gear DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

for more than about 1.6 kilometers (one mile) and
the vehicle speed remains greater than about twenty-
four kilometers-per-hour (fifteen miles-per-hour).
²Vacuum Fluorescent Display Synchroniza-
tion- The EMIC transmits electronic panel lamp
dimming level messages which allows all other elec-
tronic modules on the PCI data bus with Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units to coordinate their
illumination intensity with that of the EMIC VFD
units.
²Vehicle Theft Security System- The EMIC
monitors inputs from the door cylinder lock
switch(es), the door ajar switches, the ignition
switch, and the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver
module, then provides electronic horn and lighting
request messages to the Front Control Module (FCM)
located on the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for
the appropriate VTSS alarm output features.
²Wiper/Washer System Control- The EMIC
provides electronic wiper and/or washer request mes-
sages to the Front Control Module (FCM) located on
the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for the appropri-
ate wiper and washer system features. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - DESCRIP-
TION).
The EMIC houses six analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to twenty-three indicators (Fig. 3) or
(Fig. 4). The EMIC includes the following analog
gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Oil Pressure Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
²Voltage Gauge
Some of the EMIC indicators are automatically
configured when the EMIC is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system for compatibility with certain
optional equipment or equipment required for regula-
tory purposes in certain markets. While each EMIC
may have provisions for indicators to support every
available option, the configurable indicators will not
be functional in a vehicle that does not have the
equipment that an indicator supports. The EMIC
includes provisions for the following indicators (Fig.
3) or (Fig. 4):
²Airbag Indicator (with Airbag System only)
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
(with ABS or Rear Wheel Anti-Lock [RWAL]
brakes only)
²Brake Indicator
²Cargo Lamp Indicator
²Check Gauges Indicator
²Cruise Indicator (with Speed Control only)
²Door Ajar Indicator²Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator
(with 5.7L Gasoline Engine only)
²Gear Selector Indicator (with Automatic
Transmission only)
²High Beam Indicator
²Lamp Out Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Security Indicator (with Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer & Vehicle Theft Security Systems only)
²Service Four-Wheel Drive Indicator (with
Four-Wheel Drive only)
²Tow/Haul Indicator (with Automatic Trans-
mission only)
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator (with
Automatic Transmission only)
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Upshift Indicator (with Manual Transmis-
sion only)
²Washer Fluid Indicator
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
Each indicator in the EMIC, except those located
within one of the VFD units, is illuminated by a ded-
icated LED that is soldered onto the EMIC electronic
circuit board. The LED units are not available for
service replacement and, if damaged or faulty, the
entire EMIC must be replaced. Cluster illumination
is accomplished by dimmable incandescent back
lighting, which illuminates the gauges for visibility
when the exterior lighting is turned on. Each of the
incandescent bulbs is secured by an integral bulb
holder to the electronic circuit board from the back of
the cluster housing.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator, a
VFD unit, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

board hardware, the cluster overlay, or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
ule must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and
mask unit and the individual incandescent lamp
bulbs with holders are available for individual ser-
vice replacement.
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
in this model also includes the hardware and soft-
ware necessary to serve as the electronic body control
module and is sometimes referred to as the Cab
Compartment Node or CCN. The following informa-
tion deals primarily with the instrument cluster
functions of this unit. Additional details of the elec-
tronic body control functions of this unit may be
found within the service information for the system
or component that the EMIC controls. For example:
Additional details of the audible warning functions ofthe EMIC are found within the Chime/Buzzer service
information.
