Temperature DODGE RAM 2001 Service Manual PDF

CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation can also separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 33). Spark plugs with
this condition must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive
combustion chamber temperature. The center elec-
trode dissolves first and the ground electrode dis-
solves somewhat latter (Fig. 34). Insulators appear
relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug
has the correct heat range rating for the engine.
Determine if ignition timing is over advanced or if
other operating conditions are causing engine over-
heating. (The heat range rating refers to the operat-
ing temperature of a particular type spark plug.
Spark plugs are designed to operate within specific
temperature ranges. This depends upon the thick-
ness and length of the center electrodes porcelain
insulator.)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
35). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
REMOVAL
On 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L engines, spark plug cable heat
shields are pressed into the cylinder head to sur-
round each cable boot and spark plug (Fig. 36).
(1) Always remove spark plug or ignition coil
cables by grasping at the cable boot (Fig. 38). Turn
the cable boot 1/2 turn and pull straight back in a
steady motion. Never pull directly on the cable.
Internal damage to cable will result.
(2) Prior to removing the spark plug, spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. This will help prevent foreign
material from entering the combustion chamber.
(3) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert.
(4) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plug Condition in the Diagnostics and Testing
section of this group.
Fig. 33 Chipped Electrode Insulator
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
3 - CHIPPED INSULATOR
Fig. 34 Preignition Damage
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 35 Spark Plug Overheating
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
8I - 18 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION............................2
OPERATION.............................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................6
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER..................6
REMOVAL..............................10
DISASSEMBLY...........................11
ASSEMBLY.............................13
INSTALLATION...........................14
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................14
OPERATION.............................14
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................15
OPERATION.............................15
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................16
OPERATION.............................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................16
BRAKE INDICATOR.....................16
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................17
OPERATION.............................17
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................18
OPERATION.............................18
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION...........................19
OPERATION.............................19
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION...........................20
OPERATION.............................20
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................21
OPERATION.............................21
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................21
OPERATION.............................22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................22
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR.................22
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................23
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................24
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................25OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION...........................25
OPERATION.............................26
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................27
OPERATION.............................27
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................27
OPERATION.............................27
SERVICE REMINDER INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................28
OPERATION.............................28
SHIFT INDICATOR (TRANSFER CASE)
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................29
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................29
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR..........29
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION...........................30
OPERATION.............................30
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION...........................30
OPERATION.............................31
TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................31
OPERATION.............................31
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS
DESCRIPTION...........................32
OPERATION.............................32
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................32
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS..............32
UPSHIFT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................33
OPERATION.............................33
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION...........................33
OPERATION.............................34
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................34
OPERATION.............................35
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................35
OPERATION.............................35
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................36
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR..............36
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................36
OPERATION.............................37
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 1

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrument cluster for this model is an Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) module
that is located in the instrument panel above the
steering column opening, directly in front of the
driver (Fig. 1). The EMIC gauges and indicators are
protected by an integral clear plastic cluster lens,
and are visible through a dedicated opening in the
cluster bezel on the instrument panel. Just behind
the cluster lens is the cluster hood. The cluster hood
serves as a visor and shields the face of the cluster
from ambient light and reflections to reduce glare.
Behind the cluster hood is the cluster overlay and
gauges. The overlay is a multi-layered unit. The
dark, visible surface of the outer layer of the overlay
is marked with all of the gauge identification and
graduations, but this layer is also translucent. The
darkness of this outer layer prevents the cluster from
appearing cluttered or busy by concealing the cluster
indicators that are not illuminated, while the trans-
lucence of this layer allows those indicators and icons
that are illuminated to be readily visible. The under-
lying layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light
from the various indicators and illumination lamps
behind it to be visible through the outer layer of the
overlay only through predetermined cutouts. On the
lower edge of the cluster lens just left of center, the
odometer/trip odometer switch knob protrudesthrough a dedicated hole in the lens. The remainder
of the EMIC, including the mounts and the electrical
connections, are concealed behind the cluster bezel.
The molded plastic EMIC housing has four integral
mounting tabs, two each on the upper and lower
edges of the housing. The EMIC is secured to the
molded plastic instrument panel cluster carrier with
four screws. All electrical connections to the EMIC
are made at the back of the cluster housing through
two take outs of the instrument panel wire harness,
each equipped with a self-docking connector.
A single EMIC module is offered on this model.
