load capacity DODGE TRUCK 1993 Service Repair Manual

2
- 48
FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

•
SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL
44 FRONT
AXLE

Axle
Type
Semi-floating, hypoid
Application
D-TRK
Ring
Gear
Diameter
8.50 in.
(21.59
cm)
Lubricants
MOPAR
Gear Lubricant or
equivalent
SAE
75W-90,

API
Grade
GL-5,
MIL-L-2105C

Disconnect
Type
Vacuum
operated

Lubricant Capacity 5.6 pts.
(2.65L)

Axle Model Dana M44F
Axle Ratio.. 3.54 To
1
3.92 4.09

Track
66.9 in.

GAWR
3500
lbs.
Differential
Bearing
Preload Shim 0.015 in. 0.38 mm

Differential
Side

Gear-to-Case
Clearance..
0.000-0.007
in.
0.00-0.18
mm

Ring
Gear
Backlash
0.005-0.008
in.
0.12-0.20
mm

Drive
Pinion Gearshaft Bearing Break-Away Preload
Torque

Original
Bearings
10-20 in. lbs.
1
-2 N»m Replacement
Bearings
20-40
in. lbs. 2-5 N»m

Drive
Pinion Gear Depth Select
shims
Standard
Setting
2.625
in. 66.6 mm

Side
Gear Clearance (max.)...
0.006
in. 0.15 mm

Case
Runout
(max.)
0.006
in. 0.15 mm
J9202-106

FRONT
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
2 - 75

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL
60
FRONT
AXLE

Axle Type........
Semi-floating,
hypoid

Application
D-TRK Ring Gear
Diameter
9.75
in.
(24.76 cm)
Lubricants
MOPAR
Gear
Lubricant
or
equivalent
SAE
75W-90,

API
Grade
GL-5,
MIL-L-2105C

Locking
Hubs Manual
type

Lubricant Capacity
6.5
pts. (3.1L)
Axle Model Dana
M60F

Axle Ratio.........
3.54
Tol
4.10
4.56
Track... 65.7
in.
GAWR....................
4500
lbs.

TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
Differential
Bearing
Preload Shim 0.015
in.
0.38
mm

Differential
Side Gear-to-Case Clearance..
0.000-0.007
in.
0.00-0.18
mm

Ring
Gear Backlash 0.005-0,008
in.
0.12-0.20 mm
Drive Pinion Gearshaft Bearing Break-Away Preload Torque
Original
Bearings....
10-20
in. lbs. l-2N®m Replacement Bearings. 20-40
in.
lbs. 2-5 N®m
Drive Pinion Gear Depth Select shims Standard Setting.... 3.125
in.
79.37 mm

Side
Gear Clearance (max.) 0.006
in.
0.15
mm

Case
Runout (max.) 0.006
in.
0.15
mm
J9202-107

FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS-
2WD
FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS-
4WD

FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS
%
WHEEL
DRIVE
FRONT
SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS

4
WHEEL
DRIVE

DESCRIPTION
TOROUE

Brake Rotor
Dust
Shield
Jounce Bumper to Bracket.... Lower
Suspension
Arm Pivot.
Lower Ball Stud
Nut
(11/16-18 Bolt)...............
Lower Ball Stud
Nut

(3/4-16 Bolt).....

Shock
Absorber Upper Nut..
Shock
Absorber Lower Bolt
..

Stabilizer Bar Retainer
Bolts
.

Stabilizer Bar Link Nut
Steering Arm to Knuckle 5/8-18 Bolt/Nut
.............

Steering Arm to Knuckle 3/4-16 Bolt/Nut . 20 N-m (180 in.
lbs.

....
41
N-m
(30
ft. lbs.
305
N-m (225
ft. lbs.

183
N-m (135
ft. lbs.

237 N-m (175
ft. lbs.

....
34
N-m
(25 ft.
lbs. .
23
N-m
(200
in. lbs.
.
23
N-m
(200
in. lbs.
. 11 N-m
(100
in. lbs.
Strut/Jounce Bumper to
Suspension
Arm Bolt/Nut.
Strut
Front
Nut Upper Ball Stud
Nut
290 N-m (215
ft. lbs.

330 N-m (225
ft.
lbs.

.. 129 N-m (95
ft.
lbs.
....
68
N-m
(50
ft.
lbs.
142
N-m
(105
ft.
lbs.

