2001 DODGE RAM deactivate airbag

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

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