BRAKES - ABS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BRAKES - ABS
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................41
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTILOCK
BRAKES............................42
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BLEEDING ABS
BRAKE SYSTEM......................42
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................42
ELECTRIC BRAKE
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
REMOVAL.............................43INSTALLATION.........................43
G-SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................44
OPERATION...........................44
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................45
OPERATION...........................45
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
HCU (HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT)
DESCRIPTION.........................46
OPERATION...........................46
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
BRAKES - ABS
DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the antilock system is to prevent
wheel lockup during periods of high wheel slip. Pre-
venting lockup helps maintain vehicle braking action
and steering control.
The hydraulic system is a three channel design.
The front brakes are controlled individually and the
rear brakes in tandem.
The ABS electrical system is separate from other
vehicle electrical circuits. A separate controller oper-
ates the system.
OPERATION
The antilock CAB activates the system whenever
sensor signals indicate periods of high wheel slip.
High wheel slip can be described as the point where
wheel rotation begins approaching 20 to 30 percent of
actual vehicle speed during braking. Periods of high
wheel slip occur when brake stops involve high pedal
pressure and rate of vehicle deceleration.
Battery voltage is supplied to the CAB ignition ter-
minal when the ignition switch is turned to Run posi-
tion. The CAB performs a system initialization
procedure at this point. Initialization consists of a
static and dynamic self check of system electrical
components.
The static check occurs after the ignition switch is
turned to Run position. The dynamic check occurs
when vehicle road speed reaches approximately 30kph (18 mph). During the dynamic check, the CAB
briefly cycles the pump and solenoids to verify oper-
ation.
If an ABS component exhibits a fault during ini-
tialization, the CAB illuminates the amber warning
light and registers a fault code in the microprocessor
memory.
ANTILOCK BRAKING
The antilock system prevents lockup during high
slip conditions by modulating fluid apply pressure to
the wheel brake units.
Brake fluid apply pressure is modulated according
to wheel speed, degree of slip and rate of decelera-
tion. A sensor at each wheel converts wheel speed
into electrical signals. These signals are transmitted
to the CAB for processing and determination of
wheel slip and deceleration rate.
The ABS system has three fluid pressure control
channels. The front brakes are controlled separately
and the rear brakes in tandem. A speed sensor input
signal indicating a high slip condition activates the
CAB antilock program.
Two solenoid valves are used in each antilock con-
trol channel. The valves are all located within the
HCU valve body and work in pairs to either increase,
hold, or decrease apply pressure as needed in the
individual control channels.
The solenoid valves are not static during antilock
braking. They are cycled continuously to modulate
pressure. Solenoid cycle time in antilock mode can be
measured in milliseconds.
WJBRAKES - ABS 5 - 41
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ANTILOCK
BRAKES
The ABS brake system performs several self-tests
every time the ignition switch is turned on and the
vehicle is driven. The CAB monitors the systems
input and output circuits to verify the system is oper-
ating correctly. If the on board diagnostic system
senses that a circuit is malfunctioning the system
will set a trouble code in its memory.
NOTE: An audible noise may be heard during the
self-test. This noise should be considered normal.
NOTE: The MDS or DRB III scan tool is used to
diagnose the ABS system. For additional informa-
tion refer to the Electrical section. For test proce-
dures refer to the Chassis Diagnostic Manual.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BLEEDING ABS
BRAKE SYSTEM
ABS system bleeding requires conventional bleed-
ing methods plus use of the DRB scan tool. The pro-cedure involves performing a base brake bleeding,
followed by use of the scan tool to cycle and bleed the
HCU pump and solenoids. A second base brake bleed-
ing procedure is then required to remove any air
remaining in the system.
(1) Perform base brake bleeding. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE) OR (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Connect scan tool to the Data Link Connector.
(3) Select ANTILOCK BRAKES, followed by MIS-
CELLANEOUS, then ABS BRAKES. Follow the
instructions displayed. When scan tool displays TEST
COMPLETE, disconnect scan tool and proceed.
(4) Perform base brake bleeding a second time.
