service DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

spring mechanism rotates with the steering wheel
and the cam lobes contact the cancel actuator when
it is extended from the multi-function switch. When
the steering wheel is rotated during a turning
maneuver, one of the two turn signal cancel cam
lobes will contact the turn signal cancel actuator. The
cancel actuator latches against the cancel cam rota-
tion in the direction opposite that which is signaled.
In other words, if the left turn signal detent is
selected, the lobes of the cancel cam will ratchet past
the cancel actuator when the steering wheel is
rotated to the left, but will unlatch the cancel actua-
tor as the steering wheel rotates to the right and
returns to center, which will cancel the turn signal
event and release the control stalk from the detent so
it returns to the neutral Off position.
²Washer Mode- Pushing the button on the end
of the multi-function switch control knob towards the
steering column provides a battery current output
through the momentary single pole, single throw
washer switch circuitry to operate the washer pump/
motor and provides a signal to the CTM. If the wip-
ers are not operating when the washer switch is
actuated, the CTM will operate the wiper motor for
as long as the washer switch is depressed plus about
three additional wipe cycles. If the wipers are oper-
ating in the intermittent mode when the washer
switch is actuated, the CTM will operate the wiper
motor at a fixed low speed for as long as the washer
switch is depressed plus about three additional wipe
cycles before the wipers return to the selected inter-
mittent wipe interval.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the multi-function switch connector
receptacle.
(2) Using an ohmmeter, perform the continuity
and resistance tests at the terminals in the multi-
function switch connector receptacle as shown in the
Multi-Function Switch Tests chart (Fig. 25).
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 25
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (Continued)

(3) If the multi-function switch fails any of the
continuity or resistance tests, replace the faulty
switch unit as required.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) If the vehicle is so equipped, unscrew the lever
from the tilt steering column adjuster mechanism
located on the left side of the column just below the
multi-function switch control stalk. Turn the lever
counterclockwise to unscrew it from the adjuster.
(3) From below the steering column, remove the
two outboard screws that secure the upper shroud to
the lower outer shroud (Fig. 26).
(4) Press carefully inward on each side of the outer
shrouds to release the snap features and remove the
upper outer shroud from the lower outer shroud.
(5) From below the steering column, remove the
one center screw that secures the lower outer shroud
to the steering column housing.
(6) Remove the lower outer shroud from the steer-
ing column.
(7) From below the steering column, remove the
two screws that secure the lower inner shroud to the
steering column housing and the upper inner shroud.
(8) Press carefully inward on the gearshift lever
side of the inner shrouds to release the snap features
and remove the lower inner shroud from the steering
column.
(9) Carefully lift the upper inner shroud upward
far enough to access the multi-function switch
mounting screws.(10) Remove the two tamper proof screws (a Snap
On tamper proof Torx bit TTXR20B2 or equivalent is
required) that secure the multi-function switch to the
steering column housing.
(11) Gently pull the multi-function switch away
from the steering column far enough to access and
remove the screw that secures the instrument panel
wire harness connector for the multi-function switch
to the switch connector receptacle (Fig. 27).
(12) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the multi-function switch connector
receptacle.
(13) Remove the multi-function switch from the
steering column.
Fig. 26 Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install -
Typical
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TILT LEVER
3 - UPPER SHROUD
4 - PANEL BRACKET
5 - SPACER
6 - TOE PLATE
7 - NUT
8 - LOWER SHROUD
9 - CLOCK SPRING
10 - NUT
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 27
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (Continued)

INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the multi-function switch next to the
steering column.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the multi-function switch to the switch
connector receptacle (Fig. 27).
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
instrument panel wire harness connector for the
multi-function switch to the switch connector recep-
tacle. Tighten the screw to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(4) Position the multi-function switch onto the
steering column.(5) Carefully lift the upper inner shroud upward
far enough to access the multi-function switch
mounting screws.
(6) Install and tighten the two tamper proof
screws (a Snap On tamper proof Torx bit TTXR20B2
or equivalent is required) that secure the multi-func-
tion switch to the steering column housing. Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(7) Position the lower inner shroud onto the steer-
ing column (Fig. 26). Be certain to insert the gear-
shift lever hider strip into the channel located on the
inside surface of the shroud.
(8) Align the locking tabs on the gearshift lever
side of the upper inner shroud with the receptacles
on the lower inner shroud and apply hand pressure
to snap them together.
