1998 DODGE RAM 1500 key

²Exterior Lighting Fail-safe- In the absence of
a headlamp switch input, the EMIC will turn on the
cluster illumination lamps and provide electronic
headlamp low beam and park lamp request messages
to the Front Control Module (FCM) located on the
Integrated Power Module (IPM) for default exterior
lamp operation. The FCM will also provide default
park lamp and headlamp low beam operation and the
EMIC will turn on the cluster illumination lamps if
there is a failure of the electronic data bus commu-
nication between the EMIC and the FCM.
²Heated Seat Control- The EMIC monitors
inputs from the ignition switch and electronic engine
speed messages from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) to control a high side driver output to the
heated seat switch Light Emitting Diode (LED) indi-
cators. This input allows the heated seat switches to
wake up the heated seat module if the switch is actu-
ated. The EMIC will de-energize the heated seat
switch LED indicators, which deactivates the heated
seat system, if the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Start, or if the engine speed
message indicates zero. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
HEATED SEATS - DESCRIPTION).
²Interior Lamp Load Shedding- The EMIC
provides a battery saver feature which will automat-
ically turn off all interior lamps that remain on after
a timed interval of about fifteen minutes.
²Interior Lamps - Enhanced Accident
Response- The EMIC monitors inputs from the Air-
bag Control Module (ACM) and the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) to automatically turn on the
interior lighting after an airbag deployment event
ten seconds after the vehicle speed is zero. The inte-
rior lighting remains illuminated until the key is
removed from the ignition switch lock cylinder, at
which time the interior lighting returns to normal
operation and control. This feature, like all other
enhanced accident response features, is dependent
upon a functional vehicle electrical system following
the vehicle impact event.
²Interior Lighting Control- The EMIC moni-
tors inputs from the interior lighting switch, the door
ajar switches, the cargo lamp switch, the reading
lamp switches, and the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
module to provide courtesy lamp control. This
includes support for timed illuminated entry with
theater-style fade-to-off and courtesy illumination
defeat features.
²Lamp Out Indicator Control- The EMIC
monitors electronic lamp outage messages from the
Front Control Module (FCM) located on the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM) in order to provide lamp
out indicator control for the headlamps (low and high
beams), turn signal lamps, and the brake lamps
(excluding CHMSL).²Panel Lamps Dimming Control- The EMIC
provides a hard wired 12-volt Pulse-Width Modulated
(PWM) output that synchronizes the dimming level
of all hard wired panel lamps dimmer controlled
lamps with that of the cluster illumination lamps.
²Parade Mode- The EMIC provides a parade
mode (also known as funeral mode) that allows all
Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units in the vehi-
cle to be illuminated at full (daytime) intensity while
driving during daylight hours with the exterior
lamps turned on.
²Power Locks- The EMIC monitors inputs from
the power lock switches and the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) receiver module (optional) to provide
control of the power lock motors through high side
driver outputs to the power lock motors. This
includes support for rolling door locks (also known as
automatic door locks), automatic door unlock, a door
lock inhibit mode, and central locking (with the
optional Vehicle Theft Security System only). (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER LOCKS - DESCRIP-
TION).
²Remote Keyless Entry- The EMIC supports
the optional Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system fea-
tures, including support for the RKE Lock, Unlock
(with optional driver-door-only unlock, and unlock-
all-doors), Panic, audible chirp, optical chirp, illumi-
nated entry modes, an RKE programming mode, as
well as optional Vehicle Theft Security System
(VTSS) arming (when the proper VTSS arming con-
ditions are met) and disarming.
²Remote Radio Switch Interface- The EMIC
monitors inputs from the optional remote radio
switches and then provides the appropriate electronic
data bus messages to the radio to select the radio
operating mode, volume control, preset station scan
and station seek features.
²Rolling Door Locks- The EMIC provides sup-
port for the power lock system rolling door locks fea-
ture (also known as automatic door locks). This
feature will automatically lock all unlocked doors
each time the vehicle speed reaches twenty-four kilo-
meters-per-hour (fifteen miles-per-hour). Following
an automatic lock event, if the driver side front door
is opened first after the ignition is turned to the Off
position, all doors will be automatically unlocked.
²Turn Signal & Hazard Warning Lamp Con-
trol- The EMIC provides electronic turn and hazard
lamp request messages to the Front Control Module
(FCM) located on the Integrated Power Module (IPM)
for turn and hazard lamp control. The EMIC also
provides an audible click at one of two rates to emu-
late normal and bulb out turn or hazard flasher oper-
ation based upon electronic lamp outage messages
from the FCM, and provides an audible turn signal
on chime warning if a turn is signalled continuously
8J - 4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

for more than about 1.6 kilometers (one mile) and
the vehicle speed remains greater than about twenty-
four kilometers-per-hour (fifteen miles-per-hour).
