1998 DODGE RAM 1500 ESP

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)

REMOVAL - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Remove the two screws that secure the lens
assembly to the tailgate (Fig. 15).
(2) Turn the bulb sockets counterclockwise a quar-
ter turn and remove the bulb sockets from the lens
assembly.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FENDER MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb socket to the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb socket a quarter turn clockwise.
(2) Position the lens assembly against the fender.
Using firm pressure, push the lens assembly into the
fender.
INSTALLATION - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb sockets into the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb sockets a quarter turn clockwise.(2) Position the lens assembly to the tailgate.
Install and tighten the two screws securely.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The multi-function switch is a resistive MUX
switch that is monitored by the Instrument Cluster.
The turn signals are actuated with the lever on
Multi-Function Switch. The signals are automatically
turned off by a canceling cam (two lobes molded to
the back of the clock spring mechanism). The cam
comes in contact with the cancel actuator on the turn
signal (multi-function) switch assembly. Either cam
lobe, pushing on the cancel actuator, returns the
switch to the OFF position.
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The Instrument Cluster monitors the multiplexed
multifunction switch. In a turning event the Instru-
ment Cluster senses a change in the turn signal
lever and illuminates the appropriate turn signal
indicator. At the same time, the Instrument Cluster
will send a J1850 message on the PCI bus to the
Front Control Module (FCM). The FCM will respond
by activating the appropriate relay in the Power Dis-
tribution Center.
A chime will sound after the turn is completed if
vehicle has traveled a distance of approximately 1.0
mile and a speed of 15 mph, with the turn signal ON.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH
To test the turn signal, headlamp beam select and
optical horn portion of the multi-function switch:
(1) Remove the multi-function switch, refer to
Electrical, Lamps/Lighting - Exterior, Multi-Function
Switch, Removal, and Installation.
(2) Using an ohmmeter check the resistance read-
ings between multi-function switch pins. Refer to
Wiring Diagrams for proper pin numbers and the
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS table.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING FUNCTIONS
SWITCH POSITION CONNECTOR PINS RESISTANCE (OHMS)
Off 1 - 2 Open
Headlamp High Beams On 1 - 2 518 - 575
Hazard 3 - 2 115 - 128
Fig. 15 Tailgate Marker Lamp Housing
1 - RETAINING NUT (2)
2 - TAILGATE
3 - WIRING HARNESS AND BULB SOCKET
4 - SCREW (2)
5 - LENS ASSEMBLY
8L - 18 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
MARKER LAMP UNIT (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Reach through the glove box opening and
behind the glove box lamp and switch mounting
bracket to feed the instrument panel wire harness
connectors out through the hole in the glove box
lamp and switch housing mounting bracket.
(2) Position the glove box lamp and switch unit to
the instrument panel.
(3) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the connector receptacle on the back of
the glove box lamp and switch unit.
(4) Push the glove box lamp and switch unit into
the hole in the mounting bracket on the instrument
panel glove box opening upper reinforcement.
(5) Install the glove box onto the instrument panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE
BOX - INSTALLATION) for the procedures.
(6) Close the glove box.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
READING LAMP
DESCRIPTION
The overhead console in this vehicle is equipped
with two individual reading and courtesy lamps. The
lamp lenses are the only visible components of these
lamps. Each lamp has its own switch, bulb, reflector
and lens within the overhead console.
The overhead console reading and courtesy lamps
are controlled by the instrument cluster which pro-
vides power at all times, regardless of the ignition
switch position. The ground circuit for the lamps is
switched through the integral reading and courtesy
lamp switches or through the door ajar switches.
Each lamp is designed and aimed to provide illumi-
nation that will be directed only to that side of the
vehicle on which the lamp is located.
The reading and courtesy lamp lenses and bulbs
are available for service replacement. The reading
and courtesy lamp switches, bulb holders and wiring
are only available as part of the overhead console
wire harness. If either of the lamp switches or bulb
holders is faulty or damaged, the entire overhead
console wire harness assembly must be replaced.
For service of the reading and courtesy lamp bulbs,
refer to the appropriate wiring information.
OPERATION
All reading and courtesy lamps located in the over-
head console are activated by the door ajar switches
via the instrument cluster. When all of the doors are
closed, these lamps can be individually activated by
depressing the corresponding lens. When any door is
open, depressing the lamp lenses to activate the lamp
switches will not turn the lamps off.The instrument cluster monitors the door ajar
switches. When a door is open the instrument cluster
grounds the low side drivers to turn on the lamps.
Upon closing all doors, the instrument cluster ini-
tiates a 30 second timer. If any of the doors are
opened during the ªtime outº cycle, the instrument
cluster will reset the timer until all doors are closed.
