warning JEEP CHEROKEE 1994 Service Workshop Manual

WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUM-
BER 6094) (FIG. 26). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUM-
BER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER
CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES
WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Observe the previousWARNINGS.
(3) Remove pressure cap.
(4) For access to radiator draincock, remove radia-
tor grille (Fig. 29).
(5) Attach one end of a 24 inch long X 1/4 inch ID
hose to the radiator draincock. Put the other end into
a clean container. Open draincock and drain radia-
tor.
(6) If equipped, disconnect electric cooling fan elec-
trical connector (Fig. 31).
(7) Remove electric fan mounting bolts. Lift fan
straight up and out of engine compartment.
(8) Remove the mechanical (non-electrical) fan
shroud mounting bolts. Lift shroud up until align-ment tabs at the bottom are clear of slots in bracket
at bottom of radiator (Fig. 32). Place shroud over me-
chanical fan.
(9) If equipped, disconnect and plug automatic
transmission fluid cooler lines. If equipped with re-
mote cooler, remove line to cooler from bracket at
bottom of radiator.
(10) Disconnect radiator upper and lower hoses.
(11) Mark the position of the hood latch striker on
the radiator crossmember and remove hood latch
striker.
(12) Remove radiator upper crossmember bracket.
(13) Remove radiator upper crossmember.
(14) If equipped with air conditioning, separate ra-
diator from condenser by removing condenser-to-radi-
ator mounting brackets (Fig. 33).
(15) Lift radiator straight up and out of engine
compartment taking care not to damage fins.
INSTALLATION
The radiator has two alignment dowels. They are
located on the bottom tank and fit into rubber grom-
mets in the radiator lower crossmember.
(1) Lower radiator into engine compartment. Posi-
tion alignment dowels into grommets in radiator
lower crossmember (Fig. 34).
(2) If equipped with air conditioning, attach con-
denser to radiator with mounting brackets (Fig. 33).
(3) Install radiator upper crossmember.
(4) Install radiator upper crossmember bracket.
(5) Install hood latch striker.
(6) Connect radiator upper and lower hoses.
Fig. 31 Auxiliary FanÐRemove/Install
Fig. 32 Auxiliary Fan and Mechanical Fan
ShroudÐRemove/InstallÐTypical
7 - 24 COOLING SYSTEMJ

(7) If equipped, connect automatic transmission
fluid cooler lines. If equipped with remote cooler, at-
tach cooler line to bracket at bottom of radiator.
(8) Install electric cooling fan (if equipped). Insert
alignment tabs at bottom of fan shroud into slots in
bracket at bottom of radiator. Tighten mounting
bolts to 4 Nzm (36 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Connect electric cooling fan electrical connec-
tor.(10) Install mechanical cooling fan shroud. Insert
alignment tabs at bottom of shroud into slots in
bracket at bottom of radiator. Tighten mounting
bolts to 4 Nzm (36 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 32).
(11) Close radiator draincock.
(12) Install grille.
(13) Connect negative battery cable.
(14) Fill cooling system with correct coolant. Refer
to the Coolant section of this group.
(15) Install pressure cap.
(16) Check and adjust automatic transmission fluid
level (if equipped).
YJ MODELS
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRES-
SURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUM-
BER 6094) (FIG. 26). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUM-
BER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER
CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES
WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Observe the previousWARNINGS.Remove
the radiator cap.
(3) Position drain pan under draincock. Open radi-
ator draincock and drain radiator.
(4) Remove radiator upper and lower hose clamps
and hoses.
(5) Disconnect coolant reserve/overflow tank hose
from radiator.
(6) Remove fan shroud bolts and push shroud back
onto fan (Fig. 35).
(7) If equipped, disconnect and plug automatic
transmission fluid cooler lines.
(8) Remove radiator attaching bolts.
(9) Lift radiator straight up and out of vehicle tak-
ing care not to damage radiator fins.
Fig. 33 Condenser-to-Radiator Mounting
BracketsÐXJ with 4.0L Engine
Fig. 34 Radiator InstallationÐXJ Models with 4.0L
Engine
JCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 25

