1998 DODGE RAM 1500 seatbelt

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER...........................10
REMOVAL.............................14
DISASSEMBLY.........................14
ASSEMBLY............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
INDICATOR..........................20
CARGO LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
DOOR AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
ETC INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
LAMP OUT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29OPERATION...........................29
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................32
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................34
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENHANCED
SEATBELT REMINDER PROGRAMMING....35
SECURITY INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................36
SERVICE 4WD INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................36
OPERATION...........................37
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................37
OPERATION...........................37
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
TOW/HAUL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................39
OPERATION...........................39
TRANS TEMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................40
OPERATION...........................40
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................40
OPERATION...........................41
UPSHIFT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................42
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................42
OPERATION...........................43
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................44
OPERATION...........................44
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 1

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)

board hardware, the cluster overlay, or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
ule must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and
mask unit and the individual incandescent lamp
bulbs with holders are available for individual ser-
vice replacement.
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
in this model also includes the hardware and soft-
ware necessary to serve as the electronic body control
module and is sometimes referred to as the Cab
Compartment Node or CCN. The following informa-
tion deals primarily with the instrument cluster
functions of this unit. Additional details of the elec-
tronic body control functions of this unit may be
found within the service information for the system
or component that the EMIC controls. For example:
Additional details of the audible warning functions ofthe EMIC are found within the Chime/Buzzer service
information.
The EMIC is designed to allow the vehicle operator
to monitor the conditions of many of the vehicle com-
ponents and operating systems. The gauges and indi-
cators in the EMIC provide valuable information
about the various standard and optional powertrains,
fuel and emissions systems, cooling systems, lighting
systems, safety systems and many other convenience
items. The EMIC is installed in the instrument panel
so that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by
the vehicle operator when driving, while still allow-
ing relative ease of access for service. The micropro-
cessor-based EMIC hardware and software uses
various inputs to control the gauges and indicators
visible on the face of the cluster. Some of these
inputs are hard wired, but most are in the form of
electronic messages that are transmitted by other
electronic modules over the Programmable Communi-
cations Interface (PCI) data bus network. (Refer to 8
Fig. 3 Gauges & Indicators - Gasoline Engine
1 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 13 - ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) INDICATOR
2 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 14 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 15 - SECURITY INDICATOR
4 - TACHOMETER 16 - GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY (INCLUDES
CRUISE & UPSHIFT INDICATORS)
5 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 17 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
6 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 18 - BRAKE INDICATOR
7 - SEATBELT INDICATOR 19 - ABS INDICATOR
8 - SPEEDOMETER 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY (INCLUDES
ENGINE HOURS, WASHER FLUID, LAMP OUTAGE, TOW/HAUL
& SERVICE 4x4 INDICATORS)
9 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 21 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
10 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 22 - FUEL GAUGE
11 - CARGO LAMP INDICATOR 23 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
12 - DOOR AJAR INDICATOR 24 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

- ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist such as high coolant tem-
perature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer
to an extreme position and the microprocessor can
sound a chime through the on-board audible tone
generator to provide distinct visual and audible indi-
cations of a problem to the vehicle operator. The
instrument cluster circuitry may also produce audi-
ble warnings for other electronic modules in the vehi-
cle based upon electronic tone request messages
received over the PCI data bus. Each audible warn-ing is intended to provide the vehicle operator with
an audible alert to supplement a visual indication.
The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through a fused B(+) fuse in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) on a non-switched fused B(+)
circuit, and on battery current received through a
fused ignition switch output (run-start) fuse in the
IPM on a fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. This arrangement allows the EMIC to provide
some features regardless of the ignition switch posi-
tion, while other features will operate only with the
ignition switch in the On or Start positions. The
EMIC circuitry is grounded through a ground circuit
and take out of the instrument panel wire harness
with an eyelet terminal connector that is secured by
a ground screw to a ground location near the center
of the instrument panel structural support.
The EMIC also has a self-diagnostic actuator test
capability, which will test each of the PCI bus mes-
Fig. 4 Gauges & Indicators - Diesel Engine
1 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 14 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
2 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 15 - SECURITY INDICATOR
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 16 - GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY (INCLUDES
CRUISE & UPSHIFT INDICATORS)
4 - TACHOMETER 17 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
5 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 18 - BRAKE INDICATOR
6 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 19 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
7 - SEATBELT INDICATOR 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY (INCLUDES
ENGINE HOURS, WASHER FLUID, LAMP OUTAGE, TOW/HAUL
& SERVICE 4x4 INDICATORS)
8 - SPEEDOMETER 21 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
9 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 22 - FUEL GAUGE
10 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 23 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
11 - CARGO LAMP INDICATOR 24 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
12 - DOOR AJAR INDICATOR 25 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
13 - ABS INDICATOR
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7
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)

Each time the ABS indicator fails to light due to an
open or short in the cluster ABS indicator circuit, the
cluster sends a message notifying the CAB of the
condition, then the instrument cluster and the CAB
will each store a DTC. For proper diagnosis of the
antilock brake system, the CAB, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the ABS indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters (Fig. 9). However, the instrument
cluster can be programmed to disable this indicator
on vehicles that are not equipped with the airbag
system, which is not available in some markets. The
airbag indicator is located near the upper edge of the
instrument cluster, between the tachometer and the
speedometer. The airbag indicator consists of a sten-
cil-like cutout of the words ªAIR BAGº 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 ªAIR BAGº
text 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 electronic circuit board. The air-
bag indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The airbag indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or
inoperative. The airbag 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 Airbag Control
Module (ACM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The airbag indicator
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 current input
on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when theignition 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 airbag indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the airbag indicator is illu-
minated for about six seconds. The entire six second
bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²ACM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the ACM, the
airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated for about twelve seconds or until
the cluster receives a lamp-off message from the
ACM, whichever is longer.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no airbag messages for three consecutive seconds, the
airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a sin-
gle lamp-off message from the ACM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the airbag indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the airbag indicator is a function
of the instrument cluster.
The ACM continually monitors the airbag system
circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is
in good operating condition. The ACM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the ACM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the ACM has
detected a system malfunction and/or that the air-
bags and seat belt tensioners may not deploy when
required, or may deploy when not required. The ACM
will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any
malfunction it detects. Each time the airbag indicator
fails to illuminate due to an open or short in the
cluster airbag indicator circuit, the cluster sends a
message notifying the ACM of the condition, the
instrument cluster and the ACM will each store a
DTC, and the cluster will flash the seatbelt indicator
on and off as a backup to notify the vehicle operator.
For proper diagnosis of the airbag system, the ACM,
the PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the airbag indica-
tor, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
Fig. 9 Airbag Indicator
8J - 18 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
ABS INDICATOR (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)