The instrument cluster will faid to off when the doors
are closed and the ignition is turned ON, the time
out expires or the power locks are activated.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a long, narrow, flat-bladed tool between
the curved (outboard) edge of the reading and cour-
tesy lamp lens and the overhead console housing
(Fig. 4).
(3) Gently pry inward and downward against the
lens until the latch tab in the center of the outboard
edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens is disen-
gaged from the overhead console housing.
(4) Pull firmly on the lens toward the outboard
side of the vehicle to disengage the two pivot tabs on
the inboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp
lens are disengaged from the overhead console hous-
ing.
(5) Remove the reading and courtesy lamp lens
from the overhead console housing.
Fig. 4 Overhead Console Reading Lamp Bulb
Removal
1 - LENS
2 - FLAT BLADE
3 - CONSOLE
8L - 28 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORDR
GLOVE BOX LAMP/SWITCH (Continued)

The compass unit also will compensate for magne-
tism the body of the vehicle may acquire during nor-
mal use. However, avoid placing anything magnetic
directly on the roof of the vehicle. Magnetic mounts
for an antenna, a repair order hat, or a funeral pro-
cession flag can exceed the compensating ability of
the compass unit if placed on the roof panel. Mag-
netic bit drivers used on the fasteners that hold the
overhead console assembly to the roof header can
also affect compass operation. If the vehicle roof
should become magnetized, the demagnetizing and
calibration procedures found in this section may be
required to restore proper compass operation.
TEMPERATURE DISPLAY
All the available overhead consoles on this model
include Temperature information. The temperature
displays the outside ambient temperature in whole
degrees. The temperature display can be toggled
from Fahrenheit to Celsius by selecting the desired
U.S./Metric option from the customer programmable
features. The displayed temperature is not an instant
reading of conditions, but an average temperature. It
may take the temperature display several minutes to
respond to a major temperature change, such as driv-
ing out of a heated garage into winter temperatures.
When the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, the last displayed temperature reading stays in
the electronic control modules, (CMTC, EVIC) mem-
ory. When the ignition switch is turned to the On
position again, the electronic module will display the
memory temperature for one minute; then update the
display to the current average temperature reading
within five minutes.The temperature function is supported by an ambi-
ent temperature sensor. This sensor is mounted out-
side the passenger compartment near the front and
center of the vehicle, and is hard wired to the Front
Control Module (FCM). The FCM sends temperature
status messages to the module over the J1850 PCI
data bus circuit. For more information on the ambi-
ent temperature sensor, refer to Ambient Tempera-
ture Sensor later in this section.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components used in the overhead console. Refer to
Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit schematics.
OPERATION
Refer to the vehicle Owner's Manual for specific
operation of each overhead console and its systems.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OVERHEAD
CONSOLE
If the problem with the overhead console is an
inaccurate or scrambled display, refer toSELF-DI-
AGNOSTIC TESTlater in this text. If the problem
with the overhead console is incorrect Vacuum Fluo-
rescent Display (VFD) dimming levels, use a DRB
IIItscan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual to test for the correct dimming message
inputs being received from the Body Control Module
(BCM) or Front Control Module (FCM) over the
J1850 Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus circuit. If the problem is a no-display
condition, use the following procedure. For complete
circuit diagrams, refer toOverhead Consolein the
Wiring Diagrams section of the service manual.
(1) Remove the overhead console from the head-
liner (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CON-
SOLE - REMOVAL).
(2) Check for battery voltage at the overhead con-
sole electrical connector. Refer to Wiring for connec-
tor information. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, Check
for battery voltage at the appropriate B(+) fuse in the
integrated power module, repair the open fused B(+)
circuit as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check the fused ignition switch output circuit(s) at
the overhead console electrical connector. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the open or shorted circuit
as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity of the overhead console electrical connector and a
good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, refer
toSELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTbelow for further
diagnosis of the electronics module and the J1850
PCI data bus circuit. If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit as required.
Fig. 1 DR OVERHEAD CONSOLE ± EVIC
8M - 2 MESSAGE SYSTEMSDR
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

Reset push button twice within three seconds will
perform a global reset, and all of the trip computer
information that can be reset will be reset to zero.
With the ignition switch in the On position and the
function that is to be reset currently displayed,
momentarily depressing and releasing the Reset
push button once will perform a local reset, and only
the value of the displayed function will be reset to
zero. A global or local reset will only occur if the
function currently displayed is a function that can be
reset. The distance to service function can also be
reset using the local reset method, but it will reset
back to the Service Interval distance that is set in
the EVIC programmable features mode. Refer to
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CEN-
TER PROGRAMMINGin the Standard Procedures
section of this group for more information on setting
the Service Interval.