²Vacuum Fluorescent Display Synchroniza-
tion- The EMIC transmits electronic panel lamp
dimming level messages which allows all other elec-
tronic modules on the PCI data bus with Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units to coordinate their
illumination intensity with that of the EMIC VFD
units.
²Vehicle Theft Security System- The EMIC
monitors inputs from the door cylinder lock
switch(es), the door ajar switches, the ignition
switch, and the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver
module, then provides electronic horn and lighting
request messages to the Front Control Module (FCM)
located on the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for
the appropriate VTSS alarm output features.
²Wiper/Washer System Control- The EMIC
provides electronic wiper and/or washer request mes-
sages to the Front Control Module (FCM) located on
the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for the appropri-
ate wiper and washer system features. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - DESCRIP-
TION).
The EMIC houses six analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to twenty-three indicators (Fig. 3) or
(Fig. 4). The EMIC includes the following analog
gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Oil Pressure Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
²Voltage Gauge
Some of the EMIC indicators are automatically
configured when the EMIC is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system for compatibility with certain
optional equipment or equipment required for regula-
tory purposes in certain markets. While each EMIC
may have provisions for indicators to support every
available option, the configurable indicators will not
be functional in a vehicle that does not have the
equipment that an indicator supports. The EMIC
includes provisions for the following indicators (Fig.
3) or (Fig. 4):
²Airbag Indicator (with Airbag System only)
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
(with ABS or Rear Wheel Anti-Lock [RWAL]
brakes only)
²Brake Indicator
²Cargo Lamp Indicator
²Check Gauges Indicator
²Cruise Indicator (with Speed Control only)
²Door Ajar Indicator²Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator
(with 5.7L Gasoline Engine only)
²Gear Selector Indicator (with Automatic
Transmission only)
²High Beam Indicator
²Lamp Out Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Security Indicator (with Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer & Vehicle Theft Security Systems only)
²Service Four-Wheel Drive Indicator (with
Four-Wheel Drive only)
²Tow/Haul Indicator (with Automatic Trans-
mission only)
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator (with
Automatic Transmission only)
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Upshift Indicator (with Manual Transmis-
sion only)
²Washer Fluid Indicator
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
Each indicator in the EMIC, except those located
within one of the VFD units, is illuminated by a ded-
icated LED that is soldered onto the EMIC electronic
circuit board. The LED units are not available for
service replacement and, if damaged or faulty, the
entire EMIC must be replaced. Cluster illumination
is accomplished by dimmable incandescent back
lighting, which illuminates the gauges for visibility
when the exterior lighting is turned on. Each of the
incandescent bulbs is secured by an integral bulb
holder to the electronic circuit board from the back of
the cluster housing.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator, a
VFD unit, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

INDICATORS
Indicators are located in various positions within
the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC elec-
tronic circuit board. The cargo lamp indicator, door
ajar indicator, high beam indicator, and turn signal
indicators operate based upon hard wired inputs to
the EMIC. The brake indicator is controlled by PCI
data bus messages from the Controller Antilock
Brake (CAB) as well as by hard wired park brake
switch inputs to the EMIC. The seatbelt indicator is
controlled by the EMIC programming, PCI data bus
messages from the Airbag Control Module (ACM),
and a hard wired seat belt switch input to the EMIC.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is normally
controlled by PCI data bus messages from the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM); however, if the EMIC
loses PCI data bus communication, the EMIC cir-
cuitry will automatically turn the MIL on until PCI
data bus communication is restored. The EMIC uses
PCI data bus messages from the Front Control Mod-
ule (FCM), the PCM, the diesel engine only Engine
Control Module (ECM), the ACM, the CAB, and the
Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) to control all
of the remaining indicators.
The various EMIC indicators are controlled by dif-
ferent strategies; some receive fused ignition switch
output from the EMIC circuitry and have a switched
ground, while others are grounded through the EMIC
circuitry and have a switched battery feed. However,
all indicators are completely controlled by the EMIC
microprocessor based upon various hard wired and
electronic message inputs. All indicators are illumi-
nated at a fixed intensity, which is not affected by
the selected illumination intensity of the EMIC gen-
eral illumination lamps.
In addition, certain indicators in this instrument
cluster are automatically configured or self-config-
ured. This feature allows the configurable indicators
to be enabled by the EMIC circuitry for compatibility
with certain optional equipment. The EMIC defaults
for the ABS indicator and airbag indicator are
enabled, and these configuration settings must be
programmatically disabled in the EMIC using a
DRBIIItscan tool for vehicles that do not have this
equipment. The automatically configured or self-con-
figured indicators remain latent in each EMIC at all
times and will be active only when the EMIC
receives the appropriate PCI message inputs for that
optional system or equipment.
