pcm JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2002 WJ / 2.G Owner's Guide

The ignition system is controlled by the powertrain
control module (PCM) on all engines.
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil(s)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect
on the control of the ignition system.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 4.0L 6-CYLINDER
ENGINEENGINE FIRING ORDERÐ4.7L V-8 ENGINE
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.0L ENGINE
PRIMARY RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)
0.71 - 0.88 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ4.7L V-8
ENGINE
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION TIMING
All ignition timing functions are controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Mechanical
adjustments are not needed and can't be made.
On the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine, do not attempt to
rotate the oil pump drive to adjust timing. This
adjustment is used for fuel synchronization after
camshaft position sensor replacement.
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE PLUG TYPE ELECTRODE GAP
4.0L 6-CYL. RC12ECC 0.89 mm (.035 in.)
4.7L V-8 (Exc. HO) RC12MCC4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
4.7L V-8 High
Output (HO)RC7PYCB4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Bolts - 4.0L Engine7- 60
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Bolt - 4.7L V-8 Engine28 21 -
Camshaft Position
Sensor±to±base bolts - 4.0L
Engine2- 15
Camshaft Position Sensor
Bolt - 4.7L V-8 Engine12 - 106
Oil Pump Drive Hold-down
Bolt - 4.0L Engine23 17 -
Ignition Coil Rail Mounting
Bolts - 4.0L Engine29 - 250
Ignition Coil Mounting Nut -
4.7L V-8 Engine8- 70
* Knock Sensor Bolt - 4.7L
HO V-8 Engine*20 *15 -
Spark Plugs - 4.0L Engine 35-41 26-30 -
Spark Plugs - 4.7L V-8
Engine24-30 18-22 -
* Do not apply any sealant,
thread-locker or adhesive to
bolts. Poor sensor
performance may result.
Refer to Removal / Installation
for additional information.
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements.
The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)

The ASD relay will be shut±down, meaning the
12±volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-ac-
tivated by the PCM if:
²the ignition key is left in the ON position. This
is if the engine has not been running for approxi-
mately 1.8 seconds.
²there is a crankshaft position sensor signal to
the PCM that is lower than pre-determined values.
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT
A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM
that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to
connect the oxygen sensor heater element, ignition
coil and fuel injectors to 12 volt + power supply.
This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay
is energized. If the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) does not see 12 volts at this input when the
ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
REMOVAL
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 1). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.
(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 1). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.
(1) Install relay to PDC.
(2) Install cover to PDC.
CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 4.0L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.0L
6±cylinder engine is bolted to the top of the oil pump
drive shaft assembly (Fig. 2). The sensor and drive
shaft assembly is located on the right side of the
engine near the oil filter (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Power Distribution Center (PDC) Location
1 - PCM
2 - COOLANT TANK
Fig. 2 CMP and Oil Pump Drive ShaftÐ4.0L Engine
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DRIVE GEAR (TO CAMSHAFT)
5 - OIL PUMP DRIVESHAFT
6 - SENSOR BASE (OIL PUMP DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY)
8I - 4 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY (Continued)

