reset MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Owner's Guide

effect panels. If necessary, remove the wheels from
the lifted end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle
closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance
at the opposite end of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on
wheel attaching studs to retain brake drums.
RAMP ANGLE
If a vehicle with flat-bed towing equipment is used,
the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15
degrees.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not avail-
able, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type
device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted
off the ground using tow dollies.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
The use of special lubricant additives is not recom-
mended. The use of such additives may affect the
warranty rights. With regard to legal stipulations
concerning emissions control, please note that
engines have to be serviced and adjusted in accor-
dance with special instructions and using special
measuring equipment. Modifications to or interfer-
ence with the emissions control systems are not per-
missible.
MAINTENANCE - WITHOUT ASSYST MAINTE-
NANCE COMPUTER
Maintenance Intervals
²Oil service ±Normal Operationevery 10,000
miles or 16,000 km or 12 months.
²Maintenance service every 30,000 miles or
48,000 km.
Additional work must be carried out at yearly
intervals.
MAINTENANCE - WITH ASSYST MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER
ASSYST provides information on the best possible
timing for maintenance work.
When the next maintenance service is due, this
will be indicated in the multi-function display with
the wrench icon symbol displayed in km/miles or
days.
²One wrench icon showing indicates Oil Service
is necessary.
²Two wrench icons showing indicates Mainte-
nance Service is necessary ± displayed in km/miles or
days.
If the display shows the number of days, a clock
symbol will also appear in the multi-function display.You should have the maintenance performed
within the stated period/distance.
The service indicator will be reset after an oil ser-
vice and/or maintenance service has been performed.
REGULAR CHECK - UPS
To maintain the safe operation of the vehicle, it is
recommended that the following tasks be performed
on a regular basis (i.e. weekly or whenever the vehi-
cle is refueled). Check:
²Engine oil level
²Brake system - fluid level
²Battery - acid level
²Windshield washer system and headlamp clean-
ing system - fluid level
²Mechanical assemblies (e.g. engine, transmis-
sion, etc.) - check for leaks
²Condition of tires and tires pressures
²All exterior lights
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
If bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehi-
cle, the maintenance requirements and lubrication
intervals specified by the body manufacturer must be
adhered to, in addition to all standard maintenance
requirements.
Coolant
Corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in the
coolant should be checked before the onset of winter
(once year in countries with high prevailing temper-
atures).
Replace the coolant every five years or 100,000
miles.
Dust Filter for Heating / Ventilation Replacement
The dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are to
be renewed during routine maintenance service. If
operating conditions are dusty, these filters should be
renewed more frequently.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
At a minimum, change the engine oil and oil filter
once a year ± even if the vehicle mileage per year is
extremely low. For standard oil service schedules
refer to the chapter oil service and maintenance ser-
vice.
Once a Year
Select the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system guide-
lines.
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA

SCOPE OF WORK FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Service
²Engine: Oil change and filter replacement
Check fluid levels of the following system, refill as neces-
sary.
²If fluid is lost, trace and eliminate cause - as a
separate order.
²Power-assisted steering
Lubrication work:
²Trailer tow hitch (original equipment)
Maintenance
²ASSYST maintenance computer reset
Function check
²Signalling system, warning and indicator lamps
²Headlamps, exterior lighting
²Windshield wipers, windshield washer system
Check for leaks and damage
²Check for abrasion points and ensure that lines
are correctly routed!
²All lines and hoses, sensor cables
²Rubber boots on front axle drive shafts, rubber
boots on front axle suspension ball joints, shock
absorbers
²Check fluid levels for the following systems, cor-
rect as necessary
NOTE: Should there be a loss of fluid which cannot
be explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the
cause.
²Engine cooling system. Check corrosion inhibi-
tor/antifreeze, refill as necessary.
²Hydraulic brake system
²Battery
²Windshield washer system
Engine
²Fuel filter renewal - Every oil service
²Air cleaner with maintenance indicator:
²Check degree of contamination.
²Air cleaner filter element renewed as necessary.
