
mitted on the bus even though a module may not
require all information to perform its function. It
will only respond to messages ªaddressedº to it
through binary coding process. This method of data
transmission significantly reduces the complexity
of the wiring in the vehicle and the size of wiring
harnesses. All of the information about the func-
tioning of all the systems is organized, controlled,
and communicated by the PCI bus, which is de-
scribed in the Communication Section of this gen-
eral information.
3.1 AIRBAG SYSTEM/OCCUPANT
RESTRAINT CONTROLLER SYSTEM
The 2001 Minivan Airbag System contain the
following components: Occupant Restraint Control-
ler (ORC), Airbag Warning Indicator, Clockspring,
Driver and Passenger Airbags, Seat belt Tensioners
(SBT), Hall-effect Seat Belt Switches (SBS), Left
and Right Side Airbag Control Module (SIACM),
and Seat (mounted side) Airbags.
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) is a
new type of Airbag Control Module (ACM) that
supports staged airbag deployment. Staged deploy-
ment is the ability to trigger airbag system squib
inflators all at once or individually as needed to
provide the appropriate restraint for the severity of
the impact. The ORC has four major functions: PCI
Bus communications, onboard diagnostics, impact
sensing, and component deployment. The ORC also
contains an energy-storage capacitor. This capaci-
tor stores enough electrical energy to deploy the
front airbag components for two seconds following a
battery disconnect or failure during an impact. The
ORC is secured to the floor panel transmission
tunnel below the instrument panel inside the vehi-
cle. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and
must be replaced.
The ORC sends and/or receives PCI Bus mes-
sages with the Instrument Cluster (MIC), Body
Control Module (BCM), and Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). Diagnostic trouble codes will be set
if the communication with these modules is lost or
contains invalid information.
The microprocessor in the ORC monitors the
impact sensor signal and the airbag system electri-
cal circuits to determine the system readiness. The
ORC also monitors bus messages from both SIACM.
If the ORC detects a monitored system fault or
SIACM fault, it sends a message to the instrument
cluster via PCI bus to turn on the airbag warning
indicator. The ORC can set both active and stored
diagnostic trouble codes to aid in the diagnosing
system problems. See ORC/SIACM DIAGNOSTIC
TROUBLE CODES in this section.
The ORC has an internal accelerometer that
senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which pro-vides verification of the direction and severity of an
impact. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in
the ORC microprocessor determines when the de-
celeration rate is severe enough to require airbag
system protection. The Occupant Restraint Control-
ler (ORC) also uses the driver and front passenger
seat belt switch status (buckled or unbuckled) as
inputs to determine the level of airbag deployment,
low, medium, or high as well as whether or not the
seat belt tensioners should deploy. The ORC also
uses the crash severity to determine the level of
driver and front passenger deployment, low me-
dium or high. When the programmed conditions are
met, the ORC sends an electrical signal to deploy
the appropriate airbag system components.WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A
SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-
MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG
SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IS ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY. NEVER STRIKE OR
KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS
IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR
AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE
MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH
A NEW UNIT.
The airbag warning lamp is the only point at
which the customer can observe symptoms of a
system malfunction. Whenever the ignition key is
turned to the run or start position, the MIC per-
forms a lamp check by turning the airbag warning
indicator on for 6-8 seconds. After the lamp check, if
the indicator turns on, it means that the ORC has
checked the system and found it to be free of
discernible malfunctions. If the lamp remains on,
there could be an active fault in the system or the
MIC lamp circuit may be internally shorted to
ground. If the lamp comes on and stays on for a
period longer than 6-8 seconds then goes off, there
is usually an intermittent problem in the system.
2
GENERAL INFORMATION

if the system is functioning properly. If the test
finds a problem the SIACM will set both active and
stored diagnostic trouble codes. If a DTC is active
the SIACM will request that the airbag warning
lamp be turned on. The results of the system test
are transmitted on the PCI Bus to the ORC once
each second or on change in lamp state. If the
warning lamp status message from the either SI-
ACM contains a lamp on request, the ORC will set
an active DTC. At the same time as the DTC is set
the ORC sends a PCI Bus message to the mechan-
ical instrument cluster (MIC) requesting the airbag
warning lamp be turned on. Observe all ORC warn-
ing and caution statements when servicing or han-
dling the SIACM. SIACM are not repairable and
must be replaced if they are dropped.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A
SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-
MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG
SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY. NEVER STRIKE OR
KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS
IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR
AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE
MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH
A NEW UNIT.