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the radiator. Tighten the mounting bolts
to8Nzm (6 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 35).
(2) Close radiator draincock.
(3) Install fan shroud. Tighten mounting bolts to
16 Nzm (11 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) If equipped, remove plugs and connect auto-
matic transmission fluid cooler lines.
(5) Connect radiator hoses and install hose clamps.
(6) Connect negative battery cable.
(7) Fill cooling system with correct coolant. Refer
to the Coolant section of this group.
(8) Connect reserve/overflow tank hose.
(9) Install radiator cap.
(10) Check and adjust automatic transmission fluid
level (if equipped).
COOLING SYSTEM HOSES
Rubber hoses route coolant to and from the radia-
tor, intake manifold and heater core. All XJ models
equipped with air conditioning have a coolant control
valve. This is located in-line with the heater core in-
let and outlet hoses. It controls coolant flow to the
heater core when the air conditioning system is in
operation.
Radiator lower hoses are spring-reinforced to pre-
vent collapse from water pump suction at moderate
and high engine speeds.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUM-
BER 6094) (FIG. 36). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUM-
BER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER
CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES
WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter.
Inspect the hoses at regular intervals. Replace
hoses that are cracked, feel brittle when squeezed, or
swell excessively when the system is pressurized.
For all vehicles: In areas where specific routing
clamps are not provided, be sure that hoses are posi-
tioned with sufficient clearance. Check clearance
from exhaust manifolds and pipe, fan blades, drive
belts and sway bars. Improperly positioned hoses can
be damaged, resulting in coolant loss and engine
overheating.
Ordinary worm gear type hose clamps (when
equipped) can be removed with a straight screw-
driver or a hex socket.To prevent damage to
hoses or clamps, the hose clamps should be
tightened to 4 Nzm (34 in. lbs.) torque. Do not
over tighten hose clamps.
When performing a hose inspection, inspect the ra-
diator lower hose for proper position and condition of
the internal spring.
COOLING SYSTEM FANS
All models are equipped with a mechanical temper-
ature controlled fan. The viscous fan drive is a
torque-and-temperature-sensitive clutch unit. It auto-
matically increases or decreases fan speed to provide
proper engine cooling. XJ models equipped with a
4.0L engine may also have an auxiliary electrical
fan. This is with models that have air conditioning
and/or heavy duty cooling.
VISCOUS FAN DRIVE OPERATION
The viscous fan drive (Fig. 37) is a silicone-fluid-
filled coupling. On some engines it connects the fan
assembly to the fan/water pump pulley. The coupling
allows the fan to be driven in a normal manner. This
is done at low engine speeds while limiting the top
Fig. 35 RadiatorÐRemove/InstallÐYJ Models
Fig. 36 Hose Clamp ToolÐTypical
7 - 26 COOLING SYSTEMJ

speed of the fan to a predetermined maximum level
at higher engine speeds. A bimetallic spring coil is
located on the front face. This spring coil reacts to
the temperature of the radiator discharge air. It en-
gages the viscous fan drive for higher fan speed if
the air temperature from the radiator rises above a
certain point. Until additional engine cooling is nec-
essary, the fan will remain at a reduced rpm regard-
less of engine speed.
Only when sufficient heat is present, will the vis-
cous fan drive engage. This is when the air flowing
through the radiator core causes a reaction from the
bimetallic coil. It then increases fan speed to provide
the necessary additional engine cooling.
Once the engine has cooled, the radiator discharge
temperature will drop. The bimetallic coil again re-
acts and the fan speed is reduced to the previous dis-
engaged speed.
CAUTION: Engines equipped with serpentine drive
belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous fan
drives. They are marked with the word REVERSE to
designate their usage. Installation of the wrong fan
or viscous fan drive can result in engine overheat-
ing.
VISCOUS FAN DRIVE TEST
The cooling system must be in good condition. This
is checked prior to performing the following test. It
also will ensure against excessively high coolant
temperature.
CAUTION: Be sure that there is adequate fan blade
clearance before drilling.(1) Drill a 3.18-mm (1/8-in) diameter hole in the
top center of the fan shroud.
(2) Obtain a dial thermometer with an 8 inch stem
(or equivalent). It should have a range of -18É-to-
105ÉC (0É-to-220É F). Insert thermometer through the
hole in the shroud. Be sure that there is adequate
clearance from the fan blades.
(3) Connect a tachometer and an engine ignition
timing light (timing light is to be used as a strobe
light).
(4) Block the air flow through the radiator. Secure
a sheet of plastic in front of the radiator (or air con-
ditioner condenser). Use tape at the top to secure the
plastic and be sure that the air flow is blocked.
(5) Be sure that the air conditioner (if equipped) is
turned off.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A DI-
RECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start the engine and operate at 2400 rpm with
the timing light (strobe light) aimed at the fan
blades. Within ten minutes the air temperature (in-
dicated on the dial thermometer) should be 88É C
(190É F). Satisfactory operation of the fan drive re-
quires that it engage before or at 88É C (190É F). En-
gagement is distinguishable by a definite increase in
flow noise. The timing light also will indicate an in-
crease in the speed of the fan.
(7) When the air temperature reaches 88É C (190É
F), remove the plastic sheet. Satisfactory operation of
the viscous fan requires the air temperature to drop
20É F (11É C) or more. A definite decrease of audible-
fan-air-flow-noise should be noticed. Replace defec-
tive fan assemblies.
VISCOUS FAN DRIVE REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
Some engines have the mechanical fan/viscous fan
drive assembly mounted directly to the water pump
hub (Fig. 38). It may also be mounted to a hub/bear-
ing attached to an aluminum bracket on the right
front side of engine (Fig. 39).
(1) Loosen but do not remove at this time, the four
fan hub mounting nuts (Figs. 38 or 39).
(2) Remove accessory serpentine drive belt. Refer
to Belt Service in the Engine Accessory Drive Belt
section of this group.
(3) Some models with certain engines may require
the removal of the fan shroud to remove the viscous
fan drive. The fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan
drive should be removed from the vehicle as one as-
sembly.
Fig. 37 Viscous Fan DriveÐTypical
JCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 27

