Ignition DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the PCM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the PCM has
detected a system malfunction and/or that the ETC
system is inoperative. The PCM will store a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it
detects. Each time the ETC indicator fails to illumi-
nate due to an open or short in the cluster ETC indi-
cator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying
the PCM of the condition, the instrument cluster and
the PCM will each store a DTC. For proper diagnosis
of the ETC system, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the ETC indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A fuel gauge is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters (Fig. 17). The fuel gauge is located in
the lower left quadrant of the instrument cluster,
below the voltage gauge. The fuel gauge consists of a
movable gauge needle or pointer controlled by the
instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90 degree
scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-right
from ªEº (or Empty) to ªFº (or Full). An International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº is located
on the cluster overlay, directly below the right end of
the gauge scale. An arrowhead pointed to the left
side of the vehicle is imprinted on the cluster overlay
next to the ªFuelº icon in the fuel gauge to provide
the driver with a reminder as to the location of the
fuel filler access. On vehicles equipped with a diesel
engine, text that specifies ªDIESEL ONLYº is located
across the fuel gauge below the gauge scale, but
above the hub of the gauge needle. The fuel gauge
graphics are black against a white field except for a
single red graduation at the low end of the gauge
scale, making them clearly visible within the instru-
ment cluster in daylight. When illuminated from
behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster
illumination lighting with the exterior lamps turned
On, the black graphics appear blue and the red
graphics still appear red. The orange gauge needle is
internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is pro-
vided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-tronic circuit board. The fuel gauge is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The fuel gauge gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the level of fuel in the fuel tank. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine, or from the Engine
Control Module (ECM) on vehicles equipped with a
diesel engine over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The fuel gauge is an
air core magnetic unit that receives battery current
on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
through the fused ignition switch output (run-start)
circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On or
Start positions. The cluster is programmed to move
the gauge needle back to the low end of the scale
after the ignition switch is turned to the Off position.
The instrument cluster circuitry controls the gauge
needle position and provides the following features:
²Percent Tank Full Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating the percent tank full, the cluster program-
ming applies an algorithm to calculate the proper
gauge needle position, then moves the gauge needle
to the proper relative position on the gauge scale.
The algorithm is used to dampen gauge needle move-
ment against the negative effect that fuel sloshing
within the fuel tank can have on accurate inputs
from the fuel tank sending unit to the PCM or ECM.
²Less Than Twenty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives messages from
the PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is
about twenty percent or less for ten consecutive sec-
onds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty con-
secutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, the gauge needle is moved to the one-
eighth graduation or below on the gauge scale, the
low fuel indicator is illuminated, and a single chime
tone is sounded. The low fuel indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives messages from the
PCM or ECM indicating that the percent tank full is
greater than about twenty percent for ten consecu-
tive seconds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty
consecutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first. The chime
tone feature will only repeat during the same igni-
tion cycle if the low fuel indicator is cycled off and
then on again by the appropriate percent tank full
messages from the PCM or ECM.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
Fig. 17 Fuel Gauge Icon
8J - 26 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
ETC INDICATOR (Continued)

the PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is
less than empty, the gauge needle is moved to the far
left end of the gauge scale and the low fuel indicator
is illuminated immediately. This message would indi-
cate that the fuel tank sender input to the PCM or
ECM is a short circuit.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is more
than full, the gauge needle is moved to the far left
end of the gauge scale and the low fuel indicator is
illuminated immediately. This message would indi-
cate that the fuel tank sender input to the PCM or
ECM is an open circuit.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a percent tank full message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication about five seconds
or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, whichever occurs first. After five seconds, the
cluster will move the gauge needle to the low end of
the gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the fuel gauge needle will
be swept to several calibration points on the gauge
scale in a prescribed sequence in order to confirm the
functionality of the gauge and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the fuel tank sending unit to deter-
mine the level of the fuel in the fuel tank. On
vehicles with a diesel engine, the ECM continually
monitors the fuel tank sending unit to determine the
level of the fuel in the fuel tank. The PCM or ECM
then sends the proper fuel level messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the fuel
gauge or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sending unit,
the PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the elec-
tronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the fuel gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An electronic automatic transmission gear selector
indicator is standard factory-installed equipment onthis model. The gear selector indicator information is
displayed in a Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD)
unit. The VFD is soldered onto the cluster electronic
circuit board and is visible through a window with a
smoked clear lens located on the lower edge of the
speedometer gauge dial face of the cluster overlay.
