1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Speed gauge

the trip odometer reset switch button is pressed in
order to toggle to the engine hours display. The
engine hours will remain displayed for about thirty
seconds, until the engine speed message is greater
than zero, or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Trip Odometer Reset- When the trip odome-
ter reset switch button is pressed and held for longer
than about two seconds with the ignition switch in
the On or Start positions, the trip odometer will be
reset to 0.0 kilometers (miles). The VFD must be dis-
playing the trip odometer information in order for
the trip odometer information to be reset.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a distance message during normal operation,
it will hold and display the last data received until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position. If
the cluster does not receive a distance message
within one second after the ignition switch is turned
to the On position, it will display the last distance
message stored in the cluster memory. If the cluster
is unable to display distance information due to an
error internal to the cluster, the VFD display will be
dashes.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the odometer VFD will dis-
play all of its segments simultaneously during the
VFD portion of the test to confirm the functionality
of each of the VFD segments and the cluster control
circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
pulse information received from the vehicle speed
sensor and engine speed pulse information received
from the crankshaft position sensor, then sends the
proper distance and engine speed messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
odometer/trip odometer or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls these functions, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
vehicle speed sensor, the crankshaft position sensor,
the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
odometer/trip odometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An oil pressure gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The oil pressure gauge is locatedin the upper right quadrant of the instrument clus-
ter, above the coolant temperature gauge. The oil
pressure gauge consists of a movable gauge needle or
pointer controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry
and a fixed 90 degree scale on the cluster overlay
that reads left-to-right from ªLº (or Low) to ªHº (or
High) for gasoline engines. On vehicles with a diesel
engine the scale reads from ª0º kPa to ª760º kPa in
markets where a metric instrument cluster is speci-
fied, or from ª0º psi to ª110º psi in all other markets.
An International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªEngine Oilº is located on the cluster overlay, directly
below the left end of the gauge scale (Fig. 24). The oil
pressure gauge graphics are black against a white
field except for two red graduations at the low end of
the gauge scale, making them clearly visible within
the instrument cluster in daylight. When illuminated
from behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled
cluster illumination lighting with the exterior lamps
turned On, the black graphics appear blue and the
red graphics still appear red. The orange gauge nee-
dle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is
provided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The oil pressure gauge is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The oil pressure gauge gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the engine oil pressure. 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 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 oil pressure gauge is an air core mag-
netic unit that receives battery current on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board through the
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit when-
ever the ignition switch is in the On or Start posi-
tions. The cluster is programmed to move the gauge
needle back to the low end of the scale after the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position. The instru-
ment cluster circuitry controls the gauge needle
position and provides the following features:
²Engine Oil Pressure Message- The instru-
ment cluster circuitry restricts the oil pressure gauge
needle operation in order to provide readings that
are consistent with customer expectations. Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating the engine oil pressure is above about 41
kPa (6 psi) the cluster holds the gauge needle at a
point near the middle increment within the normal
range on the gauge scale.
Fig. 24 Engine Oil Icon
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 33
ODOMETER (Continued)

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)

