(2) With engine running, move test probe along
entire length of all cables (approximately 0 to 1/8
inch gap). If punctures or cracks are present there
will be a noticeable spark jump from the faulty area
to the probe. Cracked, leaking or faulty cables should
be replaced. Use the following procedure when removing the
high tension cable from the spark plug. First, remove
the cable from the retaining bracket. Then grasp the
terminal as close as possible to the spark plug. Ro-
tate the cover (boot) slightly and pull straight back.
Do not use pliers and do not pull the cable at an
angle. Doing so will damage the insulation, cable
terminal or the spark plug insulator. Wipe spark
plug insulator clean before reinstalling cable
and cover. Resistance cables are identified by the words Elec-
tronic Suppression .
Use an ohmmeter to check cables for opens, loose
terminals or high resistance. (a) Remove cable from spark plug.
(b) Remove cable from the coil tower.
(c) Connect the ohmmeter between spark plug
end terminal and the coil end terminal. Resistance
should be within tolerance shown in the cable re-
sistance chart. If resistance is not within tolerance,
replace cable assembly. Test all spark plug cables
in same manner.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
When replacing the spark plug cables, route the ca-
bles correctly and secure them in the appropriate re-
tainers. Incorrectly routed cables can cause the radio
to reproduce ignition noise. It can also cause cross ig-
nition of the spark plugs or short circuit the cables to
ground.
SPARK PLUG REMOVAL
Always remove cables by grasping at boot, rotating
the boot 1/2 turn, and pulling straight back in a
steady motion. (1) Prior to removing the spark plug spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. (2) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert. (3) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plug Condition in this section.
SPARK PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the spark plug gap with a gap gauge. If the
gap is not correct, adjust it by bending the ground
electrode (Fig. 6).
SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION
(1) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand. (2) Tighten spark plugs to 28 N Im (20 ft. lbs.)
torque. (3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
IDLE RPM TEST
WARNING: BE SURE TO APPLY PARKING BRAKE
AND/OR BLOCK WHEELS BEFORE PERFORMING
ANY ENGINE RUNNING TESTS.
Engine idle set rpmshould be tested and recorded
as it is when the vehicle is first brought into shop
for testing. This will assist in diagnosing complaints
of engine stalling, creeping and hard shifting on ve-
hicles equipped with automatic transaxle. Refer to the
Throttle Body Minimum Airflow procedures in Group
14.
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE
Ignition timing cannot be changed or set on Turbo
III, 3.3L or 3.8L engines. For diagnostic information,
refer to the DRBII scan tool and the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures manual.
CABLE RESISTANCE CHART
Fig. 6 Setting Spark Plug GapÐTypical
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 41
MESSAGE CENTER
The message center is a car graphic warning lamp
module. This conventional warning system and lo-
cated above the headlamp switch.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time
keeping is accurately maintained. The procedure for setting the clock varies slightly
with each radio. The correct procedure is described
under the individual radio operating instructions re-
ferred to in the Owner's Manual supplied with the
vehicle.
AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
MECHANICAL CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE
CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable, in en-
gine compartment, before servicing instrument
panel. When power is required for test purposes,
reconnect battery cable for the test only.
Disconnect negative battery cable after test and be-
fore continuing service procedures.
SENDING UNIT TEST
When a problem occurs with a cluster gauge, be-
fore disassembling the cluster to check the gauge,
check for a defective sending unit or wiring. (1) Sending units and wiring can be checked by
grounding the connector leads, at the sending unit,
in the vehicle. (2) With the ignition in the ON position; a
grounded input will cause the oil, fuel or tempera-
ture gauge to read at or above maximum.
CHECK GAUGES WARNING LAMP TESTS
The check gauges warning lamp is illuminated by
the low oil pressure sending unit switch or the body
controller when there is high temperature or charg-
ing system failure. To test the lamp, turn ignition key to the ON po-
sition without starting the vehicle. The low oil pres-
sure switch is grounded and the light will be on
indefinitely. If the lamp fails to light, pull the cluster and check
the following: (a) Continuity between ground and check gauge
pin J (Fig. 3). (b) Proper contact between the gauge pins and
wiring harness and printed circuit board pins. (c) If there is ground and proper pin contact, re-
place lamp. (d) If there is no continuity, check the low oil
pressure sending unit switch (Fig. 4 and 5).
To test the switch disconnect the switch electrical
connector. Attach positive lead of an ohmmeter to
the switch terminal for the gray (GY) wire and the
negative lead to an engine ground. With the engine
Fig. 3 Mechanical Cluster Connectors
8E - 24 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the ON or OFF po-
sition, or when the radio frequency is being dis-
played, time keeping is accurately maintained. The procedure for setting the clock varies slightly
with each radio. The correct procedure is described
under the individual radio operating instructions re-
ferred to in the Owner's manual supplied with the
vehicle.
WARNING LAMPS
The AG & AJ Body instrument clusters have warn-
ing lamps or indicators with the electronic cluster for
six different systems. These include low oil pressure,
check gauges, brake system, air bag, seat belt, mal-
function indicator (check engine) lamp.
CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE AND TESTING
CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable, in en-
gine compartment, before servicing instrument
panel. When power is required for test purposes,
reconnect battery cable for test only. Disconnect negative battery cable after test and be-
fore continuing service procedures. It is not necessary to remove instrument cluster
from vehicle for gauge replacement. Gauges must be pulled straight out, when remov-
ing or pins may be damaged.
SWITCH POD ASSEMBLY REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Pry up edge of panel vent grille, using a
straight flat edge tool to disengage clips, then re-
move grille (Fig. 4). (3) Remove two screws located under panel vent
grille. (4) Remove two screws underneath switch POD as-
sembly. (5) With tilt steering adjust steering wheel to the
lowest setting. (6) Pull switch module rearward to remove module
and disconnect all wire connections. (7) For Installation reverse above procedures.
Tighten all screws to 2 N Im (20 in. lbs.) torque.
MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC CLUSTER REMOVAL
CLUSTER MASK AND LENS REMOVAL
(1) Remove switch pod assembly (Fig. 4).
(2) Remove tilt column lever if equipped.
(3) Remove steering column trim cover.
Fig. 4 Switch POD Assembly
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 43
AP BODY INDEX
page page
Cluster and Gauge Service and Testing ....... 58
Gauges ................................ 61
General Information ....................... 58 Instrument Panel Replacement
.............. 72
Interior Lamp Replacement ................. 73
Switch and Panel Component Service ......... 67
GENERAL INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
There are two conventional instrument cluster as-
semblies available. The clusters incorporates mag-
netic type gauges and an electronically driven
speedometer and odometer assembly (Fig. 1 and 2).
MAGNETIC GAUGES
All gauges on the AP Body clusters are the mag-
netic type gauges. When the ignition switch is in the
OFF position each gauge, except for the voltmeter
and tachometer will show a reading. However, the
readings are only accurate when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
TACHOMETER DRIVE MODULE
The tachometer drive module is an electronic mod-
ule used to drive the magnetic tachometer in the
high line cluster. This module is located on top of the instrument
cluster.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time
keeping is accurately maintained. The procedure for setting the clock varies slightly
with each radio. The correct procedure is described
under the individual radio operating instructions re-
fer to the Sound Systems Manual supplied with the
vehicle.
WARNING LAMPS AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
The instrument cluster has warning and indicators
lamps for eight different systems:
² Low oil pressure
² Brake warning
² Seat belt warning
² Malfunction indicator (check engine) lamp
² Air Bag
² High beam indicator
² Right and left turn signals.
² Anti-lock (ABS)
CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE AND TESTING
CAUTION: Disconnect the negative battery cable
before servicing the instrument panel. When power
is required for test purposes, reconnect battery ca-
ble for test only. Disconnect the negative battery
cable after test and before continuing service pro-
cedures.
SENDING UNIT TEST
Check for a defective sending unit or wiring, when
a problem occurs with a cluster gauge. Do this before
disassembling the cluster. (1) Sending units and wiring can be checked by
grounding the connector leads, at the sending unit,
in the vehicle. (2) With the ignition in the ON position, a
grounded input will cause the fuel or temperature
gauge to read at or above maximum.
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster With Tachometer
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster Without Tachometer
8E - 58 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä
REAR SEAT BACK REMOVAL (FIG. 44)
(1) Hinge seat back forward and disengage push-in
fasteners holding carpet backing to trunk floor. (2) Remove bolts holding outboard hinge pivot
bracket to seat back. (3) Pull seat back outward to disengage inboard
pivot and separate from vehicle.
REAR SEAT BACK INSTALLATION
Reverse the preceding operation.
SEAT BACK BOLSTER CUSHION REMOVAL (FIG. 44)
(1) Remove rear seat cushion and back as neces-
sary. (2) Remove bolts holding outboard back bolster to
quarter panel. (3) Lift bolster upward to disengage hook retainer
on back of bolster and separate from vehicle.
SEAT BACK BOLSTER CUSHION INSTALLATION
Reverse the preceding operation
FRONT CENTER CONSOLE
REMOVAL (FIG. 45)
(1) Position front seats full forward.
(2) Remove access hole plugs on sides of center
arm rest riser and remove bolts holding riser to floor
bracket. (3) Remove coin holder and remove screws holding
arm rest riser to front console. (4) Position front seats full rearward.
(5) Remove radio bezel from instrument panel. Re-
fer to Group 8E, Instrument Panel. Remove screws
holding console to instrument panel. (6) Remove screws holding console to lower instru-
ment panel rail. (7) Remove screws and disengage hook and loop
fastener holding carpet panels to sides of console and
separate panels from console. (8) Remove screws holding console to forward floor
mounting bracket. (9) Remove set screw holding gear selector knob to
shift lever and pull knob from shifter on vehicles
with automatic transaxle. (10) Lift forward edge of PRNDL cover and sepa-
rate cover from console on vehicles with automatic
transaxle. (11) Lift gear shift boot adapter from console and
push adapter through opening in console on vehicles
with manual transaxle. (12) Separate console from floor and remove from
vehicle.
Fig. 42 Manual Front Seat
Fig. 43 Power Front Seat
Fig. 44 Rear Seat Cushion and Back
Ä AA-BODY 23 - 29