2001 DODGE RAM fuse box

the motor and drive unit of the power seat recliner
mechanism is secured with two screws to the seat
cushion frame, and is concealed by the outboard seat
cushion side shield.
The power seat recliner cannot be repaired. If the
unit is faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. Refer
toBucket Seat Reclinerin Body for the service
procedure.
OPERATION
The power seat recliner includes a reversible elec-
tric motor that is secured to the lower hinge plate of
the recliner unit. The motor is connected to a gearbox
that moves the upper hinge plate of the power seat
recliner through a screw-type drive unit.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - POWER SEAT
RECLINER
Following are tests that will help to diagnose the
hard wired components and circuits of the power seat
system. Actuate the power seat recliner switch to
move the power seat recliner adjuster in each direc-
tion. The power seat recliner adjuster should move in
both directions. If the power seat recliner adjuster
fails to operate in only one direction, move the
adjuster a short distance in the opposite direction
and test again to be certain that the adjuster is not
at its travel limit. If the power seat recliner adjuster
still fails to operate in only one direction, refer to
Power Seat Switchin the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group. If the power recliner adjuster
fails to operate in either direction, perform the fol-
lowing tests. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to
Power Seatin Wiring Diagrams.
(1) Check the power seat circuit breaker in the
junction block. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty power seat circuit breaker.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the power seat cir-
cuit breaker in the junction block. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
fuse in the Power Distribution Center as required.
(3) Remove the outboard seat cushion side shield
from the seat. Disconnect the seat wire harness con-
nector from the power seat switch connector recepta-
cle. Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+)
circuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connec-
tor for the power seat switch. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
power seat circuit breaker in the junction block as
required.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connector
for the power seat switch and a good ground. There
should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK,
repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.(5) Test the power seat switch. Refer toPower
Seat Switchin the Diagnosis and Testing section of
this group. If the switch tests OK, test the circuits of
the power seat wire harness between the power seat
recliner adjuster motor and the power seat switch for
shorts or opens. If the circuits check OK, replace the
faulty power seat recliner unit. If the circuits are not
OK, repair the power seat wire harness as required.
POWER SEAT TRACK
DESCRIPTION
There are three reversible motors that operate the
power seat adjuster. The motors are connected to
worm-drive gearboxes that move the seat adjuster
through a combination of screw-type drive units.
The front and rear of a seat are operated by differ-
ent motors. They can be raised or lowered indepen-
dently of each other. When the center seat switch is
pushed in the Up or Down direction, both the front
and rear motors operate in unison. On standard cab
models the entire seat is moved up or down, on
extended cab models (club cab and quad cab) the seat
cushion moves independently of the seat back in the
up or down directions. The forward-rearward motor
is operated by pushing the center seat switch in the
Forward or Rearward direction, which moves the
entire seat in the selected direction on all models.
Each motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker
to protect it from overload. Consecutive or frequent
resetting of the circuit breakers must not be allowed
to continue, or the motors may be damaged. Make
the necessary repairs.
The power seat adjuster and motors cannot be
repaired, and are serviced only as a complete unit. If
any component in this unit is faulty or damaged, the
entire power seat adjuster and motors assembly must
be replaced.
OPERATION
When a power seat switch is actuated, a battery
feed and a ground path are applied through the
switch contacts to the motor(s). The motor(s) and
drive unit(s) operate to move the seat in the selected
direction until the switch is released, or until the
travel limit of the power seat adjuster is reached.
When the switch is moved in the opposite direction,
the battery feed and ground path to the motor(s) are
reversed through the switch contacts. This causes the
motor to run in the opposite direction.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - POWER SEAT TRACK
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Wir-
ing Diagrams.
BR/BEPOWER SEAT SYSTEM 8N - 21
RECLINER MOTOR (Continued)

activates the washer pump/motor, which dispenses
washer fluid onto the windshield glass through the
washer nozzles.