(9) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two screws that secure the lower inner
shroud to the steering column housing and the upper
inner shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in.
lbs.).
(10) Position the lower outer shroud onto the
steering column.
(11) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the one center screw that secures the lower
outer shroud to the steering column housing. Tighten
the screw to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(12) Align the locking tabs on the upper outer
shroud with the receptacles on the lower outer
shroud and apply hand pressure to snap them
together.
(13) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two outboard screws that secure the
lower outer shroud to the upper outer shroud.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(14) If the vehicle is so equipped, reinstall the
lever into the tilt steering column adjuster on the left
side of the column. Turn the lever clockwise to screw
it into the adjuster.
(15) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
OUTBOARD IDENTIFICATION
LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Using a flat blade screw driver, carefully pry
lamp to disengage clips attaching ID lamp to retainer
(Fig. 28).
(3) Separate ID lamp from retainer.
(4) Disengage lamp bulb socket from lamp.
(5) Remove screws attaching lamp retainer to rear
fender.
(6) Separate retainer from rear fender.
Fig. 27 Multi-Function Switch Connector
1 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTORS
2 - SCREW
3 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
5 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
6 - CLOCKSPRING
7 - IGNITION SWITCH
8L - 28 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORBR/BE
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (Continued)

ary. The rotor of the clockspring, including the turn
signal cancel cam lobes rotate with the steering
wheel.
The turn signal cancel cam is serviced as a unit
with the clockspring and cannot be repaired. If faulty
or damaged, the entire clockspring unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The turn signal cancel cam has two lobes molded
into the lower surface of the clockspring rotor. When
the turn signals are activated by moving the multi-
function switch control stalk to a detent position, a
turn signal cancel actuator is extended from the
inside surface of the multi-function switch housing
toward the center of the steering column and theturn signal cancel cam. When the steering wheel is
rotated during a turning maneuver, one of the two
turn signal cancel cam lobes will contact the turn sig-
nal cancel actuator. The cancel actuator latches
against the cancel cam rotation in the direction oppo-
site that which is signaled. In other words, if the left
turn signal detent is selected, the lobes of the cancel
cam will ratchet past the cancel actuator when the
steering wheel is rotated to the left, but will unlatch
the cancel actuator as the steering wheel rotates to
the right and returns to center, which will cancel the
turn signal event and release the control stalk from
the detent so it returns to the neutral Off position.
UNDERHOOD LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a small flat blade in the access slot
between the lamp base and lamp lens.
(3) Pry the lamp lens upward and remove the
lamp lens (Fig. 31).
(4) Depress the bulb terminal inward (Fig. 32) to
release the bulb.
Fig. 30 Tail, Brake, Turn Signal and Back-up Lamp
Bulb
1 - TAIL LAMP
2 - SCREW
3 - LIGHTING HARNESS
4 - BULB
5 - RETAINING CLIP
6 - RETAINING STUDS
Fig. 31 Underhood Lamp Lens
1 - LAMP
2 - LAMP LENS
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 31
TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM (Continued)

DOOR AJAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The door ajar switches are mounted to the door
hinge pillars. The switches close a path to ground for
the Central Timer Module (CTM) when a door is
opened, and open the ground path when a door is
closed.
The door ajar switches cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DOOR AJAR
SWITCH
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Rotate the headlamp switch knob counterclock-
wise to ensure that the dome lamps are not switched
off. Open the driver door and note whether the inte-
rior lamps light. They should light. If OK, (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). If not OK, go to Step 2.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Unplug the driver door ajar switch from its
wire harness connector. Check for continuity between
the ground circuit cavity of the driver door ajar
switch wire harness connector and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, repair the circuit to ground as required.
(3) Check for continuity between the door ajar
switch ground circuit terminal and each of the other
two terminals of the driver door ajar switch. There
should be continuity with the switch plunger
released, and no continuity with the switch plunger
depressed. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace the
faulty switch.
(4) Remove the Central Timer Module (CTM) from
its mounting bracket to access the CTM wire harness
connectors (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/BODY CONTROL/CENTRAL
TIMER MODUL - REMOVAL). Unplug the 14-way
CTM wire harness connector. Check for continuity
between the driver door switch sense circuit cavity of
the 14-way CTM wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 5. If not OK, repair the short circuit as
required.