This module utilizes integrated circuitry and infor-
mation carried on the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus network for control of all gauges and
many of the indicators. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNI-
CATION - DESCRIPTION). The EMIC also uses
several hard wired inputs in order to perform its
many functions. In addition to instrumentation and
indicators, the EMIC has hardware and/or software
to support the following functions:
²Chime Warning Requests- The EMIC sends
chime tone requests over a hard wired circuit to the
Central Timer Module (CTM) when it monitors cer-
tain conditions or inputs. The CTM replaces the
chime or buzzer module and performs the functions
necessary to provide audible alerts that are synchro-
nized with the visual alerts provided by the EMIC.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHIME/BUZZER -
DESCRIPTION).
²Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) Dim-
ming Service- The EMIC performs the functions
necessary to eliminate the need for a separate VFD
dimming module by providing control and synchroni-
zation of the illumination intensity of all vacuum flu-
orescent displays in the vehicle, as well as a parade
mode.
The EMIC module incorporates a blue-green digital
VFD for displaying odometer and trip odometer infor-
mation, as well as the amber cruise-on indicator dis-
play function. Some variations of the EMIC are
necessary to support optional equipment and regula-
tory requirements. The EMIC includes the following
analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Oil Pressure Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
²Voltage Gauge
The EMIC also includes provisions for the follow-
ing indicators:
²Airbag Indicator
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
²Brake Indicator
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster Components
1 - COVER
2 - HOUSING
3 - OVERLAY AND GAUGES
4 - HOOD
5 - LENS
6 - CIRCUIT BOARD
7 - ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
8J - 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE

(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). If no brake system problem is found, the fol-
lowing procedure will help locate a faulty park brake
switch or park brake switch sense circuit. Refer to
the appropriate wiring information. The wiring infor-
mation 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 con-
nectors, 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 for the park brake switch from the switch
terminal. With the park brake released, check for
continuity between the park brake switch terminal
and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If
OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, adjust or replace the
faulty park brake switch.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. With the park brake switch still discon-
nected, check for continuity between the park brake
switch sense circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector for the park brake switch and
a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK,
go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted park
brake switch sense circuit between the park brake
switch and the instrument cluster as required.
(3) Check for continuity between the park brake
switch sense circuit cavities of the instrument panel
wire harness connector for the park brake switch and
the instrument panel wire harness connector (Con-
nector C1) for the instrument cluster. There should
be continuity. If OK, proceed with diagnosis of the
instrument cluster. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). If not OK, repair the open park brake switch
sense circuit between the park brake switch and the
instrument cluster as required.CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A check gauges indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The check gauges indicator is
located on the lower edge of the instrument cluster
overlay, to the right of center. The check gauges indi-
cator consists of a stenciled cutout of the words
ªCHECK GAGESº in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible when the it is not illuminated. A red lens behind
the cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes
the ªCHECK GAGESº text to appear in red through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The check gauges
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The check gauges indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when certain instrument cluster
gauge readings reflect a condition requiring immedi-
ate attention. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon the cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision
Detection (CCD) data bus. The check gauges indica-
tor Light Emitting Diode (LED) receives battery cur-
rent on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board through the fused ignition switch output (st-
run) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On
or Start positions; 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
check gauges indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the check gauges indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine coolant temperature of a gaso-
line engine is about 122É C (253É F) or higher, or a
diesel engine is about 112É C (233É F) or higher, the
check gauges indicator will be illuminated. The indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
message from the PCM indicating that the tempera-
ture of a gasoline engine is about 119É C (246É F) or
lower, a diesel engine is about 109É C (226É F) or
lower, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position, whichever occurs first.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)

the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
cruise indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the speed control
system, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
cruise indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An engine coolant temperature gauge is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The engine
coolant temperature gauge is located in the lower left
quadrant of the instrument cluster, below the voltage
gauge. The engine coolant temperature gauge con-
sists of a movable gauge needle or pointer controlled
by the instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90
degree scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-
right from 54É C (130É F) to 127É C (260É F) for gas-
oline engines, or from 60É C (140É F) to 116É C (240É
F) for diesel engines. An International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªEngine Coolant Tempera-
tureº is located on the cluster overlay, directly below
the lowest graduation of the gauge scale. The engine
coolant temperature gauge graphics are white
against a black field except for a single red gradua-
tion at the high end of the gauge scale, making them
clearly visible within the instrument cluster in day-
light. When illuminated from behind by the panel
lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumination lighting
with the exterior lamps turned On, the white graph-
ics appear blue-green and the red graphics appear
red. The orange gauge needle is internally illumi-
nated. Gauge illumination is provided by replaceable
incandescent bulb and bulb holder units located on
the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The
engine coolant temperature gauge is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The engine coolant temperature gauge gives an
indication to the vehicle operator of the engine cool-
ant temperature. This gauge is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon the clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD)
data bus. The engine coolant temperature gauge is
an air core magnetic unit that receives battery cur-
rent on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board through the fused ignition switch output (st-run) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On
or Start positions. The cluster is programmed to
move the gauge needle back to the low end of the
scale after the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the gauge needle position and provides the following
features:
²Engine Temperature Message- Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing the engine coolant temperature is between the
low end of normal [about 57É C (130É F) for gasoline
engines, or 60É C (140É F) for diesel engines] and the
high end of normal [about 129É C (264É F) for gaso-
line engines, or 116É C (240É F) for diesel engines],
the gauge needle is moved to the actual temperature
position on the gauge scale.
