1998 DODGE RAM 1500 instrument cluster

CHIME/BUZZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME
WARNING SYSTEM.....................3
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A chime warning system is standard factory-in-
stalled equipment on this model. The chime warning
system uses a single chime tone generator that is
integral to the instrument cluster to provide an audi-
ble indication of various vehicle conditions that may
require the attention of the vehicle operator. The
chime warning system includes the following major
components, which are described in further detail
elsewhere in this service information:
²Door Ajar Switch- A door ajar switch is inte-
gral to each door latch. This switch provides an input
to the chime warning system indicating whether the
front doors are open or closed.
²Ignition Switch- A key-in ignition switch is
integral to the ignition switch. The key-in ignition
switch provides an input to the chime warning sys-
tem indicating whether a key is present in the igni-
tion lock cylinder.
²Instrument Cluster- The instrument cluster
contains an integral chime tone generator, integrated
circuitry, a central processing unit and the program-
ming to provide all of the proper chime warning sys-
tem features based upon the monitored inputs. The
instrument cluster circuitry monitors hard-wired
switch inputs, as well as message inputs received
from other vehicle electronic modules on the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network.
²Headlamp Switch- The headlamp switch pro-
vides an input to the chime warning system indicat-
ing when the exterior lamps are turned On or Off.
²Seat Belt Switch- A seat belt switch is inte-
gral to the driver seat belt buckle-half unit. The seat
belt switch provides an input to the chime warning
system indicating whether the driver seat belt is fas-
tened.
Hard wired circuitry connects many of the chime
warning system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained bymany different methods. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
The instrument cluster chime warning system cir-
cuitry and the integral chime tone generator cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If the instrument cluster or
the chime tone generator are damaged or faulty, the
instrument cluster must be replaced.
OPERATION
The chime warning system is designed to provide
an audible output as an indication of various condi-
tions that may require the attention or awareness of
the vehicle operator. The chime warning system com-
ponents operate on battery voltage received through
the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the Power Distri-
bution Center (PDC) so that the system may operate
regardless of the ignition switch position.
The chime warning system provides an audible
warning to the vehicle operator under the following
conditions:
²Air Bag Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the airbag indicator is illuminated for an
airbag system fault condition. The instrument cluster
uses airbag indicator lamp-on and lamp-off message
inputs received from the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus indicating that the airbag
indicator should be illuminated for an airbag system
fault condition.
²Door Ajar Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chimes to
announce that the hard wired inputs from the door
ajar switches and the ignition switch as well as an
engine speed message input received from the PCM
over the PCI data bus indicate that a driver or pas-
senger door is opened with the ignition switch in the
On position and vehicle speed present.
²Engine Coolant Temperature High Warning
(Diesel Engine Only)- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate a single chime
tone when the check gauges indicator is illuminated
for a high or critical engine coolant temperature con-
dition. The instrument cluster uses engine coolant
temperature message inputs received from the diesel
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 1

Engine Control Module (ECM) over the PCI data bus
to illuminate the check gauges indicator for a coolant
temperature high condition.
²Fasten Seat Belt Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On or Start positions to announce that
the hard wired inputs from the seat belt switch and
the ignition switch indicate that the driver side front
seat belt is not fastened. The chimes will continue to
sound for a duration of about six seconds, until the
driver side front seat belt is fastened, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Head/Park Lamps-On Warning- The instru-
ment cluster chime tone generator will generate
repetitive chimes at a slow rate to announce that the
hard wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch,
the ignition switch, and the exterior lighting circuitry
of the headlamp switch indicate that the exterior
lamps are turned On with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the exterior
lamps are turned Off, the driver door is closed, or the
ignition switch is turned to the On position, or the
battery protection time-out expires, whichever occurs
first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired inputs from the driver door ajar switch, the
ignition switch, and the key-in ignition circuitry of
the ignition switch indicate that the key is in the
ignition lock cylinder with the driver door opened
and the ignition switch in the Off position. The
chimes will continue to sound until the key is
removed from the ignition lock cylinder, the driver
door is closed, or the ignition switch is turned to the
On position, whichever occurs first.
²Low Fuel Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low fuel indicator is illuminated by the
instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
percent tank full message input received from the
PCM over the PCI data bus indicating that there is
less than about one-eighth tank of fuel remaining to
illuminate the low fuel indicator. This chime feature
will only occur once in an ignition cycle.
