Transmission control system DODGE RAM 2002 Service User Guide

This normally open switch prevents the starter relay
from being energized and the starter motor from
operating unless the automatic transmission gear
selector is in the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear on the manual transmission flywheel or on
the automatic transmission torque converter or
torque converter drive plate.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.
Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing thestarter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to
the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the
relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger
hold-in coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct starting/
charging system operation, all of the components
involved in these 3 systems must perform within
specifications.
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery, if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits, if required.
3. Starter relay faulty. 3. Refer to Starter Relay in Diagnosis and Testing.
Replace starter relay if required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position
switch faulty.5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
6. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.6. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch. Replace
park/neutral position switch if required.
7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to Starter Motor. Replace starter motor assembly
if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits if required.
3. Starter motor faulty. 3. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
4. Engine seized. 4. Refer to Engine Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of 9, Engine.
8F - 32 STARTINGBR/BE
STARTING (Continued)

(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE,
ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE A FEW TIMES
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FOLLOWING STEP.
(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage)
draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
(a) If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin Diagnosis and Testing. If starter
motor is OK, refer toEngine Diagnosisin 9,
Engine for further testing of engine. If starter
motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
(b) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current
(amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer
toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor does not turn, refer toControl Cir-
cuit Testingin this section.
(d) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed Cir-
cuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current
(amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery volt-
age reading.FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wir-
ing circuit diagrams, refer 8, Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of
resistance between two points at which voltmeter
probes are attached.
Example:When testing resistance of positive bat-
tery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery
cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid.
If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable
connector at starter solenoid, you are reading com-
bined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-
terminal post connection and positive battery cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests,
be certain that following procedures are accom-
plished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
²Fully engage parking brake.
²If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
procedure must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.Note: Cer-
tain diesel equipped models use dual batteries.
If equipped with dual battery system, this pro-
cedure must be performed twice, once for each
battery.
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
8F - 34 STARTINGBR/BE
STARTING (Continued)

with dual battery system, this procedure must
be performed on driver side battery only.
(6) If equipped with dual battery system (certain
diesel equipped models), connect positive lead of volt-
meter to positive battery cable clamp on battery
located on left side of vehicle. Connect negative lead
of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post on bat-
tery located on right side of vehicle. Rotate and holdignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery
cables at both batteries. Repeat test. If reading is
still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery
cable.
If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems,
refer toStarter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING
The starter control circuit components should be
tested in the order in which they are listed, as fol-
lows:
²Starter Relay- Refer toStarter RelayDiag-
nosis and Testing.
²Starter Solenoid- Refer toStarter Motor
Diagnosis and Testing.
²Ignition Switch- Refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinder
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, refer toClutch Pedal
Position Switchin 6, Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchin 21, Transmission.
²Wire harnesses and connections- Refer to 8,
Wiring Diagrams.
SPECIFICATIONS
STARTING SYSTEM
Starter Motor and Solenoid
Manufacturer Nippon Denso Nippon Denso Nippon Denso
Part Number 56027702AB 56027703AB 4741012
Engine Application 5.9L (Gasoline) 8.0L (Gasoline) 5.9L (Diesel)
Power Rating1.4 Kilowatt
1.9 Horsepower1.4 Kilowatt
1.9 Horsepower2.7 Kilowatt
3.6 Horsepower
Voltage 12 Volts 12 Volts 12 Volts
Pinion Teeth 10 11 13
Number of Fields 4 4 4
Number of Poles 4 4 4
Number of Brushes 4 4 4
Drive Type Reduction Gear Train Reduction Gear Train Conventional Gear Train
Free Running Test Voltage 11 Volts 11 Volts 11 Volts
Free Running Test Amperage
Draw73 Amperes 73 Amperes 200 Amperes
Free Running Test Minimum
Speed3601 rpm 3601 rpm 3000 rpm
Fig. 6 Test Starter Ground - Typical
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - VOLTMETER
8F - 36 STARTINGBR/BE
STARTING (Continued)

IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 5.9L
A single ignition coil is used. The coil is not oil
filled. The coil windings are embedded in an epoxy
compound. This provides heat and vibration resis-
tance that allows the coil to be mounted on the
engine.
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L
Two separate coil packs containing a total of five
independent coils are attached to a common mount-
ing bracket. They are located above the right engine
valve cover (Fig. 24). The coil packs are not oil filled.
The front coil pack contains three independent epoxy
filled coils. The rear coil pack contains two indepen-
dent epoxy filled coils.
OPERATION
OPERATION - 5.9L
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) opens and
closes the ignition coil ground circuit for ignition coil
operation.
Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil pos-
itive terminal from the ASD relay. If the PCM does
not see a signal from the crankshaft and camshaft
sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON but the
engine is not running), it will shut down the ASD cir-
cuit.Base ignition timing is not adjustable on any
engine.By controlling the coil ground circuit, the
PCM is able to set the base timing and adjust the
ignition timing advance. This is done to meet chang-
ing engine operating conditions.
OPERATION - 8.0L
When one of the 5 independent coils discharges, it
fires two paired cylinders at the same time (one cyl-
inder on compression stroke and the other cylinder
on exhaust stroke).
Coil firing is paired together on cylinders:
²Number 5 and 10
²Number 9 and 8
²Number 1 and 6
²Number 7 and 4
²Number 3 and 2
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
Battery voltage is supplied to all of the ignition
coils positive terminals from the ASD relay. If the
PCM does not see a signal from the crankshaft and
camshaft sensors (indicating the ignition key is ON
but the engine is not running), it will shut down the
ASD circuit.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
8.0L V-10 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuit, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on inputs it
receives from:
²The engine coolant temperature sensor
²The crankshaft position sensor (engine speed)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 5.9L
The ignition coil is an epoxy filled type. If the coil
is replaced, it must be replaced with the same type.
5.9L V-8 HDC-Gas Engine: The coil is mounted to
a bracket that is bolted to the air injection pump
(AIR pump) mounting bracket (Fig. 25).
(1) Disconnect the primary wiring from the igni-
tion coil.
(2) Disconnect the secondary spark plug cable from
the ignition coil.
(3) Remove ignition coil from coil mounting
bracket (two bolts).
Fig. 24 Ignition Coil PacksÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15

