2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY ECO mode

A eight-way power seat is standard on highline
models and optional on others. This option includes a
six-way adjustable seat cushion track and a two-way
power seat back.
The eight-way power seat is also available with the
heated seat and memory seat system that automati-
cally positions the power seat for two different driv-
ers. Refer toHeated Seat Systemfor more
information on the heated seat option. Refer toMem-
ory Systemin the Memory System section of this
group for more information on the memory system.
The power seat system includes the following com-
ponents:
²Power seat recliner
²Power seat switch
²Power seat track.
The power seat system with memory and heated
seat options includes the following components:
²Power seat recliner
²Power seat switch
²Power seat track.
²Memory Heated Seat Module (MHSM)
²Memory set switch
²Heated seat switch
²Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
²Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus network
Refer to Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit dia-
grams. Following are general descriptions and opera-
tions for the major components in the power seat
system and memory seat system.
DESCRIPTION - MEMORY SEAT SYSTEM
An electronic memory and heated seat system is
available on some models. The memory system is
able to store and recall the driver side power seat
positions (including the power recliner position), and
both outside power mirror positions for two drivers.
For vehicles with a radio and heated / memory seat
system connected to the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus network, the memory
system is also able to store and recall radio station
presets for two drivers. The memory system also will
store and recall the last station listened to for each
driver, even if it is not one of the preset stations.
The memory system will automatically return to
all of these settings when the corresponding num-
bered and button of the memory switch on the driver
side seat side shield is depressed, or when the doors
are unlocked using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. A customer programmable feature of the
memory system allows the RKE recall of memory fea-
tures to be disabled in cases where there are more
than two drivers of the vehicle.
A Memory Heated Seat Module (MHSM) is used on
some models to control and integrate the many elec-tronic functions and features included in the memory
/ heated seat system.
The memory system includes the following compo-
nents:
²Heated seat switch
²Memory heated seat module (MHSM)
²Memory switch
²Position potentiometers on both outside power
mirrors
²Position potentiometers on the driver side power
seat track and power seat recliner motors.
²Radio receiver (if PCI data bus capable).
Certain functions and features of the memory system
rely upon resources shared with other electronic mod-
ules in the vehicle over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) J1850 data bus network. The PCI
data bus network allows the sharing of sensor informa-
tion. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity,
internal controller hardware, and component sensor cur-
rent loads. At the same time, this system provides
increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows
the addition of many new feature capabilities. For diag-
nosis of these electronic modules or of the PCI data bus
network, the use of a DRBtscan tool and the proper
Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended.
The other electronic modules that may affect mem-
ory system operation are as follows:
²Body Control Module (BCM)- Refer toBody
Control Modulein Electronic Control Modules for
more information.
²
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
- Refer toElectronic Vehicle Information Center
in Overhead Console Systems for more information.
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)- Refer to
Powertrain Control Modulein Electronic Control
Modules for more information.
²Radio Receiver- Refer toRadio Receiverin
Audio Systems for more information.
Refer toHeated Seat Systemfor more informa-
tion on the heated seat system. Refer toRemote
Keyless Entry Systemin Power Lock Systems for
more information on the RKE system. Refer to
Power Mirrorin Power Mirrors for more informa-
tion on the mirror position potentiometers. Refer to
Power Seat TrackandPower Seat Reclinerin
the Power Seat System section of this group for more
information on the driver side power seat position
potentiometers.
Refer toPower Seatin the Contents of Wiring
Diagrams for complete circuit diagrams. Following
are general descriptions of the remaining major com-
ponents in the factory-installed memory system.
OPERATION - POWER SEAT SYSTEM
The power seat system allows the driver and/or
front passenger seating positions to be adjusted elec-
8N - 50 POWER SEATSRS
POWER SEATS (Continued)
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upon the second energizing is the amount the soft
stops have been reprogrammed.
Repeat this procedure for each direction of seat
movement (One at a time).
NOTE: Checking and resetting of the power mem-
ory seat soft stops will not affect the customer's
programmed positions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING MEMORY SYSTEM
In order to obtain conclusive testing of the memory
system, the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus network and all of the electronic mod-
ules that provide inputs to, or receive outputs from
the memory system components must be checked.