J9202-108
DESCRIPTION

TORQUE

Jounce Bumper to Bracket
....
Stabilizer Bar Retainer
Bolts..

Stabilizer Bar Link Nut

Shock
Absorber/Jounce Bracket to Frame

Shock
Absorber (Standard) Upper and Lower Nut

Shock
Absorber (Air Adjust) Upper Nut

Shock
Absorber (Air Adjust) Lower Nut

Spring
U-bolt/Stud Nuts (Model
44) ...

Spring
Front Pivot Nut (Model
44)

Spring
Rear Shackle
Nut
(Model
44)

Spring
U-bolt/Stud Nuts (Model
60)

Spring
Front
Pivot Nut (Model
60)

Spring
Rear Shackle Nut (Model
60)
...
41
N-m (30
ft.
lbs.)

23
N-m (200 in.
lbs.)
11
N-m
(100
in.
lbs.)

.. 101 N-m (75
ft.
lbs.)

.... 75 N-m (55
ft.
lbs.)

.... 75 N-m (55
ft.
lbs.)

271 N-m
(200
ft.
lbs.)

.. 115 N-m (85
ft.
lbs.)

135
N-m (100
ft.
lbs.)

.... 81 N-m
(60
ft.
lbs.)

..
129
N-m
(95
ft.
lbs.)

135
N-m (100
ft.
lbs.)

,.
108
N-m
(80
ft.
lbs.)
J9202-109

REAR
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
3 - 9
SERVICE DIAGNOSIS
Condition
Possible
Cause
Correction

WHEEL
NOISE

AXLE
SHAFT
NOISE

AXLE
SHAFT
BROKE

DIFFERENTIAL
CASE

CRACKED

DIFFERENTIAL
GEARS

SCORED

LOSS
OF
LUBRICANT
(a) Wheel loose.
(b) Faulty, brinelled
wheel
bearing.
(a) Misaligned axle shaft tube.
(b) Bent or sprung axle shaft. (c) End play in drive pinion bearings.
(d) Excessive gear backlash
between
ring
gear
and pinion gear.
(e) Improper adjustment of drive pinion
gear
shaft bearings.
(f) Loose drive pinion gearshaft yoke nut.
(g) Improper
wheel
bearing adjustment. (h) Scuffed gear tooth contact surfaces.
(a) Misaligned axle shaft tube.
(b) Vehicle overloaded.
(c) Erratic clutch operation
(d) Grabbing clutch.
(a) Improper adjustment of
differential
bearings.

(b) Excessive ring gear backlash.
(c) Vehicle overloaded. (d) Erratic clutch operation.
(a) Insufficient lubrication.
(b) Improper grade of lubricant.
(c) Excessive spinning of one
wheel/tire.

(a) Lubricant
level
too high. (a) Tighten loose nuts.
(b) Faulty or brinelled bearings must be
replaced.
(a) Inspect axle shaft
tube
alignment. Correct as necessary.
(b) Replace bent or sprung axle shaft.
(c) Refer to Drive Pinion Bearing Pre-Load Adjustment.
(d) Check adjustment of ring gear
backlash
and pinion gear. Correct as
necessary.

(e) Adjust drive pinion shaft bearings.
(f) Tighten drive pinion gearshaft yoke nut
with
specified torque.
(g) Readjust as necessary.
(h) If necessary, replace scuffed gears.
(a) Replace broken axle shaft
after
correcting axle shaft
tube
alignment.
(b) Replace broken axle shaft. Avoid
excessive
weight on vehicle.
(c) Replace broken axle shaft
after
inspecting for other possible
causes.

Avoid
erratic
use of clutch.
(d) Replace broken axle shaft. Inspect clutch and make necessary repairs or adjustments.
(a) Replace cracked case; examine gears and bearings for possible damage. At
reassembly,
adjust

differential
bearings properly.
(b) Replace cracked case; examine gears and bearings for possible damage. At

reassembly,
adjust ring gear backlash properly.
(c) Replace cracked case; examine gears and bearings for possible damage.

Avoid
excessive weight on vehicle.
(d) Replace cracked case.
After
inspecting for other possible
causes,
examine
gears
and bearings for possible

damage.
Avoid
erratic
use of clutch.
(a) Replace scored gears. Scoring marks
on
the drive face of gear
teeth
or in
the bore are caused by instantaneous

fusing
of the mating surfaces. Scored
gears
should be replaced.
Fill
rear

differential
housing to
required
capacity

with
proper lubricant. Refer to
Specifications.