(5) Check for continuity between the driver door
switch sense circuit cavities of the 14-way CTM wire
harness connector and the driver door ajar switch
wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If
OK, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR/HEADLAMP SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
Fig. 1 Dome Lamp Lens
1 - HEADLINER
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - DOME LAMP
4 - LENS
5 - BULB
Fig. 2 Dome Lamp
1 - SLIDE LAMP
8L - 34 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORBR/BE
DOME LAMP (Continued)

(5) Install the glove box onto the instrument panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE
BOX - INSTALLATION) for the procedures.
(6) Close the glove box.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
READING LAMP
DESCRIPTION
The overhead console in this vehicle is equipped
with two individual reading and courtesy lamps. The
lamp lenses are the only visible components of these
lamps. The reading and courtesy lamp lenses are
mounted in the overhead console housing between
the garage door opener storage bin and the sun-
glasses storage bin. Each lamp has its own switch,
bulb, reflector and lens; but both lamps share a com-
mon lamp housing within the overhead console.
The overhead console reading and courtesy lamps
operate on battery current that is provided at all
times, regardless of the ignition switch position. The
ground feed for the lamps is switched through the
integral reading and courtesy lamp switches or
through the door jamb switches. Each lamp is
designed and aimed to provide illumination that will
be directed only to that side of the vehicle on which
the lamp is located.
The reading and courtesy lamp lenses, bulbs and
the lamp housing and reflector unit are available for
service replacement. The reading and courtesy lamp
switches, bulb holders and wiring are only available
as part of the overhead console wire harness. If
either of the lamp switches or bulb holders is faulty
or damaged, the entire overhead console wire har-
ness assembly must be replaced.
For service of the reading and courtesy lamp bulbs,
refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wir-
ing information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
All reading and courtesy lamps located in the over-
head console are activated by the door jamb switches.
When all of the doors are closed, these lamps can be
individually activated by depressing the correspond-
ing lens. When any door is open, depressing the lamp
lenses to activate the lamp switches will not turn the
lamps off.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the use and operation of the
overhead console reading and courtesy lamps.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a long, narrow, flat-bladed tool between
the curved (outboard) edge of the reading and cour-
tesy lamp lens and the overhead console housing
(Fig. 5).
(3) Gently pry inward and downward against the
lens until the latch tab in the center of the outboard
edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens is disen-
gaged from the overhead console housing.
(4) Pull firmly on the lens toward the outboard
side of the vehicle to disengage the two pivot tabs on
the inboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp
lens are disengaged from the overhead console hous-
ing.
(5) Remove the reading and courtesy lamp lens
from the overhead console housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the reading and courtesy lamp lens
onto the overhead console housing.
(2) Align the two pivot tabs on the inboard edge of
the reading and courtesy lamp lens with the two
pivot holes in the overhead console housing.
(3) Push firmly on the lens toward the inboard
side of the vehicle to insert the two pivot tabs on the
inboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens
into the two pivot holes in the overhead console hous-
ing.
(4) Pivot the lens back up into position and press
upward firmly until the latch tab in the center of the
outboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens
snaps back into the overhead console housing.
Fig. 5 Overhead Console Reading Lamp Bulb
Removal
1 - LENS
2 - FLAT BLADE
3 - CONSOLE
8L - 36 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORBR/BE
GLOVE BOX LAMP AND SWITCH (Continued)

MESSAGE SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
DESCRIPTION............................1
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................4
COMPASS CALIBRATION..................4
COMPASS VARIATION ADJUSTMENT........4
COMPASS DEMAGNETIZING...............5
REMOVAL...............................6
DISASSEMBLY............................7
ASSEMBLY..............................7
INSTALLATION............................8
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................8
COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER
DESCRIPTION............................8OPERATION.............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
COMPASS MINI-TRIP COMPUTER..........10
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................11
AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................11
OPERATION.............................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................12
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR........12
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................13
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
DESCRIPTION
Two different overhead console units are available
factory-installed options on this model, base or pre-
mium. The base overhead console unit features a
garage door opener storage bin, a sunglasses storage
bin and two reading and courtesy lamps. The pre-
mium overhead console has all of the features of the
base unit, but adds a compass mini-trip computer.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the overhead console components and sys-
tems. Refer toOverhead Consolein the Contents of
Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit diagrams.
