2001 DODGE RAM airbag disable

ifications have common physical dimensions, current
capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions.
The ISO micro-relay terminal functions are the same
as a conventional ISO relay. However, the ISO micro-
relay terminal pattern (or footprint) is different, the
current capacity is lower, and the physical dimen-
sions are smaller than those of the conventional ISO
relay.
The heated seat relay cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When the elec-
tromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable
contact away from the normally closed fixed contact,
and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed
contact. When the electromagnetic coil is de-ener-
gized, spring pressure returns the movable contact to
the normally closed position. The resistor or diode is
connected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil in
the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that
are produced when the coil is de-energized.
The heated seat relay is controlled by the premium
version of the Central Timer Module (CTM), which
controls the ground feed to the coil ground terminal
of the relay to energize and de-energize the electro-
magnetic coil of the relay. The CTM monitors engine
operation through messages it receives from the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus network. The CTM is
programmed to energize the relay only when the
engine is running, and to de-energize the relay when
the engine is not running. Refer toCentral Timer
Modulein the index of this service manual for the
location of more information on the premium CTM.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - HEATED SEAT RELAY
The heated seat relay (Fig. 7) is located in the
Junction Block (JB) on the left end of the instrument
panel in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
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.
RELAY TEST
(1) Remove the heated seat relay from the JB.
Refer toHeated Seat Relayin this section for the
location of the proper heated seat relay removal pro-
cedures.
(2) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75   5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, perform the Relay Circuit Test that
follows. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the fused B(+) fuse in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
Fig. 7 Heated Seat Relay
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
8G - 12 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
HEATED SEAT RELAY (Continued)

The momentary, bidirectional rocker-type heated
seat switch provides a resistor-multiplexed signal to
the heated seat module. Each switch has a center
neutral position and momentary Low and High posi-
tions so that both the driver and the front seat pas-
senger can select a preferred seat heating mode.
Each heated seat switch has two Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) indicator lamps, which indicate the
selected mode (Low or High) of the seat heater for
each seat and to provide diagnostic feedback for the
heated seat system. Each switch also has an incan-
descent bulb, which provides panel lamps dimmer
controlled back lighting of the switch nomenclature
when the headlamps or park lamps are turned on.
The two LED indicator lamps and the incandescent
bulb in each heated seat switch cannot be repaired. If
the indicator lamps or back lighting bulb are faulty
or damaged, the individual heated seat switch unit
must be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
Depressing the heated seat switch rocker to its
momentary High or Low position provides a hard-
wired resistor multiplexed voltage request signal to
the heated seat module to power the heated seat ele-
ment of the selected seat and maintain the requestedtemperature setting. If the heated seat switch is
depressed to a different position (Low or High) than
the currently selected state, the heated seat module
will change states to support the new selection. If a
heated seat switch is depressed a second time to the
same position as the currently selected state, the
heated seat module interprets the second input as a
request to turn the seat heater off. The heated seat
module will then turn the heated seat elements for
that seat off.
The indicator lamps in the heated seat switches
receive battery current through a fused ignition
switch output (run) circuit when the ignition switch
is in the On position. The ground side of each indi-
cator lamp is controlled by a separate (high or low/
driver or passenger) indicator lamp driver circuit by
the heated seat module. The heated seat module con-
trol of the switch indicator lamps also allows the
module to provide diagnostic feedback to the vehicle
operator to indicate monitored heated seat system
faults by flashing the indicator lamps on and off. One
side of the incandescent back lighting bulb in each
heated seat switch is connected to ground at all
times. The other side of the incandescent bulb is con-
nected to the fused panel lamps dimmer switch sig-
nal circuit. These bulbs are energized when the park
lamps or headlamps are turned on, and their illumi-
nation intensity is controlled by the panel lamps dim-
mer switch.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the location of com-
plete heated seat system wiring diagrams.
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.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves inoper-
ative heated seat switch back lighting and the cluster
illumination lamps operate, go to Step 2. If the prob-
lem being diagnosed involves inoperative heated seat
switch back lighting and the cluster illumination
lamps are also inoperative, refer toInstrument
Fig. 9 Heated Seat Switches
1 - DRIVER SIDE SWITCH
2 - PASSENGER SIDE SWITCH
3 - INDICATOR LAMPS
4 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH BEZEL
8G - 14 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)

