2002 DODGE RAM coolant level

INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, broken
or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fan shroud over the fan blades rear-
ward towards engine.
(2) Install rubber insulators to alignment dowels
at lower part of radiator.
(3) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the two alignment dowels into lower radiator sup-
port. Different alignment holes are provided in the
lower radiator support for each engine application.
(4) Install two upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Position the rubber shields to the sides of radi-
ator. Install the plastic clips retaining the rubber
shields to the sides of radiator.
(6) Connect both radiator hoses and install hose
clamps.
(7) Install windshield washer reservoir tank.
(8) Position fan shroud to flanges on sides of radi-
ator. Install fan shroud mounting bolts (Fig. 34).
Tighten bolts to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install coolant reserve/overflow tank hose to
radiator filler neck nipple.
(10) Install coolant reserve/overflow tank to fan
shroud (fits into T-slots on shroud).
(11) Install battery negative cables.
(12) Position heater controls tofull heatposition.
(13) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(14) Operate engine until it reaches normal tem-
perature. Check cooling system fluid levels.
RADIATOR - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a aluminum cross-flow design with
horizontal tubes through the radiator core and verti-
cal plastic side tanks (Fig. 36).
This radiator contains an internal transmission oil
cooler only on the V-10 gas engine and the 5.9L die-
sel engine combinations.
OPERATION
The radiator supplies sufficient heat transfer using
the cooling fins interlaced between the horizontal
tubes in the radiator core to cool the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant
is flowing through the cooling system.
(1) Idle engine until operating temperature is
reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the
touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flow-
ing to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO
COVER THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, OPEN
RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS
WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO VENT
TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRES-
SURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE
CAP FROM FILLER NECK.
(2) Drain a small amount of coolant from the radi-
ator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible
through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the
exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cables.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
Fig. 36 Cross Flow RadiatorÐTypical
1 - COOLING TUBES
2 - TANKS
7 - 60 ENGINEBR/BE
RADIATOR - 5.9L (Continued)

(2) Install rubber insulators to alignment dowels
at lower part of radiator.
(3) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the two alignment dowels into lower radiator sup-
port. Different alignment holes are provided in the
lower radiator support for each engine application.
(4) Install two upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect both radiator hoses and install hose
clamps.
(6) Install windshield washer reservoir tank.
(7) Position fan shroud to flanges on sides of radi-
ator. Install fan shroud mounting bolts (Fig. 37).
Tighten bolts to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install coolant reserve/overflow tank hose to
radiator filler neck nipple.
(9) Connect the overflow hose to the radiator.
(10) Install battery negative cables.
(11) Position heater controls tofull heatposition.
(12) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(13) Operate engine until it reaches normal tem-
perature. Check cooling system fluid levels.
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a aluminum cross-flow design with
horizontal tubes through the radiator core and verti-
cal plastic side tanks (Fig. 39).
This radiator contains an internal transmission oil
cooler only on the V-10 gas engine and the 5.9L die-
sel engine combinations.
OPERATION
The radiator supplies sufficient heat transfer using
the cooling fins interlaced between the horizontal
tubes in the radiator core to cool the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐRADIATOR
COOLANT FLOW
Use the following procedure to determine if coolant
is flowing through the cooling system.
(1) Idle engine until operating temperature is
reached. If the upper radiator hose is warm to the
touch, the thermostat is opening and coolant is flow-
ing to the radiator.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. USING A RAG TO
COVER THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP, OPEN
RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. THIS
WILL ALLOW ANY BUILT-UP PRESSURE TO VENT
TO THE RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK. AFTER PRES-SURE BUILD-UP HAS BEEN RELEASED, REMOVE
CAP FROM FILLER NECK.
(2) Drain a small amount of coolant from the radi-
ator until the ends of the radiator tubes are visible
through the filler neck. Idle the engine at normal
operating temperature. If coolant is flowing past the
exposed tubes, the coolant is circulating.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
Remove the nuts retaining the positive cable to the
top of radiator. Position positive battery cable to rear
of vehicle.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
(2) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
6094). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20)
MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CON-
STANT TENSION CLAMPS.
Fig. 39 Cross Flow RadiatorÐTypical
1 - COOLING TUBES
2 - TANKS
7 - 62 ENGINEBR/BE
RADIATOR - 8.0L (Continued)

CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat
transfer. The radiator and air conditioning fins
should be cleaned when an accumulation of debris
has occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water
and compressed air to the back (engine side) of the
radiator to flush the radiator and/or A/C condenser of
debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator side tanks for cracks, broken
or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the
tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leak-
age and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing
cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged
cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fan shroud over the fan blades rear-
ward towards engine.
(2) Install rubber insulators to alignment dowels
at lower part of radiator.
(3) Lower the radiator into position while guiding
the two alignment dowels into lower radiator sup-
port. Different alignment holes are provided in the
lower radiator support for each engine application.
(4) Install two upper radiator mounting bolts.
Tighten bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect both radiator hoses and install hose
clamps.
(6) Connect transmission cooler lines to radiator
tank. Inspect quick connect fittings for debris and
install until an audible ªclickº is heard. Pull apart to
verify connection.
(7) Install windshield washer reservoir tank.
(8) Position fan shroud to flanges on sides of radi-
ator. Install fan shroud mounting bolts (Fig. 41).
Tighten bolts to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install metal clips to top of fan shroud.
(10) Install coolant reserve/overflow tank hose to
radiator filler neck nipple.
(11) Install coolant reserve/overflow tank to fan
shroud (fits into T-slots on shroud).
(12) Install battery negative cables.
(13) Install positive battery cable to top of radia-
tor. Tighten radiator-to-battery cable mounting nuts.
(14) Position heater controls tofull heatposition.
(15) Fill cooling system with coolant (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(16) Operate engine until it reaches normal tem-
perature. Check cooling system and automatic trans-
mission (if equipped) fluid levels.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
Radiators are equipped with a pressure cap, which
releases pressure at some point within a range of
97-124 kPa (14-18 psi). The pressure relief point (in
pounds) is engraved on top of cap.
The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity.
A rubber gasket seals radiator filler neck to pre-
vent leakage. This is done to keep system under
pressure. It also maintains vacuum during coolant
cool-down allowing coolant to return from reserve/
overflow tank.
OPERATION
The cap (Fig. 43) contains a spring-loaded pressure
relief valve that opens when system pressure reaches
release range of 97-124 kPa (14-18 psi).
A vent valve in the center of cap allows a small
coolant flow through cap when coolant is below boil-
ing temperature. The valve is completely closed when
boiling point is reached. As the coolant cools, it con-
tracts and creates a vacuum in the cooling system.
This causes the vacuum valve to open and coolant in
the reserve/overflow tank to be drawn through its
connecting hose into radiator. If the vacuum valve is
stuck shut, the radiator hoses will collapse on cool-
down. Clean the vent valve (Fig. 43).
Fig. 43 Radiator Pressure Cap and Filler NeckÐ
Typical
1 - STAINLESS-STEEL SWIVEL TOP
2 - RUBBER SEALS
3 - VENT VALVE
4 - RADIATOR TANK
5 - FILLER NECK
6 - OVERFLOW NIPPLE
7 - MAIN SPRING
8 - GASKET RETAINER
7 - 64 ENGINEBR/BE
RADIATOR - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

INSPECTION
Hold cap at eye level, right side up. The vent valve
(Fig. 45) at bottom of cap should open. If rubber gas-
ket has swollen and prevents vent valve from open-
ing, replace cap.
Hold cap at eye level, upside down. If any light can
be seen between vent valve and rubber gasket,
replace cap.Do not use a replacement cap that
has a spring to hold vent shut.A replacement cap
must be the type designed for a coolant reserve/over-
flow system with a completely sealed diaphragm
spring and a rubber gasket. This gasket is used to
seal to radiator filler neck top surface. Use of proper
cap will allow coolant return to radiator.
WATER PUMP - 5.9L
DESCRIPTION
The water pump is located on the engine front
cover, and has an integral pulley attached (Fig. 46).
The water pump impeller is pressed onto the rear
of a shaft that rotates in a bearing pressed into the
water pump body. The body has a small hole for ven-
tilation. The water pump seals are lubricated by
antifreeze in the coolant mixture. Additional lubrica-
tion is not necessary.
OPERATION
A centrifugal water pump circulates coolant
through the water jackets, passages, intake manifold,
radiator core, cooling system hoses and heater core,this coolant absorbs the heat generated when the
engine is running. The pump is driven by the engine
crankshaft via a drive belt.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐWATER PUMP
A quick test to determine if pump is working is to
check if heater warms properly. A defective water
pump will not be able to circulate heated coolant
through the long heater hose to the heater core.
REMOVAL
The water pump on all models can be removed
without discharging the air conditioning system (if
equipped).
The water pump on all gas powered engines is
bolted directly to the engine timing chain case/cover.
On the 5.9L gas powered engine, a gasket is used
as a seal between the water pump and timing chain
case/cover.
If water pump is replaced because of bearing/shaft
damage or leaking shaft seal, the mechanical cooling
fan assembly should also be inspected. Inspect for
fatigue cracks, loose blades or loose rivets that could
have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan if
any of these conditions are found. Also check condi-
tion of the thermal viscous fan drive (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE VISCOUS
CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean,
drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
Fig. 45 Radiator Pressure Cap
1 - STAINLESS-STEEL SWIVEL TOP
2 - RUBBER SEALS
3 - VENT VALVE
4 - RADIATOR TANK
5 - FILLER NECK
6 - OVERFLOW NIPPLE
7 - MAIN SPRING
8 - GASKET RETAINER
Fig. 46 Water Pump LocationÐTypical
1 - WATER PUMP BYPASS HOSE
2 - FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY
3 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
4 - WATER PUMP AND PULLEY
7 - 66 ENGINEBR/BE
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP (Continued)

