Charging System - Generators & Regulators (Except Coupe): Other Dodge Stratus 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.

Note. For additional trouble shooting information, refer to the TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

PRECAUTIONS

Before proceeding with diagnosis, observe following precautions.

1. Ensure battery is fully charged.
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 Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool, which will be referred to as scan tool during test procedures. A generic scan tool may also be used for system diagnostics, but may have limited diagnostic capability.

Using MIL

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. DTC 12 - Battery feed to PCM has been interrupted within last 50-100 engine starts. PCM monitors this circuit whenever ignition is on.
2. DTC 41 - Generator field control fails to switch properly. PCM monitors this circuit whenever ignition is on.
3. DTC 44 - Battery temperature sensor voltage is out of range. PCM monitors this circuit whenever ignition is on.
4. DTC 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. DTC 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.
6. DTC 55 - After all DTCs have been displayed, DTC 55 will flash indicating DTC retrieval is complete.

CLEARING DTCS

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) automatically clears DTC after 50 ignition on-off cycles. DTCs can also be cleared using scan tool.

NO RESPONSE Message

See TEST NS-6A in appropriate TESTS W/CODES article. See the G - TESTS W/CODES ARTICLE MENU & LINKS table.

G - TESTS W/CODES ARTICLE MENU & LINKS

Note. For more information on scan tool and PCM diagnostics, see the appropriate TESTS W/CODES article. Refer to the G - TESTS W/CODES ARTICLE MENU & LINKS table.