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
OR (Refer to 5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(5) Top off master cylinder fluid level and verify
proper brake operation before moving vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
G-Sensor Bolt 5.6 Ð 50
Hydraulic Control Unit/Controller
Antilock Brakes
Mounting Bolts12 9 125
Hydraulic Control Unit/Controller
Antilock Brakes
Brake Lines16 Ð 144
Hydraulic Control Unit/Controller
Antilock Brakes
CAB Screws1.8 Ð 16
Wheel Speed Sensors
Front Sensor Bolt12-14 106-124 Ð
Wheel Speed Sensors
Rear Sensor Bolt12-14 106-124 Ð
5 - 42 BRAKES - ABSWJ
BRAKES - ABS (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the sensor through the backing plate
(Fig. 9).
(2) Apply Mopar Lock N' Seal or Loctite 242tto
the original sensor bolt. Use a new bolt if the original
is worn or damaged.
(3) Tighten the sensor bolt to 12-14 N´m (106-124
in. lbs.).
(4) Secure the sensor wire in the brackets and the
retainers on the rear brake lines. Verify that the sen-
sor wire is secure and clear of the rotating compo-
nents.
(5) Route the sensor wires to the rear seat area.
(6) Feed the sensor wires the through floorpan
access hole and seat the sensor grommets into the
floorpan.
(7) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.(8) Fold the rear seat and carpet forward for
access to the sensor wires and connectors.
(9) Connect the sensor wires to the harness con-
nectors.
(10) Reposition the carpet and fold the rear seat
down.
HCU (HYDRAULIC CONTROL
UNIT)
DESCRIPTION
The HCU consists of a valve body, pump motor,
and wire harness.
OPERATION
Accumulators in the valve body store extra fluid
released to the system for ABS mode operation. The
pump is used to clear the accumulator of brake fluid
and is operated by a DC type motor. The motor is
controlled by the CAB.
The valves modulate brake pressure during
antilock braking and are controlled by the CAB.
The HCU provides three channel pressure control
to the front and rear brakes. One channel controls
the rear wheel brakes in tandem. The two remaining
channels control the front wheel brakes individually.
During antilock braking, the solenoid valves are
opened and closed as needed. The valves are not
static. They are cycled rapidly and continuously to
modulate pressure and control wheel slip and decel-
eration.
During normal braking, the HCU solenoid valves
and pump are not activated. The master cylinder and
power booster operate the same as a vehicle without
an ABS brake system.
During antilock braking, solenoid valve pressure
modulation occurs in three stages, pressure increase,
pressure hold, and pressure decrease. The valves are
all contained in the valve body portion of the HCU.
PRESSURE DECREASE
The outlet valve is opened and the inlet valve is
closed during the pressure decrease cycle.
A pressure decrease cycle is initiated when speed
sensor signals indicate high wheel slip at one or
more wheels. At this point, the CAB closes the inlet
then opens the outlet valve, which also opens the
return circuit to the accumulators. Fluid pressure is
allowed to bleed off (decrease) as needed to prevent
wheel lock.
Once the period of high wheel slip has ended, the
CAB closes the outlet valve and begins a pressure
increase or hold cycle as needed.
Fig. 8 Sensor Mounting Bolt
1 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
Fig. 9 Wheel Speed Sensor
1 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 - BACKING PLATE
5 - 46 BRAKES - ABSWJ
REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (Continued)
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKIM
PROGRAMMING.......................1
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS MODULE
REMOVAL.............................2
INSTALLATION..........................3
BODY CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BODY CONTROL
MODULE.............................4
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK BRAKE
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR.....7
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR......7
DOOR MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................7
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DOOR MODULE . 10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
MEMORY HEATED SEAT/MIRROR MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................10OPERATION...........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
MODULE............................11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PCM..................12
MODES OF OPERATION................12
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.......14
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . 14
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS......15
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN.......15
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM....................15
OPERATION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES.........16
OPERATION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE . . . 16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................17
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................19
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TCM QUICK
LEARN..............................22
ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKIM
PROGRAMMING
NOTE: Before replacing the PCM, be sure to check
the related component/circuit integrity for failures
not detected due to a double fault in the circuit.