The airbag warning lamp is the only point at
which the customer can observe symptoms of a
system malfunction. Whenever the ignition key is
turned to the run or start position, the MIC per-
forms a lamp check by turning the airbag warning
indicator on for 6-8 seconds. After the lamp check, if
the indicator turns on, it means that the ORC has
checked the system and found it to be free of
discernible malfuctions. If the lamp remains on,
there could be an active fault in the system or the
MIC lamp circuit may be internally shorted to
ground. If the lamp comes on and stays on for a
period longer than 6-8 seconds then goes off, there
is usually an intermittent problem in the system.
3.1.7 SEAT AIRBAGS (SAB)
The left and right seat airbag modules are located
in the outboard end of the front seat backs. The
airbag module contains a bag, an inflator (a small
canister of highly compressed argon gas) and a
mounting bracket. The seat airbag module cannot
be repaired and must be replaced if deployed or in
any way damaged. When supplied with the proper
electrical signal the inflator seals the hole in the
airbag cushion so it can discharge the compressed
gas it contains directly into the cushion. Upon
deployment, the seat back trim cover will tear open
and allow the seat airbag to fully deploy between
the seat and the door.
WARNING: SEAT AIRBAG CONTAINS ARGON
GAS PRESSURIZED TO OVER 17236.89 Kpa
(2500 PSI). DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG MODULE OR
TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT
PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO
CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT
STORE AT TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 93ÉC
(200ÉF). REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM
COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS
SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY
APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT
INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN
INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION. THE
FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS
ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL
COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY
DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY
MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY
SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FASTENER
IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE
MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
3.1.8 ORC/SIACM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODES
Airbag diagnostic trouble codes consist of active
and stored codes. If more than one code exists,
diagnostic priority should be given to the active
codes. Each diagnostic trouble code is diagnosed by
following a specific testing procedure. The diagnos-
tic test procedures contain step-by-step instructions
for determining the cause of the trouble codes. It is
not necessary to perform all of the tests in this book
to diagnose an individual code. Always begin by
reading the diagnostic trouble codes using the DRB.
Always begin diagnostic with the Table of Contents
6
GENERAL INFORMATION

section 7.0. This will direct you to the specific test(s)
that must be performed. Active diagnostic trouble
codes for the airbag system are not permanent and
will change the moment the reason for the code is
corrected. In certain test procedures within this
manual, diagnostic trouble codes are used as a
diagnostic tool.
3.1.9 ACTIVE CODES
The code becomes active as soon as the malfunc-
tion is detected or key-on, whichever occurs first. An
active trouble code indicates an on-going malfunc-
tion. This means that the defect is currently there
every time the airbag control module checks that
circuit or component. It is impossible to erase an
active code. Active codes automatically erase by
themselves when the reason for the code has been
corrected. With the exception of the warning lamp
trouble codes or malfunctions, when a malfunction
is detected, the airbag lamp remains lit for a mini-
mum of 12 seconds or as long as the malfunction is
present.
3.1.10 STORED CODES
Airbag codes are automatically stored in the
ORC's memory as soon as the malfunction is de-
tected. The exception is the Loss of Ignition Run
Only code which is an active code only. A stored code
indicates there was an active code present at some
time. However, the code currently may not be
present as an active code, although another code
could be active. When a trouble code occurs, the
airbag warning indicator illuminates for 12 seconds
minimum (even if the problem existed for less than
12 seconds). The code is stored, along with the time
in minutes it was active, and the number of times
the ignition has been cycled since the problem was
last detected. The minimum time shown for any
code will be one minute, even if the code was
actually present for less than one minute. Thus, the
time shown for a code will be one minute, even if the
code was actually present for less than one minute.
Thus, the time shown for a code that was present
for two minutes 13 seconds, for example, would be
three minutes. If a malfunction is detected a diag-
nostic trouble code is stored and will remain stored.