²Check Gauges Indicator
²Cruise Indicator (Odometer VFD)
²Four-Wheel Drive Indicator
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Washer Fluid Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Overdrive-Off Indicator
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Service Reminder Indicator (SRI)
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Upshift Indicator
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (Diesel Only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (Diesel Only)
Some of these indicators are either programmable
or automatically configured when the EMIC is con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system. This feature
allows those indicators to be activated or deactivated
for compatibility with certain optional equipment.
The EMIC also includes a provision for mounting the
automatic transmission gear selector indicator in the
lower right corner of the cluster. The spring-loaded,
cable driven, mechanical gear selector indicator gives
an indication of the transmission gear that has been
selected with the automatic transmission gear selec-
tor lever. The gear selector indicator pointer is easily
visible through an opening provided in the front of
the cluster overlay, and is also lighted by the cluster
illumination lamps for visibility at night. Models
equipped with a manual transmission have a block-
out plate installed in place of the gear selector indi-
cator.
Cluster illumination is accomplished by adjustable
incandescent back lighting, which illuminates the
gauges for visibility when the exterior lighting is
turned on. The EMIC high beam indicator, turn sig-
nal indicators, and wait-to-start indicator are also
illuminated by dedicated incandescent bulbs. The
remaining indicators in the EMIC are each illumi-
nated by a dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED)
that is soldered onto the electronic circuit board.
Each of the incandescent bulbs is secured by an inte-
gral bulb holder to the electronic circuit board from
the back of the cluster housing.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator,
the VFD, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
board hardware, the cluster overlay, or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
ule must be replaced. The cluster lens and hood unit,
the rear cluster housing cover, the automatic trans-
mission gear selector indicator, and the incandescent
lamp bulbs with holders are available for individual
service replacement.
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
is designed to allow the vehicle operator to monitor
the conditions of many of the vehicle components and
operating systems. The gauges and indicators in the
EMIC provide valuable information about the various
standard and optional powertrains, fuel and emis-
sions systems, cooling systems, lighting systems,
safety systems and many other convenience items.
The EMIC is installed in the instrument panel so
that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by the
vehicle operator when driving, while still allowing
relative ease of access for service. The microproces-
sor-based EMIC hardware and software uses various
inputs to control the gauges and indicators visible on
the face of the cluster. Some of these inputs are hard
wired, but most are in the form of electronic mes-
sages that are transmitted by other electronic mod-
ules over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data
bus network. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION
- OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist, such as low/high battery
voltage, low oil pressure, or high coolant tempera-
ture, the algorithm drives the gauge pointer to an
extreme position and the microprocessor turns on the
Check Gauges indicator to provide a distinct visual
indication of a problem to the vehicle operator. The
instrument cluster circuitry may also generate a
hard wired chime tone request to the Central Timer
Module (CTM) when it monitors certain conditions or
inputs, in order to provide the vehicle operator with
an audible alert.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
NOTE: Some of the indicators in this instrument
cluster are either programmable (upshift indicator)
or automatically configured (cruise, overdrive-off,
and transmission overtemp indicators) when the
cluster is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem. This feature allows those indicator lamps to be
enabled or disabled for compatibility with certain
optional equipment. If a new instrument cluster is
being installed, use a DRBIIITscan tool to program
the instrument cluster with the proper vehicle
equipment option setting to enable and/or disable
the upshift indicator lamp. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Antilock Brake System (ABS) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters. This indi-
cator serves both the standard equipment Rear
Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) and optional equipment
4-Wheel Anti-Lock (4WAL) brake systems. The ABS
indicator is located near the lower edge of the instru-
ment cluster overlay, to the left of center. The ABS
indicator consists of a stencilled cutout of the Inter-
national Control and Display Symbol icon for ªFail-
ure of Anti-lock Braking Systemº in the opaque layer
of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark outer
layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from being
clearly visible when it is not illuminated. An amber
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 it is
illuminated from behind by a Light Emitting Diode
(LED) soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board. The ABS indicator is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the ABS system is faulty or inop-
erative. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)
over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus.
The ABS 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, theLED 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 ABS indicator for the following rea-
sons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ABS indicator is illu-
minated by the cluster for about two seconds as a
bulb test.
²ABS Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the
ABS indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no lamp-on or lamp-off messages from the CAB for
six consecutive seconds, the ABS indicator is illumi-
nated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a valid message from the CAB, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the instrument clus-
ter is put through the actuator test, the ABS indica-
tor will be turned on during the bulb check portion of
the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and
the cluster control circuitry.
²ABS Diagnostic Test- The ABS indicator is
blinked on and off by lamp-on and lamp-off messages
from the CAB during the performance of the ABS
diagnostic tests.
The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits
and sensors to decide whether the system is in good
operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper
lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument clus-
ter. If the CAB sends a lamp-on message after the
bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a
system malfunction and/or that the ABS system has
become inoperative. The CAB will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects.
Each time the ABS indicator fails to light due to an
open or short in the cluster ABS indicator circuit, the
cluster sends a message notifying the CAB of the
condition, and the CAB will store a DTC. For proper
diagnosis of the antilock brake system, the CAB, the
CCD data bus, or the message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the ABS indicator, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
8J - 14 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

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)

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)

