1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Sensor

trolled 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 Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The speedometer is an
air core magnetic unit that receives battery current
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 low end of the scale
after the ignition switch is turned to the Off position.
The instrument cluster circuitry controls the gauge
needle position and provides the following features:
²Vehicle Speed Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a vehicle speed message from the PCM it
will calculate the correct vehicle speed reading and
position the gauge needle at that relative speed posi-
tion on the gauge scale. The cluster will receive a
new vehicle speed message and reposition the gauge
pointer accordingly about every 88 milliseconds. The
gauge needle will continue to be positioned at the
actual vehicle speed position on the gauge scale until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a speedometer 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 posi-
tion, whichever occurs first. After three seconds, 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 speedometer 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.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
sensor to determine the vehicle road speed. The PCM
then sends the proper vehicle speed messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
speedometer or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). For proper diagnosis of the vehicle speed
sensor, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the speedometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A tachometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The tachometer is located to the left ofthe speedometer, just to the left of center in the
instrument cluster. The tachometer consists of a
movable gauge needle or pointer controlled by the
instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 210 degree
scale on the gauge dial face that reads left-to-right
from ª0º to ª7º for gasoline engines. On vehicles with
a diesel engine, the scale reads from ª0º to ª5º. The
text ªRPM X 1000º imprinted on the cluster overlay
directly below the hub of the tachometer needle iden-
tifies that each number on the tachometer scale is to
be multiplied by 1000 rpm (Fig. 29). The tachometer
graphics are black 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 graph-
ics appear blue. The orange gauge needle is inter-
nally illuminated. Gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The tachometer is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The tachometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the engine speed. This gauge 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) on vehicles with a gasoline engine, or
from the Engine Control Module (ECM) on vehicles
equipped with a diesel engine over the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
tachometer is an air core magnetic unit that receives
battery current on the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board through the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit whenever the ignition switch is
in the On or Start positions. The cluster is pro-
grammed to move the gauge needle back to the low
end of the scale after the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position. The instrument cluster circuitry
controls the gauge needle position and provides the
following features:
²Engine Speed Message- Each time the cluster
receives an engine speed message from the PCM or
ECM it will calculate the correct engine speed read-
ing and position the gauge needle at that relative
speed position on the gauge scale. The cluster will
receive a new engine speed message and reposition
the gauge pointer accordingly about every 88 milli-
seconds. The gauge needle will continually be reposi-
Fig. 29 Tachometer Text
8J - 38 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
SPEEDOMETER (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)

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

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)

(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.
(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the backup lamp bulb into the backup
lamp socket by pushing inward and rotating it clock-
wise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
BACKUP LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission
have a normally open, spring-loaded plunger typeback-up lamp switch (Fig. 2). The backup lamp
switch is located in a threaded hole on the side of the
manual transmission housing. The backup lamp
switch has a threaded body and a hex formation near
the plunger end of the switch, and an integral con-
nector at the opposite end of the switch. When
installed, only the connector and the hex formation
are visible on the outside of the transmission hous-
ing. Vehicles with an optional electronic automatic
transmission have a Transmission Range Sensor
(TRS) that is used to perform several functions,
including that of the backup lamp switch. The TRS is
described in further detail elsewhere in this service
information. The backup lamp switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire switch unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The backup lamp switch controls the flow of bat-
tery voltage to the backup lamp bulbs through an
output on the back-up lamp feed circuit. The switch
plunger is mechanically actuated by the gearshift
mechanism within the transmission, which will
depress the switch plunger and close the switch con-
tacts whenever the reverse gear has been selected.
The switch receives battery voltage through a fuse in
the Integrated Power Module (IPM) on a fused igni-
tion switch output (run) circuit whenever the ignition
switch is in the On position. A take out of the engine
wire harness connects the backup lamp switch to the
vehicle electrical system. The backup lamp switch
and circuits can be tested using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BACKUP LAMP
SWITCH
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Locate and disconnect the engine wire harness
connector for the backup lamp switch.
(4) Check for continuity between the two terminal
pins in the backup lamp switch connector.
(a) With the gear selector lever in the Reverse
position, there should be continuity.
(b) With the gear selector lever in any position
other than Reverse, there should be no continuity.
Fig. 2 Backup Lamp Switch - Typical
1 - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2 - BACKUP LAMP SWITCH
3 - ENGINE WIRE HARNESS
8L - 8 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
BACKUP LAMP (Continued)