(b) Replace scored gears. Inspect all
gears
and bearings for possible

damage.
Clean and
refill
differential
housing
to
required
capacity
with

proper lubricant.
(c) Replace scored gears. Inspect all
gears,
pinion bores and shaft for

damage.
Service as necessary.
(a) Drain excess lubricant by removing
fill
plug and allow lubricant to
level
at lower edge of
fill
plug hole.

J9003-49

•

REAR
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE
3 - 27
SPECIFICATIONS

8
1/4
INCH AXLE
Axle Type .Semi-floating, hypoid
Ring Gear Diam.. ....8.25
in.
(20.95 cm)
Lubricant............................. .........SAE 80W-90
Lube Capacity.....
70
oz. (2.08
L)

Sure-Grip Additive ....4 oz. (118
ml)

Diff.
Case Clearance.. 0.005
in.
(0.12 mm)
Ring Gear Backlash.0.005-0.008
in.
(0.12-0.20 mm)
Pinion Bearing Preload........ 10-20 in.lbs. (1-2 N*m) Case Flange Runout ................0.003
in.
(0.076 mm)
Ring Gear Runout ....0.005
in.
(0.127 mm)

AXLE
RATIOm„...,„GEAR/TEETH COMBINATION
3.55:1.....
39/11

3.90:1............
...............39/10

9
1/4
INCH AXLE
Axle Type .............Semi-floating, hypoid
Ring Gear Diam 9.25
in.
(23.50 cm)
Lubricant ....................SAE 80W-90
Lube Capacity ........76 oz. (2.26
L)
Diff.
Case Clearance 0.005
in.
(0.12 mm)
Ring Gear Backlash.0.005-0.008
in,
(0.12-0.20 mm)
Pinion Bearing Preload. 10-20 in.lbs. (1-2 Nnn) Case Flange Runout ................0.003
in.
(0.076 mm)
Ring Gear Runout..... .......0.005
in.
(0.127 mm)

AXLE
RATIO ........GEAR/TEETH COMBINATION
3.55:1.
.......39/11

3.90:1..............
39/10
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

8
1/4 AND 9 1/4
INCH
REAR AXLE

DESCRIPTION
TORQUE

8-3/8
Axle
Differential

Bearing Cap Bolt

9-1/4
Axle
Differential
Bearing Cap Bolt
Brake Backing
Plate
Differential
Housing
Cover
Bolt....

Pinion Yoke Nut (Minimum

Torque)

Ring
Gear Bolt

RWAL
Brake
Sensor...........
95 N*m (70 ft.
lbs.)

136 N»m(100ft.
lbs.!

... 64
N*m (48 ft. lbs.]
47
N»m
(35 ft.
lbs.)

285 N*m
(21
Oft. lbs.)

... 95
N*m (70 ft. lbs.)

... 24
N*m (18 ft.
lbs.)

J9203-69

3
- 50
REAR
SUSPENSION
AND
AXLE

• (6)
Install
the
RWAL brake
speed
sensor
and
cover

onto
the
axle
housing.
Tighten
the
sensor
to 24 Nsm (18 ft. lbs.)
torque.

SPECIFICATIONS
REAR
AXLE MODEL 60 AND 70
Axle Type ......................
Full-Floating
Hypoid

Application
D-TRK
Ring
Gear Diameter Model 60. ............ .
.24.76
cm (9.75 in.)
Model 70 .................... .
.26.67
cm (10.5 in.)
Lubricants
MOPAR
Gear
Lubricant
or
equivalent
SAE
75W-90,

API
Grade GL-5, MIL-L-2105C

Differential
Model 60 .... . Standard/Track-Lok
Model 70 Standard/Powr-Lok

Lubricant
Capacity Model 60 .....
2.84L
(6.0 pts) Model 70 .3.31L (7.0 pts)
Axle Model M 60, M 70 Axle Ratio to 1 Model 60
.4.10,
4.56
Model
70......
3.07, 3.54,
4.10,4.56

Track Model 60 . 64.0 in.
Model 70
w/dual
rear
wheels. ....... .73.0 in., 68.0 in. w/single
rear
wheels ............. .64.0 in.
GAWR
(lbs.)

Mode
60
5800,
6200

Mode
70.
6900*,
7500*,
6200

*denotes dual
rear
wheels

Differential
Bearing Preload
Shim.
0.38 mm
(0.015
in.)