Most PCM failures are caused by internal compo-
nent failures (i.e. relays and solenoids) and shorted
circuits (i.e. pull-ups, drivers, and switched cir-
cuits). These failures are difficult to detect when a
double fault has occurred and only one DTC has
been set.When a PCM (JTEC) and the SKIM are replaced
at the same time, perform the following steps in
order:
(1) Program the new PCM (JTEC).
(2) Program the new SKIM.
(3) Replace all ignition keys and program them to
the new SKIM.
PROGRAMMING THE PCM (JTEC)
The SKIS Secret Key is an ID code that is unique
to each SKIM. This code is programmed and stored
in the SKIM, the PCM, and the ignition key tran-
sponder chip(s). When replacing the PCM, it is nec-
essary to program the secret key into the new PCM
using the DRBIIItscan tool. Perform the following
steps to program the secret key into the PCM.
WJELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 1
(5) Connect the two instrument panel wire harness
connectors to the BCM.
(6) Reinstall the instrument panel fuse cover to
the bottom of the BCM and JB unit. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/FUSE
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect the battery negative cable.
COMMUNICATION
DESCRIPTION
The Programmable Communication Interface (PCI)
data bus system is a single wire multiplex system
used for vehicle communications. Multiplexing is a
system that enables the transmission of several mes-
sages over a single channel or circuit.
Many of the control modules in a vehicle require
information from the same sensing device. Multiplex-
ing reduces wire harness complexity, sensor current
loads and controller hardware because each sensing
device is connected to only one controller, which
reads and distributes the sensor information to the
other controllers over the data bus. Also, because
each controller on the data bus can access the con-
troller sensor inputs to every other controller on the
data bus, more function and feature capabilities are
possible.
A multiplex system allows the information flowing
between controllers to be monitored using a diagnos-
tic scan tool. This system allows a control module to
broadcast message data out onto the bus where all
other control modules can read the messages that are
being sent. When a module reads a message on the
data bus that it requires, it relays that message to
its microprocessor. Each module ignores the mes-
sages on the data bus that it dosen't recognize.
OPERATION
Data exchange between modules is achieved by
serial transmission of encoded data over a single wire
broadcast network. The PCI data bus messages are
carried over the bus in the form of Variable Pulse
Width Modulated (VPWM) signals. The PCI data bus
speed is an average 10.4 Kilo-bits per second (Kbps).
The voltage network used to transmit messages
requires biasing and termination. Each module on
the PCI data bus system provides its own biasing
and termination. Each module (also referred to as a
node) terminates the bus through a terminating
resistor and a terminating capacitor. The Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) is the only dominant node for
the PCI data bus system.
The PCI bus uses low and high voltage levels to
generate signals. The voltage on the buss varies
between zero and seven and one-half volts. The lowand high voltage levels are generated by means of
variable-pulse width modulation to form signals of
varying length.
When a module is transmitting on the bus, it is
reading the bus at the same time to ensure message
integrity.
Each module is capable of transmitting and receiv-
ing data simultaneously.
The PCI data bus can be monitored using the
DRBIIItscan tool. It is possible for the bus to pass
all DRBIIIttests and still be faulty if the voltage
parameters are all within the specified range and
false messages are being sent.
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK
BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
The Controler Antilock Brake (CAB) is mounted to
the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and operates the
ABS system (Fig. 4).
OPERATION
The CAB voltage is supplied by the ignition switch
in the RUN position. The CAB contains dual micro-
processors. A logic block in each microprocessor
receives identical sensor signals. These signals are
processed and compared simultaneously. The CAB
contains a self check program that illuminates the
ABS warning light when a system fault is detected.
Faults are stored in a diagnostic program memory
and are accessible with the DRBIIItscan tool. ABS
faults remain in memory until cleared, or until after
the vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
Fig. 4 Controller Antilock Brakes
1 - HCU
2 - MOTOR
3 - CAB
8E - 6 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESWJ
BODY CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
(Fig. 4)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove negative battery cable from the bat-
tery.