Chassis and body
²Trailer coupling: Check operation, play and
retaining fixtures
²Secondary rubber springs: Visual check
²Tire pressures: Correct as necessary, including
spare tire
²Check thickness of brake pads
²Brake test
²Check condition of steering mechanism
²Heating/ventilation dust filter renewal
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK
Automatic transmission once only at 80,000 miles / 128000
km
²Oil and filter change
During every second maintenance service
²Air cleaner without maintenance indicator:
²Air cleaner filter element renewal
²Check poly-V-belt for wear and signs of damage
During every fourth maintenance service
²Change rear axle fluid
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK AFTER YEARS
Every 2 years
²Change brake fluid.
Every 3 years
²Air cleaner filter element renewal (note installa-
tion date)
Every 15 years or 100,000 miles
²Coolant renewal
²Note coolant composition
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses international
symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant
and fluid inspection and fill locations (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
VALUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9

predefined gear, there are several shift performance
concerns. For instance, if the transmission is slip-
ping, the controller tries to place the transmission
into 3rd gear and maintain 3rd gear for all forward
drive conditions.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TCM ADAPTATION
The adaptation procedure requires the use of the
appropriate scan tool. This program allows the elec-
tronic transmission system to re-calibrate itself. This
will provide the proper baseline transmission opera-
tion. The adaptation procedure should be performed
if any of the following procedures are performed:
²Transmission Assembly Replacement
²Transmission Control Module Replacement
²Clutch Plate and/or Seal Replacement
²Electrohydraulic Unit Replacement or Recondi-
tion
(1) With the scan tool, reset the Transmission
adaptives. Resetting the adaptives will set the adap-
tives to factory settings.
NOTE: Perform the Coast Down Adaptations first.
The Transmission Temperature must be greater
than 60ÉC (140ÉF) and less than 70ÉC (158ÉF). Fail-
ure to stay within these temperature ranges will
void the procedure.
(2) Drive the vehicle until the transmission tem-
perature is in the specified range.
(3) Perform 4 to 5 coast downs from 5th to 4th
gear and then 4th to 3rd gear.
NOTE: For Upshift adaptation, the Transmission
temperature must be greater than 60ÉC (140ÉF) and
less than 100ÉC (212ÉF). Failure to stay within these
temperature ranges will void this procedure.
(4) From a stop, moderately accelerate the vehicle
and obtain all forward gear ranges while keeping the
Engine RPM below 1800 RPM. Repeat this procedure
4 to 5 times.
(5) Obtaining 5th gear may be difficult at 1800
RPM. Allow the transmission to shift into 5th gear at
a higher RPM then lower the RPM to 1800 and per-
form manual shifts between 4th and 5th gears using
the shift lever.
(6) The TCM will store the adaptives every 10
minutes. After completion of the adaptation proce-
dure make sure the vehicle stays running for at least
10 minutes.
(7) It is possible to manually store the adaptives
under the 10 minute time frame using the DRBIIIt
Store Adaptives procedure.
8E - 10 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESVA

remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
lamp-off message from the ECM, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
The ECM continually monitors the constant engine
speed (ADR) switch and electronic messages from the
Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) concerning the sta-
tus of the four wheel speed sensors, the park brake
switch and the brake lamp switch to determine the
correct operating mode for the ADR feature. The
ECM then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. See the owner's man-
ual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features, use, activation and deactivation of the
constant engine speed (ADR) feature. For proper
diagnosis of the ADR feature, the ECM, the CAB, the
CAN data bus, or the electronic message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the ADR indica-
tor, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The airbag indicator is located
near the left edge of the instrument cluster, next to
the tachometer. The airbag indicator consists of a
stencil-like cutout of the letters ªSRSº 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 ªSRSº 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 (SRS) indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) has recorded a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
for a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) circuit or
component malfunction. Such a DTC may indicate
that the SRS is faulty or inoperative. The airbag
indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming and a hard wired input received by the
cluster from the ACM. 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 instru-
ment cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the
On position. Therefore, the LED will always be offwhen the ignition switch is in any position except
On. 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 indi-
cator 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 four seconds. The entire four sec-
ond bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²Airbag Lamp-On Input- Each time the cluster
receives a lamp-on input from the ACM, the airbag
indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can be
flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dictated
by the ACM input. For some DTC's, if the problem
does not recur, the ACM will send a lamp-off input
automatically. Other DTC's may require that a fault
be repaired and the ACM be reset before a lamp-off
input will be sent. For more information on the ACM
and the DTC set and reset parameters, refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AIRBAG CONTROL
MODULE - OPERATION). The indicator remains
illuminated until the cluster receives a lamp-off
input from the ACM, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Airbag Indicator Malfunction- Following the
seatbelt reminder function, each time the cluster
detects a malfunction in the airbag (SRS) indicator or
the airbag indicator circuit, the cluster will flash the
seatbelt indicator on and off. The cluster will con-
tinue to flash the seatbelt indicator until the airbag
indicator circuit fault is resolved, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
The ACM continually monitors the SRS circuits
and sensors to decide whether the system is in good
operating condition. The ACM then provides the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off inputs to the instrument
cluster. If the ACM provides a lamp-on input after
the bulb test, it indicates that the ACM has detected
a system malfunction and/or that the airbags and
seat belt tensioners may not deploy when required,
or may deploy when not required. The ACM will
store a DTC for any malfunction it detects. The ACM
input circuit to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the SRS, the ACM, or
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the air-
bag indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An ambient temperature indicator is optional
equipment on all instrument clusters. In vehicles so
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 11

next required engine oil maintenance is anticipated.