reminder function, each time the cluster detects an
open circuit on the seat belt indicator driver circuit
(seatbelt switch open = seatbelt unbuckled) with the
ignition switch in the Start or On positions, the indi-
cator will be illuminated. In addition, if the driver
side front seat belt remains unbuckled about sixty
seconds after the conclusion of the seatbelt reminder
function with the vehicle speed greater than about 13
kilometers-per-hour (8 miles-per-hour), the seatbelt
indicator will begin to cycle between flashing on and
off for five seconds, then lighting solid for three sec-
onds. The seatbelt indicator will continue to cycle
between flashing and solid illumination for twelve
complete cycles, until the seat belt indicator driver
input to the cluster is closed to ground (seatbelt
switch closed = seatbelt buckled), or until the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position, whichever
occurs first.
²Driver Side Front Seatbelt Not Buckled -
Beltminder Inactive- Following the seatbelt
reminder function, each time the cluster detects an
open circuit on the seat belt indicator driver circuit
(seatbelt switch open = seatbelt unbuckled) with the
ignition switch in the Start or On positions, the indi-
cator will be illuminated. The seatbelt indicator
remains illuminated until the seat belt indicator
driver input to the cluster is closed to ground (seat-
belt switch closed = seatbelt buckled), or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Airbag Indicator Backup- If the instrument
cluster detects a fault in the airbag indicator circuit
it will send a message indicating the fault to the Air-
bag Control Module (ACM), store a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC) in the cluster memory, then flash the
seatbelt indicator on and off. The cluster will con-
tinue to flash the seatbelt indicator until the airbag
indicator circuit fault is resolved, 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 seatbelt 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 seatbelt switch is connected in series between
ground and the seat belt indicator driver input to the
instrument cluster. The seatbelt switch input to the
instrument cluster circuitry may be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the seatbelt indicator or the instru-
ment cluster circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENHANCED
SEATBELT REMINDER PROGRAMMING
The seatbelt indicator also includes a programma-
ble enhanced seatbelt reminder or ªbeltminderº fea-
ture that is enabled when the vehicle is shipped from
the factory. This beltminder feature provides
extended and modified visual seatbelt indicator and
audible chime warning responses to an unbuckled
driver side front seat belt. The beltminder feature
may be disabled or enabled by the customer using
the programming sequence that follows, or by the
dealer using a DRBIIItscan tool. The following
sequence of events must occur within sixty (60) sec-
onds of the ignition switch being placed in the On
position in order for the programming to be com-
pleted successfully.
(1) With the ignition switch in any position except
On or Start, buckle the driver side front seat belt.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
wait for the seatbelt indicator reminder function to
conclude (about six seconds).
(3) Unbuckle and buckle the driver side front seat
belt three or more times, ending with the belt buck-
led.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to any position except
On or Start to toggle the beltminder feature from its
current setting (from active to inactive, or from inac-
tive to active). A single chime tone will provide an
audible confirmation that the programming sequence
has been successfully completed.
SECURITY INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A security indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 26). However, on vehicles
not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security
System (VTSS), this indicator is electronically dis-
abled. The security indicator is located in the lower
right quadrant of the instrument cluster, between the
speedometer and the coolant temperature gauge. The
security indicator consists of a small round cutout in
the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay.
The dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indi-
cator from being clearly visible when it is not illumi-
nated. A red Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the
cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
indicator to appear in red through the translucent
outer layer of the overlay when it is illuminated from
Fig. 26 Security Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 35
SEATBELT INDICATOR (Continued)

appears in the lower portion of the odometer/trip
odometer Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit.
The VFD is soldered onto the cluster electronic cir-
cuit 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 VFD prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. The
text ªSERV 4WDº appears in an amber color and at
the same lighting level as the odometer/trip odometer
information when they are illuminated by the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The service
4WD indicator is serviced as a unit with the VFD in
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The service 4WD indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the Transfer Case Control
Module (TCCM) has recorded a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) for an electronic transfer case circuit or
component malfunction. This indicator is controlled
by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
TCCM over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The service 4WD indicator
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 indicator
will always be off when the ignition switch is in any
position except On or Start. The indicator only illu-
minates when it is switched to ground by the instru-
ment cluster circuitry. The instrument cluster will
turn on the service 4WD indicator for the following
reasons:
²Service 4WD Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives a service 4WD lamp-on message
from the TCCM, the indicator will be illuminated.
The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a service 4WD lamp-off message from the
TCCM, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no messages from the TCCM for five seconds, the
service 4WD indicator is illuminated by the instru-
ment cluster to indicate a loss of TCCM communica-
tion. The indicator remains controlled and
illuminated by the cluster until a valid message is
received from the TCCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the service 4WD indicator
will be turned on, then off again during the VFD por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
VFD and the cluster control circuitry.The TCCM continually monitors the electronic
transfer case switch and circuits to determine the
condition of the system. The TCCM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the service
4WD indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the VFD, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the TCCM, the
PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the service 4WD indi-
cator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A speedometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The speedometer is located next to the
tachometer, just to the right of center in the instru-
ment cluster. The speedometer consists of a movable
gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instrument
cluster circuitry and a fixed 210 degree primary scale
on the gauge dial face that reads left-to-right either
from ª0º to ª120º mph, or from ª0º to ª200º km/h,
depending upon the market for which the vehicle is
manufactured. Each version also has a secondary
inner scale on the gauge dial face that provides the
equivalent opposite units from the primary scale.
Text appearing on the cluster overlay just below the
hub of the speedometer needle abbreviates the unit
of measure for the primary scale (i.e.: MPH or km/h),
followed by the unit of measure for the secondary
scale (Fig. 28). The speedometer graphics are black
(primary scale) and blue (secondary scale) 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 graphics appear dark blue and
the blue graphics appear light blue. The orange
gauge needle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumi-
nation is provided by replaceable incandescent bulb
and bulb holder units located on the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The speedometer is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The speedometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the vehicle road speed. This gauge is con-
Fig. 28 Speedometer Text
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 37
SERVICE 4WD INDICATOR (Continued)

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)

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

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