2001 DODGE RAM CTM

(CTM) from the CTM connector receptacle. Reconnect
the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch
to the On position. With the washer button
depressed, check for battery voltage at the washer
switch sense circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector (Connector C1) for the CTM.
If OK, proceed to the diagnosis for the wiper relay.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If
not OK, repair the open washer switch sense circuit
between the CTM and the multi-function switch as
required.
CLEANING - WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The squeegees of wiper blades exposed to the ele-
ments for a long time tend to lose their wiping effec-
tiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is
suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film.
The wiper blades, arms, and windshield glass should
only be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and
windshield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-
abrasive cleaner. If the wiper blades continue to
leave streaks, smears, hazing, or beading on the
glass after thorough cleaning of the squeegees and
the glass, the entire wiper blade assembly must be
replaced.
CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegees of the
wiper blades from any petroleum-based cleaners,
solvents, or contaminants. These products can rap-
idly deteriorate the rubber squeegees.
WASHER SYSTEM
If the washer system is contaminated with foreign
material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the
front washer pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean
foreign material from the inside of the washer reser-
voir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a
non-abrasive cleaner. Flush foreign material from the
washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the
washer hoses from the washer nozzles, then running
the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or
water through the system. Plugged or restricted
washer nozzles should be carefully back-flushed
using compressed air. If the washer nozzle obstruc-
tion cannot be cleared, replace the washer nozzle.
CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based clean-
ers, solvents, or contaminants into the washer sys-
tem. These products can rapidly deteriorate the
rubber seals and hoses of the washer system, as
well as the rubber squeegees of the wiper blades.CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the
washer system plumbing. Compressed air pres-
sures are too great for the washer system plumbing
components and will result in further system dam-
age. Never use sharp instruments to clear a
plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle ori-
fice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.
INSPECTION - WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be
inspected periodically, not just when wiper perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:
(1) Inspect the wiper arms for any indications of
damage, or contamination. If the wiper arms are con-
taminated with any foreign material, clean them as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS - CLEANING). If a wiper arm is damaged
or corrosion is evident, replace the wiper arm with a
new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm that
is damaged or corroded.
(2) Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass.
Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper
arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no
side-to-side looseness evident. If there is any binding
evident in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident
side-to-side play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the
wiper arm.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(3) Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is
confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension.
Remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Either
place a small postal scale between the blade end of
the wiper arm and the glass, or carefully lift the
blade end of the arm away from the glass using a
small fish scale. Compare the scale readings between
the right and left wiper arms. Replace a wiper arm if
it has comparatively lower spring tension, as evi-
denced by a lower scale reading.
(4) Inspect the wiper blades and squeegees for any
indications of damage, contamination, or rubber dete-
rioration (Fig. 1). If the wiper blades or squeegees
are contaminated with any foreign material, clean
them and the glass as required. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). After
cleaning the wiper blade and the glass, if the wiper
blade still fails to clear the glass without smearing,
streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the
wiper blade. Also, if a wiper blade is damaged or the
squeegee rubber is damaged or deteriorated, replace
8R - 6 WIPERS/WASHERSBR/BE
WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)