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to
diagnose the memory system requires the use of a
DRB IIItscan tool and the proper Diagnostic Proce-
dures manual. The DRB IIItscan tool can provide
confirmation that the PCI data bus is functional, that
all of the electronic modules are sending and receiv-
ing the proper messages on the PCI data bus, and
that the memory system is receiving the proper hard
wired inputs and relaying the proper hard wired out-
puts to perform its functions.
Following are diagnostic routines that are built
into the module which can be performed without the
use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to Wiring Dia-
grams for complete circuit schematic or connector
pin-out information.
DIAGNOSTIC MODE 1
Diagnostic Mode 1 clears soft limits and sets mem-
ory selector switches (1 and 2) to predetermined val-
ues.
ACTIVATION-Press and hold the S and 1 buttons
for 5 seconds to enter diagnostic mode 1. This mode
is exited at the completion of the mode 1 tasks or
upon grounding the DATA G87 circuit input to the
module.
Mode 1 will:
²Clear all soft limits to their default hard limit
values
²Load memory 1 with default settings corre-
sponding to horizontal rearward, front down, rear
down, and recliner rearward positions
²Load memory 2 with default settings corre-
sponding to horizontal forward, front up, rear up,
and recliner forward positions
DIAGNOSTIC MODE 2
Diagnostic mode 2 provides a way to determine if
the seat/mirror motors and position sensors are con-
nected properly.
ACTIVATION-Press and hold the S and 2 buttons
for 5 seconds to enter diagnostic mode 2. This modeis exited after 5 seconds of switch inactivity or upon
grounding the DATA G87 circuit input by moving the
transmission out of the PARK position.
Mode 2 will:
²Place the seat and mirror motors at their mid-
point
²When a single axis of seat or mirror motion is
requested by pressing a switch, the corresponding
motor is energized. This tests switch input and motor
output
DRIVER SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with power seats utilize a eight-
way power seat switch. This eight-way power seat
switch features two knobs ganged together on the
outboard seat cushion side shield (Fig. 2).
The switch is secured to the back of the seat cush-
ion side shield with two screws. However, the control
knobs for the seat switch unit must be removed
before the seat switch can be removed from the side
shield.
The power seat switch cannot be repaired. If one
switch is damaged or faulty, the entire power seat
switch unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The power seat tracks can be adjusted in eight dif-
ferent ways using the power seat switches. See the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the power seat switch functions and
the seat adjusting procedures.
When a power seat switch control knob or knobs
are actuated, a battery feed and a ground path are
applied through the switch contacts to the power seat
track or recliner adjuster motor. The selected
adjuster motor operates to move the seat track or
recliner through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
Fig. 2 Power Seat Switch - Typical
8N - 52 POWER SEATSRS
POWER SEATS (Continued)
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(7) Remove the power seat switch from the out-
board seat cushion side shield.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the power seat switch onto the out-
board seat cushion side shield.
(2) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
power seat switch to the inside of the outboard seat
cushion side shield. Tighten the screws to 1.5 N´m
(14 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the power seat wire harness connec-
tor to the power seat switch connector receptacle.
(4) Position the outboard seat cushion side shield
onto the seat cushion frame
(5) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
outboard seat cushion side shield to the seat cushion
frame. Tighten the screws to 1.5 N´m (14 in. lbs.).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
MEMORY SET SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the memory system have a
memory switch mounted to the driver side front door
trim panel. This switch is used to set and recall all of
the memory system settings for up to two drivers.
The memory switch is a resistor multiplexed unit
that is hard wired to the Body Control Module
(BCM). The BCM sends out the memory system set
and recall requests to the other electronic modules
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus.
The memory switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. For
complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring Dia-
grams.
OPERATION
The memory switch has three momentary switch
buttons labeled Set, 1 and 2. The Driver 1 and Driver
2 buttons are back-lit with Light-Emitting Diodes
(LED) for visibility, and are also color-coded to coin-
cide with the color-coded Driver 1 and Driver 2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters. The
Driver 1 memory switch button and RKE transmitter
are black, and the Driver 2 memory switch button
and RKE transmitter are gray. The memory switch
Set button also has an LED that will illuminate and
flash to indicate that the memory system is in the set
mode. This LED will automatically be extinguished
when a set request has been successfully completed.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the memory switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MEMORY SWITCH
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the driver side front door trim panel
switch bezel. Using a small thin bladed pry tool, gen-
tly pry the switch bezel away from the door trim
panel.