Differential
Side
Gear
to
Case
Clearance
.0.00-0.18
mm
(0.000-0.007
in.)

Ring
Gear
Backlash
.....
.0.12-0.20
mm
(0.005-0.008
in.)
Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Breakaway Preload Torque
Original Bearings 1.2 N-m
(10-20
in. lbs.) Replacement Bearings 2-5 N-m
(20-40
in. lbs.)
Drive Pinion Gear Depth ................. Select
Shims

Standard
Setting Model 60 ...
.79.37
mm
(3.125
in.)
Model 70 .
88.90
mm (3.50 in.)

Side
Gear Clearance (max.) 0.015 mm
(0.006
in.)

Case
Runout (max.)
.0.015
mm
(0.006
in.)

J9302-77

•

COOLING
SYSTEM
7 - 31 It utilizes thermal expansion and contraction of cool­
ant to keep coolant free of trapped air. It provides a
volume for expansion and contraction of coolant. It
also provides a convenient and safe method for
checking coolant level and adjusting level at atmo­
spheric pressure. This is done without removing ra­
diator pressure cap. It also provides some reserve
coolant to cover minor leaks and evaporation or boil­
ing losses.
FAN

SHROUD
J9107-67

Fig.
40 Coolant Reserve/Overflow Tank—Gas
Engines
Fig.
41 Coolant Reserve/Overflow Tank—Diesel
Engines

Refer to Coolant Level Check—Service, Deaeration
and Radiator Pressure Cap sections in this group for
coolant reserve/overflow system operation and ser­

vice.
Should the reserve/overflow tank become coated
with corrosion or emulsifiable oil, it can be cleaned
with detergent and water. Rinse tank thoroughly be­
fore refilling cooling system as described in the Cool­ ant section of this group.

TANK REMOVAL
(1) Remove overflow hose at reserve/overflow tank.
(2) Unsnap the coolant reserve/overflow tank from
fan shroud. Lift straight up. The fan shroud is
equipped with T-shaped slots to attach the tank.

TANK INSTALLATION
(1) Snap tank into fan shroud.
(2) Install overflow hose to tank.

RADIATOR
PRESSURE
CAP
Radiators are equipped with a pressure cap, which
releases pressure at some point within a range of 97- 124 kPa (14-18 psi). The pressure relief point (in
pounds) is engraved on top of cap. The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi­ ator cooling capacity. The cap (Fig. 42) contains a
spring-loaded pressure relief valve that opens when
system pressure reaches release range of 97-124 kPa (14-18 psi).

Fig.
42 Radiator
Pressure
Cap and
Filler
Neck—Typical
A vent valve in the center of cap allows a small
coolant flow through cap when coolant is below boil­
ing temperature. The valve is completely closed
when boiling point is reached. As the coolant cools, it contracts and creates a vacuum in the cooling sys­
tem. This causes the vacuum valve to open and cool­ ant in the reserve/overflow tank to be drawn through
its connecting hose into radiator. If the vacuum valve
is stuck shut, the radiator hoses will collapse on cool-
down. Clean the vent valve (Fig. 42).
A rubber gasket seals radiator filler neck to pre­
vent leakage. This is done to keep system under

ENGINE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS

INDEX

page

Automatic Belt Tensioner
45
Belt Diagnosis
40

Belt Removal/Installation
. 40
page

Belt Schematics
40
Belt Tension
40

General
Information
40

GENERAL
INFORMATION
All vehicles are available with either
a
3.9L (V-6),
a 5.2L (V-8),
a
5.9L (gas V-8) or
a
5.9L (in-line 6 cyl­
inder diesel) engine. The accessory drive components
are
operated
by a

single, crankshaft driven, serpentine drive belt on all
engines. An automatic belt tensioner
is
used to main­
tain correct belt tension
at all
times. Refer
to
Auto­ matic Belt Tensioner proceeding
in
this group.

BELT DIAGNOSIS SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS-ALL
ENGINES
When diagnosing serpentine drive belts, small
cracks that run across ribbed surface of belt from rib
to rib (Fig. 1), are considered normal. These are not
a

reason
to
replace belt. However, cracks running along
a rib (not
across)
are not
normal.
Any
belt
with cracks running along
a rib
must
be
replaced (Fig.
1).
Also replace belt
if it has
excessive wear,
frayed cords
or
severe glazing.
Refer to the Serpentine Drive Belt Diagnosis charts
for further belt diagnosis. Also refer
to
Automatic Belt Tensioner proceeding
in
this group.

