1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Ignition switch

the upper edge of the instrument cluster, between
the speedometer and the tachometer. Each turn sig-
nal indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout of the
International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªTurn Warningº in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents these icons from being clearly visi-
ble when they are not illuminated. A green Light
Emitting Diode (LED) behind each turn signal indi-
cator cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes
the icon to appear in green 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 turn signal indicators are serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The turn signal indicators give an indication to the
vehicle operator that the turn signal (left or right
indicator flashing) or hazard warning (both left and
right indicators flashing) have been selected and are
operating. These indicators are controlled by transis-
tors on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon the cluster programming, a hard wired
multiplex input received by the cluster from the turn
signal and hazard warning switch circuitry of the
multi-function switch on the turn/hazard switch mux
circuit, and electronic messages received from the
Front Control Module (FCM) over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. Each turn
signal indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster logic cir-
cuit, and that logic will allow this indicator to
operate whenever the instrument cluster receives a
battery current input on the fused B(+) circuit.
Therefore, each LED can be illuminated regardless of
the ignition switch position. The LED only illumi-
nates when it is provided a path to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster
will turn on the turn signal indicators for the follow-
ing reasons:
²Turn Signal-On Input- Each time the cluster
detects a turn signal-on input from the turn signal
switch circuitry of the multi-function switch on the
turn/hazard switch mux circuit, the requested turn
signal lamps and turn signal indicator will be flashed
on and off, and an electromechanical relay soldered
onto the cluster electronic circuit board will produce
a clicking sound to emulate a conventional turn sig-
nal flasher. The turn signals and the turn signal
indicators continue to flash on and off until the clus-
ter receives a turn signal-off input from the multi-
function switch, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first.²Hazard Warning-On Input- Each time the
cluster detects a hazard warning-on input from the
hazard warning switch circuitry of the multi-function
switch on the turn/hazard switch mux circuit, all of
the turn signal lamps and both turn signal indicators
will be flashed on and off, and an electromechanical
relay soldered onto the cluster electronic circuit
board will produce a clicking sound to emulate a con-
ventional hazard warning flasher. The turn signals
and the turn signal indicators continue to flash on
and off until the cluster receives a hazard warning-
off input from the multi-function switch.
²Lamp Out Mode- The instrument cluster also
sends electronic turn signal on and off messages to
the FCM over the PCI data bus, and the FCM
flashes the appropriate exterior turn signal lamps. If
the FCM detects an inoperative turn signal lamp or
circuit, it increases the flash rate for the remaining
operative turn signals and sends an electronic mes-
sage back to the instrument cluster. The instrument
cluster then increases the flash rate of the turn sig-
nal indicator(s) and the clicking rate of the electro-
mechanical relay to provide an indication of the
problem to the vehicle operator.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the turn signal indicators
will be turned on, then off again during the bulb
check portion of the test to confirm the functionality
of each LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The instrument cluster continually monitors the
multi-function switch and electronic messages from
the FCM to determine the proper turn signal and
hazard warning system control. For further diagnosis
of the turn signal indicators or the instrument clus-
ter circuitry that controls the indicators, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
turn signal and hazard warning system, the multi-
function switch, the FCM, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the turn signal indicators, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
UPSHIFT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An upshift indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 33). However, on vehicles
not equipped with a manual transmission, this indi-
Fig. 33 Upshift Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 41
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR (Continued)

