MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

equipped, the ambient temperature indication can be
toggled with the clock indication on the right side of
the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) located near the lower edge of the instrument
cluster, directly below the speedometer. The ambient
temperature indication consists of a numeric value
with a ª+º (plus) or ª2º (minus) prefix, and the unit
of measure is identified with the characters ªÉCº
(Canadian vehicles only) or ªÉFº (United States vehi-
cles only) located directly above the temperature
indication. The indications of the ambient tempera-
ture indicator are not visible when the LCD is not
illuminated. When illuminated the indications
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 ambient temperature
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The optional ambient temperature indicator gives
an indication to the vehicle operator of the outside
air temperature. This indicator is controlled by the
instrument cluster microprocessor based upon cluster
programming and a hard wired input received by the
cluster from the ambient temperature sensor. The
ambient temperature indicator is completely con-
trolled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will allow this indicator to operate when-
ever the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Dis-
play (LCD) is activated. Therefore, the ambient
temperature indicator remains functional regardless
of the ignition switch position.
The vehicle operator can choose to have the ambi-
ent temperature indicator displayed instead of the
clock information, but the clock and ambient temper-
ature indicator cannot be displayed at the same time.
The clock or ambient temperature indicator display
option is selected using the multi-function indicator
clock switch on the instrument cluster circuit board.
This switch is actuated manually by depressing the
clock switch push button that extends through the
lower edge of the cluster lens below the left end of
the multi-function indicator. Actuating this switch
momentarily will toggle the display between the
clock and ambient temperature indicator modes.
Actuating this switch twice within about one second
will cause the display to toggle, but then automati-
cally revert to the originally selected mode after
about twenty seconds.
The ambient temperature sensor located below the
front bumper is a Negative Temperature Coefficient
(NTC) thermistor. The internal resistance of the sen-sor is reduced as the ambient temperature rises. The
instrument cluster continually monitors the resis-
tance through the sensor to determine the tempera-
ture value to be displayed. The current value is
displayed immediately after the LCD is activated.
The display value will remain static regardless of
decreases in the sensor resistance (temperature ris-
ing) below vehicle speeds of 10 to 15 kilometers-per-
hour (6 to 9 miles-per-hour). Decreases in the sensor
resistance above 15 kilometers-per-hour (9 miles-per-
hour) and increases the sensor resistance (tempera-
ture falling) regardless of vehicle speed are displayed
subject to a sixty second delay.
The ambient temperature sensor is connected to
the instrument cluster in series between the ambient
temperature sensor return and sense circuits. The
ambient temperature sensor and the return and
sense circuits to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the ambient temperature indi-
cator, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.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, to the
left of the multi-function indicator display. In vehi-
cles built for the United States market, the brake
indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout of the word
ªBRAKEº in the opaque layer of the instrument clus-
ter overlay. In vehicles built for the Canadian mar-
ket, the brake indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªBrake Failureº
imprinted within a rectangular cutout in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. In either
case, 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 to appear in red, or the
icon to appear silhouetted against a red field 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 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 there are certain brake hydraulic
system malfunctions as indicated by a low brake
hydraulic fluid level condition, or when there is a
problem in the electronic brake force distribution
8J - 12 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

(EBV) system. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming, electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Controller Antilock
Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus, and a hard wired input from the
brake fluid level switch. The brake 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 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 brake indica-
tor 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 Fluid Level Switch Input- Each time
the cluster detects ground on the brake indicator sig-
nal circuit (brake fluid level switch closed = brake
fluid level low) while the ignition switch is in the On
position, the brake indicator is illuminated. The indi-
cator remains illuminated until the brake signal indi-
cator input to the cluster is an open circuit (brake
fluid level switch open = brake fluid level okay), or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBV)
Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a EBV indicator lamp-on message from
the CAB, the indicator will be illuminated. The indi-
cator 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.
The CAB continually monitors the EBV system cir-
cuits 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 instru-
ment cluster. If the CAB sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has
detected a system malfunction and that the EBV sys-
tem has become inoperative. The CAB will store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it
detects.
