Battery cable JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2003 WJ / 2.G Manual PDF

The battery cables (Fig. 17) or (Fig. 18) are large
gauge, stranded copper wires sheathed within a
heavy plastic or synthetic rubber insulating jacket.
The wire used in the battery cables combines excel-
lent flexibility and reliability with high electrical cur-
rent carrying capacity. Refer toWiring Diagrams
for battery cable wire gauge information.
A clamping type female battery terminal made of
soft lead is die cast onto one end of the battery cable
wire. A square headed pinch-bolt and hex nut are
installed at the open end of the female battery termi-
nal clamp. Large eyelet type terminals are crimped
onto the opposite end of the battery cable wire and
then solder-dipped. The battery positive cable wires
have a red insulating jacket to provide visual identi-
fication and feature a larger female battery terminal
clamp to allow connection to the larger battery posi-
tive terminal post. The battery negative cable wires
have a black insulating jacket and a smaller female
battery terminal clamp.
The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available for
service replacement only as a unit with the battery
wire harness, which may include portions of the wir-
ing circuits for the generator and other components
on some models. Refer toWiring Diagramsfor more
information on the various wiring circuits included in
the battery wire harness for the vehicle being ser-
viced.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a path back to the battery for electrical
current generated by the charging system for restor-
ing the voltage potential of the battery. The female
battery terminal clamps on the ends of the battery
cable wires provide a strong and reliable connection
of the battery cable to the battery terminal posts.
The terminal pinch bolts allow the female terminal
clamps to be tightened around the male terminal
posts on the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals
secured to the opposite ends of the battery cable
wires from the female battery terminal clamps pro-
vide secure and reliable connection of the battery
cables to the vehicle electrical system.
The battery positive cable terminal clamp is die
cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal stud of the Power Distribution
Center (PDC), and the other wire has an eyelet ter-
minal that connects the battery positive cable to the
B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor sole-
noid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp is
also die cast onto the ends of two wires. One wirehas an eyelet terminal that connects the battery neg-
ative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a stud
on the right side of the engine cylinder block. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the right front fender inner shield,
near the battery.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY CABLES
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cable. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
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
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 to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging and 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 the engine from starting, remove the
Automatic Shut Down (ASD) relay. The ASD relay is
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in
the engine compartment. See the fuse and relay lay-
out label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
8F - 18 BATTERY SYSTEMWJ
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

(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. 19). 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.
(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. 20). 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.
(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive cable terminal clamp and the starter
solenoid B(+) terminal stud (Fig. 21). 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 positive cable eyelet terminal con-
nection at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery positive cable.
(4) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and a good
clean ground on the engine block (Fig. 22). 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.
REMOVAL
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.
Fig. 19 TEST BATTERY NEGATIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 20 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 21 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
WJBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 19
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

(4) Loosen the battery positive cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(5) Disconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp from the battery positive terminal post. If nec-
essary, use a battery terminal puller to remove the
terminal clamp from the battery post.
(6) Unlatch and open the cover on the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC).
(7) Remove the two nuts that secure the battery
positive cable and generator output cable eyelet ter-
minal to the B(+) terminal studs in the PDC.
(8) Remove the battery positive cable and genera-
tor output cable eyelet terminal from the B(+) termi-
nal studs in the PDC.
(9) Disconnect the battery wire harness connector
from the right headlamp and dash wire harness con-
nector located near the front of the battery.
(10) Remove the screw that secures the battery
negative cable eyelet terminal to the inner fender
shield near the front of the battery.
(11) On models with the 4.7L engine, remove the
nut that secures the battery harness clip to the stud
on the right side of the intake manifold and remove
the clip from the stud.
(12) Unlatch and remove the cover from the gener-
ator output terminal stud housing on the back of the
generator.
(13) Remove the nut that secures the generator
output cable eyelet terminal to the generator output
terminal stud.
(14) Remove the generator output cable eyelet ter-
minal from the generator output terminal stud.
(15) Disconnect the battery wire harness connector
from the generator field terminal connector recepta-
cle on the back of the generator.(16) Remove the screw that secures the battery
negative cable ground eyelet terminal to the right
side of the engine block.
(17) Remove the nut that secures the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal to the B(+) terminal stud
on the starter solenoid.
(18) Remove the battery positive cable eyelet ter-
minal from the B(+) terminal stud on the starter
solenoid.
(19) Disconnect the battery wire harness connector
from the connector receptacle on the starter solenoid.
(20) Remove the battery wire harness from the
engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
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) Clean and inspect the battery cable terminal
clamps and the battery terminal posts.
(2) Position the battery wire harness into the
engine compartment (Fig. 23) or (Fig. 24).
(3) Reconnect the battery wire harness connector
to the connector receptacle on the starter solenoid.
(4) Install the battery positive cable eyelet termi-
nal onto the B(+) terminal stud on the starter sole-
noid.Fig. 22 TEST GROUND CIRCUIT RESISTANCE -
TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 23 Battery Cables - 4.0L Engine
1 - BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
2 - BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
3 - CLIPS
8F - 20 BATTERY SYSTEMWJ
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

