1998 DODGE RAM 1500 check engine

²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the engine coolant temper-
ature gauge needle will be swept to several calibra-
tion points on the gauge scale in a prescribed
sequence in order to confirm the functionality of the
gauge and the cluster control circuitry.
On vehicles with a gasoline engine, the PCM con-
tinually monitors the engine coolant temperature
sensor to determine the engine operating tempera-
ture. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the ECM con-
tinually monitors the engine coolant temperature
sensor to determine the engine operating tempera-
ture. The PCM or ECM then sends the proper engine
coolant temperature messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the engine coolant
temperature gauge or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns on
the check gauges indicator due to a high engine tem-
perature gauge reading, it may indicate that the
engine or the engine cooling system requires service.
For proper diagnosis of the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor, the PCM, the ECM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the engine coolant temperature
gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
ETC INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator is
standard equipment on all gasoline engine instru-
ment clusters (Fig. 16). However, on vehicles not
equipped with the optional 5.7 liter gasoline engine,
this indicator is electronically disabled. The ETC
indicator is located on the right side of the instru-
ment cluster, to the right of the engine temperature
gauge. The ETC indicator consists of a stencil-like
cutout of the International Control and Display Sym-
bol icon for ªElectronic Throttle Controlº 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 theinstrument cluster electronic circuit board. The ETC
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator
gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the
ETC system is faulty or inoperative. The ETC indi-
cator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument
cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming
and electronic messages received by the cluster from
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The ETC indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED)
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 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 ETC indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ETC indicator is illu-
minated for about six seconds. The entire six second
bulb test is a function of the PCM.
²ETC Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the PCM, the
ETC indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can
be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dic-
tated by the PCM message. The indicator remains
illuminated solid or continues to flash for about
twelve seconds or until the cluster receives a lamp-off
message from the PCM, whichever is longer. If the
indicator is illuminated solid with the engine run-
ning the vehicle will usually remain drivable. If the
indicator is flashing with the engine running the
vehicle may require towing. A flashing indicator
means the ETC system requires immediate service.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no ETC lamp messages for three consecutive seconds,
the ETC indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a sin-
gle lamp-off message from the PCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the ETC indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the ETC indicator is a function of
the PCM.
The PCM continually monitors the ETC system cir-
cuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in
good operating condition. The PCM then sends the
Fig. 16 ETC Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 25
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE (Continued)

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)

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

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)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE
RUNNING ABOVE IDLE1. Charging system output too low. 1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging.
2. Poor lighting circuit ground. 2. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
3. High resistance in fog lamp
circuit.3. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
FOG LAMPS FLASH
RANDOMLY1. Poor lighting circuit ground. 1. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. Variable resistance in fog lamp
circuit.2. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.4. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
5. Is relay engaging properly? 5. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
6. J1850 Bus Communication. 6. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
FOG LAMPS DO NOT
ILLUMINATE1. Blown fuse for fog lamp. 1. Replace fuse. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. No ground at fog lamps. 2. Repair circuit ground. Refer to Electrical,
Wiring Information.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Broken connector terminal or
wire splice in fog lamp circuit.4. Repair connector terminal or wire splice.
5. Faulty or burned out bulb. 5. Replace bulb.
6. Is relay engaging? 6. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
7. J1850 Bus Communication. 7. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (CANADA ONLY) DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DAYTIME RUNNING
LAMPS DO NOT
OPERATE1. Parking brake engaged. 1. Disengage parking brake.
2. Parking brake circuit shorted
to ground.2. Check cluster telltale, refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
3. Headlamp circuit shorted to
ground.3. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
4. FCM, Instrument Cluster not
programed with Canadian
country code.4. Check country code.
8L - 6 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)