Jeep Grand Cherokee XJ 1995 User Manual
J ELECTRICAL 8A - 1
ELECTRICAL
GROUP INDEX
Group Group
AUDIO SYSTEMS ........................ 8F
BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE .... 8B
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS
DIAGNOSTICS ......................... 8A
CHIME/BUZZER WARNING SYSTEMS ........ 8U
HORNS ................................ 8G
IGNITION SYSTEMS ...................... 8D
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES ......... 8E
LAMPS ................................ 8L
OVERHEAD CONSOLE .................... 8C
POWER LOCKS .......................... 8P
POWER MIRRORS ....................... 8T
POWER SEATS .......................... 8R
POWER WINDOWS ....................... 8S
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ............... 8N
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ................... 8M
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD WARNING
SYSTEMS ............................. 8J
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM ......... 8H
WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS ............ 8K
XJ WIRING DIAGRAMS-LEFT HAND DRIVE ... 8W
XJ WIRING DIAGRAMS-RIGHT HAND DRIVE . 8W
YJ WIRING DIAGRAMS .................. 8W
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY ............................... 2
CHARGING SYSTEM ..................... 17
IGNITION-OFF DRAW .................... 10
SPECIFICATIONS ........................ 23
STARTING SYSTEM ...................... 11
USING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM .... 22
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery, starting, and charging systems operate
with one another; therefore, they must be tested as a
complete 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 battery, starting (Fig. 1) and
charging (Fig. 2) system diagnostic procedures. These
procedures include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built
into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an
induction milliamp ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery
charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12volt test lamp will be required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. See Using On-Board Diagnostic System in this group for
more information.
8A - 2 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS J
Fig. 1 Starting System Components (Typical)
BATTERY
GENERAL INFORMATION
The storage battery is a device used to store electrical energy potential in a chemical form. When an
electrical load is applied to the battery terminals, an
electrochemical reaction occurs within the battery.
This reaction causes the battery to discharge electrical current.
The battery is made up of 6 individual cells that
are connected in series. Each cell contains positively
charged plate groups made of lead oxide, and negatively charged plate groups made of sponge lead.
These dissimilar metal plates are submerged in a
sulfuric acid and water solution called electrolyte.
As the battery discharges, a gradual chemical
change takes place within each cell. The sulfuric acid
in the electrolyte combines with the plate materials,
causing both plates to change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, causing the electrolyte to become mainly water.
The chemical changes within the battery are
caused by movement of excess or free electrons between the positive and negative plate groups. This
Fig. 2 Charging System Components (Typical)
movement of electrons produces a flow of electrical
current through the load device attached to the battery terminals.
As the plate materials become more similar chemically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the voltage potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery, the process is reversed.
Charging the battery gradually changes the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and lead oxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid. This action
restores the difference in 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 current over an extended period. A battery must also be able to accept a charge,
so that its voltage potential may be restored.
In addition to producing and storing electrical energy, the battery serves as a capacitor or voltage stabilizer for the vehicle electrical system. It absorbs
abnormal or transient voltages caused by switching
of any of the vehicle’s electrical components.
The battery is vented to release excess gas that is
created when the battery is being charged or dis-
J BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 3
charged. However, even with these vents, hydrogen
gas can collect in or around the battery. If hydrogen
gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it can ignite.
If the electrolyte level is low, the battery could arc
internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water whenever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced when the electrolyte level is
low.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ASSIST BOOST,
CHARGE, OR TEST BATTERY WHEN ELECTROLYTE LEVEL IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE PLATES.
PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
BATTERY RATINGS
Currently, there are 2 commonly accepted methods
for rating and comparing battery performance. These
ratings are called Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA),
and Reserve Capacity (RC). Be certain that a replacement battery has CCA and RC ratings that equal or
exceed the original equipment specification for the
vehicle being serviced. See Battery Classifications
and Ratings charts in Specifications at the back of
this group.
COLD CRANKING AMPERAGE
The Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) rating specifies how much current (in amperes) the battery can
deliver for 30 seconds at -17.7°C (0°F). Terminal voltage must not fall below 7.2 volts during or after the
30 second discharge. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements.
