Sensors DODGE RAM 2003 Service Owner's Manual

(4) Disconnect camshaft position sensor wiring
harness from main engine wiring harness.
(5) Remove distributor rotor from distributor shaft.
(6) Lift camshaft position sensor assembly from
distributor housing (Fig. 17).
8.0L V±10
The camshaft position sensor is located on the tim-
ing chain case/cover on the left-front side of the
engine (Fig. 18).
A thin plastic rib is molded into the face of the sen-
sor (Fig. 19) to position the depth of sensor to the
upper cam gear (sprocket). This rib can be found on
both the new replacement sensors and sensors that
were originally installed to the engine. The first timethe engine has been operated, part of this rib may be
sheared (ground) off. Depending on parts tolerances,
some of the rib material may still be observed after
removal.
Refer to either of the following procedures; Replac-
ing Old Sensor With Original, or Replacing With
New Sensor:
REPLACING OLD SENSOR WITH ORIGINAL
If the original camshaft position sensor is to be
removed and installed, such as when servicing the
timing chain, timing gears or timing chain cover, use
this procedure.
(1) Disconnect sensor harness connector from sen-
sor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 18).
(3) Carefully pry sensor from timing chain case/
cover in a rocking action with two small screwdriv-
ers.
(4) Remove sensor from vehicle.
(5) Check condition of sensor o-ring (Fig. 20).
REPLACING WITH NEW SENSOR
If a new replacement camshaft position sensor is to
be installed, use this procedure.
(1) Disconnect sensor wiring harness connector
from sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 18).
(3) Carefully pry sensor from timing chain case/
cover in a rocking action with two small screwdriv-
ers.
(4) Remove sensor from vehicle.
Fig. 17 DISTRIBUTOR AND CMP LOCATION - 5.9L
1 - SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY
Fig. 18 CMP LOCATION - 8.0L
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - TIMING CHAIN CASE/COVER
Fig. 19 SENSOR DEPTH POSITIONING RIB ± 8.0L
V-10 ENGINE
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - PAPER SPACER
3 - RIB MATERIAL (FOR SENSOR DEPTH POSITIONING)
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

4.7L V-8
Battery voltage is supplied to the 8 individual igni-
tion coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil
ground circuit at a determined time for ignition coil
operation.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable.By con-
trolling the coil ground circuit, the PCM is able to set
the base timing and adjust the ignition timing
advance. This is done to meet changing engine oper-
ating conditions.
The ignition coil is not oil filled. The windings are
embedded in an epoxy compound. This provides heat
and vibration resistance that allows the ignition coil
to be mounted on the engine.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used with the 4.7L V-8 engine.
5.7L V-8
The ignition system is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on all engines.
A ªwasted sparkº system is used on the 5.7L
engine combining paired, or dual-firing coils, and 2
spark plugs per cylinder. The coils and spark plugs
are connected with paired, secondary high-voltage
cables.
Each cylinder is equipped with 1 dual-output coil.
Meaning one coil mounts directly over one of the
dual spark plugs for 1 high-voltage output. A second
high-voltage output is supplied directly from the
same coil (using a plug cable) to one of the dual
spark plugs on a corresponding (paired) cylinder on
the opposite cylinder bank.
Each coil fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously on
each of the cylinder banks (one cylinder on compres-
sion stroke and one cylinder on exhaust stroke).
EXAMPLE :When the #1 cylinder is on compression
stroke and ready for spark, the #1 coil will fire one of
the dual spark plugs on the #1 cylinder (directly
below the coil). The other dual spark plug on the #1
cylinder will be fired by the #6 coil. At the same
time, the #1 coil will fire a ªwasted sparkº to one of
the dual spark plugs at the #6 cylinder as coil #6 also
fires a ªwasted sparkº to one of the dual spark plugs
at the #6 cylinder.
The firing order is paired at cylinders 1/6, 2/3, 4/7,
5/8. Basic cylinder firing order is 1±8±4±3±6±5±7±2.
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
5.7L V-8 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing andadjust 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 camshaft position sensor (crankshaft posi-
tion)
²The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²The throttle position sensor
²Transmission gear selection
5.9L V-8
A single ignition coil is used. The Powertrain Con-
trol 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.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 5.9L V-8 engine.
8.0L V-10
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.
Conventional spark plug cables (secondary cables)
are used with the 8.0L V-10 engine.
Base ignition timing is not adjustable on the
8.0L V-10 engine.By controlling the coil ground cir-
cuits, the PCM is able to set the base timing and
adjust the ignition timing advance. This is done to
meet changing engine operating conditions.
8I - 22 IGNITION CONTROLDR
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(6)If necessary, install throttle body air tube or box.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The sensors are used only with 3.7L V-6, 4.7L V-8
and 5.7L V-8 engines. On 3.7L V-6 and 4.7L V-8
engines, the 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cyl-
inder block under the intake manifold.
On 5.7L V-8 engines, 2 knock sensors are also
used. These are bolted into each side of the cylinder
block (outside) under the exhaust manifold.
OPERATION
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8 / 5.7L V-8 Engines Only
Two knock sensors are used; one for each cylinder
bank. When the knock sensor detects a knock in one
of the cylinders on the corresponding bank, it sends
an input signal to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). In response, the PCM retards ignition timing
for all cylinders by a scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives the knock sensor voltage signal as an input.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except at
Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The PCM, using short
term memory, can respond quickly to retard timing
when engine knock is detected. Short term memory
is lost any time the ignition key is turned off.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors.
REMOVAL
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (Fig. 39). or (Fig.
40).
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Disconnect knock sensor dual pigtail harness
from engine wiring harness. This connection is made
near rear of engine.
(2) Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolts (Fig. 39), or
(Fig. 40). Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam
is used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound to
these bolts.
Fig. 38 SPARK PLUG CABLE ORDER - 8.0L V-10
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 25
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

