1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Ground

(3) Remove instrument panel center bezel (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove instrument panel lower right center
bezel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP
LOWER RIGHT CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect electrical harness connector from
amplifier (Fig. 1).
(6) Remove mounting bolts.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect electrical harness connector and
install amplifier.
(2) Install mounting bolts. Tighten to 10 N´m (90
in. lbs.).
(3) Install instrument panel lower right center
bezel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP
LOWER RIGHT CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install instrument panel center bezel (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install glove box (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
ANTENNA BODY & CABLE
DESCRIPTION
The antenna body and cable is secured below the
fender panel by the antenna cap nut through a
mounting hole in the right front fender. The primary
coaxial antenna cable is then routed beneath the
fender sheet metal and through a entry hole in theright cowl side panel into the interior of the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle, the primary coaxial cable is con-
nected to a secondary instrument panel antenna
coaxial cable with an in-line connector that is located
behind the right kick panel. The secondary coaxial
cable is then routed behind the instrument panel to
the back of the radio.
OPERATION
The antenna body and cable connects the antenna
mast to the radio. The radio antenna is an electro-
magnetic circuit component used to capture radio fre-
quency signals that are broadcast by local
commercial radio stations in both the Amplitude
Modulating (AM) and Frequency Modulating (FM)
frequency ranges. These electromagnetic radio fre-
quency signals induce small electrical modulations
into the antenna as they move past the mast. The
antenna body transfers the weak electromagnetic
radio waves induced into the rigid antenna mast into
the center conductor of the flexible primary antenna
coaxial cable. The braided outer shield of the
antenna coaxial cable is grounded through both the
antenna body and the radio chassis, effectively
shielding the radio waves as they are conducted to
the radio. The radio then tunes and amplifies the
weak radio signals into stronger electrical signals in
order to operate the audio system speakers.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTENNA BODY
AND CABLE
The following four tests are used to diagnose the
antenna with an ohmmeter:
²Test 1- Mast to ground test
²Test 2- Tip-of-mast to tip-of-conductor test
²Test 3- Body ground to battery ground test
²Test 4- Body ground to antenna coaxial cable
shield test.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, 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.
The ohmmeter test lead connections for each test
are shown in the illustration (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 AMPLIFIER MOUNTING
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - AMPLIFIER
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
8A - 4 AUDIO/VIDEODR
AMPLIFIER (Continued)

NOTE: This model has a two-piece antenna coaxial
cable. Tests 2 and 4 must be conducted in two
steps to isolate an antenna cable problem. First,
test the primary antenna cable (integral to the
antenna body and cable) from the coaxial cable
connector behind the right side kick panel to the
antenna body. Then, test the secondary antenna
cable (instrument panel antenna cable) from the
coaxial cable connector behind the right side kick
panel to the coaxial cable connector at the radio.
TEST 1
Test 1 determines if the antenna mast is insulated
from ground. Proceed as follows:
(1) Disconnect and isolate the antenna coaxial
cable connector behind the right side kick panel.
(2) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to the tip of the
antenna mast. Touch the other test lead to known
ground. Check the ohmmeter reading for continuity.
(3) There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Test
2. If not OK, replace the faulty antenna body and
cable.
TEST 2
Test 2 checks the antenna conductor components
for an open circuit. This test should be performed
first on the entire antenna circuit, from the antenna
mast to the center conductor of the coaxial cable con-
nector at the radio. If an open circuit is detected,
each of the three antenna conductor components
(antenna mast, antenna body and cable, instrument
panel antenna cable) should be isolated and tested
individually to locate the exact component that is the
source of the open circuit. To begin this test, proceed
as follows:(1) Disconnect the instrument panel antenna cable
coaxial connector from the back of the radio.
(2) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to the tip of the
antenna mast. Touch the other test lead to the center
conductor pin of the instrument panel antenna cable
coaxial connector for the radio. Check the ohmmeter
reading for continuity.
(3) There should be continuity. The ohmmeter
should register only a fraction of an ohm resistance.
High or infinite resistance indicates a damaged or
open antenna conductor. If OK, go to Test 3. If not
OK, isolate and test each of the individual antenna
conductor components. Replace only the faulty
antenna conductor component.
TEST 3
Test 3 checks the condition of the vehicle body
ground connection. To begin this test, proceed as fol-
lows:
(1) This test must be performed with the battery
positive cable disconnected from the battery. Discon-
nect and isolate both battery cables, negative cable
first.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(3) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to a good clean
ground point on the vehicle fender. Touch the other
test lead to the battery negative terminal post. Check
the ohmmeter reading for continuity.
(4) There should be continuity. The ohmmeter
should register less than one ohm resistance. High or
infinite resistance indicates a loose, corroded, or
damaged connection between the battery negative
terminal and the vehicle body. If OK, go to Test 4. If
not OK, check the battery negative cable connection
to the vehicle body and the radio noise suppression
ground strap connections to the engine and the vehi-
cle body for being loose or corroded. Clean or tighten
these connections as required.
TEST 4
Test 4 checks the condition of the connection
between the antenna coaxial cable shield and the
vehicle body ground as follows:
(1) Disconnect and isolate the antenna coaxial
cable connector behind the right side kick panel.
(2) Touch one ohmmeter test lead to a good clean
ground point on the vehicle fender. Touch the other
test lead to the outer crimp on the antenna coaxial
cable connector. Check the ohmmeter reading for con-
tinuity.
(3) There should be continuity. The ohmmeter
should register less than one ohm resistance. High or
infinite resistance indicates a loose, corroded, or
damaged connection between the antenna body and
the vehicle body or between the antenna body and
the antenna coaxial cable shield. If not OK, clean the
Fig. 2 Antenna Tests - Typical
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 5
ANTENNA BODY & CABLE (Continued)

RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION
GROUND STRAP
DESCRIPTION
Radio noise suppression devices are factory-in-
stalled standard equipment on this vehicle. Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI) and ElectroMagnetic
Interference (EMI) can be produced by any on-board
or external source of electromagnetic energy. These
electromagnetic energy sources can radiate electro-
magnetic signals through the air, or conduct them
through the vehicle electrical system.
When the audio system converts RFI or EMI to an
audible acoustic wave form, it is referred to as radio
noise. This undesirable radio noise is generally man-
ifested in the form of ªbuzzing,º ªhissing,º ªpopping,º
ªclicking,º ªcrackling,º and/or ªwhirringº sounds. In
most cases, RFI and EMI radio noise can be sup-
pressed using a combination of vehicle and compo-
nent grounding, filtering and shielding techniques.
This vehicle is equipped with factory-installed radio
noise suppression devices that were designed to min-
imize exposure to typical sources of RFI and EMI;
thereby, minimizing radio noise complaints.
Factory-installed radio noise suppression is accom-
plished primarily through circuitry or devices that
are integral to the factory-installed radios, audio
power amplifiers and other on-board electrical com-
ponents such as generators, wiper motors, blower
motors, and fuel pumps that have been found to be
potential sources of RFI or EMI. External radio noise
suppression devices that are used on this vehicle to
control RFI or EMI, and can be serviced, include the
following:
²Engine-to-body ground strap- This length of
braided ground strap has an eyelet terminal connec-
tor crimped to each end. One end is secured to the
engine cylinder head(s). The other is secured to the
plenum at the exhaust heat shield forward/outer
attaching stud.
²Resistor-type spark plugs- This type of spark
plug has an internal resistor connected in series
between the spark plug terminal and the center elec-
trode to help reduce the production of electromag-
netic radiation that can result in radio noise.
OPERATION
There are two common strategies that can be used
to suppress Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and
ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) radio noise. The
first suppression strategy involves preventing the
production of RFI and EMI electromagnetic signals
at their sources. The second suppression strategy
involves preventing the reception of RFI and EMIelectromagnetic signals by the audio system compo-
nents.
The use of braided ground straps in key locations
is part of the RFI and EMI prevention strategy.
These ground straps ensure adequate ground paths,
particularly for high current components such as
many of those found in the starting, charging, igni-
tion, engine control and transmission control sys-
tems. An insufficient ground path for any of these
high current components may result in radio noise
caused by induced voltages created as the high cur-
rent seeks alternative ground paths through compo-
nents or circuits intended for use by, or in close
proximity to the audio system components or circuits.
Preventing the reception of RFI and EMI is accom-
plished by ensuring that the audio system compo-
nents are correctly installed in the vehicle. Loose,
corroded or improperly soldered wire harness connec-
tions, improperly routed wiring and inadequate audio
system component grounding can all contribute to
the reception of RFI and EMI. A properly grounded
antenna body and radio chassis, as well as a shielded
antenna coaxial cable with clean and tight connec-
tions will each help reduce the potential for reception
of RFI and EMI.
REMOVAL
BED TO CAB
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the attaching bolts and strap (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10 BED TO CAB GROUND STRAP
1 - BED
2 - CAB
3 - GROUND STRAP
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 9