The VFD is diagnosed using the EMIC self-diag-
nostic actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Proper testing of the CCD data bus and
the data bus message inputs to the EMIC that con-
trol some of the VFD functions requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information. Specific operation details for the
odometer and trip odometer functions of the VFD
may be found elsewhere in this service manual.
INDICATORS
Indicators are located in various positions within
the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC circuit
board. The four-wheel drive indicator, high beam
indicator, washer fluid indicator, turn signal indica-
tors, and wait-to-start indicator are hard wired. The
brake indicator is controlled by CCD data bus mes-
sages from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB) and
the hard wired park brake switch input to the EMIC.
The seatbelt indicator is controlled by the EMIC pro-
gramming, CCD data bus messages from the Airbag
Control Module (ACM), and the hard wired seat belt
switch input to the EMIC. The Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL) is normally controlled by CCD data bus
messages from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM); however, if the EMIC loses CCD data bus
communications, the EMIC circuitry will automati-
cally turn the MIL on, and flash the odometer VFD
on and off repeatedly until CCD data bus communi-
cation is restored. The EMIC uses CCD data bus
messages from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), the diesel engine only Engine Control Module
(ECM), the ACM, and the CAB to control all of the
remaining indicators. Different indicators are con-
trolled by different strategies; some receive fused
ignition switch output from the EMIC circuitry clus-
ter and have a switched ground, while others are
grounded through the EMIC circuitry and have a
switched battery feed.
In addition, certain indicators in this instrument
cluster are programmable or configurable. This fea-
ture allows the programmable indicators to be acti-
vated or deactivated with a DRBIIItscan tool, while
the configurable indicators will be automatically
enabled or disabled by the EMIC circuitry for com-
patibility with certain optional equipment. The only
programmable indicator for this model is the upshift
indicator. The cruise indicator, four-wheel drive indi-
cator, overdrive-off indicator, service reminder indica-
tor, and the transmission overtemp indicator are
automatically configured, either electronically or
mechanically.The hard wired indicators are diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic methods. The EMIC and CCD
bus message controlled indicator lamps are diagnosed
using the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Proper testing of the
CCD data bus and the data bus message inputs to
the EMIC that control each indicator lamp require
the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information. Specific operation
details for each indicator may be found elsewhere in
this service manual.
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
The EMIC has several illumination lamps that are
illuminated when the exterior lighting is turned on
with the headlamp switch. The illumination bright-
ness of these lamps is adjusted by the panel lamps
dimmer rheostat when the headlamp switch thumb-
wheel is rotated (down to dim, up to brighten). The
illumination lamps receive battery current through
the panel lamps dimmer rheostat and a fuse in the
JB on a fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal cir-
cuit. The illumination lamps are grounded at all
times.
In addition, an analog/digital (A/D) converter in
the EMIC converts the analog panel lamps dimmer
rheostat input from the headlamp switch to a digital
dimming level signal for controlling the lighting level
of the VFD. The EMIC also broadcasts this digital
dimming information as a message over the CCD
data bus for use by the Compass Mini-Trip Computer
(CMTC) in synchronizing the lighting level of its
VFD with that of the EMIC. The headlamp switch
thumbwheel also has a Parade position to provide a
parade mode. The EMIC monitors the request for
this mode through a hard wired day brightness sense
circuit input from the headlamp switch. In this mode,
the EMIC will override the selected panel dimmer
switch signal and send a message over the CCD data
bus to illuminate all vacuum fluorescent displays at
full brightness for easier visibility when driving in
daylight with the exterior lighting turned on. The
parade mode has no effect on the incandescent bulb
illumination intensity.
The hard wired cluster illumination lamps are
diagnosed using conventional diagnostic methods.
Proper testing of the VFD dimming level and the
CCD data bus dimming level message functions
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

CHIME WARNING REQUESTS
The EMIC is programmed to request chime service
from the Central Timer Module (CTM) when certain
indicator lamps are illuminated. When the pro-
grammed conditions are met, the EMIC generates a
chime request signal and sends it over a hard wired
tone request circuit to the CTM. Upon receiving the
proper chime request, the CTM activates an integral
chime tone generator to provide the audible chime
tone to the vehicle operator. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/CHIME/BUZZER - OPERATION). Proper test-
ing of the CTM and the EMIC chime requests
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
If all of the instrument cluster gauges and/or indi-
cators are inoperative, refer to PRELIMINARY
DIAGNOSIS . If an individual gauge or Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus message-controlled
indicator is inoperative, refer to ACTUATOR TEST .
If an individual hard wired indicator is inoperative,
refer to the diagnosis and testing information for
that specific indicator. If the instrument cluster
chime warning request function is inoperative, refer
to CHIME WARNING REQUEST DIAGNOSIS . If
the instrument cluster illumination lighting is inop-
erative, refer to CLUSTER ILLUMINATION DIAG-
NOSIS . If the instrument cluster Vacuum-
Fluorescent Display (VFD) dimmer service is
inoperative, use a DRBIIItscan tool to diagnose the
problem. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic proce-
dures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information includes wiring diagrams,
proper wire and connector repair procedures, details
of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-
out information and location views for the various
wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
NOTE: Certain indicators in this instrument cluster
are programmable. This feature allows those indica-
tors to be activated or deactivated with a DRBIIIT
scan tool for compatibility with certain optional
equipment. If the problem being diagnosed involves
improper illumination of the upshift indicator, use a
DRBIIITscan tool to be certain that the instrument
cluster has been programmed with the proper vehi-
cle equipment option settings.PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS
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.
(1) If the indicators operate, but none of the
gauges operate, go to Step 2. If all of the gauges and
the CCD data bus message-controlled indicators are
inoperative, go to Step 5.
(2) Check the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse 14 - 10
ampere) in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(3) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse 14 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 4.
If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit between
the JB and the Power Distribution Center (PDC) as
required.
(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster. Connect the
battery negative cable. Check for battery voltage at
the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector (Connector C1) for the instru-
ment cluster. If OK, refer to ACTUATOR TEST . If
not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit between
the instrument cluster and the JB as required.
(5) Check the fused ignition switch output (st-run)
fuse (Fuse 17 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to
Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or com-
ponent as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (st-run) fuse (Fuse 17 - 10 ampere) in the JB.
If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open fused
ignition switch output (st-run) circuit between the
instrument cluster and the JB as required.
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