²Engine Temperature Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is below
the low end of normal [about 57É C (130É F) for gas-
oline engines, or 60É C (140É F) for diesel engines],
the gauge needle is held at the lowest increment [57É
C (130É F) for gasoline engines, or 60É C (140É F) for
diesel engines] at the far left end of the gauge scale.
The gauge needle remains at the far left end of the
scale until the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating that the engine temperature is above
about 57É C (130É F) for gasoline engines, or 60É C
(140É F) for diesel engines, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is above
about 122É C (253É F) for gasoline engines, or 112É C
(233É F) for diesel engines, the gauge needle is moved
to the appropriate position on the gauge scale, the
check gauges indicator is illuminated, and a single
chime tone is sounded. The check gauges indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a mes-
sage from the PCM indicating that the engine tem-
perature is below about 119É C (246É F) for gasoline
engines, or 109É C (226É F) for diesel engines, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. The chime tone feature will
only repeat during the same ignition cycle if the
check gauges indicator is cycled off and then on
again by the appropriate engine temperature mes-
sages from the PCM.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
an engine temperature message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication until a new mes-
sage is received, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19
CRUISE INDICATOR (Continued)

swept to several calibration points on the gauge scale
in a prescribed sequence in order to confirm the func-
tionality of the gauge and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the engine coolant
temperature sensor to determine the engine operat-
ing temperature. The PCM then sends the proper
engine coolant temperature messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the engine cool-
ant temperature gauge or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns on
the check gauges indicator due to a high engine tem-
perature gauge reading, it may indicate that the
engine or the engine cooling system requires service.
For proper diagnosis of the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the mes-
sage inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
engine coolant temperature gauge, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A fuel gauge is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The fuel gauge is located in the lower
right quadrant of the instrument cluster, below the
oil pressure gauge. The fuel gauge consists of a mov-
able gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instru-
ment cluster circuitry and a fixed 90 degree scale on
the cluster overlay that reads left-to-right from E (or
Empty) to F (or Full). An International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº is located on the clus-
ter overlay, directly below the highest graduation of
the gauge scale. The text ªFUEL DOORº and an
arrowhead pointed to the left side of the vehicle is
imprinted on the cluster overlay directly below the
fuel gauge to provide the driver with a reminder as
to the location of the fuel filler access. The fuel gauge
graphics are white against a black field except for a
single red graduation at the low end of the gauge
scale, making them clearly visible within the instru-
ment cluster in daylight. When illuminated from
behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster
illumination lighting with the exterior lamps turned
On, the white graphics appear blue-green and the
red graphics appear red. The orange gauge needle is
internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is pro-
vided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The fuel gauge is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The fuel gauge gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the level of fuel in the fuel tank. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon the cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus. The fuel gauge is
an air core magnetic unit that receives battery cur-
rent on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board through the fused ignition switch output (st-
run) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On
or Start positions. The cluster is programmed to
move the gauge needle back to the low end of the
scale after the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the gauge needle position and provides the following
features:
²Percent Tank Full Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating
the percent tank full, the cluster programming
applies an algorithm to calculate the proper gauge
needle position, then moves the gauge needle to the
proper position on the gauge scale. The algorithm is
used to dampen gauge needle movement against the
negative effect that fuel sloshing within the fuel tank
can have on accurate inputs from the fuel tank send-
ing unit to the PCM.