The hard wired indicator inputs may be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic methods. However, the
EMIC circuitry and PCI bus message controlled indi-
cators are diagnosed using the EMIC self-diagnosticactuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Proper testing of the PCI data bus and the electronic
message inputs to the EMIC that control an indicator
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information. Specific details of
the operation for each indicator may be found else-
where in this service information.
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
The EMIC has several illumination lamps that are
illuminated when the exterior lighting is turned on
with the headlamp switch. The illumination intensity
of these lamps is adjusted when the interior lighting
thumbwheel on the headlamp switch is rotated (down
to dim, up to brighten) to one of six available minor
detent positions. The EMIC monitors a resistor mul-
tiplexed input from the headlamp switch on a dim-
mer input circuit. In response to that input, the
EMIC electronic circuitry converts a 12-volt input it
receives from a fuse in the Integrated Power Module
(IPM) on a hard wired panel lamps dimmer switch
signal circuit into a 12-volt Pulse Width Modulated
(PWM) output. The EMIC uses this PWM output to
power the cluster illumination lamps and the VFD
units on the EMIC circuit board, then provides a syn-
chronized PWM output on the various hard wired
fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuits to
control and synchronize the illumination intensity of
other incandescent illumination lamps in the vehicle.
The cluster illumination lamps are grounded at all
times.
The EMIC also sends electronic dimming level
messages over the PCI data bus to other electronic
modules in the vehicle to control and synchronize the
illumination intensity of their VFD units to that of
the EMIC VFD units. In addition, the thumbwheel
on the headlamp switch has a Parade Mode position
to provide a parade mode. The EMIC monitors the
request for this mode from the headlamp switch,
then sends an electronic dimming level message over
the PCI data bus to illuminate all VFD units in the
vehicle at full (daytime) intensity for easier visibility
when driving in daylight with the exterior lighting
turned on.
The hard wired headlamp switch and EMIC panel
lamps dimmer inputs and outputs may be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic methods. However,
proper testing of the PWM output of the EMIC and
the electronic dimming level messages sent by the
EMIC over the PCI data bus requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 9
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

INPUT AND OUTPUT CIRCUITS
HARD WIRED INPUTS
The hard wired inputs to the EMIC include the fol-
lowing:
²Brake Lamp Switch Output
²Driver Cylinder Lock Switch Sense
²Driver Door Ajar Switch Sense
²Driver Door Lock Switch MUX - with
Power Locks
²Fused B(+) - Ignition-Off Draw
²Fused B(+) - Power Lock Feed - with Power
Locks
²Fused Ignition Switch Output (Accessory-
Run)
²Fused Ignition Switch Output (Off-Run-
Start)
²Fused Ignition Switch Output (Run-Start)
²Headlamp Dimmer Switch MUX
²Headlamp Switch MUX
²Horn Relay Control
²Key-In Ignition Switch Sense
²Left Rear Door Ajar Switch Sense
²Panel Lamps Dimmer Switch Signal
²Park Brake Switch Sense
²Passenger Door Ajar Switch Sense
²Passenger Door Lock Switch MUX - with
Power Locks
²Radio Control MUX
²Right Rear Door Ajar Switch Sense
²RKE Supply - with RKE
²Seat Belt Switch Sense
²Transmission Range Sensor MUX - with
Auto Trans
²Turn/Hazard Switch MUX
²Washer/Beam Select Switch MUX
²Wiper Switch MUX
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
HARD WIRED OUTPUTS
The hard wired outputs of the EMIC include the
following:
²Accessory Switch Bank Illumination Driver
²BTSI Driver - with Auto Trans
²Cargo Lamp Driver
²Dome/Overhead Lamp Driver
²Driver Door Unlock Driver - with Power
Locks
²Headlamp Switch Illumination Driver
²Heated Seat Switch Indicator Driver - with
Heated Seats
²Heater-A/C Control Illumination Driver
²Left Door Lock Driver - with Power Locks
²Left Rear Door Unlock Driver - with Power
Locks²Map/Glove Box Lamp Driver
²Radio Illumination Driver
²Right Door Lock Driver - with Power Locks
²Right Door Unlock Driver - with Power
Locks
²Transfer Case Switch Illumination Driver -
with Four-Wheel Drive
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
GROUNDS
The EMIC receives and supplies a ground path to
several switches and sensors through the following
hard wired circuits:
²Ground - Illumination (2 Circuits)
²Ground - Power Lock - with Power Locks
²Ground - Signal
²Headlamp Switch Return
²Multi-Function Switch Return
²Transmission Range Sensor Return - with
Auto Trans
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
COMMUNICATION
The EMIC has provisions for the following commu-
nication circuits:
²PCI Data Bus
²RKE Program Serial Data - with RKE
²RKE Transmit Serial Data - with RKE
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
If all of the instrument cluster gauges and/or indi-
cators are inoperative, refer to PRELIMINARY
DIAGNOSIS. If an individual gauge or Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus mes-
sage-controlled indicator is inoperative, refer to
ACTUATOR TEST. If an individual hard wired indi-
cator is inoperative, refer to the diagnosis and testing
information for that specific indicator.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
8J - 10 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

ACTUATOR TEST
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
The instrument cluster actuator test will put the
instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In
this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-
diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument
cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the indicators are
capable of operating as designed. During the actuator
test the instrument cluster circuitry will position
each of the gauge needles at various calibration
points, illuminate all of the segments in the Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units, turn all of the indi-
cators on and off again, display any Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC) information, and display the number
of ignition key cycles that have occurred since the
DTC was detected. It is suggested that a note pad
and pencil be used to write down any fault informa-
tion that is displayed during the test for reference.