cator is electronically disabled. The upshift indicator
consists of an upward pointed arrow icon, which
appears on the right side of the electronic gear selec-
tor indicator Vacuum Fluorescent 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
speedometer 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 icon appears in a blue-green color and at the
same lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer
information when it is illuminated by the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The upshift indicator
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The upshift indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the manual transmission
should be shifted to the next highest gear in order to
achieve the best fuel economy. This indicator is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) on vehicles with a gasoline engine, or
from the Engine Control Module (ECM) on vehicles
with a diesel engine over the Programmable Commu-
nications Interface (PCI) data bus. The upshift indi-
cator 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 battery current input on the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indi-
cator will always be off when the ignition switch is in
any position except On or Start. The indicator only
illuminates when it is switched to ground by the
instrument cluster circuitry. The instrument cluster
will turn on the upshift indicator for the following
reasons:
²Upshift Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives an upshift lamp-on message from the
PCM or ECM indicating the engine speed and load
conditions are right for a transmission upshift to
occur, the upshift indicator is illuminated. The indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives
an upshift lamp-off message from the PCM or ECM,
or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, whichever occurs first. The PCM or ECM will
normally send an upshift lamp-off message three to
five seconds after a lamp-on message, if an upshift is
not performed. The indicator will then remain off
until the vehicle stops accelerating and is brought
back into the range of indicator operation, or until
the transmission is shifted into another gear.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the upshift indicator willbe turned on, then off again during the VFD portion
of the test to confirm the functionality of the VFD
and the cluster control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the engine speed and load condi-
tions to determine the proper fuel and ignition
requirements. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the
ECM continually monitors the engine speed and load
conditions to determine the proper fuel requirements.
The PCM or ECM then sends the proper upshift indi-
cator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the upshift
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 PCM, the
ECM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
upshift indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A voltage gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The voltage gauge is located in
the upper left quadrant of the instrument cluster,
above the fuel gauge. The voltage gauge consists of a
movable gauge needle or pointer controlled by the
instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90 degree
scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-right
from ªLº (or Low) to ªHº (or High) for gasoline
engines. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the scale
reads from ª8º to ª18º volts. An International Control
and Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging Con-
ditionº is located on the cluster overlay, directly
below the right end of the gauge scale (Fig. 34). The
voltage gauge graphics are black against a white
field except for a single red graduation at each end of
the gauge scale, 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 blue and the
red graphics still appear red. The orange gauge nee-
dle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is
provided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The voltage gauge is serviced as
a unit with the instrument cluster.
Fig. 34 Battery Charging Condition Icon
8J - 42 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
UPSHIFT INDICATOR (Continued)

OPERATION
The voltage gauge gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator of the electrical system voltage. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages 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 Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The voltage gauge is
an air core magnetic unit that receives battery cur-
rent on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board through the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the
On or Start positions. The cluster is programmed to
move the gauge needle back to the left 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:
²System Voltage Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a system voltage message from the PCM
or ECM indicating the system voltage is between
about 9.5 volts and about 15 volts, the gauge needle
is moved to the relative voltage position on the gauge
scale.
²System Voltage Low (Charge Fail) Message
- Each time the cluster receives three consecutive
messages from the PCM or ECM indicating the elec-
trical system voltage is less than about 9 volts
(charge fail condition), the gauge needle is moved to
the graduation on the far left end of the gauge scale
and the check gauges indicator is illuminated. The
gauge needle remains at the far left end of the gauge
scale and the check gauges indicator remains illumi-
nated until the cluster receives a single message
from the PCM or ECM indicating the electrical sys-
tem voltage is greater than about 9.5 volts (but less
than about 15.5 volts), or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first. On
vehicles equipped with the optional diesel engine, the
ECM is programmed to restrict the voltage gauge
needle to a position above the graduation on the far
left end of the gauge scale and suppress the check
engine indicator operation until after the engine
intake manifold air heater has completed a pre-heat
or post-heat cycle.²System Voltage High Message- Each time
the cluster receives three consecutive messages from
the PCM or ECM indicating the electrical system
voltage is greater than about 15.5 volts, the gauge
needle is moved to the graduation on the far right
end of the gauge scale and the check gauges indica-
tor is illuminated. The gauge needle remains at the
right end of the gauge scale and the check gauges
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a message from the PCM or ECM indicating
the electrical system voltage is less than about 15.0
volts (but greater than about 9.5 volts), or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a system voltage message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication for 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 far left
end of the gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the voltage gauge needle
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 system voltage to control the
generator output. On vehicles with a diesel engine,
the ECM continually monitors the system voltage to
control the generator output. The PCM or ECM then
sends the proper system voltage messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the volt-
age gauge or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). If the instrument cluster turns on the check
gauges indicator due to a charge fail or voltage high
condition, it may indicate that the charging system
requires service. For proper diagnosis of the charging
system, the PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the voltage gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 43
VOLTAGE GAUGE (Continued)

WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A wait-to-start indicator is only found in the
instrument clusters for vehicles equipped with an
optional diesel engine (Fig. 35). The wait-to-start
indicator is located near the lower edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the tachometer and the speed-
ometer. The wait-to-start indicator consists of stencil-
like cutout of the International Control and Display
Symbol icon for ªDiesel Preheatº 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 wait-
to-start indicator is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The wait-to-start indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the air temperature within
the diesel engine intake manifold is too cool for effi-
cient and reliable engine starting, and that the
intake air heater grids are energized in their pre-
heat operating mode. 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 Engine Control
Module (ECM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The wait-to-start indi-
cator 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 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
wait-to-start indicator for the following reasons:
²Wait-To-Start Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives a wait-to-start lamp-on message
from the ECM indicating that the air temperature
within the intake manifold is too cool for efficient
and reliable engine starting, the wait-to-start indica-
tor will be illuminated. The indicator remains illumi-nated until the cluster receives a wait-to-start lamp-
off message, until the ECM detects that the engine is
running 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 wait-to-start 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 ECM continually monitors the engine intake
air temperature sensor to determine when the intake
air heater grids should be energized in their pre-heat
operating mode. The ECM then sends the proper
wait-to-start lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the wait-
to-start indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the engine intake
air temperature sensor, the intake air heater grid
control circuits, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the wait-to-start indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A washer fluid indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The washer fluid indicator
consists of the words ªLOW WASHº, which appear in
the lower portion of the odometer/trip odometer Vac-
uum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit (Fig. 36). 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 tachome-
ter 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 ªLOW
WASHº text appears in an amber color and at the
same lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer
information when it is illuminated by the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The washer fluid
indicator is serviced as a unit with the VFD in the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The washer fluid indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator that the fluid level in the washer
Fig. 35 Wait-To-Start Indicator
Fig. 36 Washer Fluid Indicator
8J - 44 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR

reservoir is low. This indicator is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Front Control Module (FCM)
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The washer fluid indicator is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster logic cir-
cuit, 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 washer fluid indicator for the follow-
ing reasons:
²Washer Fluid Indicator Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a washer fluid indica-
tor lamp-on message from the FCM indicating that a
low washer condition has been detected for sixty con-
secutive seconds, the washer fluid indicator is illumi-
nated and a single chime tone is sounded. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a washer fluid indicator lamp-off message
for sixty consecutive seconds from the FCM 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
washer fluid indicator is cycled off and then on again
by the appropriate washer fluid lamp messages from
the FCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the washer fluid 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 FCM continually monitors the washer fluid
level switch in the washer reservoir to determine the
level of the washer fluid. The FCM then sends the
proper washer fluid indicator lamp-on and lamp-off
messages to the instrument cluster. For further diag-
nosis of the washer fluid indicator or the instrument
cluster circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
washer fluid level switch, the FCM, the PCI data
bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the washer fluid indicator,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A water-in-fuel indicator is only found in the
instrument clusters for vehicles equipped with an
optional diesel engine (Fig. 37). The water-in-fuel
indicator is located near the lower edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the tachometer and the speed-
ometer. The water-in-fuel indicator consists of stencil-
like cutout of the International Control and Display
Symbol icon for ªWater In Fuelº 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 electronic circuit board. The
water-in-fuel indicator is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The water-in-fuel indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when there is excessive water in
the fuel system. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon the cluster programming and electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Engine
Control Module (ECM) over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus. The water-in-
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 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 water-in-fuel indicator for the following
reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the water-in-fuel indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Water-In-Fuel Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives a water-in-fuel lamp-on message
from the ECM indicating that there is excessive
Fig. 37 Water-In-Fuel Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 45
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR (Continued)

water in the diesel fuel system, the water-in-fuel
indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains
illuminated until the cluster receives a water-in-fuel
lamp-off message, 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 water-in-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.
The ECM continually monitors the water-in-fuel
sensor to determine whether there is excessive water
in the diesel fuel system. The ECM then sends theproper water-in-fuel lamp-on and lamp-off messages
to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of
the water-in-fuel indicator or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
water-in-fuel sensor, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the water-in-fuel indicator, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
8J - 46 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR (Continued)

