(Fig. 25). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation.
Spark plugsexcept platinum tippedthat have
normal wear can usually be cleaned, have the elec-
trodes filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-
bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basi-
cally carbon (Fig. 25). A dry, black deposit on one or
two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves
or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling
of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused by a
clogged air cleaner element or repeated short operat-
ing times (short trips).
WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING
A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil
is wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings,
leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear
can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled
engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (nor-
mal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usu-ally be resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the
fouled plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash
encrusted (Fig. 26), evaluate engine condition for the
cause of oil entry into that particular combustion
chamber.
ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose
deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits
accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous
stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liq-
uefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (Fig. 27).
This short circuits the electrodes. Spark plugs with
electrode gap bridging can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
SCAVENGER DEPOSITS
Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yel-
low (Fig. 28). They may appear to be harmful, but
this is a normal condition caused by chemical addi-
tives in certain fuels. These additives are designed to
change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease
spark plug misfire tendencies. Notice that accumula-
tion on the ground electrode and shell area may be
heavy, but the deposits are easily removed. Spark
plugs with scavenger deposits can be considered nor-
mal in condition and can be cleaned using standard
procedures.
Fig. 25 NORMAL OPERATION AND COLD (CARBON)
FOULING
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
Fig. 26 OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
SPARK PLUG (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)
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
is designed to allow the vehicle operator to monitor
the conditions of many of the vehicle components and
operating systems. The gauges and indicators in the
EMIC provide valuable information about the various
standard and optional powertrains, fuel and emis-
sions systems, cooling systems, lighting systems,
safety systems and many other convenience items.
The EMIC is installed in the instrument panel so
that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by the
vehicle operator when driving, while still allowing
relative ease of access for service. The microproces-
sor-based EMIC hardware and software uses various
inputs to control the gauges and indicators visible on
the face of the cluster. Some of these inputs are hard
wired, but most are in the form of electronic mes-
sages that are transmitted by other electronic mod-ules over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus network. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist, such as low or high bat-
tery voltage, low oil pressure or high coolant temper-
ature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer to
an extreme position and the microprocessor turns on
the Check Gauges indicator to provide a distinct
visual indication of a problem to the vehicle operator.
The instrument cluster circuitry also sends electronic
chime tone request messages over the PCI data bus
to the Body Control Module (BCM) when it monitors
Fig. 2 EMIC Gauges & Indicators
1 - BRAKE INDICATOR 15 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
2 - REAR FOG LAMP INDICATOR 16 - PART TIME 4WD INDICATOR
3 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR 17 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
4 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 18 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
5 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 19 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
6 - TACHOMETER 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY
7 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 21 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
8 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 22 - OVERDRIVE-OFF INDICATOR
9 - SPEEDOMETER 23 - SEATBELT INDICATOR
10 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 24 - ABS INDICATOR
11 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 25 - FUEL GAUGE
12 - SKIS INDICATOR 26 - FRONT FOG LAMP INDICATOR
13 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) 27 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
14 - CRUISE INDICATOR 28 - COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
8J - 4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
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)
an input from the auto headlamp light sensor to
determine the ambient light levels. If the BCM
decides that the exterior lighting is turned on in the
daylight, it overrides the selected panel dimmer
switch signal by sending a message over the PCI
data bus to illuminate all vacuum fluorescent dis-
plays at full brightness for improved visibility in day-
time light levels. The automatic parade mode has no
effect on the incandescent bulb illumination intensity.