When and if the malfunction ceases to exist, an
ignition cycle count will be initiated for that code. If
the ignition cycle count reaches 100 without a
reoccurrence of the same malfunction, the diagnos-
tic trouble code is erased and that ignition cycle
counter is reset to zero. If the malfunction reoccurs
before the count reaches 100, then the ignition cycle
counter will be reset and diagnostic trouble code
will continue to be a stored code. If a malfunction is
not active while performing a diagnostic test proce-
dure, the active code diagnostic test will not locatethe source of the problem. In this case, the stored
code can indicate an area to inspect. If no obvious
problems are found, erase stored codes, and with
the ignition on wiggle the wire harness and connec-
tors, rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop.
Recheck for codes periodically as you work through
the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunc-
tion that is difficult to locate.
3.2 AUDIO SYSTEM
The following radios are all on the PCI Bus
system - RBB, RBK, RAZ, RAD, RBT, and RBY. The
remaining radio also available, the RAS, is NOT on
the PCI Bus. The PCI Bus inputs into the radio are
used for VF dimming, remote steering wheel con-
trols and cabin EQ preference. PCI Bus outputs
from the radio are used for the Name Brand
Speaker (NBS) relay activation, as well as cabin EQ
preference.
The RBB and RBK radios have the capability of
containing multiple vehicle unique equalization
curves (cabin EQ preferences) within the radio.
These curves will reside in the radio's flash memory.
The radio is capable of storing up to 20 unique
equalization curves. The latent curves can be se-
lected via the Front Control Module transmitting a
PCI Bus message to the radio in response to a radio
request for equalization message. Upon receipt of a
valid equalization select message response, the ra-
dio will switch to output the corresponding equal-
ization curve.
All the radios, except the RAS, are capable of
displaying faults and allowing certain actuation
tests through the use of the DRBIIIt. When at-
tempting to perform PCI Bus diagnostics, the first
step is to identify the radio in use in the vehicle.
When trouble shooting output shorts or ªoutputº
error messages, the following applies:
On radios without an external amplifier, the term
output refers to the path between the radio and the
speaker. This type of circuit can be monitored all
the way through the speaker connections by the
radio assembly. When the radio displays a shorted
output DTC with this type of system, the speaker,
radio, or wiring could be at fault. The output DTC
could refer to the front or rear output or a left or
right output. The reason for the difference is the
pairing of the output sections of the radio. Some are
paired left and right, others are paired front and
rear.
On radios with an external amplifier, the term
ªoutputº refers to the circuit between the radio
connector and the amplifier. The radio is capable of
monitoring only this portion and can tell nothing
about the circuit between the amplifier and the
speakers. Consequently, a shorted output DTC on
7
GENERAL INFORMATION

this type of system would only refer to this circuit.
A faulty speaker could not cause this DTC.
3.2.1 REMOTE RADIO CONTROLS
These radios can be controlled via remote radio
switches (optional). These switches are located on
the back side of the steering wheel. They control
mode, preset, seek up, seek down, volume up and
volume down functions.
These functions are inputs to the Body Control
Module and can be read with the DRBIIItunder
ªbody computerº. The switches are a multiplexed
signal to the BCM. The radio control MUX circuit is
a 5 volt line that is pulled to ground through
different value resistors built into the switches.
This causes a voltage drop to be seen by the BCM
and it sends a specific message to the radio on the
PCI Bus circuit. The radio then responses to the
message.
This circuit is fairly simple to troubleshoot. The
circuit must be complete from the switches in the
steering wheel to the BCM. The ground must be
complete so that the switches can cause the voltage
drop for the BCM to see. The circuit passes through
the clockspring so continuity through this devise
must be verified.
3.2.2 CD CHANGER
The new in-dash CD Changer is designed to fit
into the existing cubby bin in the center stack. This
new cartridge-less CD Changer is controlled by
your radio, and allows you to individually load up to
four discs at a time. However, due to its compact
design, the CD Changer can only carry out one
operation at a time. For example, you can not load
a new disc while playing another at the same time.
Each operation happens sequentially.
The radio unit installed with your system pro-
vides control over all features of the CD Changer
with the exception of the CD load and eject func-
tions, which are controlled by buttons located on the
front of the CD Changer. The radio also supplies the
power, ground, PCI Bus, left and right speaker
output thru a single DIN cable. All features you
would expect, such as Disc Up/Down, Track Up/
Down, Random and Scan are controlled by the
radio, which also displays all relevant CD Changer
information on the radio display.
The CD Changer contains a Load/Eject button
and an indicator light for each of the four disc
positions. The individual light indicates whether a
CD is currently loaded in that particular chamber of
the CD Changer. Pressing the individual Load/Eject
button for a particular chamber will eject a disc
currently present in that chamber. If the chamber iscurrently empty, actuating the Load/Eject button
will position that chamber to receive and load a new
disc in that chamber.
3.3 BODY CONTROL MODULE
The body control module (BCM) supplies vehicle
occupants with visual and audible information and
controls various vehicle functions. To provide and
receive information, the module is interfaced to the
vehicle's serial bus communications network (PCI).
This network consists of the powertrain control
module (PCM), the engine control module (ECM) -
diesel only, the transmission control module (TCM),
the mechanical instrument cluster (MIC), the front
control module (FCM), the occupant restraint con-
troller (ORC), the compass/mini-trip (CMTC), the
electronic vehicle information center (EVIC), the
controller antilock brake (CAB), the HVAC control
module (ATC & MTC), the power sliding door (Left
& Right) modules (PSD), the power liftgate module
(PLG), the Audio system, the side impact airbag
control (left & right) modules (SIACM), the memory
seat/mirror module (MSMM), the RKE/thatcham
alarm module and the sentry key immobilizer mod-
ule (SKIM). The BCM is operational when battery
power is supplied to the module.
The body control module provides the following
features:
²Power Door Locks
²Automatic Door Lock
²Door Lock Inhibit
²Central Locking (with VTSS Only)
²Battery Protection
²The BCM will automatically turn off all exterior
lamps after 3 minutes and all interior lamps after
15 minutes after the ignition is turned off, if they
are not turned off by the driver.
²Chime
²Compass/Minitrip Support
²Interior Lighting (Courtesy/Reading Lamps)
²BCM Diagnostic Reporting
²Electronic Liftgate Release (with Power Door
Locks)
²Exterior Lighting
²Power Folding Mirrors
²Remote Radio Controls
²Headlamp Time Delay (with/without Autohead-
lamps)
²Automatic Headlamps (with electrochromatic
mirror)
²Illuminated Entry
²Fade to Off
8
GENERAL INFORMATION

This feature dims the interior lighting (courtesy
lamps) gradually if the BCM does not receive any
new inputs that would cause the interior lamps to
remain on.
²PWM Instrument Panel Dimming
²Door Lock Inhibit
This feature disables the door lock functions if the
key is in the ignition and either front door is ajar.
Pressing the RKE lock/unlock button under these
conditions, result in normal lock/unlock activation.
²Power Sliding Door Switch Inputs
The BCM has 4 switch inputs for the power
sliding door feature: Located in the overhead con-
sole are the Left and Right side sliding door
switches to activate either or both sliding doors
under the proper conditions. Also are B-Pillar
switches located on the Left and Right B-pillar
posts.
²Power Liftgate Switch Input
The BCM has 1 Liftgate switch input located in
the overhead console
²Power Lockout Switch Input
The BCM has 1 Lockout switch that when en-
abled will disable the B-Pillar sliding door switches
from activating either sliding door when depressed.
When replacing a body control module there are 2
modules available, a Base and a Midline. The
Midline controller is used on vehicles that have
Power Door Locks. If a vehicle is equipped with the
Vehicle Theft Security System, the midline control-
ler becomes a premium when the theft feature is
enabled.
NOTE: DO NOT SWAP THE BODY CONTROL
MODULE BETWEEN VEHICLES OR BODY
CONTROL MODULES OFF THE SHELF.
Engineering does not recommend that service,
dealers or the plant swap Body Control Modules
(BCM) between vehicles or off the shelf. The BCM
has internal diagnostic capability that assists in
diagnosing the system. When an ªOpenº or a
ªShortº circuit exists, the diagnostic tool can be
used to read the BCM codes. The codes are very
descriptive in identifying the appropriate feature
that has faulted.
3.4 CHIME WARNING SYSTEM
The BCM monitors the door/liftgate ajar
switches, multifunction switches, headlight switch,
ignition switch, PCI bus, and the diagnostic tool to
perform various chime operations. The BCM uses a
low-side driver to control the chime located in the
cluster.
The chime system provides the Driver with warn-
ing chimes for:
²Seat belt
²Exterior lights on
²Key-in Ignition
²Key-in Accessory
²Engine temperature critical
²Low washer fluid
²Turn signals on
²Dome light on
²Low oil pressure
²Any warning lamp announcement
²High-speed warning Gulf Coast Countries (GCC)
only
The output sound intensity of the chime is ap-
proximately 72 decibels.
3.4.1 CHIME PRIORITY
The following list indicates the priority of the
chime when more than one chime is active at the
same time:
²Seat belt warning
²High-speed warning Gulf Coast Countries (GCC)
only
²Turn signal on
²Chime request
²Warning lamp announcement
The cluster is responsible to set priority on all
warning lamp announcement chimes.
3.4.2 CHIME ON CONDITIONS
The following is a list of the chime warnings and
when they will sound.
Driver 's Seat
belt Unbuckled:Sounds for approximately 662
seconds when the igntion is turned
on and driver 's seat belt is not
buckled, as a reminder to the
driver to buckle the seat belt.
Exterior Lights
On:Ignition is in the lock position,
the driver door is ajar, and the
headlight switch is left in any
position, other than auto or off.
The chime will sound as a warn-
ing to the driver until one of the
above conditions is removed or
until the battery protection time
of 3 minutes has expired.
Key-In Ignition: Ignition is in the lock position,
driver door is ajar and the key is
in the ignition. The chime will
sound until one of the above con-
ditions is removed or until the
battery protection time of 15 min-
utes has expired.
9
GENERAL INFORMATION

Turn Signal On: When the BCM detects a turn
signal input continuously for
1.0mile/0.6km and the vehicle
speed is greater than 15 mph/
24kph, the chime will sound until
the specific turn signal is can-
celled.
Dome Lights On: Ignition is in the lock position,
driver door ajar, and the dome
light switch is left in the on
position. The chime will sound
until one of the above conditions
is removed or until the battery
protection time of 15 minutes has
expired.
Low Oil Pres-
sure:The chime will sound when the
engine is operating and the oil
pressure drops below 4psi/27.5kPa.
Engine
Temperature
Critical:The chime will sound when the
engine is operating and the cool-
ant temperature exceeds 252ÉF/
122Cor 234É/112C(diesel).The
chime is continuous at 257ÉF/
125C and will chime for 4 min-
utes and stop if the temperature
drops below 255ÉF/123C.
Low Washer
FluidThe chime will sound when the
washer fluid drops below a spe-
cific level.
Warning Lamp
Announcement:A chime will sound to alert the
driver to scan the instrument
panel to see which warning lamp
is illuminated. The door/liftgate
ajar warning lamp will appear
without a chime if the vehicle is
running and a door or the liftgate
is opened. A chime will sound if
the door or liftgate is still open
and the vehicle speed is greater
than 4mph/6kph.
High-speed
warning Gulf
Coast Countries
(GCC) onlyThe chime will sound, acting as a
warning to the driver that the
vehicle speed has exceed
75mph62/120kph63.3.4.3 WARNING LAMP ANNOUNCEMENT
Low Fuel Lamp: The cluster will request a single
chime after the indicator is illu-
minated.
Volt Lamp: The cluster will request a single
chime after the indicator is illu-
minated.
Oil Pressure
Lamp:The cluster will request a single
chime after illuminating the in-
dicator above 450rpm vehicle op-
eration.
Headlight Out
Lamp:The cluster will request a single
chime after the indicator is illu-
minated.
Liftgate Ajar
Lamp:The BCM determines when to
chime for liftgate ajar.
Fasten Seat Belt
Lamp:The BCM will request five chimes
from the MIC when the ignition
is turned to the unlock/run/start
positions if the driver seat belt is
not buckled.
Check Engine
Lamp:The cluster will request a single
chime after the indicator is illu-
minated.
Low Washer
Fluid Lamp:The cluster will request a single
chime after the indicator is illu-
minated.
Engine Tempera-
ture Lamp:The cluster will request a single
chime when the indicator is first
illuminated at 252ÉF/122C.
3.4.4 OTHER CHIME ON CONDITIONS
Bulb Check: The chime will sound three times
during bulb check.
Programming of
an Additional
Key Fob:A double cluster chime will sound,
which signals that the program
mode has been initiated.
Programming for
Rolling Door
Locks:When the programming has been
completed, a single tone from the
chime system, will occur.
10
GENERAL INFORMATION

3.7.6 EXTERIOR LIGHTING BATTERY
SAVER
The BCM monitors the status of, and controls, the
Park Lamps, Headlamps and Fog Lamp relays. If
any exterior lamps are left ON after the ignition is
turned OFF, the BCM will turn them OFF after 3
minutes.
3.7.7 AUTO HEADLAMPS
This feature is available on vehicles equipped
with both the Electrocromatic Mirror (ECM) and
the Compass/Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC). When
the BCM detects a day/night signal from the CMTC,
an ECM is present and Auto Headlamp mode is
selected.
3.8 FRONT CONTROL MODULE
The Front Control Module (FCM) is an electrical
control and interface center located in the engine
compartment. When it is mated to the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC), it is referred to as the
Intelligent Power Module (IPM). The IPM, with its
fuses and relays provides power and signal distri-
bution throughout most of the vehicle. The FCM
receives both hard wire and digital electronic inputs
from the vehicle electrical system through the PDC.
Based on these inputs and the ignition switch
position, it provides direct power feeds and relay
control to some of the vehicles' most critical electri-
cal systems.
The Front Control Module provides the following
features:
Controlled power feeds:
²Front airbag system
²Side airbag system
²Headlamp power
²EATX module power (4 speed only)
²Front washer motor
²Rear washer motor
²Brake shift interlock system
Relay controls:
²Fog lamp relay (when equipped)
²Park lamp relay
²Front wiper on relay
²Front wiper high/low relay
²Accessory relay
²Horn relay
²Front & rear blower relay
²Name brand speakers (NBS) relay
²Electronic back light (EBL) run only relay
²Cabin heater relayElectrical inputs:
²Headlamp battery supplies1&2
²Module battery supply
²Power ground
²Ignition switch RUN or START position status
²Ignition switch START only status
²PCI Bus
²Stop lamp switch
²Horn switch
²Back-up switch
²Wiper park switch
²Washer fluid level switch
²Brake fluid level switch
²Ambient temperature sensor
²Right park lamp outage
²Left park lamp outage
²Battery IOD
²Battery (+) connection detection
²Flash reprogramming voltage
3.8.1 CONTROLLED POWER FEEDS
Front airbag system
The FCM provides power to the Occupant Re-
straint Control (ORC) system through two ªfuse-
lessº circuits (ORC RUN/START, and ORC RUN
only). These circuits are electronically controlled
and continuously monitored for malfunctions.
Power is supplied while the ignition switch is in the
RUN and START positions on pin 48 of the FCM
connector, and in the RUN only position on pin 29.
Side airbag system
The FCM provides power to the Side Impact
Airbag Control Module (SIACM) system through
one ªfuselessº circuit. This circuit is electronically
controlled and continuously monitored for malfunc-
tions. Power is supplied in the ignition RUN and
START positions on pin 28 of the FCM connector.
Headlamp power
The headlamp switch is a direct input to the
BCM. The BCM sends a PCI Bus message to the
FCM informing it of a headlamp switch status
change. The FCM then turns on power to the
headlamps through four ªfuselessº circuits. These
circuits are electronically controlled and continu-
ously monitored for malfunctions. Power is supplied
to each filament in a separate circuit (RH low on pin
6, RH high on pin 4, LH low on pin 3 and LH high
on pin 5). For vehicles equipped with Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL), the FCM electronically
steps down the headlamp voltage to provide the
desired illumination.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

EATX power
The electronic automatic 4 speed transmission
module is powered when the ignition switch is in
the UNLOCK, RUN or START positions. This cir-
cuit is electronically controlled and continuously
monitored for malfunctions. Power is supplied
through pin 27 of the FCM connector.
