auto matic Transmission DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Owner's Guide

(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare reading
to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer
to Specifications for starter motor free running test
maximum amperage draw specifications.
(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
STARTER SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil termi-
nal.
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity
tester (Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.REMOVAL
3.7L / 4.7L
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Note: If equipped with 4WD and certain trans-
missions, a support bracket is used between front
axle and side of transmission. Remove 2 support
bracket bolts at transmission. Pry support bracket
slightly to gain access to lower starter mounting bolt.
(4) Remove 1 bolt and 1 nut if equipped with a
manual transmission (Fig. 9).
(5) Remove 2 bolts if equipped with an automatic
transmission (Fig. 10).
(6) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process, do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(7) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nut that secures
battery positive cable wire harness connector eyelet
to solenoid battery terminal stud. Do not let starter
motor hang from wire harness.
(8) Remove battery positive cable wire harness
connector eyelet from solenoid battery terminal stud.
(9) Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness
connector from solenoid terminal connector recepta-
cle.
(10) Remove starter motor.
Fig. 7 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID AND
FIELD COIL TERMINALS - TYPICAL
1 - OHMMETER
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - FIELD COIL TERMINAL
Fig. 8 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID
TERMINAL AND CASE - TYPICAL
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - OHMMETER
3 - SOLENOID
Fig. 9 STARTER R/I - 3.7L/4.7L - MAN. TRANS.
1 - EYELET TERMINAL
2 - NUT
3 - BRACKET
4 - STUD
5 - STARTER MOTOR
6 - LOCK WASHER
7 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
8 - NUT
9 - SCREW AND WASHER (2)
DRSTARTING 8F - 33
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

5.7L Gas
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Note: If equipped with 4WD and certain trans-
missions, a support bracket is used between front
axle and side of transmission. Remove 2 support
bracket bolts at transmission. Pry support bracket
slightly to gain access to lower starter mounting bolt.
(4) Remove 2 mounting bolts (Fig. 11).
(5) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process, do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(6) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nut that secures
battery positive cable wire harness connector eyelet
to solenoid battery terminal stud. Do not let starter
motor hang from wire harness.
(7) Remove battery positive cable wire harness
connector eyelet from solenoid battery terminal stud.
(8) Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness
connector from solenoid terminal connector recepta-
cle.
(9) Remove starter motor.
5.9L Diesel
(1) Disconnect and isolate both negative battery
cables at both batteries.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove 3 starter mounting bolts (Fig. 12).(4) Move starter motor towards front of vehicle far
enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process. Do not let starter motor hang from wire har-
ness.
(5) Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor
far enough to access and remove nuts securing
starter wiring harness to starter (Fig. 13). Do not let
starter motor hang from wire harness.
(6) Remove starter motor from engine. Note: Cer-
tain diesel engines use an aluminum spacer (Fig. 12).
Note position and orientation of spacer before
removal.
INSTALLATION
3.7L / 4.7L
(1) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps
on).
(2) Position battery cable to solenoid stud. Install
and tighten battery cable eyelet nut. Refer to Torque
Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang
from wire harness.
(3) Position starter motor to transmission.
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(5) Install and tighten both bolts (auto. trans.), or
1 nut and 1 bolt (man. trans.). Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
Fig. 10 STARTER R/I - 3.7L/4.7L - AUTO. TRANS.
1 - EYELET TERMINAL
2 - NUT
3 - SCREW AND WASHER (2)
4 - STARTER MOTOR
5 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 11 STARTER R/I - 5.7L
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
8F - 34 STARTINGDR
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