The dark lens over the VFD prevents the indicator
from being clearly visible when it is not illuminated.
The gear selector indicator displays the following
characters from left to right: ªP,º ªR,º ªN,º ªD,º ª2,º
and ª1º (Fig. 18). Respectively, these characters rep-
resent the park, reverse, neutral, drive, second gear,
and first gear positions of the transmission gear
selector lever on the steering column. The VFD illu-
minates a rectangular box around the character that
represents the currently selected lever position.
The gear selector indicator characters and graphics
appear in the same blue-green color and at the same
lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer informa-
tion when illuminated by the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. During daylight hours (exterior
lamps Off) the gear selector indicator VFD is illumi-
nated at full brightness for clear visibility. At night
(exterior lamps are On) the VFD lighting level is
adjusted with the other cluster illumination lamps
using the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel on the
headlamp switch. However, a ªParadeº mode position
of the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel allows the
VFD to be illuminated at full brightness when the
vehicle is driven in daylight hours with the exterior
lamps turned On. The gear selector indicator VFD is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The electronic gear selector indicator gives an indi-
cation to the vehicle operator of the transmission
gear that has been selected with the automatic trans-
mission gear selector lever. This indicator is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming. The cluster circuitry
automatically configures itself for the proper trans-
mission and automatic transmission model based
upon the hard wired transmission range sensor mux
circuit input to the cluster. The gear selector indica-
tor information is displayed by a dedicated Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit on the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board, and the VFD will not
display the gear selector indicator information after
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position. The
instrument cluster circuitry configures the gear selec-
tor indicator VFD based upon the following inputs
from the transmission range sensor:
²Open Circuit- If the cluster is configured for
an automatic transmission and the transmission
range sensor mux circuit is open, the cluster circuitry
controls the gear selector indicator display based
Fig. 18 Gear Selector Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 27
FUEL GAUGE (Continued)

upon electronic messages received from the electronic
Transmission Control Module (TCM) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. If the transmission range sensor mux circuit is
open and no electronic messages are received from
the TCM within two seconds, the instrument cluster
circuitry will not display any gear selector position
until the condition is resolved or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Resolved Circuit- If the transmission range
sensor mux circuit is resolved, the cluster circuitry
controls the gear selector indicator display based
upon the resistance value of the hard wired input
from the transmission range sensor. If the cluster is
configured for an automatic transmission with a
transmission range sensor input and detects a short
to ground or an open in the transmission range sen-
sor mux input, the instrument cluster circuitry will
not display any gear selector position in the VFD.
The VFD display for the short-to-ground and open
circuit conditions will continue until the condition is
resolved or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gear selector indicator
VFD will display all of its characters at once during
the VFD portion of the test to confirm the function-
ality of the VFD and the cluster control circuitry.
On models with a TCM, the TCM continually mon-
itors the transmission range sensor, then sends the
proper gear selector indicator position messages to
the instrument cluster. On models without a TCM,
the instrument cluster continually monitors the hard
wired transmission range sensor multiplexed input.
