1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM check engine

(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

shield washer fluid, door ajar for each door, and
trunk ajar. It also includes headlamp out, tail lamp
out, and brake lamp out warning lights (Fig. 3),
these lights are operated by a lamp outage module.
When there is no message center there is no door
ajar function.
TRAVELER
The traveler is a five function trip computer. It
uses vacuum fluorescent displays to display: trip
miles, instantaneous fuel economy, trip elapsed time,
trip average fuel economy and, estimate distance to
empty. It is located in the message center (Fig. 4).
WARNING LAMPS AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
The mechanical instrument cluster assemblies
have warning lamps and indicator lights for ten dif-
ferent systems. These include left and right turn sig-
nals, low fuel level, low oil pressure, high beam indicator, seat belt reminder, brake system, malfunc-
tion indicator (check engine) lamp, check gauges, an-
ti-lock system and air bag system indicator. The low oil pressure indicator replaces the Check
Gauges indicator in the cluster assembly without a
tachometer. In the cluster assembly with tachometer, Check
Gauges indictor illuminates in a warning situation.
This will notify driver to check for a problem in cool-
ant temperature, oil pressure or electrical systems.
CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE AND TESTING
CAUTION: Disconnect battery cable. Before servic-
ing the instrument panel. Reconnect battery cable
when power is required for test purposes.
FUEL GAUGEÐFLEXIBLE FUEL
The flexible fuel vehicle uses a dampened fuel
gauge. Methanol fuel causes erratic gauge movement
if the proper gauge is not used. The unique fuel gauge may be identified by either
a green logo on the face of the gauge or by checking
the part number. Remove cluster from the instru-
ment panel and check the part number on top of the
cluster. Refer to Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Re-
moval for proper procedures. Refer to parts catalog
for proper part number.
Fig. 3 Message Center
Fig. 4 Traveler and Message Center
8E - 2 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

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.
LOW OIL PRESSURE/CHECK GAUGES WARNING LAMP TEST
The low oil pressure/check gauges warning lamp
will illuminate when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position without starting the vehicle. In the cluster assembly without tachometer, the
low oil pressure lamp will illuminate if the engine oil
pressure drops below a safe oil pressure level. In the cluster assembly with tachometer, the Check
Gauges warning lamp illuminates when there is a
problem in oil pressure level, high engine tempera-
ture or low voltage. To test the system turn ignition key to the ON po-
sition. If the lamp fails to light, inspect for a broken
or disconnected wire at the oil pressure combination
unit, which is located at the front of the engine (Figs.
5 and 6). If the wire at the connector checks good,
pull connector loose from the switch terminal and
with a jumper wire ground connector to the engine
(Fig. 7). With the ignition key turned to the ON po-
sition check the warning lamp. If lamp still fails to
light, inspect for a burned out lamp or disconnected
socket in the cluster.
COMBINATION OIL UNIT TEST
The combination oil unit has two functions:
(1) The normal closed circuit keeps the oil pressure
warning/check gauges lamp on until there is oil pres-
sure (Fig. 7). (2) The sending unit provides a resistance that
varies with oil pressure. (3) To test the normally closed oil lamp circuit, dis-
connect the locking connector and measure the resis-
tance between the switch terminal and the metal
housing. The ohmmeter should read 0 ohms. Start
the engine. (4) If there is oil pressure, the ohmmeter should
read an open circuit. (5) To test the sending unit, measure the resis-
tance between the sending unit terminal and the
metal housing. The ohmmeter should read open.
Start the engine. (6) The ohmmeter should read between 30 to 55
ohms, depending on engine speed, oil temperature,
and oil viscosity. (7) If the above results are not obtained, replace
the switch.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST
The brake warning lamp illuminates when parking
brake is applied with ignition key turned ON. The
same lamp will also illuminate should one of the two
service brake systems fail when brake pedal is ap-
plied. To test system turn ignition key ON, and ap-
ply parking brake. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp, disconnected socket, a broken orFig. 5 Combination Oil Unit (2.5L)
Fig. 6 Combination Oil Unit (3.0L)
Fig. 7 Combination Oil Unit Test
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 3

disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to START.To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while a helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
lamp. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch. If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
Tee fitting mounted on frame rail in engine compart-
ment below master cylinder (Fig. 8 and 9).
CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to the Powertrain Di-
agnostic Test Procedures booklet.
AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
Fig. 8 Brake Warning Lamp Switch
Fig. 9 Brake System Warning Lamp Diagnosis
8E - 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