BELT SCHEMATICS
The following belt routing schematics
are
pub­
lished from
the
latest information available
at the

time
of
publication.
If
anything differs between
these schematics
and the
Belt Routing Label,
use
the
schematics
on
Belt Routing Label. This
label
is
located
in
the engine compartment.

BELT TENSION

ALL
ENGINES
Correct accessory drive belt tension
is
required
to

be sure
of
optimum performance
of
belt driven
en­
gine accessories.
If
specified tension
is not
main­
tained, belt slippage may cause; engine overheating, lack
of
power steering assist, loss
of
air conditioning
capacity, reduced generator output rate and greatly
reduced belt life.
It
is
not necessary
to
adjust belt tension on any en­
gine.
All
engines
are
equipped with
an
automatic
belt tensioner. The tensioner maintains correct belt tension
at all
times. For other tensioner information
NORMAL CRACKS
BELT
OK
NOT NORMAL CRACKS

REPLACE
BELT
J9007-44

Fig. 1 Serpentine Accessory Drive Belt Wear Patterns
and removal/installation procedures, refer
to
Auto­
matic Belt Tensioner proceeding
in
this group.
Due

to use
of
this belt tensioner, do not attempt
to
use
a

belt tension gauge
on
any engine.

BELT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

Caution:
Do not
attempt
to
check belt tension with
a
belt
tension gauge
on
vehicles equipped with
an
automatic belt tensioner. Refer
to
Automatic Belt

Tensioner
in
this
group.

3.9L/5,2U5*9L
LDC-GAS ENGINES

REMOVAL
Drive belts
on
these engines
are
equipped with
a

spring loaded automatic belt tensioner (Fig.
7).
This
belt tensioner will
be
used on
all
belt configurations, such
as
with
or
without power steering
or
air condi­
tioning.
For
more information, refer
to
Automatic Belt Tensioner, proceeding
in
this group.
(1) Attach
a
socket/wrench
to
pulley mounting bolt
of automatic tensioner (Fig.
7).

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL
INFORMATION

The following specifications are published from the
latest information available at the time of publica­
tion. If anything differs between the specifica­
tions found on the Vehicle Emission Control
Information (VECI) label and the following spec­
ifications, use specifications on VECI label. The
VECI label is located in the engine compartment.
DRIVE
BELT
TENSION

All engines are equipped with a spring loaded au­
tomatic belt tensioner. Do not attempt to check belt
tension with a belt tension gauge on vehicles
equipped with an automatic belt tensioner. Refer to
Automatic Belt Tensioner in this group.

CAPACITIES

ENGINE
MODEL
DRIVE
CAPACITY

ENGINE
MODEL
DRIVE

QUARTS
LITERS

3.9L D150,
D250
2WD
15.1 14.0
5.2L D150, D250,
D350
2WD
17.0 16.0
5.2L
RAMCHARGER
4WD
16.5 15.7
5.2L W150, W250,
W350
4WD
17.0 16.0
5.9L D150, D250,
D350
AND
RAMCHARGER
2WD
15.5 14.7
5.9L
RAMCHARGER
4WD
15.0 14.0
5.9L W150, W250,
W350
4WD
15.5 14.7

DIESEL
ALL
MANUAL

16.0 15.1

DIESEL
ALL
AUTOMATIC

17.0 16.1

J9207-41

TORQUE

DISCMPflON
TORQUE

TORQUi
Automatic Belt Tensioner Pulley
Bolt-3.9l/2.5L/5.9LLDC

Gas
Engine
61
N-m (45
ft.
lbs.)

Automatic Belt Tensioner Pulley
Bolt
-
5.9L
HDC
Gas
Engine
88
N-m
(65
ft.
lbs.)

Automatic Belt Tensioner-to- Mounting Bracket
-
3.9L/5.2L/ 5.9L IDC
Gas
Engine
67
N-m
(50
ft.
lbs.)

Automatic Belt Tensioner-to- Mounting Bracket
-
5.9L

HDC
Gas
Engine
41
N-m
(30
ft.
lbs.)

Fan
Shroud
Mounting Nuts
11
N-m
(95
in. lbs.)

Hose
Clamps
4
N-m
(34
in. lbs.)