(2) Remove air cleaner housing,(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER
HOUSING - REMOVAL) OR (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(3) Release CAB harness connector and remove
connector (Fig. 5).
(4) Remove pump motor connector.
(5) Remove CAB mounting bolts (Fig. 6) and
remove the CAB from the HCU.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the CAB onto the HCU and tighten
mounting bolts to 1.8 N´m (16 in. lbs.).
(2) Install pump motor connector.
(3) Install CAB harness connector and push down
connector release.
(4) Install air cleaner housing,(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER
HOUSING - INSTALLATION) OR (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install negative battery cable to the battery.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The data link connector (DLC) is located at the
lower edge of the instrument panel near the steering
column.
OPERATION - DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The 16±way DLC links the DRBIIItscan tool or
the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS) with the Power-
train Control Module (PCM).
DOOR MODULE
DESCRIPTION
A door module is concealed behind the trim panel
of each front door (Fig. 7).The module on the driver
side is referred to as the Driver Door Module (DDM),
while the module on the passenger side is the Pas-
senger Door Module (PDM). Each door module
houses both the front power lock and power window
switches. In addition to the power window and power
lock switches for its own door, the DDM also houses
individual switches for each passenger door power
window, a power window lockout switch, the power
mirror switch, and the power foldaway mirror switch
for export vehicles.
The DDM and PDM each utilize integrated cir-
cuitry and information carried on the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network
along with many hard wired inputs to monitor many
sensor and switch inputs throughout the vehicle. The
PDM also receives inputs through an integral Radio
Fig. 5 CAB Connector Release
1 - CONNECTOR RELEASE
2 - CAB
Fig. 6 CAB Mounting Bolts
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
WJELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 7
CONTROLLER ANTILOCK BRAKE (Continued)
EMIC also uses several hard wired inputs in order to
perform its many functions. The EMIC module incor-
porates a blue-green digital Vacuum Fluorescent Dis-
play (VFD) for displaying odometer and trip
odometer information.
The EMIC houses six analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to twenty indicators (Fig. 2). The
EMIC includes the following analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Oil Pressure Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
²Voltage Gauge
Some of the EMIC indicators are automatically
configured when the EMIC is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system for compatibility with certain
optional equipment or equipment required for regula-
tory purposes in certain markets. While each EMIC
may have provisions for indicators to support every
available option, the configurable indicators will not
be functional in a vehicle that does not have the
equipment that an indicator supports. The EMIC
includes provisions for the following indicators (Fig.
2):
²Airbag Indicator (with Airbags only)
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
²Brake Indicator
²Check Gauges Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Cruise Indicator
²Four-Wheel Drive Part Time Indicator
(with Selec-Trac NVG-242 Transfer Case only)
²Front Fog Lamp Indicator (with Front Fog
Lamps only)
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Overdrive-Off Indicator (except Diesel
Engine)
²Rear Fog Lamp Indicator (with Rear Fog
Lamps only)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS)
Indicator
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator (except
Diesel Engine)²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
Many indicators in the EMIC are illuminated by a
dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is sol-
dered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board. The
LEDs are not available for service replacement and,
if damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC must be
replaced. Base cluster illumination is accomplished
by dimmable incandescent back lighting, which illu-
minates the gauges for visibility when the exterior
lighting is turned on. Premium cluster illumination
is accomplished by a dimmable electro-luminescent
lamp that is serviced only as a unit with the EMIC.
Each of the incandescent bulbs is secured by an inte-
gral bulb holder to the electronic circuit board from
the back of the cluster housing. The incandescent
bulb/bulb holder units are available for service
replacement.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator,
the VFD, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
board hardware, the cluster overlay, the electro-lumi-
nescent lamp (premium model only) or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
ule must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and
mask unit and the individual incandescent lamp
bulbs with holders are available for service replace-
ment.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
The VFD is diagnosed using the EMIC self-diag-
nostic actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Proper testing of the PCI data bus and
the data bus message inputs to the EMIC that con-
trol the VFD functions requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Specific operation details for the odometer
and trip odometer functions of the VFD may be found
elsewhere in this service information.
