ignition DODGE RAM 2002 Service Repair Manual

AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with airbags, this indicator is electronically
disabled. The airbag indicator is located near the
lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay, to the
right of center. The airbag indicator consists of a
stenciled cutout of the word ªAIRBAGº 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 ªAIRBAGº text to appear in red
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 airbag indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The airbag indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or
inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus. The airbag 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 indicator 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 airbag indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the airbag indicator is illu-
minated for about seven seconds. The first two sec-
onds is the cluster bulb test function, and the
remainder is the ACM bulb test function.
²ACM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the ACM, the
airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated for about twelve seconds or until
the cluster receives a lamp-off message from the
ACM, whichever is longer.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no airbag messages for three consecutive seconds, the
airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated for about twelve seconds or untilthe cluster receives a single lamp-off message from
the ACM, whichever is longer.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the airbag 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 ACM continually monitors the airbag system
circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is
in good operating condition. The ACM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the ACM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the ACM has
detected a system malfunction and/or that the air-
bags may not deploy when required, or may deploy
when not required. The ACM will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects.
Each time the airbag indicator fails to illuminate due
to an open or short in the cluster airbag indicator cir-
cuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the ACM
of the condition, the ACM will store a DTC, and the
cluster begins blinking the seat belt indicator. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/
SEATBELT INDICATOR - OPERATION). For proper
diagnosis of the airbag system, the ACM, the CCD
data bus, or the message inputs to the instrument
cluster that control the airbag indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The brake indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay,
to the right of center. The brake indicator consists of
a stenciled cutout of the word ªBRAKEº 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 ªBRAKEº text to appear in
red through the translucent outer layer of the over-
lay when it is illuminated from behind by a Light
Emitting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The brake indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the parking brake is applied, or
when there are certain brake hydraulic system mal-
functions. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15

on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon a
hard wired input to the instrument cluster, cluster
programming, and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)
over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus.
The brake indicator Light Emitting 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
LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in
any position except On or Start. The LED only illu-
minates when it is provided a path to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster
will turn on the brake indicator for the following rea-
sons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the brake indicator is illu-
minated by the instrument cluster for about four sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Park Brake-On- If the park brake is applied
or not fully released with the ignition switch in the
On position, the brake indicator is illuminated solid.
The brake indicator will blink on and off repeatedly
when the park brake is applied or not fully released
and the ignition switch is in the On position if a
vehicle with an automatic transmission is not in
Park or Neutral, or if the engine is running on vehi-
cles with a manual transmission.
²Brake Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a lamp-on message from the CAB,
the brake indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the instrument clus-
ter is put through the actuator test, the brake indi-
cator 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 park brake switch on the park brake pedal
mechanism provides a hard wired ground input to
the instrument cluster circuitry through the park
brake switch sense circuit whenever the park brake
is applied or not fully released. The CAB continually
monitors the brake pressure switch on the brake
combination valve to determine if the pressures in
the two halves of the split brake hydraulic system
are unequal. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-on
or lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. If the
CAB sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it
indicates that the CAB has detected a brake hydrau-
lic system malfunction and/or that the ABS system
has become inoperative. The CAB will store a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction itdetects. The park brake switch input to the instru-
ment cluster can be diagnosed using conventional
diagnostic tools and methods. For proper diagnosis of
the antilock brake system, the CAB, the CCD data
bus, or the message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the brake indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool
is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
brake indicator condition. If the brake indicator
comes on or stays on with the ignition switch in the
On position and the park brake released, or comes on
while driving, the brake system must be diagnosed
and repaired prior to performing the following tests.
(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
8J - 16 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)

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 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 indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emitting
Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument cluster
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.
²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine oil pressure of a gasoline
engine is about 3.45 kPa (0.5 psi) or lower, or a diesel
engine is about 51.71 kPa (7.5 psi) or lower, the
check gauges indicator will be illuminated. The indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
message from the PCM indicating that the engine oil
pressure of a gasoline engine is above 3.45 kPa (0.5
psi), a diesel engine is above 51.71 kPa (7.5 psi), or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. The cluster will only turn the
indicator on in response to an engine oil pressure low
message if the engine speed is greater than zero.
²System Voltage Low Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating
the electrical system voltage is less than 11.5 volts,
the check gauges indicator will be illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating the elec-
trical system voltage is greater than 12.0 volts (but
less than 16.6 volts), or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²System Voltage High Message- Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing the electrical system voltage is greater than 16.6
volts, the check gauges indicator will be illuminated.
The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating the elec-
trical system voltage is less than 16.1 volts (but
greater than 11.5 volts), or until the ignition switch
is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the 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 engine temper-
ature, oil pressure, and electrical system voltage,
then sends the proper messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the check gauges
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)

indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For proper diagnosis of the PCM, the CCD data bus,
or the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the check gauges indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A cruise indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with the optional speed control system, this
indicator is electronically disabled. The cruise indica-
tor consists of the word ªCRUISEº, which appears in
the lower portion of the odometer/trip odometer Vac-
uum-Fluorescent Display (VFD). The VFD is part of
the cluster electronic circuit board, and is visible
through a cutout located in the lower left corner of
the cluster overlay. The dark lens of the VFD pre-
vents the indicator from being clearly visible when it
is not illuminated. The word ªCRUISEº appears in
an amber color and at the same lighting level as the
odometer/trip odometer information when it is illumi-
nated by the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The cruise indicator is serviced as a unit with
the VFD in the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The cruise indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the speed control system is turned
On, regardless of whether the speed control is
engaged. This indicator is controlled by the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon 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 cruise indicator 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 indicator will always
be off when the ignition switch is in any position
except On or Start. The indicator only illuminates
when it is switched to ground by the instrument clus-
ter circuitry. The instrument cluster will turn on the
cruise indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the cruise indicator is illu-
minated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Cruise Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a cruise lamp-on message from the
PCM indicating the speed control system has beenturned On, the cruise indicator is illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a cruise lamp-off message from the PCM 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 cruise indicator will be
turned on during the VFD portion of the test to con-
firm the functionality of the VFD, and again during
the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the func-
tionality of the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the speed control
switches to determine the proper outputs to the
speed control servo. The PCM then sends the proper
cruise indicator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to
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
8J - 18 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR (Continued)

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
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
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE (Continued)

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 60consecutive 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.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is more than
full, 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 an
open circuit.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
a percent tank full message, it will hold the gauge
needle 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 fuel tank send-
ing unit, then sends the proper messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the fuel
gauge or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sending unit,
the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message inputs
to the instrument cluster that control the fuel gauge,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A mechanical automatic transmission gear selector
indicator is standard factory-installed equipment on
this model, when it is also equipped with an optional
automatic transmission. The gear selector indicator
consists of a molded black plastic housing with inte-
gral mounting tabs that is secured to the back of the
8J - 20 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
FUEL GAUGE (Continued)

instrument cluster housing with two screws. A face
plate on the indicator housing is visible through a
rectangular cutout in the lower right corner of the
instrument cluster overlay, just below the fuel gauge.
Vehicles with a manual transmission have a block-off
plate mounted to the back of the instrument cluster
behind this cutout in the overlay, in place of the gear
selector indicator. Near the top of this face plate the
following characters are imprinted from left to right:
ªP,º ªR,º ªN,º ªD,º ª2,º and ª1.º Respectively, these
characters represent the park, reverse, neutral,
drive, second gear, and first gear positions of the
transmission gear selector lever on the steering col-
umn. Directly below each character on the face plate
is a small, rectangular window, and behind these
windows is a single, movable red pointer.
The gear selector indicator graphics are white
against a black field except for the single red pointer,
making them clearly visible within the instrument
cluster in daylight. When illuminated from behind by
the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumina-
tion lighting with the exterior lamps turned On, the
white graphics appear blue-green, while the red
pointer still appears red. Indicator illumination is
provided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The gear selector indicator is
available for service replacement separate from the
instrument cluster. The instrument cluster must be
removed from the instrument panel for service access
to the gear selector indicator. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The mechanical gear selector indicator gives an
indication of the transmission gear that has been
selected with the automatic transmission gear selec-
tor lever. A red pointer appears in a window below
the character in the indicator representing the trans-
mission gear that has been selected. The small,
spring-loaded pointer moves on a track through a
trolley-like mechanism within the indicator housing.
A short length of small diameter stranded cable is
attached to one side of the pointer trolley and is
encased in a tubular plastic housing that exits the
right side of the indicator. The cable is routed
through the instrument panel and under the steering
column to the left side of the column. The looped end
of the cable is hooked over the end of the PRNDL
driver lever on the steering column gearshift mecha-
nism, and the cable housing is secured in a molded
plastic adjuster and bracket on the column housing.
When the gear selector lever is moved the PRNDL
driver lever moves, which moves the pointer through
the mechanical actuator cable. The cable adjuster
and bracket unit mounted on the steering columnhousing provides a mechanical means of calibrating
the gear selector indicator mechanism. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION).
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A high beam indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The high beam indicator is
located near the upper edge of the instrument cluster
overlay, between the tachometer and the speedome-
ter. The high beam indicator consists of a stenciled
cutout of the International Control and Display Sym-
bol icon for ªHigh Beamº 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 blue lens behind
the cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes
the icon to appear in blue through the translucent
outer layer of the overlay when it is illuminated from
behind by a replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder unit located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The high beam indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The high beam indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the headlamp high beams are
illuminated. This indicator is hard wired on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board, and is
controlled by a headlamp beam select switch input to
the cluster. The headlamp high beam indicator bulb
receives battery current on the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board through a fused B(+) circuit
at all times; therefore, the indicator remains opera-
tional regardless of the ignition switch position. The
headlamp beam select switch is integral to the multi-
function switch on the left side of the steering col-
umn, and is connected in series between ground and
the headlamp high beam indicator. The indicator
bulb only illuminates when it is provided with a path
to ground through the high beam indicator driver cir-
cuit by the headlamp beam select switch. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH - OPERATION). The
high beam indicator can be diagnosed using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
headlamp high beam indicator condition. If the prob-
lem being diagnosed is related to inoperative head-
lamp high beams, be certain to repair the headlamp
system before attempting to diagnose or repair the
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 21
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR (Continued)