(7) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Reinstall the instrument cluster. Reconnect the bat-
tery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the
On position. Set the park brake. The brake indicator
in the instrument cluster should light. If OK, go to
Step 8. If not OK, go to Step 9.
(8) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Turn on the park lamps and adjust the panel lamps
dimmer thumbwheel in the headlamp switch to the
full bright position. The cluster illumination lamps
should light. If OK, go to Step 10. If not OK, repair
the open ground circuit (Z3) between the instrument
cluster and ground (G201) as required.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument cluster. Connect the battery
negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On
position. Check for battery voltage at the fused igni-
tion switch output (st-run) circuit cavity of the
instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector
C1). If OK, refer to ACTUATOR TEST . If not OK,
repair the open fused ignition switch output (st-run)
circuit between the instrument cluster and the JB as
required.
(10) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster. Check for con-
tinuity between the ground circuit (Z2) cavity of the
instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector
C1) and a good ground. There should be continuity. If
OK, refer to ACTUATOR TEST . If not OK, repair
the open ground circuit to ground (G200) as required.
ACTUATOR TEST
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.
The instrument cluster actuator test will put the
instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In
this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-
diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument
cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the CCD data bus
message-controlled indicators are capable of operat-
ing as designed. During the actuator test the instru-
ment cluster circuitry position each of the gauge
needles at various calibration points, illuminate each
of the segments in the Vacuum-Fluorescent Display
(VFD), and turn all of the CCD data bus message-
controlled indicators on and off.
Successful completion of the actuator test will con-
firm that the instrument cluster is operational. How-
ever, there may still be a problem with the CCD data
bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the
Engine Control Module (ECM), the Airbag Control
Module (ACM), the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB),
or the inputs to one of these electronic control mod-
ules. Use a DRBIIItscan tool to diagnose these com-
ponents. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
(1) Begin the test with the ignition switch in the
Off position.
(2) Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
(3) While still holding the odometer/trip odometer
switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to
the On position, but do not start the engine.
(4) Keep the odometer/trip odometer switch button
depressed for about ten seconds, untilCHEC
appears in the odometer display, then release the
odometer/trip odometer switch button.
(5) A series of three-digit numeric failure messages
may appear in the odometer display, depending upon
the failure mode. If a failure message appears, refer
to the Instrument Cluster Failure Message chart for
the description and proper correction. If no failure
message appears, the actuator test will proceed as
described in Step 6.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