The EMIC is designed to allow the vehicle operator
to monitor the conditions of many of the vehicle com-
ponents and operating systems. The gauges and indi-
cators in the EMIC provide valuable information
about the various standard and optional powertrains,
fuel and emissions systems, cooling systems, lighting
systems, safety systems and many other convenience
items. The EMIC is installed in the instrument panel
so that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by
the vehicle operator when driving, while still allow-
ing relative ease of access for service. The micropro-
cessor-based EMIC hardware and software uses
various inputs to control the gauges and indicators
visible on the face of the cluster. Some of these
inputs are hard wired, but most are in the form of
electronic messages that are transmitted by other
electronic modules over the Programmable Communi-
cations Interface (PCI) data bus network. (Refer to 8
Fig. 3 Gauges & Indicators - Gasoline Engine
1 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 13 - ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) INDICATOR
2 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 14 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 15 - SECURITY INDICATOR
4 - TACHOMETER 16 - GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY (INCLUDES
CRUISE & UPSHIFT INDICATORS)
5 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 17 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
6 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 18 - BRAKE INDICATOR
7 - SEATBELT INDICATOR 19 - ABS INDICATOR
8 - SPEEDOMETER 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY (INCLUDES
ENGINE HOURS, WASHER FLUID, LAMP OUTAGE, TOW/HAUL
& SERVICE 4x4 INDICATORS)
9 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 21 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
10 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 22 - FUEL GAUGE
11 - CARGO LAMP INDICATOR 23 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
12 - DOOR AJAR INDICATOR 24 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

- ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist such as high coolant tem-
perature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer
to an extreme position and the microprocessor can
sound a chime through the on-board audible tone
generator to provide distinct visual and audible indi-
cations of a problem to the vehicle operator. The
instrument cluster circuitry may also produce audi-
ble warnings for other electronic modules in the vehi-
cle based upon electronic tone request messages
received over the PCI data bus. Each audible warn-ing is intended to provide the vehicle operator with
an audible alert to supplement a visual indication.
The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through a fused B(+) fuse in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) on a non-switched fused B(+)
circuit, and on battery current received through a
fused ignition switch output (run-start) fuse in the
IPM on a fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. This arrangement allows the EMIC to provide
some features regardless of the ignition switch posi-
tion, while other features will operate only with the
ignition switch in the On or Start positions. The
EMIC circuitry is grounded through a ground circuit
and take out of the instrument panel wire harness
with an eyelet terminal connector that is secured by
a ground screw to a ground location near the center
of the instrument panel structural support.
The EMIC also has a self-diagnostic actuator test
capability, which will test each of the PCI bus mes-
Fig. 4 Gauges & Indicators - Diesel Engine
1 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 14 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
2 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 15 - SECURITY INDICATOR
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 16 - GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY (INCLUDES
CRUISE & UPSHIFT INDICATORS)
4 - TACHOMETER 17 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
5 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 18 - BRAKE INDICATOR
6 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 19 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
7 - SEATBELT INDICATOR 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY (INCLUDES
ENGINE HOURS, WASHER FLUID, LAMP OUTAGE, TOW/HAUL
& SERVICE 4x4 INDICATORS)
8 - SPEEDOMETER 21 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
9 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 22 - FUEL GAUGE
10 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 23 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
11 - CARGO LAMP INDICATOR 24 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
12 - DOOR AJAR INDICATOR 25 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
13 - ABS INDICATOR
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

sage-controlled functions of the cluster by lighting
the appropriate indicators, positioning the gauge nee-
dles at several predetermined calibration points
across the gauge faces, and illuminating all segments
of the odometer/trip odometer and gear selector indi-
cator Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). See the owner's
manual in the vehicle glove box for more information
on the features, use and operation of the EMIC.
GAUGES
All gauges receive battery current through the
EMIC circuitry only when the ignition switch is in
the On or Start positions. With the ignition switch in
the Off position battery current is not supplied to
any gauges, and the EMIC circuitry is programmed
to move all of the gauge needles back to the low end
of their respective scales. Therefore, the gauges do
not accurately indicate any vehicle condition unless
the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions.
All of the EMIC gauges are air core magnetic
units. Two fixed electromagnetic coils are located
within each gauge. These coils are wrapped at right
angles to each other around a movable permanent
magnet. The movable magnet is suspended within
the coils on one end of a pivot shaft, while the gauge
needle is attached to the other end of the shaft. One
of the coils has a fixed current flowing through it to
maintain a constant magnetic field strength. Current
flow through the second coil changes, which causes
changes in its magnetic field strength. The current
flowing through the second coil is changed by the
EMIC circuitry in response to messages received over
the PCI data bus. The gauge needle moves as the
movable permanent magnet aligns itself to the
changing magnetic fields created around it by the
electromagnets.