When the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On
positions, battery current from a fuse in the Junction
Block (JB) is provided through a fused ignition
switch output (run-acc) circuit to the wiper motor
park switch, the wiper relay, and the multi-function
switch. The internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch provides a direct hard wired battery current
output to the low speed or high speed brushes of the
wiper motor when the Lo or Hi switch setting is
selected, which causes the wipers to cycle at the
selected speed. The intermittent wipe, and wipe-af-
ter-wash features of the wiper and washer system
are provided by the electronic intermittent wipe logic
circuit within the Central Timer Module (CTM). In
order to provide the intermittent wipe feature, the
CTM monitors the wiper switch state and the wiper
motor park switch state. In order to provide the
wipe-after-wash feature, the CTM monitors both the
washer switch state and the wiper motor park switch
state. When a Delay position is selected with the
multi-function switch control knob, the CTM logic cir-
cuit responds by calculating the correct delay inter-
val. The CTM then energizes the wiper relay by
pulling the relay control coil to ground. The ener-
gized wiper relay directs battery current through the
normally open contact of the relay back through the
internal circuitry of the multi-function switch to the
low speed brush of the wiper motor. The CTM moni-
tors the wiper motor operation through the wiper
park switch sense circuit, which allows the CTM to
determine the proper timing to begin the next wiper
blade sweep. The normal delay intervals are driver
adjustable from about one-half second to about eigh-
teen seconds.
The high-line and premium CTM also provides a
speed sensitive intermittent wipe feature. By moni-
toring vehicle speed messages received from the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network, the
high-line or premium CTM is able to adjust the delay
intervals to compensate for vehicle speed. Above
about sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-
hour) the delay is driver adjustable from about one-
half second to about eighteen seconds. Below about
sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-hour) the
delay times are doubled by the CTM, from about one
second to about thirty-six seconds.
When the Off position of the multi-function switch
wiper control knob is selected, one of two events is
possible. The event that will occur depends upon the
position of the wiper blades on the windshield at the
moment that the Off position is selected. If the wiper
blades are in the down position on the windshieldwhen the Off position is selected, the park switch
that is integral to the wiper motor is closed to ground
and the wiper motor ceases to operate. If the wiper
blades are not in the down position on the windshield
at the moment the Off position is selected, the park
switch is closed to battery current through a fused
ignition switch output (run-acc) circuit. The park
switch sense circuit directs this battery current to
the low speed brush of the wiper motor through the
normally closed contact of the wiper relay and the
internal Off position circuitry of the multi-function
switch. This causes the wiper motor to continue run-
ning until the wiper blades are in the down position
on the windshield and the park switch is again
closed to ground.
When the Wash position of the multi-function
switch is selected, the Wash position circuitry within
the switch directs battery current to the washer
pump/motor. The CTM monitors the washer switch
state through a washer switch sense input. When the
washer switch is closed with the wiper system turned
Off, the CTM operates the wiper motor through the
wiper relay in the same manner as it does to provide
the Delay mode operation. After the state of the
washer switch changes to open, the CTM monitors
the wiper motor through the wiper park switch sense
circuit, which allows the CTM to monitor the number
of wiper blade sweeps.
Proper testing of the CTM, the PCM, or the CCD
data bus vehicle speed messages requires a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on the features and
operation of the wiper and washer system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER &
WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The diagnosis found here addresses an electrically
inoperative wiper system. If the wiper motor oper-
ates, but the wipers do not move on the windshield,
replace the faulty wiper module. If the wipers oper-
ate, but chatter, lift, or do not clear the glass, clean
and inspect the wiper system components as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS - INSPECTION) and (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). Refer to
the appropriate wiring information. The wiring infor-
mation 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 con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
The following tests will help to diagnose the hard
wired components and circuits of the wiper system.