The brake fluid level switch in the brake master
cylinder provides a hard wired ground input to the
instrument cluster circuitry through the brake indi-
cator signal circuit whenever the fluid level in the
brake master cylinder is low. The switch is connected
in parallel between ground and the instrument clus-
ter. The brake fluid level switch and the input circuit
to the instrument cluster can be diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and methods. For properdiagnosis of the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the brake indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake wear indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The brake wear indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
brake wear indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªWorn Brake
Liningsº imprinted within a rectangular cutout 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 silhouetted against an amber field
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 brake wear indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The brake wear indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the brake linings have reached
their wear limits. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and a hard wired
input from the four brake wear sensors, one at each
wheel. The brake wear 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 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 brake wear indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the brake wear indicator is
illuminated by the instrument cluster for about two
seconds as a bulb test.
²Brake Wear Sensor Input- Each time the
cluster detects ground on the brake wear sense cir-
cuit (brake wear sensor closed = brake lining wear
limit exceeded) while the ignition switch is in the On
position, the brake wear indicator is illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the brake wear
sense input to the cluster is an open circuit (brake
wear sensor open = brake lining wear within limits),
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 13

or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, whichever occurs first.
A brake wear sensor located at each wheel provides
a hard wired ground input to the instrument cluster
circuitry through the brake wear sense circuit when-
ever the brake linings for that wheel have exceeded
their wear limits. The four normally open brake wear
sensors are connected in parallel between ground and
instrument cluster. The brake wear sensors and their
input circuit to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the brake wear indicator, a
diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
CHARGING INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A charging indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The charging indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the multi-function indicator display. The
charging indicator consists of the International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging
Conditionº imprinted within a rectangular cutout in
the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay.
The dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indi-
cator from being clearly visible when it is not illumi-
nated. A red Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the
cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
icon to appear silhouetted against a red field 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 elec-
tronic circuit board. The charging indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The charging indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the electrical system voltage is
too low. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and a hard wired input from the
generator. The charging 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 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 charging indica-
tor for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position with the engine not run-ning the charging indicator is illuminated by the
instrument cluster as a bulb test.
²Generator Input- Each time the cluster
detects that the voltage of the generator input is 12.7
volts or lower while the engine is running, the charg-
ing indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster detects that the
voltage of the generator input is above 12.7 volts, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
The generator provides a hard wired input to the
instrument cluster circuitry on the engine running
(D+) circuit. If the instrument cluster turns on the
indicator while the engine is running, it may indicate
that the charging system requires service. The gener-
ator input circuit to the instrument cluster can be
diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and
methods. For proper diagnosis of the charging sys-
tem, or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls
the charging indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
CLOCK
DESCRIPTION
An electronic digital clock is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. In vehicles equipped with
the optional ambient temperature indicator, the clock
indication can be toggled with the ambient tempera-
ture indication on the right side of the multi-function
indicator Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located near
the lower edge of the instrument cluster, directly
below the speedometer. The clock provides a 12 hour-
based, digital indication of the current hours and
minutes. The indications of the clock are not visible
when the LCD is not illuminated. When illuminated
the indications appear as dark characters 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 clock is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The clock gives an indication to the vehicle opera-
tor of the current time. The electronic digital clock is
controlled by the instrument cluster microprocessor
based upon cluster programming. The clock display is
completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic
circuit, and that logic will only allow this indication
to be viewed when the multi-function indicator Liq-
uid Crystal Display (LCD) is activated. However, the
8J - 14 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

clock remains functional regardless of the ignition
switch position.
The vehicle operator can choose to have the
optional ambient temperature indicator displayed
instead of the clock information, but the clock and
ambient temperature indicator cannot be displayed
at the same time. The clock or ambient temperature
indicator display option is selected using the multi-
function indicator clock switch on the instrument
cluster circuit board. This switch is actuated manu-
ally by depressing the clock switch push button that
extends through the lower edge of the cluster lens
below the left end of the multi-function indicator.
