1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Ground

LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A low fuel indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 21). The low fuel indicator
is located on the left side of the instrument cluster, to
the left of the fuel gauge. The low fuel indicator con-
sists of a stencil-like cutout of the International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº 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 in amber 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 low
fuel indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment 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 electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) on vehicles equipped with a
gasoline engine, or from the Engine Control Module
(ECM) on vehicles equipped with a diesel engine over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus. The low fuel 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 receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore,
the LED will always be off when the ignition switch
is in any position except On or Start. 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 indicator for the fol-
lowing 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.
²Less Than Twenty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives messages from
the PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is
about twenty percent or less for ten consecutive sec-
onds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty con-secutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, the fuel gauge needle is moved to the one-
eighth graduation or below on the gauge scale, the
low fuel indicator is illuminated and a single chime
tone is sounded. The low fuel indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives messages from the
PCM or ECM indicating that the percent tank full is
greater than about twenty percent for ten consecu-
tive seconds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty
consecutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first. The chime
tone feature will only repeat during the same igni-
tion cycle if the low fuel indicator is cycled off and
then on again by the appropriate percent tank full
messages from the PCM or ECM.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
the PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is
less than empty, the low fuel indicator is illuminated
immediately. This message would indicate that the
fuel tank sender input to the PCM or ECM is a short
circuit.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is more
than full, the low fuel indicator is illuminated imme-
diately. This message would indicate that the fuel
tank sender input to the PCM or ECM is an open cir-
cuit.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the low fuel indicator will
be turned on, then off again during the bulb check
portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the fuel tank sending unit to deter-
mine the level of fuel in the fuel tank. On vehicles
with a diesel engine, the ECM continually monitors
the fuel tank sending unit to determine the level of
fuel in the fuel tank. The PCM or ECM then sends
the proper fuel level messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the low fuel indicator
or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For
proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sending unit, the
PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the low fuel indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
Fig. 21 Low Fuel Indicator
8J - 30 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters (Fig. 22). The
MIL is located on the left side of the instrument clus-
ter, to the left of the voltage gauge. The MIL consists
of a stencil-like cutout of the International Control
and Display Symbol icon for ªEngineº 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 in amber 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 MIL
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) on vehicles with a gaso-
line engine, or the Engine Control Module (ECM) on
vehicles with a diesel engine has recorded a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics
II (OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component
malfunction. The MIL 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 PCM or ECM over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
MIL Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely con-
trolled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will only allow this indicator to operate
when the instrument cluster receives a battery cur-
rent input on the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off
when the ignition switch is in any position except On
or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is pro-
vided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
MIL for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the indicator is illuminated
for about two seconds as a bulb test. The entire two
second bulb test is a function of the PCM or ECM.²MIL Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a MIL lamp-on message from the PCM
or ECM, the indicator will be illuminated. The indi-
cator can be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid,
as dictated by the PCM or ECM message. For some
DTC's, if a problem does not recur, the PCM or ECM
will send a lamp-off message automatically. Other
DTC's may require that a fault be repaired and the
PCM or ECM be reset before a lamp-off message will
be sent. For more information on the PCM, the ECM,
and the DTC set and reset parameters, (Refer to 25 -
EMISSIONS CONTROL - OPERATION).
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no lamp-on message from the PCM or ECM for ten
seconds, the MIL is illuminated by the instrument
cluster to indicate a loss of bus communication. The
indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the
cluster until a valid lamp-on message is received
from the PCM or ECM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the MIL indicator will be
turned on during the bulb check portion of the test to
confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster
control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the fuel and emissions system cir-
cuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in
good operating condition. On vehicles with a diesel
engine, the ECM continually monitors the fuel and
emissions system circuits and sensors to decide
whether the system is in good operating condition.