RESERVE CAPACITY
The Reserve Capacity (RC) rating specifies the
time (in minutes) it takes for battery terminal voltage to fall below 10.2 volts at a discharge rate of 25
amps. RC is determined with the battery fullycharged at 26.7°C (80°F). This rating estimates how
long the battery might last after a charging system
failure, under minimum electrical load.
DIAGNOSIS
The battery must be completely charged and the
top, posts, and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned before diagnostic procedures are performed.
Refer to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Service for more information.
The condition of a battery is determined by two criteria:
(1) State-Of-Charge This can be determined by
viewing the built-in test indicator, by checking specific gravity of the electrolyte (hydrometer test), or by
checking battery voltage (open circuit voltage test).
(2) Cranking Capacity This can be determined
by performing a battery load test, which measures
the ability of the battery to supply high-amperage
current.
If the battery has a built-in test indicator, use this
test first. If it has no test indicator, but has removable cell caps, perform the hydrometer test first. If
cell caps are not removable, or a hydrometer is not
available, perform the open circuit voltage test first.
The battery must be charged before proceeding
with a load test if:
• the built-in test indicator has a black or dark color
visible
• the temperature corrected specific gravity is less
than 1.235
• the open circuit voltage is less than 12.4 volts.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty
and further testing is not required. A battery that is
fully-charged, but does not pass the load test is
faulty and must be replaced.
Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. See Charging
Completely Discharged Battery.
A battery is fully-charged when:
• all cells are gassing freely during charging
• a green color is visible in the sight glass of the
built-in test indicator
• three corrected specific gravity tests, taken at
1-hour intervals, indicate no increase in specific gravity
• open circuit voltage is 12.4 volts or greater.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in 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, possibly due to equipment installed
after manufacture or repeated short trip use.
(4) Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or
prolonged idling with high-amperage draw systems
in use.
(5) Faulty circuit or component causing excessive
ignition-off draw. See Ignition-Off Draw in this group
for diagnosis.
(6) Faulty charging system.
(7) Faulty or incorrect battery.
BUILT-IN TEST INDICATOR
A test indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of
the battery case, provides visual information for battery testing (Fig. 1). It is important when using the
test indicator that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass to see correct indications. Additional
light may be required to view indicator.
8A - 4 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS J
BATTERY DIAGNOSIS
J BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 5
WARNING: DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME AS A
SOURCE OF ADDITIONAL LIGHT FOR VIEWING
TEST INDICATOR. EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS
MAY BE PRESENT IN THE AREA SURROUNDING
BATTERY.
Fig. 2 Built-In Test Indicator Sight Glass
HYDROMETER TEST
The hydrometer test reveals the battery state-ofcharge by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte. This test cannot be performed on batteries
Fig. 1 Built-In Test Indicator
Like a hydrometer, the built-in test indicator measures the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Specific
gravity will indicate battery state-of-charge. However, the test indicator will not indicate cranking capacity of the battery. See Load Test in this group for
more information.
Look into the sight glass and note the color of the
indicator (Fig. 2). Refer to the following description,
as the color indicates:
GREEN—indicates 75% to 100% state-of-charge.
The battery is adequately charged for further testing or return to use. If the vehicle will not crank for
a minimum of 15 seconds with a fully-charged battery, perform Load Test.
BLACK OR DARK—indicates 0% to 75% state-ofcharge.
The battery is inadequately charged and must be
charged until green indicator (Fig. 2) is visible in
sight glass (12.4 volts or more) before the battery is
tested further or returned to use. See Abnormal Battery Discharging in this group to diagnose cause of
discharged condition.
YELLOW OR BRIGHT—indicates low electrolyte
level.
The electrolyte level in the battery is below test indicator (Fig. 2). A maintenance-free battery with nonremovable cell caps must be replaced if electrolyte
level is low. Water can be added to a low-maintenance battery with removable cell caps. A low electrolyte level may be caused by an over-charging
condition. See Charging System in this group to diagnose an over-charging condition.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHARGE, TEST,
OR ASSIST BOOST BATTERY WHEN YELLOW OR
BRIGHT COLOR IS VISIBLE IN SIGHT GLASS OF
TEST INDICATOR. LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL CAN
ALLOW BATTERY TO ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
with non-removable cell caps. If battery has non-removable cell caps, see Built-In Test Indicator or Open
Circuit Voltage Test.
Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of
the electrolyte to the density of pure water. Pure water has a specific gravity of 1.000, and sulfuric acid
has a specific gravity of 1.835. Sulfuric acid makes
up approximately 35% of the electrolyte by weight, or
24% by volume.
In a fully-charged battery the electrolyte will have
a temperature corrected specific gravity of 1.260 to
1.290. However, a specific gravity of 1.235 or above is
satisfactory for battery load testing and/or return to
service.
Before testing, visually inspect battery for any
damage (cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.) that
would cause the battery to be faulty. Then remove
cell caps and check electrolyte level. Add distilled water if electrolyte level is below the top of the battery
plates.
To use the hydrometer correctly, hold it with the
top surface of the electrolyte at eye level. Refer to the
hydrometer manufacturer’s instructions for correct
use of hydrometer. Remove only enough electrolyte
from the battery so the float is off the bottom of the
hydrometer barrel with pressure on the bulb released.
Exercise care when inserting the tip of the hydrometer into a cell to avoid damaging the plate separators. Damaged plate separators can cause premature
battery failure.
Hydrometer floats are generally calibrated to indicate the specific gravity correctly only at 26.7°C
(80°F). When testing the specific gravity at any other
temperature, a correction factor is required.
The correction factor is approximately a specific
gravity value of 0.004, referred to as 4 points of specific gravity. For each 5.5°C above 26.7°C (10°F above
80°F), add 4 points. For each 5.5°C below 26.7°C
(10°F below 80°F), subtract 4 points. Always correct
8A - 6 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS J
the specific gravity for temperature variation. Test
the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each battery
cell.
Example: A battery is tested at -12.2°C (10°F) and
has a specific gravity of 1.240. Determine the actual
specific gravity as follows:
(1) Determine the number of degrees above or below 26.7°C (80°F):
26.6°C - -12.2°C = 38.8°C (80°F - 10°F = 70°F)
(2) Divide the result from step 1 by 5.5 (10):
38.8°C/5.5 = 7 (70°F/10 = 7)
(3) Multiply the result from step 2 by the temperature correction factor (0.004):
7 x 0.004 = 0.028
(4) The temperature at testing was below 26.7°C
(80°F); therefore, the temperature correction is subtracted:
1.240 - 0.028 = 1.212
The corrected specific gravity of the battery in this
example is 1.212.
If the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235, but
variation between cells is more than 50 points
(0.050), the battery should be replaced.
If the specific gravity of one or more cells is less
than 1.235, charge the battery at a rate of approximately 5 amperes. Continue charging until 3 consecutive specific gravity tests, taken at 1-hour intervals,
are constant. If the cell specific gravity variation is
more than 50 points (0.050) at the end of the charge
period, replace the battery.
When the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235,
and cell variation is less than 50 points (0.050), the
battery may be load tested.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open circuit voltage (no load) test will
show state-of-charge of a battery. This test can be
used in place of the hydrometer test if a hydrometer
is not available, or for maintenance-free batteries
with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test or load test,
completely charge battery as described in Battery Charging in this group.
Test battery open circuit voltage as follows:
(1) Before measuring open circuit voltage the surface charge must be removed from the battery. Turn
headlamps 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 (refer to instructions provided with voltmeter)
measure open circuit voltage (Fig. 3).
See Open Circuit Voltage chart. This voltage reading will indicate state-of-charge, but will not reveal
cranking capacity. If a battery has an open circuit
voltage reading of 12.4 volts or greater, it may be
load tested. A battery that will not endure a load test
is faulty and must be replaced.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
Fig. 3 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
LOAD TEST
A battery load test will verify battery cranking capacity. The test is based on the Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) rating of the battery. See Battery
Classifications and Ratings chart in Specifications, at
the back of this group.