ASSYST also provides several audible indications
using the electronic tone generator on the instrument
cluster circuit board to supplement these visual dis-
plays.
The indications of the ASSYST engine oil mainte-
nance indicator are not visible when the LCD is not
illuminated. When illuminated, the ASSYST indica-
tions appear as dark characters and icons silhouetted
against an amber field. When the exterior lighting is
turned Off, the display is illuminated at maximum
brightness. When the exterior lighting is turned On,
the display illumination level can be adjusted in con-
cert with the cluster general illumination lighting
using the ª+º (plus) and ª2º (minus) multi-function
indicator push buttons. The ASSYST engine oil main-
tenance indicator is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The ASSYST engine oil maintenance indicator
microprocessor uses numerous criteria besides time
and mileage to evaluate vehicle maintenance require-
ments. Time data is taken from the electronic digital
clock integral to the instrument cluster. Vehicle dis-
tance data is obtained from the Controller Antilock
Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus. Coolant temperature, engine oil
temperature, engine oil level, engine oil quality,
engine speed, and engine load data are obtained from
the Engine Control Module (ECM) over the CAN
data bus. Using all of the available data and internal
programming, the ASSYST microprocessor then cal-
culates the estimated time and distance to the next
required engine oil maintenance interval. The
ASSYST uses the multi-function indicator LCD to
display that data and, when necessary, issues audible
alerts to the vehicle operator through the electronic
tone generator on the cluster circuit board.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use, operation and
resetting procedures for the ASSYST maintenance
computer. Proper diagnosis and testing of the
ASSYST engine oil maintenance computer, the CAN
data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs
to the EMIC that are used by the ASSYST computer
for its calculations requires the use of a diagnostic
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The MIL islocated near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the right of the multi-function indicator display.
The MIL consists of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªEngineº imprinted within a
rectangular cutout in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible when it is not illuminated. An amber Light
Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the
opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to appear
silhouetted against an amber field through the trans-
lucent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator
is illuminated from behind by the LED, which is sol-
dered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The MIL is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Engine
Control Module (ECM) has recorded a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics II
(OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component mal-
function. The MIL is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the ECM over the Controller Area
Network (CAN) data bus. The MIL 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 detects that the ignition switch is in the On
position. Therefore, the LED will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On. The
LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the MIL for the fol-
lowing reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the MIL is illuminated as a
bulb test. The indicator will remain illuminated until
the engine is started, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²MIL Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a MIL lamp-on message from the ECM,
the indicator will be illuminated. The indicator will
remain illuminated until the detected fault is
repaired, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first. For more infor-
mation on the ECM and the DTC set and reset
parameters, (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL -
OPERATION).
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no lamp-on or lamp-off message from the ECM, the
MIL is illuminated by the instrument cluster. The
indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the
cluster until a valid lamp-on or lamp-off message is
received from the ECM.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 21

the instrument cluster, directly below the speedome-
ter. However, the odometer and trip odometer infor-
mation are not displayed simultaneously. The ªmiº
(miles) or ªkmº (kilometers) switch on the instrument
cluster circuit board toggles the display between
odometer and trip odometer modes by depressing the
switch push button that extends through the lower
edge of the cluster lens, directly below the multi-
function indicator LCD.