The PCM or ECM then sends the proper lamp-on or
lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the MIL or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns on
the MIL after the bulb test, it may indicate that a
malfunction has occurred and that the fuel and emis-
sions systems may require service. For proper diag-
nosis of the fuel and emissions systems, the PCM,
the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic mes-
sage inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
MIL, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
Fig. 22 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 31

²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM or
ECM indicating the engine oil pressure is below
about 41 kPa (6 psi), the gauge needle is moved to
the graduation at the far left end of the gauge scale,
the check gauges indicator is illuminated, and a sin-
gle chime tone is generated. The gauge needle
remains at the left end of the gauge scale and the
check gauges indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating that the engine oil pressure is above about
41 kPa (6 psi), or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. The clus-
ter will only turn the check gauges indicator on in
response to an engine oil pressure low message if the
engine speed message is greater than zero.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive an engine oil pressure message, it will hold
the gauge needle at the last indication about five sec-
onds or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position, whichever occurs first. After five seconds,
the cluster will move the gauge needle to the left end
of the gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the oil pressure gauge nee-
dle will be swept to several calibration points on the
gauge scale in a prescribed sequence in order to con-
firm the functionality of the gauge and the cluster
control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the engine oil pressure sensor to
determine the engine oil pressure. On vehicles with a
diesel engine, the ECM continually monitors the
engine oil pressure sensor to determine the engine oil
pressure. The PCM or ECM then sends the proper
engine oil pressure messages to the instrument clus-
ter. For further diagnosis of the oil pressure gauge or
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the
instrument cluster turns on the check gauges indica-
tor due to a low oil pressure gauge reading, it may
indicate that the engine or the engine oiling system
requires service. For proper diagnosis of the engine
oil pressure sensor, the PCM, the ECM, the PCI data
bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the oil pressure gauge, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A seatbelt indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 25). The seatbelt indicatoris located on the upper edge of the instrument clus-
ter, between the tachometer and the speedometer.
The seatbelt indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout
of the International Control and Display Symbol icon
for ªSeat Beltº 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 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 elec-
tronic circuit board. The seatbelt indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The seatbelt indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the status of the driver side front
seatbelt. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
cluster programming and a hard wired input from
the seatbelt switch in the driver side front seatbelt
buckle through the seat belt indicator driver circuit.
The seatbelt indicator also includes a programmable
enhanced seatbelt reminder or ªbeltminderº feature
that is enabled when the vehicle is shipped from the
factory. This beltminder feature can be disabled and
enabled by the customer using a specific program-
ming event sequence, or by the dealer using a
DRBIIItscan tool. The seatbelt 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 receives a battery current input on the
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit.
Therefore, the LED will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On or Start. The
LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the seatbelt indicator
for the following reasons:
²Seatbelt Reminder Function- Each time the
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit, the indica-
tor will be illuminated as a seatbelt reminder for
about six seconds, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
This reminder function will occur regardless of the
status of the seatbelt switch input to the cluster.
²Driver Side Front Seatbelt Not Buckled -
Beltminder Active- Following the seatbelt
Fig. 25 Seatbelt Indicator
8J - 34 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (Continued)

reminder function, each time the cluster detects an
open circuit on the seat belt indicator driver circuit
(seatbelt switch open = seatbelt unbuckled) with the
ignition switch in the Start or On positions, the indi-
cator will be illuminated. In addition, if the driver
side front seat belt remains unbuckled about sixty
seconds after the conclusion of the seatbelt reminder
function with the vehicle speed greater than about 13
kilometers-per-hour (8 miles-per-hour), the seatbelt
indicator will begin to cycle between flashing on and
off for five seconds, then lighting solid for three sec-
onds. The seatbelt indicator will continue to cycle
between flashing and solid illumination for twelve
complete cycles, until the seat belt indicator driver
input to the cluster is closed to ground (seatbelt
switch closed = seatbelt buckled), or until the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position, whichever
occurs first.
²Driver Side Front Seatbelt Not Buckled -
Beltminder Inactive- Following the seatbelt
reminder function, each time the cluster detects an
open circuit on the seat belt indicator driver circuit
(seatbelt switch open = seatbelt unbuckled) with the
ignition switch in the Start or On positions, the indi-
cator will be illuminated. The seatbelt indicator
remains illuminated until the seat belt indicator
driver input to the cluster is closed to ground (seat-
belt switch closed = seatbelt buckled), or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Airbag Indicator Backup- If the instrument
cluster detects a fault in the airbag indicator circuit
it will send a message indicating the fault to the Air-
bag Control Module (ACM), store a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC) in the cluster memory, then 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.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the seatbelt indicator will
be turned on, then off again during the bulb check
portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The seatbelt switch is connected in series between
ground and the seat belt indicator driver input to the
instrument cluster. The seatbelt switch input to the
instrument cluster circuitry may be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the seatbelt indicator or the instru-
ment cluster circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENHANCED
SEATBELT REMINDER PROGRAMMING
The seatbelt indicator also includes a programma-
ble enhanced seatbelt reminder or ªbeltminderº fea-
ture that is enabled when the vehicle is shipped from
the factory. This beltminder feature provides
extended and modified visual seatbelt indicator and
audible chime warning responses to an unbuckled
driver side front seat belt. The beltminder feature
may be disabled or enabled by the customer using
the programming sequence that follows, or by the
dealer using a DRBIIItscan tool. The following
sequence of events must occur within sixty (60) sec-
onds of the ignition switch being placed in the On
position in order for the programming to be com-
pleted successfully.