Idler
Pulley Mounting
Bolt
-
All
Gas
Engines
61
N-m
(45
ft.
lbs.)
Radiator Mounting
Bobs
11
N-m
(95
in. lbs.)
Radiator
Top
Mounting Brackets- Diesel Engine...... 23 N-m
(17
in. lbs.)

Thermal
Viscous
Fan-to-Hub- Diesel Engine
57
N-m
(42
ft.
lbs.)

Thermostat
Housing
Bolts
-
All Except Diesel 23 N-m (200 in. lbs.)
Thermostat
Housing
Bolts
-
Diesel Engine
24
N-m
(18
ft.
lbs.)

Water
Pump
Mounting
Bolts
-
All
Gas
Engines
40
N-m
(30
ft.
lbs.)

Water
Pump
Pulley
Bolts
-
All
Gas
Engines
27 N-m (20
ft.
lbs.)

Water
Pump
Mounting
Bolts
-
Diesel Engine
24
N-m(18ft.
lbs.) J9307-60

•

ELECTRICAL
8A - 3

Fig.
3
Battery
Construction
and
Test Indicator

TEST INDICATOR
A test indicator (hydrometer) built into
the top of

the battery case, provides visual information
for
bat­
tery testing (Fig.
4). The
test indicator
is to be
used with diagnostic procedures described
in
this group.
It
is important when using
the
test indicator that
the

battery
is
relatively level
and has a
clean
top to see
correct indications.
A
light
may be
required
to
view
indicator.

WARNING:
DO
NOT USE
OPEN FLAME. EXPLOSIVE
GASES
FORM ABOVE BATTERY.
Fig.
4
Built in Test Indicator

STATE
OF
CHARGE TEST USING TEST INDICATOR
The built-in test indicator (hydrometer) measures
the specific gravity
of
the electrolyte. Specific gravity (SG)
of the
electrolyte will indicate state-of-charge
(voltage); although,
the
test indicator will
not
indi­
cate cranking capacity
of the
battery. Refer
to
Bat­
tery Load Test
for
more information. Look into
the
sight glass
and
note
the
color
of the
indicator
(Fig.

5),
refer
to the
following description
as
color indi­

cates:
GREEN-75
to
100% state-of-charge
The battery
is
adequately charged
for
more testing
or return
to use. If the
vehicle will
not
crank
for a

maximum
15
seconds, refer
to
Battery Load Test
for

more information. BLACK
OR
DARK—0
to
75% state-of-charge The battery
is
inadequately charged
and
must
be

charged until green
dot is
visible
(12.4
volts
or

greater) before
the
battery
is
tested
or
returned
to

use.
Refer
to
Causes
of
Battery Discharging
for
more information.
YELLOW
OR
BRIGHT COLOR

WARNING:
DO NOT
ATTEMPT
TO
CHARGE, TEST,
OR
ASSIST
BOOST BATTERY WHEN YELLOW
OR

BRIGHT COLOR
IS
VISIBLE. PERSONAL INJURY
MAY OCCUR.

A yellow
or
bright color indicates water (electro­
lyte) level
in
battery
is
below
the
test indicator
(Fig.
5).
Water
can not be
added
to a
maintenance free
battery.
The
battery must
be
replaced.
A low
electro­ lyte level
may be
caused
by an
over charging condi­
tion. Refer
to
Generator Test Procedures
On
Vehicle in this group.

TEST INDICATOR/STATE
OF
CHARGE

IfVW,
"TCfV

REPLACE BATTERY

lUUTu
/Otu L
f
REPLACE BATTERY

SBl
ill,
iMMiMMMMSMM^MM

GREEN BLACK

YELLOW
898A-3
Fig.
5
Test Indicator
Sight Glass

CAUSES
OF
BATTERY DISCHARGING
It
is
normal
to
have
a
small
(5 to 20
milliamperes)
draw from
the
battery with
the
ignition
in the OFF

position,
and ALL
lamps OFF.
The
constant draw
is
due
to
various electronic features
or
accessories that
require electrical current with
the
ignition
OFF to

function properly.
If a
vehicle
is not
used
for a
period of
20
days
or
more,
the
black battery disconnect
should
be
disconnected.
The
disconnect
is
located
be­

hind
the
battery
on the
engine wiring harness. This will prevent battery discharging.