(4) Remove four fan hub mounting nuts (Figs. 38
or 39) and remove fan/viscous fan drive assembly
from vehicle.
After removing fan blade/viscous fan drive assem-
bly,do notplace thermal viscous fan drive in hori-
zontal position. If stored horizontally, silicone fluid in
viscous fan drive could drain into its bearing assem-
bly and contaminate lubricant.INSTALLATION
(1) Assemble fan blade to viscous fan drive.
Tighten mounting bolts to 27 Nzm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position mounting flange of fan blade/viscous
fan drive assembly onto hub. Install four nuts and
tighten to 24 Nzm (18 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the
first two nuts 180 degrees apart. Then tighten last
two nuts.
CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. If not,
the engine may overheat due to the water pump ro-
tating in the wrong direction. Refer to appropriate
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Schematic in this
group for correct belt routing.
(3) Install accessory drive belts. Tension belts to
specifications. Refer to the Specifications section at
the end of this group.
FAN BLADE INSPECTION
The fan blades cannot be repaired. If the fan is
damaged, it must be replaced. Inspect the fan blades
as follows:
Lay fan blade assembly on a flat surface with lead-
ing edge facing down. With tip of blade touching flat
surface, replace fan if clearance between opposite
blade and surface is greater than 2.0 mm (.090 inch).
Rocking motion of opposite blades should not exceed
2.0 mm (.090 inch). Test all blades in this manner.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND OR
STRAIGHTEN FAN BLADES IF NOT WITHIN SPECI-
FICATIONS.
Inspect fan assembly for cracks, bends, loose rivets
or broken welds. Replace fan if any damage is found.
CAUTION: If the fan blade assembly is replaced be-
cause of mechanical damage, the water pump and
viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These
components could have been damaged due to ex-
cessive vibration.
AUXILIARY ELECTRIC COOLING FANÐXJ
MODELS WITH 4.0L ENGINE
OPERATION
XJ models equipped with a 4.0L engine may also
have an auxiliary electrical fan. This is with models
that have air conditioning and/or heavy duty cooling.
The fan is controlled by the cooling fan relay, which
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
For location of relay within the PDC (Fig. 40), refer
to label on PDC cover.
When coolant temperature is above 88ÉC (190ÉF),
the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds the re-
lay. Battery voltage is then applied to the fan
Fig. 38 Water Pump Mounted Cooling Fan
Fig. 39 Bracket Mounted Cooling Fan
7 - 28 COOLING SYSTEMJ