(4) Remove sensors from engine.5.7L V8
Two sensors are used. Each sensor is bolted into
the outside of cylinder block below the exhaust man-
ifold (Fig. 41).
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Disconnect knock sensor electrical connector.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolt (Fig. 41). Note
foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is used only to
retain the bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is
not used as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive,
sealant or thread locking compound to these bolts.
(4) Remove sensor from engine.
INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6 / 4.7L V-8
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting holes.
(2) Install sensors into cylinder block.
Fig. 39 KNOCK SENSOR Ð 3.7L V-6
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 40 KNOCK SENSOR Ð 4.7L V-8
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD (CUTAWAY)
4 - PIGTAIL CONNECTOR
Fig. 41 5.7L KNOCK SENSOR (RIGHT SENSOR
SHOWN)
1 - KNOCK SENSOR (RIGHT SENSOR SHOWN)
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD
4 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
5 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
8I - 26 IGNITION CONTROLDR
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolts. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(5) Connect knock sensor wiring harness to engine
harness at rear of intake manifold.
5.7L V-8
(1) Thoroughly clean knock sensor mounting hole.
(2) Install sensor into cylinder block.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors. The torque for the knock senor bolt is rela-
tively light for an 8mm bolt.
NOTE: Note foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is
used only to retain the bolts to sensors for plant
assembly. It is not used as a sealant. Do not apply
any adhesive, sealant or thread locking compound
to these bolts.
(3) Install and tighten mounting bolt. Refer to
torque specification.
(4) Install electrical connector to sensor.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used on all engines.
Sixteen spark plugs (2 per cylinder) are used with
5.7L V-8 engines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. Incorrect torque can distort the
spark plug and change plug gap. It can also pull the
plug threads and do possible damage to both the
spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-
gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
the Lubrication and Maintenance section.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 42). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
DRIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 27
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

²Driver Door Lock Switch MUX - with
Power Locks
²Fused B(+) - Ignition-Off Draw
²Fused B(+) - Power Lock Feed - with Power
Locks
²Fused Ignition Switch Output (Accessory-
Run)
²Fused Ignition Switch Output (Off-Run-
Start)
²Fused Ignition Switch Output (Run-Start)
²Headlamp Dimmer Switch MUX
²Headlamp Switch MUX
²Horn Relay Control
²Key-In Ignition Switch Sense
²Left Rear Door Ajar Switch Sense
²Panel Lamps Dimmer Switch Signal
²Park Brake Switch Sense
²Passenger Door Ajar Switch Sense
²Passenger Door Lock Switch MUX - with
Power Locks
²Radio Control MUX
²Right Rear Door Ajar Switch Sense
²RKE Supply - with RKE
²Seat Belt Switch Sense
²Transmission Range Sensor MUX - with
Auto Trans
²Turn/Hazard Switch MUX
²Washer/Beam Select Switch MUX
²Wiper Switch MUX
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
HARD WIRED OUTPUTS
The hard wired outputs of the EMIC include the
following:
²Accessory Switch Bank Illumination Driver
²BTSI Driver - with Auto Trans
²Cargo Lamp Driver
²Dome/Overhead Lamp Driver
²Driver Door Unlock Driver - with Power
Locks
²Headlamp Switch Illumination Driver
²Heated Seat Switch Indicator Driver - with
Heated Seats
²Heater-A/C Control Illumination Driver
²Left Door Lock Driver - with Power Locks
²Left Rear Door Unlock Driver - with Power
Locks
²Map/Glove Box Lamp Driver²Radio Illumination Driver
²Right Door Lock Driver - with Power Locks
²Right Door Unlock Driver - with Power
Locks
²Transfer Case Switch Illumination Driver -
with Four-Wheel Drive
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
GROUNDS
The EMIC receives and supplies a ground path to
several switches and sensors through the following
hard wired circuits:
²Ground - Illumination (2 Circuits)
²Ground - Power Lock - with Power Locks
²Ground - Signal
²Headlamp Switch Return
²Multi-Function Switch Return
²Transmission Range Sensor Return - with
Auto Trans
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
COMMUNICATION
The EMIC has provisions for the following commu-
nication circuits:
²PCI Data Bus
²RKE Program Serial Data - with RKE
²RKE Transmit Serial Data - with RKE
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
If all of the instrument cluster gauges and/or indi-
cators are inoperative, refer to PRELIMINARY
DIAGNOSIS. If an individual gauge or Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus mes-
sage-controlled indicator is inoperative, refer to
ACTUATOR TEST. If an individual hard wired indi-
cator is inoperative, refer to the diagnosis and testing
information for that specific indicator.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
8J - 10 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