For more information on the features, control func-
tions and setting procedures for the EVIC module,
see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRONIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) data
is obtained from other electronic modules (CCN,
FCM, JTEC) on the J1850 Data Bus circuit. The
EVIC will display dashes (- -) for any of the screens
it did not receive the bus messages. The label corre-
sponding to the missing information will be lit. If no
EVIC data is displayed, check the J1850 Data Bus
circuit communications and the other modules. If the
brightness level is improper check the J1850 Data
Bus circuit.
Refer to Overhead Console Diagnosis and Testing
for instructions on performing a EVIC module Self-
Diagnostic Test. The DRB IIItis recommended for
checking the J1850 Data Bus circuit and other mod-
ules. Perform the EVIC self diagnosis before replac-
ing the EVIC module.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ELECTRONIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
PROGRAMMING
EVIC PROGRAMMING MODE
Some vehicles are equipped with a Electronic Vehi-
cle Information Center (EVIC) equipped overhead
console. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) provides the vehicle operator with a user
interface, which allows the selection of several
optional customer programmable electronic features
to suit individual preferences. The EVIC must be
placed into its programming mode in order to view or
change the programmable features. To enter theEVIC programming mode and to view or change the
selected programmable features options, proceed as
follows:
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(2) Momentarily depress and release the Menu
push button to step through the programmable fea-
tures list. Each programmable feature and its cur-
rently selected option will appear on the EVIC
display in the sequence shown in the Programmable
Features list that follows.
(3) Momentarily depress and release the Step push
button to step through the available options for the
programmable feature being displayed.
(4) The option that last appears in the display
with a programmable feature before exiting the pro-
gramming mode, becomes the newly selected pro-
grammable feature option.
(5) The EVIC exits the programming mode and
returns to its normal operating mode when the C/T
push button is depressed or when the end of the pro-
grammable features menu list is reached, whichever
occurs first.
PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES
²LANGUAGE?- The options include English,
Francaise, Deutsch, Italiana, or Espanol. The default
is English. All EVIC display nomenclature, including
the trip computer functions, warning messages and
the programmable features appear in the selected
language.
²DISPLAY U.S. OR METRIC?- The options
include U.S. and M. The default is U.S. This feature
toggles the trip computer temperature, fuel economy
and odometer display readings between U.S. and
metric units of measure.
²SERVICE INTV. =- The options include from
3200 to 12000 kilometers in 800 kilometer incre-
ments (2000 to 6000 miles in 500 mile increments).
The default is 12000 kilometers (6000 miles). The
selected distance becomes the interval at which the
Perform Service warning message will be displayed
by the EVIC. If a new distance is selected, a second
programmable feature appears,RESET SERVICE
DISTANCE?- The options include No and Yes. The
default is Yes. When Yes is selected, the accumulated
distance since the last previous Perform Service
warning message will be reset to zero because the
service interval has been changed. When No is
selected, the distance until the next Perform Service
warning message is reduced by the accumulated dis-
tance since the last previous message.
²AUTO DOOR LOCKS?- The options include
Yes and No. The default is Yes. When Yes is selected,
all doors lock automatically when vehicle speed
reaches 25 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour). If
YES is selected, a second programmable feature
8M - 8 MESSAGE SYSTEMSDR
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER (Continued)

(2) Install the screws holding the EVIC module in
the overhead console.
(3) Connect the EVIC module electrical connector.
(4) Install the overhead console on the headlin-
er(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CON-
SOLE - INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Check EVIC module function.
NOTE: If a new EVIC module has been installed, the
compass will have to be calibrated and the variance
set. Refer to Compass Variation Adjustment and
Compass Calibration in the Standard Procedures
section of this group for the procedures.
AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Ambient air temperature is monitored by the over-
head console. The ambient temperature messages are
received from the Front Control Module (FCM) over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
J1850 data bus circuit. The FCM receives a hard
wired input from the ambient temperature sensor
(Fig. 7). The ambient temperature sensor is a vari-
able resistor mounted to the underside of the hood,
in the engine compartment.
For more information on the front control module,
refer toFront Control Modulein the Electronic
Control Modules section of this manual. For complete
circuit diagrams, refer toWiring. The ambient tem-
perature sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable
resistor that operates on a five-volt reference signal
sent to it by the Front Control Module. The resis-
tance in the sensor changes as temperature changes,
changing the temperature sensor signal circuit volt-
age to the Front Control Module. Based upon the
resistance in the sensor, the Front Control Modulesenses a specific voltage on the temperature sensor
signal circuit, which it is programmed to correspond
to a specific temperature. The Front Control Module
then sends the proper ambient temperature mes-
sages to the EVIC, CMTC over the PCI J1850 data
bus.