²Low Oil Pressure Warning (Diesel Engine
Only)- The instrument cluster chime tone generator
will generate repetitive chimes at a fast rate when
the check gauges indicator is illuminated for a low oil
pressure condition. The instrument cluster uses
engine speed and oil pressure message inputs
received from the diesel Engine Control Module
(ECM) over the PCI data bus indicating that theengine is running and that the oil pressure is low to
illuminate the check gauges indicator. The chimes
will continue to sound for five seconds, until the
engine oil pressure message indicates that the oil
pressure is not low, or until the engine speed mes-
sage indicates that the engine is not running, which-
ever occurs first. This chime tone will only occur once
in an ignition cycle.
²Low Wash Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone
when the low washer fluid indicator is illuminated by
the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster uses a
message input received from the Front Control Mod-
ule (FCM) over the PCI data bus indicating that
washer fluid level is low within the washer reservoir.
This chime feature will only occur once in an ignition
cycle.
²Overspeed Warning- The instrument cluster
chime tone generator will generate one chime tone to
announce that a vehicle speed message input
received from the PCM over the PCI data bus indi-
cates that the vehicle speed is above a pre-programed
limit.
²Park Brake Reminder- The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate ten repetitive
chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired input from the park brake switch and a vehicle
speed message input received from the PCM over the
PCI data bus indicates that the park brake is applied
and the vehicle is moving. This chime feature will
repeat each time the input conditions are met.
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System ªCustomer
Learnº Mode Announcement- This chime feature
is only active on vehicles equipped with the optional
Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) and sold in
markets where the optional ªCustomer Learnº pro-
gramming feature is available. The instrument clus-
ter chime tone generator will generate one chime to
announce that a status message input received from
the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) over the
PCI data bus indicates that the SKIS is in the ªCus-
tomer Learnº mode, which is used for programming
additional sentry key transponders.
²Transmission Temperature High Warning
(Automatic Transmission only)- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
chimes at a slow rate when the transmission temper-
ature indicator is illuminated for a high or critical
transmission fluid temperature condition. The instru-
ment cluster uses transmission temperature message
inputs received from the Transmission Control Mod-
ule (TCM) over the PCI data bus to illuminate the
indicator for a transmission temperature high condi-
tion.
²Turn Signal On Warning- The instrument
cluster chime tone generator will generate repetitive
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERDR
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

chimes at a slow rate to announce that the hard
wired input for the right or left turn signal indicator
as well as vehicle distance and speed message inputs
received from the PCM over the PCI data bus indi-
cate that a turn signal has been active continuously
for 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) with the vehicle speed
greater than 22 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per
hour). Vehicles built for markets other than the
United States and Canada have a revised distance
threshold of 4 kilometers for this feature. The chime
will continue until the turn signal input becomes
inactive, the status changes, or until the vehicle
speed message indicates that the speed is less than
22 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour), which-
ever occurs first. The hazard warning flashers will
not activate this chime feature.
²Warning Lamp Announcement- The instru-
ment cluster chime tone generator will generate a
single chime when the check gauges indicator is illu-
minated when any critical engine and transmission
systems are out of their operating parameters. The
instrument cluster uses system inputs received over
the PCI data bus to illuminate the check gauges indi-
cator.
The instrument cluster provides chime service for
all available features in the chime warning system.
The instrument cluster relies upon its internal pro-
gramming, hard wired inputs from numerous
switches, and electronic message inputs received
from other electronic modules over the PCI data bus
network. Upon receiving the proper inputs, the
instrument cluster activates the integral chime tone
generator to provide the audible chime to the vehicle
operator. The chime tone generator in the instrument
cluster is capable of producing single chime tones, or
repeated chime tones at two different rates: about
fifty chime tones per minute, or about 180 chime
tones per minute. The internal programming of the
instrument cluster determines the priority of each
chime request input that is received, as well as the
rate and duration of each chime that is to be gener-
ated.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the instrument cluster, as well as other hard wiredcircuits for this system may be diagnosed and tested
using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the instrument
cluster or the PCI data bus network. The most reli-
able, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the
instrument cluster and the PCI data bus network
inputs for the chime warning system requires the use
of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME WARNING
SYSTEM
The chime warning system features driven by hard
wired inputs to the instrument cluster may be diag-
nosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools
and procedures. However, conventional diagnostic
methods may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of
the chime warning system features driven by mes-
sage inputs to the instrument cluster over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network. The most reliable, efficient and accurate
means to diagnose the instrument cluster and the
PCI data bus network inputs for the chime warning
system requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic and wiring information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 3
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO SEAT BELT WARNING
CHIME WITH SEAT BELT
UNBUCKLED, BUT OTHER
CHIME FEATURES OK1. Seat belt switch ground
circuit open.1. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit for the driver seat belt switch and a good
ground. Repair open ground circuit, if required.