(5) 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
11.3 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
battery negative cable ground eyelet terminal to the
right side of the engine block. Tighten the screw to
10.2 N´m (90 in. lbs.) for 4.0L engines, or 13.0 N´m
(115 in. lbs.) for 4.7L engines.
(7) Reconnect the battery wire harness connector
to the generator field terminal connector receptacle
on the back of the generator.
(8) Install the generator output cable eyelet termi-
nal onto the generator output terminal stud.
(9) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
generator output cable eyelet terminal to the genera-
tor output terminal stud. Tighten the nut to 10.7
N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(10) Position the cover for the generator output
terminal stud housing onto the back of the generator
and snap it into place.
(11) On models with the 4.7L engine, install the
battery harness clip onto the stud on the right side of
the intake manifold, then install and tighten the nut
that secures the clip to the stud. Tighten the nut to
11.3 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(12) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
battery negative cable eyelet terminal to the inner
fender shield near the front of the battery. Tighten
the screw to 28.2 N´m (250 in. lbs.).(13) Reconnect the battery wire harness connector
to the right headlamp and dash wire harness connec-
tor located near the front of the battery.
(14) Install the battery positive cable and genera-
tor output cable eyelet terminal onto the PDC B(+)
terminal studs.
(15) Install and tighten the two nuts that secure
the battery positive cable and generator output cable
eyelet terminal to the PDC B(+) terminal studs.
Tighten the nuts to 11.3 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(16) Close and latch the PDC cover.
(17) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 6.8 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
(18) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 6.8 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
(19) 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.BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is mounted in a molded plastic battery
tray and support unit (Fig. 25) located in the right
front corner of the engine compartment. The battery
tray and support unit is secured at the rear with a
nut to a stud on the front wheelhouse inner panel, at
the outboard side with a screw to the side cowl rein-
forcement panel, and at the front with a screw
through a U-nut on a bracket of the radiator support.
The battery tray and support unit also includes
three upright stanchions that are molded into the
outboard side of the unit. These stanchions support
the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to
Power Distribution Centerin the Power Distribu-
tion section of this service manual for more informa-
tion on the PDC.
A hole in the bottom of the battery tray is fitted
with a battery temperature sensor. Refer toBattery
Temperature Sensorin the Charging section of
this service manual for more information on the bat-
tery temperature sensor. Refer toBattery Hold
Downin this section of the service manual for more
information on the battery hold down hardware.
Fig. 24 Battery Cables - 4.7L Engine
1 - BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
2 - BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
3 - CLIPS
WJBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 21
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test in 8, Battery for more information.
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 - GAS POWERED
TYPE PART NUMBER RATED SAE AMPS ENGINES MINIMUM TEST AMPS
BOSCH 56041322 136 4.0L 6-Cylinder 100
DENSO 56041324 136 4.7L V-8 100
TORQUE - GAS POWERED
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator Mounting Bolts-4.0L 55 41
Generator Vertical Mounting Bolt-4.7L 40 29
Generator (long) Horizontal Mounting
Bolt-4.7L55 41
Generator (short) Horizontal Mounting
Bolt-4.7L55 41
Generator B+ Terminal Nut 11 95
WJCHARGING 8F - 25
CHARGING (Continued)