The temperature function is supported by the
ambient temperature sensor, a wiring circuit, the
Front Control Module, the Programmable Communi-
cations Interface (PCI) data bus, and a portion of the
Electronics module. If any portion of the ambient
temperature sensor circuit fails, the Front Control
Module will self-diagnose the circuit.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire har-
ness connector.
(2) Measure the resistance of the ambient temper-
ature sensor. At 24É C (75É F), the sensor resistance
should be approximately 10.3 kilohms. At 30É C (86É
F), the sensor resistance should be approximately
7.57 kilohms. The sensor resistance should decrease
as the temperature rises. If OK, refer toDiagnosis
and Testing - Ambient Temperature Sensor Cir-
cuitin this group. If not OK, replace the faulty
ambient temperature sensor.
NOTE: The ambient temperature sensor is a very
sensitive device. When testing, be certain the tem-
perature sensor has had time to stabilize (room
temperature) before attempting to read the sensor
resistance. Failure to let the ambient temperature
sensor temperature stabilize could result in a mis-
leading test.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire har-
ness connector and the Front Control Module wire
harness connector.
(2) Connect a jumper wire between the two termi-
nals of the ambient temperature sensor wire harness
connector.
(3) Check for continuity between the sensor return
circuit and the ambient temperature sensor signal
circuit cavities of the Front Control Module wire har-
Fig. 7 Ambient Temperature Sensor - Typical
8M - 10 MESSAGE SYSTEMSDR
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER (Continued)

ness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open sensor return or
signal circuit as required.
(4) Remove the jumper wire from the ambient tem-
perature sensor wire harness connector. Check for
continuity between the sensor return circuit cavity of
the Front Control Module wire harness connector
and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If
OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted sen-
sor return circuit as required.
(5) Check for continuity between the ambient tem-
perature sensor signal circuit cavity of the Front
Control Module wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, refer to
Diagnosis and Testing - Overhead Consolein
this group. If not OK, repair the shorted ambient
temperature sensor signal circuit as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Working on the underside of the hood, remove
screw holding sensor to hood panel.
(4) Disconnect the sensor electrical connector and
remove sensor from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the sensor electrical connector.
(2) Working on the underside of the hood, install
screw holding sensor to hood panel.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Close the hood.
UNIVERSAL TRANSMITTER
DESCRIPTION
Some DR models are equipped with a universal
transmitter transceiver. The universal transmitter is
integral to the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) and the Compass Mini-Trip Computer
(CMTC), which is located in the overhead console.
The only visible component of the universal transmit-
ter are the three transmitter push buttons centered
between the modules push buttons located just rear-
ward of the display screen in the overhead console.
The three universal transmitter push buttons are
identified with one, two or three light indicators so
that they be easily identified.
Each of the three universal transmitter push but-
tons control an independent radio transmitter chan-
nel. Each of these three channels can be trained to
transmit a different radio frequency signal for the
remote operation of garage door openers, motorized
gate openers, home or office lighting, security sys-tems or just about any other device that can be
equipped with a radio receiver in the 286 to 399
MegaHertz (MHz) frequency range for remote opera-
tion. The universal transmitter is capable of operat-
ing systems using either rolling code or non-rolling
code technology.
The electronics module displays messages and a
small house-shaped icon with one, two or three dots
corresponding to the three transmitter buttons to
indicate the status of the universal transmitter. The
EVIC messages are:
²Clearing Channels- Indicates that all of the
transmitter codes stored in the universal transmitter
have been successfully cleared.
²Channel ªXº Training- Indicates that the uni-
versal transmitter is in its transmitter learning
mode.
²Channel ªXº Trained- Indicates that the uni-
versal transmitter has successfully acquired a new
transmitter code.
²Channel ªXº Transmitting- Indicates that a
trained universal transmitter button has been
depressed and that the universal transmitter is
transmitting.
The universal transmitter cannot be repaired, and
is available for service only as a unit with the EVIC
or CMTC modules. If any part of the universal trans-
mitter is faulty or damaged, the complete EVIC or
CMTC module must be replaced.
OPERATION
The universal transmitter operates on a non-
switched source of battery current so the unit will
remain functional, regardless of the ignition switch
position. For more information on the features, pro-
gramming procedures and operation of the universal
transmitter, see the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UNIVERSAL
TRANSMITTER
If the Universal Transmitter is inoperative, but the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) is oper-
ating normally, see the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for instructions on training the Transmit-
ter. Retrain the Transmitter with a known good
transmitter as instructed in the owner's manual and
test the Transmitter operation again. If the unit is
still inoperative, test the universal transmitter with
Radio Frequency Detector special tool. If both the
Transmitter and the EVIC module are inoperative,
refer toElectronic Vehicle Information Center
Diagnosis and Testingin this group for further
diagnosis. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to
Wiring Diagrams. (Fig. 8) as described below:
DRMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 11
AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR (Continued)