2. Seat belt switch sense
circuit open.2. Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit for the driver seat belt switch
and the instrument cluster connector. Repair the
open seat belt switch sense circuit, if required.
3. Faulty seat belt switch. 3. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit and the driver seat belt switch sense
circuit of the seat belt switch. There should be
continuity with the seat belt unbuckled. Replace
the faulty seat belt, if required.
SEAT BELT WARNING
CHIME WITH SEAT BELT
BUCKLED1. Seat belt switch sense
circuit shorted.1. With the driver seat belt switch and the
instrument cluster connector disconnected, there
should be no continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit and a good ground. Repair
the shorted seat belt switch sense circuit, if
required.
2. Faulty seat belt switch. 2. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit cavity and the seat belt switch sense
circuit of the driver seat belt switch. There should
be no continuity with the seat belt buckled.
Replace the faulty seat belt, if required.
NO KEY-IN IGNITION
WARNING CHIME, BUT
OTHER CHIME FEATURES
OK1. Driver door ajar switch
sense circuit open.1. Check for continuity between the driver door
ajar switch sense circuit connector and the
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
driver door ajar switch sense circuit, if required.
2. Key-in ignition switch
sense circuit open.2. Check for continuity between the key-in
ignition switch sense circuit connector and
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
key-in ignition switch sense circuit, if required.
3. Key-in ignition switch
ground circuit open.3. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit cavity of the ignition switch connector and
a good ground. Repair the open ground circuit, if
required
4. Faulty ignition switch. 4. Check for continuity between the ground
circuit terminal and the key-in ignition switch
sense circuit terminal in the ignition switch
connector. There should be continuity with a key
in the ignition lock cylinder. Replace the faulty
ignition switch, if required.
8B - 4 CHIME/BUZZERDR
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
1. Driver door ajar switch
sense circuit open.1. Check for continuity between the driver door
ajar switch sense circuit connector and the
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
driver door ajar switch sense circuit, if required.
2. Headlamp switch signal
circuit open.2. Check for continuity between the headlamp
switch output circuit connector and the and the
instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
headlamp switch signal circuit, if required.
NO CHIMES AND OTHER
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
FEATURES ERRATIC OR
DISABLED1. Instrument cluster ground
circuit(s) open.1. Check for continuity between the ground
circuits of the instrument cluster connector and a
good ground. Repair the open ground circuits(s),
if required.
2. Instrument cluster fused
B(+) circuit(s) open.2. Check for battery voltage at the B(+) circuits of
the instrument cluster connector. Repair the open
fused B(+) circuit(s), if required.
3. Instrument cluster fused
ignition switch output
(run-start) circuit open.3. With the ignition switch in the On position,
check for battery voltage at the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit of the instrument
cluster connector. Repair the open fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit, if required.
4. Faulty instrument cluster. 4. Replace the faulty instrument cluster, if
required.
NO CHIMES, BUT ALL
OTHER INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER FEATURES OK1. Faulty instrument cluster. 1. Replace the faulty instrument cluster, if
required.
DRCHIME/BUZZER 8B - 5
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM (Continued)

(8) If the previous step is not performed, a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set.
(9) If necessary, use DRB IIItScan Tool to erase
any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) from PCM.
Also use the DRB scan tool to reprogram new PCM
with vehicles original Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) and original vehicle mileage.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) con-
tains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a cen-
tral processing unit, which includes the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS) program logic. The SKIS
programming enables the SKIM to program and
retain in memory the codes of at least two, but no
more than eight electronically coded Sentry Key
transponders. The SKIS programming also enables
the SKIM to communicate over the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) bus network with the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Electronic Con-
trol Module (ECM), depending on engine application,
and/or the DRBIIItscan tool.
OPERATION
The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals
through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded
plastic ring that is integral to the SKIM housing.