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 3
WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)

8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX
Component Page
4WD Switch.......................... 8W-31
A/C Compressor Clutch Relay............ 8W-42
A/C Compressor Clutch................. 8W-42
A/C-Heater Control.................... 8W-42
A/C Heater Temperature Select........... 8W-42
A/C High Pressure Switch............... 8W-42
A/C Low Pressure Switch................ 8W-42
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor......... 8W-30
Aftermarket Center High Mounted
Stop Lamp......................... 8W-51
Aftermarket Trailer Tow Connector........ 8W-54
Airbag Control Module.................. 8W-43
Ambient Temperature Sensor............ 8W-49
Ash Receiver Lamp.................... 8W-44
Automatic Day/Night Mirror............. 8W-49
Automatic Shut Down Relay............. 8W-30
Auxiliary Battery...................... 8W-20
Back-Up Lamp Switch.................. 8W-51
Back-Up Lamps....................... 8W-51
Battery Temperature Sensor............. 8W-30
Battery............................. 8W-20
Blend Door Actuator................... 8W-42
Blower Motor Relay.................... 8W-42
Blower Motor Resistor Block............. 8W-42
Blower Motor......................... 8W-42
Brake Lamp Switch.................... 8W-51
Brake Pressure Switch............... 8W-34, 35
Bypass Jumper....................... 8W-21
Camshaft Position Sensor............... 8W-30
Capacitor......................... 8W-10, 30
Cargo Lamps......................... 8W-44
Center High Mounted Stop Lamps........ 8W-51
Center Identification Lamp.............. 8W-50
Central Timer Module.................. 8W-45
Cigar Lighter......................... 8W-41
Circuit Breakers...................... 8W-12
Clockspring.................. 8W-33, 41, 43, 47
Clutch Pedal Position Switch............. 8W-21
Combination Flasher................... 8W-52
Controller Antilock Brake............ 8W-34, 35
Crankshaft Position Sensor.............. 8W-30
Cummins Bus........................ 8W-18
Cup Holder Lamp..................... 8W-44
Cylinder Lock Switches................ 8W-39
Data Link Connector................... 8W-18
Daytime Running Lamp Module.......... 8W-50
Dome Lamp.......................... 8W-44
Door Ajar Switches.................... 8W-45
Door Lock Motors..................... 8W-61
Door Window/Lock Switches.......... 8W-60, 61
Driver Airbag......................... 8W-43
Duty Cycle EVAP/Purge Solenoid......... 8W-30Component Page
Electric Brake Provision................ 8W-54
Engine Control Module.............. 8W-30, 70
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor....... 8W-30
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor.............. 8W-30
Engine Starter Motor Relay.............. 8W-21
Engine Starter Motor................... 8W-21
Fender Lamp......................... 8W-51
Fog Lamp Indicator.................... 8W-50
Fog Lamp Relay....................... 8W-50
Fog Lamp............................ 8W-50
Fuel Heater Relay..................... 8W-30
Fuel Heater.......................... 8W-30
Fuel Injection Pump................... 8W-30
Fuel Injectors......................... 8W-30
Fuel Transfer Pump.................... 8W-30
Fuses (JB)........................... 8W-12
Fuses (PDC).......................... 8W-10
Fusible Link....................... 8W-20, 30
Generator............................ 8W-20
Glove Box Lamp And Switch............. 8W-44
Grounds............................. 8W-15
Headlamp Beam Select Switch........... 8W-50
Headlamp Switch...................... 8W-50
Headlamp........................... 8W-50
Heated Mirror Relay................... 8W-62
Heated Mirror Switch.................. 8W-62
Heated Seat Cushions.................. 8W-63
Heated Seat Relay..................... 8W-12
Heated Seat Switches.................. 8W-63
High Beam Indicator................... 8W-40
High Note Horn....................... 8W-41
Horn Relay.......................... 8W-41
Horn Switch.......................... 8W-41
Idle Air Control Motor.................. 8W-30
Ignition Coil 4-Pack.................... 8W-30
Ignition Coil 6-Pack.................... 8W-30
Ignition Coil.......................... 8W-30
Ignition Switch....................... 8W-10
Instrument Cluster.................... 8W-40
Intake Air Heater Relays................ 8W-30
Intake Air Heater..................... 8W-30
Intake Air Temperature Sensor........... 8W-30
Intermittent Wiper Switch............... 8W-53
Joint Connectors . . 8W-10, 12, 15, 30, 31, 34, 35, 40,