NOTE: Certain indicators in this instrument cluster
are automatically configured. This feature allows
those indicators to be activated or deactivated for
compatibility with certain optional equipment. If the
problem being diagnosed involves improper illumi-
nation of the cruise indicator, the electronic throttle
control indicator, the overdrive-off indicator, the
service four-wheel drive indicator, the transmission
overtemp indicator, the upshift indicator, the secu-
rity indicator or the gear selector indicator, discon-
nect and isolate the battery negative cable. After
about five minutes, reconnect the battery negative
cable and turn the ignition switch to the On posi-
tion. The instrument cluster should automatically
relearn the equipment in the vehicle and properly
configure the configurable indicators accordingly.
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Antilock Brake System (ABS) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters. However,
the instrument cluster can be programmed to disable
this indicator on vehicles that are not equipped with
the ABS or Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brake sys-
tems, which are not available in some markets. On
vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, the ABS
indicator is located near the lower edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the tachometer and the speed-
ometer. On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine,
the ABS indicator is located on the right side of the
instrument cluster, to the right of the engine temper-
ature gauge. The ABS indicator consists of a stencil-
like cutout of the International Control and Display
Symbol icon for ªFailure of Anti-lock Braking Sys-
temº 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 Light Emitting Diode (LED)
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 indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by the LED, which
is soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit 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 Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The ABS indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. 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 ABS indicator for the follow-
ing reasons:
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
three consecutive seconds, the ABS indicator is illu-
minated. 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, then off again 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, then the instrument cluster and the CAB
will each store a DTC. For proper diagnosis of the
antilock brake system, the CAB, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

ter that control the ABS indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, the instrument cluster
can be programmed to disable this indicator on vehi-
cles that are not equipped with the airbag system,
which is not available in some markets. The airbag
indicator is located near the upper edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the tachometer and the speed-
ometer. The airbag indicator consists of a stencil-like
cutout of the words ªAIR BAGº 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 Light
Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the
opaque layer of the overlay causes the ªAIR BAGº
text to appear in red through the translucent outer
layer of the overlay when the indicator is illuminated
from behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The air-
bag indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment 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 Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The airbag indicator
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled
by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic
will only allow this indicator to operate when the
instrument cluster receives a battery current input
on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. 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 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 six seconds. The entire six second
bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²ACM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the ACM, the
airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicatorremains 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 until the cluster receives a sin-
gle lamp-off message from the ACM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the airbag indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the airbag indicator is a function
of the instrument cluster.
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 and seat belt tensioners 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 circuit, the cluster sends a
message notifying the ACM of the condition, the
instrument cluster and the ACM will each store a
DTC, and the cluster will flash the seatbelt indicator
on and off as a backup to notify the vehicle operator.
For proper diagnosis of the airbag system, the ACM,
the PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the airbag indica-
tor, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic 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,
between the tachometer and the speedometer. The
brake indicator consists of stencil-like cutouts of the
word ªBRAKEº and the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªBrake Failureº 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 Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
ªBRAKEº text and the icon to appear in red through
8J - 18 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
ABS INDICATOR (Continued)