The gauges are diagnosed using the EMIC self-di-
agnostic actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Proper testing of the PCI data bus and
the electronic data bus message inputs to the EMIC
that control each gauge require the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Specific operation details for each gauge may
be found elsewhere in this service information.
VACUUM-FLUORESCENT DISPLAYS
The Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units are
soldered to the EMIC electronic circuit board. With
the ignition switch in the Off or Accessory positions,
the odometer display is activated when the driver
door is opened (Rental Car mode) and is deactivated
when the driver door is closed. Otherwise, both dis-
play units are active when the ignition switch is inthe On or Start positions, and inactive when the igni-
tion switch is in the Off or Accessory positions.
The illumination intensity of the VFD units is con-
trolled by the EMIC circuitry based upon an input
from the headlamp switch and a dimming level input
received from the headlamp dimmer switch. The
EMIC synchronizes the illumination intensity of
other VFD units with that of the units in the EMIC
by sending electronic dimming level messages to
other electronic modules in the vehicle over the PCI
data bus.
The EMIC VFD units have several display capabil-
ities including odometer, trip odometer, engine hours,
gear selector indication (PRNDL) for models with an
automatic transmission, several warning or reminder
indications, and various diagnostic information when
certain fault conditions exist. An odometer/trip odom-
eter switch on the EMIC circuit board is used to con-
trol some of the display modes. This switch is
actuated manually by depressing the odometer/trip
odometer switch button that extends through the
lower edge of the cluster lens, just left of the tachom-
eter. Actuating this switch momentarily with the
ignition switch in the On position will toggle the
VFD between the odometer and trip odometer modes.
Depressing the switch button for about two seconds
while the VFD is in the trip odometer mode will
reset the trip odometer value to zero. While in the
odometer mode with the ignition switch in the On
position and the engine not running, depressing this
switch for about six seconds will display the engine
hours information. Holding this switch depressed
while turning the ignition switch from the Off posi-
tion to the On position will initiate the EMIC self-di-
agnostic actuator test. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information for additional details on this
VFD function. The EMIC microprocessor remembers
which display mode is active when the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, and returns the
VFD display to that mode when the ignition switch is
turned On again.
The VFD units are diagnosed using the EMIC self-
diagnostic actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Proper testing of the PCI data bus and
the electronic data bus message inputs to the EMIC
that control some of the VFD functions requires the
use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information. Specific operation details for
the odometer, the trip odometer, the gear selector
indicator and the various warning and reminder indi-
cator functions of the VFD may be found elsewhere
in this service information.
8J - 8 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

CAUTION: Instrument clusters used in this model
automatically configure themselves for compatibil-
ity with the features and optional equipment in the
vehicle in which they are initially installed. The
instrument cluster is programmed to do this by
embedding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
and other information critical to proper cluster
operation into electronic memory. This embedded
information is learned through electronic messages
received from other electronic modules in the vehi-
cle over the Programmable Communications Inter-
face (PCI) data bus, and through certain hard wired
inputs received when the cluster is connected to
the vehicle electrically. Once configured, the instru-
ment cluster memory may be irreparably damaged
and certain irreversible configuration errors may
occur if the cluster is connected electrically to
another vehicle; or, if an electronic module from
another vehicle is connected that provides data to
the instrument cluster (including odometer values)
that conflicts with that which was previously
learned and stored. Therefore, the practice of
exchanging (swapping) instrument clusters and
other electronic modules in this vehicle with those
removed from another vehicle must always be
avoided. Failure to observe this caution may result
in instrument cluster damage, which is not reim-
bursable under the terms of the product warranty.