(3) Disconnect the memory switch wire harness
connector from the memory switch.
(4) Use an ohmmeter to test the resistances of the
memory switch in each switch position. See the Mem-
ory Switch Test chart. If OK, refer toMemory Sys-
temin the Diagnosis and Testing section of this
group. If not OK, replace the faulty memory switch.
MEMORY SWITCH TEST
MEMORY
SWITCH
POSITIONRESISTANCE
BETWEEN
PINSRESISTANCE
RANGE
(OHMS)
NEUTRAL 1&2 24560   1%
(24.56 k)
MEMORY 1 1&2 6830   1%
(6.83 k)
MEMORY 2 1&2 2090   1%
(2.09 k)
SET 1&2 4490   1%
(4.49 k)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front door trim panel switch bezel
from the driver side front door. Using a thin flat-
bladed pry tool, gently pry the switch bezel away
from the drivers door trim panel.
(3) Disconnect the memory switch wire harness
connector from the memory switch.
(4) Remove the two screws that secure the memory
switch to the back of the driver side front door trim
panel switch bezel.
(5) Remove the memory switch.
INSTALLATION
(1)Position the memory switch and install and
tighten the two screws that secure the memory switch
to the back of the driver side front door trim panel
switch bezel. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(2) Reconnect the memory switch wire harness
connector to the memory switch.
(3) Install the trim panel switch bezel onto the
driver side front door.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
8N - 54 POWER SEATSRS
DRIVER SEAT SWITCH (Continued)
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REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) On models with the eight-way power seat sys-
tem only, using a push pin remover or another suit-
able wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the power seat
and power recliner switch knobs off of the switch
stems (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove the screws that secure the outboard
seat cushion side shield to the seat cushion frame.
Refer to the Body section of the service manual for
the procedure.
(4) Pull the outboard seat cushion side shield away
from the seat cushion frame far enough to access the
power seat switch wire harness connector.
(5) Disconnect the power seat wire harness connec-
tor from the power seat switch connector receptacle.
(6) Remove the screws that secure the power seat
switch to the inside of the outboard seat cushion side
shield.(7) Remove the power seat switch from the out-
board seat cushion side shield.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the power seat switch onto the out-
board seat cushion side shield.
(2) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
power seat switch to the inside of the outboard seat
cushion side shield. Tighten the screws to 1.5 N´m
(14 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the power seat wire harness connec-
tor to the power seat switch connector receptacle.
(4) Position the outboard seat cushion side shield
onto the seat cushion frame
(5) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
outboard seat cushion side shield to the seat cushion
frame. Tighten the screws to 1.5 N´m (14 in. lbs.).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
RECLINER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The eight-way power seat option includes an elec-
trically operated seat back recliner mechanism. The
only visible evidence of this option is the separate
power seat recliner switch control knob that is
located on the outboard seat cushion side shield, just
behind the other power seat switch control knob.
The power seat recliner unit is mounted in the
place of a seat hinge on the outboard side of the seat
(Fig. 8). The upper hinge plate of the power seat
recliner mechanism is secured with screws to the
seat back frame and is concealed beneath the seat
back trim cover and padding. The lower hinge plate
and the motor and drive unit of the power seat
recliner mechanism is secured with 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. The driver
side power seat recliner motor used on models
equipped with the optional memory system also has
a position potentiometer integral to the motor assem-
bly, which electronically monitors the motor position.
Fig. 6 Seat Switch Pin Call-Out
Fig. 7 REMOVING SWITCH CONTROL KNOBS
8N - 56 POWER SEATSRS
PASSENGER SEAT SWITCH (Continued)
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(4) Remove steering wheel.
(5) Depress the two plastic locking pins to disen-
gage lock mechanism.
(6) With lock mechanism disengaged, rotate the
clock spring rotor clockwise until the rotor stops. Do
not apply excessive force.
(7) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor three
turns counterclockwise. The wires should end up at
the top. Release locking pins to engage clock spring
lock mechanism.
(8) Install steering wheel and airbag.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
REMOVAL
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood. Disconnect
and isolate the battery negative cable.
(3) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel.
(4) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(5) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(6) Remove steering wheel.
(7) Remove steering column shrouds.
(8) Disconnect 2-way and 5-way connectors
between the clock spring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(9) Remove clock spring from housing assembly by
removing the two retaining screws retaining the
clock spring.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the clock spring into the housing.
