2001 DODGE RAM service indicator

SHIFT INDICATOR (TRANSFER
CASE)
DESCRIPTION
A four-wheel drive indicator is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with the optional four-wheel drive system,
this indicator is mechanically disabled. The four-
wheel drive indicator is located near the lower edge
of the instrument cluster overlay, to the right of cen-
ter. The four-wheel drive indicator consists of a sten-
cilled cutout of the text ª4WDº in the opaque layer of
the instrument cluster overlay. The dark outer layer
of the overlay prevents the indicator from being
clearly visible when it is not illuminated. An amber
lens behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the ª4WDº text to appear in amber
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when the indicator is illuminated from behind by a
Light Emitting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The four-wheel
drive indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The four-wheel drive indicator lamp gives an indi-
cation to the vehicle operator that a four-wheel drive
operating mode is engaged. The indicator will be illu-
minated when either high range (4H) or low range
(4L) have been selected with the transfer case shift
lever. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon the
cluster programming, and a hard wired input from
the four-wheel drive switch on the front axle discon-
nect housing. The four-wheel drive indicator Light
Emitting 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 lamp will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On or
Start. The LED only illuminates when it is switched
to ground by the instrument cluster transistor.
The four-wheel drive switch is connected in series
between ground and the four-wheel drive switch
sense input to the instrument cluster. For further
information on the transfer case and the transfer
case operating ranges, (Refer to 21 - TRANSMIS-
SION/TRANSAXLE/TRANSFER CASE - OPERA-
TION. For further information on the front axle
disconnect mechanism, (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL
& DRIVELINE/FRONT AXLE/AXLE VACUUM
MOTOR - OPERATION). The four-wheel drive switch
input to the instrument cluster circuitry can be diag-nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
four-wheel drive indicator condition. If the problem
being diagnosed is related to indicator accuracy, be
certain to confirm that the problem is with the indi-
cator and not with a damaged or inoperative front
axle disconnect mechanism. (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/FRONT AXLE/AXLE VACUUM
MOTOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If no front
axle disconnect problem is found, the following proce-
dure will help locate a short or open in the four-
wheel drive switch input to the instrument cluster.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wir-
ing 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.
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.
INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WITH FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE MODE SELECTED
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the engine wire harness connector
for the four-wheel drive switch from the switch con-
nector receptacle. Check for continuity between the
ground circuit cavity of the engine wire harness con-
nector for the four-wheel drive switch and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground
(G100) as required.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Install a jumper
wire between the 4WD switch sense circuit cavity of
the engine wire harness connector for the four-wheel
drive switch and a good ground. The four-wheel drive
indicator should light. If OK, replace the faulty four-
wheel drive switch. If not OK, go to Step 3.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 29

(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument
panel. Check for continuity between the 4WD switch
sense circuit cavities of the instrument panel wire
harness connector (Connector C2) for the instrument
cluster and the engine wire harness connector for the
four-wheel drive switch. There should be continuity.
If OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster. If not
OK, repair the open 4WD switch sense circuit
between the instrument cluster and the four-wheel
drive switch as required.
INDICATOR STAYS ILLUMINATED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
MODE NOT SELECTED
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the engine wire harness connector
for the four-wheel drive switch from the switch con-
nector receptacle. Check for continuity between the
ground circuit terminal and the 4WD switch sense
circuit terminal in the four-wheel drive switch con-
nector receptacle. There should be no continuity. If
OK, repair the shorted 4WD switch sense circuit
between the four-wheel drive switch and the instru-
ment cluster as required. If not OK, replace the
faulty four-wheel drive switch.