(6) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the wiper motor from the wiper
motor pigtail wire connector.
(7) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness ground connector from the wiper motor ground
terminal.
(8) Remove the wiper module from the cowl ple-
num as a unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper module into the cowl ple-
num as a unit.
(2) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
ground connector to the wiper motor ground terminal
(Fig. 9).
(3) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the wiper motor to the wiper motor pig-
tail wire connector.
(4) Reach into the cowl plenum to align the wiper
module mounting bracket with the locations for the
mounting screws (Fig. 8).
(5) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the wiper module bracket to the cowl plenum panel
and the dash panel. Tighten the screws to 8 N´m (72
in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
onto the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reinstall the wiper arms onto the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARMS - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
WIPER RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The wiper relay (or intermittent wipe relay) is
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) near
the battery in the engine compartment. See the fuse
and relay layout label affixed to the inside surface of
the PDC cover for wiper relay identification and loca-
tion. The wiper relay is a conventional International
Standards Organization (ISO) micro relay. Relays
conforming to the ISO specifications have common
physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal pat-
terns, and terminal functions. The relay is contained
within a small, rectangular, molded plastic housing.
The relay is connected to all of the required inputs
and outputs through its PDC receptacle by five male
spade-type terminals that extend from the bottom of
the relay base. The ISO designation for each termi-
nal is molded into the base adjacent to the terminal.
The ISO terminal designations are as follows:
²30 (Common Feed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the movable contact point of the relay.
²85 (Coil Ground)- This terminal is connected
to the ground feed side of the relay control coil.
²86 (Coil Battery)- This terminal is connected
to the battery feed side of the relay control coil.
²87 (Normally Open)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally open fixed contact point of the
relay.
²87A (Normally Closed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally closed fixed contact point of
the relay.
The wiper relay cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
the relay is damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper relay (or intermittent wipe relay) is an
electromechanical switch that uses a low current
input from the Central Timer Module (CTM) to con-
trol a high current output to the low speed brush of
the wiper motor. The movable common feed contact
point is held against the fixed normally closed con-
tact point by spring pressure. When the relay coil is
energized, an electromagnetic field is produced by the
coil windings. This electromagnetic field draws the
movable relay contact point away from the fixed nor-
mally closed contact point, and holds it against the
fixed normally open contact point. When the relay
coil is de-energized, spring pressure returns the mov-
able contact point back against the fixed normally
closed contact point. A resistor or diode is connected
in parallel with the relay coil in the relay, and helps
to dissipate voltage spikes and electromagnetic inter-
ference that can be generated as the electromagnetic
field of the relay coil collapses.
Fig. 9 Wiper Module Electrical Connections
1 - GROUND CONNECTOR
2 - WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR
3 - GROUND TERMINAL
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 15
WIPER MODULE (Continued)

The wiper relay terminals are connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a connector recepta-
cle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). The
inputs and outputs of the wiper relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) is connected to
the wiper motor low speed brush through the wiper
control circuitry of the multi-function switch on the
steering column. When the wiper relay is de-ener-
gized, the common feed terminal is connected to the
wiper park switch output through the wiper park
switch sense circuit. The wiper park switch output
may be battery current (wipers are not parked), or
ground (wipers are parked). When the wiper relay is
energized, the common feed terminal of the wiper is
connected to battery current from a fuse in the Junc-
tion Block (JB) through a fused ignition switch out-
put (run-acc) circuit.
²The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to the
relay control output of the CTM through the wiper
motor relay control circuit. The CTM controls the
ground path for this circuit internally to energize or
de-energize the wiper relay based upon its program-
ming and inputs from the wiper and washer control
circuitry of the multi-function switch and from the
wiper motor park switch.
²The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
battery current from a fuse in the Junction Block
(JB) through a fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On or
Accessory positions.
²The normally open terminal (87) is connected to
battery current from a fuse in the Junction Block
(JB) through a fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
circuit whenever the wiper relay control coil is ener-
gized by the CTM. This circuit provides fused igni-
tion switch output (run-acc) current to the wiper
motor low speed brush only when the wiper relay
control coil is energized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is connected
to the output of the wiper motor park switch through
the wiper motor park switch sense circuit. This cir-
cuit provides battery current (wipers are not parked)
or ground (wipers are parked) to the wiper motor low
speed brush whenever the wiper relay control coil is
de-energized and the Off position of the wiper control
of the multi-function switch is selected.
The wiper relay can be diagnosed using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER RELAY
The wiper relay (or intermittent wipe relay) (Fig.
10) is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
near the battery on the left side of the engine com-
partment. See the fuse and relay layout label affixed
to the inside surface of the PDC cover for wiper relay
identification and location. Refer to the appropriatewiring 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.
(1) Remove the wiper relay from the PDC. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER
RELAY - REMOVAL).
(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, test the relay input and output cir-
cuits. Refer to RELAY CIRCUIT TEST . If not OK,
replace the faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to the multi-function switch. There should
be continuity between the receptacle for terminal 30
of the wiper relay in the PDC and both driver low
speed wiper motor driver circuit cavities of the
instrument panel wire harness connector for the
multi-function switch at all times. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the open driver low speed wiper
motor driver circuit(s) between the PDC and the
multi-function switch as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to the wiper motor park switch through
the wiper motor park switch sense circuit. There
Fig. 10 Wiper Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
8R - 16 WIPERS/WASHERSBR/BE
WIPER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)