The odometer and trip odometer information is
stored in the instrument cluster memory. This infor-
mation can be increased when the proper inputs are
provided to the instrument cluster, but the informa-
tion cannot be decreased. The odometer can display
values up to 999,999 kilometers (999,999 miles). The
odometer latches at these values, and will not roll
over to zero. The trip odometer can display values up
to 999.9 kilometers (999.9 miles) before it rolls over
to zero. The odometer display does not have a deci-
mal point and will not show values less than a full
unit (kilometer or mile), while the trip odometer dis-
play does have a decimal point and will show tenths
of a unit (kilometer or mile). The unit of measure
(kilometers or miles) for the odometer and trip odom-
eter display is imprinted on the cluster overlay below
the left end of the LCD. The unit of measure for the
instrument cluster odometer/trip odometer is selected
at the time that it is manufactured, and cannot be
changed.
The indications of the odometer/trip odometer are
not visible when the LCD is not illuminated. When
illuminated the indications appear as dark charac-
ters silhouetted against an amber field. When the
exterior lighting is turned Off, the display is illumi-
nated at maximum brightness. When the exterior
lighting is turned On the display illumination level
can be adjusted in concert with the cluster general
illumination lighting using the plus and minus multi-
function indicator push buttons. The odometer has a
ªRental Carº mode, which will activate the multi-
function indicator LCD and illuminate the odometer
information for about thirty seconds after one of the
multi-function indicator push buttons is momentarily
depressed, or after the key is inserted into the igni-
tion switch lock cylinder with the ignition switch in
the Off position.
The odometer/trip odometer and the miles/kilome-
ters switch, and the miles/kilometers switch push
button are serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The odometer and trip odometer give an indication
to the vehicle operator of the distance the vehicle has
traveled. This indicator is controlled by the instru-
ment cluster circuitry based upon cluster program-
ming and electronic messages received by the cluster
from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB) over theController Area Network (CAN) data bus. The odom-
eter and trip odometer information is displayed by
the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD). The LCD will display the odometer informa-
tion whenever it is activated, and will display the
last previously selected odometer or trip odometer
information when the ignition switch is turned to the
On position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the LCD and provides the following features:
²Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Toggling-
Actuating the multi-function indicator ªmiº (miles) or
ªkmº (kilometers) switch push button momentarily
with the LCD illuminated will toggle the display
between the odometer and trip odometer information.
Each time the LCD is illuminated with the ignition
switch in the On or Start positions, the display will
automatically return to the last mode previously
selected (odometer or trip odometer).
²Trip Odometer Reset- When the multi-func-
tion indicator ªmiº (miles) or ªkmº (kilometers) switch
push button is pressed and held for longer than
about two seconds, the trip odometer will be reset to
000.0 kilometers (miles). The LCD must be display-
ing the trip odometer information in order for the
trip odometer information to be reset.
The CAB continually monitors the vehicle speed
pulse information received from the four wheel speed
sensors, then sends the proper distance messages to
the instrument cluster. For proper diagnosis of the
wheel speed sensors, the CAB, the CAN data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the odometer/trip odometer, a diag-
nostic scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A park brake indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The park brake indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
park brake indicator consists of stencil-like cutout of
the word ªPARKº in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible when it is not illuminated. A red Light Emitting
Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of
the overlay causes the ªPARKº 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 park brake indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 23

OPERATION
The wiper motor operation is controlled by the
vehicle operator through battery current inputs
received by the wiper motor from the wiper switch
circuitry of the multi-function switch on the top of
the steering column, and from the wiper relay on the
fuse block underneath the steering column. The
wiper motor speed is controlled by current flow to
either the low speed or the high speed set of brushes.
The automatic resetting circuit breaker protects the
motor from overloads.
The park switch consists of a contact disc and
three contacts. The contact disc is mechanically fas-
tened to and rotated with a gear in the wiper motor
transmission. Two input contacts alternately close
the wiper park switch sense output circuit contact to
ground or to battery current, depending upon the
position of the wipers on the glass. This feature
allows the intermittent wipe logic circuit to monitor
the position and the cycles of the wiper motor to pro-
vide the intermittent wipe and wipe-after-wash
modes, as well as allowing the motor to complete its
current wipe cycle after the wiper system has been
turned Off and park the wiper blades in the lowest
portion of the wipe pattern.
The wiper motor may be diagnosed using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and methods.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the vehicle wire harness connector
for the wiper motor from the motor pigtail wire con-
nector (Fig. 32).