The premium overhead console (Fig. 1) includes
two front-mounted reading and courtesy lamps, a
garage door opener storage bin, and a sunglasses
storage bin. The premium overhead console includes
a compass mini-trip computer. The base overhead
console uses the same overhead console housing, but
has a computer cover plug installed in place of the
compass mini-trip computer display module lens and
push buttons.
The rear of the overhead console is secured to two
rear mounting holes in the inner roof panel by two
plastic hook formations that are integral to the over-
head console housing. The front of the overhead con-
sole is secured to the two front mounting holes of the
inner roof panel by two plastic latches that are inte-
gral to the overhead console housing. A single electri-
cal connection joins the overhead console wireharness to the roof wire harness for both the base
and premium overhead console units.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components used in the overhead console. See the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the use and operation of the various
overhead console features.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER STORAGE BIN
A compartment near the front of the overhead con-
sole is designed to hold most garage door opener
remote control transmitters. The transmitter is
mounted within the compartment with an adhesive-
backed hook and loop fastener patch and, when the
compartment is closed, a push button in the center of
the compartment door is depressed to actuate the
transmitter.
A transmitter mounting kit including the adhesive-
backed hook and loop fastener material is available
for service. The garage door opener storage bin door
and the push button with three assorted length
adapter pegs are also available for service replace-
ment.
The garage door opener storage compartment door
is opened by pressing the integral latch towards the
front of the vehicle. When the compartment door is
opened, the push button unit is removed from the
compartment by squeezing the latch tabs and pulling
the unit downward. With the push button removed,
the garage door opener can be installed in the com-
partment using the adhesive-backed hook and loop
fastener material provided.
BR/BEMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 1

With the transmitter mounted in the storage bin,
adapter pegs located on the garage door opener push
button unit are selected and mounted on one of two
posts on the back side of the push button. The com-
bination of the adapter peg length and the push but-
ton post location must be suitable to depress the
button of the transmitter when the push button in
the center of the garage door opener storage bin door
is depressed. When the proper combination has been
selected, the push button is reinstalled in the com-
partment and the compartment door is closed.
SUNGLASS STORAGE BIN
A sunglasses storage bin is included in the over-
head console. The storage bin is located near the rear
of the overhead console and is held in the closed posi-
tion by a latch that is integral to the storage bin
door. The interior of the bin is lined with a foam rub-
ber padding material to protect the sunglasses from
being scratched. Dampening springs that are located
on the back of the overhead console reading and
courtesy lamp housing contact the hinges of the sun-
glasses storage bin for a smooth opening action.
The sunglasses storage bin and door unit is avail-
able for service replacement. The hinge dampening
springs are serviced as a unit with the overhead con-
sole reading and courtesy lamp housing.
The sunglasses storage bin is opened by pressing
the latch on the rear edge of the door towards the
front of the vehicle, then pulling the bin downward to
the open position. The integral latch on the sun-
glasses bin door will automatically engage when the
bin is closed. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on the use and oper-
ation of the sunglasses storage bin.
COMPASS
While in the compass/temperature mode, the com-
pass will display the direction in which the vehicle is
pointed using the eight major compass headings
(Examples: north is N, northeast is NE), along with
the outside ambient temperature. When the compass
unit is placed in the compass/compass in degreesmode, the compass will display the direction the
vehicle is heading using the eight major compass
headings and in degrees (0 to 359 degrees). North is
0 degrees, East is 90 degrees, South is 180 degrees
and West is 270 degrees. It will not display the head-
ings in minutes or seconds.
The self-calibrating compass unit requires no
adjusting in normal use. The compass unit will com-
pensate for magnetism the body of the vehicle may
acquire during normal use. However, avoid placing
anything magnetic directly on the roof of the vehicle.
Magnetic mounts for an antenna, a repair order hat,
or a funeral procession flag can exceed the compen
sating ability of the compass unit if placed on the
roof panel. If the vehicle roof should become magne-
tized, the demagnetizing and calibration procedures
found in this group may be required to restore proper
compass operation.
THERMOMETER
The thermometer displays the outside ambient
temperature in whole degrees. The temperature dis-
play can be changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius
using the U.S./Metric push button. The displayed
temperature is not an instant reading of conditions,
but an average temperature. It may take the ther-
mometer display several minutes to respond to a
major temperature change, such as driving out of a
heated garage into winter temperatures.