should be continuity between the receptacle for ter-
minal 87A of the wiper relay in the PDC and the
wiper motor park switch sense circuit cavity of the
headlamp and dash wire harness connector for the
wiper motor at all times. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, repair the open wiper motor park switch sense
circuit between the PDC and the wiper motor as
required.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to a fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
fuse in the Junction Block (JB) through a fused igni-
tion switch output (run-acc) circuit. There should be
battery voltage at the receptacle for terminal 87 of
the wiper relay in the PDC whenever the ignition
switch is in the On or Accessory positions. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition
switch output (run-acc) circuit between the PDC and
the JB as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to a
fused ignition switch output (run-acc) fuse in the JB
through a fused ignition switch output (run-acc) cir-
cuit. There should be battery voltage at the recepta-
cle for terminal 86 of the wiper relay in the PDC
whenever the ignition switch is in the On or Acces-
sory positions. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair
the open fused ignition switch output (run-acc) cir-
cuit between the PDC and the JB as required.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the output of the Central Timer Module (CTM)
through the wiper motor relay control circuit. There
should be continuity between the receptacle for ter-
minal 85 of the wiper relay in the PDC and the wiper
motor relay control circuit cavity of the instrument
panel wire harness connector (Connector C1) for the
CTM at all times. If not OK, repair the open wiper
motor relay control circuit between the PDC and the
CTM as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 11).
(3) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to
the underside of the PDC cover for wiper relay iden-
tification and location.
(4) Remove the wiper relay by grasping it firmly
and pulling it straight out from the receptacle in the
PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to
the underside of the PDC cover for the proper wiper
relay location (Fig. 11).
(2) Position the wiper relay in the proper recepta-
cle in the PDC.
(3) Align the wiper relay terminals with the termi-
nal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(4) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the wiper
relay until the terminals are fully seated in the ter-
minal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(5) Reinstall the cover onto the PDC.
Fig. 11 Power Distribution Center
1 - COVER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 17
WIPER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)

DRIVER CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH - BLACK 2 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 Z2 20BK/LG GROUND
2 G73 20LG/OR CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH MUX
DRIVER DOOR AJAR SWITCH (CTM) - NATURAL 2 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 Z2 18BK/LG GROUND
2 G75 18TN DRIVER DOOR AJAR SWITCH SENSE
DRIVER DOOR AJAR SWITCH (IEM) - NATURAL 3 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 Z2 18BK/LG GROUND
2 G75 18TN DRIVER DOOR AJAR SWITCH SENSE
3 M22 18WT ILLUMINATED ENTRY SWITCH SENSE
DRIVER DOOR LOCK MOTOR - BLACK 2 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 P34 20PK/BK DOOR UNLOCK DRIVER
2 P33 20OR/BK DOOR LOCK DRIVER
DRIVER DOOR WINDOW/LOCK SWITCH - BLUE 11 WAY
CAV CIRCUIT FUNCTION
1 Q16 14BR/WT MASTER WINDOW SWITCH RIGHT FRONT UP
2 Q26 14VT/WT MASTER WINDOW SWITCH RIGHT FRONT DOWN
3 Z2 14BK/LG GROUND
4 Q21 16WT LEFT FRONT WINDOW DRIVER (DOWN)
5 F21 14TN FUSED IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT (RUN)
6 Q11 16LB LEFT WINDOW DRIVER (UP)
7 P36 18PK/VT DOOR UNLOCK SWITCH CONTROL
8 P35 18OR/VT DOOR LOCK SWITCH CONTROL
9 Z2 18BK/LG GROUND
10 F35 18RD FUSED B(+)
11 - -
8W - 80 - 36 8W-80 CONNECTOR PIN-OUTSBR/BE