(3) When testing temperature, allow the engine to
run until the vehicle reaches a normal operating
temperature. Turn ignition OFF, and remove gauge
from cluster. (a) Testing oil pressure gauge, engine needs to
be running. (b) Measure and record the resistance between
sending unit pin and ground pin of the gauge in
question. Refer to Gauge Calibration. (c) It is important to have the same engine tem-
perature and engine speed when checking temper-
ature and oil pressure gauges position. The time
between gauge position reading and sending unit
measuring should be kept to a minimum. (d) If resistance and gauge position are not sim-
ilar, replace gauge. (e) If OK, test resistance from the sending unit
to the cluster connector. (f) If resistance reading is different, check
printed circuit board for contact to cluster connec-
tor. (g) If OK and contacts are not distorted, replace
printed circuit board. (h) If everything checks out OK, refer to sending
unit test.
(4) If fuel gauge does not meet specifications, refer
to Group 14, Fuel for the test procedure.
GAUGE CALIBRATION
(1) Remove the gauge.
(2) Check for ignition voltage and ground to the
gauge. (3) With the ignition key in the OFF position, re-
place gauge. Turn the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion. To test oil pressure gauge engine must be
running. When testing oil or temperature gauge the
engine should be at normal operating temperature.
Record the gauge position. (4) Remove gauge and record the resistance be-
tween the sending unit pin and the gauge ground
pin. When checking gauges, it is important to have
the same engine temperature and speed when noting
gauge position. The time between gauge reading and
measuring should be kept to a minimum. (5) The Gauge Resistance Chart (Fig. 24), is gen-
eral guidelines for checking the gauge position
against the sending unit resistance. Because of only a few specific points of gauge posi-
tion versus sending unit resistance, a good estimate
is need when the resistance falls between gradua-
tions. Even when the resistance corresponds to grad-
uations, the gauge has a tolerance of 64 ohms.
Volt gauge: The calibration dot on the volt gauge
corresponds to 13 volts between the gauge ignition
and ground pins. If voltage varies from this, estimate
proper gauge position with input voltage.
TACHOMETER REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove cluster, radio and rear window defog-
ger bezels and mask/lens assembly. (2) Remove screws attaching tachometer to cluster
housing. (3) Pull tachometer rearward to remove.
(4) For installation reverse above procedures.
TACHOMETER CIRCUIT TESTING
(1) Remove cluster, radio and rear window defog-
ger bezels and mask/lens assembly. (2) Check for battery voltage at cavity A of the in-
strument cluster black connector. (3) With the ignition in the ON position, check for
battery voltage at cavity C of the black connector
(Fig. 25).
Fig. 24 Gauge Resistance
Fig. 25 Printed Circuit Board 11-Way Connector
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 9