Actuating this switch momentarily will toggle the
display between the clock and ambient temperature
indicator modes. Actuating this switch twice within
about one second will cause the display to toggle, but
then automatically revert to the originally selected
mode after about twenty seconds.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use, operation and
setting procedures for the clock. For proper testing of
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
clock functions, a diagnostic scan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A coolant low indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The coolant low indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
coolant low indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªLow Engine
Coolantº imprinted within a rectangular cutout in
the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay.
The dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indi-
cator from being clearly visible when it is not illumi-
nated. A red Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the
cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
icon to appear silhouetted against a red field 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 elec-
tronic circuit board. The coolant low indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The coolant low indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the engine coolant level is low.
This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and a hard wired input received by the
cluster from the engine coolant level switch. The cool-
ant low indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster logiccircuit, 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 instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the coolant low indicator for the following
reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the coolant low indicator is
illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Engine Coolant Level Switch Input- Each
time the cluster detects an appropriate input on the
low coolant fluid level sense circuit (engine coolant
level switch resistance low = engine coolant level low)
while the ignition switch is in the On position, the
coolant low indicator will be illuminated. The indica-
tor remains illuminated until the low coolant fluid
level sense input to the cluster changes (engine cool-
ant level switch resistance high = engine coolant
level full), or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first. The engine
coolant level switch also features a diagnostic resis-
tor connected in parallel between the switch input
and output to provide the cluster with verification
that the low coolant fluid level sense circuit is not
open or shorted.
The engine coolant level switch integral to the cool-
ant bottle provides a hard wired input to the instru-
ment cluster circuitry through the low coolant fluid
level sense circuit. The engine coolant level switch
and the low coolant fluid level sense circuit to the
instrument cluster can be diagnosed using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and methods. For proper diag-
nosis of the instrument cluster circuitry that controls
the coolant low indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An engine coolant temperature gauge is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The engine
coolant temperature gauge is located in the upper
right corner of the instrument cluster, to the right of
the speedometer. The engine coolant temperature
gauge consists of a movable gauge needle or pointer
controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry and a
fixed 45 degree scale on the cluster overlay that
reads left-to-right from 120É C to 40É C for Canadian
vehicles, or from 250É F to 110É F for United States
vehicles. An International Control and Display Sym-
bol icon for ªEngine Coolant Temperatureº is located
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15

on the cluster overlay, directly below the high end of
the scale. Just to the right of the icon, the nomencla-
ture ªÉCº or ªÉFº confirms the unit of measure for the
gauge readings.
The engine coolant temperature gauge graphics are
white against a black field, except for a single red
graduation at the far left (high) end of the gauge
scale, making them clearly visible within the instru-
ment cluster in daylight. When illuminated from
behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster
illumination lighting with the exterior lamps turned
On, the white graphics appear amber and the red
graphics appear red. The orange gauge needle is
internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is pro-
vided by Light Emitting Diode (LED) units soldered
onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit board.
The engine coolant temperature gauge is serviced as
a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The engine coolant temperature gauge gives an
indication to the vehicle operator of the engine cool-
ant temperature. This gauge is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Engine Control Module (ECM)
over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.
The engine coolant temperature gauge is an air core
magnetic unit that receives battery current on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board when the
instrument cluster detects that the ignition switch is
in the On position. The cluster is programmed to
move the gauge needle back to the low end of the
scale after the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the gauge needle position and provides the following
features:
²Engine Temperature Normal Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the ECM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is within
the normal operating range [up to about 120É C (250É
F), the gauge needle is moved to the actual relative
temperature position on the gauge scale.
²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the ECM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is high
[above about 120É C (250É F) the gauge needle is
moved into the red warning zone on the gauge scale.