NOTE: A new grommet should be used when ever
the rod is disconnected from the lever.
(3) Remove the shipping lock pin if necessary.
(4) Install the column through the floor pan.
(5) Position the column bracket breakaway cap-
sules on the mounting studs. Install, butloose
assemblethe two upper bracket nuts.
(6) With the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position. Align steering column shaft to the coupler.
Install anewpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36
ft. lbs.).
(7) Clip the wiring harness on the steering column.
Connect the multi- function switch wiring and
tighten with 7mm socket.
(8) Install the upper fixed shroud.
(9) Be sure both breakaway capsules are fully
seated in the slots in the column support bracket.
Pull the column rearward then tighten upper bracket
nuts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(10) Tighten the toe plate to floor pan attaching
nuts to 22.5 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(11) Install the wiring connections to the column.
Install the lower fixed shroud.(12) Column shift vehicles, install the PRNDL
driver cable. Place shifter in Park position. If indica-
tor needs adjusting, turn thumb screw on cable
retainer to adjust cable.
(13) Install the lock housing shrouds. Install the
tilt lever (if equipped).
(14) Install the knee blocker and steering column
opening cover, (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install steering wheel and tighten nut to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.), (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN/STEERING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
(16) Install the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(17) Column shift vehicles, connect the shift link
rod to the transmission shift lever. Use multi-purpose
lubricant, or an equivalent product, to aid the instal-
lation.
(18) Install the battery ground (negative) cable.
(19) Verify operation of the automatic transmission
shift linkage and adjust as necessary, (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
44RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE - ADJUSTMENTS).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Steering Wheel
Nut61 45 Ð
Steering Coupler
Bolt49 36 Ð
Steering Column
Upper Bracket12 Ð 105
Steering Column
Toe Plate23 Ð 200
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The key-in ignition switch is integral to the igni-
tion switch, which is mounted on the right side of the
steering column. It closes a path to ground for the
Central Timer Module (CTM) when the ignition key
is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder and thedriver door ajar switch is closed (driver door is open).
The key-in ignition switch opens the ground path
when the key is removed from the ignition lock cyl-
inder. The ground path is also opened when the
driver door ajar switch is open (driver door is closed).
The key-in ignition switch cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, the entire ignition switch must
be replaced,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/IG-
NITION SWITCH - REMOVAL).
BR/BECOLUMN 19 - 9
COLUMN (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................104
OPERATION............................105
REMOVAL.............................106
INSTALLATION..........................107
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL.............................108
INSTALLATION..........................109
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................109
INSTALLATION..........................110
CUBBY BIN
REMOVAL.............................110
INSTALLATION..........................110
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL.............................110
INSTALLATION..........................111
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL.............................112DISASSEMBLY..........................112
ASSEMBLY.............................112
INSTALLATION..........................113
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................113
INSTALLATION..........................113
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................114
INSTALLATION..........................114
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL.............................114
INSTALLATION..........................115
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL.............................115
INSTALLATION..........................116
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL.............................116
INSTALLATION..........................116
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The instrument panel is located at the front of the
passenger compartment. This instrument panel is
molded from a blend of various plastics that are
mechanically attached to the vehicle. Colors are
molded into the plastic components to minimize
appearance degradation from scratches or abrasions.
The panel components are internally ribbed and riv-
eted to steel reinforcements for additional structural
integrity and dimensional stability. The instrument
panel surface components are designed to deform
upon impact without breaking. This type of construc-
tion provides improved energy absorption which, in
conjunction with the dual airbags and seat belts,
helps to improve occupant protection.
The top of the instrument panel is secured to the
top of the dash panel near the base of the windshield
using screws. An end bracket integral to each end of
the instrument panel structure is secured to each
cowl side inner panel with a screw. A stamped metal
bracket supports the center of the instrument panel
by securing it to the top of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel below the instrument panel with screws.
The instrument cluster, radio, heater-air conditioner
control, passenger airbag, glove box, electrical junc-
tion block, Central Timer Module (CTM), accessoryswitches, ash receiver, cigar lighter, accessory power
outlet, park brake release handle, inside hood release
handle, as well as numerous other components are
secured to and supported by this unit.
The instrument panel for this vehicle includes the
following major features:
²Cluster Bezel- This molded plastic bezel is
secured with snap clips to the instrument panel sup-
porting structure. It trims out the edges of the head-
lamp switch, instrument cluster, radio, heater-air
conditioner controls, passenger airbag on-off switch,
and the heated seat switches on vehicles so equipped.
On vehicles without the heated seat option, a small
storage cubby bin is provided in the cluster bezel.
This bezel also incorporates three completely adjust-
able panel outlets for the climate control system, and
fills the opening between the instrument cluster and
the top of the steering column where it passes
through the instrument panel.
²Cup Holder/Storage Bin- Vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission feature a latching
fold-down, adjustable cup holder located on the lower
instrument panel between the glove box and the ash
receiver. Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion have a lighted storage bin on the instrument
panel in place of the cup holder.
²Glove Box- The hinged bin-type glove box in
the passenger side of the instrument panel features a
recessed paddle-operated latch handle. Three molded
23 - 104 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE

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)