Dodge Journey: Diagnosis and Testing

BATTERY SYSTEM

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 engine to start and the battery to maintain its charge properly, all of the components that are used in these systems must perform within specifications. It is important that the battery, starting, and charging systems be thoroughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal battery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service. The service information for these systems has been separated within this service information to make it easier to locate the specific information you are seeking. However, when attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.

The diagnostic procedures used for the battery, starting, and charging systems include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmmeter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load tester) and a 12-volt test lamp may 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.

MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER (GASOLINE ENGINES)

The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is designed to help diagnose the cause of a defective battery. Follow the instruction service information supplied with the tester to properly diagnose a vehicle. If the instruction service information is not available. See Standard Procedure which includes the directions for using the Micro 420 battery tester.

OTC ONE STEP BATTERY ANALYZER AND CHARGER (DIESEL ENGINES)

The OTC One Step Battery Analyzer and Charger is designed to help diagnose the cause of a defective battery.

Follow the instruction service information supplied with the tester to properly diagnose a vehicle.

BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

CONDITION

 POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
THE BATTERY SEEMS WEAK OR DEAD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE. 1. The electrical system ignition-off draw is excessive.

2. The charging system is inoperative.

3. The battery is discharged.

4. The battery terminal connections are loose or corroded.

5. The battery has an incorrect size or rating for this vehicle.

6. The battery is inoperative.

7. The starting system is inoperative.

8. The battery is physically damaged.

 1. See Standard Procedure for the appropriate test procedures. Repair the excessive ignition-off draw, as required.

2. Determine if the charging system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative charging system, as required.

3. Determine the battery state-of-charge using the appropriate battery tester. Charge the inoperative battery, as required.

4. See Diagnosis and Testing for the appropriate battery cable diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean and tighten the battery terminal connections, as required.

5. See Specifications for the proper battery size and rating. Replace an incorrect battery, as required.

6. Test the battery using the appropriate battery tester. Replace the inoperative battery, as required.

7. Determine if the starting system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative starting system, as required.

8. Inspect the battery for loose terminal posts or a cracked and leaking case.

Replace the damaged battery, as required.
THE BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE CANNOT BE MAINTAINED. 1. The battery has an incorrect size or rating for this vehicle.

2. The battery terminal connections are loose or corroded.

3. The electrical system ignition-off draw is excessive.

4. The battery is inoperative.

5. The starting system is inoperative.

6. The charging system is inoperative.

7. Electrical loads exceed the output of the charging system.

8. Slow driving or prolonged idling with high-amperage draw loads in use.

 1. See Specifications for the proper battery size and rating. Replace an incorrect battery, as required.

2. See Diagnosis and Testing for the appropriate battery cable diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean and tighten the battery terminal connections, as required.

3. See Standard Procedure for the appropriate test procedures. Repair the excessive ignition-off draw, as required.

4. Test the battery using the appropriate battery tester. Replace the inoperative battery, as required.

5. Determine if the starting system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative starting system, as required.

6. Determine if the charging system is performing to specifications. Repair the inoperative charging system, as required.

7. Inspect the vehicle for aftermarket electrical equipment which might cause excessive electrical loads.

8. Advise the vehicle operator, as required.
THE BATTERY WILL NOT ACCEPT A CHARGE. 1. The battery is inoperative. 1. Test the battery using the appropriate battery tester. Replace the inoperative battery, as required.
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