Install the two retaining screws to clock spring.
(2) Connect the two way and five way harness
between the clock spring and the instrument panel.
(3) Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering,
Column, Steering Wheel, Installation.
(4) Connect the harness connector to the driver
airbag.
(5) Connect the remote radio control harness.
(6)
Install the driver airbag into the steering wheel.
(7) Install the steering column upper and lower
shrouds.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The Driver Airbag is located in the center of the
steering wheel. The most visible part of the airbag is
the cover/horn switch.
OPERATION
The Driver Airbag cover contains the horn switch,
inflator device, and a fabric bag. The airbag cover/
horn switch is serviced separately from the inflator
and bag components.
WHEN THE FRONT AIRBAG SYSTEM IS
DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF A COLLISION, THE
FOLLOWING MUST BE REPLACED:
²COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
²LOWER STEERING COUPLER
²STEERING WHEEL
²STEERING COLUMN CLOCK SPRING
²DRIVER AIRBAG
²PASSENGER AIRBAG
²UPPER INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH PAD
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DEPLOYED DRIVER
AIRBAG CLEAN UP
Roll or fold the driver airbag towards the steering
wheel and then tape the bag to the steering wheel.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If
HVAC was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag
deployment, operate HVAC blower on low speed/heat
and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heat
outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may be necessary
to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.
SERVICE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAG
If a Driver Airbag has been deployed, but not due
to a collision, replace the following:
²Driver Airbag
²Clock Spring Assembly
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSRS
CLOCK SPRING (Continued)
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CAUTION: Use correct screws when installing the
ORC.
(1) Install the ORC assembly into vehicle.
(2) Connect the wire connector to the ORC.
(3) Install three bolts holding ORC to floor
bracket. Torque bolts to 7.3 - 9.6 N´m (65 to 85 in.
lbs.)
(4) Install the storage bin onto the instrument
panel. Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Storage Bin,
Installation.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE CABLE. REFER TO ELECTRICAL,
RESTRAINTS, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG
SYSTEM FIRST.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE PASSEN-
GER AIRBAG, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS NO
SERVICEABLE PARTS.
The Passenger Airbag is located beneath the
instrument panel and pad assembly. The airbag is
mounted to the back side of the instrument panel
reinforcement.
The instrument panel top pad is the most visible
part of the passenger airbag system. Located under
the instrument panel top pad are the airbag door, the
passenger airbag cushion and the airbag cushion
supporting components.
The passenger airbag includes a magnesium hous-
ing within which the cushion and inflator are
mounted and sealed.
Following a passenger airbag deployment, the pas-
senger airbag and the instrument panel must be
replaced. The passenger airbag cannot be repaired,
and must be replaced if deployed or damaged in any
way.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is equipped with two infla-
tors, each with three levels of pressure output. The
inflators seal the hole in the airbag cushion so it can
discharge the gas it produces directly into the cush-
ion when supplied with the proper electrical signal.
Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting this gas through the
cushion material towards the instrument panel.
The passenger airbag is secured with screws to the
instrument panel beneath the instrument panel top
pad and above the glove box opening. The instrumentpanel top pad above the glove box opening conceals
the airbag door and a predetermined hinge line
beneath its decorative cover. Upon airbag deploy-
ment, the top pad will bend at the hinge line and the
door will fold back out of the way onto the top of the
instrument panel.
WHEN THE FRONT AIRBAG SYSTEM IS
DEPLOYED BECAUSE OF A COLLISION, THE
FOLLOWING MUST BE REPLACED:
²COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
²LOWER STEERING COUPLER
²STEERING WHEEL
²STEERING COLUMN CLOCK SPRING
²DRIVER AIRBAG COVER/HORN SWITCH
²DRIVER AIRBAG
²PASSENGER AIRBAG
²UPPER INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH PAD
CARE OF UNDEPLOYED AIRBAGS
Airbags must be stored in their original special
container until used for service. At no time should a
source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on
the back of an airbag. When carrying or handling an
undeployed airbag, the trim side of the airbag should
be pointing away from the body to minimize possibil-
ity of injury if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid surface,
the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DEPLOYED
PASSENGER AIRBAG CLEAN UP
Roll or fold the passenger airbag towards the
instrument panel surface and close the door over the
folded bag. Then tape the door shut.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If
HVAC was in RECIRC mode at time of airbag
deployment, operate HVAC blower on low speed/heat
and vacuum powder residue expelled from the heat
outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning may be necessary
to decontaminate the interior of the vehicle.