(3) Rotate the socket/wrench clockwise (Fig. 7).
Place the belt over the idler pulley. Let tensioner ro-
tate back into place. Remove wrench. Be sure belt is
properly seated in the grooves of all pulleys.
AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONERÐXJ MODELS
4.0L ENGINE WITH RIGHT HAND DRIVE
The drive belt is equipped with a spring loaded au-
tomatic belt tensioner (Fig. 10). This belt tensioner
will be used with all belt configurations such as with
or without air conditioning.
REMOVAL
(1) Attach a socket/wrench to the mounting bolt of
the automatic tensioner pulley (Fig. 10).
(2) Rotate the tensioner assembly clockwise (as
viewed from front) until tension has been relieved
from belt.
(3) Remove belt from idler pulley (Fig. 10) first.
Remove belt from automatic tensioner.
(4) Remove tensioner mounting bolt (Fig. 10) from
tensioner bracket. Remove tensioner from vehicle.
Note alignment pin on the back of tensioner.
WARNING: BECAUSE OF HIGH SPRING PRES-
SURE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE AUTO-
MATIC TENSIONER. UNIT IS SERVICED AS AN
ASSEMBLY (EXCEPT FOR PULLEY).
(5) Remove tensioner pulley bolt. Remove pulley
from tensioner.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pulley and pulley bolt to tensioner.
Tighten bolt to 90 Nzm (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install tensioner assembly to mounting bracket.
An alignment pin is located on the back of tensioner.
Align this pin to the slotted hole in the mounting
bracket. Install mounting bolt and tighten to 41 Nzm
(30 ft. lbs.) torque. If automatic tensioner bracket-to-generator mounting bracket bolts were removed,
tighten to 27 Nzm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Position the drive belt over all pulleysexcept
the idler pulley (Fig. 10).
CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. If not,
the engine may overheat due to the water pump ro-
tating in the wrong direction. Refer to (Fig. 6) for
correct engine belt routing. The correct belt with
the correct length must be used
(4) Attach a socket/wrench to the pulley mounting
bolt of the automatic tensioner (Fig. 10).
(5) Rotate the socket/wrench clockwise (Fig. 10).
Place the belt over the idler pulley. Let tensioner ro-
tate back into place. Remove wrench. Be sure belt is
properly seated on all pulleys.
Fig. 10 Automatic Belt TensionerÐ4.0L Engine With
RHD
7 - 36 COOLING SYSTEMJ

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
An optional engine block heater is available for all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The cord is attached to an engine compartment com-
ponent with tie-straps. The heater warms the engine
providing easier engine starting and faster warm-up
in low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole of the engine cylinder block (in place of a freeze
plug) with the heating element immersed in engine
coolant. Connect the power cord to a grounded 110-
120 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-
wire extension cord.
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
BLOCK HEATER SPECIFICATIONS
²2.5L Engine: 115 Volts 400 Watts
²4.0L Engine: 120 Volts 600 Watts
REMOVAL
Refer to correct illustration (Figures 11, 12 or 13)
when servicing block heater.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRES-
SURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
(1) Drain coolant from radiator and engine cylin-
der block.
(2) Unplug power cord from block heater.
(3) Loosen screw in center of block heater (Figs.
11, 12 or 13).
(4) Remove block heater from cylinder block.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean the engine core hole and the
block heater seat.
(2) Insert block heater assembly into core hole
with element loop pointingUp.
(3) Seat block heater flush against block face.
Tighten mounting screw to 3.6 Nzm (32 in. lbs.)
torque.
(4) Fill cooling system with coolant. Pressurize sys-
tem and inspect for leaks.
(5) Plug power cord into block heater. Route cord
away from moving parts, linkages and exhaust sys-
tem components. Secure cord in place with tie-straps.
Fig. 11 Heater and CordÐXJ with 2.5L Engine
Fig. 12 Heater and CordÐXJ with 4.0L Engine
Fig. 13 Heater and CordÐYJ Models
JCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 37