Service replacement instrument clusters are pro-
vided with the correct VIN, and the certified odom-
eter and engine hours values embedded into cluster
memory, but will otherwise be automatically config-
ured for compatibility with the features and optional
equipment in the vehicle in which they are initially
installed.
NOTE: Certain indicators in this instrument cluster
are automatically configured. This feature allows
those indicators to be activated or deactivated for
compatibility with certain optional equipment. If the
problem being diagnosed involves improper illumi-
nation of the cruise indicator, the electronic throttle
control indicator, the service four-wheel drive indi-
cator, the tow/haul indicator, the transmission over-
temp indicator, the upshift indicator, the security
indicator or the gear selector indicator, disconnect
and isolate the battery negative cable. After about
five minutes, reconnect the battery negative cable
and turn the ignition switch to the On position. The
instrument cluster should automatically relearn the
equipment in the vehicle and properly configure the
configurable indicators accordingly.PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse 51 - 20
ampere) in the Integrated Power Module (IPM). If
OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit
or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse 51 - 20 ampere) in the IPM. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit
between the IPM and the battery as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster. Reconnect the
battery negative cable. Check for battery voltage at
the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector (Connector C1) for the instru-
ment cluster. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair
the open fused B(+) circuit between the instrument
cluster and the IPM as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the signal ground
circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster
and a good ground. There should be continuity. If
OK, refer to ACTUATOR TEST. If not OK, repair the
open ground circuit to ground (G202) as required.
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 11
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

NOTE: Certain indicators in this instrument cluster
are automatically configured. This feature allows
those indicators to be activated or deactivated for
compatibility with certain optional equipment. If the
problem being diagnosed involves improper illumi-
nation of the cruise indicator, the electronic throttle
control indicator, the service four-wheel drive indi-
cator, the tow/haul indicator, the transmission over-
temp indicator, the upshift indicator, the security
indicator or the gear selector indicator, disconnect
and isolate the battery negative cable. After about
five minutes, reconnect the battery negative cable
and turn the ignition switch to the On position. The
instrument cluster should automatically relearn the
equipment in the vehicle and properly configure the
configurable indicators accordingly.
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Antilock Brake System (ABS) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters (Fig. 8).
However, the instrument cluster can be programmed
to disable this indicator on vehicles that are not
equipped with the ABS or Rear Wheel Anti-Lock
(RWAL) brake systems, which are not available in
some markets. On vehicles equipped with a gasoline
engine, the ABS indicator is located near the lower
edge of the instrument cluster, between the tachom-
eter and the speedometer. On vehicles equipped with
a diesel engine, the ABS indicator is located on the
right side of the instrument cluster, to the right of
the engine temperature gauge. The ABS indicator
consists of a stencil-like cutout of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªFailure of Anti-
lock Braking Systemº 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 ABS
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the ABS system is faulty or inop-
erative. This indicator 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 Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The ABS 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 ABS indicator for the follow-
ing reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ABS indicator is illu-
minated by the cluster for about two seconds as a
bulb test.
²ABS Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the
ABS indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no lamp-on or lamp-off messages from the CAB for
three consecutive seconds, the ABS indicator is illu-
minated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a valid message from the CAB, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the instrument clus-
ter is put through the actuator test, the ABS indica-
tor 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.
²ABS Diagnostic Test- The ABS indicator is
blinked on and off by lamp-on and lamp-off messages
from the CAB during the performance of the ABS
diagnostic tests.
The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits
and sensors to decide whether the system is in good
operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper
lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument clus-
ter. If the CAB sends a lamp-on message after the
bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a
system malfunction and/or that the ABS system has
become inoperative. The CAB will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects.
Fig. 8 ABS Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM or
ECM indicating the engine coolant temperature of a
gasoline engine is about 122É C (252É F) or higher, or
of a diesel engine is about 112É C (233É F) or higher,
the check gauges indicator will be illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a message from the PCM or ECM indicating
that the engine coolant temperature of a gasoline
engine is below about 122É C (252É F), or of a diesel
engine is below about 112É C (233É F), or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM or
ECM indicating the engine oil pressure is about 41
kPa (6 psi) or lower, the check gauges indicator will
be illuminated. The 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 cluster will only turn the indicator on in
response to an engine oil pressure low message if the
engine speed is greater than zero.
