Steering column wiring DODGE RAM 2001 Service Service Manual

SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
A cigar lighter is standard equipment on this
model. The cigar lighter is installed in the instru-
ment panel next to the ash receiver, which is located
near the center of the instrument panel, below the
radio. The cigar lighter base is secured by a snap fit
within the instrument panel.
The cigar lighter knob and heating element unit,
and the cigar lighter receptacle unit are available for
service. These components cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The cigar lighter consists of two major components:
a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar
lighter base or receptacle shell. The receptacle shell
is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in
the bottom of the shell is connected to battery cur-
rent. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a
fuse in the junction block only when the ignition
switch is in the Accessory or On positions.
The knob and heating element are encased within
a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding
protective heat shield. When the knob and heating
element are inserted in the receptacle shell, the heat-
ing element resistor coil is grounded through its
housing to the receptacle shell. If the cigar lighter
knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides up
toward the knob exposing the heating element, and
the heating element extends from the housing toward
the insulated contact in the bottom of the receptacle
shell.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on
either side of the insulated contact inside the bottomof the receptacle shell. These clips engage and hold
the heating element against the insulated contact
long enough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the
heating element is engaged with the contact, battery
current can flow through the resistor coil to ground,
causing the resistor coil to heat.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated,
excess heat radiates from the heating element caus-
ing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips
expand far enough to release the heating element,
the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heat-
ing element to pop back outward to their relaxed
position. When the cigar lighter knob and element
are pulled out of the receptacle shell, the protective
heat shield slides downward on the housing so that
the heating element is recessed and shielded around
its circumference for safety.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toCigar
Lighterin Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ac-
cessory) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run/accessory) fuse in the junction block. If
OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused
ignition switch output (run/accessory) circuit to the
ignition switch as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Remove the cigar lighter knob and element from the
cigar lighter receptacle. Check for continuity between
the inside circumference of the cigar lighter recepta-
cle and a good ground. There should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the insulated contact
located at the back of the cigar lighter receptacle. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter knob and ele-
ment. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the cigar lighter receptacle from the instru-
ment panel and disconnect the wire harness connec-Terminal Pick Kit 6680
8W - 97 - 2 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE

the instrument panel, below the radio. The power
outlet base is secured by a snap fit within the instru-
ment panel. A plastic protective cap snaps into the
power outlet base when the power outlet is not being
used, and hangs from the power outlet base mount
by an integral bail strap while the power outlet is in
use.
The power outlet receptacle unit and the accessory
power outlet protective cap are available for service.
The power outlet receptacle cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The power outlet base or receptacle shell is con-
nected to ground, and an insulated contact in the
bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The power outlet receives battery voltage from a fuse
in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) at all times.
While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar
lighter base unit, it does not include the two small
spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the recepta-
cle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter
heating element to the insulated contact.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - POWER OUTLET
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toPower
Outletin Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC). 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
in the PDC. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open fused B(+) circuit to the battery as required.
(3) Remove the plastic protective cap from the
power outlet receptacle. Check for continuity between
the inside circumference of the power outlet recepta-
cle and a good ground. There should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(4) Check for battery voltage at the insulated con-
tact located at the back of the power outlet recepta-
cle. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power outlet receptacle from the
instrument panel. Disconnect the wire harness con-
nector from the power outlet receptacle. Check forcontinuity between the ground circuit cavity of the
power outlet wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground
as required.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the
power outlet wire harness connector. If OK, replace
the faulty power outlet receptacle. If not OK, repair
the open fused B(+) circuit to the PDC fuse as
required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Pull the cigar lighter knob and element out of
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or unsnap the pro-
tective cap from the power outlet receptacle base
(Fig. 11).
(3) Look inside the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base and note the position of the rectangu-
lar retaining bosses of the mount that secures the
receptacle base to the instrument panel (Fig. 12).
(4) Insert a pair of external snap ring pliers into
the cigar lighter or power outlet receptacle base and
engage the tips of the pliers with the retaining
bosses of the mount.