²Less Than 12.5 Percent Tank Full Message-
Each time the cluster receives messages from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is 12.5 (one-
eighth) or less for 10 consecutive seconds and the
vehicle speed is zero, or for 60 consecutive seconds
and the vehicle speed is greater than zero, the gauge
needle is moved to the proper position on the gauge
scale, the low fuel indicator is illuminated, and a sin-
gle chime tone is sounded. The low fuel indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives mes-
sages from the PCM indicating that the percent tank
full is greater than 12.5 (one-eighth) for 10 consecu-
tive seconds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for 60
consecutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first. The chime
tone feature will only repeat during the same igni-
tion cycle if the low fuel indicator is cycled off and
then on again by the appropriate percent tank full
messages from the PCM.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating the percent tank full is less than
empty, the gauge needle is moved to the far left (low)
end of the gauge scale and the low fuel indicator is
illuminated immediately. This message would indi-
cate that the fuel tank sender input to the PCM is a
short circuit.
8J - 20 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE (Continued)

ment cluster. The tachometer consists of a movable
gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instrument
cluster circuitry and a fixed 210 degree scale on the
gauge dial face that reads left-to-right either from 0
to 6 for gasoline engines, or from 0 to 4 for diesel
engines. The text ªRPM X 1000º imprinted on the
cluster overlay directly below the hub of the tachom-
eter needle identifies that each number on the
tachometer scale is to be multiplied times 1000 rpm.
The gauge scale of the gasoline engine tachometer is
red lined at 5000 rpm, while the diesel engine
tachometer is red lined at 3375 rpm. The diesel
engine tachometer also includes text that specifies
ªDIESEL FUEL ONLYº located just above the hub of
the tachometer needle. The tachometer graphics are
white and red against a black field, making them
clearly visible within the instrument cluster in day-
light. When illuminated from behind by the panel
lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumination lighting
with the exterior lamps turned On, the white graph-
ics appear blue-green, while the red graphics still
appear red. The orange gauge needle is internally
illuminated. Gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The tachometer is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The tachometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the engine speed. This gauge is controlled
by the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
the cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus. The tachometer is an air core mag-
netic unit that receives battery current on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board through the
fused ignition switch output (st-run) circuit whenever
the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions.
The cluster is programmed to move the gauge needle
back to the low end of the scale after the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position. The instrument
cluster circuitry controls the gauge needle position
and provides the following features:
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
an engine speed message, it will hold the gauge nee-
dle at the last indication for about four seconds, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. If a new engine speed mes-
sage is not received after about four seconds, the
gauge needle will return to the far left (low) end of
the scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
swept to several calibration points on the gauge scalein a prescribed sequence in order to confirm the func-
tionality of the gauge and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor to determine the engine speed, then
sends the proper engine speed messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
tachometer or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). For proper diagnosis of the crankshaft position
sensor, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
tachometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A transmission over-temperature indicator lamp is
standard equipment on all instrument clusters. How-
ever, on vehicles not equipped with the optional auto-
matic transmission, this indicator is electronically
disabled. The transmission over-temperature indica-
tor is located near the lower edge of the instrument
cluster overlay, to the left of center. The transmission
over-temperature indicator consists of a stencilled
cutout of the words ªTRANS TEMPº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. A red
lens behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the ªTRANS TEMPº text to appear in
red through the translucent outer layer of the over-
lay when the indicator is illuminated from behind by
a Light Emitting Diode (LED) soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The
transmission over-temperature indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The transmission over-temperature indicator gives
an indication to the vehicle operator when the trans-
mission fluid temperature is excessive, which may
lead to accelerated transmission component wear or
failure. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon the
cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus. The transmission over-temperature
indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) receives bat-
tery current on the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board through the fused ignition switch output
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 31
TACHOMETER (Continued)

(st-run) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the
On or Start positions; therefore, the LED will always
be off when the ignition switch is in any position
except On or Start. The LED bulb only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the transmission over-temperature indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the transmission over-tem-
perature indicator is illuminated for about two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Trans Over-Temp Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a trans over-temp lamp-on
message from the PCM indicating that the transmis-
sion fluid temperature is 135É C (275É F) or higher,
the indicator will be illuminated and a single chime
tone is sounded. The lamp remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a trans over-temp lamp-off mes-
sage from the PCM, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