Detection (CCD) data bus. The low fuel indicator
Light Emitting Diode (LED) receives battery current
on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
through the fused ignition switch output (st-run) cir-
cuit 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 pro-
vided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
low fuel 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.
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 low
fuel indicator is illuminated and a single chime tone
is sounded. The low fuel indicator remains illumi-
nated until the cluster receives messages from the
PCM indicating that the percent tank full is greater
than 12.5 (one-eighth) for 10 consecutive seconds and
the vehicle speed is zero, or for 60 consecutive sec-
onds 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 ignition 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 low fuel indicator is illuminated immedi-
ately. This message would indicate that the fuel tank
sender input to the PCM is a short circuit.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is more than
full, the low fuel indicator is illuminated immedi-
ately. This message would indicate that the fuel tank
sender input to the PCM is an open circuit.
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 fuel tank send-
ing unit, then sends the proper messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the low
fuel indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-ING). For proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sending
unit, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the low
fuel indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP MIL
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The MIL is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster
overlay, to the left of center. The MIL consists of a
stencilled cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªEngineº in the opaque layer
of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark outer
layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from being
clearly visible when it is not illuminated. An amber
lens behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the icon to appear in amber through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The MIL is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) has recorded a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics
II (OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component
malfunction. In addition, on models with a diesel
engine an Engine Control Module (ECM) supple-
ments the PCM, and can also record an OBDII DTC.
The MIL is controlled by a transistor on the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming and electronic messages received by the
cluster from the PCM or ECM over the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus. The MIL Light
Emitting 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 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 transis-
tor. The instrument cluster will turn on the MIL for
the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the indicator is illuminated
for about seven seconds as a bulb test.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 23
LOW FUEL INDICATOR (Continued)

²PCM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the PCM or
ECM, the indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
can be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dic-
tated by the PCM or ECM message. For some DTC's,
if a problem does not recur, the PCM or ECM will
send a lamp-off message automatically. Other DTC's
may require that a fault be repaired and the PCM or
ECM be reset before a lamp-off message will be sent.
For more information on the PCM, the ECM, and the
DTC set and reset parameters, (Refer to 25 - EMIS-
SIONS CONTROL - OPERATION).
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no lamp-on message from the PCM or ECM for
twenty seconds, the MIL is illuminated by the instru-
ment cluster to indicate a loss of bus communication.
The indicator remains controlled and illuminated by
the cluster until a valid lamp-on message is received
from the PCM or ECM.
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/ECM continually monitor the fuel and
emissions system circuits and sensors to decide
whether the system is in good operating condition.
The PCM or ECM then sends the proper lamp-on or
lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the MIL or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns on
the MIL after the bulb test, it may indicate that a
malfunction has occurred and that the fuel and emis-
sions systems may require service. For proper diag-
nosis of the fuel and emissions systems, the PCM,
the ECM, the CCD data bus, or the message inputs
to the instrument cluster that control the MIL, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION
An odometer and trip odometer are standard
equipment in all instrument clusters. The odometer
and trip odometer information are displayed in a
common electronic Vacuum-Fluorescent Display
(VFD), which is visible through a small window cut-
out located in the left lower quadrant of the cluster
overlay. However, the odometer and trip odometer
information are not displayed simultaneously. The
trip odometer reset switch on the instrument cluster
circuit board toggles the display between odometerand trip odometer modes by depressing the odometer/
trip odometer switch knob that extends through the
lower edge of the cluster lens, just right of the
tachometer. Both the odometer and the trip odometer
information is stored in the instrument cluster mem-
ory.
The odometer can display values up to 499,999
kilometers (499,999 miles). The odometer latches at
these values, and will not roll over to zero. The trip
odometer can display values up to 999.9 kilometers
(999.9 miles) before it rolls over to zero. The odome-
ter display does not have a decimal point and will
not show values less than a full unit (kilometer or
mile), the trip odometer display does have a decimal
point and will show tenths of a unit (kilometer or
mile). The unit of measure (kilometers or miles) for
the odometer and trip odometer display is not shown
in the VFD. The unit of measure for the instrument
cluster odometer/trip odometer is selected at the time
that it is manufactured, and cannot be changed. Dur-
ing daylight hours (exterior lamps Off) the VFD is
illuminated at full brightness for clear visibility. At
night (exterior lamps are On) the VFD lighting level
is adjusted with the other cluster illumination lamps
using the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel on the
headlamp switch. However, a ªParadeº mode position
of the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel allows the
VFD to be illuminated at full brightness while the
exterior lamps are turned On during daylight hours.
The VFD, the trip odometer switch, and the trip
odometer switch button are serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The odometer and trip odometer give an indication
to the vehicle operator of the distance the vehicle has
traveled. This gauge is controlled by the instrument
cluster circuit board based upon the cluster program-
ming and electronic messages received by the cluster
from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the
Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus. The
odometer and trip odometer information is displayed
by the instrument cluster Vacuum Fluorescent Dis-
play (VFD), and the VFD will not display odometer
or trip odometer information after the ignition switch
is turned to the Off position. The instrument cluster
circuitry controls the VFD and provides the following
features:
²Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Toggling-
Actuating the trip odometer reset switch momen-
tarily with the ignition switch in the On position will
toggle the VFD between the odometer and trip odom-
eter display. Each time the ignition switch is turned
to the On position the VFD will automatically return
to the mode (odometer or trip odometer) last dis-
8J - 24 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MIL (Continued)

