
OK, turn the ignition switch to the Off position, dis-
connect and isolate the battery negative cable, and go
to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition
switch output (run) circuit to the intelligent power
module fuse as required.
(5) Test the heated seat switch(es) as shown in the
Heated Seat Switch Test chart (Fig. 3). If OK, go to
Step 6. If not OK, replace the faulty heated seat
switch(es).
DRIVER HEATED SEAT SWITCH TEST
SWITCH
POSITIONRESISTANCE
BETWEENRESISTANCE
(OHMS)
Off Pin4&5OPEN
Low Pin4&53570
High Pin4&51430
All resistance values are61%.
(6) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the Body Control Module (BCM) con-
nector receptacle. Check for continuity between the
seat heater switch sensor ground circuit cavity of the
instrument panel wire harness connector for the
Fig. 3 SWITCH CONNECTOR
RSHEATED SEAT SYSTEM8G-9
DRIVER HEATED SEAT SWITCH (Continued)
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