44, 45, 51, 53, 70
Junction Block........................ 8W-12
Leak Detection Pump.................. 8W-30
License Lamp......................... 8W-51
Low Note Horn....................... 8W-41
Lumbar Motors....................... 8W-63
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor........ 8W-30
Manifold Air Pressure Sensor............ 8W-30
BR/BE8W-02 COMPONENT INDEX 8W - 02 - 1

8W-12 JUNCTION BLOCK
Component Page
A/C Compressor Clutch Relay.......... 8W-12-13
A/C-Heater Control................... 8W-12-9
A/C Heater Temperature Select......... 8W-12-8
Airbag Control Module............... 8W-12-17
Ambient Temperature Sensor.......... 8W-12-19
Ash Receiver Lamp................... 8W-12-9
Automatic Day/Night Mirror..... 8W-12-13, 15, 21
Back-Up Lamp Switch............. 8W-12-11, 21
Blend Door Actuator.................. 8W-12-8
Blower Motor Relay.................. 8W-12-8
Cargo Lamp No. 1................... 8W-12-14
Cargo Lamp No. 2................... 8W-12-14
Central Timer Module C1....... 8W-12-10, 13, 15
Central Timer Module C2........... 8W-12-8, 13
Cigar Lighter...................... 8W-12-16
Circuit Breaker 1.................. 8W-12-6, 7
Circuit Breaker 2.................... 8W-12-7
Combination Flasher......... 8W-12-6, 12, 15, 20
Controller Antilock Brake.............. 8W-12-8
Cup Holder Lamp.................... 8W-12-9
Data Link Connector................. 8W-12-14
Daytime Running Lamp Module........ 8W-12-11
Dome Lamp....................... 8W-12-14
Driver Door Window/Lock Switch..... 8W-12-15, 7
Driver Heated Seat Switch........... 8W-12-8, 9
Driver Power Seat Switch.............. 8W-12-7
Duty Cycle EVAP/Purge Solenoid....... 8W-12-13
Engine Control Module............... 8W-12-12
Fuel Heater Relay................... 8W-12-13
Fuel Pump Relay................... 8W-12-12
Fuse 1 (JB)......................... 8W-12-8
Fuse 1 (PDC)...................... 8W-12-16
Fuse 2 (JB)....................... 8W-12-6, 8
Fuse 3 (JB)....................... 8W-12-6, 8
Fuse 4 (JB)........................ 8W-12-10
Fuse 4 (PDC)...................... 8W-12-20
Fuse 5 (JB)......................... 8W-12-9
Fuse 6 (JB)...................... 8W-12-6, 10
Fuse 7 (JB)...................... 8W-12-6, 11
Fuse 8 (JB)...................... 8W-12-6, 11
Fuse 9 (JB)...................... 8W-12-6, 12
Fuse 10 (JB).................. 8W-12-6, 12, 20
Fuse 11 (JB)..................... 8W-12-6, 13
Fuse 12 (JB)....................... 8W-12-14
Fuse 13 (JB)....................... 8W-12-15
Fuse 14 (JB)....................... 8W-12-16Component Page
Fuse 15 (JB)..................... 8W-12-6, 16
Fuse 16 (JB)..................... 8W-12-6, 16
Fuse 17 (JB)..................... 8W-12-6, 17
Fuse 18 (JB)..................... 8W-12-6, 17
Fuse 19 (JB)..................... 8W-12-6, 17
G100............................. 8W-12-18
G200.......................... 8W-12-15, 19
G201....................... 8W-12-15, 18, 20
Glove Box Lamp And Switch........... 8W-12-14
Headlamp Switch.................... 8W-12-9
Heated Mirror Switch................. 8W-12-8
Heated Seat Relay................... 8W-12-8
Ignition Switch................... 8W-12-6, 20
Instrument Cluster.......... 8W-12-9, 16, 17, 18
Intermittent Wiper Switch............ 8W-12-10
Joint Connector No. 1............. 8W-12-11, 21
Joint Connector No. 3................ 8W-12-18
Joint Connector No. 4................ 8W-12-18
Joint Connector No. 5.............. 8W-12-9, 14
Joint Connector No. 6................ 8W-12-10
Joint Connector No. 8........... 8W-12- 8, 9, 17
Junction Block............ 8W-12-2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Left Park/Turn Signal Lamp........... 8W-12-18
Left Visor/Vanity Lamp............ 8W-12-14, 15
Overhead Console.......... 8W-12-13, 14, 19, 21
Park/Neutral Position Switch....... 8W-12-11, 21
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch........ 8W-12-17
Passenger Door Window/Lock Switch . . 8W-12-7, 15
Passenger Heated Seat Switch........ 8W-12-8, 9
Passenger Power Seat Switch........... 8W-12-7
Power Distribution Center......... 8W-12-16, 20
Power Mirror Switch.............. 8W-12-14, 21
Powertrain Control Module............ 8W-12-12
Radio Choke Relay.................. 8W-12-10
Radio....................... 8W-12-9, 11, 14,
Right Park/Turn Signal Lamp.......... 8W-12-18
Right Visor/Vanity Lamp........... 8W-12-14, 15
Seat Heat Interface Module............ 8W-12-8
Turn Signal/Hazard Switch......... 8W-12-18, 20
Underhood Lamp................... 8W-12-14
Windshield Washer Pump............. 8W-12-10
Wiper Motor Relay.................. 8W-12-10
Wiper Motor....................... 8W-12-10