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A speedometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The speedometer is located just to the
right of the tachometer near the center of the instru-
ment cluster. The speedometer consists of a movable
gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instrument
cluster circuitry and a fixed 210 degree primary scale
on the gauge dial face that reads left-to-right either
from 0 to 120 mph, or from 0 to 200 km/h, depending
upon the market for which the vehicle is manufac-
tured. Each version also has a secondary inner scale
on the gauge dial face that provides the equivalent
opposite units from the primary scale. Text appearing
on the cluster overlay just below the hub of the
speedometer needle abbreviates the unit of measure
for the primary scale in all upper case letters (i.e.:
MPH or KM/H), followed by the unit of measure for
the secondary scale in all lower case letters (i.e.: mph
or km/h). The speedometer graphics are white (pri-
mary scale) and red (secondary scale) against a black
field, making them clearly visible within the instru-
ment cluster in daylight. When illuminated from
behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster
illumination lighting with the exterior lamps turned
On, the white graphics appear blue-green, while the
red graphics still appear red. The orange gauge nee-
dle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumination isprovided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The speedometer is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The speedometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the vehicle road speed. This gauge is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon the cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision
Detection (CCD) data bus. The speedometer is an air
core magnetic unit that receives battery current on
the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
through the fused ignition switch output (st-run) cir-
cuit 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:
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
a speedometer message, it will hold the gauge needle
at the last indication for about four seconds, or until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. If a new speedometer message
is not received after about four seconds, the gauge
needle will return to the far left (low) end of the
scale.
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 vehicle speed
sensor to determine the vehicle road speed, then
sends the proper vehicle speed messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
speedometer or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). For proper diagnosis of the vehicle speed
sensor, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
speedometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A tachometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The tachometer is located just to the
left of the speedometer near the center of the instru-
8J - 30 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
SHIFT INDICATOR (TRANSFER CASE) (Continued)

ment cluster. The tachometer consists of a movable
gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instrument
cluster circuitry and a fixed 210 degree scale on the
gauge dial face that reads left-to-right either from 0
to 6 for gasoline engines, or from 0 to 4 for diesel
engines. The text ªRPM X 1000º imprinted on the
cluster overlay directly below the hub of the tachom-
eter needle identifies that each number on the
tachometer scale is to be multiplied times 1000 rpm.
The gauge scale of the gasoline engine tachometer is
red lined at 5000 rpm, while the diesel engine
tachometer is red lined at 3375 rpm. The diesel
engine tachometer also includes text that specifies
ªDIESEL FUEL ONLYº located just above the hub of
the tachometer needle. The tachometer graphics are
white and red against a black field, making them
clearly visible within the instrument cluster in day-
light. 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, while the red graphics still
appear red. The orange gauge needle is internally
illuminated. Gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The tachometer is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The tachometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the engine speed. This gauge is controlled
by the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
the cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus. The tachometer is an air core mag-
netic unit that 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.
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:
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
an engine speed message, it will hold the gauge nee-
dle at the last indication for about four seconds, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. If a new engine speed mes-
sage is not received after about four seconds, the
gauge needle will return to the far left (low) end of
the scale.
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 scalein a prescribed sequence in order to confirm the func-
tionality of the gauge and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor to determine the engine speed, then
sends the proper engine speed messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
tachometer or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). For proper diagnosis of the crankshaft position
sensor, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
tachometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A transmission over-temperature indicator lamp is
standard equipment on all instrument clusters. How-
ever, on vehicles not equipped with the optional auto-
matic transmission, this indicator is electronically
disabled. The transmission over-temperature indica-
tor is located near the lower edge of the instrument
cluster overlay, to the left of center. The transmission
over-temperature indicator consists of a stencilled
cutout of the words ªTRANS TEMPº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. A red
lens behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the ªTRANS TEMPº text to appear in
red through the translucent outer layer of the over-
lay when the indicator is illuminated from behind by
a Light Emitting Diode (LED) soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The
transmission over-temperature indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The transmission over-temperature indicator gives
an indication to the vehicle operator when the trans-
mission fluid temperature is excessive, which may
lead to accelerated transmission component wear or
failure. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon the
cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus. The transmission over-temperature
indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) receives bat-
tery current on the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board through the fused ignition switch output
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 31
TACHOMETER (Continued)

(st-run) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the
On or Start positions; therefore, the LED will always
be off when the ignition switch is in any position
except On or Start. The LED bulb only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the transmission over-temperature indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the transmission over-tem-
perature indicator is illuminated for about two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Trans Over-Temp Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a trans over-temp lamp-on
message from the PCM indicating that the transmis-
sion fluid temperature is 135É C (275É F) or higher,
the indicator will be illuminated and a single chime
tone is sounded. The lamp remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a trans over-temp lamp-off mes-
sage from the PCM, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
The chime tone feature will only repeat during the
same ignition cycle if the transmission over-tempera-
ture indicator is cycled off and then on again by the
appropriate trans over-temp messages from the PCM.