(5) Squeeze the pliers to disengage the mount
retaining bosses from the receptacle base and, using
a gentle rocking motion, pull the pliers and the
receptacle base out of the mount.
Fig. 11 Cigar Lighter and Power Outlet
1 - RECEPTACLE BASE
2 - KNOB & ELEMENT
3 - MOUNT
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - POWER OUTLET
8W - 97 - 10 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
POWER OUTLET (Continued)

COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................6
REMOVAL...............................7
INSTALLATION............................8
SPECIFICATIONS.........................9
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY LOCK
CYLINDER............................10
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................11IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................11
OPERATION.............................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................11
IGNITION SWITCH......................11
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................12
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
The tilt and standard column (Fig. 1) has been
designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring,
switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering
column components can be serviced without remov-
ing the steering column from the vehicle.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when
working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or the air-
bag, refer to the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS below.
Fig. 1 Steering Column
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
19 - 6 COLUMNBR/BE

(13) Remove the electrical connections from Key-in
light, Ignition Switch, Horn, Overdrive Switch and
Clock Spring (Speed Control) (Fig. 7).
(14) Remove the wiring harness from the column
by prying out the plastic retainer buttons.
(15) Remove the toe plate fasteners.
(16) Remove the column from vehicle.
(17) Remove the Ignition and Multi-Function
Switch, then remove the Clock Spring and tape the
Clock Spring to prevent it from turning, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
REMOVAL).INSTALLATION
(1) Install the clock spring and switches, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Turn the Ignition Switch to the on position
and verify the gear shifter moves. If the shifter does
not move ensure the Ignition Switch is installed
properly.
(2) Column shift vehicles, install a new grommet.
Use multi-purpose lubricant, or equivalent, to aid
installation of the grommet.
Fig. 4 Steering Coupler-Typical
1 - STEERING COUPLER
2 - STEERING COLUMN
3 - SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 5 PRNDL Drive
1 - PRNDL LEVER
2 - THUMB SCREW
3 - CABLE RETAINER
4 - PRNDL CABLE
Fig. 6 Multi-function Switch
1 - STEERING COLUMN ASSY.
2 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTOR
3 - TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AND LEVER
Fig. 7 Steering Column Wiring
1 - KEY-IN SWITCH & HALO LIGHT
2 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
3 - TURN SIGNAL SWITCH & LEVER
4 - IGNITION SWITCH
5 - SPEED CONTROL
19 - 8 COLUMNBR/BE
COLUMN (Continued)

NOTE: A new grommet should be used when ever
the rod is disconnected from the lever.
(3) Remove the shipping lock pin if necessary.
(4) Install the column through the floor pan.
(5) Position the column bracket breakaway cap-
sules on the mounting studs. Install, butloose
assemblethe two upper bracket nuts.
(6) With the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position. Align steering column shaft to the coupler.
Install anewpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36
ft. lbs.).
(7) Clip the wiring harness on the steering column.
Connect the multi- function switch wiring and
tighten with 7mm socket.
(8) Install the upper fixed shroud.
(9) Be sure both breakaway capsules are fully
seated in the slots in the column support bracket.
Pull the column rearward then tighten upper bracket
nuts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(10) Tighten the toe plate to floor pan attaching
nuts to 22.5 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(11) Install the wiring connections to the column.
Install the lower fixed shroud.(12) Column shift vehicles, install the PRNDL
driver cable. Place shifter in Park position. If indica-
tor needs adjusting, turn thumb screw on cable
retainer to adjust cable.
(13) Install the lock housing shrouds. Install the
tilt lever (if equipped).
(14) Install the knee blocker and steering column
opening cover, (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install steering wheel and tighten nut to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.), (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN/STEERING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
(16) Install the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(17) Column shift vehicles, connect the shift link
rod to the transmission shift lever. Use multi-purpose
lubricant, or an equivalent product, to aid the instal-
lation.
(18) Install the battery ground (negative) cable.