When the SKIM is properly installed on the steering
column, the antenna ring is oriented around the igni-
tion lock cylinder housing. This antenna ring must be
located within eight millimeters (0.31 inches) of the
Sentry Key in order to ensure proper RF communica-
tion between the SKIM and the Sentry Key tran-
sponder.
For added system security, each SKIM is pro-
grammed with a unique ªSecret Keyº code and a
security code. The SKIM keeps the ªSecret Keyº code
in memory. The SKIM also sends the ªSecret Keyº
code to each of the programmed Sentry Key tran-
sponders. The security code is used by the assembly
plant to access the SKIS for initialization, or by the
dealer technician to access the system for service.
The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through
a PCI bus message from the PCM (NGC) or ECM
(Cummins) during initialization.The SKIM and the PCM/ECM both use software
that includes a rolling code algorithm strategy, which
helps to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIS
disarming. The rolling code algorithm ensures secu-
rity by preventing an override of the SKIS through
the unauthorized substitution of the SKIM or the
PCM/ECM. However, the use of this strategy also
means that replacement of either the SKIM or the
PCM/ECM units will require a system initialization
procedure to restore system operation.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START positions, the SKIM transmits an RF signal
to excite the Sentry Key transponder. The SKIM then
listens for a return RF signal from the transponder
of the Sentry Key that is inserted in the ignition lock
cylinder. If the SKIM receives an RF signal with
valid ªSecret Keyº and transponder identification
codes, the SKIM sends a ªvalid keyº message to the
PCM/ECM over the PCI bus. If the SKIM receives an
invalid RF signal or no response, it sends ªinvalid
keyº messages to the PCM/ECM. The PCM/ECM will
enable or disable engine operation based upon the
status of the SKIM messages.
The SKIM also sends messages to the Instrument
Cluster which controls the VTSS indicator LED. The
SKIM sends messages to the Instrument Cluster to
turn the LED on for about three seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb
test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM
sends bus messages to keep the LED off for a dura-
tion of about one second. Then the SKIM sends mes-
sages to turn the LED on or off based upon the
results of the SKIS self-tests. If the VTSS indicator
LED comes on and stays on after the bulb test, it
indicates that the SKIM has detected a system mal-
function and/or that the SKIS has become inopera-
tive.
If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position, it sends
messages to flash the VTSS indicator LED. The
SKIM can also send messages to flash the LED as an
indication to the customer that the SKIS has been
placed in it's ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder
Programming in this section for more information on
the ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
For diagnosis or initialization of the SKIM and the
PCM/ECM, a DRBIIItscan tool and the proper Pow-
ertrain Diagnostic Procedures manual are required.
The SKIM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, the unit must be replaced.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 13
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKIM
PROGRAMMING
NOTE: There are two procedures for transfering the
secret key to the SKIM:
²When ONLY the SKIM module is replaced, the
secret key is transfered from the PCM (NGC- gaso-
line engine) or ECM (Cummins - diesel engine) to
the SKIM. The ORGINAL KEYS may then be pro-
grammed to the SKIM.
²When ONLY the PCM/ECM is replaced, then the
secret key is transfered from the SKIM to the PCM/
ECM. The ORGINAL KEYS may be used.
²When BOTH the SKIM and the PCM/ECM are
replaced the secret key is transferred from the
SKIM to the PCM/ECM, and NEW KEYS must be
programmed.
NOTE: Before replacing the PCM/ECM (depending
on engine application), for a failed driver, control
circuit, or ground circuit, be sure to check the
related component/circuit integrity for failures not
detected due to a double fault in the circuit. Most
PCM/ECM driver/control circuit failures are caused
by internal component failures (i.e. relay and sole-
noids) and shorted circuits (i.e. pull-ups, drivers
and switched circuits). These failures are difficult to
detect when a double fault has occurred and only
one Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has set.
When a PCM/ECM and the Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer Module (SKIM) are replaced at the same time
perform the following steps in order:
(1) Program the new PCM/ECM.
(2) Program the new SKIM.
(3) Replace all ignition keys and program them to
the new SKIM.
PROGRAMMING THE PCM (NGC) or ECM
(CUMMINS)
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) Secret
Key is an ID code that is unique to each SKIM. This
code is programmed and stored in the SKIM, PCM/
ECM and transponder chip (ignition keys). When
replacing the PCM/ECM it is necessary to program
the secret key into the new PCM/ECM using the
DRBIIItscan tool. Perform the following steps to
program the secret key into the PCM/ECM.
