2002 DODGE RAM check engine light

indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT 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 check gauges indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A cruise indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with the optional speed control system, this
indicator is electronically disabled. The cruise indica-
tor consists of the word ªCRUISEº, which appears in
the lower portion of the odometer/trip odometer Vac-
uum-Fluorescent Display (VFD). The VFD is part of
the cluster electronic circuit board, and is visible
through a cutout located in the lower left corner of
the cluster overlay. The dark lens of the VFD pre-
vents the indicator from being clearly visible when it
is not illuminated. The word ªCRUISEº appears in
an amber color and at the same lighting level as the
odometer/trip odometer information when it is illumi-
nated by the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The cruise indicator is serviced as a unit with
the VFD in the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The cruise indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the speed control system is turned
On, regardless of whether the speed control is
engaged. This indicator is controlled by the instru-
ment 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 cruise indicator receives battery cur-
rent 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 indicator only illuminates
when it is switched to ground by the instrument clus-
ter circuitry. The instrument cluster will turn on the
cruise indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the cruise indicator is illu-
minated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Cruise Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a cruise lamp-on message from the
PCM indicating the speed control system has beenturned On, the cruise indicator is illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a cruise lamp-off message from the PCM 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 cruise indicator will be
turned on during the VFD portion of the test to con-
firm the functionality of the VFD, and again during
the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the func-
tionality of the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the speed control
switches to determine the proper outputs to the
speed control servo. The PCM then sends the proper
cruise indicator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to
the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
cruise indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the speed control
system, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
cruise indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An engine coolant temperature gauge is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The engine
coolant temperature gauge is located in the lower left
quadrant of the instrument cluster, below the voltage
gauge. The engine coolant temperature 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 54É C (130É F) to 127É C (260É F) for gas-
oline engines, or from 60É C (140É F) to 116É C (240É
F) for diesel engines. An International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªEngine Coolant Tempera-
tureº is located on the cluster overlay, directly below
the lowest graduation of the gauge scale. The engine
coolant temperature gauge graphics are white
against a black field except for a single red gradua-
tion at the high end of the gauge scale, 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 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
8J - 18 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR (Continued)

Detection (CCD) data bus. The low fuel indicator
Light Emitting Diode (LED) 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; therefore, the LED 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
low fuel 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.
²Less Than 12.5 Percent Tank Full Message-
Each time the cluster receives messages from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is 12.5 (one-
eighth) or less for 10 consecutive seconds and the
vehicle speed is zero, or for 60 consecutive seconds
and the vehicle speed is greater than zero, the low
fuel indicator is illuminated and a single chime tone
is sounded. The low fuel indicator remains illumi-
nated until the cluster receives messages from the
PCM indicating that the percent tank full is greater
than 12.5 (one-eighth) for 10 consecutive seconds and
the vehicle speed is zero, or for 60 consecutive sec-
onds and the vehicle speed is greater than zero, 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 low
fuel indicator is cycled off and then on again by the
appropriate percent tank full messages from the
PCM.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating the percent tank full is less than
empty, the low fuel indicator is illuminated immedi-
ately. This message would indicate that the fuel tank
sender input to the PCM is a short circuit.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is more than
full, the low fuel indicator is illuminated immedi-
ately. This message would indicate that the fuel tank
sender input to the PCM is an open circuit.
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 fuel tank send-
ing unit, then sends the proper messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the low
fuel indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-ING). For proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sending
unit, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the low
fuel indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP MIL
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The MIL is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster
overlay, to the left of center. The MIL consists of a
stencilled cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªEngineº 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 icon to appear in amber through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The MIL is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) has recorded a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics
II (OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component
malfunction. In addition, on models with a diesel
engine an Engine Control Module (ECM) supple-
ments the PCM, and can also record an OBDII DTC.
The MIL is controlled by a transistor on the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming and electronic messages received by the
cluster from the PCM or ECM over the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus. The MIL 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 LED will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On or
Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided
a path to ground by the instrument cluster transis-
tor. The instrument cluster will turn on the MIL for
the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the indicator is illuminated
for about seven seconds as a bulb test.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 23
LOW FUEL INDICATOR (Continued)