BR/BE8W-12 JUNCTION BLOCK 8W - 12 - 1

8W-44 INTERIOR LIGHTING
Component Page
Ash Receiver Lamp................... 8W-44-6
Cargo Lamp No. 1.................... 8W-44-4
Cargo Lamp No. 2.................... 8W-44-4
Central Timer Module C1.............. 8W-44-5
Cup Holder Lamp.................... 8W-44-6
Data Link Connector................. 8W-44-2
Dome Lamp........................ 8W-44-4
Fuse 5 (JB)......................... 8W-44-6
Fuse 11 (JB)........................ 8W-44-5
Fuse 12 (JB)...................... 8W-44-2, 3
G100.............................. 8W-44-2
G200.............................. 8W-44-3
G201.......................... 8W-44-2, 4, 6
Glove Box Lamp And Switch............ 8W-44-2Component Page
Headlamp Switch................ 8W-44-4, 5, 6
Ignition Switch...................... 8W-44-5
Joint Connector No. 4................. 8W-44-2
Joint Connector No. 5............... 8W-44-2, 6
Joint Connector No. 6................. 8W-44-5
Joint Connector No. 8............. 8W-44-4, 5, 6
Junction Block............... 8W-44-2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Left Visor/Vanity Lamp................ 8W-44-2
Overhead Console.................... 8W-44-3
Power Mirror Switch.................. 8W-44-4
Radio............................ 8W-44-2, 6
Right Visor/Vanity Lamp............... 8W-44-2
Underhood Lamp.................... 8W-44-2
BR/BE8W-44 INTERIOR LIGHTING 8W - 44 - 1

GENERATOR - BLACK 2 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 K20 18DG GENERATOR FIELD
2 T125 18DB GENERATOR SOURCE
GLOVE BOX LAMP AND SWITCH-2WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 M1 22PK FUSED B(+)
2 Z3 22BK/OR GROUND
HEADLAMP SWITCH C1 - BLACK 14 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 L7 16BK/YL HEADLAMP SWITCH OUTPUT
2 F33 16PK/RD FUSED B(+)
3 G26 22LB KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH SENSE
4 G75 22TN (BASE) DRIVER DOOR AJAR SWITCH SENSE
4 Z3 22BK/OR (HIGHLINE/PREMIUM) GROUND
5 Z3 18BK/OR GROUND
6 L2 18LG HEADLAMP SWITCH OUTPUT
7 L39 22LB FOG LAMP SWITCH OUTPUT
8 E17 18YL/BK DAY BRIGHTNESS SENSE
9 Z3 20BK/OR GROUND
10 M22 22WT ILLUMINATED ENTRY SWITCH SENSE
11 M3 22PK/DB CARGO LAMP DRIVER
12 M2 22YL COURTESY LAMPS DRIVER
13 M11 22PK/LB (HIGHLINE/PREMIUM) COURTESY LAMPS SWITCH OUTPUT
13 M22 22WT (BASE) ILLUMINATED ENTRY SWITCH SENSE
14 E1 18TN PANEL LAMPS DIMMER SWITCH SIGNAL
HEADLAMP SWITCH C2-2WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 Z3 20BK/OR GROUND
2 L35 22BR/YL FOG LAMP RELAY OUTPUT
HEATED MIRROR SWITCH-3WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 F15 22DB FUSED IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT (RUN)
2 Z3 22BK/OR GROUND
3 C16 22LB/YL HEATED MIRROR
BR/BE8W-80 CONNECTOR PIN-OUTS 8W - 80 - 45

8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................2
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION............................2
OPERATION.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
CIGAR LIGHTER........................2
REMOVAL...............................3
INSTALLATION............................3
CIRCUIT BREAKER
DESCRIPTION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................4
CIRCUIT BREAKER......................4
GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE
DESCRIPTION............................4
OPERATION.............................4
REMOVAL...............................4
INSTALLATION............................4
IOD FUSE
DESCRIPTION............................4OPERATION.............................5
REMOVAL...............................5
INSTALLATION............................5
JUNCTION BLOCK
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................6
REMOVAL...............................6
INSTALLATION............................7
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
DESCRIPTION............................7
OPERATION.............................8
REMOVAL...............................8
INSTALLATION............................8
POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION............................9
OPERATION.............................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
POWER OUTLET.......................10
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................11
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION
This group covers the various standard and
optional power distribution components used on this
model. The power distribution system for this vehicle
consists of the following components:
²Power Distribution Center (PDC)
²Junction Block (JB).