²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine oil pressure is below about 6.9
kPa (1 psi) for gasoline engines, or 55 kPa (8 psi) for
diesel engines, the gauge needle is moved to the 0
kPa (0 psi) graduation at the far left (low) end of the
gauge scale, the check gauges indicator is illumi-
nated, and a single chime tone is generated. The
gauge needle remains at the low end of the scale and
the check gauges indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing that the engine oil pressure is above about 6.9
kPa (1 psi) for gasoline engines, or 55 kPa (8 psi) for
diesel engines, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. The clus-
ter will only turn the check gauges indicator lamp on
in response to an engine oil pressure low message if
the engine speed message is greater than zero.
²Engine Oil Pressure High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine oil pressure is above about 755
kPa (109.5 psi) for gasoline or diesel engines, the
gauge needle is moved to the 758.4 kPa (110 psi)
graduation at the far right (high) end of the gauge
scale. The gauge needle remains at the high end of
the scale until the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating that the engine oil pressure is
below about 755 kPa (109.5 psi) for gasoline or diesel
engines, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
an engine oil pressure 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 oil pres-
sure sensor to determine the engine oil pressure. The
PCM then sends the proper engine oil pressure mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis
of the oil pressure 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 low oil pressure
gauge reading, it may indicate that the engine or the
engine oiling system requires service. For proper
diagnosis of the engine oil pressure sensor, the PCM,
the CCD data bus, or the message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the oil pressuregauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An overdrive off indicator is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with the optional overdrive automatic
transmission, this indicator is electronically disabled.
The overdrive off indicator is located near the lower
edge of the instrument cluster overlay, to the right of
center. The overdrive off indicator consists of a sten-
cilled cutout of the words ªO/D OFFº 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 ªO/D OFFº text to appear in
amber through the translucent outer layer of the
overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) soldered
onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit board.
The overdrive off indicator is serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The overdrive off indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the Off position of the
overdrive off switch has been selected, disabling the
electronically controlled overdrive feature of the auto-
matic transmission. 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 overdrive off 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
overdrive off indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the overdrive off indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Overdrive Off Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives an overdrive off lamp-on message
from the PCM indicating that the Off position of the
overdrive off switch has been selected, the overdrive
off indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
8J - 26 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (Continued)

remains illuminated until the cluster receives an
overdrive off 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 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 overdrive off
switch to determine the proper outputs to the auto-
matic transmission, then sends the proper messages
to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of
the overdrive off indicator or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the over-
drive control system, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or
the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the overdrive off indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A seatbelt indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The seatbelt indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay,
to the right of center. The seatbelt indicator consists
of a stencilled cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªSeat Beltº 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 icon 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 seatbelt indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The seatbelt indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the status of the driver side front
seatbelt buckle. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon the cluster programming, and a hard wired
input from the seatbelt switch in the driver side front
seatbelt through the seat belt switch sense circuit.
The seatbelt 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 ignitionswitch 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 switched to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster
will turn on the seatbelt indicator for the following
reasons:
²Seatbelt Reminder Function- Each time the
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (st-run) circuit, the indicator
will be illuminated as a seatbelt reminder for about
seven seconds, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. This
reminder function will occur regardless of the status
of the seatbelt switch input to the cluster.
²Driver Side Front Seatbelt Not Buckled-
Following the seatbelt reminder function, each time
the cluster receives a ground input on the seat belt
switch sense circuit (seatbelt switch closed - seatbelt
unbuckled) with the ignition switch in the Start or
On positions, the indicator will be illuminated. The
seatbelt indicator remains illuminated until the seat
belt switch sense input to the cluster is an open cir-
cuit (seatbelt switch opened - seatbelt buckled), 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 seatbelt switch input to the instrument cluster
circuitry can be diagnosed using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods. For further diagnosis of the
seatbelt indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. However, on
vehicles not equipped with certain optional heavy
duty emission cycle gasoline engines, this indicator is
electronically disabled. The SRI is located near the
lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay, to the
left of center. The SRI consists of a stencilled cutout
of the words ªMAINT REQDº 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
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 27
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR (Continued)