(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Remove air cleaner assembly and air cleaner
intake hoses.
(3) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Disconnect coolant lines from cooler.
(5) Disconnect transmission oil lines from cooler.
Plug cooler lines to prevent oil leakage.
(6) Remove oil cooler mounting straps (Fig. 9).
(7) Lift oil cooler off of mounting bracket.
(8) If replacing cooler, make sure to transfer con-
verter drain back valve to new cooler.INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONÐAIR TO OIL COOLER
(1) Carefully position the oil cooler assembly to the
vehicle.
(2) Install two nuts and one bolt. Tighten to 11
N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect the quick-connect fittings to the trans-
mission cooler lines.
(4) Install front bumper.
(5) Start the engine and check all fittings for
leaks.
(6) Check the fluid level in the automatic trans-
mission (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position oil cooler on bracket.
(2) Install mounting straps.
(3) Connect transmission oil lines to cooler.
(4) Connect coolant hoses to cooler.
(5) Connect battery negative cables.
(6) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Check transmission oil level and fill as neces-
sary (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 47RE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(8) Install air cleaner assembly and air cleaner
intake hoses.
Fig. 9 Transmission Water-To- Oil CoolerÐDiesel
1 - TRANSMISSION WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
BR/BETRANSMISSION 7 - 87
TRANS COOLER - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM - GAS ENGINES
The PCM operates the fuel system. The PCM is a
pre-programmed, triple microprocessor digital com-
puter. It regulates ignition timing, air-fuel ratio,
emission control devices, charging system, certain
transmission features, speed control, air conditioning
compressor clutch engagement and idle speed. The
PCM can adapt its programming to meet changing
operating conditions.
The PCM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
PCM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to as Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Outputs. The sensors and switches that pro-
vide inputs to the PCM are considered Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) Inputs.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based upon
inputs it receives from sensors that react to: engine
rpm, manifold absolute pressure, engine coolant tem-
perature, throttle position, transmission gear selec-
tion (automatic transmission), vehicle speed and the
brake switch.
The PCM adjusts idle speed based on inputs it
receives from sensors that react to: throttle position,
vehicle speed, transmission gear selection, engine
coolant temperature and from inputs it receives from
the air conditioning clutch switch and brake switch.
Based on inputs that it receives, the PCM adjusts
ignition coil dwell. The PCM also adjusts the gener-
ator charge rate through control of the generator
field and provides speed control operation.
NOTE: PCM Inputs:
²A/C request (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C select (if equipped with factory A/C)
²Auto shutdown (ASD) sense
²Battery temperature
²Battery voltage
²Brake switch
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Fuel level
²Generator (battery voltage) output
²Ignition circuit sense (ignition switch in on/off/
crank/run position)
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Leak detection pump (switch) sense (if equipped)
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor²Oil pressure
²Output shaft speed sensor
²Overdrive/override switch
²Oxygen sensors
²Park/neutral switch (auto. trans. only)
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Speed control multiplexed single wire input
²Throttle position sensor
²Transmission governor pressure sensor
²Transmission temperature sensor
²Vehicle speed inputs from ABS or RWAL system
NOTE: PCM Outputs:
²A/C clutch relay
²Auto shutdown (ASD) relay
²CCD bus (+/-) circuits for: speedometer, voltme-
ter, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge/lamp, engine temp.
gauge and speed control warn. lamp
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²EGR valve control solenoid (if equipped)
²EVAP canister purge solenoid
²Five volt sensor supply (primary)
²Five volt sensor supply (secondary)
²Fuel injectors
²Fuel pump relay
²Generator field driver (-)
²Generator field driver (+)
²Generator lamp (if equipped)
²Idle air control (IAC) motor
²Ignition coil
²Leak detection pump (if equipped)
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp).
Driven through CCD circuits.
²Overdrive indicator lamp (if equipped)
²Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) Lamp (MAINT
REQ'D lamp). Driven through CCD circuits.
²Speed control vacuum solenoid
²Speed control vent solenoid
²Tachometer (if equipped). Driven through CCD
circuits.
²Transmission convertor clutch circuit
²Transmission 3±4 shift solenoid
²Transmission relay
²Transmission temperature lamp (if equipped)
²Transmission variable force solenoid
OPERATION - DIESEL
Two different control modules are used: The Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM), and the Engine Con-
trol Module (ECM). The ECMcontrolsthe fuel
system. The PCMdoes not controlthe fuel system.
The PCM's main function is to control: the vehicle
charging system, speed control system, transmission,
air conditioning system and certain bussed messages.
8E - 18 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESBR/BE
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