For further diagnosis of the gear selector indicator or
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls this
function, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For fur-
ther diagnosis of the transmission range sensor on
models without a TCM, (Refer to 21 - TRANSMIS-
SION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RE/TRANS-
MISSION RANGE SENSOR - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) or (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 46RE/TRANSMISSION
RANGE SENSOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
On models with a TCM, for proper diagnosis of the
transmission range sensor, the TCM, the PCI data
bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the gear selector indicator,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A high beam indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters (Fig. 19). The high beam indi-
cator is located near the upper edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the tachometer and the
speedometer. The high beam indicator consists of a
stencil-like cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªHigh Beamº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when the it is not illuminated. A
blue Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to
appear in blue through the translucent outer layer of
the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The high
beam indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The high beam indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator whenever the headlamp high beams
are illuminated. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and a hard wired
multiplex input received by the cluster from the
headlamp beam select switch circuitry of the multi-
function switch on the washer/beam select switch
mux circuit. The high beam indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will allow
this indicator to operate whenever the instrument
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
B(+) circuit. Therefore, the LED can be illuminated
regardless of the ignition switch position. The LED
only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground
by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the high beam indicator for the
following reasons:
²High Beam Headlamps-On Input- Each time
the cluster detects a high beam headlamps-on input
from the headlamp beam select switch circuitry of
the multi-function switch on the washer/beam select
switch mux circuit, the headlamp high beams and
the high beam indicator will be illuminated. The
headlamp high beams and the high beam indicator
remain illuminated until the cluster receives a high
beam headlamps-off input from the multi-function
switch, or until the exterior lamp load shedding (bat-
Fig. 19 High Beam Indicator
8J - 28 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR (Continued)

tery saver) timed interval expires, whichever occurs
first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the high beam indicator
will be turned on, then off again during the bulb
check portion of the test to confirm the functionality
of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The instrument cluster continually monitors the
headlamp switch and the multi-function switch to
determine the proper headlamp low beam and high
beam control. The instrument cluster then sends the
proper low beam and high beam lamp-on and lamp-
off messages to the Front Control Module (FCM) over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus and turns the high beam indicator on or off
accordingly. For further diagnosis of the high beam
indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the headlamps, or
the headlamp switch and multi-function switch
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the high
beam indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
LAMP OUT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A lamp out indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 20). The lamp out indicator
consists of the words ªLAMP OUTº, which appear in
the lower portion of the odometer/trip odometer Vac-
uum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit. The VFD is sol-
dered onto the cluster electronic circuit board and is
visible through a window with a smoked clear lens
located on the lower edge of the tachometer gauge
dial face of the cluster overlay. The dark lens over
the VFD prevents the indicator from being clearly
visible when it is not illuminated. The words ªLAMP
OUTº appear in an amber color and at the same
lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer informa-
tion when they are illuminated by the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The lamp out indica-
tor is serviced as a unit with the VFD in the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The lamp out indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when an exterior lamp has failed.
This indicator is controlled by the instrument clustercircuit board based upon cluster programming and
electronic messages received by the cluster from the
Front Control Module (FCM) over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The lamp
out indicator is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore,
the indicator will always be off when the ignition
switch is in any position except On or Start. The
indicator only illuminates when it is switched to
ground by the instrument cluster circuitry. The
instrument cluster will turn on the lamp out indica-
tor for the following reasons:
²Lamp Out Indicator Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a lamp out indicator
lamp-on message from the FCM indicating that an
inoperative headlamp (low or high beam), turn signal
lamp, or brake lamp (excluding Center High
Mounted Stop Lamp [CHMSL]) circuit has been
detected, the lamp out indicator is illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a lamp out indicator lamp-off message from
the FCM or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the lamp out indicator will
be turned on, then off again during the VFD portion
of the test to confirm the functionality of the VFD
and the cluster control circuitry.
The FCM monitors each of the headlamp, turn sig-
nal lamp, and brake lamp (except CHMSL) circuits to
determine the condition of these exterior lamps. The
FCM then sends the proper lamp out indicator
lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the lamp out indica-
tor or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls
the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For proper diagnosis of the exterior lighting system
circuits, the FCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the lamp out indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
Fig. 20 Lamp Out Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 29
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (Continued)

LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A low fuel indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 21). The low fuel indicator
is located on the left side of the instrument cluster, to
the left of the fuel gauge. The low fuel indicator con-
sists of a stencil-like cutout of the International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. An
amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to
appear in amber through the translucent outer layer
of the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The low
fuel indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The low fuel indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the level of fuel in the fuel
tank becomes low. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on vehicles equipped with a
gasoline engine, or from the Engine Control Module
(ECM) on vehicles equipped with a diesel engine over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus. The low fuel indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore,