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 AC current to 3 positive and 3 negative
diodes for rectification. From the diodes, rectified DC
current is delivered to the vehicle electrical system
through the generator battery terminal.
Although the generators appear the same exter-
nally, different generators with different output rat-
ings are used on this vehicle. Be certain that the
replacement generator has the same output rating
and part number as the original unit. Refer to Gen-
erator Ratings in the Specifications section at the
back of this group for amperage ratings and part
numbers.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by: worn, loose or defective bearings; a loose or defec-
tive drive pulley; incorrect, worn, damaged or misad-
justed fan drive belt; loose mounting bolts; a
misaligned drive pulley or a defective stator or diode.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISCONNECT NEGATIVE CABLE FROM
BATTERY BEFORE REMOVING BATTERY OUTPUT
WIRE (B+ WIRE) FROM GENERATOR. FAILURE TO
DO SO CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DAMAGE TO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Remove generator drive belt. Refer to Cooling
System for procedure.
(3) Unsnap cable protector cover from B+ mount-
ing stud (Fig. 2) .
(4) Disconnect (unsnap) 2±wire field connector at
rear of generator (Fig. 2) .
(5) Remove generator mounting bolts (Fig. 3) or
(Fig. 4).
(6) Remove generator from vehicle.
Fig. 2 Generator B+ Cable and Field Wire
Connections (TypicalÐ4.0L Engine Shown)
1 - FIELD WIRE CONNECTOR
2 - B+ CABLE
3 - GENERATOR
4 - B+ CABLE MOUNTING NUT
5 - CABLE PROTECTOR
Fig. 3 Remove/Install GeneratorÐ4.7L V-8 Engine
1 - LOWER BOLTS
2 - REAR BOLT
3 - GENERATOR
WJCHARGING 8F - 27

INSTALLATION
(1) Position generator to engine and install mount-
ing bolts.
(2) Tighten generator mounting bolts as follows:
²Vertical mounting bolt 4.7L engineÐ40 N´m (29
ft. lbs.)
²Long horizontal mounting bolt 4.7L engineÐ55
N´m (41 ft. lbs.)
²Short horizontal mounting bolt 4.7L engineÐ55
N´m (41 ft. lbs.)
²Generator mounting bolts 4.0L engineÐ55 N´m
(41 ft. lbs.)
²B+ terminal nutÐ11 N´m (95 in. lbs.)
(3) Snap 2±wire field connector into rear of gener-
ator.
(4) Snap cable protector cover to B+ mounting
stud.
CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim
using a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt
can be damaged.
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 7, Cool-
ing System.(5) Install generator drive belt. Refer to 7, Cooling
System for procedure.
(6) Install negative battery cable to battery.
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 DC current produced by the gener-
ator 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 GeneratorÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - GENERATOR
2 - UPPER BOLT
3 - LOWER BOLT
8F - 28 CHARGINGWJ
GENERATOR (Continued)

STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................30
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - STARTER...................35
STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED......35
STARTER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................36DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................38
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY . 38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
An electrically operated engine starting system is
standard factory-installed equipment on this model.
The starting system is designed to provide the vehi-
cle operator with a convenient, efficient and reliable
means of cranking and starting the internal combus-
tion engine used to power the vehicle and all of its
accessory systems from within the safe and secure
confines of the passenger compartment. See the own-
er's manual in the vehicle glove box for more infor-
mation and instructions on the recommended use
and operation of the factory-installed starting sys-
tem.
The starting system consists of the following com-
ponents:
²Battery
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
²Ignition switch
²Park/neutral position switch
²Wire harnesses and connections (including the
battery cables).
This group provides complete service information
for the starter motor and the starter relay. Complete
service information for the other starting system
components can be located as follows:
²Refer toBatteryin the proper section of Group
8A - Battery for complete service information for the
battery.
²Refer toIgnition Switch and Key Lock Cyl-
inderin the proper section of Group 8D - Ignition
System for complete service information for the igni-
tion switch.²Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin the
proper section of Group 21 - Transmission for com-
plete service information for the park/neutral posi-
tion switch.
²Refer to the proper section ofGroup 8W - Wir-
ing Diagramsfor complete service information and
circuit diagrams for the starting system wiring com-
ponents.
Group 8A covers the Battery, Group 8B covers the
Starting Systems, and Group 8C covers the Charging
System. We have separated these systems to make it
easier to locate the information you are seeking
within this Service Manual. However, when attempt-
ing to diagnose any of these systems, it is important
that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The battery, starting, and charging systems in the
vehicle operate with one another, and must be tested
as a complete system. In order for the vehicle to start
and charge properly, all of the components that are
used in these systems must perform within specifica-
tions.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere
ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile
rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostic Test For Charging System
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -
Charging System for more information.
WJSTARTING 8F - 29

OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes, and a
low-amperage control circuit that operates on less
than 20 amperes. The high-amperage feed circuit
components include the battery, the battery cables,
the contact disc portion of the starter solenoid, and
the starter motor. The low-amperage control circuit
components include the ignition switch, the park/
neutral position switch, the starter relay, the electro-
magnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the
connecting wire harness components.
Battery voltage is supplied through the low-amper-
age control circuit to the coil battery terminal of the
starter relay when the ignition switch is turned to
the momentary Start position. The park/neutral posi-
tion switch is installed in series between the starter
relay coil ground terminal and ground. This normally
open switch prevents the starter relay from being
energized and the starter motor from operating
unless the automatic transmission gear selector is in
the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear on the automatic transmission torque con-
verter drive plate.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing the
starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to
the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the
relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger
hold-in coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate with one another, and must be tested as a com-
plete system. In order for the vehicle to start and
charge properly, all of the components involved in
these systems must perform within specifications.
Group 8A covers the Battery, Group 8B covers the
Starting Systems, and Group 8C covers the Charging
System. We have separated these systems to make it
easier to locate the information you are seeking
within this Service Manual. However, when attempt-
ing to diagnose any of these systems, it is important
that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in these groups
include the most basic conventional diagnostic meth-
ods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostic Test For Charging System
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -
Charging System for more information.
8F - 30 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)

INSPECTION
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toStarting
Systemin the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams. Before removing any unit from the starting
system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following
inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, 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.
²Battery- Visually inspect the battery for indi-
cations of physical damage and loose or corroded
cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and
cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace
the battery, if required. Refer toBatteryin the
proper section of Group 8A - Battery for complete ser-
vice information for the battery.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect the ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinderin the proper
section of Group 8D - Ignition System for complete
service information for the ignition switch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- Visually
inspect the park/neutral position switch for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded wire
harness connections. Refer toPark/Neutral Posi-
tion Switchin the proper section of Group 21 -
Transmission for complete service information for the
park/neutral position switch.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect the starter
relay for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect the starter
motor for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect the starter
solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect the wire harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to the proper section ofGroup 8W -
Wiring Diagramsfor complete service information
and circuit diagrams for the starting system wiring
components.TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toStarting
Systemin the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams. The battery must be fully-charged and load-
tested before proceeding. Refer toBatteryin the
Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8A - Battery
for the procedures.
(1) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the
battery terminals (Fig. 1). See the instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester
being used.
(2) Fully engage the parking brake.
(3) Place the automatic transmission gearshift
selector lever in the Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent the engine from starting, remove
the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in
the engine compartment. Refer to the fuse and relay
layout label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
(6) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start
position. Note the cranking voltage and current
(amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-ampere
tester.
(a) If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing sec-
tion of this group. If the starter motor is OK, refer
toEngine Diagnosisin the Diagnosis and Testing
section of Group 9 - Engine for further testing of
the engine. If the starter motor is not OK, replace
the faulty starter motor.
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
8F - 32 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)