CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM 1993 Service Manual

IGNITION COILS
SPARK PLUGS
TORQUE
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 49

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES
CONTENTS
page page
AA BODY .............................. 1
AC AND AY BODIES .................... 23 AG AND AJ BODIES
.................... 42
AP BODY ............................. 58
AA BODY INDEX
page page
Cluster and Gauge Service and Testing ........ 2
Electronic Cluster ........................ 13
Fuel GaugeÐFlexible Fuel .................. 2
Gauges ................................. 7
General Information ........................ 1 Instrument Panel
......................... 21
Interior Lamp Replacement ................. 21
Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Removal ......... 5
Switch and Panel Component Service ......... 15
GENERAL INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
There are three instrument cluster assemblies. The
mechanical clusters incorporate magnetic type
gauges. The electronic instrument cluster incorpo-
rates, a digital speedometer/odometer and electronic
analog gauges. The mechanical Lo-Line instrument cluster has
magnetic type gauges for coolant temperature, fuel
level and charging system voltage (Fig. 1).
The mechanical Hi-Line instrument cluster has
magnetic type gauges for oil pressure, coolant tem-
perature, charging system voltage and fuel level. The
premium instrument cluster also has a tachometer
(Fig. 2). If the ignition switch is in the OFF position each
gauge will show a reading, except for the volt gauge. However the readings are only accurate when the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
TACHOMETER DRIVE MODULE
The tachometer drive module is an electronic mod-
ule used to drive a magnetic tachometer in a conven-
tional instrument cluster.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time
keeping is accurately maintained.
MESSAGE CENTER
The message center includes the graphic display of
the car with illuminating graphics for: low wind-
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster With Tachometer
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 1

shield washer fluid, door ajar for each door, and
trunk ajar. It also includes headlamp out, tail lamp
out, and brake lamp out warning lights (Fig. 3),
these lights are operated by a lamp outage module.
When there is no message center there is no door
ajar function.
TRAVELER
The traveler is a five function trip computer. It
uses vacuum fluorescent displays to display: trip
miles, instantaneous fuel economy, trip elapsed time,
trip average fuel economy and, estimate distance to
empty. It is located in the message center (Fig. 4).
WARNING LAMPS AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
The mechanical instrument cluster assemblies
have warning lamps and indicator lights for ten dif-
ferent systems. These include left and right turn sig-
nals, low fuel level, low oil pressure, high beam indicator, seat belt reminder, brake system, malfunc-
tion indicator (check engine) lamp, check gauges, an-
ti-lock system and air bag system indicator. The low oil pressure indicator replaces the Check
Gauges indicator in the cluster assembly without a
tachometer. In the cluster assembly with tachometer, Check
Gauges indictor illuminates in a warning situation.
This will notify driver to check for a problem in cool-
ant temperature, oil pressure or electrical systems.
CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE AND TESTING
CAUTION: Disconnect battery cable. Before servic-
ing the instrument panel. Reconnect battery cable
when power is required for test purposes.
FUEL GAUGEÐFLEXIBLE FUEL
The flexible fuel vehicle uses a dampened fuel
gauge. Methanol fuel causes erratic gauge movement
if the proper gauge is not used. The unique fuel gauge may be identified by either
a green logo on the face of the gauge or by checking
the part number. Remove cluster from the instru-
ment panel and check the part number on top of the
cluster. Refer to Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Re-
moval for proper procedures. Refer to parts catalog
for proper part number.
Fig. 3 Message Center
Fig. 4 Traveler and Message Center
8E - 2 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