MARKER LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FENDER MARKER LAMP......17
REMOVAL - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP.....18
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FENDER MARKER LAMP . . 18
INSTALLATION - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP . 18
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM.....18
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM.......18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-
FUNCTION SWITCH...................18
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
PARK LAMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PARK LAMP
RELAY..............................20
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
TAIL LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX..........22REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX.......22
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX.......22
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX . . . 22
TAIL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX..........22
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX.......23
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX.......23
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX . . . 23
TRAILER TOW WIRING
DESCRIPTION.........................24
TURN LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX..........24
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX.......24
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX.......24
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX . . . 24
UNDERHOOD LAMP
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
UNDERHOOD LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR
DESCRIPTION
The exterior lighting system for this model include
the following components:
²Backup Lamps
²Brake Lamps
²Daytime Running Lamps
²Front Fog Lamps
²Hazard Warning Lamps
²Headlamps
²Park Lamps
²Turn Signal Lamps
Other components of the exterior lighting system
for this model include:
²Backup Lamp Switch
²Brake Lamp Switch
²Front Control Module
²Front Fog Lamp Relay
²Hazard Switch
²Multi-Function Switch
²Park Lamp Relay
²Trailer Tow Connectors
Some of the interior and exterior lighting functions
are governed by the front control module. The head-
lamp, dome, and door ajar switchs provide signals to
the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster sends
a J1850 message to the front control module to
enable the necessary components for illumination.Hard wired circuitry connects the exterior lighting
system components to the electrical system of the
vehicle. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.OPERATION
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS
Power is reduced using pulse-width modulation to
the high beams, where by the power is switched on
and off rapidly instead of remaining on continuously.
The duration and interval of the power pulses is pro-
grammed into the Front Control Module (FCM).
HEADLAMP SYSTEM
The instrument cluster monitors both the multi-
plexed headlamp and multifunction switches. The
instrument cluster transmits a J1850 bus message to
the front control module (FCM) to activate the head-
lamps. The headlamp system will default to head-
lamps ON position when ignition switch is ON and
when an open or short circuit failure occurs on the
headlamp switch input to the instrument cluster. The
system will return to normal operation when the
open or short is repaired. A fault will be reported by
the Instrument Cluster when a failure occurs on the
dimmer or headlamp switch input.
If the exterior lamps are ON, and the headlamp
switch is in any position other than OFF, with the
ignition switch OFF (LOCK) after 5 minutes, the
8L - 2 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR

Instrument Cluster transmits a message via J1850
informing the the FCM. The FCM will then turn off
the headlamps, park lamps and fog lamps. This fea-
ture (load shed) prevents the vehicle battery from
being discharged when the vehicle lights have been
left ON.
HEADLAMP TIME DELAY SYSTEM
The headlamp time delay system is activated by
turning the headlamps ON (high or low beam) while
the engine is running, turning the ignition switch
OFF, and then turning the headlamp switch OFF
within 45 seconds. The system will not activate if
more than 45 seconds elapse between ignition switch
OFF and headlamp switch OFF. The FCM will allow
the headlamps to remain ON for 60 seconds (config-
urable) before they automatically turn off (If the key
is in the ignition during the headlamp time delay
mode, then the headlamps including panel dimming
will be ON).
LAMP OUTAGE
If one or more of the following lamps (Low and/or
High beams, Brake and/or Turn Signal) are out, then
a ªlamps outº indicator located in the cluster will
illuminate.
OPTICAL HORN/HIGH BEAMS
When the multiplexed multifunction switch is
pulled to the first detent (optical horn) signal, the
headlamps are ON, the Instrument Cluster shall
send a message via J1850 to the FCM to turn on the
headlamps drivers to illuminate all four filaments
(Low and High beams). When the multifunction
switch is pulled to the second detent (high beam) sig-
nal and the headlamps are ON, the Instrument Clus-
ter shall send a message via J1850 to the FCM to
turn on the headlamps drivers. The High Beams are
illuminated and the Low Beams and Fog Lamps (if
ON) are extinguished. If the headlamps were in the
high beam configuration when power was removedfrom the headlamps, the headlamps will return to
their last state prior to being shut off.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LAMPS/LIGHTING
- EXTERIOR
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not touch the glass of halogen bulbs
with fingers or other possibly oily surface, reduced
bulb life will result. Do not use bulbs other than
those indicated in the Bulb Application table. Dam-
age to lamp and/or Daytime Running Lamp Module
can result. Do not use fuses, circuit breakers or
relays having greater amperage value than indi-
cated on the fuse panel or in the Owners Manual.
When a vehicle experiences problems with the
headlamp system, verify the condition of the battery
connections, fuses, charging system, headlamp bulbs,
wire connectors, relay, multifunction switch, and
headlamp switch. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information.
Each vehicle is equipped with various lamp assem-
blies. A good ground is necessary for proper lighting
operation. Grounding is provided by the lamp socket
when it comes in contact with the metal body, or
through a separate ground wire.
When changing lamp bulbs check the socket for
loose pin connections and corrosion. Repair as neces-
sary.
When it is necessary to remove components to ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges are not holding the com-
ponent in place.
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 3
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)