Generator & Regulator: Other Dodge Neon I

BELT TENSION

BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS

INITIAL CHECKS

Before proceeding with charging system diagnosis, ensure following conditions are met.

1. Battery is fully charged and in good condition.
2. Battery cables are in good condition with connections clean and secure.
3. Generator belt is in good condition and properly tightened.
4. Generator and PCM wiring harness connections are clean and tight.
5. Engine ground strap is in place.

UNSTEADY OR LOW CHARGING

Check for loose generator belt, charging resistance too high, defective generator, loose generator ground wire, corroded battery terminals or faulty generator.

OVERCHARGING

Check for grounded generator field wiring or faulty generator.

NOISY GENERATOR

Check for worn or frayed drive belt, loose generator mounting, or faulty generator.

PRECAUTIONS

Before proceeding with diagnosis, observe following precautions.

1. Ensure battery is fully charged and charging system is functional.
2. Probe PCM connector from pin side. DO NOT backprobe PCM connector or probe wires through insulation.
3. DO NOT cause short circuits when performing electrical tests. This will set additional DTCs, making diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
4. DO NOT use a test light in place of a voltmeter.
5. Always begin repair with lowest DTC number (MIL) or first DTC displayed (scan tool).
6. Always perform verification test after repairs are made.
7. Always disconnect scan tool after use.
8. Always disconnect scan tool before charging battery.

RETRIEVING DTCS

Note. Self-diagnostic tests are written specifically for Chrysler's DRB-III scan tool, which will be referred to as scan tool during testing procedures. A generic scan tool should not be used for tests in this article, as it is not capable of performing test functions associated with DTCs that occur. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), also known as CHECK ENGINE light (located on instrument panel), may also be used for system diagnostics, but has limited diagnostic capability.

Using MIL

Faults may be retrieved using MIL on instrument panel or scan tool. To activate MIL, turn ignition key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON within 5 seconds. Count number of times MIL flashes on and off. This represents the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Following is a brief description of DTCs and conditions.

1. Code 12 Battery feed to PCM has been interrupted within last 50-100 engine starts. PCM monitors this circuit whenever ignition is on.
2. Code 41 Generator field control fails to switch properly. PCM monitors this circuit whenever ignition is on.
3. Code 44 Battery temperature sensor voltage is out of range. PCM monitors this circuit whenever ignition is on.
4. Code 46 Charging system voltage is more than one volt above desired control voltage for more than 20 seconds. PCM monitors this signal whenever engine is running.
5. Code 47 Charging system voltage is at least one volt less than desired control voltage for more than 20 seconds. No significant change in voltage is detected during active test of generator. PCM monitors this signal whenever engine speed is more than 1500 RPM.

CLEARING DTCS

PCM automatically clears DTCs from PCM memory after 50 ignition on-off cycles. DTCs can also be cleared using scan tool by following scan tool manufacturer's instructions.

Blank Message Screen

See BASIC TESTING article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.

NO RESPONSE Message

See TEST NS-6A in appropriate BASIC TESTING article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.

Note. For more information on scan tool and PCM diagnostics, see appropriate BASIC TESTING article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.