The hard wired cluster illumination circuits
between the left (lighting) multi-function switch and
the BCM may be diagnosed using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods. The electro-luminescent
lamp is diagnosed using the EMIC self-diagnostic
actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
However, proper testing of the EMIC and the elec-
tronic dimming level messages sent by the BCM over
the PCI data bus requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
CHIME SERVICE
The EMIC is programmed to request chime service
from the Body Control Module (BCM) when certain
indicators are illuminated. The EMIC chime request
for illumination of the low fuel indicator is a cus-
tomer programmable feature. When the programmed
conditions are met, the EMIC generates an electronic
chime request message and sends it over the PCI
data bus to the BCM. Upon receiving the proper
chime request, the BCM activates an integral chime
tone generator to provide the audible chime tone to
the vehicle operator. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM - OPERATION). Proper
testing of the PCI data bus and the electronic chime
request message outputs from the EMIC requires the
use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
If all of the instrument cluster gauges and/or indi-
cators are inoperative, refer to PRELIMINARY
DIAGNOSIS . If an individual gauge or Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus mes-
sage-controlled indicator is inoperative, refer to
ACTUATOR TEST . If an individual hard wired indi-
cator is inoperative, refer to the diagnosis and testing
information for that specific indicator. If the base
instrument cluster incandescent illumination lighting
is inoperative, refer to CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
DIAGNOSIS . If the premium instrument cluster
electro-luminescent illumination lighting is inopera-
tive, refer to ACTUATOR TEST . Refer to the appro-
priate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connectorrepair procedures, details of wire harness routing
and retention, connector pin-out information and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
NOTE: Occasionally, a condition may be encoun-
tered where the gauge pointer for the speedometer
or the tachometer becomes caught on the wrong
side of the pointer stop. To correct this condition,
the technician should use a DRBIIITscan tool and
the appropriate diagnostic information to perform
the instrument cluster self-diagnostic actuator test
procedure. When performed, the actuator test pro-
cedure will automatically return the pointer to the
correct side of the pointer stop.
PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE IMPACT SENSOR,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, THE CLUSTER
CIRCUITRY PROVIDES AN ALTERNATING CURRENT
TO SUPPLY POWER TO THE ELECTRO-LUMINES-
CENT ILLUMINATION LAMP THROUGH A PIGTAIL
WIRE AND CONNECTOR THAT IS ACCESSIBLE AT
THE BACK OF THE CLUSTER HOUSING. USE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS WHEN HANDLING THIS
UNIT DURING DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE TO AVOID
ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse 17 - 10
ampere) in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse 17 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit between
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the instrument cluster to the connector
receptacle on the back of the instrument cluster
housing (Fig. 7).
(3) Position the lower mounting tabs of the instru-
ment cluster to the mounting holes on the instru-
ment panel structural duct, then tilt the top of the
instrument cluster forward until the upper mounting
tabs are positioned to the mounting holes on the
underside of the instrument cluster hood formation of
the instrument panel top pad.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the upper mounting tabs of the instrument cluster to
the underside of the instrument cluster hood forma-
tion of the instrument panel top pad. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the lower mounting tabs of the instrument cluster to
the instrument panel structural duct. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters. The ABS
indicator is located on the lower left edge of the
instrument cluster, to the left of the tachometer. TheABS indicator consists of a International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªFailure of Anti-lock Braking
Systemº imprinted on an amber lens. The lens is
located behind a cutout 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. The icon appears
silhouetted against an amber field through the trans-
lucent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator
is illuminated from behind by a replaceable incandes-
cent bulb and bulb holder unit located on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The ABS
indicator lens is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the ABS system is faulty or inop-
erative. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Controller Anti-lock Brake
(CAB) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The ABS indicator bulb is
completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic
circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to
operate when the instrument cluster receives a bat-
tery current input on the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indicator will
always be off when the ignition switch is in any posi-
tion except On or Start. The bulb only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the ABS indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the CAB sends an elec-
tronic ABS lamp-on message to the cluster which will
illuminate the ABS indicator for about four seconds
as a bulb test. The entire four second bulb test is a
function of the CAB.
²ABS Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives an ABS indicator lamp-on mes-
sage from the CAB, the ABS indicator will be illumi-
nated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives an ABS indicator lamp-off message
from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no ABS indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages from
the CAB for six consecutive seconds, the ABS indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a valid lamp-on or lamp-off
message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the instrument clus-
ter is put through the actuator test, the ABS indica-
Fig. 7 Instrument Cluster Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 13
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
tor will be turned on for the duration of the test to
confirm the functionality of the bulb and the cluster
control circuitry.
²ABS Diagnostic Test- The ABS indicator is
blinked on and off based upon lamp-on and lamp-off
messages from the CAB during the performance of
the ABS diagnostic tests.