(1) Turn the ignition switch on (transmission in
park/neutral).
(2) Use the DRBIIItscan tool and select THEFT
ALARM, SKIM then MISCELLANEOUS.
(3) Select PCM REPLACED (GAS ENGINE) or
CUMMINS ECM REPLACED (DIESEL ENGINE).(4) Enter secured access mode by entering the
vehicle four-digit PIN.
(5) Select ENTER to update PCM/ECM VIN.
NOTE: If three attempts are made to enter secure
access mode using an incorrect PIN, secured
access mode will be locked out for one hour. To
exit this lockout mode, turn the ignition to the RUN
position for one hour then enter the correct PIN.
(Ensure all accessories are turned OFF. Also moni-
tor the battery state and connect a battery charger
if necessary).
(6) Press ENTER to transfer the secret key (the
SKIM will send the secret key to the PCM/ECM).
(7) Press Page Back to get to the Select System
menu and select ENGINE, MISCELLANEOUS, and
SRI MEMORY CHECK.
(8) On gasoline engine applications (NGC), the
DRBIIItscan tool will ask, Is odometer reading
between XX and XX? Select the YES or NO button on
the DRB IIItscan tool. If NO is selected, the
DRBIIItscan tool will read, Enter odometer
Reading. Enter the odometer
reading from the instrument cluster and press
ENTER.
PROGRAMMING THE SKIM
(1) Turn the ignition switch on (transmission in
park/neutral).
(2) Use the DRBIIItscan tool and select THEFT
ALARM, SKIM then MISCELLANEOUS.
(3) Select SKIM REPLACED.
(4) Program the vehicle four-digit PIN into SKIM.
(5) Select COUNTRY CODE and enter the correct
country.
NOTE: Be sure to enter the correct country code. If
the incorrect country code is programmed into the
SKIM, the SKIM must be replaced.
(6) Select YES to update the VIN (the SKIM will
learn the VIN from the PCM/ECM).
(7) Press ENTER to transfer the secret key (the
PCM/ECM will send the secret key information to
the SKIM).
(8) Program ignition keys to the SKIM.
NOTE: If the PCM/ECM and the SKIM are replaced
at the same time, all vehicle keys will need to be
replaced and programmed to the new SKIM.
PROGRAMMING IGNITION KEYS TO THE SKIM
(1) Turn the ignition switch on (transmission in
park/neutral).
8E - 14 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (Continued)

ELECTRONIC MODULE IGNITION-OFF DRAW (IOD) TABLE
ModuleTime Out?
(If Yes, Interval And Wake-Up Input)IODIOD After Time
Out
Radio No1to3
milliamperesN/A
Audio Power
AmplifierNoup to 1
milliampereN/A
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)No 0.95 milliampere N/A
ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster
(EMIC)No 0.44 milliampere N/A
Combination Flasher No 0.08 milliampere N/A
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect the lamp wire harness
connector or remove the lamp bulb.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(5) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Integrated Power Module (IPM), one
at a time until the amperage reading becomes very
low, or nonexistent. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information in this service manual for complete Inte-
grated Power Module fuse, circuit breaker, and cir-
cuit identification. This will isolate each circuit and
identify the circuit that is the source of the high-am-
perage IOD. If the amperage reading remains high
after removing and replacing each fuse and circuit
breaker, disconnect the wire harness from the gener-
ator. If the amperage reading now becomes very low
or nonexistent, refer to Charging System for the
proper charging system diagnosis and testing proce-
dures. After the high-amperage IOD has been cor-rected, switch the multi-meter to progressively lower
amperage scales and, if necessary, repeat the fuse
and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process to
identify and correct all sources of excessive IOD. It is
now safe to select the lowest milliampere scale of the
multi-meter to check the low-amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(6) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
in Step 5. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING MICRO 420
BATTERY TESTER
Always use the Micro 420 Instruction Manual that
was supplied with the tester as a reference. If the
Instruction Manual is not available the following pro-
cedure can be used:
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE EYE
PROTECTION AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
BATTERY TESTING
(1) If testing the battery OUT-OF-VEHICLE, clean
the battery terminals with a wire brush before test-
ing. If the battery is equipped with side post termi-
nals, install and tighten the supplied lead terminal
stud adapters. Do not use steel bolts. Failure to prop-
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY (Continued)