the LED will always be off when the ignition switch
is in any position except On or Start. The LED only
illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by
the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the low fuel indicator for the fol-
lowing reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the low fuel indicator is
illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Less Than Twenty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives messages from
the PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is
about twenty percent or less for ten consecutive sec-
onds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty con-secutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, the fuel gauge needle is moved to the one-
eighth graduation or below on the gauge scale, the
low fuel indicator is illuminated and a single chime
tone is sounded. The low fuel indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives messages from the
PCM or ECM indicating that the percent tank full is
greater than about twenty percent for ten consecu-
tive seconds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty
consecutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first. The chime
tone feature will only repeat during the same igni-
tion cycle if the low fuel indicator is cycled off and
then on again by the appropriate percent tank full
messages from the PCM or ECM.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
the PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is
less than empty, the low fuel indicator is illuminated
immediately. This message would indicate that the
fuel tank sender input to the PCM or ECM is a short
circuit.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is more
than full, the low fuel indicator is illuminated imme-
diately. This message would indicate that the fuel
tank sender input to the PCM or ECM is an open cir-
cuit.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the low fuel indicator will
be turned on, then off again during the bulb check
portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the fuel tank sending unit to deter-
mine the level of fuel in the fuel tank. On vehicles
with a diesel engine, the ECM continually monitors
the fuel tank sending unit to determine the level of
fuel in the fuel tank. The PCM or ECM then sends
the proper fuel level messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the low fuel indicator
or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For
proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sending unit, the
PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the low fuel indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
Fig. 21 Low Fuel Indicator
8J - 30 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters (Fig. 22). The
MIL is located on the left side of the instrument clus-
ter, to the left of the voltage gauge. The MIL consists
of a stencil-like cutout of the International Control
and Display Symbol icon for ªEngineº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. An
amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to
appear in amber through the translucent outer layer
of the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The MIL
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) on vehicles with a gaso-
line engine, or the Engine Control Module (ECM) on
vehicles with a diesel engine has recorded a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics
II (OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component
malfunction. The MIL is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the PCM or ECM over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
MIL Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely con-
trolled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will only allow this indicator to operate
when the instrument cluster receives a battery cur-
rent input on the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off
when the ignition switch is in any position except On
or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is pro-
vided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
MIL for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the indicator is illuminated
for about two seconds as a bulb test. The entire two
second bulb test is a function of the PCM or ECM.²MIL Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a MIL lamp-on message from the PCM
or ECM, the indicator will be illuminated. The indi-
cator can be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid,
as dictated by the PCM or ECM message. For some
DTC's, if a problem does not recur, the PCM or ECM
will send a lamp-off message automatically. Other
DTC's may require that a fault be repaired and the
PCM or ECM be reset before a lamp-off message will
be sent. For more information on the PCM, the ECM,
and the DTC set and reset parameters, (Refer to 25 -
EMISSIONS CONTROL - OPERATION).
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no lamp-on message from the PCM or ECM for ten
seconds, the MIL is illuminated by the instrument
cluster to indicate a loss of bus communication. The
indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the
cluster until a valid lamp-on message is received
from the PCM or ECM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the MIL indicator will be
turned on during the bulb check portion of the test to
confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster
control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the fuel and emissions system cir-
cuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in
good operating condition. On vehicles with a diesel
engine, the ECM continually monitors the fuel and
emissions system circuits and sensors to decide
whether the system is in good operating condition.
The PCM or ECM then sends the proper lamp-on or
lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the MIL or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns on
the MIL after the bulb test, it may indicate that a
malfunction has occurred and that the fuel and emis-
sions systems may require service. For proper diag-
nosis of the fuel and emissions systems, the PCM,
the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic mes-
sage inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
MIL, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
Fig. 22 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 31

ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION
An odometer and trip odometer are standard
equipment in all instrument clusters (Fig. 23). The
odometer, trip odometer, and engine hours informa-
tion are displayed in a common electronic, blue-green
Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD). The VFD is sol-
dered onto the cluster electronic circuit board and is
visible through a window with a smoked clear lens
located on the lower edge of the tachometer gauge
dial face of the cluster overlay. The dark lens over
the VFD prevents it from being clearly visible when
it is not illuminated. However, the odometer, trip
odometer, and engine hours information are not dis-
played simultaneously. The trip odometer reset
switch on the instrument cluster circuit board toggles
the display between odometer and trip odometer
modes by depressing the odometer/trip odometer
switch button that extends through the lower edge of
the cluster lens, just left of the odometer VFD. When
the trip odometer information is displayed, the word
ªTRIPº is also illuminated in the upper right corner
of the VFD in a blue-green color and at the same
lighting level as the trip odometer information. The
engine hours information replaces the selected odom-
eter or trip odometer information whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On position and the engine is
not running.