(1) With the ignition switch in any position except
On or Start, buckle the driver side front seat belt.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
wait for the seatbelt indicator reminder function to
conclude (about six seconds).
(3) Unbuckle and buckle the driver side front seat
belt three or more times, ending with the belt buck-
led.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to any position except
On or Start to toggle the beltminder feature from its
current setting (from active to inactive, or from inac-
tive to active). A single chime tone will provide an
audible confirmation that the programming sequence
has been successfully completed.
SECURITY INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A security indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 26). However, on vehicles
not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security
System (VTSS), this indicator is electronically dis-
abled. The security indicator is located in the lower
right quadrant of the instrument cluster, between the
speedometer and the coolant temperature gauge. The
security indicator consists of a small round 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
indicator to appear in red through the translucent
outer layer of the overlay when it is illuminated from
Fig. 26 Security Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 35
SEATBELT INDICATOR (Continued)

behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The secu-
rity indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The security indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the Vehicle Theft Security Sys-
tem (VTSS) is arming or is armed. On models
equipped with the Sentry Key Immobilizer System
(SKIS), the security indicator also gives an indication
to the vehicle operator of the status of the SKIS. This
indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming, hard wired inputs to the cluster from the
various security system components, electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Remote Key-
less Entry (RKE) receiver module over a dedicated
serial bus, and electronic messages received by the
cluster from the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The security indicator Light
Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the
instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will
allow this indicator to operate whenever the instru-
ment cluster receives a battery current input on the
fused B(+) circuit. Therefore, the LED can be illumi-
nated 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 security indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position, the SKIM tells the cluster
to illuminate the SKIS indicator for about two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²VTSS Indication- During the sixteen second
VTSS arming function, the cluster will flash the
security indicator on and off repeatedly at a steady,
fast rate to indicate that the VTSS is in the process
of arming. Following successful VTSS arming, the
cluster flashes the security indicator on and off con-
tinuously at a slower rate to indicate that the VTSS
is armed. The security indicator continues flashing at
the slower rate until the VTSS is disarmed or trig-
gered. If the VTSS has alarmed and rearmed, the
cluster will flash the security indicator at a steady,
slow rate for about thirty seconds after the VTSS is
disarmed.
²SKIM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the SKIM, the
security indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
can be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dic-
tated by the SKIM message. The indicator remains
illuminated solid or continues to flash until the clus-
ter receives a lamp-off message from the SKIM, oruntil the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. For more information on the
SKIS and the security indicator control parameters,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECU-
RITY/SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM -
OPERATION).
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no SKIS lamp-on or lamp-off messages from the
SKIM for twenty consecutive seconds, the SKIS indi-
cator is illuminated by the instrument cluster. The
indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the
cluster until a valid SKIS lamp-on or lamp-off mes-
sage is received from the SKIM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the instrument clus-
ter is put through the actuator test, the security indi-
cator will be turned on, then off again during the
bulb check portion of the test to confirm the function-
ality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The instrument cluster circuitry controls the secu-
rity indicator whenever the ignition switch is in the
Off position and the VTSS is arming, armed, or
alarming. Whenever the ignition switch is in the On
or Start positions, the SKIM performs a self-test to
decide whether the SKIS is in good operating condi-
tion and whether a valid key is present in the igni-
tion lock cylinder. The SKIM then sends the proper
lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument clus-
ter. For further diagnosis of the security indicator or
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the
instrument cluster flashes the SKIS indicator upon
ignition On, or turns on the SKIS indicator solid
after the bulb test, it indicates that a SKIS malfunc-
tion has occurred or that the SKIS is inoperative. For
proper diagnosis of the VTSS, the SKIS, the SKIM,
the PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the security indi-
cator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
SERVICE 4WD INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A service 4WD indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters (Fig. 27). However, on vehi-
cles not equipped with the optional four-wheel drive
system and electronically shifted transfer case, this
indicator is electronically disabled. The service 4WD
indicator consists of the text ªSERV 4WDº, which
Fig. 27 Service 4WD Indicator
8J - 36 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
SECURITY INDICATOR (Continued)

appears in the lower portion of the odometer/trip
odometer Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit.