(14) If a plus (+) or a minus (-) is displayed next to
degree number, and/or the degree displayed is not
zero, loosen but do not remove hold-down clamp bolt.
Rotate oil pump drive until IN RANGE appears on
screen. Continue to rotate oil pump drive until
achieving as close to 0É as possible.
The degree scale on SET SYNC screen of DRB is
referring to fuel synchronization only.It is not
referring to ignition timing.Because of this, do
not attempt to adjust ignition timing using this
method. Rotating oil pump drive will have no effect
on ignition timing. All ignition timing values are con-
trolled by powertrain control module (PCM).
(15) Tighten hold-down clamp bolt to 23 N´m (17
ft. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION - 4.7L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.7L
V±8 engine is bolted to the front/top of the right cyl-
inder head (Fig. 10).
(1) Clean out machined hole in cylinder head.
(2) Apply a small amount of engine oil to sensor
o-ring.
(3) Install sensor into cylinder head with a slight
rocking action. Do not twist sensor into position as
damage to o-ring may result.
CAUTION: Before tightening sensor mounting bolt,
be sure sensor is completely flush to cylinder head.
If sensor is not flush, damage to sensor mounting
tang may result.
(4) Install mounting bolt and tighten to 12 N´m
(106 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(6) Lower vehicle.
COIL RAIL
DESCRIPTION
A one-piece coil rail assembly containing three
individual coils is used on the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine
(Fig. 11). The coil rail must be replaced as one
assembly. The bottom of the coil is equipped with 6
individual rubber boots (Fig. 11) to seal the 6 spark
plugs to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring.
The spring is used for a mechanical contact between
the coil and the top of the spark plug. These rubber
boots and springs are a permanent part of the coil
and are not serviced separately.
(1) The coil is bolted directly to the cylinder head
(Fig. 12). One electrical connector (located at rear of
coil) is used for all three coils.
Fig. 11 Ignition Coil AssemblyÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - CYL. #6
2 - CYL. #5
3 - CYL. #4
4 - CYL. #3
5 - CYL. #2
6 - CYL. #1
7 - COILS (3)
8 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
9 - BOLT BASES (4)
10 - RUBBER BOOTS (6)
Fig. 12 Coil LocationÐ4.0L Engine
1 - COIL RAIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
3 - COIL
4 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 9
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)

OPERATION
Although cylinder firing order is the same as 4.0L
Jeep engines of previous years, spark plug firing is
not. The 3 coils dual-fire the spark plugs on cylinders
1-6, 2-5 and/or 3-4. When one cylinder is being fired
(on compression stroke), the spark to the opposite
cylinder is being wasted (on exhaust stroke).
Battery voltage is supplied to the three ignition
coils from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) opens and closes the ignition coil
ground circuit 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. The cables are integral
within the coil rail.
REMOVAL
A one-piece coil rail assembly containing three
individual coils is used on the 4.0L engine (Fig. 13).
The coil rail must be replaced as one assembly. The
bottom of the coil is equipped with 6 individual rub-
ber boots (Fig. 13) to seal the 6 spark plugs to the
coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The spring
is used for an electrical contact between the coil and
the top of the spark plug. These rubber boots and
springs are a permanent part of the coil and are not
serviced separately.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) The coil is bolted directly to the cylinder head.
Remove 4 coil mounting bolts (Fig. 14).
(3) Carefully pry up coil assembly from spark
plugs. Do this by prying alternately at each end of
coil until rubber boots have disengaged from all
spark plugs. If boots will not release from spark
plugs, use a commercially available spark plug boot
removal tool. Twist and loosen a few boots from a few
spark plugs to help remove coil.
(4) After coil has cleared spark plugs, position coil
for access to primary electrical connector. Disconnect
connector from coil by pushing slide tab outwards to
right side of vehicle (Fig. 15). After slide tab has been
positioned outwards, push in on secondary release
lock (Fig. 15) on side of connector and pull connector
from coil.
(5) Remove coil from vehicle.
Fig. 13 Ignition Coil AssemblyÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - CYL. #6
2 - CYL. #5
3 - CYL. #4
4 - CYL. #3
5 - CYL. #2
6 - CYL. #1
7 - COILS (3)
8 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
9 - BOLT BASES (4)
10 - RUBBER BOOTS (6)
Fig. 14 Ignition Coil Rail LocationÐ4.0L 6±Cylinder
Engine
1 - COIL RAIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
3 - COIL
4 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
8I - 10 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
COIL RAIL (Continued)