SERVICE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAG
If a Passenger Airbag has been deployed, but not
due to a collision, replace the following:
²Passenger Airbag
²Upper instrument panel with pad
The component above must be replaced because
they cannot be reused. Inspect the heat duct near the
passenger airbag for any damage replace as neces-
sary. Replace any other passenger airbag system
components if damaged.
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSRS
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (Continued)
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²A rapid increase rpm (indicates that the clutch
has been disengaged)
²Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear)
²The speed signal increases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the co-efficient of friction
between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
²The speed signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)
²If the actual speed is not within 20 mph of the
set speed. The previous disengagement conditions are
programmed for added safety.
Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the RESUME switch when speed is
greater than 25 mph allows the vehicle to resume
control to the target speed that was stored in the
PCM.
While the speed control is engaged, the driver can
increase the vehicle speed by depressing the ACCEL
switch. The new target speed is stored in the PCM
when the ACCEL switch is released. The PCM also
has a9tap-up9feature in which target speed
increases by 2 mph for each momentary switch acti-
vation of the ACCEL switch. The PCM also provides
a means to decelerate to a new lower target speed
without disengaging speed control. Depress and hold
the COAST switch until the desired speed is reached,
then release the switch.
The PCM also has a ªTap Downº feature in which
target speed decreases at 1 mph for each momentary
switch activation of the coast switch.
OPERATION - INTERACTIVE SPEED CONTROL
(4 Speed EATX Only)
Interactive means that communication between the
PCM and the TCM is taking place. Interactive speed
control avoids unnecessary shifting for smoother, qui-
eter operation and when downshifts are required,
makes the shifts smoother.
CLIMBING A GRADE
DESCRIPTION
When climbing a grade the interactive speed con-
trol tries to maintain the set speed by increasing the
throttle opening, while inability/delaying downshifts.
OPERATION
If opening the throttle alone cannot maintain the
set speed and the vehicle speed drops more than three
mph below the set speed, the transmission will down-
shift to third gear. If the vehicle continues to lose
speed, by more than 6 mph, the transmission will
downshift again to maintain the set speed. After the
vehicle encounters a less-steep grade, or has crestedthe grade (reduced the load on the powertrain) and
can maintain the set speed at a reduced throttle posi-
tion, the transmission will upshift, as appropriate,
until the set speed can be maintained in Overdrive.
GRADE HUNTING
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles equipped with a four speed automatic
transmission have a grade hunting feature for the 2nd
to 3rd gear upshift and the 3rd to Overdrive upshift.
OPERATION
The TCM identifies the powertrain loading condi-
tions and selects the proper gear to maintain the cur-
rent vehicle speed. Under moderate loading
conditions the transaxle will stay in 3rd gear until
the top of the grade is reached or the powertrain
loading is reduced.
If powertrain loading is severe, the transaxle may
shift into 2nd gear and remain there until power-
train loading is reduced, then a 2nd to 3rd gear
upshift will be scheduled. Grade hunting features
always operate regardless of whether or not the
interactive speed control is engaged.If the interac-
tive speed control is not engaged and power-
train loading is not reduced, the driver may
have to completely lift off of the throttle before
an upshift will occur. If the driver does lift off the
throttle to induce an upshift under these conditions,
vehicle speed will reduce and the Overdrive to 3rd
and 3rd to 2nd gear downshifts will reoccur when the
throttle is reapplied. If grade hunting is repeatedly
induced by the driver, transaxle damage may result.
AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL OVERSPEED
REDUCTION
DESCRIPTION
Transmission control software includes an auto-
matic speed control overspeed reduction feature. This
maintains vehicle speed at the selected set point
when descending a grade.
OPERATION
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) first
senses that the speed control is set. If the set speed
is exceeded by more than 4 mph (6.5 km/hr) and the
throttle is closed, the TCM causes the transaxle to
downshift to THIRD gear. After downshifting, the
automatic speed control resumes normal operation.
To ensure that an upshift is appropriate after the set
speed is reached, the TCM waits until the speed con-
trol system opens the throttle at least 6 degrees
before upshifting to OVERDRIVE again.