The ECM continually monitors the engine coolant
temperature sensor to determine the engine operat-
ing temperature. The ECM then sends the proper
engine coolant temperature messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the instrument cluster moves the
engine coolant temperature gauge needle to red area
of the gauge scale, it may indicate that the engine or
the engine cooling system require service. For proper
diagnosis of the engine coolant temperature sensor,
the ECM, the CAN data bus, the electronic messageinputs to the instrument cluster, or the instrument
cluster circuitry that controls the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge, a diagnostic scan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
ESP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) indicator is
standard equipment on all instrument clusters, but is
only functional on vehicles equipped with the
optional ESP system. The ESP indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the
right of the multi-function indicator display. The ESP
indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout of the text
ªESPº 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 text 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 ESP indicator is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The ESP indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the ESP 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 Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.
The ESP 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 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 instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the ESP indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ESP indicator is illu-
minated by the cluster for about two seconds as a
bulb test.
²ESP Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the
ESP 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.
8J - 16 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

The CAB continually monitors the ESP 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 ESP system has
become inoperative. The CAB will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects.
For proper diagnosis of the ESP system, the CAB,
the CAN data bus, the electronic message inputs to
the instrument cluster, or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls the ESP indicator, a diagnostic
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
FUEL FILTER CLOGGED INDI-
CATOR
DESCRIPTION
A fuel filter clogged indicator is standard equip-
ment on all instrument clusters. The fuel filter
clogged indicator is located near the left edge of the
instrument cluster, next to the tachometer. The fuel
filter clogged indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªFuel Filterº
imprinted within a rectangular cutout 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 silhouetted against an amber field 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 elec-
tronic circuit board. The fuel filter clogged indicator
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The fuel filter clogged indicator gives an indication
to the vehicle operator when the pressure in the fuel
system is low, which could indicate that the fuel filter
is clogged. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN)
data bus. The fuel filter clogged indicator Light Emit-
ting 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 off
when the ignition switch is in any position except
On. The LED only illuminates when it is provided apath to ground by the instrument cluster transistor.
The instrument cluster will turn on the fuel filter
clogged indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the fuel filter clogged indi-
cator is illuminated by the cluster for about two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Fuel Filter Clogged Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a lamp-on message
from the ECM, the fuel filter clogged indicator will
be illuminated. The indicator 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 low fuel pres-
sure sensor located at the inlet of the high pressure
fuel pump to decide whether the fuel system is in
good operating condition. The ECM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the ECM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the ECM has
detected a low pressure condition in the fuel system,
which could result from a clogged fuel filter or from
any other restrictions in the fuel delivery system.
The ECM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
for any malfunction it detects. For proper diagnosis
of the low fuel pressure sensor, the ECM, the CAN
data bus, the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster, or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the fuel filter clogged indicator, a diagnostic
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A fuel gauge is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The fuel gauge is located in the lower
right corner of the instrument cluster, to the right of
the speedometer. The fuel gauge consists of a mov-
able gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instru-
ment cluster circuitry and a fixed 45 degree scale on
the cluster overlay that reads left-to-right from ªFº
(or Full) to ªEº (or Empty). An International Control
and Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº is located on the
cluster overlay, directly to the left of the low end of
the scale.
The fuel gauge graphics are white against a black
field, making them clearly visible within the instru-
ment cluster in daylight. When illuminated from
behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster
illumination lighting with the exterior lamps turned
On, the white graphics appear amber. The orange
gauge needle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumi-
nation is provided by Light Emitting Diode (LED)
units soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17

circuit board. The fuel gauge is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The fuel gauge gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the level of fuel in the fuel tank. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and a hard
wired input received by the cluster from the fuel
level sensor in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge is an air
core magnetic unit that receives battery current on
the instrument cluster electronic circuit board when
the instrument cluster detects that the ignition
switch is in the On position. The cluster is pro-
grammed to move the gauge needle back to the low
end of the scale after the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position. The instrument cluster circuitry
controls the gauge needle position and provides the
following features:
²Fuel Level Sensor Input (At Ignition On)-
When the cluster detects the ignition switch has been
turned to the On position, the cluster moves the
gauge needle to the proper relative position on the
gauge scale as signaled by the fuel level sensor with-
out any electronic damping.