SENDING UNIT TEST
When a problem occurs with a cluster gauge, be-
fore disassembling the cluster to check the gauge,
check for a defective sending unit or wiring. (1) Sending units and wiring can be checked by
grounding the connector leads, at the sending unit,
in the vehicle. (2) With the ignition in the ON position; a
grounded input will cause the oil, fuel or tempera-
ture gauge to read at or above maximum.
LOW OIL PRESSURE/CHECK GAUGES WARNING LAMP TEST
The low oil pressure/check gauges warning lamp
will illuminate when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position without starting the vehicle. In the cluster assembly without tachometer, the
low oil pressure lamp will illuminate if the engine oil
pressure drops below a safe oil pressure level. In the cluster assembly with tachometer, the Check
Gauges warning lamp illuminates when there is a
problem in oil pressure level, high engine tempera-
ture or low voltage. To test the system turn ignition key to the ON po-
sition. If the lamp fails to light, inspect for a broken
or disconnected wire at the oil pressure combination
unit, which is located at the front of the engine (Figs.
5 and 6). If the wire at the connector checks good,
pull connector loose from the switch terminal and
with a jumper wire ground connector to the engine
(Fig. 7). With the ignition key turned to the ON po-
sition check the warning lamp. If lamp still fails to
light, inspect for a burned out lamp or disconnected
socket in the cluster.
COMBINATION OIL UNIT TEST
The combination oil unit has two functions:
(1) The normal closed circuit keeps the oil pressure
warning/check gauges lamp on until there is oil pres-
sure (Fig. 7). (2) The sending unit provides a resistance that
varies with oil pressure. (3) To test the normally closed oil lamp circuit, dis-
connect the locking connector and measure the resis-
tance between the switch terminal and the metal
housing. The ohmmeter should read 0 ohms. Start
the engine. (4) If there is oil pressure, the ohmmeter should
read an open circuit. (5) To test the sending unit, measure the resis-
tance between the sending unit terminal and the
metal housing. The ohmmeter should read open.
Start the engine. (6) The ohmmeter should read between 30 to 55
ohms, depending on engine speed, oil temperature,
and oil viscosity. (7) If the above results are not obtained, replace
the switch.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST
The brake warning lamp illuminates when parking
brake is applied with ignition key turned ON. The
same lamp will also illuminate should one of the two
service brake systems fail when brake pedal is ap-
plied. To test system turn ignition key ON, and ap-
ply parking brake. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp, disconnected socket, a broken orFig. 5 Combination Oil Unit (2.5L)
Fig. 6 Combination Oil Unit (3.0L)
Fig. 7 Combination Oil Unit Test
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 3

disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to START.To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while a helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
lamp. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch. If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
Tee fitting mounted on frame rail in engine compart-
ment below master cylinder (Fig. 8 and 9).
CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to the Powertrain Di-
agnostic Test Procedures booklet.
AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
Fig. 8 Brake Warning Lamp Switch
Fig. 9 Brake System Warning Lamp Diagnosis
8E - 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC CLUSTER REMOVAL
CLUSTER BEZEL REMOVAL
(1) On column shift vehicles, place column shifter
to neutral position. (2) On tilt steering column vehicles, adjust tilt
range to lowest position. (3) Pull cluster bezel rearward to disengage 11
clips (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove cluster bezel.
(5) For installation reverse above procedures.
CLUSTER MASK AND LENS REMOVAL
(1) Remove cluster, radio and rear window defog-
ger bezels (Fig. 10). (2) Remove four cluster to panel screws.
(3) Pull cluster assembly rearward. Vehicles with
column shift use care to not damage transmission
range indicator guide tube. (4) Remove four screws holding the cluster mask to
cluster housing (Fig. 11).
(5) Pull cluster mask and lens rearward to remove.
(6) For installation reverse above procedures.
CLUSTER ASSEMBLY
REMOVALÐCLUSTER WITH TRANSMISSION RANGE
INDICATOR FROM STEERING COLUMN
(1) Disconnect battery to assure no air bag system
fault codes are stored. (2) Remove cluster bezel (Fig. 10).
(3) On column shift vehicle: (Fig. 12 through 15).
(a) Remove lower steering column cover (Fig.
16). Release guide tube from behind fuse block.
Fig. 10 Cluster Bezel
Fig. 11 Cluster Mask and Lens
Fig. 12 Transmission Range Indicator Step 1
Fig. 13 Transmission Range Indicator Step 2
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 5

(b) Place gear shift lever in neutral or park.
(c) Remove guide tube from behind fuse block
and disconnect cable eyelet from column actuating
arm. (d) Release lock bar on column insert, squeeze
legs together and remove from column (Fig. 14). (e) Secure insert and cable guide out of the way.
(4) Remove the rear window defogger bezel and ra-
dio bezel. (5) Remove the upper steering column cover. (6) Remove the four screws attaching cluster hous-
ing to the base panel. (7) Pull cluster rearward, reach behind cluster and
disconnect the two wiring harnesses. (8) Remove cluster assembly.
INSTALLATION (1) Connect wiring harnesses.
(2) Position cluster and secure to base panel with
four screws. (3) On column shift vehicles (Fig. 12 through 15):
Fig. 15 Transmission Range Indicator Step 4
Fig. 16 Instrument Panel Bezels
Fig. 14 Transmission Range Indicator Step 3
8E - 6 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