8R - 32 WIPERS/WASHERSVA

8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
OUTLET.............................2
REMOVAL.............................2
CIRCUIT BREAKER
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIRCUIT
BREAKER............................2
FUSE BLOCK #1
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3FUSE BLOCK #2
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER OUTLET . 4
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RELAY.........5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION
This section describes the power distribution com-
ponents used on this model as well as the methods in
which battery voltage and charging system voltage is
distributed throughout the vehicle. The power distri-
bution system for this vehicle consists of the follow-
ing major components which are covered in further
detail later in this section:
²Fuseblock #1
²Fuseblock #2
²Power Distribution Center (PDC)
The power distribution system also incorporates
various types of circuit control and protection fea-
tures, including:
²Automatic resetting circuit breakers
²Blade-type fuses
²Cartridge fuses
²Relays
Following are general descriptions and theory of
operation for the major components in the power dis-
tribution system. Refer to Wiring for the location of
complete circuit diagrams for the various power dis-
tribution system components.
OPERATION
The power distribution system for this vehicle is
designed to provide safe, reliable, and centralized dis-
tribution points for the electrical current required to
operate all of the standard and optional factory-in-
stalled electrical and powertrain, chassis, safety,
security and convenience systems. At the same time,
the power distribution system was designed to pro-
vide easy access to these electrical distribution points
for the vehicle technician to use when conducting
diagnosis and repair of faulty circuits. The power dis-
tribution system can also prove useful for the addi-
tion of electrical circuits that may be required to
operate accessories that the vehicle owner may
choose to have installed in the aftermarket.
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
The cigar lighter outlet is installed in the instru-
ment panel, near the center of the instrument panel.
The cigar lighter outlet is secured by a snap fit
within the instrument panel.
The cigar lighter knob/heating element, and the
cigar lighter outlet are available for service. These
components cannot be repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, they must be replaced.
VA8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 1

OPERATION
The cigar lighter consists of two major components:
a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar
lighter base or receptacle shell. The receptacle shell
is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in
the bottom of the shell is connected to battery cur-
rent. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a
fuse in the fuseblock only when the ignition switch is
in the Accessory or On positions.
The knob and heating element are encased within
a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding
protective heat shield. When the heating element is
inserted in the receptacle shell, the heating element
resistor coil is grounded through its housing to the
receptacle shell. If the cigar lighter knob is pushed
inward, the heat shield slides up toward the knob
exposing the heating element.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on
either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom
of the receptacle shell. These clips engage and hold
the heating element against the insulated contact
long enough for the resistor coil to heat up and glow.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated,
excess heat radiates from the heating element caus-
ing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips
expand far enough to release the heating element,
the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heat-
ing element to pop back outward to their relaxed
position. When the cigar lighter knob and element
are pulled out of the receptacle shell, the protective
heat shield slides downward on the housing so that
the heating element is recessed and shielded around
its circumference for safety.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
OUTLET
For cigar lighter outlet diagnosis and testing pro-
cedures (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRI-
BUTION/POWER OUTLET - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
REMOVAL
For cigar lighter outlet removal procedure (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/POWER
OUTLET - REMOVAL).
CIRCUIT BREAKER
DESCRIPTION
Automatic resetting circuit breakers are used to
protect the power window voltage supply circuits.
These circuit breakers can protect the systems from a
short circuit, or from an overload condition caused byan obstructed or stuck power window regulator or
switch.
The circuit breaker cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The circuit breaker contains a bi-metal strip sand-
wiched between two contacts forming the connection
in the circuit. An overload condition causes the
bi-metal strip to heat and bend to the open position,
disconnecting current flow to the circuit. Then as the
system overload or short circuit is removed, the
bi-metal strip cools, re-establishing contact to allow
current flow to the circuit.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIRCUIT BREAKER
For complete circuit descriptions and diagrams,
refer toWiring.
(1) Locate the correct circuit breaker in the fuse-
block. Pull out the circuit breaker slightly, but be cer-
tain that the circuit breaker terminals still contact
the terminals in the fuseblock cavities.
(2) Connect the negative lead of a 12-volt DC volt-
meter to a good ground.
(3) With the voltmeter positive lead, check both
terminals of the circuit breaker for battery voltage.