The chime tone feature will only repeat during the
same ignition cycle if the transmission over-tempera-
ture indicator is cycled off and then on again by the
appropriate trans over-temp messages from the PCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the indicator will be
turned on during the bulb check portion of the test to
confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster
control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the transmission
temperature sensor to determine the transmission
operating condition, then sends the proper messages
to the instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster
turns on the transmission over-temperature indicator
due to a high transmission oil temperature condition,
it may indicate that the transmission and/or the
transmission cooling system are being overloaded or
that they require service. For further diagnosis of the
transmission over-temperature indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the LED,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For proper
diagnosis of the transmission temperature sensor, the
PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the transmission
over-temperature indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS
DESCRIPTION
Two turn signal indicators are standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. The turn signal indicatorsare located near the upper edge of the instrument
cluster overlay, between the speedometer and the
tachometer. Each turn signal indicator consists of a
stenciled cutout of the International Control and Dis-
play Symbol icon for ªTurn Warningº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents these icons from
being clearly visible when their lamps are not illumi-
nated. The icons appear in green through the trans-
lucent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator
is illuminated from behind by a replaceable incandes-
cent bulb and bulb holder unit located on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The turn signal
indicators are serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The turn signal indicators give an indication to the
vehicle operator that the turn signal (left or right
indicator flashing) or hazard warning (both left and
right indicators flashing) have been selected. These
indicators are controlled by two individual hard
wired inputs to the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The turn signal indicator bulbs are
grounded on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board at all times. The turn signal indicator bulbs
only illuminate when they are provided with battery
current by the turn signal and hazard warning
switch circuitry of the left multi-function switch on
the steering column through separate left and right
turn signal inputs to the instrument cluster; there-
fore, these indicators can be illuminated, regardless
of the ignition switch position.
The turn signal indicators are connected in series
between ground and the output of the turn signal
and hazard warning switch circuitry, but in parallel
with the other turn signal circuits. This arrangement
allows the turn signal indicators to remain functional
regardless of the condition of the other circuits in the
turn signal and hazard warning system. For more
information on the turn signal and hazard warning
system, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHT-
ING - EXTERIOR - OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL &
HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM). The turn signal
indicators can be diagnosed using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN SIGNAL
INDICATORS
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
turn signal indicator lamp condition. If the problem
being diagnosed is related to inoperative turn signals
or hazard warning lamps, be certain to repair the
turn signal and hazard warning system before
attempting to diagnose or repair the turn signal indi-
cators. If no turn signal or hazard warning system
8J - 32 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR (Continued)

above the temperature gauge. The voltage gauge con-
sists of a movable gauge needle or pointer controlled
by the instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90
degree scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-
right from 8 volts to 18 volts. An International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging
Conditionº is located directly below the lowest grad-
uation of the gauge scale. The voltage gauge graphics
are white against a black field except for a single red
graduation at each end of the gauge scale, making
them clearly visible within the instrument cluster in
daylight. When illuminated from behind by the panel
lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumination lighting
with the exterior lamps turned On, the white graph-
ics appear blue-green and the red graphics appear
red. The orange gauge needle is internally illumi-
nated. Gauge illumination is provided by replaceable
incandescent bulb and bulb holder units located on
the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The
voltage gauge is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The voltage gauge gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator of the electrical system voltage. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon the cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus. The voltage
gauge is an air core magnetic unit that receives bat-
tery current on the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board through the fused ignition switch output
(st-run) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the
On or Start positions. The cluster is programmed to
move the gauge needle back to the low end of the
scale after the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the gauge needle position and provides the following
features:
²Charge Fail Message- Each time the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating a charge
fail condition (system voltage is 10.8 volts or lower),
the gauge needle is moved to the 8 volt graduation
on the gauge scale and the check gauges indicator is
illuminated. The gauge needle remains on the 8 volt
graduation and the check gauges indicator remains
illuminated until the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating there is no charge fail condition
(system voltage is 10.9 volts or higher, but lower
than 16.7 volts), or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. On models
equipped with the optional diesel engine, the instru-
ment cluster is programmed to support the voltmeter
gauge needle above the low end of normal graduation
and suppress the check gauges indicator operationuntil ten seconds after the engine intake manifold air
heater has completed its cycle.