(19) Verify operation of the automatic transmission
shift linkage and adjust as necessary, (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
44RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE - ADJUSTMENTS).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Steering Wheel
Nut61 45 Ð
Steering Coupler
Bolt49 36 Ð
Steering Column
Upper Bracket12 Ð 105
Steering Column
Toe Plate23 Ð 200
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The key-in ignition switch is integral to the igni-
tion switch, which is mounted on the right side of the
steering column. It closes a path to ground for the
Central Timer Module (CTM) when the ignition key
is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder and thedriver door ajar switch is closed (driver door is open).
The key-in ignition switch opens the ground path
when the key is removed from the ignition lock cyl-
inder. The ground path is also opened when the
driver door ajar switch is open (driver door is closed).
The key-in ignition switch cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, the entire ignition switch must
be replaced,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/IG-
NITION SWITCH - REMOVAL).
BR/BECOLUMN 19 - 9
COLUMN (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH
AND KEY LOCK CYLINDER
ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
For ignition switch electrical schematics, refer to
Ignition Switch in the appropriate section of Electri-
cal Wiring Diagrams.
MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO
ROTATE)
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a floor mounted shifter:a cable is
used to connect the interlock device in the steering
column assembly, to the transmission floor shift
lever. This interlock device is used to lock the trans-
mission shifter in the PARK position when the key
lock cylinder is rotated to the LOCKED or ACCES-
SORY position. The interlock device within the steer-
ing column is not serviceable. If repair is necessary,
the steering column assembly must be replaced.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
If the ignition key is difficult to rotate to or from
the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, it may not be
the fault of the key cylinder or the steering column
components. The brake transmission shift interlock
cable may be out of adjustment. Refer to Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock Cable Adjustment in
Transmissions for adjustment procedures.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a steering column mounted shifter:
an interlock device is located within the steering col-
umn. This interlock device is used to lock the trans-
mission shifter in the PARK position when the key
lock cylinder is in the LOCKED or ACCESSORY
position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to or from
the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the interlock
device within the steering column may be defective.
This device is not serviceable. If repair is necessary,
the steering column assembly must be replaced.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion and a floor mounted shifter:on certain mod-
els, a lever is located on the steering column behind
the ignition key lock cylinder. The lever must be
manually operated to allow rotation of the ignition
key lock cylinder to the LOCK or ACCESSORY posi-
tion. If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position, the lever mechanism may be
defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If
repair is necessary, the steering column assembly
must be replaced. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN - REMOVAL).
On other models, the ignition key cylinder must be
depressed to allow it to be rotated into the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the
key to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the lockmechanism within the steering column may be defec-
tive. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is
necessary, the steering column assembly must be
replaced. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN -
REMOVAL).
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
REMOVAL
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) If equipped with tilt column, remove tilt lever
by turning it counterclockwise.
(3) Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from
steering column (Fig. 8).
(4) If equipped with automatic transmission, place
shifter in PARK position.
(5) A retaining pin (Fig. 9) is located at side of key
cylinder assembly.
(a) Rotate key to RUN position.
Fig. 8 Shroud Removal/InstallationÐTypical
1 - NUT
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - TILT LEVER
4 - UPPER SHROUD
5 - PANEL BRACKET
6 - SPACER
7 - NUT
8 - LOWER SHROUD
9 - CLOCK SPRING
19 - 10 COLUMNBR/BE
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

ignition key cylinder operates properly look for the
following conditions.
(1) Look for rough areas or flash in the casting
and if found remove with a file (Fig. 10).
(2) Grease the lock plate actuator, lock plate, slider
and locking link.
REMOVAL
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed
first before removing ignition switch.
(1) Remove key cylinder, (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove lower steering column cover screws
and remove cover (Fig. 8).
(3) Remove ignition switch mounting screw (Fig.
13). Use tamper proof torx bit to remove the screw.
(4) Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab
(Fig. 11) and remove switch from steering column.
(5) Disconnect two electrical connectors at rear of
ignition switch (Fig. 13).