the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic 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, when
there are certain brake hydraulic system malfunc-
tions as indicated by a low brake hydraulic fluid level
condition, or when the brake fluid level switch is dis-
connected. The brake indicator can also give an indi-
cation when certain faults are detected in the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). This indicator is con-
trolled by a transistor on the instrument cluster cir-
cuit board based upon cluster programming,
electronic messages received by the cluster from the
Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus, and
a hard wired input from the park brake switch. The
brake indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster logic cir-
cuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to
operate when the instrument cluster receives a bat-
tery current input on the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will
always be off when the ignition switch is in any posi-
tion except On or Start. The LED only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the brake indicator for the following reasons:
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 two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Brake Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a lamp-on message from the CAB,
the brake indicator will be illuminated. The CAB can
also send brake lamp-on messages as feedback dur-
ing ABS diagnostic procedures. 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.
²Park Brake Switch Input- Each time the
cluster detects ground on the park brake switch
sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park brake
applied or not fully released) while the ignition
switch is in the On position, the brake indicator
flashes on and off. The indicator continues to flash
until the park brake switch sense input to the cluster
is an open circuit (park brake switch open = park
brake fully released), 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, then off again during the
bulb check portion of the test to confirm the function-
ality 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 ABS system circuits and sensors,
including the brake fluid level switch on the brake
master cylinder reservoir, to decide whether the sys-
tem is in good operating condition. The CAB then
sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the CAB sends a lamp-on mes-
sage after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB
has detected a brake hydraulic 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.
For further diagnosis of the brake indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the LED,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). The park brake
switch input to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the brake fluid level
switch, the ABS, the CAB, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic 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 there are problems with
several indicators in the instrument cluster, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). If the brake indicator 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 TESTING). If no brake
system problem is found, the following procedures
will help to locate a shorted or open circuit, or a
faulty park brake switch input. Refer to the appropri-
ate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector
repair procedures, details of wire harness routing
and retention, connector pin-out information and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)

layer of the overlay causes the icon to appear in red
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when the indicator is illuminated from behind by the
LED, which is soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The ETC indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator
gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the
ETC system is faulty or inoperative. The ETC indi-
cator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument
cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming
and electronic messages received by the cluster from
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The ETC indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED)
is completely controlled by the instrument cluster
logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indi-
cator to operate when the instrument cluster receives
a battery current input on the fused ignition switch
output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will
always be off when the ignition switch is in any posi-
tion except On or Start. The LED only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the ETC indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ETC indicator is illu-
minated for about six seconds. The entire six second
bulb test is a function of the PCM.
²ETC Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the PCM, the
ETC indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can
be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dic-
tated by the PCM message. The indicator remains
illuminated solid or continues to flash for about
twelve seconds or until the cluster receives a lamp-off
message from the PCM, whichever is longer. If the
indicator is illuminated solid with the engine run-
ning the vehicle will usually remain drivable. If the
indicator is flashing with the engine running the
vehicle may require towing. A flashing indicator
means the ETC system requires immediate service.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no ETC lamp messages for three consecutive seconds,
the ETC indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a sin-
gle lamp-off message from the PCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the ETC indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the ETC indicator is a function of
the PCM.The PCM continually monitors the ETC system cir-
cuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in
good operating condition. The PCM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the PCM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the PCM has
detected a system malfunction and/or that the ETC
system is inoperative. The PCM will store a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it
detects. Each time the ETC indicator fails to illumi-
nate due to an open or short in the cluster ETC indi-
cator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying
the PCM of the condition, the instrument cluster and
the PCM will each store a DTC. For proper diagnosis
of the ETC system, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the ETC indicator, 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
left quadrant of the instrument cluster, below the
voltage gauge. The fuel gauge consists 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 ªEº (or
Empty) to ªFº (or Full). An International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº is located on the clus-
ter overlay, directly below the right end of the gauge
scale. An arrowhead pointed to the left side of the
vehicle is imprinted on the cluster overlay next to the
ªFuelº icon in the fuel gauge to provide the driver
with a reminder as to the location of the fuel filler
access. On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine,
text that specifies ªDIESEL ONLYº is located across
the fuel gauge below the gauge scale, but above the
hub of the gauge needle. The fuel gauge graphics are
black against a white field except for a single red
graduation at the low end of the gauge scale, making
them clearly visible within the instrument cluster in
daylight. When illuminated from behind by the panel
lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumination lighting
with the exterior lamps turned On, the black graph-
ics appear blue and the red graphics still appear red.
The orange gauge needle is internally illuminated.
Gauge illumination is provided by replaceable incan-
descent bulb and bulb holder units located on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The fuel
gauge is serviced as a unit with the instrument clus-
ter.
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 25
ETC INDICATOR (Continued)