The odometer, trip odometer, and engine hours
information is stored in the instrument cluster mem-
ory. This information can be increased when the
proper inputs are provided to the instrument cluster,
but the information cannot be decreased. The odom-
eter can display values up to 999,999 kilometers
(999,999 miles). The odometer latches at these val-
ues, and will not roll over to zero. The trip odometer
can display values up to 9,999.9 kilometers (9,999.9
miles) before it rolls over to zero. The odometer dis-
play does not have a decimal point and will not show
values less than a full unit (kilometer or mile), while
the trip odometer display does have a decimal point
and will show tenths of a unit (kilometer or mile).
The unit of measure (kilometers or miles) for the
odometer and trip odometer display is not shown in
the VFD. The unit of measure for the instrument
cluster odometer/trip odometer is selected at the time
that it is manufactured, and cannot be changed.
Engine hours are displayed in the format, ªhr9999º.The cluster will accumulate values up to 9,999 hours
before the display rolls over to zero.
The odometer has a ªRental Carº mode, which will
illuminate the odometer information in the VFD
whenever the driver side front door is opened with
the ignition switch in the Off or Accessory positions.
During daylight hours (exterior lamps are Off) the
VFD is illuminated at full brightness for clear visibil-
ity. At night (exterior lamps are On) the VFD lighting
level is adjusted with the other cluster illumination
lamps using the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel on
the headlamp switch. However, a ªParadeº mode
position of the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel
allows the VFD to be illuminated at full brightness if
the exterior lamps are turned On during daylight
hours.
The VFD, the trip odometer switch, and the trip
odometer switch button are serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The odometer and trip odometer give an indication
to the vehicle operator of the distance the vehicle has
traveled. The engine hours give an indication of the
cumulative engine-on time. This indicator is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuitry based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The odometer, trip
odometer and engine hours information is displayed
by the instrument cluster Vacuum Fluorescent Dis-
play (VFD). The VFD will display the odometer infor-
mation whenever any door is opened with the
ignition switch in the Off or Accessory positions, and
will display the last previously selected odometer or
trip odometer information when the ignition switch is
turned to the On or Start positions. The instrument
cluster circuitry controls the VFD and provides the
following features:
²Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Toggling-
Actuating the trip odometer reset switch button
momentarily with the VFD illuminated will toggle
the display between the odometer and trip odometer
information. Each time the VFD is illuminated with
the ignition switch in the On or Start positions, the
display will automatically return to the last mode
previously selected (odometer or trip odometer).
²Engine Hours Display Toggling- When the
trip odometer reset switch button is pressed and held
for longer than about six seconds with the ignition
switch in the On position and the engine speed mes-
sage from the PCM is zero, the trip odometer infor-
mation will be momentarily displayed, then the
engine hours information will be displayed. The VFD
must be displaying the odometer information when
Fig. 23 Odometer Display
8J - 32 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR

the trip odometer reset switch button is pressed in
order to toggle to the engine hours display. The
engine hours will remain displayed for about thirty
seconds, until the engine speed message is greater
than zero, or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Trip Odometer Reset- When the trip odome-
ter reset switch button is pressed and held for longer
than about two seconds with the ignition switch in
the On or Start positions, the trip odometer will be
reset to 0.0 kilometers (miles). The VFD must be dis-
playing the trip odometer information in order for
the trip odometer information to be reset.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a distance message during normal operation,
it will hold and display the last data received until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position. If
the cluster does not receive a distance message
within one second after the ignition switch is turned
to the On position, it will display the last distance
message stored in the cluster memory. If the cluster
is unable to display distance information due to an
error internal to the cluster, the VFD display will be
dashes.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the odometer VFD will dis-
play all of its segments simultaneously during the
VFD portion of the test to confirm the functionality
of each of the VFD segments and the cluster control
circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
pulse information received from the vehicle speed
sensor and engine speed pulse information received
from the crankshaft position sensor, then sends the
proper distance and engine speed messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
odometer/trip odometer or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls these functions, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
vehicle speed sensor, the crankshaft position sensor,
the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
odometer/trip odometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An oil pressure gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The oil pressure gauge is locatedin the upper right quadrant of the instrument clus-
ter, above the coolant temperature gauge. The oil
pressure gauge consists of a movable gauge needle or
pointer controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry
and a fixed 90 degree scale on the cluster overlay
that reads left-to-right from ªLº (or Low) to ªHº (or
High) for gasoline engines. On vehicles with a diesel
engine the scale reads from ª0º kPa to ª760º kPa in
markets where a metric instrument cluster is speci-
fied, or from ª0º psi to ª110º psi in all other markets.