ENGINE TO HEAT SHIELD - 3.7L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the attaching bolts from the cylinder
heads (Fig. 11).
(3) Remove nut from heat shield and remove strap
(Fig. 12).
ENGINE TO HEAT SHIELD - 4.7L AND 5.7L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the attaching bolts from the cylinder
heads (Fig. 13).
(3) Remove nut from heat shield and remove strap
(Fig. 12).
INSTALLATION
BED TO CAB
(1) Install the ground strap and retaining bolts.
Tighten to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(2) Connect the battery negative cable.
ENGINE TO HEAT SHIELD
(1) Install the retaining nut and ground strap to
the plenum. Tighten to 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the retaining bolt and ground strap to
the engine cylinder heads. Tighten to 12 N´m (106 in.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
REMOTE SWITCHES
DESCRIPTION
A remote radio control switch option is available on
some models. Two rocker-type switches are mounted
on the back (instrument panel side) of the steering
wheel spokes (Fig. 14). The switch on the left spoke
is the seek switch and has seek up, seek down, and
preset station advance functions. The switch on the
right spoke is the volume control switch and has vol-
ume up, and volume down functions. The switch on
the right spoke also includes a ªmodeº control that
allows the driver to sequentially select AM radio, FM
radio, cassette player, CD player or CD changer (if
equipped).
Fig. 11 ENGINE GROUND STRAP - 3.7L
1 - GROUND STRAP
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 12 GROUND STRAP TO HEAT SHIELD
1 - STUD
2 - GROUND STRAP
3 - NUT
Fig. 13 ENGINE GROUND STRAP - 4.7L AND 5.7L
1 - GROUND STRAP
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
8A - 10 AUDIO/VIDEODR
RADIO NOISE SUPPRESSION GROUND STRAP (Continued)

OPERATION
The six switches in the two remote radio switch
units are normally open, resistor multiplexed
momentary switches that are hard wired to the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM) through the clockspring.
The IPM sends a five volt reference signal to both
switch units on one circuit, and senses the status of
all of the switches by reading the voltage drop on a
second circuit.
When the IPM senses an input (voltage drop) from
any one of the remote radio switches, it sends the
proper switch status messages on the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) data bus network to
the radio receiver. The electronic circuitry within the
radio receiver is programmed to respond to these
remote radio switch status messages by adjusting the
radio settings as requested. For diagnosis of the IPM
or the PCI data bus, the use of a DRB IIItscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE
SWITCHES
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of the DRB IIItdiagnostic
tool. For information on the use of the
DRB IIIt, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic
Service Manual.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appro-
priate wiring information.WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the remote radio switch(es) (Fig. 15)
from the steering wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/REMOTE SWITCHES - REMOVAL).
(2) Use an ohmmeter to check the switch resis-
tances as shown in the Remote Radio Switch Test
chart. If the remote radio switch resistances check
OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty
switch.
Fig. 14 Remote Radio Switch Operational View
1 - PRESET SEEK
2 - SEEK UP
3 - VOLUME UP
4 - MODE
5 - VOLUME DOWN
6 - SEEK DOWN
Fig. 15 Remote Radio Switches
1 - BLACK (LEFT) SWITCH
2 - WHITE (RIGHT) SWITCH
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 11
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)