INDICATORS
Indicators are located in various positions within
the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC circuit
board. The turn signal indicators are hard wired. The
brake indicator is controlled by PCI data bus mes-
sages from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) as
well as by hard wired park brake switch and brake
fluid level switch inputs to the EMIC. The Malfunc-
tion Indicator Lamp (MIL) is normally controlled by
PCI data bus messages from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM); however, if the EMIC loses PCI data
bus communication, the EMIC circuitry will automat-
ically turn the MIL on until PCI data bus communi-
cation is restored. The EMIC uses PCI data bus
messages from the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the
BCM, the PCM, the CAB, the Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer Module (SKIM), and the Transmission Control
Module (TCM) to control all of the remaining indica-
tors.
The various indicators are controlled by different
strategies; some receive fused ignition switch output
from the EMIC circuitry and have a switched ground,
others are grounded through the EMIC circuitry and
have a switched battery feed, while still others are
completely controlled by the EMIC microprocessor
based upon various hard wired and electronic mes-
sage inputs. Some indicators are illuminated at a
fixed intensity, while the illumination intensity of
others is synchronized with that of the EMIC general
illumination lamps.
The hard wired indicators are diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic methods. The EMIC and PCI
bus message controlled indicators are diagnosed
using the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Proper testing of the
PCI data bus and the electronic data bus message
inputs to the EMIC that control each indicator
require the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information. Specific details of
the operation for each indicator may be found else-
where in this service information.CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
Two types of general cluster illumination are avail-
able in this model. Base versions of the EMIC have
several incandescent illumination lamps, while pre-
mium versions of the EMIC have a single electro-lu-
minescent lamp. Both types of lamps provide cluster
back lighting whenever the exterior lighting is
turned On with the control knob on the left (lighting)
multi-function switch control stalk. The illumination
intensity of these lamps is adjusted by the EMIC
microprocessor based upon electronic dimming level
messages received from the Body Control Module
(BCM) over the PCI data bus. The BCM provides
electronic dimming level messages to the EMIC
based upon internal programming and inputs it
receives when the control ring on the left (lighting)
multi-function switch control stalk is rotated (down
to dim, up to brighten) to one of six available minor
detent positions.
The incandescent illumination lamps receive bat-
tery current at all times, while the ground for these
lamps is controlled by a 12-volt Pulse Width Modu-
lated (PWM) output of the EMIC electronic circuitry.
The illumination intensity of these bulbs and of the
vacuum-fluorescent electronic display are controlled
by the instrument cluster microprocessor based upon
dimming level messages received from the Body Con-
trol Module (BCM) over the PCI data bus. The BCM
uses inputs from the headlamp and panel dimmer
switches within the left (lighting) multi-function
switch control stalk and internal programming to
decide what dimming level message is required. The
BCM then sends the proper dimming level messages
to the EMIC over the PCI data bus.
The electro-luminescent lamp unit consists of lay-
ers of phosphor, carbon, idium tin oxide, and dielec-
tric applied by a silk-screen process between two
polyester membranes and includes a short pigtail
wire and connector. The lamp pigtail wire is con-
nected to a small connector receptacle on the EMIC
circuit board through a small clearance hole in the
cluster housing rear cover. The EMIC electronic cir-
cuitry also uses a PWM strategy to control the illu-
mination intensity of this lamp; however, the EMIC
powers this lamp with an Alternating Current (AC)
rated at 80 volts rms (root mean squared) and 415
Hertz, which excites the phosphor particles causing
them to luminesce.
The BCM also has several hard wired panel lamp
driver outputs and sends the proper panel lamps
dimming level messages over the PCI data bus to
coordinate the illumination intensity of all of the
instrument panel lighting and the VFDs of other
electronic modules on the PCI data bus. Vehicles
equipped with the Auto Headlamps option have an
automatic parade mode. In this mode, the BCM uses
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)