If only one terminal has battery voltage, the circuit
breaker is faulty and must be replaced. If neither ter-
minal has battery voltage, repair the open circuit
from the Power Distribution Center as required.
FUSE BLOCK #1
DESCRIPTION
An electrical fuse block is concealed under the
driver side steering column. The fuse block serves to
distribute electrical current to many of the electrical
systems in the vehicle. The fuse block contains blade-
type mini fuses, relays and micro processors that
enable automatic control of some of the power distri-
bution circuits throughout the vehicle.
The molded plastic fuse block housing has an inte-
gral mounting bracket that is secured with screws to
the steering column. A finger recess is molded into
the cover for easy removal. A fuse layout map is
molded onto the back side of the cover to ensure
proper fuse identification.
The fuse block cannot be repaired, if the fuse block
is faulty or damaged or if any internal circuit is
faulty or damaged, the entire fuse block must be
replaced.
8W - 97 - 2 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONVA

OPERATION
All of the circuits entering and leaving the fuse
block do so through the instrument panel wire har-
ness. Internal connection of all of the fuse block cir-
cuits is accomplished by an intricate combination of
hard wiring and bus bars. Internal relays and micro
processors allow the vehicle electronics to control
some of the power distribution circuits throughout
the vehicle. Refer to the Wiring section for complete
circuit diagrams.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove fuse block cover by rotating locking
screw 90É.
(3) Remove the steering column cover. Refer to the
Body section for the procedure.
(4) Unscrew fuse block connections and disconnect
all electrical connectors from the fuse block.
(5) Remove the fuse block from the steering col-
umn.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the fuse block in the steering column.
(2) Install fuse block connections and connect all
electrical connectors on the fuse block.
(3) Install the steering column cover. Refer to the
Body section for the procedure.
(4) Install fuse block cover by rotating locking
screw 90É.
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
(6) Set time and radio stations.
FUSE BLOCK #2
DESCRIPTION
An electrical fuse block is concealed under the
driver side front seat. The fuse block serves to dis-
tribute electrical current to many of the electrical
systems in the vehicle. The fuse block houses blade-
type mini fuses, blade-type automatic resetting cir-
cuit breakers and International Standards
Organization relays. Additional provisions are avail-
able in the fuse block for additional fuses and ISO
relays.
The molded plastic fuse block housing has an inte-
gral mounting bracket that is secured with screws to
the seat base. The driver side seat base also has a
snap-fit fuse access panel that can be removed for
service of the fuses and the relays. A finger recess is
molded into one end for easy removal. A fuse layout
map is molded onto the back side of the panel to
ensure proper fuse identification.
The fuse block is integral to the body wire harness.
If any internal circuit or the fuse block housing isfaulty or damaged, the entire fuse block and body
wire harness unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
All of the circuits entering and leaving the fuse
block do so through the body wire harness. Internal
connection of all of the fuse block circuits is accom-
plished by an intricate combination of hard wiring
and bus bars.
POWER DISTRIBUTION CEN-
TER
DESCRIPTION
All of the electrical current distributed throughout
this vehicle is directed through the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). The molded plastic PDC housing
is located in the left front corner of the engine com-
partment, on the battery positive cable. The PDC
housing has a molded plastic cover that slides over
the PDC housing. The PDC cover is easily opened or
removed for service access.
The PDC unit cannot be repaired and is only ser-
viced as a unit with the headlamp and dash wire
harness. If the internal circuits or the PDC housing
are faulty or damaged, the headlamp and dash wire
harness unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
All of the current from the battery and the gener-
ator output enters the PDC through the positive bat-
tery cable. The PDC cover is removed to access the
battery and generator output connection B(+) termi-
nal studs. Internal connection of all of the PDC cir-
cuits is accomplished by an intricate combination of
hard wiring and bus bars. Refer to Wiring Diagrams
for the location of complete PDC circuit diagrams.
POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
The power outlet is installed in the instrument
panel accessory switch plate, which is located near
the center of the instrument panel. The power outlet
base is secured by a snap fit within the instrument
panel. A plastic protective cap snaps over the power
outlet base when the power outlet is not being used.
While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar
lighter base unit, it does not include the two small
spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the recepta-
cle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter
heating element to the insulated contact.
The power outlet receptacle unit are available for
service. The power outlet receptacle cannot be
VA8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 3