played when the ignition switch was turned to the
Off position.
²Trip Odometer Reset- When the trip odome-
ter reset switch is pressed and held for longer than
about two seconds, the trip odometer will be reset to
000.0 kilometers (miles). The VFD must be display-
ing the trip odometer information in order for the
trip odometer information to be reset.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
a distance message during normal operation, it will
flash the odometer/trip odometer distance informa-
tion on and off repeatedly until a distance message is
received, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first. If the cluster
does not receive a distance message within one sec-
ond after the ignition switch is turned to the On posi-
tion, it will display the last distance message stored
in the cluster memory. If the cluster is unable to dis-
play distance information due to an error internal to
the cluster, the VFD display will be blank.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the VFD will display all of
its characters at once, then step through each char-
acter segment individually during the VFD portion of
the test to confirm the functionality of the VFD and
the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
sensor, then sends the proper distance messages to
the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
odometer/trip odometer or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls these functions, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
vehicle speed sensor, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or
the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the odometer/trip odometer, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An oil pressure gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The oil pressure gauge is located
in the upper right quadrant of the instrument clus-
ter, above the fuel gauge. The oil pressure 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 either from 0 kPa (0 psi) to 758 kPa (110 psi).
An International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªEngine Oilº is located on the cluster overlay, directly
below the highest graduation of the gauge scale. The
oil pressure gauge graphics are white against a black
field except for a single red graduation at the lowend of the gauge scale, making them clearly visible
within the instrument cluster in daylight. When illu-
minated from behind by the panel lamps dimmer
controlled cluster illumination lighting with the exte-
rior 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 provided by replaceable incandescent
bulb and bulb holder units located on the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The oil pressure
gauge is serviced as a unit with the instrument clus-
ter.
OPERATION
The oil pressure gauge gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the engine oil pressure. 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 oil pressure
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:
²Engine Oil Pressure Message- The instru-
ment cluster circuitry restricts the oil pressure gauge
needle operation in order to provide readings that
are consistent with customer expectations. Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing the engine oil pressure is between about 6.9 kPa
(1 psi) and 137.9 kPa (20 psi) for gasoline engines, or
55 kPa (8 psi) and 58.6 kPa (8.5 psi) for diesel
engines, the cluster holds the gauge needle at a point
about 11 degrees above the low end of normal incre-
ment on the gauge scale. Each time the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating the
engine oil pressure is between about 517.1 kPa (75
psi) and 755 kPa (109.5 psi) for gasoline engines, or
551.6 kPa (80 psi) and 755 kPa (109.5 psi) for diesel
engines, the cluster holds the gauge needle at a point
about 7.4 degrees below the high end of normal
increment on the gauge scale. When the cluster
receives messages from the PCM indicating the
engine oil pressure is between about 137.9 kPa (20
psi) and 517.1 kPa (75 psi) for gasoline engines, or
58.6 kPa (8.5 psi) and 551.6 kPa (80 psi) for diesel
engines], the gauge needle is moved to the actual
pressure position on the gauge scale.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 25
ODOMETER (Continued)