Chrysler Stratus Convertible. Manual - part 235
OPERATION
When the knock sensor detects a knock in one of
the cylinders, it sends an input signal to the PCM. In
response, the PCM retards ignition timing for all cyl-
inders by a scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal’s vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
NOTE: Over or under tightening affects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
LOCK KEY CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION
The lock cylinder is inserted in the end of the
housing opposite the ignition switch.
OPERATION
The ignition key rotates the cylinder to 5 different
detents (Fig. 9) :
• Accessory
• Off (lock)
• Unlock
• On/Run
• Start
IGNITION INTERLOCK
OPERATION
All vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles
have an interlock system. The system prevents shift-
ing the vehicle out of Park unless the ignition lock
cylinder is in the Off, Run or Start position. In addi-
tion, the operator cannot rotate the key to the lock
position unless the shifter is in the park position. On
vehicles equipped with floor shift refer to the - Tran-
saxle for Automatic Transmission Shifter/Ignition
Interlock.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SPARK PLUGS AND CABLES—2.5L
When replacing the spark plug and coil cables,
route the cables correctly and secure them in the
appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise, cross ignition of the spark plugs or short cir-
cuit the cables to ground.
CAUTION: Never attempt to file the electrodes or
use a wire brush for cleaning platinum plugs. This
would damage the platinum pads which would
shorten spark plug life.
Never force a gap gauge between the platinum
electrodes or adjust the gap on platinum spark plugs
without reading the 2.5L Spark Plug Gap Measure-
ment procedures below.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap. Overtightening can
also damage the cylinder head. Tighten spark plugs
to 28 N·m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
Due to the engine packaging environment for the
2.5L engines, extreme care should be used when
installing the spark plugs to avoid cross threading
problems.
2.5L SPARK PLUG GAP MEASUREMENT
CAUTION: The Platinum pads can be damaged dur-
ing the measurement of checking the gap if extreme
care is not used.
• Use only a taper gap gauge (Fig. 2)
• Never force the gap gauge through the platinum
pads. Only apply enough force until resistance is felt.
• Never use a wire brush or spark plug cleaner
machine to clean platinum spark plugs
• Use an OSHA approved air nozzle when drying
gas fouled spark plugs.
If gap adjustment is required of platinum plug,
bend only the ground electrode. DO NOT TOUCH
the platinum pads. Use only a proper gapping tool
and check with a taper gap gauge (Fig. 1).
Apply a very small amount of anti-seize compound
to the threads when reinstalling the vehicle’s original
spark plugs that have been determined good. Do not
apply anti-seize compound to new spark plugs.
Fig. 9 Ignition Lock Cylinder Detents
JX
IGNITION SYSTEM
8D - 5
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)