completion of the test, if the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position during the test, or if a vehicle
speed message indicating that the vehicle is moving
is received from the PCM on the CCD data bus dur-
ing the test.
(10) Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if
required.
CHIME WARNING REQUEST DIAGNOSIS
Before performing this test, complete the testing of
the seat belt switch and the Central Timer Module
(CTM). (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
SEAT BELT SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
and (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/BODY CONTROL/CENTRAL
TIMER MODULE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
The diagnosis found here consists of confirming the
viability of the hard wired tone request circuit
between the instrument cluster and the Central
Timer Module (CTM). For diagnosis of the CCD data
bus and the data bus message inputs that cause the
instrument cluster to issue a request for chime ser-
vice, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster from the
instrument panel. Move the CTM away from its
mounting bracket far enough to access the instru-
ment panel wire harness connector(s) for the CTM.
Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector (Connector C1) from the CTM connector recep-
tacle.
(2) Check for continuity between the tone request
circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Connector C2) for the instrument cluster
and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If
OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted tone
request circuit between the instrument cluster and
the CTM as required.
(3) Check for continuity between the tone request
circuit cavities of the instrument panel wire harnessconnector (Connector C2) for the instrument cluster
and the instrument panel wire harness connector
(Connector C1) for the CTM. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster. If
not OK, repair the open tone request circuit between
the instrument cluster and the CTM as required.
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
instrument cluster illumination lamp condition. If
the problem being diagnosed is a single inoperative
illumination lamp, be certain that the bulb and bulb
holder unit are properly installed in the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. If no installation
problems are found replace the faulty bulb and bulb
holder unit. If all of the cluster illumination lamps
are inoperative and the problem being diagnosed
includes inoperative exterior lighting controlled by
the headlamp switch, that system needs to be
repaired first. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEADLAMP - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If no exterior lighting system prob-
lems are found, the following procedure will help
locate a short or open in the cluster illumination
lamp circuit. If the problem being diagnosed involves
a lack of dimming control for the odometer/trip odom-
eter Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), but all of
the other cluster illumination lamps can be dimmed,
test and repair the day brightness circuit between
the instrument cluster and the headlamp switch as
required. Refer to the appropriate wiring informa-
tion. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
details of wire harness routing and retention, connec-
tor pin-out information and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
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.
(1) Check the instrument panel dimmer fuse (Fuse
5 - 5 ampere) in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or com-
ponent as required and replace the faulty fuse.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 9
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

(2) Turn the exterior lamps On with the headlamp
switch. Rotate the headlamp switch panel lamps dim-
mer thumbwheel upward to just before the interior
lamps detent. Check for battery voltage at the panel
lamps dimmer fuse (Fuse5-5ampere) in the JB.
Rotate the panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel down-
ward while observing the test voltmeter. The reading
should go from battery voltage to zero volts. If OK,
go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open panel lamps
dimmer switch signal circuit between the headlamp
switch and the JB as required.
(3) Turn the exterior lamps Off. Disconnect and
isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instru-
ment cluster. Remove the instrument panel dimmer
fuse (Fuse5-5ampere) from the JB. Probe the
fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuit cav-
ity of the instrument panel wire harness connector
(Connector C2) for the instrument cluster. Check for
continuity to a good ground. There should be no con-
tinuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the
shorted fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal cir-
cuit between the instrument cluster and the JB as
required.
(4) Reinstall the instrument panel dimmer fuse
(Fuse5-5ampere) in the JB. Reconnect the battery
negative cable. Turn the exterior lamps On with the
headlamp switch. Rotate the headlamp switch panel
lamps dimmer thumbwheel upward to just before the
interior lamps detent. Check for battery voltage at
the fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuit
cavity of the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor (Connector C2) for the instrument cluster. If OK,
replace the faulty bulb and bulb holder units. If not
OK, repair the open fused panel lamps dimmer
switch signal circuit between the instrument cluster
and the JB as required.
REMOVAL
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.(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the four screws that secure the instru-
ment cluster to the instrument panel (Fig. 2).
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the automatic transmission gear
selector lever in the Park position.
(5) Pull the instrument cluster rearward far
enough to disengage the two self-docking instrument
panel wire harness connectors from the cluster con-
nector receptacles.
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, pull the instrument cluster rearward
far enough to access and remove the two screws that
secure the gear selector indicator to the back of the
instrument cluster housing (Fig. 3).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, disengage the gear selector indicator
from the back of the instrument cluster housing.
(8) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel.
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
2 - SCREW
3 - PRNDL CABLE
4 - SELF-DOCKING WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
8J - 10 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
Some of the components for the instrument cluster
used in this vehicle are serviced individually. The
serviced components include: the automatic transmis-
sion gear selector indicator, the incandescent instru-
ment cluster indicator lamp and illumination lamp
bulbs (including the integral bulb holders), the clus-
ter lens and hood unit, and the cluster housing rear
cover. The remaining components are serviced only
as a part of the cluster housing unit, which includes:
the cluster housing, the electronic circuit board unit,
the cluster overlay, the gauges, and the odometer/trip
odometer reset switch button. Following are the pro-
cedures for disassembling the serviced components
from the instrument cluster unit.
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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(4) Reach through the instrument panel steering
column opening to access and disengage the loop end
of the gear selector indicator cable from the PRNDL
driver lever on the left side of the steering column
(Fig. 4).
(5) Squeeze the sides of the plastic adjuster and
bracket unit to disengage the tabs that secure it to
the sides of the steering column window.
(6) Remove the gear selector indicator mechanism
and cable unit through the instrument panel cluster
opening.
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - REMOVAL).
Fig. 3 Gear Selector Indicator Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
2 - GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
3 - SCREW
Fig. 4 Gear Selector Indicator Cable Remove/Install
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - CABLE
3 - LOOP END
4 - LEVER
5 - ADJUSTER AND BRACKET
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 11
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)