Dakota 4WD V6-3.7L (2008)
Battery Cable: Testing and Inspection
BATTERY CABLES
A voltage drop test will determine if there is excessive resistance in the battery cable terminal connections or the battery cables. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connection point should be disassembled, cleaned of all corrosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the battery cable connection and the battery cable again to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is important to remember that the voltage drop is giving an indication of the resistance between the two points
at which the voltmeter probes are attached. EXAMPLE: When testing the resistance of the battery positive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the
battery positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery positive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery
positive terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud, you are reading the combined voltage drop
in the battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal post connection and the battery positive cable.
TESTING
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
WARNING: If the battery shows signs of freezing, leaking, loose posts, or low electrolyte level, do not test, assist-boost, or charge. The battery
may arc internally and explode. Personal injury and/or vehicle damage may result.
WARNING: Explosive hydrogen gas forms in and around the battery. Do not smoke, use flame, or create sparks near the battery. Personal
injury and/or vehicle damage may result.
WARNING: Explosive hydrogen gas forms in and around the battery. Do not smoke, use flame, or create sparks near the battery. Personal
injury and/or vehicle damage may result.
WARNING: If the battery is equipped with removable cell caps, be certain that each of the cell caps is in place and tight before the battery is
returned to service. Personal injury and/or vehicle damage may result from loose or missing cell caps.
The following operation will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
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The battery is fully-charged and tested, See: Testing and Inspection/Micro 420 Battery Tester.
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Fully engage the parking brake.
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If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the fully depressed position.
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Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
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To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The ASD relay is located in the Integrated Power
Module (IPM), in the engine compartment. See the fuse and relay layout label on the underside of the IPM cover for ASD relay identification and
location.
1. Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter (1) to the battery negative terminal post. Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter (1) to the battery
negative cable terminal clamp. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the
poor connection between the battery negative cable terminal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