When the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, the last displayed temperature reading stays in
the thermometer unit memory. When the ignition
switch is turned to the On position again, the ther-
mometer will display the memory temperature if the
engine coolant temperature is above about 43É C
(109É F). If the engine coolant temperature is below
about 43É C (109É F), the thermometer will display
the actual temperature sensed by the ambient tem-
perature sensor. The thermometer temperature dis-
play update interval varies with the vehicle speed;
therefore, if the temperature reading seems inaccu-
rate, drive the vehicle for at least three minutes
1 - SUNGLASSES STORAGE BIN
2 - GARAGE DOOR OPENER STORAGE BIN DOOR
3 - COMPUTER LENS OR COVER PLUG
4 - HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER
5 - SECURITY INDICATOR LAMP
6 - COMPASS MINI-TRIP COMPUTER MODULE
7 - SCREW (3)
8 - SCREW (4)
9 - BULB HOLDERS
10 - SWITCHES11 - WIRE HARNESS
12 - SPRINGS (2)
13 - READING AND COURTESY LAMP HOUSING
14 - REFLECTORS
15 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE HOUSING
16 - LENSES
17 - BUMPER
18 - GARAGE DOOR OPENER PUSH BUTTON
BR/BEMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 3
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

while maintaining a speed of 48 kilometers-per-hour
(30 miles-per-hour) or higher.
The thermometer function is supported by an
ambient temperature sensor. The sensor is mounted
outside the passenger compartment near the front
and center of the vehicle, and is hard wired to the
module. The ambient temperature sensor is available
as a separate service item.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
CALIBRATION
CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such
as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of
the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when ser-
vicing the overhead console.
The electronic compass unit features a self-cali-
brating design, which simplifies the calibration pro-
cedure. This feature automatically updates the
compass calibration while the vehicle is being driven.
This allows the compass unit to compensate for small
changes in the residual magnetism that the vehicle
may acquire during normal use. If the compass read-
ings appear to be erratic or out of calibration, per-
form the following calibration procedure. Also, new
service replacement compass mini-trip computer
modules must have their compass calibrated using
this procedure. Do not attempt to calibrate the com-
pass near large metal objects such as other vehicles,
large buildings, or bridges; or, near overhead or
underground power lines.
(1) Start the engine. If the compass/temperature
data is not currently being displayed, momentarily
depress and release the Step push button to step
through the display options until you have reached
the compass/temperature display.
(2) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step
push buttons at the same time for more than six sec-
onds, until ªCALº appears in the display, then release
both push buttons. The ªCALº in the display indi-
cates that the compass is in the calibration mode.
(3) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, at least
fifty feet away from large metal objects and power
lines, in all four compass directions, such as driving
around a city block several times or driving in two to
three complete circles at a slow to medium speed.
(4) When the calibration is successfully completed,
ªCALº will disappear from the display and normal
compass mini-trip computer operation will resume.
NOTE: If the ªCALº message remains in the display,
either there is excessive magnetism near the com-
pass, or the unit is faulty. Repeat the calibration
procedure at least one more time.NOTE: If the wrong direction is still indicated in the
compass display, the area selected for calibration
may be too close to a strong magnetic field. Repeat
the calibration procedure in another location.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
VARIATION ADJUSTMENT
Compass variance, also known as magnetic decli-
nation, is the difference in angle between magnetic
north and true geographic north. In some geographic
locations, the difference between magnetic and geo-
graphic north is great enough to cause the compass
to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the
compass variance must be set. There are two meth-
ods that can be used to enter this information into
the compass mini-trip computer module. They are
the zone method and the direct method.
ZONE METHOD
(1) Using the Variance Settings map, find your
geographic location and note the zone number (Fig.
2).
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If
the compass/temperature data is not currently being
displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step
push button to step through the display options until
you have reached the compass/temperature display.
(3) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step
push buttons at the same time and hold them down
for more than 100 milliseconds, but not more than
one second. The compass mini-trip computer will
enter the variation adjustment mode and ªVARº
along with the current variance zone will appear in
the display.
(4) Momentarily depress and release the Step push
button to step through the zone numbers, until the
zone number for your geographic location appears in
the display.
(5) After five seconds, the displayed zone will auto-
matically be set in the compass mini-trip computer
module memory and normal operation will resume.
(6) Confirm that the correct directions are now
indicated by the compass.