INSTALLATION
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed
first before removing ignition switch.
(1) Before installing ignition switch, rotate the slot
in the switch to the ON position (Fig. 12).
(2) Connect two electrical connectors to rear of
ignition switch. Make sure that locking tabs are fully
seated into wiring connectors.(3) Position switch to column and install tamper
proof screw. Tighten screw to 3 N´m (26 in. lbs.).
(4) Install steering column lower cover.
Fig. 10 Steering Column Flash Removal
1 - FILE THIS AREA TO REMOVE FLASHING AND PROVIDE
CLEARANCE TO ELIMINATE BINDING
2 - PARK LOCK SLIDER
3 - CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE SHAFT LOCK PLATEFig. 11 Ignition Switch Lock Tab
1 - LOCK TAB
2 - IGNITION SWITCH
3 - SCREWDRIVER
Fig. 12 Switch In ON Position
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - ROTATE TO ON POSITION
19 - 12 COLUMNBR/BE
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL
(1) Support the steering column assembly as
shown in (Fig. 14) using a suitable size socket and
back-up support.
(2) Disconnect over drive switch wiring.
(3) Using a drift of the appropriate size drive the
knurled pin out of the steering column and gear shift
lever. Remove the gear shift lever from the steering
column assembly.
CAUTION: The pin can only be removed from the
direction shown (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Support the steering column using a suitable
size socket and back-up support.
(2) Install the gear shift lever into the steering col-
umn assembly. Align the pin holes in the gear shift
lever and the steering column assembly.CAUTION: The pin must be installed in the original
direction.
(3) Carefully Install the pin into the steering col-
umn assembly and through the shift lever. If the pin
binds check the alignment on the holes. Be sure pin
is fully installed into the steering column assembly.
(4) Connect over drive switch wiring.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
For steering wheel removal procedure,(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
REMOVAL) .
INSTALLATION
For steering wheel installation procedure,(Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 13 Ignition Switch Removal/Installation
1 - TAMPER PROOF SCREW
2 - IGNITION SWITCH
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
Fig. 14 Gear Shift Lever Removal
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - KNURLED PIN
3 - GEARSHIFT LEVER
4 - SOCKET
5 - DRIFT
6 - HAMMER
BR/BECOLUMN 19 - 13
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

hook formations on the lower edge of the glove box
door are engaged with and pivot on three hinge pins
integral to the lower edge of the instrument panel
support structure. The glove box door also serves as
the passenger side knee blocker. A honeycomb struc-
ture between the inner and outer glove box door pan-
els helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it
to the instrument panel structure.
²Steering Column Opening Cover- The steer-
ing column opening cover serves as the driver side
knee blocker. This molded plastic cover has an inte-
gral ribbed plastic liner concealed behind it, for
increased strength and integrity. The steering column
opening cover transfers impact loads to the instru-
ment panel structural support.
²Top Cover- The instrument panel top cover or
base trim is the molded, grained, and color impreg-
nated plastic outer skin of the instrument panel
structural support.
Hard wired circuitry connects the electrical compo-
nents on the instrument panel to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits 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 instrument panel components 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 information. The wiring informa-
tion includes complete circuit diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, further details on
wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-
out and location views for the various wire harness
connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The instrument panel serves as the command cen-
ter of the vehicle, which necessarily makes it a very
complex unit. The instrument panel is designed to
house the controls and monitors for standard and
optional powertrains, climate control systems, audio
systems, safety systems, and many other comfort or
convenience items. When the components of the
instrument panel structural support are properly
assembled and secured in the vehicle they provide
superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to
help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles. This type of
construction also provides improved energy absorp-
tion which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and
seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.
The instrument panel is also designed so that all of
the various controls can be safely reached and the
monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator
when driving, while still allowing relative ease ofaccess to each of these items for service. Modular
instrument panel construction allows all of the
gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of
the panel. In addition, most of the instrument panel
electrical components can be accessed without com-
plete instrument panel removal. However, if neces-
sary, the instrument panel can be removed from the
vehicle as an assembly.