²Fuel Level Sensor Input (After Ignition On)
- After the ignition switch has been turned to the On
position, the cluster applies an algorithm to the input
from the fuel level sensor to electronically dampen
gauge needle movement against the negative effect
that fuel sloshing within the fuel tank can have on
accurate gauge readings.
²Fuel Level Sensor Input Open- If the fuel
level sensor input to the instrument cluster is an
open circuit, the cluster will move the fuel gauge nee-
dle to the ªEº (Empty) position on the gauge scale,
but the low fuel indicator will not be illuminated.
The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank provides a
hard wired input to the instrument cluster circuitry
through the fuel level sense circuit. The fuel level
sensor is a potentiometer that changes resistance
according to the fuel level. The instrument cluster
applies a fuel tank characteristic curve and fuel tank
reserve valve setting to the fuel level sensor input,
which must be configured when the cluster is initial-
ized. These characteristics determine the algorithm
the cluster uses to display the fuel level data on the
fuel gauge and the control for the low fuel warning
indicator. As the fuel level decreases, the resistance
through the fuel level sensor increases. The fuel level
sensor and the fuel level sense circuit to the instru-
ment cluster can be diagnosed using conventional
diagnostic tools and methods. For proper diagnosis of
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the fuel
gauge, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An electronic automatic transmission gear selector
indicator is standard equipment on all instrument
clusters. The gear selector indicator information is
displayed in the center of the multi-function indicator
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located near the lower
edge of the instrument cluster, directly below the
speedometer. The gear selector indicator displays the
following characters as they are selected: ªP,º ªR,º
ªN,º ªD,º ª4,º ª3,º ª2,º and ª1.º Respectively, these
characters represent the currently selected park,
reverse, neutral, drive, fourth gear, third gear, second
gear, and first gear positions of the transmission gear
selector lever on the instrument panel.
The indications of the gear selector indicator are
not visible unless the multi-function indicator LCD is
illuminated and the engine is running. When illumi-
nated, each indication appears as a dark character
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 concert with the cluster general illumina-
tion lighting using the ª+º (plus) and ª2º (minus)
multi-function indicator push buttons. The gear
selector indicator is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The electronic gear selector indicator gives an indi-
cation to the vehicle operator of the transmission
gear that is currently selected with the automatic
transmission gear selector lever. This indicator is
controlled by the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received from the Transmission Control Module
(TCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data
bus. The gear selector indicator information is dis-
played by the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) unit on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The multi-function indicator
LCD is completely controlled by the instrument clus-
ter logic circuit, and that logic will only allow the
gear selector indicator information to be displayed
when the instrument cluster detects that the ignition
switch is in the On position. Therefore, the gear
selector indicator will always be off when the ignition
switch is in any position except On.
The TCM continually monitors the transmission
range sensor, then sends the proper gear selector
indicator position messages to the instrument cluster.
For proper diagnosis of the transmission range sen-
sor, the TCM, the CAN data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the gear selector indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is
8J - 18 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A high beam indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The high beam indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
high beam indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªHigh Beamº
imprinted within a rectangular cutout in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. A
blue Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to
appear silhouetted against a blue field 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 high beam indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The high beam indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator whenever the headlamp high beams
are illuminated. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and a hard wired
input from the multi-function switch. The high beam
indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely
controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will allow this indicator to operate when-
ever the instrument cluster receives battery current
on the fused B(+) circuit. Therefore, the LED can be
illuminated regardless of the ignition switch position.
The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path
to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the high beam indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the high beam indicator is
illuminated by the cluster for about two seconds as a
bulb test.
²High Beams On Input- Each time the cluster
receives a high beam headlamps-on input from the
multi-function switch, the high beam indicator will
be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a high beam headlamps-off
input from the multi-function switch.