OPERATION
Battery voltage is supplied to the 8 ignition coils
from the ASD relay. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) opens and closes each ignition coil ground cir-
cuit 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.
REMOVAL
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark
plug (Fig. 18). The coil fits into machined holes in the
cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil
to the top of the intake manifold (Fig. 19). The bot-
tom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal
the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is
a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact
between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These
rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the
coil and are not serviced separately. An o-ring (Fig.
18) is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cyl-
inder head.
(1) Depending on which coil is being removed, the
throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need
to be removed to gain access to coil.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector (Fig. 19) from
coil by pushing downward on release lock on top of
connector and pull connector from coil.
(3) Clean area at base of coil with compressed air
before removal.
(4) Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud
(Fig. 19).
(5) Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head open-
ing with a slight twisting action.
(6) Remove coil from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or con-
taminants from around top of spark plug.
(2) Check condition of coil o-ring and replace as
necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to
coil o-ring.
(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install mounting stud nut and tighten to 8 N´m
(70 in. lbs.) torque.(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube or
box.
Fig. 18 Ignition CoilÐ4.7L V±8
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 19 Ignition Coil
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - COIL MOUNTING STUD/NUT
8I - 12 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION
Two coil capacitors are used. One of them is
located near the center of, and on the left side of the
intake manifold (Fig. 20). The other capacitor is
located near the center of, and on the right side of
the intake manifold.
OPERATION
The 2 coil capacitors are used to prevent high-volt-
age spikes from interfering with the operation of cer-
tain powertrain sensors. They are also used to help
prevent radio interference.
REMOVAL
Two coil capacitors are used. One of them is
located near the center of, and on the left side of the
intake manifold (Fig. 21). The other capacitor is
located near the center of, and on the right side of
the intake manifold.
(1) Disconnect electrical connector at coil capacitor
(Fig. 21).
(2) Remove mounting nut.
(3) Remove capacitor from mounting stud.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position capacitor to manifold mounting stud.(2) Install nut and tighten to 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to capacitor (Fig.
21).
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
4.7L High-Output Engine
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold.
OPERATION
4.7L High-Output Engine
Two knock sensors are used on the 4.7L V-8 engine
if equipped with the high-output package; 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 Con-
trol 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.
Fig. 20 Coil Capacitor (Left Side Shown)
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - COIL CAPACITOR
3 - MOUNTING NUT
Fig. 21 Coil Capacitor (Left Side Shown)
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - COIL CAPACITOR
3 - MOUNTING NUT
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13

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
4.7L High-Output Engine Only
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (Fig. 22).
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
connector from engine wiring harness connector. This
connection is made near the right/rear of intake man-
ifold (Fig. 23).
(2) Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolts (Fig. 22). 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 sensors from engine.
Fig. 22 KNOCK SENSOR LOCATION - 4.7L H.O.
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD (CUTAWAY)
4 - PIGTAIL CONNECTOR
Fig. 23 KNOCK SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR - 4.7L
H.O.
1 - KNOCK SENSOR PIGTAIL HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - ENGINE WIRING HARNESS
8I - 14 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
4.7L High-Output Engine Only
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 (Fig. 22) 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 bolts.Bolt
torque is critical.Refer to torque specification.
(4) Install intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(5) Connect knock sensor pigtail wiring harness to
engine wiring harness near right / rear of intake
manifold (Fig. 23).
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
Both the 4.0L 6-cylinder and the 4.7L V-8 engine
use resistor type spark plugs. Standard 4.7L V-8
engines are equipped with ªfired in suppressor sealº
type spark plugs using a copper core ground elec-
trode. High-Output (H.O.) 4.7L V-8 engines are
equipped with unique plugs using a platinum rivet
located on the tip of the center electrode.
Because of the use of an aluminum cylinder head
on the 4.7L engine, spark plug torque is very critical.
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.Do not substitute any
other spark plug on the 4.7L H.O. engine. Seri-
ous engine damage may occur.
Plugs on both engines have resistance values rang-
ing 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 thespark plugs. Inaccurate readings will result.
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
Group O, Lubrication and Maintenance.
EXCEPT 4.7L H.O. ENGINE :Spark plugs that
have low mileage may be cleaned and reused if not
otherwise defective, carbon or oil fouled. Also refer to
Spark Plug Conditions.4.7L H.O. ENGINE :Never
clean spark plugs on the 4.7L H.O. engine. Damage
to the platinum rivet will result.
CAUTION: EXCEPT 4.7L H.O. ENGINE : 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.
H.O. Gap Adjustment:If equipped with the 4.7L
H.O. engine, do not use a wire-type gapping tool as
damage to the platinum rivet on the center electrode
may occur. Use a tapered-type gauge (Fig. 24).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
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. 24 PLUG GAP - 4.7L H.O.
1 - TAPER GAUGE
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)