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 PCM continually monitors the transmission
temperature sensor to determine the transmission
operating condition, then sends the proper messages
to the instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster
turns on the transmission over-temperature indicator
due to a high transmission oil temperature condition,
it may indicate that the transmission and/or the
transmission cooling system are being overloaded or
that they require service. For further diagnosis of the
transmission over-temperature indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the LED,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For proper
diagnosis of the transmission temperature sensor, the
PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the transmission
over-temperature indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS
DESCRIPTION
Two turn signal indicators are standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. The turn signal indicatorsare located near the upper edge of the instrument
cluster overlay, between the speedometer and the
tachometer. Each turn signal indicator consists of a
stenciled cutout of the International Control and Dis-
play Symbol icon for ªTurn Warningº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents these icons from
being clearly visible when their lamps are not illumi-
nated. The icons appear in green through the trans-
lucent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator
is illuminated from behind by a replaceable incandes-
cent bulb and bulb holder unit located on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The turn signal
indicators are serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The turn signal indicators give an indication to the
vehicle operator that the turn signal (left or right
indicator flashing) or hazard warning (both left and
right indicators flashing) have been selected. These
indicators are controlled by two individual hard
wired inputs to the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The turn signal indicator bulbs are
grounded on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board at all times. The turn signal indicator bulbs
only illuminate when they are provided with battery
current by the turn signal and hazard warning
switch circuitry of the left multi-function switch on
the steering column through separate left and right
turn signal inputs to the instrument cluster; there-
fore, these indicators can be illuminated, regardless
of the ignition switch position.
The turn signal indicators are connected in series
between ground and the output of the turn signal
and hazard warning switch circuitry, but in parallel
with the other turn signal circuits. This arrangement
allows the turn signal indicators to remain functional
regardless of the condition of the other circuits in the
turn signal and hazard warning system. For more
information on the turn signal and hazard warning
system, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHT-
ING - EXTERIOR - OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL &
HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM). The turn signal
indicators can be diagnosed using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN SIGNAL
INDICATORS
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
turn signal indicator lamp condition. If the problem
being diagnosed is related to inoperative turn signals
or hazard warning lamps, be certain to repair the
turn signal and hazard warning system before
attempting to diagnose or repair the turn signal indi-
cators. If no turn signal or hazard warning system
8J - 32 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR (Continued)

problems are found, the following procedure will help
locate a short or open in the left or right turn signal
indicator circuit. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information. The wiring information includes wiring
diagrams, proper wire and connector repair proce-
dures, details of wire harness routing and retention,
connector pin-out information and location views for
the various wire harness connectors, splices and
grounds.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster.
(2) Connect the battery negative cable. Activate
the hazard warning system by moving the hazard
warning switch button to the On position. Check for
battery voltage at the inoperative (right or left) turn
signal circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire
harness connector (Connector C2) for the instrument
cluster. There should be a switching (on and off) bat-
tery voltage signal. If OK, replace the faulty turn sig-
nal indicator bulb. If not OK, repair the open (right
or left) turn signal circuit to the left multi-function
switch as required.
UPSHIFT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An upshift indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with a manual transmission, this indicator
is disabled. The upshift indicator is located near the
fuel gauge in the instrument cluster overlay, to the
left of center. The upshift indicator consists of an
upward pointed arrow icon that is a stenciled cutout
in the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay.
The dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indi-
cator from being clearly visible when it is not illumi-
nated. An amber lens behind the cutout in the
opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to appear
in amber through the translucent outer layer of the
overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by a replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder unit located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The upshift indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The upshift indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the transmission should be
shifted to the next highest gear in order to achieve
the best fuel economy. This indicator is controlled by
a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon the cluster programming and electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler Collision
Detection (CCD) data bus. The upshift indicator bulbreceives 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
lamp will always be off when the ignition switch is in
any position except On or Start. The bulb only illu-
minates when it is provided a path to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. On models not
equipped with a manual transmission, the incandes-
cent bulb and bulb holder unit are not installed at
the factory when the vehicle is built. The instrument
cluster will turn on the upshift indicator for the fol-
lowing reasons:
²Upshift Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives an upshift lamp-on message from the
PCM indicating the engine speed and load conditions
are right for a transmission upshift to occur, the
upshift indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives an
upshift lamp-off message from the PCM or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first. The PCM will normally send an
upshift lamp-off message three to five seconds after a
lamp-on message, if an upshift is not performed. The
indicator will then remain off until the vehicle stops
accelerating and is brought back into the range of
indicator operation, or until the transmission is
shifted into another gear.
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 indicator and the
cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the engine speed
and load conditions to determine the proper fuel and
ignition requirements. The PCM then sends the
proper messages to the instrument cluster. If the
upshift indicator fails to light during normal vehicle
operation, replace the bulb with a known good unit.
For further diagnosis of the upshift indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indica-
tor, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For
proper diagnosis of the PCM, the CCD data bus, or
the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the upshift indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A voltage gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The voltage gauge is located in
the upper left quadrant of the instrument cluster,
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 33
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS (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)

cluster circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). The washer fluid level
switch input to the cluster can be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WASHER FLUID
INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
washer fluid indicator condition. If the problem being
diagnosed is related to indicator accuracy, be certain
to confirm that the problem is with the indicator or
washer fluid level switch input and not with a dam-
aged or empty washer fluid reservoir, or inoperative
instrument cluster indicator control circuitry. Inspect
the washer fluid reservoir for proper fluid level and
signs of damage or distortion that could affect
washer fluid level switch performance and perform
the instrument cluster actuator test before you pro-
ceed with the following diagnosis. If no washer fluid
reservoir or instrument cluster control circuitry prob-
lem is found, the following procedure will help to
locate a short or open in the washer fluid switch
sense circuit. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. 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.
INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WITH WASHER
RESERVOIR EMPTY
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer fluid level switch from
the washer fluid level switch connector receptacle.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity of the headlamp and dash wire harness connector
for the washer fluid level switch and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If notOK, repair the open ground circuit to ground (G100)
as required.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. Check for continuity between the washer
fluid switch sense circuit cavities of the headlamp
and dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid
level switch and the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Connector C2) for the instrument cluster.
If OK, replace the faulty washer fluid level switch. If
not OK, repair the open washer fluid switch sense
circuit between the washer fluid level switch and the
instrument cluster as required.
INDICATOR STAYS ILLUMINATED WITH WASHER
RESERVOIR FULL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer fluid level switch from
the washer fluid level switch connector receptacle.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit ter-
minal and the washer fluid switch sense terminal in
the washer fluid level switch connector receptacle.
There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If
not OK, replace the faulty washer fluid level switch.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. Check for continuity between the washer
fluid switch sense circuit cavity of the headlamp and
dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid
level switch and a good ground. There should be no
continuity. If not OK, repair the shorted washer fluid
switch sense circuit between the washer fluid level
switch and the instrument cluster as required.
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A water-in-fuel indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters, but is only functional in vehi-
cles equipped with an optional diesel engine. The
water-in-fuel indicator is located near the lower edge
of the instrument cluster overlay, to the left of center.
The water-in-fuel indicator consists of a stencilled
cutout of the text ªWATER IN FUELº in the opaque
layer of the instrument 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 behind the cutout causes the ªWATER
IN FUELº text to appear in red through the translu-
cent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator is
illuminated from behind by a Light Emitting Diode
(LED) soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board. The water-in-fuel indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
8J - 36 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR (Continued)