The VFD is soldered onto the cluster electronic cir-
cuit board and is visible through a window with a
smoked clear lens located on the lower edge of the
tachometer gauge dial face of the cluster overlay. The
dark lens over the VFD prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. The
text ªSERV 4WDº appears in an amber color and at
the same lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer
information when they are illuminated by the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The service
4WD indicator is serviced as a unit with the VFD in
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The service 4WD indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the Transfer Case Control
Module (TCCM) has recorded a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) for an electronic transfer case circuit or
component malfunction. This indicator is controlled
by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
TCCM over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The service 4WD indicator
is completely controlled by the instrument cluster
logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indi-
cator to operate when the instrument cluster receives
a battery current input on the fused ignition switch
output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indicator
will always be off when the ignition switch is in any
position except On or Start. The indicator only illu-
minates when it is switched to ground by the instru-
ment cluster circuitry. The instrument cluster will
turn on the service 4WD indicator for the following
reasons:
²Service 4WD Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives a service 4WD lamp-on message
from the TCCM, the indicator will be illuminated.
The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a service 4WD lamp-off message from the
TCCM, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no messages from the TCCM for five seconds, the
service 4WD indicator is illuminated by the instru-
ment cluster to indicate a loss of TCCM communica-
tion. The indicator remains controlled and
illuminated by the cluster until a valid message is
received from the TCCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the service 4WD indicator
will be turned on, then off again during the VFD por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
VFD and the cluster control circuitry.The TCCM continually monitors the electronic
transfer case switch and circuits to determine the
condition of the system. The TCCM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the service
4WD indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the VFD, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the TCCM, the
PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the service 4WD indi-
cator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A speedometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The speedometer is located next to the
tachometer, just to the right of center in the instru-
ment cluster. The speedometer consists of a movable
gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instrument
cluster circuitry and a fixed 210 degree primary scale
on the gauge dial face that reads left-to-right either
from ª0º to ª120º mph, or from ª0º to ª200º km/h,
depending upon the market for which the vehicle is
manufactured. Each version also has a secondary
inner scale on the gauge dial face that provides the
equivalent opposite units from the primary scale.
Text appearing on the cluster overlay just below the
hub of the speedometer needle abbreviates the unit
of measure for the primary scale (i.e.: MPH or km/h),
followed by the unit of measure for the secondary
scale (Fig. 28). The speedometer graphics are black
(primary scale) and blue (secondary scale) against a
white field, making them clearly visible within the
instrument cluster in daylight. When illuminated
from behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled
cluster illumination lighting with the exterior lamps
turned On, the black graphics appear dark blue and
the blue graphics appear light blue. The orange
gauge needle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumi-
nation is provided by replaceable incandescent bulb
and bulb holder units located on the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The speedometer is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The speedometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the vehicle road speed. This gauge is con-
Fig. 28 Speedometer Text
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 37
SERVICE 4WD INDICATOR (Continued)

tioned at the relative engine speed position on the
gauge scale until the engine stops running, or until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive an engine speed message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication for about three
seconds, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first. After three sec-
onds, the gauge needle will return to the left end of
the gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the tachometer needle will
be swept to several calibration points on the gauge
scale in a prescribed sequence in order to confirm the
functionality of the gauge and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the crankshaft position sensor to
determine the engine speed. On vehicles with a die-
sel engine, the ECM continually monitors the engine
speed sensor to determine the engine speed. The
PCM or ECM then sends the proper engine speed
messages to the instrument cluster. For further diag-
nosis of the tachometer or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
crankshaft position sensor, the engine speed sensor,
the PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the elec-
tronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the tachometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
TOW/HAUL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A tow/haul indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 30). However, on vehicles
not equipped with the optional overdrive automatic
transmission, this indicator is electronically disabled.