(a) Route transmission range indicator guide as-
sembly under left steering column wing and down
left side of column (Fig. 12). (b) Insert flange of column insert into column,
squeeze legs together with tabs under column
jacket and engage lock bar to secure insert (Fig.
14). (c) Hook cable eyelet to steering column actuator
check pointer, should indicate neutral. Do not kink
or bind transmission range indicator guide tube
and position guide tube in original location. (d) Adjust with tool if necessary to center pointer
on N (Neutral) and check in other gears (Fig. 15).
(4) Install upper and lower steering column cover.
(5) Install the rear window defogger bezel and ra-
dio bezel. (6) Install cluster bezel.
(7) Reconnect battery.
REMOVALÐCLUSTER WITHOUT TRANSMISSION RANGE
INDICATOR FROM STEERING COLUMN (1) Remove cluster bezel (Fig. 10).
(2) Remove four screws attaching cluster to base
panel. (3) Pull cluster rearward carefully, reach behind
and disconnect the two harness connectors. (4) Carefully rotate cluster and remove the two
transmission range indicator screws. (5) Remove cluster assembly.
(6) For installation reverse above procedures. (a) Do not kink guide tube when installing clus-
ter. (b) Replace guide tube behind fuse block.
GAUGES
It is not necessary to remove instrument clus-
ter assembly from vehicle for gauge replace-
ment. When removing gauge assemblies from cluster,
gauge must be pulled straight out, not twisted, or
damage to gauge pin may result.
MULTIPLE GAUGE MALFUNCTION
If the fuel, voltage and tachometer gauges appear
to be malfunctioning, remove the cluster assembly.
Check for good pin contact between the wire harness
and printed circuit board. If there is good contact,
check for ignition voltage at ignition cavity C of the
black connector. If there is ignition voltage, check for
continuity between the wire harness ground cavity H
of the black connector and ground. If there is conti-
nuity, replace printed circuit board. If the temperature, oil pressure and speedometer
gauges appear to be malfunctioning remove the clus-
ter assembly. Check for a good contact between the
wire harness and the printed circuit board. If there is
good contact, check for ignition voltage at cavity J of
the red connector. If there is voltage, check for con- tinuity at cavity H of the black connector. If there is
continuity, replace the printed circuit board.
If the temperature, fuel, voltage and speedometer
gauges appear to be malfunctioning, remove the clus-
ter assembly. Check for good pin contact between the
wire harness and the printed circuit board. If there is
good contact, check ignition voltage at cavity J of the
red connector. If there is voltage, check for continuity
at cavity H of the black connector. If there is conti-
nuity, replace the printed circuit board.
GAUGE INOPERATIVE (FIG. 17 THROUGH 23)
(1) Remove gauge in question.
Fig. 17 Fuel Gauge PinsÐWith Tachometer
Fig. 18 Fuel Gauge PinsÐWithout Tachometer
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 7

(2) With the ignition key ON, check for ignition
voltage at ignition pin of gauge. Check for ground at
ground pin of gauge. Refer to the individual gauge
circuit test for proper pin. (a) If voltage at pin, replace gauge.
(b) If no voltage or ground at gauge pins, check
for ignition voltage and ground at cluster harness
connectors. (c) If no voltage or ground, repair as necessary.
Refer to 8W, Wiring Diagrams. (d) If there is voltage or ground, check cluster for
distorted terminals. If terminals are OK, replace
printed circuit board.
Fig. 19 Voltmeter PinsÐWith Tachometer
Fig. 20 Voltmeter PinsÐWithout Tachometer
Fig. 21 Temperature Gauge PinsÐWith Tachometer
Fig. 22 Temperature Gauge PinsÐWithout Tachometer
Fig. 23 Oil Pressure Gauge PinsÐWith Tachometer
8E - 8 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä