2001 DODGE RAM Heat

rotor button (Fig. 21) or (Fig. 22). Also check for
white deposits on the inside (caused by condensation
entering the cap through cracks). Replace any cap
that displays charred or eroded terminals. The
machined surface of a terminal end (faces toward
rotor) will indicate some evidence of erosion from
normal operation. Examine the terminal ends for evi-
dence of mechanical interference with the rotor tip.DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISTRIBUTOR
ROTOR
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 23) for cracks, evi-
dence of corrosion or the effects of arcing on the
metal tip. Also check for evidence of mechanical
interference with the cap. Some charring is normal
on the end of the metal tip. The silicone-dielectric-
varnish-compound applied to the rotor tip for radio
interference noise suppression, will appear charred.
This is normal.Do not remove the charred com-
pound.Test the spring for insufficient tension.
Replace a rotor that displays any of these adverse
conditions.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L
A single ignition coil is used. The coil is not oil
filled. The coil windings are embedded in an epoxy
compound. This provides heat and vibration resis-
tance that allows the coil to be mounted on the
engine.
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L
Two separate coil packs containing a total of five
independent coils are attached to a common mount-
ing bracket. They are located above the right engine
valve cover (Fig. 24). The coil packs are not oil filled.
The front coil pack contains three independent epoxy
Fig. 21 Cap InspectionÐExternalÐTypical
1 - BROKEN TOWER
2 - DISTRIBUTOR CAP
3 - CARBON PATH
4 - CRACK
Fig. 22 Cap InspectionÐInternalÐTypical
1 - CHARRED OR ERODED TERMINALS
2 - WORN OR DAMAGED ROTOR BUTTON
3 - CARBON PATH
Fig. 23 Rotor InspectionÐTypical
1 - INSUFFICIENT SPRING TENSION
2 - CRACKS
3 - EVIDENCE OF PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH CAP
4 - ROTOR TIP CORRODED
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
DISTRIBUTOR CAP (Continued)

SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
The 3.9L V-6 and 5.2L/5.9L V-8 engines use resis-
tor type spark plugs. The 8.0L V-10 engine uses
inductive type spark plugs.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester).Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
OPERATION
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. Incorrect torque can distort the
spark plug and change plug gap. It can also pull the
plug threads and do possible damage to both the
spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
Group O, Lubrication and Maintenance
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Also refer to Spark Plug Conditions.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 29). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
Fig. 28 Spark Plug Cable OrderÐ8.0L V-10 Engine
Fig. 29 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
IGNITION COIL (Continued)

CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR
A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation can also separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 33). Spark plugs with
this condition must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive
combustion chamber temperature. The center elec-
trode dissolves first and the ground electrode dis-
solves somewhat latter (Fig. 34). Insulators appear
relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug
has the correct heat range rating for the engine.
Determine if ignition timing is over advanced or if
other operating conditions are causing engine over-
heating. (The heat range rating refers to the operat-
ing temperature of a particular type spark plug.
Spark plugs are designed to operate within specific
temperature ranges. This depends upon the thick-
ness and length of the center electrodes porcelain
insulator.)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
35). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
REMOVAL
On 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L engines, spark plug cable heat
shields are pressed into the cylinder head to sur-
round each cable boot and spark plug (Fig. 36).
(1) Always remove spark plug or ignition coil
cables by grasping at the cable boot (Fig. 38). Turn
the cable boot 1/2 turn and pull straight back in a
steady motion. Never pull directly on the cable.
Internal damage to cable will result.
(2) Prior to removing the spark plug, spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. This will help prevent foreign
material from entering the combustion chamber.
(3) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert.
(4) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plug Condition in the Diagnostics and Testing
section of this group.
Fig. 33 Chipped Electrode Insulator
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE
3 - CHIPPED INSULATOR
Fig. 34 Preignition Damage
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 35 Spark Plug Overheating
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
8I - 18 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

CLEANING
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file center electrode flat with a small point file or
jewelers file before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean spark plugs. Metallic deposits will remain
on spark plug insulator and will cause plug misfire.
INSTALLATION
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
When replacing the spark plug and ignition coil
cables, route the cables correctly and secure them in
the appropriate retainers. Failure to route the cables
properly can cause the radio to reproduce ignition
noise. It could cause cross ignition of the spark plugs
or short circuit the cables to ground.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs to 35-41 N´m (26-30 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires.
OPERATION
The spark plug cables transfer electrical current
from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individ-
ual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark
plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The
cables provide suppression of radio frequency emis-
sions from the ignition system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CABLES
Cable routing is important on certain engines. To
prevent possible ignition crossfire, be sure the cables
are clipped into the plastic routing looms. Try to pre-
vent any one cable from contacting another. Before
removing cables, note their original location and
routing. Never allow one cable to be twisted around
another.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil(s), distributor cap towers, and
spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated. The
insulators should be in good condition and should fit
tightly on the coil, distributor and spark plugs. Spark
plug cables with insulators that are cracked or torn
must be replaced.
Clean high voltage ignition cables with a cloth
moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the
cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation.
On 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L engines, spark plug cable heat
shields are pressed into the cylinder head to sur-
round each spark plug cable boot and spark plug
(Fig. 37). These shields protect the spark plug boots
from damage (due to intense engine heat generated
by the exhaust manifolds) and should not be
removed. After the spark plug cable has been
installed, the lip of the cable boot should have a
small air gap to the top of the heat shield (Fig. 37).
TESTING
When testing secondary cables for damage with an
oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
If an oscilloscope is not available, spark plug cables
may be tested as follows:
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected for longer than necessary during test-
ing. This may cause possible heat damage to the
catalytic converter. Total test time must not exceed
ten minutes.
Fig. 36 Heat ShieldsÐ3.9L/5.2L/5.9L Engines
1 - AIR GAP
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT HEAT SHIELD
BR/BEIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 19
SPARK PLUG (Continued)

With the engine running, remove spark plug cable
from spark plug (one at a time) and hold next to a
good engine ground. If the cable and spark plug are
in good condition, the engine rpm should drop and
the engine will run poorly. If engine rpm does not
drop, the cable and/or spark plug may not be operat-
ing properly and should be replaced. Also check
engine cylinder compression.
With the engine not running, connect one end of a
test probe to a good ground. Start the engine and run
the other end of the test probe along the entire
length of all spark plug cables. If cables are cracked
or punctured, there will be a noticeable spark jump
from the damaged area to the test probe. The cable
running from the ignition coil to the distributor cap
can be checked in the same manner. Cracked, dam-
aged or faulty cables should be replaced with resis-
tance type cable. This can be identified by the words
ELECTRONIC SUPPRESSION printed on the cable
jacket.
Use an ohmmeter to test for open circuits, exces-
sive resistance or loose terminals. If equipped,
remove the distributor cap from the distributor.Do
not remove cables from cap.Remove cable from
spark plug. Connect ohmmeter to spark plug termi-
nal end of cable and to corresponding electrode in
distributor cap. Resistance should be 250 to 1000
Ohms per inch of cable. If not, remove cable from dis-
tributor cap tower and connect ohmmeter to the ter-
minal ends of cable. If resistance is not within
specifications as found in the SPARK PLUG CABLE
RESISTANCE chart, replace the cable. Test all spark
plug cables in this manner.
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
250 Ohms Per Inch 1000 Ohms Per Inch
3000 Ohms Per Foot 12,000 Ohms Per Foot
To test ignition coil-to-distributor cap cable, do not
remove the cable from the cap. Connect ohmmeter to
rotor button (center contact) of distributor cap and
terminal at ignition coil end of cable. If resistance is
not within specifications as found in the Spark Plug
Cable Resistance chart, remove the cable from the
distributor cap. Connect the ohmmeter to the termi-
nal ends of the cable. If resistance is not within spec-
ifications as found in the Spark Plug Cable
Resistance chart, replace the cable. Inspect the igni-
tion coil tower for cracks, burns or corrosion.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: When disconnecting a high voltage cable
from a spark plug or from the distributor cap, twist
the rubber boot slightly (1/2 turn) to break it loose
(Fig. 38). Grasp the boot (not the cable) and pull it
off with a steady, even force.
INSTALLATION
Install cables into the proper engine cylinder firing
order (Fig. 39), (Fig. 40) or (Fig. 41).
When replacing the spark plug and coil cables,
route the cables correctly and secure in the proper
retainers. Failure to route the cables properly can
cause the radio to reproduce ignition noise. It could
also cause cross ignition of the plugs or short circuit
the cables to ground.
Fig. 37 Heat ShieldsÐ3.9L/5.2L/5.9L Engines
1 - AIR GAP
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT HEAT SHIELD
Fig. 38 Cable Removal
1 - SPARK PLUG CABLE AND BOOT
2 - SPARK PLUG BOOT PULLER
3 - TWIST AND PULL
4 - SPARK PLUG
8I - 20 IGNITION CONTROLBR/BE
SPARK PLUG CABLE (Continued)

ASSEMBLY
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
(1) Position the gear selector indicator mechanism
and cable unit into the instrument panel cluster
opening.
(2) Route the cable through the instrument panel
and under the steering column to the PRNDL driver
lever on the left side of the steering column.
(3) Squeeze the sides of the plastic adjuster and
bracket unit and engage the tabs that secure it with
the sides of the steering column window.
(4) Engage the loop end of the gear selector indi-
cator cable onto the PRNDL driver lever on the left
side of the steering column (Fig. 4).
(5) Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Confirm proper operation of the gear selector
indicator. Calibrate the indicator, if required. (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
CLUSTER BULB
This procedure applies to each of the incandescent
cluster illumination lamp or indicator lamp bulb and
bulb holder units. However, the illumination lamps
and the indicator lamps use different bulb and bulb
holder unit sizes. They must never be interchanged.
CAUTION: Be certain that any bulb and bulb holder
unit removed from the cluster electronic circuit
board is reinstalled in the correct position. 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 elec-
tronic 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. 5).
(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 AND HOOD
CAUTION: Do not touch the face of the gauge over-
lay or the back of the cluster lens with your finger.
It will leave a permanent finger print.
(1) Align the cluster lens and hood unit with the
cluster housing. Be certain that the odometer/trip
odometer switch button is installed through the
clearance hole in the lens (Fig. 6).
(2) Install and tighten the seven screws that
secure the lens and hood unit to the cluster housing.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 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.
CLUSTER HOUSING REAR COVER
(1) Position the rear cover onto the back of the
cluster housing (Fig. 7).
(2) Install and tighten the six screws that secure
the rear cover to the back of the cluster housing.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 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.
CLUSTER HOUSING
(1) Assemble the rear cover onto the cluster hous-
ing. Refer to CLUSTER HOUSING REAR COVER .
(2) Assemble the lens and hood unit onto the clus-
ter housing. Refer to CLUSTER LENS AND HOOD .
(3) Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 13
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

above the temperature gauge. The voltage gauge con-
sists of a movable gauge needle or pointer controlled
by the instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90
degree scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-
right from 8 volts to 18 volts. An International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging
Conditionº is located directly below the lowest grad-
uation of the gauge scale. The voltage gauge graphics
are white against a black field except for a single red
graduation at each end of the gauge scale, making
them clearly visible within the instrument cluster in
daylight. When illuminated from behind by the panel
lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumination lighting
with the exterior lamps turned On, the white graph-
ics appear blue-green and the red graphics appear
red. The orange gauge needle is internally illumi-
nated. Gauge illumination is provided by replaceable
incandescent bulb and bulb holder units located on
the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The
voltage gauge is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The voltage gauge gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator of the electrical system voltage. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon the cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus. The voltage
gauge is an air core magnetic unit that receives bat-
tery current on the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board through the fused ignition switch output
(st-run) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the
On or Start positions. The cluster is programmed to
move the gauge needle back to the low end of the
scale after the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the gauge needle position and provides the following
features:
²Charge Fail Message- Each time the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating a charge
fail condition (system voltage is 10.8 volts or lower),
the gauge needle is moved to the 8 volt graduation
on the gauge scale and the check gauges indicator is
illuminated. The gauge needle remains on the 8 volt
graduation and the check gauges indicator remains
illuminated until the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating there is no charge fail condition
(system voltage is 10.9 volts or higher, but lower
than 16.7 volts), or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. On models
equipped with the optional diesel engine, the instru-
ment cluster is programmed to support the voltmeter
gauge needle above the low end of normal graduation
and suppress the check gauges indicator operationuntil ten seconds after the engine intake manifold air
heater has completed its cycle.
²Voltage High Message- Each time the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating a volt-
age high condition (system voltage is 16.7 volts or
higher), the gauge needle is moved to the 18 volt
graduation on the gauge scale and the check gauges
indicator is illuminated. The gauge needle remains
on the 18 volt graduation and the check gauges indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
message from the PCM indicating there is no voltage
high condition (system voltage is 16.6 volts or lower,
but higher than 10.9 volts), or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
a system voltage message, it will hold the gauge nee-
dle at the last indication until a new message is
received, 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 gauge needle will be
swept to several calibration points on the gauge scale
in a prescribed sequence in order to confirm the func-
tionality of the gauge and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the system voltage
to control the generator output. The PCM then sends
the proper system voltage messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the voltage
gauge or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If
the instrument cluster turns on the check gauges
indicator due to a charge fail or voltage high condi-
tion, it may indicate that the charging system
requires service. For proper diagnosis of the charging
system, the CCD data bus, or the message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the voltage
gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A wait-to-start indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters, but is only functional in vehi-
cles equipped with an optional diesel engine. The
wait-to-start indicator is located near the lower edge
of the instrument cluster overlay, to the right of cen-
ter. The wait-to-start indicator consists of a stenciled
cutout of the text ªWAIT TO STARTº in the opaque
layer of the cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of
the overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly
visible when it is not illuminated. A red lens located
8J - 34 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
VOLTAGE GAUGE (Continued)

behind the cutout causes the ªWAIT TO STARTº text
to appear in red through the translucent outer layer
of the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is sol-
dered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The wait-to-start indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The wait-to-start indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the diesel engine intake
air heater is energized in its preheat operating mode.
This indicator is controlled by a hard wired input to
the instrument cluster from the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM). The wait-to-start indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) receives battery current on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board through the
fused ignition switch output (st-run) circuit whenever
the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions;
therefore, the lamp will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On or Start. The
indicator LED only illuminates when it is switched to
ground by the input from the ECM. The ECM will
turn on the wait-to-start indicator by pulling the
wait-to-start indicator driver circuit to ground each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On or Start
positions. The indicator then remains illuminated
until the ECM detects that the air within the intake
manifold is the proper temperature to ensure reliable
and efficient engine starting, until the ECM detects
that the engine is running, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
The ECM continually monitors the intake manifold
air temperature sensor, the Manifold Absolute Pres-
sure (MAP) sensor, and many other vehicle condi-
tions to determine when the wait-to-start indicator
should be illuminated. For proper diagnosis of the
wait-to-start indicator, the ECM, or the inputs the
ECM uses to control the wait-to-start indicator oper-
ation, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A washer fluid indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The washer fluid indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster
overlay, to the right of center. The washer fluid indi-
cator consists of a stenciled cutout of the words
ªLOW WASHERº in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible when it is not illuminated. An amber lens behindthe cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes
the ªLOW WASHERº text to appear in amber
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when it is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The washer fluid
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The washer fluid indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the fluid level in the
washer fluid reservoir is low. This indicator is con-
trolled by a transistor on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board based upon cluster programming
and a hard wired washer fluid level switch input to
the cluster. The washer fluid indicator Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) receives battery current on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board through
the fused ignition switch output (st-run) circuit
whenever the ignition switch is in the On or Start
positions; therefore, the indicator will always be off
when the ignition switch is in any position except On
or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is pro-
vided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
washer fluid indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the indicator is illuminated
for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Washer Fluid Level Switch Input- Immedi-
ately after the bulb test, if the cluster senses ground
on the washer fluid switch sense circuit for more
than about thirty seconds, it turns on the washer
fluid indicator. Any time after the bulb test, the clus-
ter must sense ground on the washer fluid switch
sense circuit for more than about sixty seconds before
it turns on the indicator. Once illuminated, the indi-
cator will remain illuminated until the ignition
switch is cycled and the cluster senses an open cir-
cuit on the low washer fluid sense input. This strat-
egy is intended to reduce the effect that fluid
sloshing within the washer reservoir can have on
reliable indicator operation.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the indicator will be
turned on during the bulb check portion of the test to
confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster
control circuitry.
The washer fluid level switch is connected in series
between ground and the washer fluid switch sense
input to the instrument cluster. For more informa-
tion on the washer fluid level switch,(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WASHER FLUID
LEVEL SWITCH - OPERATION). For further diag-
nosis of the washer fluid indicator or the instrument
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 35
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR (Continued)