Grand AM L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (1997)
Positive: Customer Interest
Battery - Weak, Discharged/Slow Starting/GEN or MIL On
File In Section: 6 - Engine
Bulletin No.: 83-64-16
Date: June, 1998
Subject:
Weak or Discharged Battery, Slow Starting, GEN or MIL Lamp On, Various Driveability Symptoms (Repair B+ Stud and/or Wiring on Starter)
Models:
1997-98 Buick Skylark
1997-98 Chevrolet Cavalier, Malibu
1997-98 Oldsmobile Achieva, Cutlass
1997-98 Pontiac Grand Am, Sunfire
with 2.2L, 2.4L, 3.1L Engine (VINs 4, T, M - RPOs LN2, LD9, L82)
Condition
Some owners may report the battery is weak or discharged; the starting motor may turn slowly; the generator is not charging and/or the generator
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may be on, possibly intermittent. Driveability symptoms may also be experienced.
Cause
If following steps 1, 2 or 3 of strategy based diagnostics did not reveal the cause, the generator output and battery positive cable terminal at the starting
motor (CKT 1 - VIN T and M; CKT 2 - VIN 4) may be loose, causing a high resistance in the battery positive circuit from the generator to the battery.
Correction
Inspect the condition of the starting motor B+ stud, wire, ring terminals and nut. Clean each mating surface and replace damaged parts. Tighten positive
battery B+ cable to starter solenoid nut to 12 N.m (106 lb in.). Refer to the "Starting Motor Replacement" portion in the Engine Electrical Section of the
Service Manual.
Recharge and load test the battery if required. Refer to "Battery Charging" in the Engine Electrical Section of the Service Manual.
Important:
The generator and battery are not damaged and should not require replacement.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
N6480
Wiring and/or
Use published
Connector,
labor operation
Starter - Repair
time