REMOTE RADIO SWITCH TEST TABLE
Switch Switch Position Resistance
Right
(White)Volume Up1.210 Kilohms
 1%
Right
(White)Volume Down3.010 Kilohms
 1%
Right
(White)Mode Advance0.0511 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Seek Up0.261 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Seek Down0.681 Kilohms
 1%
Left
(Black)Pre-Set Station
Advance0.162 Kilohms
 1%
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for 5 volts
at the radio control mux circuit cavities of the steer-
ing wheel wire harness connectors for both remote
radio switches. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair
the open or shorted radio control mux circuit to the
Integrated Power Module (IPM) as required.
(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the 22-way instrument panel wire
harness connector from the IPM. Check for continu-
ity between the remote radio switch ground circuit
cavities of the steering wheel wire harness connec-
tors for both remote radio switches and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted remote radio
switch ground circuit to the IPM as required.
(5) Check for continuity between the remote radio
switch ground circuit cavities of the steering wheel
wire harness connectors for both remote radio
switches and the 22-way instrument panel wire har-
ness connector for the IPM. There should be continu-
ity. If OK, refer to the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual to test the IPM and the PCI data bus. If not
OK, repair the open remote radio switch ground cir-
cuit as required.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, 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 AIRBAGSYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the vehicle
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the speed control switches (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/SPEED CONTROL/SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
(4) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
remote radio switch(es).
(5) Depress the tabs on each side of each switch
and push the switch through the rear steering wheel
cover (Fig. 16).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, 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.
Fig. 16 REMOTE SWITCHES
1 - REMOTE SWITCH
2 - SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
3 - BOLT
8A - 12 AUDIO/VIDEODR
REMOTE SWITCHES (Continued)

(1) Install remote radio switch to the steering
wheel.
(2) Connect the wire harness to the remote radio
switch.
(3) Install the speed control switches (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/SPEED CONTROL/SWITCH -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the driver airbag
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
SPEAKER
DESCRIPTION
STANDARD
The standard equipment speaker system includes
speakers in four locations. One 15.2 X 22.8 centime-
ter (6 X 9 inch) full-range speaker is located in each
front door. There is also one full-range 13.3 centime-
ter (5.25 inch) diameter full-range speaker located in
each rear door.
PREMIUM
The optional premium speaker system features
eleven Premium model speakers in seven locations.
Each of the standard speakers is replaced with Pre-
mium model speakers. One 8.8 centimeter (3.50 inch)
diameter speaker is located on each end of the
instrument panel top pad. One 6.3 centimeter (2.50
inch) diameter speaker is located in the center of the
instrument panel top pad. One 15.2 X 22.8 centime-
ter (6 X 9 inch) Premium speaker is located in each
front door. There is also one coaxial 13.3 centimeter
(5.25 inch) diameter Premium full-range speaker
located in each rear door. The premium speaker sys-
tem also includes a power amplifier mounted behind
the glove box. The total available power of the pre-
mium speaker system is 240 watts.
OPERATION
Two wires connected to each speaker, one feed cir-
cuit (+) and one return circuit (±), allow the audio
output signal electrical current to flow through the
voice coil. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPEAKER
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should
begin with the use of the DRB IIItdiagnostic
tool. For information on the use of the
DRB IIIt, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic
Service Manual.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE
AIRBAG, 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.
CAUTION: The speaker output of the radio is a
ªfloating groundº system. Do not allow any speaker
lead to short to ground, as damage to the radio
and/or amplifier may result.
(1) If all speakers are inoperative, check the fuses
in the Integrated Power Module (IPM). If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or com-
ponent as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check the amplifier fuse (if equipped) in the
IPM. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
shorted circuit or component as required and replace
the faulty fuse.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Turn the radio receiver ON. Adjust the balance and
fader control controls to check the performance of
each individual speaker. Note the speaker locations
that are not performing correctly. Go to Step 4.
(4) Turn the radio receiver OFF. Turn the ignition
OFF. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If vehicle isnotequipped with a amplifier,
remove the radio receiver. If vehicle is equipped with
an amplifier. disconnect wire harness connector at
output side of amplifier. Go to Step 5.
(5) Check both the speaker feed (+) circuit and
return (-) circuit cavities for the inoperative speaker
at the radio receiver wire harness connector for con-
tinuity to ground. There should be no continuity. If
OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted
speaker feed (+) and/or return (-) circuits(s) to the
speaker as required.
DRAUDIO/VIDEO 8A - 13
REMOTE SWITCHES (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)