The VFD is diagnosed using the EMIC self-diag-
nostic actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Proper testing of the PCI data bus and
the data bus message inputs to the EMIC that con-
trol the VFD functions requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Specific operation details for the odometer
and trip odometer functions of the VFD may be found
elsewhere in this service information.
INDICATORS
Indicators are located in various positions within
the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC circuit
board. The turn signal indicators are hard wired. The
brake indicator is controlled by PCI data bus mes-
sages from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) as
well as by hard wired park brake switch and brake
fluid level switch inputs to the EMIC. The Malfunc-
tion Indicator Lamp (MIL) is normally controlled by
PCI data bus messages from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM); however, if the EMIC loses PCI data
bus communication, the EMIC circuitry will automat-
ically turn the MIL on until PCI data bus communi-
cation is restored. The EMIC uses PCI data bus
messages from the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the
BCM, the PCM, the CAB, the Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer Module (SKIM), and the Transmission Control
Module (TCM) to control all of the remaining indica-
tors.
The various indicators are controlled by different
strategies; some receive fused ignition switch output
from the EMIC circuitry and have a switched ground,
others are grounded through the EMIC circuitry and
have a switched battery feed, while still others are
completely controlled by the EMIC microprocessor
based upon various hard wired and electronic mes-
sage inputs. Some indicators are illuminated at a
fixed intensity, while the illumination intensity of
others is synchronized with that of the EMIC general
illumination lamps.
The hard wired indicators are diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic methods. The EMIC and PCI
bus message controlled indicators are diagnosed
using the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Proper testing of the
PCI data bus and the electronic data bus message
inputs to the EMIC that control each indicator
require the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information. Specific details of
the operation for each indicator may be found else-
where in this service information.CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
Two types of general cluster illumination are avail-
able in this model. Base versions of the EMIC have
several incandescent illumination lamps, while pre-
mium versions of the EMIC have a single electro-lu-
minescent lamp. Both types of lamps provide cluster
back lighting whenever the exterior lighting is
turned On with the control knob on the left (lighting)
multi-function switch control stalk. The illumination
intensity of these lamps is adjusted by the EMIC
microprocessor based upon electronic dimming level
messages received from the Body Control Module
(BCM) over the PCI data bus. The BCM provides
electronic dimming level messages to the EMIC
based upon internal programming and inputs it
receives when the control ring on the left (lighting)
multi-function switch control stalk is rotated (down
to dim, up to brighten) to one of six available minor
detent positions.
The incandescent illumination lamps receive bat-
tery current at all times, while the ground for these
lamps is controlled by a 12-volt Pulse Width Modu-
lated (PWM) output of the EMIC electronic circuitry.
The illumination intensity of these bulbs and of the
vacuum-fluorescent electronic display are controlled
by the instrument cluster microprocessor based upon
dimming level messages received from the Body Con-
trol Module (BCM) over the PCI data bus. The BCM
uses inputs from the headlamp and panel dimmer
switches within the left (lighting) multi-function
switch control stalk and internal programming to
decide what dimming level message is required. The
BCM then sends the proper dimming level messages
to the EMIC over the PCI data bus.
The electro-luminescent lamp unit consists of lay-
ers of phosphor, carbon, idium tin oxide, and dielec-
tric applied by a silk-screen process between two
polyester membranes and includes a short pigtail
wire and connector. The lamp pigtail wire is con-
nected to a small connector receptacle on the EMIC
circuit board through a small clearance hole in the
cluster housing rear cover. The EMIC electronic cir-
cuitry also uses a PWM strategy to control the illu-
mination intensity of this lamp; however, the EMIC
powers this lamp with an Alternating Current (AC)
rated at 80 volts rms (root mean squared) and 415
Hertz, which excites the phosphor particles causing
them to luminesce.
The BCM also has several hard wired panel lamp
driver outputs and sends the proper panel lamps
dimming level messages over the PCI data bus to
coordinate the illumination intensity of all of the
instrument panel lighting and the VFDs of other
electronic modules on the PCI data bus. Vehicles
equipped with the Auto Headlamps option have an
automatic parade mode. In this mode, the BCM uses
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)