Home ReviewsRefund
Home/Dodge/Intrepid/Dodge Intrepid I (1992-1997)/Repair manual/Charging System/Alternator & Regulator: Other
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Charging System All sections

Alternator & Regulator: Other Dodge Intrepid I

Charging System ~794 words

3.3L & 3.5L

Using Belt Tension Gauge (C-4162), adjust NEW belt tension to 140-160 ft. lbs. (190-217 N.m). Adjust USED belt tension to 120 ft. lbs. (163 N.m).

INITIAL CHECKS

Before proceeding with diagnosis and testing, ensure

  1. Battery is fully charged and in good condition.
  2. Battery cables and connections are in good condition.
  3. Alternator belt is in good condition and properly adjusted.
  4. Alternator and PCM harness connections are clean and secure.
  5. Engine ground strap(s) is in place and secure.

UNSTEADY OR LOW CHARGING

Check for loose alternator belt, defective alternator, and/or charging resistance too high. High resistance could be caused by loose alternator or engine ground wire, and/or corroded battery terminals.

OVERCHARGING

Check for grounded alternator field wiring or faulty regulator.

NOISY ALTERNATOR

Check for worn alternator bearings or loose alternator mounting.

Hard Failures

Hard failures will cause MIL to illuminate and remain on until malfunction is repaired. If MIL comes on and remains on (or light flashes) during vehicle operation, cause of malfunction must be determined using diagnostic tests.

If a sensor fails, PCM will use a substitute value in its calculations, allowing engine operation in limp-in mode. In this condition, vehicle will run but driveability will be poor.

Intermittent Failures

Intermittent failures may cause MIL to flicker or stay on until the intermittent failure goes away. However, the corresponding trouble code will be retained in PCM memory. If failure does not reoccur within a certain time frame (before 50 ignition on/off cycles), corresponding trouble code will be erased from PCM memory.

Intermittent failures can be caused by faulty sensor, bad connection, or wiring related problems. Refer to INTERMITTENTS heading in the TESTS W/O CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.

STATE DISPLAYS Mode

This function allows user to read states or values of a variety of sensors, inputs/outputs and components. PCM can only recognize high and low states on switch circuits. PCM cannot differentiate between an open or short circuit or a defective switch. If DRB displays a change between INPUT HIGH and INPUT LOW, assume the entire switch circuit to PCM is functioning.

DRB Volt/Ohmmeter Mode

  1. To access DRB volt/ohmmeter mode, connect Red volt/ohmmeter test lead to Red port, located on right-top side of DRB.
  2. To place DRB in voltmeter mode, press VOLT/OHM key once. Touch test probe to connector or wire to be measured. Read voltage on DRB display. When voltage testing is complete, press VOLT/OHM key 3 times to exit voltmeter mode.
  3. To place DRB in ohmmeter mode, press VOLT/OHM key twice. Touch test probe to connector or wire to be measured. Read resistance to circuit ground on DRB display. When resistance testing is complete, press VOLT/OHM key twice to exit ohmmeter mode.

DRB Continuity Meter Mode

Press VOLT/OHM key 3 times. Display will read NO CONTINUITY. Touch test probe to connector or wire to be measured. Read continuity on DRB display. When continuity testing is complete, press VOLT/OHM key once to exit continuity meter mode.

VEHICLES TESTED Mode

  1. This mode is used to show which vehicles are covered by DRB cartridge. To access vehicles tested mode, turn ignition off. Attach DRB to Data Link Connector. DLC is located under center of dash, right of steering column.
  2. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. All DRB character positions will illuminate and copyright information will appear on screen for several seconds. After several seconds DRB menu will appear.
  3. At DRB menu, press "1" (VEHICLES TESTED) key. Press ENTER key. DRB will display vehicles covered by cartridge. Screen will display for 5 seconds and return to DRB menu.

HOW TO USE Mode

Enter DRB menu display. Refer to steps 1) and 2) under VEHICLES TESTED MODE. At DRB menu, press "2" (HOW TO USE) key. Press ENTER key. A series of screens will display explaining keys used to perform engine diagnostic program.

CONFIGURE Mode

  1. Configure option allows user to customize DRB display. Example; if metric system is more useful to use, simply select METRIC from appropriate menu.
  2. All selections made under CONFIGURE option remain active until user changes selection. To enter configure mode, enter DRB menu display. Refer to steps 1) and 2) under VEHICLES TESTED MODE. At DRB menu, press "3" (CONFIGURE) key. Press ENTER key. DRB will display CONFIGURE menu.

Blank Message Screen

See TESTS W/CODES - BODY CONTROL COMPUTER article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.

NO RESPONSE Message

See TEST TC-1A, CHECKING SYSTEM FOR TROUBLE CODES under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTS.

CARTRIDGE ERROR Message

See TESTS W/CODES - BODY CONTROL COMPUTER article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.

HIGH OR LOW BATTERY Message

See TESTS W/CODES - BODY CONTROL COMPUTER article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.

Note. For more information on PCM diagnostic capabilities and using DRB, see TESTS W/CODES - 3.3L article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.

More articles — Alternator & Regulator