²Voltage High Message- Each time the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating a volt-
age high condition (system voltage is 16.7 volts or
higher), the gauge needle is moved to the 18 volt
graduation on the gauge scale and the check gauges
indicator is illuminated. The gauge needle remains
on the 18 volt graduation and the check gauges indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
message from the PCM indicating there is no voltage
high condition (system voltage is 16.6 volts or lower,
but higher than 10.9 volts), or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
a system voltage message, it will hold the gauge nee-
dle at the last indication until a new message is
received, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
swept to several calibration points on the gauge scale
in a prescribed sequence in order to confirm the func-
tionality of the gauge and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the system voltage
to control the generator output. The PCM then sends
the proper system voltage messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the voltage
gauge or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If
the instrument cluster turns on the check gauges
indicator due to a charge fail or voltage high condi-
tion, it may indicate that the charging system
requires service. For proper diagnosis of the charging
system, the CCD data bus, or the message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the voltage
gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A wait-to-start indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters, but is only functional in vehi-
cles equipped with an optional diesel engine. The
wait-to-start indicator is located near the lower edge
of the instrument cluster overlay, to the right of cen-
ter. The wait-to-start indicator consists of a stenciled
cutout of the text ªWAIT TO STARTº in the opaque
layer of the cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of
the overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly
visible when it is not illuminated. A red lens located
8J - 34 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
VOLTAGE GAUGE (Continued)

behind the cutout causes the ªWAIT TO STARTº text
to appear in red through the translucent outer layer
of the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is sol-
dered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The wait-to-start indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The wait-to-start indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the diesel engine intake
air heater is energized in its preheat operating mode.
This indicator is controlled by a hard wired input to
the instrument cluster from the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM). The wait-to-start indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) receives battery current on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board through the
fused ignition switch output (st-run) circuit whenever
the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions;
therefore, the lamp will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On or Start. The
indicator LED only illuminates when it is switched to
ground by the input from the ECM. The ECM will
turn on the wait-to-start indicator by pulling the
wait-to-start indicator driver circuit to ground each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On or Start
positions. The indicator then remains illuminated
until the ECM detects that the air within the intake
manifold is the proper temperature to ensure reliable
and efficient engine starting, until the ECM detects
that the engine is running, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
The ECM continually monitors the intake manifold
air temperature sensor, the Manifold Absolute Pres-
sure (MAP) sensor, and many other vehicle condi-
tions to determine when the wait-to-start indicator
should be illuminated. For proper diagnosis of the
wait-to-start indicator, the ECM, or the inputs the
ECM uses to control the wait-to-start indicator oper-
ation, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A washer fluid indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The washer fluid indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster
overlay, to the right of center. The washer fluid indi-
cator consists of a stenciled cutout of the words
ªLOW WASHERº in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible when it is not illuminated. An amber lens behindthe cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes
the ªLOW WASHERº text to appear in amber
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when it is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The washer fluid
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The washer fluid indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the fluid level in the
washer fluid reservoir is low. This indicator is con-
trolled by a transistor on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board based upon cluster programming
and a hard wired washer fluid level switch input to
the cluster. The washer fluid indicator Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) receives battery current on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board through
the fused ignition switch output (st-run) circuit
whenever the ignition switch is in the On or Start
positions; therefore, the indicator will always be off
when the ignition switch is in any position except On
or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is pro-
vided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
washer fluid indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the indicator is illuminated
for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Washer Fluid Level Switch Input- Immedi-
ately after the bulb test, if the cluster senses ground
on the washer fluid switch sense circuit for more
than about thirty seconds, it turns on the washer
fluid indicator. Any time after the bulb test, the clus-
ter must sense ground on the washer fluid switch
sense circuit for more than about sixty seconds before
it turns on the indicator. Once illuminated, the indi-
cator will remain illuminated until the ignition
switch is cycled and the cluster senses an open cir-
cuit on the low washer fluid sense input. This strat-
egy is intended to reduce the effect that fluid
sloshing within the washer reservoir can have on
reliable indicator operation.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the indicator will be
turned on during the bulb check portion of the test to
confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster
control circuitry.
The washer fluid level switch is connected in series
between ground and the washer fluid switch sense
input to the instrument cluster. For more informa-
tion on the washer fluid level switch,(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WASHER FLUID
LEVEL SWITCH - OPERATION). For further diag-
nosis of the washer fluid indicator or the instrument
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 35
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR (Continued)