(4) Check cavity H of the black connector for con-
tinuity to ground. (5) Check for tachometer signal from the power-
train control module by connecting an AC DIGITAL
VOLTMETER to cavity B of the instrument cluster
black connector and ground. A reading of at least 1.0
volt should be present with the engine running (Fig.
26).
(a) If voltage is within specification, go to step 7.
(b) If voltage is NOT within specification, per-
form steps 6.
(6) If there is less than 1.0 volt at cavity B, check
for continuity between cavity B and pin 43 of the
powertrain control module connector. (a) If continuity is OK, between cavity B and pin
43 of the powertrain control module connector, re-
place the powertrain control module. (b) No continuity, check the connectors for dam-
aged pins or terminal push outs or defective wire.
(7) If all tests performed test good replace the ta-
chometer drive module. (8) If the tachometer continues to be inoperative,
replace the tachometer assembly.
VOLTMETER AND FUEL GAUGE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove cluster, radio and rear window defog-
ger bezels and mask/lens assembly. (2) Remove tachometer.
(3) Remove screw attaching gauge assembly to
cluster. (4) Pull rearward to remove gauge assembly.
(5) For installation reverse above procedures.
OIL PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE GAUGEASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove cluster, radio and rear window defog-
ger bezels and mask/lens. (2) Remove speedometer. (3) Remove screw attaching gauge assembly to
cluster. (4) Pull rearward to remove gauge assembly.
(5) For installation reverse above procedures.
FUEL GAUGE REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove cluster, radio and rear window defog-
ger bezels and mask/lens. (2) Remove screws attaching fuel gauge to cluster
housing. (3) Pull fuel gauge rearward to remove.
(4) For installation reverse above procedures.
VOLTMETER GAUGE REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove cluster bezel and mask.
(2) Remove fuel gauge.
(3) Remove screws attaching voltmeter assembly to
cluster. (4) Pull rearward to remove gauge assembly.
(5) For installation reverse above procedures.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove cluster bezel and mask.
(2) Remove speedometer.
(3) Remove screws attaching gauge assembly to
cluster. (4) Pull rearward to remove gauge assembly.
(5) For installation reverse above procedures.
SPEEDOMETER SYSTEM
AA body vehicles are equipped with electronically
driven speedometer and odometer assemblies. The
unit has the same appearance as a conventional
speedometer but it eliminates the cable-driven me-
chanical system. A signal is sent from a transmis-
sion-mounted vehicle speed sensor to the
speedometer circuitry through the wiring harness.
By eliminating the speedometer cable, instrument
cluster service and removal is improved. Refer to Fig.
27 Speedometer Diagnosis Chart. When the speedometer is out of calibration. The
electronic automatic transaxle vehicle speed sensor
output must be calibrated to reflect the different
combinations of equipment. The procedure is called
Pinion Factor, refer to Group 21, Transaxle for the
procedure.
SPEEDOMETER-ODOMETER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove cluster bezel and mask.
(2) Remove two screws attaching the speedometer
and odometer assembly to the cluster housing. (3) Pull speedometer rearward to disengage from
gauge pins. (4) For installation reverse above procedures.
Fig. 26 Powertrain Control Module Pin Location
8E - 10 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

AC AND AY BODIES INDEX
page page
Electronic Cluster ........................ 34
Gauges ................................ 28
General Information ....................... 23
Interior Lamp Replacement ................. 41 Mechanical Cluster and Gauge Service
........ 24
Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Removal ........ 25
Switch and Panel Component Service ......... 37
GENERAL INFORMATION
MECHANICAL CLUSTER
The mechanical cluster includes a fuel, oil pres-
sure, coolant temperature, and voltmeter gauges. All
incorporate magnetic type gauges. When the ignition
switch is in the OFF position, the gauges will show a
reading; however, the readings are only accurate
when the ignition switch is in the ON position. The mechanical cluster also includes an electric
speedometer, driven by pulses from the vehicle speed
sensor (Fig. 1).
ELECTRONIC CLUSTER
The electronic cluster is easily distinguished from
the mechanical cluster by its digital and linear dis-
play. The electronic cluster includes:
² Oil pressure gauge
² Coolant temperature gauge
² Voltmeter
² Fuel gauge
The electronic cluster receives virtually all of its
information to display from the body controller and
powertrain control module via the Chrysler Collision
Detection (CCD) Serial Data Bus. The odometer
memory is no longer retained in the cluster. This is
now retained in the body controller (Fig. 2).
ELECTRONIC CLUSTER DIMMING
The electronic cluster display is dimmed from day-
time to night time intensity when the headlamp
switch is turned on. This intensity can be controlled
using the headlamp switch rheostat. An additional detent on the headlamp switch rheo-
stat will allow daytime intensity while driving with
headlamps on during the daytime.
WARNING LAMPS
The mechanical instrument cluster will have warn-
ing lamps for six systems. These include brake sys-
tem, air bag, seat belt, low fuel, anti-lock for optional
anti-lock brake system, and malfunction indicator
(check engine) lamp. The cluster also includes check
gages indicator which will illuminate in a warning
situation. This will notify driver to check for a prob-
lem in coolant temperature, oil pressure, or electrical
systems. The electronic cluster will have warning indicator
lamps for eight different systems. These include:
² Air Bag
² Low washer fluid
² Door/deck lid ajar
² Malfunction Indicator (Check engine) Lamp
² Brake system
² Seat belt
² Anti-lock (ABS) for optional anti-lock brake sys-
tem
² Check gages, monitors engine coolant, oil pressure
and electrical charging system failures. In addition, ISO symbol will flash to notify the
driver in event of:
² Low fuel
² High temperature
² Low oil pressure
² Charging system failure
Fig. 1 Mechanical Cluster
Fig. 2 Electronic Cluster
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 23

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