Successful completion of the actuator test will con-
firm that the instrument cluster is operational. How-
ever, there may still be a problem with the PCI data
bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the
Engine Control Module (ECM), the Front Control
Module (FCM), the Transmission Control Module
(TCM), the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM),
the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the Controller
Anti-lock Brake (CAB), or the inputs to one of these
electronic control modules. Use a DRBIIItscan toolto diagnose these components. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
(1) Begin the test with the ignition switch in the
Off position.
(2) Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
(3) While still holding the odometer/trip odometer
switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to
the On position, but do not start the engine.
(4) Release the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
(5) The instrument cluster will simultaneously
illuminate all of the operational segments in both
VFD units, perform a bulb check of each operational
LED indicator. The VFD segments and LED indica-
tors remain illuminated as each gauge needle is
swept to several calibration points and back. If a
VFD segment or an LED indicator fails to illuminate,
or if a gauge needle fails to sweep through the cali-
bration points and back during this test, the instru-
ment cluster must be replaced. Following these tests,
the actuator test will proceed as described in Step 6.
(6) The text ªC Codeº is displayed in the odometer
VFD for about three seconds. If there is no stored
fault information, the display will show two pairs of
zeroes in the format ª00º ª00º, which indicate that
the display of fault information is done. If there is
stored fault information, two sets of two-digit alpha
and alpha-numeric fault codes will appear in the
odometer display for a three second interval. The
first pair of digits represents a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC), or fault code for the instrument cluster.
The second pair of digits is a counter for the number
of ignition key cycles that have occurred since the
displayed DTC was set. The instrument cluster will
continue to display additional sets of two pairs of dig-
its at three second intervals until all of the stored
codes have been displayed, which is again signaled
by a code of ª00º ª00º. Refer to the Instrument Clus-
ter Failure Message table for a description of each
fault code that the instrument cluster displays. If an
instrument cluster fault is displayed, use a DRBIIIt
scan tool to diagnose the problem. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE MESSAGE
Fault Code Description Correction
01 Airbag warning indicator output circuit shorted. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
02 Airbag warning indicator output circuit open. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
03 ABS indicator output circuit shorted. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
04 ABS indicator output circuit open. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
05 MIL indicator output circuit shorted. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
06 MIL indicator output circuit open. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
8J - 12 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
CLUSTER BULB
This procedure applies to each of the incandescent
cluster illumination lamp bulb and bulb holder units.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) system, the RKE receiver mod-
ule must be removed from the instrument cluster
rear cover to access the lower center cluster illumi-
nation lamp, which is located on the circuit board
directly behind the RKE module. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER LOCKS/REMOTE KEYLESS
ENTRY MODULE - REMOVAL).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - REMOVAL).
(3) Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise about
sixty degrees on the cluster electronic circuit board
(Fig. 6).(4) Pull the bulb and bulb holder unit straight
back to remove it from the bulb mounting hole in the
cluster electronic circuit board.
CLUSTER LENS, HOOD, AND MASK
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - REMOVAL).
(3) From the back of the instrument cluster,
remove the eight screws around the outer perimeter
of the rear cover that secure the lens, hood, and
mask unit to the cluster housing (Fig. 7).
(4) Remove the lens, hood, and mask unit from the
face of the instrument cluster.