ABNORMAL
BATTERY
DISCHARGING
(1) Corroded battery posts
and
terminals.
(2) Loose
or
worn generator drive belt.
(3) Electrical loads that exceed
the
output
of the

charging system
due to
equipment
or
accessories
in­
stalled after delivery. (4) Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions)
or prolonged idling with high-amperage electrical systems
in use.

(5) Defective electrical circuit
or
component caus­
ing excess Ignition
Off
Draw (IOD).
(6) Defective charging system.
(7) Defective battery.

8A
- 4
ELECTRICAL

•
IGNITION
OFF
DRAW
(IOD)
Ignition off draw refers to power being drained
from the battery with the ignition turned off. A nor­
mal vehicle electrical system will draw from 5 to 20
milliamps. A vehicle that has not been operated for
an extended period of time (approximately 20 days)
may discharge the battery to an inadequate level.
Battery drain should not exceed approximately 20
MA (20 milliamps = 0.020 amps). The 20 MA are needed to supply PCM memory,
digital clock memory, and ETR (electronically tuned
radio) memory. Excessive battery drain is caused by items left
turned on, internally shorted generator, or intermit­
tent short in wiring.
If the IOD is excessive (over 20 milliamperes), the
defect must be found and corrected before replacing a
battery. In most cases the battery can be charged and returned to service.
TEST PROCEDURE Testing for higher amperage IOD must be per­
formed first to prevent damage to most milliamp
meters.
Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF. Turn
off all lights, remove ignition key, and close all

doors.
If the vehicle is equipped with electronic acces­
sories (illuminated entry, high line radio), allow the
systems to automatically shut off (time out), up to 3
minutes.
(1) After determining that the underhood lamp is
operating properly then disconnect bulb. (2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Connect a typical 12 volt test light (low watt­
age bulb) between the negative cable clamp and the
battery negative terminal. The test light may light brightly for up to 3 min­
utes or may not light at all (depending on the elec­
trical equipment). The term brightly being used
throughout the following tests, implies the bright­ ness of the test light will be the same as if it were
connected across the battery.
The test light must be securely clamped to the neg­
ative cable and battery terminal. If the test light be­
comes disconnected during any of the IOD test, the electronic timer function will be activated and all
tests must be repeated.
(4) After 3 minutes, the test light should turn OFF
or be DIMLY lit (depending on the electrical equip­

ment).
If the test light remains brightly lit do not
disconnect it. Remove each fuse or circuit breaker (refer to Group 8 - Wiring Diagrams) until test light
is either OFF or DIMLY lit. This will eliminate the
higher amperage draw.
If test light is still bright after disconnecting each
fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect the wiring har­ ness from the generator. Refer to Generator Testing
in this group. Do not disconnect the test light. After higher amperage IOD has been corrected, low
amperage IOD may be checked.
It is now safe to install milliamp meter to check for
low amperage IOD.
(5) With test light still connected, securely clamp
an ammeter between battery negative terminal and
negative battery cable.
If the test light or the milliamp meter circuit is
broken the various timer circuits will start. Do
not open any doors or turn on any electrical ac­ cessories with the test light disconnected or the
meter may be damaged.
(6) Disconnect test light. The current draw should
not exceed 0.020 amp. If it exceeds 20 milliamps iso­
late each circuit by removing circuit breakers and

fuses.
The meter reading drops once the high current
problem is found. Repair this section of the circuit,
whether it is a wiring short or component failure.

BATTERY
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
A battery voltage (no load) test will indicate the
state of charge of a battery that will pass the Battery
Load Test described in this section. Before proceed­
ing with this test or the Battery Load Test the
battery must be completely charged as de­ scribed in Battery Charging in this section. If a battery has a no load voltage reading of 12.4
volts or greater but will not endure a load test, it is
defective and should be replaced. Refer to Group 8B,
Battery/Starter Service for instructions. To test bat­
tery no load voltage, perform the following operation: (1) Before measuring open circuit voltage, the sur­
face charge must be removed from plates. Turn head lights on for 15 seconds then allow up to 5 minutes
for voltage to stabilize. (2) Remove both battery cables, negative first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery

posts,
see instructions provided with voltmeter, mea­ sure open circuit voltage (Fig. 6). This voltage reading will indicate state of charge,
but will not reveal cranking capacity. Refer to Bat­
tery Open Circuit Voltage chart.
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
Open
Circuit
Volts

Percent
Chang©

11.7
volts
or
less
0%
12.0 25%
12.2 50%
12.4 75%

12.6
or more 100%
918A-3