WARNING: IF BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, OR LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT LOAD TEST. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
Before performing load test, the battery must
be FULLY-CHARGED.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative first. Battery top and posts should be clean.
(2) Connect a suitable volt-ammeter-load tester
(Fig. 4) to the battery posts (Fig. 5). Refer to operating instructions provided with the tester being used.
Check the open circuit voltage (no load) of the battery. Open circuit voltage must be 12.4 volts or
greater.
(3) Rotate the load control knob (carbon pile rheostat) to apply a 300 amp load for 15 seconds, then return 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. It may take up to 5 minutes for voltage to
stabilize.
J BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 7
Fig. 4 Volt-Amps-Load Tester (Typical)
Fig. 5 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester Connections
Fig. 6 Remove Surface Charge from Battery
(5) Rotate the load control knob to maintain a load
equal to 50% of CCA rating (Fig. 7). After 15 seconds,
record the loaded voltage reading, then return the
load control knob to OFF.
(6) Voltage drop will vary with battery temperature at the time of the load test. Battery temperature
can be estimated by the ambient temperature over
the past several hours. If the battery has been
charged, boosted, or loaded a few minutes prior to
Fig. 7 Load 50% CCA Rating - Note Voltage
test, the battery will be somewhat warmer. See Load
Test Temperature chart for proper loaded voltage
reading.
(7) If the voltmeter reading falls below 9.6 volts, at
a minimum battery temperature of 21°C (70°F), replace the battery.
BATTERY CHARGING
A battery is fully-charged when:
• all cells are gassing freely during charging
• a green color is visible in sight glass of built-in
test indicator
• three corrected specific gravity tests, taken at
1-hour intervals, indicate no increase in specific gravity
• open circuit voltage is 12.4 volts or above.
WARNING: DO NOT ASSIST BOOST OR CHARGE A
BATTERY THAT HAS LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
OR IS FROZEN. BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY
AND EXPLODE.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE
FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY.
8A - 8 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS J
WARNING: POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. BATTERY
CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH
SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the battery negative
cable before charging battery to avoid damage to
electrical system components. Do not exceed 16.0
volts while charging battery.
Battery electrolyte will bubble inside battery case
during normal battery charging. If the electrolyte
boils, or is discharged from the vent holes while
charging, immediately reduce charging rate or turn
OFF charger and evaluate battery condition.
Battery should not be hot to the touch. If the
battery feels hot to the touch, turn OFF
charger and let battery cool before continuing
charging operation.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing circuitry. This circuitry protects the charger
and/or battery from being damaged if improperly connected.
If the battery state-of-charge is too low for the polarity sensing circuitry to detect, the charger will not
operate. This makes it appear that the battery will
not accept charging current. Refer to instructions
provided with the battery charger being used to bypass the polarity sensing circuitry.
BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
(1) Battery Capacity—A completely discharged
heavy-duty battery requires twice the recharging
time of a small capacity battery.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 20 AMPS WHEN
CHARGING A COLD (-1°C/30°F) BATTERY. PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
(2) Temperature—A longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18°C (0°F) than at 27°C (80°F).
When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery,
current accepted by the battery will be very low at
first. As the battery warms, it will accept a higher
charging current rate.
(3) Charger Capacity—A charger that supplies
only 5 amperes will require a longer charging time. A
charger that supplies 20 amperes or more requires a
shorter charging time.
(4) State-Of-Charge—A completely discharged
battery requires more charging time than a partially
discharged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water
in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the battery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless this procedure is properly followed, a good battery may be
needlessly replaced.
(1) Measure voltage at battery posts with a voltmeter, accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt (Fig. 8). If the reading
is below 10 volts, the charge current will be low. It
could take some time before the battery accepts a
current greater than a few milliamperes. Such low
current may not be detectable on ammeters built into
many chargers.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. If the battery will endure a load test, return
the battery to use. If the battery will not endure a
load test, it must be replaced.
Clean and inspect battery holddowns, tray, terminals, posts, and top before completing service. Refer
to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Service for
more information.
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary, depending upon the following factors:
Fig. 8 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt Connected
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable. Connect
charger leads. Some battery chargers are equipped
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