8P - 2 SPEED CONTROLRS
SPEED CONTROL (Continued)
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OPERATION
Each Sentry Key has a unique transponder identi-
fication code permanently programmed into it by the
manufacturer. Likewise, the SKIM has a unique
9Secret Key9code programmed into it by the manu-
facturer as well. When a Sentry Key is programmed
into the memory of the SKIM, the SKIM stores the
transponder identification code from the Sentry Key,
and the Sentry Key learns the9Secret Key9code from
the SKIM. Once the Sentry Key learns the9Secret
Key9code of the SKIM, it is also permanently pro-
grammed into the transponder's memory. Therefore,
blank keys for the SKIS must be programmed by the
SKIM in addition to being cut to match the mechan-
ical coding of the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Elec-
trical, Vehicle Theft Security, Transponder Key,
Standard Procedure - Transponder Programming.
The Sentry Key's transponder is within the range
of the SKIM's transceiver antenna ring when it is
inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. When the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the
SKIM communicates with the Sentry Key via a radio
frequency (RF) signal. The SKIM determines if a
valid key is present based on the information it
receives from the Sentry Key. If a valid key is
detected, that fact is communicated to the PCM via
the PCI bus and the vehicle is allowed to continue
running. If an invalid key is received by the PCM or
no status at all is communicated, the vehicle will
stall after two (2) seconds of running. The indicator
light will be flashing at this point. The Sentry Key's
transponder can not be repaired. If it is faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
Common communication problems:
²Two transponder keys too close together.
²Speed Pass too close to transponder key.
Solid indicator that there is a system failure.
²Loss of PCM communication.
²Failed antenna circuit.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSPONDER
PROGRAMMING
USING A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL
All Sentry Keys included with the vehicle are pre-
programmed to work with the Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer System (SKIS) when it is shipped from the
factory. The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM)
can be programmed to recognize up to a total of eight
Sentry Keys. When programming a blank Sentry Key
transponder, the key must first be cut to match the
ignition lock cylinder of the vehicle for which it will
be used. The vehicle's four digit PIN code will be
required to complete this task since you will need it
to enter the Secured Access Mode in the SKIM. Thefollowing steps must be completed using a DRB IIIt
scan tool:
(1) Insert the blank key into the ignition and turn
it to the RUN position.
(2) Using a DRB IIItscan tool, select9Theft
Alarm,99SKIM,99Miscellaneous,9and then9Program
New Key.9
(3) Enter the four digit PIN code using the DRB
IIItscan tool. When programming is completed, the
SKIM will exit Secured Access Mode and the DRB
IIItscan tool will display the results of your attempt
to program the key. One of five distinct results may
be displayed. All five are listed below:
²(Programming Successful(is displayed if the
Sentry Key programming is successful.
²(Learned Key in Ignition(is displayed if the
key in the ignition has already been programmed
into that vehicle's SKIM.
²(Eight Keys Already Learned (At The Maxi-
mum) Programming Not Done(is displayed if
eight keys have already been programmed into the
SKIM. In this case, if a new key needs to be added
due to a lost or defective key, the9Erase All Keys9
command (which requires entering the Secured
Access Mode) has to be performed. Following the
9Erase All Keys9command, all keys that will be used
to operate the vehicleMUSTbe reprogrammed to
the SKIM.
²(Programming Not Attempted(is displayed
after an9Erase All Keys9function is executed.
²(Programming Key Failed(is displayed if fur-
ther diagnosis is required.
To learn additional keys, turn the ignition OFF,
remove the learned key, insert the next new blank
key, and repeat the steps from the beginning.
ªCUSTOMER LEARNº MODE
This feature is only available on domestic vehicles
or those which have a U.S. country code designator.
This procedure requires access to at least two valid
Sentry Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not avail-
able, Sentry Key programming will require the use of
a DRB IIItscan tool.
The steps required to program Sentry Keys with
two valid Sentry Keys follows:
(1) Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that need to be
programmed. Cut the keys to match the ignition lock
cylinder mechanical key codes.
(2) Insert one of the two valid Sentry Keys into the
ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the
ON position.
(3) After the ignition switch has been in the ON
position for longer than three seconds, but no more
than fifteen seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to
8Q - 4 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYRS
TRANSPONDER KEY (Continued)
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