The steering column opening cover with its inte-
gral knee blocker located on the driver side of the
instrument panel works in conjunction with the air-
bag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the
driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment.
In addition, removal of this component provides
access to the steering column mounts, the steering
column wiring, the Junction Block (JB) (removal of a
snap-fit fuse access panel on the left end of the
instrument panel allows access to the fuses and cir-
cuit breakers), the Central Timer Module (CTM), the
Infinity speaker filter choke and relay unit, much of
the instrument panel wiring, and the gear selector
indicator cable (automatic transmission).
In a frontal collision, the glove box door on the pas-
senger side of the instrument panel provides the
same function for the front seat passenger as the
knee blocker does for the driver. The glove box door
also incorporates a recessed latch handle. Removal of
the glove box provides access to the passenger airbag,
the glove box lamp and switch, the radio antenna
coaxial cable, the heating and air conditioning vac-
uum harness connector, and additional instrument
panel wiring.
Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel
allows access to the headlamp switch, instrument
cluster, radio, passenger airbag on-off switch, heated
seat switches (if equipped), and the heating and air
conditioning control. Removal of the instrument clus-
ter allows access to the cluster illumination and indi-
cator bulbs, and more of the instrument panel
wiring. Complete instrument panel removal is
required for service of most components internal to
the heating and air conditioning system housing,
including the heater core and the evaporator.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the components and systems mounted on or
in the instrument panel.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

tom of the a/c heater control panel. Refer to Heated
Mirrors for more information on this feature.
The heater-only or a/c heater control panel cannot
be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire unit
must be replaced. The control knobs and the illumi-
nation lamps are available for service replacement.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C HEATER
CONTROL
Satisfactory heater and air conditioner perfor-
mance depends upon proper operation and adjust-
ment of all operating controls and refrigeration
system components. For circuit descriptions and dia-
grams, (Refer to Appropriate Wiring Information).
These inspections, tests, and adjustments should be
used to locate the cause of a malfunction.
Operation must be tested as described in the fol-
lowing sequence:
(1) Inspect and adjust the serpentine drive belt.
Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
(2) Start the engine and hold the idle speed at
1,300 rpm.
(3) On vehicles with air conditioning, turn the
temperature control knob to the extreme counter-
clockwise (Cool) position, and set the mode control
switch knob to the Bi-Level (A/C) position. The out-
side (recirculation) air door should be open to outside
air. If not OK, (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING - VACUUM SYSTEM).
(4) Open the vehicle windows. Test the blower
motor operation in all speeds. If not OK, (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBU-
TION/BLOWER MOTOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
(5) On vehicles with air conditioning, the compres-
sor should be running and the air conditioning sys-
tem in operation unless the ambient air temperature
is below about -1É C (30É F). If not OK, (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - A/C PERFORMANCE).
(6) Check the mode control switch operation. The
heater and air conditioner systems should respond as
described in the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box to each mode selected. Reduce the engine speed
to normal idle. The vacuum will be high at low idle
and the vacuum actuators should respond quickly. If
not OK, (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING - VACUUM SYSTEM).
(7) If the vacuum tests, and the electrical compo-
nent and circuit tests reveal no problems, disassem-
ble the HVAC housing to inspect for mechanical
misalignment or binding of the mode doors. (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBU-
TION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Reach under the instrument panel near the
driver side of the floor panel transmission tunnel and
unplug the a/c heater control to HVAC housing vac-
uum harness connector.
(3) While still reaching under the instrument
panel, disengage the retainer on the a/c heater con-
trol half of the vacuum harness from the hole in the
center distribution duct (Fig. 18).
(4) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. Refer to Instrument Panel System for the pro-
cedures.
Fig. 18 A/C HEATER CONTROL VACUUM HARNESS
ROUTING
1 - A/C HEATER CONTROL VACUUM HARNESS
2 - REINFORCEMENT
3 - RETAINER
4 - CENTER DISTRIBUTION DUCT
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 19
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)