²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine oil pressure is below about 6.9
kPa (1 psi) for gasoline engines, or 55 kPa (8 psi) for
diesel engines, the gauge needle is moved to the 0
kPa (0 psi) graduation at the far left (low) end of the
gauge scale, the check gauges indicator is illumi-
nated, and a single chime tone is generated. The
gauge needle remains at the low end of the scale and
the check gauges indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing that the engine oil pressure is above about 6.9
kPa (1 psi) for gasoline engines, or 55 kPa (8 psi) for
diesel engines, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. The clus-
ter will only turn the check gauges indicator lamp on
in response to an engine oil pressure low message if
the engine speed message is greater than zero.
²Engine Oil Pressure High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine oil pressure is above about 755
kPa (109.5 psi) for gasoline or diesel engines, the
gauge needle is moved to the 758.4 kPa (110 psi)
graduation at the far right (high) end of the gauge
scale. The gauge needle remains at the high end of
the scale until the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating that the engine oil pressure is
below about 755 kPa (109.5 psi) for gasoline or diesel
engines, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Message Failure- If the cluster fails to receive
an engine oil pressure message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication until a new mes-
sage 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 engine oil pres-
sure sensor to determine the engine oil pressure. The
PCM then sends the proper engine oil pressure mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis
of the oil pressure gauge or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns on
the check gauges indicator due to a low oil pressure
gauge reading, it may indicate that the engine or the
engine oiling system requires service. For proper
diagnosis of the engine oil pressure sensor, the PCM,
the CCD data bus, or the message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the oil pressuregauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An overdrive off indicator is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. However, on vehicles not
equipped with the optional overdrive automatic
transmission, this indicator is electronically disabled.
The overdrive off indicator is located near the lower
edge of the instrument cluster overlay, to the right of
center. The overdrive off indicator consists of a sten-
cilled cutout of the words ªO/D OFFº 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 ªO/D OFFº 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 instrument cluster electronic circuit board.
The overdrive off indicator is serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The overdrive off indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the Off position of the
overdrive off switch has been selected, disabling the
electronically controlled overdrive feature of the auto-
matic transmission. 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 overdrive off indicator
Light Emitting Diode (LED) 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; therefore, the LED 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
overdrive off indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the overdrive off indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Overdrive Off Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives an overdrive off lamp-on message
from the PCM indicating that the Off position of the
overdrive off switch has been selected, the overdrive
off indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
8J - 26 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (Continued)

remains illuminated until the cluster receives an
overdrive off lamp-off message from the PCM, 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 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 overdrive off
switch to determine the proper outputs to the auto-
matic transmission, then sends the proper messages
to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of
the overdrive off indicator or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the over-
drive control system, the PCM, the CCD data bus, or
the message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the overdrive off indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A seatbelt indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The seatbelt indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay,
to the right of center. The seatbelt indicator consists
of a stencilled cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªSeat Beltº 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 icon to appear in red through the
translucent outer layer of the overlay when the indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emitting
Diode (LED) soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The seatbelt indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The seatbelt indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the status of the driver side front
seatbelt buckle. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon the cluster programming, and a hard wired
input from the seatbelt switch in the driver side front
seatbelt through the seat belt switch sense circuit.
The seatbelt 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 ignitionswitch 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 switched to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster
will turn on the seatbelt indicator for the following
reasons:
²Seatbelt Reminder Function- Each time the
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (st-run) circuit, the indicator
will be illuminated as a seatbelt reminder for about
seven seconds, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first. This
reminder function will occur regardless of the status
of the seatbelt switch input to the cluster.
²Driver Side Front Seatbelt Not Buckled-
Following the seatbelt reminder function, each time
the cluster receives a ground input on the seat belt
switch sense circuit (seatbelt switch closed - seatbelt
unbuckled) with the ignition switch in the Start or
On positions, the indicator will be illuminated. The
seatbelt indicator remains illuminated until the seat
belt switch sense input to the cluster is an open cir-
cuit (seatbelt switch opened - seatbelt buckled), 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 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 seatbelt switch input to the instrument cluster
circuitry can be diagnosed using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods. For further diagnosis of the
seatbelt indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. However, on
vehicles not equipped with certain optional heavy
duty emission cycle gasoline engines, this indicator is
electronically disabled. The SRI is located near the
lower edge of the instrument cluster overlay, to the
left of center. The SRI consists of a stencilled cutout
of the words ªMAINT REQDº 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
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 27
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR (Continued)

overlay causes the ªMAINT REQDº 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 instrument cluster electronic circuit board.
The SRI is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when engine emis-
sions maintenance procedures should be performed.
This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon the clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD)
data bus. The SRI 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
LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in
any position except On or Start. The LED only illu-
minates when it is provided a path to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster
will turn on the SRI for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the SRI is illuminated for
about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Service Required Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a service required lamp-on
message from the PCM indicating that an emissions
maintenance interval has been reached, the SRI will
be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a service required lamp-off
message from the PCM, 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 SRI 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 vehicle speed
sensor to determine the distance the vehicle has been
driven, then sends the proper messages to the instru-
ment cluster. Once the SRI has been illuminated and
the required emissions maintenance procedures have
been completed, the PCM must be reset using a
DRBIIItscan tool before it will send the proper ser-
vice required lamp-off message to the instrument
cluster. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion. For further diagnosis of the SRI or the instru-
ment cluster circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosisof the PCM, the CCD data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the SRI,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
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
8J - 28 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERBR/BE
SERVICE REMINDER INDICATOR (Continued)

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 ofthe 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.
(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
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 29
SHIFT INDICATOR (TRANSFER CASE) (Continued)

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 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 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.
TRANS 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 messagesreceived 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
(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 only illuminates when
it is provided a path to ground by the instrument
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.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 31
TACHOMETER (Continued)

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 bulb
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 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 isrequired. 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,
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
BR/BEINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 33
UPSHIFT INDICATOR (Continued)