display DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Owner's Manual

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)

ACTUATOR TEST
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.
The instrument cluster actuator test will put the
instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In
this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-
diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument
cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the indicators are
capable of operating as designed. During the actuator
test the instrument cluster circuitry will position
each of the gauge needles at various calibration
points, illuminate all of the segments in the Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units, turn all of the indi-
cators on and off again, display any Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC) information, and display the number
of ignition key cycles that have occurred since the
DTC was detected. It is suggested that a note pad
and pencil be used to write down any fault informa-
tion that is displayed during the test for reference.
Successful completion of the actuator test will con-
firm that the instrument cluster is operational. How-
ever, there may still be a problem with the PCI data
bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the
Engine Control Module (ECM), the Front Control
Module (FCM), the Transmission Control Module
(TCM), the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM),
the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the Controller
Anti-lock Brake (CAB), or the inputs to one of these
electronic control modules. Use a DRBIIItscan toolto diagnose these components. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
(1) Begin the test with the ignition switch in the
Off position.
(2) Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
(3) While still holding the odometer/trip odometer
switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to
the On position, but do not start the engine.
(4) Release the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
(5) The instrument cluster will simultaneously
illuminate all of the operational segments in both
VFD units, perform a bulb check of each operational
LED indicator. The VFD segments and LED indica-
tors remain illuminated as each gauge needle is
swept to several calibration points and back. If a
VFD segment or an LED indicator fails to illuminate,
or if a gauge needle fails to sweep through the cali-
bration points and back during this test, the instru-
ment cluster must be replaced. Following these tests,
the actuator test will proceed as described in Step 6.
(6) The text ªC Codeº is displayed in the odometer
VFD for about three seconds. If there is no stored
fault information, the display will show two pairs of
zeroes in the format ª00º ª00º, which indicate that
the display of fault information is done. If there is
stored fault information, two sets of two-digit alpha
and alpha-numeric fault codes will appear in the
odometer display for a three second interval. The
first pair of digits represents a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC), or fault code for the instrument cluster.
The second pair of digits is a counter for the number
of ignition key cycles that have occurred since the
displayed DTC was set. The instrument cluster will
continue to display additional sets of two pairs of dig-
its at three second intervals until all of the stored
codes have been displayed, which is again signaled
by a code of ª00º ª00º. Refer to the Instrument Clus-
ter Failure Message table for a description of each
fault code that the instrument cluster displays. If an
instrument cluster fault is displayed, use a DRBIIIt
scan tool to diagnose the problem. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE MESSAGE
Fault Code Description Correction
01 Airbag warning indicator output circuit shorted. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
02 Airbag warning indicator output circuit open. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
03 ABS indicator output circuit shorted. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
04 ABS indicator output circuit open. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
05 MIL indicator output circuit shorted. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
06 MIL indicator output circuit open. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
8J - 12 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE MESSAGE
Fault Code Description Correction
AC ABS messages not received. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
AD FCM messages not received. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
AE ACM messages not received. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
AF SKIM messages not received. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
B0 RKE fob batteries low. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
B1 RKE module communication link. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
00 Done All Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) have been
displayed.
(7) The actuator test is now completed. The instru-
ment cluster will automatically exit the self-diagnos-
tic mode and return to normal operation at the
completion of the test, if the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position during the test, or if a vehicle
speed message indicating that the vehicle is moving
is received from the PCM over the PCI data bus dur-
ing the test.
(8) Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if neces-
sary.
REMOVAL
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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the four screws that secure the instru-
ment cluster to the instrument panel structural sup-
port (Fig. 5).
(4) Pull the instrument cluster rearward far
enough to access and disconnect the instrument
panel wire harness connectors for the cluster fromthe connector receptacles on the back of the cluster
housing.
(5) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel.
DISASSEMBLY
Some of the components for the instrument cluster
used in this vehicle are serviced individually. The
serviced components include the incandescent instru-
ment cluster illumination lamp bulbs (including the
integral bulb holders), and the cluster lens, hood and
mask unit. Following are the procedures for disas-
sembling these components from the instrument clus-
ter unit.
Fig. 5 Instrument Cluster Remove/Install
1 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR (3)
2 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - INSTRUMENT PANEL STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
8J - 14 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
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)