DIRECT METHOD
(1) Turn the vehicle so it is headed in either the
north or south direction. The vehicle must be headed
within 45 degrees of north or south for this procedure
to work. The vehicle may be moving or stationary.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If
the compass/temperature data is not currently being
displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step
push button to step through the display options until
you have reached the compass/temperature display.
8M - 4 MESSAGE SYSTEMSBR/BE
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

Compass mini-trip computer units for vehicles
equipped with the VTSS include a red Light-Emit-
ting Diode (LED) on their electronic circuit board.
This LED protrudes through the bottom of the lens
on the front of the overhead console unit, and serves
as the security indicator lamp. Refer toSecurity
Indicator Lampin Vehicle Theft/Security Systems
for more information on this feature.
The compass mini-trip computer module contains a
central processing unit and interfaces with other
electronic modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus network. The CCD
data bus network allows the sharing of sensor infor-
mation. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity,
reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce com-
ponent sensor current loads. At the same time, this
system provides increased reliability, enhanced diag-
nostics, and allows the addition of many new feature
capabilities.
The compass mini-trip computer provides several
electronic functions and features. Some of the func-
tions and features that the compass mini-trip com-
puter module supports and/or controls, include the
following display options:
²Compass and temperature- provides the out-
side temperature and one of eight compass readings
to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing.
²Compass and compass in degrees- provides
one of eight compass readings to indicate the direc-
tion the vehicle is facing and provides the compass
direction in degrees.
²Trip odometer (ODO)- shows the distance
travelled since the last trip computer reset.
²Average fuel economy (AVG ECO)- shows
the average fuel economy since the last trip computer
reset.
²Instant fuel economy (ECO)- shows the
present fuel economy based upon the current vehicle
distance and fuel used information.
²Distance to empty (DTE)- shows the esti-
mated distance that can be travelled with the fuel
remaining in the fuel tank. This estimated distance
is computed using the average miles-per-gallon from
the last 30 gallons of fuel used.
²Elapsed time (ET)- shows the accumulated
ignition-on time since the last trip computer reset.
²Blank screen- the compass mini-trip VFD is
turned off.
The ambient temperature sensor is hard wired to
the compass mini-trip computer module. Data input
for all other compass mini-trip computer functions,
including VFD dimming level, is received through
CCD data bus messages. The compass mini-trip com-
puter uses its internal programming and all of these
inputs to calculate and display the requested data. If
the data displayed is incorrect, perform the self-diag-nostic tests as described in this group. If these tests
prove inconclusive, the use of a DRBIIItscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended for further testing of the compass
mini-trip computer module and the CCD data bus.
The compass mini-trip computer module cannot be
repaired, and is available for service only as a unit. If
faulty or damaged, the complete module must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The compass mini-trip computer only operates with
the ignition switch in the On position. When the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position, all of the
segments in the compass mini-trip computer VFD
will be turned on for one second, then the display
will return to the last function being displayed before
the ignition was turned to the Off position. With the
ignition switch in the On position, momentarily
depressing and releasing the Step push button switch
will cause the compass-mini-trip computer to change
its mode of operation, and momentarily depressing
and releasing the U.S./Metric push button will cause
the unit to toggle between U.S. and Metric measure-
ments. While in either compass mode, depressing the
U.S./Metric push button for more than ten seconds
will toggle the display between the compass/temper-
ature and the compass/compass in degrees modes.
This compass mini-trip computer features several
functions that can be reset. If both the Step and U.S./
Metric push buttons are depressed at the same time
with the ignition switch in the On position, the trip
computer information that can be reset is reset.
Depressing and releasing the Step and U.S./Metric
push buttons at the same time for more than 100
milliseconds, but not more than one second while in
any display mode (except the compass/temperature
mode) will cause a local reset. A local reset affects
only the function currently displayed. See the Reset
Chart below for more information on this feature.
Performing a local reset while in the compass/tem-
perature mode enters the module into the compass
variance setting mode.
Depressing and releasing the Step and U.S./Metric
push buttons at the same time for more than two
seconds while in any display mode (except the com-
pass/temperature mode) will cause a global reset. A
global reset changes all of the trip computer func-
tions that can be reset.
For more information on the features and control
functions of the compass mini-trip computer, see the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.
BR/BEMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 9
COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER (Continued)