ELECTRICAL
GROUP INDEX
Group Group
AUDIO SYSTEMS....................... 8F
BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE . . 8B
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS
DIAGNOSTICS........................ 8A
CHIME/WARNING BUZZER SYSTEM....... 8U
HORNS............................... 8G
IGNITION SYSTEMS.................... 8D
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES........ 8E
LAMPS............................... 8L
OVERHEAD CONSOLE................... 8CPOWER LOCKS........................ 8P
POWER MIRRORS...................... 8T
POWER SEAT.......................... 8R
POWER WINDOWS..................... 8S
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER.............. 8N
TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD WARNING
FLASHERS........................... 8J
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM....... 8H
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS..... 8K
WIRING DIAGRAMS.................... 8W
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY TEST PROCEDURES............. 2
ENGINE STARTER MOTOR TEST
PROCEDURES ON VEHICLE.............. 9GENERATOR TEST PROCEDURES ON
VEHICLE............................. 14
IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD) DIAGNOSIS...... 8
USING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.... 19
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate with one another, and therefore, must be thor-
oughly tested as a complete system. In order for the
vehicle to start and charge properly, it must have a
battery that will perform to specifications. The
starter motor, generator, wiring, and electronics also
must perform within specifications. Group 8A covers
starting (Fig. 1) and charging (Fig. 2) system diag-
nostic procedures. These procedures include the most
basic conventional methods to On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of an ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery
charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-
volt test lamp will be required.
All OBD sensing systems are monitored by the
PCM. The PCM will store in memory any detectable
failure in the monitored circuits. Refer to Using On-
Board Diagnostic System in this group for more in-
formation.
Fig. 1 Starting System Components (Typical)
JELECTRICAL 8A - 1

BATTERY TEST PROCEDURES
INDEX
page page
Battery Charging.......................... 5
Battery Diagnostics Chart................... 7
Battery Load Test......................... 4
Battery Open Circuit Voltage Test............. 3Battery Testing General Information........... 3
General Information........................ 2
Hydrometer Test.......................... 3
Specifications............................ 8
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery stores, stabilizes, and produces electri-
cal current. A battery must be able to accept a
charge and produce high-amperage current output
over an extended period. A chemical reaction occurs
between the sulfuric acid solution (electrolyte) and
the lead +/þ plates in each cell of the battery. As
the battery discharges, the plates collect the acid
from the electrolyte. When the charging system
charges the battery, water is converted to sulfuric
acid in the battery. The amount of acid (specific
gravity) in the electrolyte can be measured with a
hydrometer. The battery is vented to release gases
that are created when the battery is being charged.
The battery top,posts, and terminals should be cleaned when other
underhood maintenance is performed.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ASSIST BOOST,
CHARGE, OR TEST BATTERY WHEN ELECTRO-
LYTE LEVEL IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE PLATES.
PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
When the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates distilled water should be added. The battery
must be completely charged. The top, posts, and ter-
minals should be properly cleaned before diagnostic
procedures are performed. See Group 8B - Battery/
Starter/Generator Service, for additional information.
Fig. 2 Charging System Components
8A - 2 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ

Battery/Starter/Generator Service for instructions. To
test battery no load voltage, perform the following
operation:
(1) Before measuring open circuit voltage, the sur-
face charge must be removed from plates. Turn head-
lamps 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. 3).
This voltage reading will indicate state of charge,
but will not reveal cranking capacity. Refer to Bat-
tery Open Circuit Voltage chart.
BATTERY LOAD TEST
WARNING: IF BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZ-
ING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, OR LOW ELECTRO-
LYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST. ACID BURNS OR
EXPLOSIVE CONDITION MAY RESULT.
A battery load test will verify the cranking ability
based on the cold crank amperage rating of the bat-
tery.
Before performing battery load test, the bat-
tery must be FULLY CHARGED.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative first. Bat-
tery top and posts should be clean.(2) Connect a suitable volt-ammeter-load tester
(Fig. 4) to the battery posts (Fig. 5). Refer to operat-
ing instructions provided with the tester being used.
Check the open circuit voltage (no load) of the bat-
tery. Voltage should be equal to or greater than 12.4
volts (Fig. 5).
(3) Rotate the load control knob (carbon pile rheo-
stat) to apply a 300 amp load for 15 seconds then re-
turn the control knob to OFF (Fig. 6). This will
remove the surface charge from the battery.
(4) Allow the battery to stabilize to open circuit
voltage (may take up to 5 minutes).
(5) Rotate the load control knob to maintain a load
(50% of cold crank amperage ratingÐsee Specifica-
tions) for a minimum of 15 seconds (Fig. 7). After 15
seconds, record the (loaded) voltage reading and re-
turn the load control knob to OFF.
(6) Voltage drop will vary according to battery
temperature at the time of the load test. Battery
temperature can be estimated by the ambient tem-
perature over the past several hours. If the battery
has been charged, boosted, or loaded a few minutes
prior to test, the battery would be somewhat warmer.
Refer to Load Test Temperature chart for proper
loaded voltage reading.
Fig. 4 Volt-Amps-Load Tester (Typical)
Fig. 5 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester Connections
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
Fig. 3 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
8A - 4 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