²System Voltage Low (Charge Fail) Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM or ECM indicating the electrical system voltage
is less than about 11.5 volts (charge fail condition),
the check gauges indicator will be illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a message from the PCM or ECM indicating
the electrical system voltage is greater than about
12.0 volts (but less than 16.0 volts), or until the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position, whichever
occurs first.
²System Voltage High Message- Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating the electrical system voltage is greater
than about 16.0 volts, the check gauges indicator will
be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a message from the PCM or
ECM indicating the electrical system voltage is less
than about 15.5 volts (but greater than 11.5 volts), 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 check gauges 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 engine temperature, oil pres-
sure, and electrical system voltage, then sends the
proper messages to the instrument cluster. On vehi-
cles with a diesel engine, the ECM continually mon-itors the engine temperature, oil pressure, and
electrical system voltage, then sends the proper mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis
of the check gauges indicator or the instrument clus-
ter circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the check gauges indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A cruise indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 13). However, on vehicles
not equipped with the optional speed control system,
this indicator is electronically disabled. The cruise
indicator consists of the word ªCRUISEº, which
appears in the lower portion of the gear selector indi-
cator 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 speedom-
eter 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 word
ªCRUISEº appears in a blue-green color and at the
same lighting level as the gear selector indicator
information when it is illuminated by the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The cruise indicator
is serviced as a unit with the VFD in the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The cruise indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the speed control system is turned
On, regardless of whether the speed control is
engaged. This indicator is controlled by the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming and electronic messages received by the
cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The cruise indicator is completely
controlled 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 indicator will always be
Fig. 13 Cruise Indicator
8J - 22 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
CHECK GAUGES 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)

cator is electronically disabled. The upshift indicator
consists of an upward pointed arrow icon, which
appears on the right side of the electronic gear selec-
tor indicator 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 icon appears in a blue-green color and at the
same lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer
information when it is illuminated by the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The upshift indicator
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The upshift indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the manual transmission
should be shifted to the next highest gear in order to
achieve the best fuel economy. This indicator is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic 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
with a diesel engine over the Programmable Commu-
nications Interface (PCI) data bus. The upshift indi-
cator is completely controlled by the instrument
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 indi-
cator 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 upshift indicator for the following
reasons:
²Upshift Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives an upshift lamp-on message from the
PCM or ECM indicating the engine speed and load
conditions are right for a transmission upshift to
occur, the upshift indicator is illuminated. The indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives
an upshift lamp-off message from the PCM or ECM,
or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, whichever occurs first. The PCM or ECM will
normally send an upshift lamp-off message three to
five seconds after a lamp-on message, if an upshift is
not performed. The indicator will then remain off
until the vehicle stops accelerating and is brought
back into the range of indicator operation, or until
the transmission is shifted into another gear.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the upshift indicator willbe turned on, then off again during the VFD portion
of the test to confirm the functionality of the VFD
and the cluster control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the engine speed and load condi-
tions to determine the proper fuel and ignition
requirements. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the
ECM continually monitors the engine speed and load
conditions to determine the proper fuel requirements.
The PCM or ECM then sends the proper upshift indi-
cator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the upshift
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 PCM, the
ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
upshift indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A voltage gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The voltage gauge is located in
the upper left quadrant of the instrument cluster,
above the fuel gauge. The voltage 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 ª8º to ª18º volts. An International Control
and Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging Con-
ditionº is located on the cluster overlay, directly
below the right end of the gauge scale (Fig. 34). The
voltage gauge graphics are black against a white
field except for a single red graduation at each 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 voltage gauge is serviced as
a unit with the instrument cluster.
Fig. 34 Battery Charging Condition Icon
8J - 42 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
UPSHIFT INDICATOR (Continued)