An International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªEngine Oilº is located on the cluster overlay, directly
below the left end of the gauge scale (Fig. 24). The oil
pressure gauge graphics are black against a white
field except for two red graduations at the low end of
the gauge scale, making them clearly visible within
the instrument cluster in daylight. When illuminated
from behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled
cluster illumination lighting with the exterior lamps
turned On, the black graphics appear blue and the
red graphics still appear red. The orange gauge nee-
dle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is
provided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The oil pressure gauge is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The oil pressure gauge gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the engine oil pressure. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on vehicles with a
gasoline engine, or from the Engine Control Module
(ECM) on vehicles equipped with a diesel engine over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus. The oil pressure gauge is an air core mag-
netic unit that receives battery current on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board through the
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit when-
ever the ignition switch is in the On or Start posi-
tions. The cluster is programmed to move the gauge
needle back to the low end of the scale after the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position. The instru-
ment cluster circuitry controls the gauge needle
position and provides the following features:
²Engine Oil Pressure Message- The instru-
ment cluster circuitry restricts the oil pressure gauge
needle operation in order to provide readings that
are consistent with customer expectations. Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating the engine oil pressure is above about 41
kPa (6 psi) the cluster holds the gauge needle at a
point near the middle increment within the normal
range on the gauge scale.
Fig. 24 Engine Oil Icon
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 33
ODOMETER (Continued)

²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM or
ECM indicating the engine oil pressure is below
about 41 kPa (6 psi), the gauge needle is moved to
the graduation at the far left end of the gauge scale,
the check gauges indicator is illuminated, and a sin-
gle chime tone is generated. The gauge needle
remains at the left end of the gauge scale and the
check gauges indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating that the engine oil pressure is above about
41 kPa (6 psi), or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. The clus-
ter will only turn the check gauges indicator on in
response to an engine oil pressure low message if the
engine speed message is greater than zero.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive an engine oil pressure message, it will hold
the gauge needle at the last indication about five sec-
onds or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position, whichever occurs first. After five seconds,
the cluster will move the gauge needle to the left end
of the gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the oil pressure gauge nee-
dle will be swept to several calibration points on the
gauge scale in a prescribed sequence in order to con-
firm the functionality of the gauge and the cluster
control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the engine oil pressure sensor to
determine the engine oil pressure. On vehicles with a
diesel engine, the ECM continually monitors the
engine oil pressure sensor to determine the engine oil
pressure. The PCM or ECM then sends the proper
engine oil pressure messages to the instrument clus-
ter. For further diagnosis of the oil pressure gauge or
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the
instrument cluster turns on the check gauges indica-
tor due to a low oil pressure gauge reading, it may
indicate that the engine or the engine oiling system
requires service. For proper diagnosis of the engine
oil pressure sensor, the PCM, the ECM, the PCI data
bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the oil pressure gauge, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A seatbelt indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 25). The seatbelt indicatoris located on the upper edge of the instrument clus-
ter, between the tachometer and the speedometer.
The seatbelt indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout
of the International Control and Display Symbol icon
for ªSeat Beltº in the opaque layer of the instrument
cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the overlay
prevents the indicator from being clearly visible
when it is not illuminated. A red Light Emitting
Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of
the overlay causes the icon to appear in red through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The seatbelt indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The seatbelt indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the status of the driver side front
seatbelt. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
cluster programming and a hard wired input from
the seatbelt switch in the driver side front seatbelt
buckle through the seat belt indicator driver circuit.
The seatbelt indicator also includes a programmable
enhanced seatbelt reminder or ªbeltminderº feature
that is enabled when the vehicle is shipped from the
factory. This beltminder feature can be disabled and
enabled by the customer using a specific program-
ming event sequence, or by the dealer using a
DRBIIItscan tool. The seatbelt indicator Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the
instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will
only allow this indicator to operate when the instru-
ment cluster receives a battery current input on the
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit.