Front washer motor
The front washer switch is a direct input to the
BCM. The BCM sends a PCI Bus message to the
FCM informing it of a request to wash. The front
washer motor is then powered through low side
control inside the FCM. This circuit is electronically
controlled and continuously monitored for malfunc-
tions. In addition, the FCM electronically protects
the washer motor from system voltages higher than
16 volts by automatically switching off the low side
circuit. The low side circuit is connected to pin 45 in
the FCM connector.
Rear washer motor
The rear washer switch is a direct input to the
BCM. The BCM sends a PCI Bus message to the
FCM informing it of a request to wash. The rear
washer motor is then powered through low side
control inside the FCM. This circuit is electronically
controlled and continuously monitored for malfunc-
tions. In addition, the FCM electronically protects
the washer motor from system voltages higher than
16 volts by automatically switching off the low side
circuit. The low side circuit is connected to pin 46 in
the FCM connector.
Brake shift interlock system
The brake shift interlock solenoid receives power
from both high side and low side controls inside the
FCM. The high side control is on the same circuit as
the EATX module power, and the low side control
comes through pin 47 of the FCM connector. The
solenoid is controlled by the low side driver when
the brake pedal is pressed. Both circuits are contin-
uously monitored for malfunctions.
3.8.2 RELAY CONTROLS
Fog lamp relay
The fog lamp switch is a direct input to the BCM.
The BCM sends a PCI Bus message to the FCM
informing it to turn on the fog lamp relay. The fog
lamp relay is then powered through low side control
on pin 33 of the FCM. This circuit is electronically
controlled and continuously monitored for malfunc-
tions. Fog lamp functionality is not equipped on all
vehicles. The FCM ªlearnsº that the vehicle is
equipped with fog lamps by reading the BCM PCI
Bus message.
Park lamp relay
The park lamp switch is a direct input to the
BCM. The BCM sends a PCI Bus message to the
FCM informing it to turn on the park lamp relay.
The park lamp relay is then powered through lowside control on pin 13 of the FCM. This circuit is
electronically controlled and continuously moni-
tored for malfunctions.
Front wiper on relay
The front wiper switch is a direct input to the
BCM. The BCM sends a PCI Bus message to the
FCM informing it to turn on the front wiper on
relay. The front wiper on relay is then powered
through low side control on pin 14 of the FCM. This
circuit is electronically controlled and continuously
monitored for malfunctions.
Front wiper high/low relay
The front wiper switch is a direct input to the
BCM. The BCM sends a PCI Bus message to the
FCM informing it to turn on the front wiper high/
low relay. The relay switches power between the low
speed and high speed windings of the wiper motor.
The front wiper high/low relay is powered through
low side control on pin 34 of the FCM. This circuit is
electronically controlled and continuously moni-
tored for malfunctions.
Accessory relay
The accessory relay works in conjunction with the
FCM's power accessory delay feature to control the
operation of the radio, power windows, washer
motors, wiper motors and power outlet. The acces-
sory relay is turned on through low side control on
pin 35 of the FCM. This circuit is electronically
controlled and continuously monitored for malfunc-
tions. Depending on the ignition switch position,
the accessory relay will remain on or will time-out
and turn off. The accessory relay remains on in the
RUN and ACCY positions of the ignition switch. In
the UNLK and OFF positions, the relay will remain
energized for 45 seconds then turn off. During this
time-out period, if the driver or passenger doors are
opened, the relay will turn off immediately. While
the ignition switch is in the START position, the
relay will also drop-out, then resume operation.
Accessory relay operation is most noticeable by
observing the operation of the radio or blower
functions.
Horn relay
The horn relay operates through a direct wire
input to the FCM from the horn switch (FCM pin
17) , or a PCI Bus message from the BCM. The relay
responds to the horn switch, remote door lock and
VTA alarm functions. The horn relay is powered
through low side control on pin 10 of the FCM.
Under normal operating conditions, if the horn is
pressed for longer than 30 seconds, the FCM will
automatically deactivate the horn to prevent dam-
age to it. The FCM will re-activate control of the
relay after a 25 second cool-down period. This
circuit is electronically controlled and continuously
monitored for malfunctions.
14
GENERAL INFORMATION