The power distribution system also incorporates
various types of circuit control and protection fea-
tures, including:
²Automatic resetting circuit breakers
²Blade-type fuses
²Cartridge fuses
²Circuit splice blocks
²Flashers
²Relays.
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the power distribution system. See the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features and use of all of thepower distribution system components. Refer to the
index in this service manual for the location of com-
plete circuit diagrams for the various power distribu-
tion system components.
OPERATION
The power distribution system for this vehicle is
designed to provide safe, reliable, and centralized dis-
tribution points for the electrical current required to
operate all of the many standard and optional facto-
ry-installed electrical and electronic powertrain,
chassis, safety, security, comfort and convenience sys-
tems. At the same time, the power distribution sys-
tem was designed to provide ready access to these
electrical distribution points for the vehicle techni-
cian to use when conducting diagnosis and repair of
faulty circuits. The power distribution system can
also prove useful for the sourcing of additional elec-
trical circuits that may be required to provide the
electrical current needed to operate many accessories
that the vehicle owner may choose to have installed
in the aftermarket.
BR/BE8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 1

hook formations on the lower edge of the glove box
door are engaged with and pivot on three hinge pins
integral to the lower edge of the instrument panel
support structure. The glove box door also serves as
the passenger side knee blocker. A honeycomb struc-
ture between the inner and outer glove box door pan-
els helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it
to the instrument panel structure.
²Steering Column Opening Cover- The steer-
ing column opening cover serves as the driver side
knee blocker. This molded plastic cover has an inte-
gral ribbed plastic liner concealed behind it, for
increased strength and integrity. The steering column
opening cover transfers impact loads to the instru-
ment panel structural support.
²Top Cover- The instrument panel top cover or
base trim is the molded, grained, and color impreg-
nated plastic outer skin of the instrument panel
structural support.
Hard wired circuitry connects the electrical compo-
nents on the instrument panel to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the instrument panel components through the
use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block
connectors and many different types of wire harness
terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes complete circuit diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, further details on
wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-
out and location views for the various wire harness
connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The instrument panel serves as the command cen-
ter of the vehicle, which necessarily makes it a very
complex unit. The instrument panel is designed to
house the controls and monitors for standard and
optional powertrains, climate control systems, audio
systems, safety systems, and many other comfort or
convenience items. When the components of the
instrument panel structural support are properly
assembled and secured in the vehicle they provide
superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to
help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles. This type of
construction also provides improved energy absorp-
tion which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and
seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.
The instrument panel is also designed so that all of
the various controls can be safely reached and the
monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator
when driving, while still allowing relative ease ofaccess to each of these items for service. Modular
instrument panel construction allows all of the
gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of
the panel. In addition, most of the instrument panel
electrical components can be accessed without com-
plete instrument panel removal. However, if neces-
sary, the instrument panel can be removed from the
vehicle as an assembly.
The steering column opening cover with its inte-
gral knee blocker located on the driver side of the
instrument panel works in conjunction with the air-
bag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the
driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment.
In addition, removal of this component provides
access to the steering column mounts, the steering
column wiring, the Junction Block (JB) (removal of a
snap-fit fuse access panel on the left end of the
instrument panel allows access to the fuses and cir-
cuit breakers), the Central Timer Module (CTM), the
Infinity speaker filter choke and relay unit, much of
the instrument panel wiring, and the gear selector
indicator cable (automatic transmission).
In a frontal collision, the glove box door on the pas-
senger side of the instrument panel provides the
same function for the front seat passenger as the
knee blocker does for the driver. The glove box door
also incorporates a recessed latch handle. Removal of
the glove box provides access to the passenger airbag,
the glove box lamp and switch, the radio antenna
coaxial cable, the heating and air conditioning vac-
uum harness connector, and additional instrument
panel wiring.
Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel
allows access to the headlamp switch, instrument
cluster, radio, passenger airbag on-off switch, heated
seat switches (if equipped), and the heating and air
conditioning control. Removal of the instrument clus-
ter allows access to the cluster illumination and indi-
cator bulbs, and more of the instrument panel
wiring. Complete instrument panel removal is
required for service of most components internal to
the heating and air conditioning system housing,
including the heater core and the evaporator.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the components and systems mounted on or
in the instrument panel.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)