ASSEMBLY
Some of the components for the instrument cluster
used in this vehicle are serviced individually. The
serviced components include the incandescent instru-
ment cluster illumination lamp bulbs (including the
integral bulb holders), and the cluster lens, hood and
mask unit. Following are the procedures for assem-
bling these components to the instrument cluster
unit.
Fig. 6 Cluster Bulb Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
2 - BULB & HOLDER (11)
Fig. 7 Instrument Cluster Components
1 - SCREW (9)
2 - REAR COVER
3 - CLUSTER HOUSING
4 - LENS, HOOD & MASK
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
CLUSTER BULB
This procedure applies to each of the incandescent
cluster illumination lamp bulb and bulb holder units.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) system, and the RKE receiver
module was removed from the instrument cluster
rear cover to access the lower center cluster illumi-
nation lamp, reinstall the RKE module after the bulb
is replaced on the circuit board. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER LOCKS/REMOTE KEYLESS
ENTRY MODULE - INSTALLATION).
CAUTION: Always use the correct bulb size and
type for replacement. An incorrect bulb size or type
may overheat and cause damage to the instrument
cluster, the electronic circuit board and/or the
gauges.
(1) Insert the bulb and bulb holder unit straight
into the correct bulb mounting hole in the cluster
electronic circuit board (Fig. 6).
(2) With the bulb holder fully seated against the
cluster electronic circuit board, turn the bulb holder
clockwise about sixty degrees to lock it into place.
(3) Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
CLUSTER LENS, HOOD, AND MASK
(1) Position the cluster lens, hood, and mask unit
over the face of the instrument cluster (Fig. 7). Be
certain that the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton is inserted through the proper clearance holes in
the mask and the lens.
(2) From the back of the instrument cluster, install
and tighten the eight screws around the outer perim-
eter of the rear cover that secure the lens, hood, andmask unit to the cluster housing. Tighten the screws
to 1 N´m (10 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the instrument cluster to the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors for the cluster to the connector receptacles
on the back of the cluster housing.
(3) Position the instrument cluster into the instru-
ment panel.
(4) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the instrument cluster to the instrument panel struc-
tural support (Fig. 5). Tighten the screws to 4 N´m
(31 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
8J - 16 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

cluster programming, a hard wired multiplex input
received by the cluster from the headlamp panel
lamps dimmer switch on the headlamp dimmer
switch mux circuit, and electronic unlock request
messages received from the optional Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) receiver module. The cargo lamp indica-
tor Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely con-
trolled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will allow only this indicator to operate
whenever the instrument cluster receives a battery
current input on the fused ignition switch output
(run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be
off when the ignition switch is in any position except
On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is
provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
cargo lamp indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the cargo lamp indicator is
illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Cargo Lamp-On Input- Each time the cluster
detects a cargo lamp-on input from the headlamp
switch on the headlamp dimmer switch mux circuit,
the cargo lamp and the cargo lamp indicator will be
illuminated. The cargo lamp and indicator remain
illuminated until the cluster receives a cargo lamp-off
input from the headlamp switch, 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 cargo lamp 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 instrument cluster continually monitors the
headlamp dimmer switch circuit to determine the
proper interior lamps features and panel lamps illu-
mination levels to provide. The cluster then energizes
and de-energizes a low side driver circuit to control
the exterior cargo lamp. Each time the instrument
cluster energizes the cargo lamp driver and the igni-
tion switch is in the On or start positions, the cluster
also turns on the cargo lamp indicator. For further
diagnosis of the cargo lamp indicator or the instru-
ment cluster circuitry that controls the indicator,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For proper
diagnosis of the cargo lamp or the headlamp switch
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
cargo lamp indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A check gauges indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters (Fig. 12). On vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine, the check gauges
indicator is located near the lower edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the tachometer and the speed-
ometer. On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine,
the check gauges indicator is located on the left side
of the instrument cluster, to the left of the voltage
gauge. The check gauges indicator consists of a sten-
cil-like cutout of the words ªCHECK GAGESº 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
ªCHECK GAGESº text to appear in red through the
translucent outer layer of the overlay when the indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by the LED, which
is soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The check gauges indicator is serviced as
a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The check gauges indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when certain instrument cluster
gauge readings reflect a condition requiring immedi-
ate attention. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) on vehicles equipped with a gasoline
engine, or from the Engine Control Module (ECM) on
vehicles equipped with a diesel engine over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The check gauges indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore,
the LED will always be off when the ignition switch
is in any position except On or Start. The LED only
illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by
the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the check gauges indicator for
the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the check gauges indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
Fig. 12 Check Gauges Indicator
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 21
CARGO LAMP INDICATOR (Continued)