Therefore, the LED will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On or Start. The
LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the seatbelt indicator
for the following reasons:
²Seatbelt Reminder Function- Each time the
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit, the indica-
tor will be illuminated as a seatbelt reminder for
about six seconds, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
This reminder function will occur regardless of the
status of the seatbelt switch input to the cluster.
²Driver Side Front Seatbelt Not Buckled -
Beltminder Active- Following the seatbelt
Fig. 25 Seatbelt Indicator
8J - 34 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (Continued)

reminder function, each time the cluster detects an
open circuit on the seat belt indicator driver circuit
(seatbelt switch open = seatbelt unbuckled) with the
ignition switch in the Start or On positions, the indi-
cator will be illuminated. In addition, if the driver
side front seat belt remains unbuckled about sixty
seconds after the conclusion of the seatbelt reminder
function with the vehicle speed greater than about 13
kilometers-per-hour (8 miles-per-hour), the seatbelt
indicator will begin to cycle between flashing on and
off for five seconds, then lighting solid for three sec-
onds. The seatbelt indicator will continue to cycle
between flashing and solid illumination for twelve
complete cycles, until the seat belt indicator driver
input to the cluster is closed to ground (seatbelt
switch closed = seatbelt buckled), or until the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position, whichever
occurs first.
²Driver Side Front Seatbelt Not Buckled -
Beltminder Inactive- Following the seatbelt
reminder function, each time the cluster detects an
open circuit on the seat belt indicator driver circuit
(seatbelt switch open = seatbelt unbuckled) with the
ignition switch in the Start or On positions, the indi-
cator will be illuminated. The seatbelt indicator
remains illuminated until the seat belt indicator
driver input to the cluster is closed to ground (seat-
belt switch closed = seatbelt buckled), or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Airbag Indicator Backup- If the instrument
cluster detects a fault in the airbag indicator circuit
it will send a message indicating the fault to the Air-
bag Control Module (ACM), store a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC) in the cluster memory, then flash the
seatbelt indicator on and off. The cluster will con-
tinue to flash the seatbelt indicator until the airbag
indicator circuit fault is resolved, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the seatbelt indicator will
be turned on, then off again during the bulb check
portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The seatbelt switch is connected in series between
ground and the seat belt indicator driver input to the
instrument cluster. The seatbelt switch input to the
instrument cluster circuitry may be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the seatbelt indicator or the instru-
ment cluster circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENHANCED
SEATBELT REMINDER PROGRAMMING
The seatbelt indicator also includes a programma-
ble enhanced seatbelt reminder or ªbeltminderº fea-
ture that is enabled when the vehicle is shipped from
the factory. This beltminder feature provides
extended and modified visual seatbelt indicator and
audible chime warning responses to an unbuckled
driver side front seat belt. The beltminder feature
may be disabled or enabled by the customer using
the programming sequence that follows, or by the
dealer using a DRBIIItscan tool. The following
sequence of events must occur within sixty (60) sec-
onds of the ignition switch being placed in the On
position in order for the programming to be com-
pleted successfully.
(1) With the ignition switch in any position except
On or Start, buckle the driver side front seat belt.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
wait for the seatbelt indicator reminder function to
conclude (about six seconds).
(3) Unbuckle and buckle the driver side front seat
belt three or more times, ending with the belt buck-
led.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to any position except
On or Start to toggle the beltminder feature from its
current setting (from active to inactive, or from inac-
tive to active). A single chime tone will provide an
audible confirmation that the programming sequence
has been successfully completed.
SECURITY INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A security indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 26). However, on vehicles
not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security
System (VTSS), this indicator is electronically dis-
abled. The security indicator is located in the lower
right quadrant of the instrument cluster, between the
speedometer and the coolant temperature gauge. The
security indicator consists of a small round cutout in
the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay.
The dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indi-
cator from being clearly visible when it is not illumi-
nated. A red Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the
cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
indicator to appear in red through the translucent
outer layer of the overlay when it is illuminated from
Fig. 26 Security Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 35
SEATBELT INDICATOR (Continued)