5.7L
(1) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps
on).
(2) Position battery cable to solenoid stud. Install
and tighten battery cable eyelet nut. Refer to Torque
Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang
from wire harness.
(3) Position starter motor to engine.
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(5) Install and tighten both mounting bolts. Refer
to Torque Specifications.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Connect negative battery cable.
5.9L Diesel
(1)If Equipped:Position and hold aluminum
spacer to rear of starter while positioning starter to
engine.
(2) Connect solenoid wire to starter motor. Tighten
nut.
(3) Position battery cable to starter stud. Install
and tighten battery cable nut. Refer to Torque Spec-
ifications. Do not allow starter motor to hang from
wire harness.
(4) Position starter motor to transmission.
(5) If equipped with automatic transmission, slide
cooler tube bracket into position.
(6) Install and tighten 3 starter mounting bolts.
Refer to Torque Specifications.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Connect both negative battery cables to both
batteries.
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The starter relay is an electromechanical device
that switches battery current to the pull-in coil of the
starter solenoid when ignition switch is turned to
Start position. The starter relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment. See PDC cover for relay identification and
location.
The starter relay is a International Standards
Organization (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to ISO
specifications have common physical dimensions, cur-
rent capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal func-
tions.
The starter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted. If
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 12 STARTER R/I - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
2 - STARTER MOTOR
3 - SPACER (CERTAIN TRANSMISSIONS)
Fig. 13 STARTER ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS -
5.9L DIESEL
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY CABLE NUT
3 - SOLENOID NUT
4 - HARNESS ASSEMBLY
DRSTARTING 8F - 35
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When electro-
magnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable con-
tact away from normally closed fixed contact, and
holds it against the other (normally open) fixed con-
tact.
When electromagnetic coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns movable contact to normally closed
position. The resistor or diode is connected in parallel
with electromagnetic coil within relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes produced when coil is de-en-
ergized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY
The starter relay (Fig. 14) is located in Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC). Refer to PDC cover for relay
identification and location. For complete starter relay
wiring circuit diagrams, refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
(1) Remove starter relay from PDC.
(2) A relay in de-energized position should have
continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no
continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75   5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(4) Connect 12V battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, perform Relay Circuit Test that fol-
lows. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair open cir-
cuit to fuse in PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to common feed terminal (30) in the energized
position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to
starter solenoid field coils. There should be continu-
ity between cavity for relay terminal 87 and starter
solenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair open circuit to starter solenoid as
required.(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
electromagnet in relay. It is energized when ignition
switch is held in Start position. On vehicles with
manual transmission, clutch pedal must be fully
depressed for this test. Check for battery voltage at
cavity for relay terminal 86 with ignition switch in
Start position, and no voltage when ignition switch is
released to On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK with automatic transmission, check for open or
short circuit to ignition switch and repair, if required.
If circuit to ignition switch is OK, refer toIgnition
Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. If not OK with a
manual transmission, check circuit between relay
and clutch pedal position switch for open or a short.
If circuit is OK, refer toClutch Pedal Position
Switchin 6 , Clutch.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. On vehicles with
manual transmission, it is grounded at all times. On
vehicles with automatic transmission, it is grounded
through park/neutral position switch only when gear-
shift selector lever is in Park or Neutral positions.
Check for continuity to ground at cavity for relay ter-
minal 85. If not OK with manual transmission,
repair circuit to ground as required. If not OK with
automatic transmission, check for pen or short circuit
to park/neutral position switch and repair, if
required. If circuit to park/neutral position switch is
OK, refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin 21,
Transmission.
Fig. 14 TYPE 1 RELAY
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
8F - 36 STARTINGDR
STARTER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)

WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................44
OPERATION...........................44WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................45
OPERATION...........................45
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrument cluster for this model is an Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) that is
located in the instrument panel above the steering
column opening, directly in front of the driver (Fig.
1). The remainder of the EMIC, including the mounts
and the electrical connections, are concealed within
the instrument panel behind the cluster bezel.
Besides analog gauges and indicators, the EMIC
module incorporates two blue-green digital Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units for displaying odom-
eter/trip odometer information, engine hours, auto-
matic transmission gear selector position (PRNDL),
several warning or reminder indications and certain
diagnostic information. The instrument cluster for
this model also includes the hardware and software
necessary to serve as the electronic body control mod-
ule and is sometimes referred to as the Cab Com-
partment Node or CCN.
The EMIC gauges and indicators are visible
through a dedicated opening in the cluster bezel on
the instrument panel and are protected by a clear
plastic cluster lens (Fig. 2) that is integral to a clus-
ter lens, hood and mask unit. Just behind the cluster
lens is the cluster hood and an integral cluster mask,
which are constructed of molded black plastic. The
cluster hood serves as a visor and shields the face of
the cluster from ambient light and reflections to
reduce glare, while the cluster mask serves to sepa-
rate and define the individual gauges and indicatorsof the EMIC. A black plastic odometer/trip odometer
switch button protrudes through dedicated holes in
the cluster mask and the cluster lens, located near
the lower edge of the cluster just to the left of the
tachometer. The molded plastic EMIC lens, hood and
mask unit has four integral mounting tabs, one each
on the upper and lower outboard corners of the unit.
These mounting tabs are used to secure the EMIC to
the molded plastic instrument panel cluster carrier
with four screws.
The rear of the cluster housing and the EMIC elec-
tronic circuitry are protected by a molded plastic rear
cover, which is secured to the cluster housing with a
single screw, while eight screws installed around the
outside perimeter of the rear cover secure it to the
cluster lens, hood and mask unit. The rear cover
includes clearance holes for service access to each of
the eleven incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
installed on the cluster circuit board for general illu-
mination lighting and for the cluster connector recep-
tacles. The connector receptacles on the back of the
cluster electronic circuit board connect the EMIC to
the vehicle electrical system through three take outs
with connectors from the instrument panel wire har-
ness. The EMIC also has an integral interface con-
nector on the back of the cluster circuit board that
joins it to the optional external RKE receiver through
a connector receptacle that is integral to that unit.
The rear cover includes a molded receptacle and two
latch features to secure the RKE receiver on vehicles
that are so equipped.
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster Components
1 - SCREW (9)
2 - REAR COVER
3 - CLUSTER HOUSING
4 - LENS, HOOD & MASK
8J - 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR

Sandwiched between the rear cover and the lens,
hood and mask unit is the cluster housing. The
molded plastic cluster housing serves as the carrier
for the cluster circuit board and circuitry, the cluster
connector receptacles, the RKE interface connector,
the gauges, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) for each
cluster indicator, two VFD units, an audible tone
generator, the cluster overlay, the gauge pointers, the
odometer/trip odometer switch and the switch button.
The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The
dark, visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked
with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but
this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this
outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing clut-
tered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators
that are not illuminated, while the translucence of
this layer allows those indicators and icons that are
illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying
layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from
the LED for each of the various indicators and the
incandescent illumination lamps behind it to be visi-
ble through the outer layer of the overlay only
through predetermined stencil-like cutouts. A rectan-
gular opening in the overlay at the base of both the
speedometer and tachometer dial faces has a smoked
clear lens through which the illuminated VFD units
can be viewed.
Several versions of the EMIC module are offered
on this model. These versions accommodate all of the
variations of optional equipment and regulatory
requirements for the various markets in which the
vehicle will be offered. The microprocessor-based
EMIC utilizes integrated circuitry and information
carried on the Programmable Communications Inter-
face (PCI) data bus network along with several hard
wired analog and multiplexed inputs to monitor sen-
sors and switches throughout the vehicle. In response
to those inputs, the internal circuitry and program-
ming of the EMIC allow it to control and integrate
many electronic functions and features of the vehicle
through both hard wired outputs and the transmis-
sion of electronic message outputs to other electronic
modules in the vehicle over the PCI data bus. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION -
PCI BUS).
Besides typical instrument cluster gauge and indi-
cator support, the electronic functions and features
that the EMIC supports or controls include the fol-
lowing:
²Audible Warnings- The EMIC electronic cir-
cuit board is equipped with an audible tone generator
and programming that allows it to provide various
audible alerts to the vehicle operator, including
chime tones and beep tones. An electromechanical
relay is also soldered onto the circuit board to pro-duce audible clicks that emulate the sound of a con-
ventional turn signal or hazard warning flasher.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHIME/BUZZER -
DESCRIPTION).
²Brake Lamp Control- The EMIC provides
electronic brake lamp request messages to the Front
Control Module (FCM) located on the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) for brake lamp control, exclud-
ing control of the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL), which remains controlled by a direct hard
wired output of the brake lamp switch.
²Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Control
- The EMIC monitors inputs from the brake lamp
switch, ignition switch, and the Transmission Range
Sensor (TRS), then controls a high-side driver output
to operate the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) solenoid that locks and unlocks the automatic
transmission gearshift selector lever on the steering
column.
²Cargo Lamp Control- The EMIC provides
direct control of cargo lamp operation with a load
shedding (battery saver) feature which will automat-
ically turn off the cargo lamp if it remains on after a
timed interval.
²Central Locking- The EMIC provides support
for the central locking feature of the power lock sys-
tem. This feature will lock or unlock all doors based
upon the input from the door cylinder lock switch.
Door cylinder lock switches are used only on models
equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security
System (VTSS).
²Door Lock Inhibit- The EMIC inhibits locking
of the doors with the power lock switch when the key
is in the ignition switch and the driver side front
door is ajar. However, operation of the door locks is
not inhibited under the same conditions when the
Lock button of the optional RKE transmitter is
depressed.
²Enhanced Accident Response- The EMIC
monitors an input from the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) and, following an airbag deployment, will
immediately disable the power lock output, unlock all
doors by activating the power unlock output, then
enables the power lock output. This feature, like all
other enhanced accident response features, is depen-
dent upon a functional vehicle electrical system fol-
lowing the vehicle impact event.
²Exterior Lighting Control- The EMIC pro-
vides electronic head lamp and/or park lamp request
messages to the Front Control Module (FCM) located
on the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for the appro-
priate exterior lamp control of standard head and
park lamps, as well as optional front fog lamps. This
includes support for headlamp beam selection and
the optical horn feature, also known as flash-to-pass.
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

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)

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)