BRAKE/PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 10). The brake indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
between the tachometer and the speedometer. The
brake indicator consists of stencil-like cutouts of the
word ªBRAKEº and the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªBrake Failureº 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
ªBRAKEº text and 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 brake indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the parking brake is applied, when
there are certain brake hydraulic system malfunc-
tions as indicated by a low brake hydraulic fluid level
condition, or when the brake fluid level switch is dis-
connected. The brake indicator can also give an indi-
cation when certain faults are detected in the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). This indicator is con-
trolled by a transistor on the instrument cluster cir-
cuit board based upon cluster programming,
electronic messages received by the cluster from the
Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus, and
a hard wired input from the park brake switch. The
brake indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster logic cir-
cuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to
operate when the instrument cluster receives a bat-
tery current input on the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will
always be off when the ignition switch is in any posi-
tion except On or Start. The LED only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the brake indicator for the following reasons:²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the brake indicator is illu-
minated by the instrument cluster for about two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Brake Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a lamp-on message from the CAB,
the brake indicator will be illuminated. The CAB can
also send brake lamp-on messages as feedback dur-
ing ABS diagnostic procedures. 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.
²Park Brake Switch Input- Each time the
cluster detects ground on the park brake switch
sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park brake
applied or not fully released) while the ignition
switch is in the On position, the brake indicator
flashes on and off. The indicator continues to flash
until the park brake switch sense input to the cluster
is an open circuit (park brake switch open = park
brake fully released), 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 brake indi-
cator will be turned on, then off again during the
bulb check portion of the test to confirm the function-
ality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The park brake switch on the park brake pedal
mechanism provides a hard wired ground input to
the instrument cluster circuitry through the park
brake switch sense circuit whenever the park brake
is applied or not fully released. The CAB continually
monitors the ABS system circuits and sensors,
including the brake fluid level switch on the brake
master cylinder reservoir, to decide whether the sys-
tem is in good operating condition. The CAB then
sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the CAB sends a lamp-on mes-
sage after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB
has detected a brake hydraulic 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.
For further diagnosis of the brake indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the LED,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). The park brake
switch input to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the brake fluid level
switch, the ABS, the CAB, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the brake indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool
is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
Fig. 10 Brake Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19

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)

ENGINE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An engine coolant temperature gauge is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The engine
coolant temperature gauge is located in the lower
right quadrant of the instrument cluster, below the
oil pressure gauge. The engine coolant temperature
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 ªCº (or Cold) to ªHº (or Hot)
for gasoline engines. On vehicles with a diesel
engine, the scale reads from ª60ºÉ C to ª120ºÉ C in
markets where a metric instrument cluster is speci-
fied, or from ª140ºÉ F to ª245ºÉ F in all other mar-
kets. An International Control and Display Symbol
icon for ªEngine Coolant Temperatureº is located on
the cluster overlay, directly below the left end of the
gauge scale (Fig. 15). The engine coolant temperature
gauge graphics are black against a white field except
for two red graduations at the high 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 engine coolant temperature
gauge is serviced as a unit with the instrument clus-
ter.
OPERATION
The engine coolant temperature gauge gives an
indication to the vehicle operator of the engine cool-
ant temperature. This gauge is controlled 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 equipped with a gasoline engine,
or from the Engine Control Module (ECM) on vehi-
cles equipped with a diesel engine over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
engine coolant temperature 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 Temperature Message- Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is between
the low end of normal [about 54É C (130É F) for gas-
oline engines, or about 60É C (140É F) for diesel
engines] and the high end of normal [about 122É C
(252É F) for gasoline engines, or about 116É C (240É
F) for diesel engines], the gauge needle is moved to
the actual relative temperature position on the gauge
scale.
²Engine Temperature Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM or
ECM indicating the engine coolant temperature is
below the low end of normal [about 54É C (130É F) for
gasoline engines, or about 60É C (140É F) for diesel
engines], the gauge needle is held at the graduation
on the far left end of the gauge scale. The gauge nee-
dle remains at the left end of the gauge scale until
the cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating that the engine temperature is above
about 54É C (130É F) for gasoline engines, or about
60É C (140É F) for diesel engines, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM or
ECM indicating the engine coolant temperature is
above about 122É C (252É F) for gasoline engines, or
about 116É C (240É F) for diesel engines, the gauge
needle is moved into the red zone at the far right end
of gauge scale, the check gauges indicator is illumi-
nated, and a single chime tone is sounded. The gauge
needle remains in the red zone and the check gauges
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a message from the PCM or ECM indicating
that the engine temperature is below about 122É C
(252É F) for gasoline engines, or about 116É C (240É
F) for diesel engines, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
The chime tone feature will only repeat during the
same ignition cycle if the check gauges indicator is
cycled off and then on again by the appropriate
engine temperature messages from the PCM or ECM.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive an engine temperature message, it will hold
the gauge needle at the last indication for about five
seconds or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first. After five sec-
onds, the cluster will move the gauge needle to the
low end of the gauge scale.
Fig. 15 Engine Coolant Temperature Icon
8J - 24 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR

²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the engine coolant temper-
ature gauge needle will be swept to several calibra-
tion points on the gauge scale in a prescribed
sequence in order to confirm the functionality of the
gauge and the cluster control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the engine coolant temperature
sensor to determine the engine operating tempera-
ture. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the ECM con-
tinually monitors the engine coolant temperature
sensor to determine the engine operating tempera-
ture. The PCM or ECM then sends the proper engine
coolant temperature messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the engine coolant
temperature gauge or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns on
the check gauges indicator due to a high engine tem-
perature gauge reading, it may indicate that the
engine or the engine cooling system requires service.
For proper diagnosis of the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor, the PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the engine coolant temperature
gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
ETC INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator is
standard equipment on all gasoline engine instru-
ment clusters (Fig. 16). However, on vehicles not
equipped with the optional 5.7 liter gasoline engine,
this indicator is electronically disabled. The ETC
indicator is located on the right side of the instru-
ment cluster, to the right of the engine temperature
gauge. The ETC indicator consists of a stencil-like
cutout of the International Control and Display Sym-
bol icon for ªElectronic Throttle Controlº 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 theinstrument cluster electronic circuit board. The ETC
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator
gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the
ETC system is faulty or inoperative. The ETC indi-
cator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument
cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming
and electronic messages received by the cluster from
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The ETC indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED)
is completely controlled by the instrument cluster
logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indi-
cator 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 posi-
tion except On or Start. The LED only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the ETC indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ETC indicator is illu-
minated for about six seconds. The entire six second
bulb test is a function of the PCM.
²ETC Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the PCM, the
ETC indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can
be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dic-
tated by the PCM message. The indicator remains
illuminated solid or continues to flash for about
twelve seconds or until the cluster receives a lamp-off
message from the PCM, whichever is longer. If the
indicator is illuminated solid with the engine run-
ning the vehicle will usually remain drivable. If the
indicator is flashing with the engine running the
vehicle may require towing. A flashing indicator
means the ETC system requires immediate service.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no ETC lamp messages for three consecutive seconds,
the ETC indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a sin-
gle lamp-off message from the PCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the ETC indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the ETC indicator is a function of
the PCM.
The PCM continually monitors the ETC system cir-
cuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in
good operating condition. The PCM then sends the
Fig. 16 ETC Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 25
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE (Continued)

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)