BRAKE LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the brake lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 3).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the brake lamp bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the brake lamp bulb from the brake
lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the brake lamp bulb into the lamp back
plate.
(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.
(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the brake lamp bulb into the brake
lamp socket by pushing inward and rotating it clock-
wise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The plunger type brake lamp switch is mounted on
a bracket attached to the base of the steering col-
umn, under the instrument panel.
CAUTION: The switch can only be adjusted during
initial installation. If the switch is not adjusted prop-
erly a new switch must be installed.
OPERATION
The brake lamp switch is hard wired to the Center
High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) and also moni-
tored by the Instrument Cluster for use by the brake
lamp, speed control brake sensor circuits and elec-
tronic brake distribution (EBD). The brake lamp cir-
cuit is open until the plunger is depressed. The speed
control and brake sensor circuits are closed until the
plunger is depressed. When the brake lamp switch
transitions, the CHMSL transitions and instrument
cluster transmits a brake applied/released message
on the bus. The Integrated Power Module (IPM) will
then transition the brake lamps.
When the brake light switch is activated, the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) receives an input indi-
cating that the brakes are being applied. After
receiving this input, the PCM maintains idle speed to
a scheduled rpm through control of the Idle Air Con-
trol (IAC) motor. The brake switch input is also used
to disable vent and vacuum solenoid output signals
to the speed control servo.
Fig. 3 Tail Lamp Lens
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 9

ment of the vehicle. The front fog lamp relay is a
conventional International Standards Organization
(ISO) micro relay (Fig. 9). Relays conforming to the
ISO specifications have common physical dimensions,
current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal
functions. The relay is contained within a small, rect-
angular, molded plastic housing and is connected to
all of the required inputs and outputs by five integral
male spade-type terminals that extend from the bot-
tom of the relay base.
The front fog lamp relay cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The front fog lamp relay is an electromechanical
switch that uses a low current input from the Front
Control Module (FCM) to control a high current out-
put to the front fog lamps. The movable common feed
contact point is held against the fixed normally
closed contact point by spring pressure. When the
relay coil is energized, an electromagnetic field is
produced by the coil windings. This electromagnetic
field draws the movable relay contact point away
from the fixed normally closed contact point, and
holds it against the fixed normally open contact
point. When the relay coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns the movable contact point back
against the fixed normally closed contact point. A
resistor is connected in parallel with the relay coil in
the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes and
electromagnetic interference that can be generated as
the electromagnetic field of the relay coil collapses.
The front fog lamp relay terminals are connected
to the vehicle electrical system through a connector
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
The inputs and outputs of the front fog lamp relay
include:
²Common Feed Terminal- The common feed
terminal (30) receives battery voltage at all times
from a fuse in the PDC through a fused B(+) circuit.
²Coil Ground Terminal- The coil ground termi-
nal (85) is connected to a control output of the Front
Control Module (FCM) through a front fog lamp relay
control circuit. The FCM controls front fog lamp oper-
ation by controlling a ground path through this cir-
cuit.
²Coil Battery Terminal- The coil battery ter-
minal (86) receives battery voltage at all times from
a fuse in the PDC through a fused B(+) circuit.
²Normally Open Terminal- The normally open
terminal (87) is connected to the front fog lamps
through a front fog lamp relay output circuit and
provides battery voltage to the front fog lamps when-
ever the relay is energized.²Normally Closed Terminal- The normally
closed terminal (87A) is not connected in this appli-
cation.
The front fog lamp relay can be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods. Refer to
the appropriate wiring information for diagnosis and
testing of the front fog lamp micro-relay and for com-
plete wiring diagrams.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover for the Power Distribution
Center (PDC).
(3) Remove the front fog lamp relay by grasping it
firmly and pulling it straight out from the receptacle
in the PDC.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 13
FOG LAMP RELAY (Continued)