The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits
and sensors to decide whether the system is in good
operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper
ABS indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the ABS indicator fails to light
during the bulb test, replace the bulb with a known
good unit. If the CAB sends an ABS indicator
lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that
the CAB has detected a system malfunction and/or
that the ABS system has become inoperative. The
CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for
any malfunction it detects. Each time the ABS indi-
cator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in
the cluster ABS indicator circuit or bulb, the cluster
sends a message notifying the CAB of the condition,
then the instrument cluster and the CAB will each
store a DTC. For proper diagnosis of the anti-lock
brake system, the CAB, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the ABS indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, the instrument cluster
is programmed to automatically enable this indicator
only on vehicles equipped with the airbag system,
which is not available in some markets. The airbag
indicator is located on the upper edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the speedometer and the
tachometer. The airbag indicator consists of the
words ªAIR BAGº imprinted on a red lens. The lens
is located behind a cutout 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. The ªAIR BAGº
text appears silhouetted against a red field through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED), which is soldered onto the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The airbag
indicator lens is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The airbag indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or
inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The airbag indicator
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled
by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic
will only allow this indicator to operate when the
instrument cluster receives a battery current input
on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. 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 airbag indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ACM sends an elec-
tronic airbag indicator lamp-on message to the clus-
ter which will illuminate the airbag indicator for
about six seconds as a bulb test. The entire six sec-
ond bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²Airbag Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives an airbag indicator lamp-on
message from the ACM, the airbag indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated for
about twelve seconds or until the cluster receives an
airbag indicator lamp-off message from the ACM,
whichever is longer.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no airbag indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages for
six consecutive seconds, the airbag indicator is illu-
minated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a single valid airbag indicator lamp-
off message from the ACM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the airbag indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the airbag indicator is also a
function of the ACM.
The ACM continually monitors the airbag system
circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is
in good operating condition. The ACM then sends the
proper airbag indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages
to the instrument cluster. If the ACM sends an air-
bag indicator lamp-on message after the bulb test, it
indicates that the ACM has detected a system mal-
function. Such a malfunction could mean that the
airbags may not deploy when required, or may
deploy when not required. The ACM will store a
8J - 14 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
ABS INDICATOR (Continued)
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it
detects. Each time the airbag indicator fails to illu-
minate due to an open or short in the cluster airbag
indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notify-
ing the ACM of the condition, then the instrument
cluster and the ACM will each store a DTC. For
proper diagnosis of the airbag system, the ACM, the
PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the airbag indicator,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The brake indicator is located
near the left edge of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the tachometer. There are two versions of the
brake indicator. The version used depends upon the
market for which the vehicle is manufactured. The
version of the brake indicator used for vehicles man-
ufactured for the United States consists of the word
ªBRAKEº imprinted on a red lens. The Rest-Of-World
(ROW) market version of this indicator has two
International Control and Display Symbol icons
imprinted on the red lens; one is the icon for ªBrake
Failureº, and the other is the icon for ªParking
Brakeº. In either case, the lens is located behind a
cutout 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. The ªBRAKEº text or the two icons
appear silhouetted against a red field through the
translucent outer layer of the overlay when the indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emitting
Diode (LED), which is soldered onto the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The brake indicator
lens is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster
lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the parking brake is applied, when
the fluid level of the brake hydraulic system is low,
or if there are certain malfunctions of the Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS). This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board based upon cluster programming, electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Controller
Anti-lock Brake (CAB) over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus, and a hard
wired input to the cluster from the park brake
switch. The brake indicator Light Emitting Diode(LED) is completely controlled by the instrument
cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow
this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster
receives a battery current input on the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indi-
cator 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 brake indicator for the following rea-
sons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the brake indicator is illu-
minated by the instrument cluster for about three
seconds as a bulb test.
²Brake Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a brake indicator lamp-on
message from the CAB, the brake indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a brake indicator lamp-off mes-
sage from the CAB.
²Park Brake Switch Input- Each time the
cluster logic circuit detects ground on the park brake
switch sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park
brake applied or not fully released) the brake indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the park brake switch sense input to the cluster
is an open circuit (park brake switch open = park
brake fully released), or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no brake indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages
from the CAB for six consecutive seconds, the brake
indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives a single valid
brake indicator lamp-off message from the CAB.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the brake indicator will be
turned on for the duration of the test to confirm the
functionality of the LED and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The park brake switch on the park brake pedal
mechanism provides a hard wired ground input to
the instrument cluster circuitry through the red
brake warning indicator driver circuit whenever the
park brake is applied or not fully released. The CAB
continually monitors the input from the brake fluid
level switch and the circuits of the anti-lock brake
system, then sends the proper brake indicator
lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument clus-
ter. If the CAB sends a brake indicator lamp-on mes-
sage after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB
has detected a brake hydraulic system malfunction
and/or that the ABS system has become inoperative.
The CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
for any malfunction it detects.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15
AIRBAG INDICATOR (Continued)