The instrument cluster continually monitors the
multi-function switch input to determine whether the
high beam indicator should be illuminated or extin-
guished. The multi-function switch and the multi-
function switch input circuit to the instrumentcluster can be diagnosed using conventional diagnos-
tic tools and methods. For proper diagnosis of the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the high
beam indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A low fuel indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The low fuel indicator is located
directly below the low end of the fuel gauge scale.
The low fuel indicator consists of a small triangular
cutout 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 triangle 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 low fuel indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The low fuel indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the level of fuel in the fuel
tank becomes low. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and a hard wired
input received by the cluster from the fuel level sen-
sor in the fuel tank. The low fuel 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 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 low fuel indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the low fuel indicator is
illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Fuel Level Sensor Input- Each time the clus-
ter receives an input from the fuel level sensor indi-
cating that the fuel level has reached about 12 liters
(3 gallons) or less, the low fuel indicator is illumi-
nated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives an input from the fuel level sensor
indicating that the fuel level is above 12 liters (3 gal-
lons), or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position, whichever occurs first.
The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank provides a
hard wired input to the instrument cluster circuitry
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19

through the fuel level sense circuit. The fuel level
sensor is a potentiometer that changes resistance
according to the fuel level. As the fuel level
decreases, the resistance through the fuel level sen-
sor increases. The instrument cluster applies a fuel
tank characteristic curve and fuel tank reserve valve
setting to the fuel level sensor input, which must be
configured when the cluster is initialized. These
characteristics determine the algorithm the cluster
uses to display the fuel level data on the fuel gauge
and the control for the low fuel warning indicator.
The fuel level sensor and the fuel level sense circuit
to the instrument cluster can be diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and methods. For proper
diagnosis of the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the fuel gauge, a diagnostic scan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
LOW OIL LEVEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A low oil level indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The low oil level indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
low oil level indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªEngine Oilº
imprinted within a rectangular cutout 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 icon to appear
silhouetted against a red field through the translu-
cent 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 low oil level indicator is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The low oil level indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the engine oil level is low.
This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN)
data bus. The low oil level 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 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 toground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the low oil level indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the low oil level indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Engine Oil Level Low Message- Once the
engine has been started, each time the cluster
receives a message from the ECM indicating that the
engine oil level is at or near the ªMinimumº mark on
the dipstick, the low oil level indicator is illuminated.
The indicator remains illuminated briefly at first, but
will remain illuminated for longer periods as subse-
quent messages indicate that the oil level has
dropped further. Eventually, the indicator will
remain illuminated solid until the engine oil level is
corrected, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
The instrument cluster also supplements the oil
level indicator by displaying an engine oil icon along
with alpha-numeric messages in the multi-function
indicator Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) advising the
vehicle operator how much oil is required to correct
the engine oil level, and when the ªMaximumº engine
oil level has been exceeded. See the owner's manual
in the vehicle glove box for more information on this
feature.
The ECM continually monitors the engine oil level
and temperature sensor to determine the engine oil
level. The ECM then sends the proper engine oil
level messages to the instrument cluster. If the
instrument cluster turns on the indicator after the
bulb test, even after the engine oil level is sufficient,
it may indicate that the engine or the engine oiling
system requires service. For proper diagnosis of the
engine oil level and temperature sensor, the ECM,
the CAN data bus, or the electronic message inputs
to the instrument cluster that control the low oil
level indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MAINTENANCE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oil
maintenance indicator is optional equipment on all
instrument clusters. In vehicles so equipped, a sec-
ond, dedicated ASSYST microprocessor is integral to
the cluster electronic circuit board. The ASSYST indi-
cations are displayed and can be toggled with the
clock indication on the right side of the multi-func-
tion indicator Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
directly below the speedometer. The ASSYST displays
include numeric values combined with several icons
to indicate actual engine oil level, and reminders in
time (days) or distance (miles or kilometers) until the
8J - 20 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

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