The tow/haul indicator consists of the text ªTOW/
HAULº, which appears in the lower portion of the
odometer/trip odometer indicator Vacuum Fluores-
cent Display (VFD) unit. The VFD is soldered onto
the cluster electronic circuit board and is visible
through a window with a smoked clear lens located
on the lower edge of the tachometer gauge dial face
of the cluster overlay. The dark lens over the VFDprevents the indicator from being clearly visible
when it is not illuminated. The text ªTOW/HAULº
appear in an amber color and at the same lighting
level as the odometer/trip odometer information
when they are illuminated by the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The tow/haul indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the VFD in the instrument clus-
ter.
OPERATION
The tow/haul indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the Off position of the tow/
haul switch has been selected, disabling the electron-
ically controlled overdrive feature of the automatic
transmission. This indicator is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The tow/haul indicator is
completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic
circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to
operate when the instrument cluster receives a bat-
tery current input on the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indicator will
always be off when the ignition switch is in any posi-
tion except On or Start. The indicator only illumi-
nates when it is switched to ground by the
instrument cluster circuitry. The instrument cluster
will turn on the tow/haul off indicator for the follow-
ing reasons:
²Tow/Haul Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a tow/haul lamp-on message from the
PCM indicating that the Off position of the tow/haul
switch has been selected, the tow/haul indicator will
be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a tow/haul lamp-off mes-
sage from the PCM, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the tow/haul indicator will
be turned on, then off again during the VFD portion
of the test to confirm the functionality of the VFD
and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the tow/haul switch
to determine the proper outputs to the automatic
transmission. The PCM then sends the proper tow/
haul lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the tow/haul
indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the overdrive con-
trol system, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the elec-
tronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the tow/haul indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
Fig. 30 Tow/Haul Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 39
TACHOMETER (Continued)

required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
TRANS TEMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A transmission over-temperature indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters (Fig. 31).
However, on vehicles not equipped with an optional
automatic transmission, this indicator is electroni-
cally disabled. The transmission over-temperature
indicator is located on the left side of the instrument
cluster, to the left of the fuel gauge. The transmission
over-temperature indicator consists of a stencil-like
cutout of the words ªTRANS TEMPº 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 ªTRANS
TEMPº text to appear in red through the translucent
outer layer of the overlay when the indicator is illu-
minated from behind by the LED, which is soldered
onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit board.
The transmission over-temperature indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The transmission over-temperature indicator gives
an indication to the vehicle operator when the trans-
mission fluid temperature is excessive, which may
lead to accelerated transmission component wear or
failure. 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 Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The transmission over-tem-
perature 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 receives a bat-
tery current input on the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will
always be off when the ignition switch is in any posi-
tion except On or Start. 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 transmission over-temperature indicator
for the following reasons:²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the transmission over-tem-
perature indicator is illuminated for about two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Trans Over-Temp Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a trans over-temp lamp-on
message from the PCM indicating that the transmis-
sion fluid temperature is 135É C (275É F) or higher,
the indicator will be illuminated and a single chime
tone is sounded. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a trans over-temp lamp-off
message from the PCM, or until the ignition switch
is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
The chime tone feature will only repeat during the
same ignition cycle if the transmission over-tempera-
ture indicator is cycled off and then on again by the
appropriate trans over-temp messages from the PCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the transmission over-tem-
perature indicator will be turned on, then off again
during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm
the functionality of the LED and the cluster control
circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the transmission
temperature sensor to determine the transmission
operating condition. The PCM then sends the proper
trans over-temp lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster turns on
the transmission over-temperature indicator due to a
high transmission oil temperature condition, it may
indicate that the transmission and/or the transmis-
sion cooling system are being overloaded or that they
require service. For further diagnosis of the trans-
mission over-temperature indicator or the instrument
cluster circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
transmission temperature sensor, the PCM, the PCI
data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the transmission
over-temperature indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
Two turn signal indicators, one right and one left,
are standard equipment on all instrument clusters
(Fig. 32). The turn signal indicators are located near
Fig. 31 Transmission Overtemp Indicator
Fig. 32 Turn Signal Indicators
8J - 40 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
TOW/HAUL INDICATOR (Continued)