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)

using the U.S./Metric push button. The displayed
temperature is not an instant reading of conditions,
but an average temperature. It may take the ther-
mometer display several minutes to respond to a
major temperature change, such as driving out of a
heated garage into winter temperatures.
When the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, the last displayed temperature reading stays in
the thermometer unit memory. When the ignition
switch is turned to the On position again, the ther-
mometer will display the memory temperature if the
engine coolant temperature is above about 43É C
(109É F). If the engine coolant temperature is below
about 43É C (109É F), the thermometer will display
the actual temperature sensed by the ambient tem-
perature sensor. The thermometer temperature dis-
play update interval varies with the vehicle speed;
therefore, if the temperature reading seems inaccu-
rate, drive the vehicle for at least three minutes
while maintaining a speed of 48 kilometers-per-hour
(30 miles-per-hour) or higher.
The thermometer function is supported by an
ambient temperature sensor. The sensor is mounted
outside the passenger compartment near the front
and center of the vehicle, and is hard wired to the
module. The ambient temperature sensor is available
as a separate service item.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
CALIBRATION
CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such
as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of
the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when ser-
vicing the overhead console.
The electronic compass unit features a self-cali-
brating design, which simplifies the calibration pro-
cedure. This feature automatically updates the
compass calibration while the vehicle is being driven.
This allows the compass unit to compensate for small
changes in the residual magnetism that the vehicle
may acquire during normal use. If the compass read-
ings appear to be erratic or out of calibration, per-
form the following calibration procedure. Also, new
service replacement compass mini-trip computer
modules must have their compass calibrated using
this procedure. Do not attempt to calibrate the com-
pass near large metal objects such as other vehicles,
large buildings, or bridges; or, near overhead or
underground power lines.
(1) Start the engine. If the compass/temperature
data is not currently being displayed, momentarily
depress and release the Step push button to stepthrough the display options until you have reached
the compass/temperature display.
(2) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step
push buttons at the same time for more than six sec-
onds, until ªCALº appears in the display, then release
both push buttons. The ªCALº in the display indi-
cates that the compass is in the calibration mode.
(3) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, at least
fifty feet away from large metal objects and power
lines, in all four compass directions, such as driving
around a city block several times or driving in two to
three complete circles at a slow to medium speed.
(4) When the calibration is successfully completed,
ªCALº will disappear from the display and normal
compass mini-trip computer operation will resume.
NOTE: If the ªCALº message remains in the display,
either there is excessive magnetism near the com-
pass, or the unit is faulty. Repeat the calibration
procedure at least one more time.
NOTE: If the wrong direction is still indicated in the
compass display, the area selected for calibration
may be too close to a strong magnetic field. Repeat
the calibration procedure in another location.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
VARIATION ADJUSTMENT
Compass variance, also known as magnetic decli-
nation, is the difference in angle between magnetic
north and true geographic north. In some geographic
locations, the difference between magnetic and geo-
graphic north is great enough to cause the compass
to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the
compass variance must be set. There are two meth-
ods that can be used to enter this information into
the compass mini-trip computer module. They are
the zone method and the direct method.
ZONE METHOD
(1) Using the Variance Settings map, find your
geographic location and note the zone number (Fig.
2).
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If
the compass/temperature data is not currently being
displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step
push button to step through the display options until
you have reached the compass/temperature display.
(3) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step
push buttons at the same time and hold them down
for more than 100 milliseconds, but not more than
one second. The compass mini-trip computer will
enter the variation adjustment mode and ªVARº
along with the current variance zone will appear in
the display.
8M - 4 MESSAGE SYSTEMSBR/BE
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)