OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes, and a
low-amperage control circuit that operates on less
than 20 amperes. The high-amperage feed circuit
components include the battery, the battery cables,
the contact disc portion of the starter solenoid, and
the starter motor. The low-amperage control circuit
components include the ignition switch, the park/
neutral position switch, the starter relay, the electro-
magnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the
connecting wire harness components.
Battery voltage is supplied through the low-amper-
age control circuit to the coil battery terminal of the
starter relay when the ignition switch is turned to
the momentary Start position. The park/neutral posi-
tion switch is installed in series between the starter
relay coil ground terminal and ground. This normally
open switch prevents the starter relay from being
energized and the starter motor from operating
unless the automatic transmission gear selector is in
the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear on the automatic transmission torque con-
verter drive plate.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing the
starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to
the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the
relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger
hold-in coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate with one another, and must be tested as a com-
plete system. In order for the vehicle to start and
charge properly, all of the components involved in
these systems must perform within specifications.
Group 8A covers the Battery, Group 8B covers the
Starting Systems, and Group 8C covers the Charging
System. We have separated these systems to make it
easier to locate the information you are seeking
within this Service Manual. However, when attempt-
ing to diagnose any of these systems, it is important
that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in these groups
include the most basic conventional diagnostic meth-
ods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostic Test For Charging System
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -
Charging System for more information.
8F - 30 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)
INSPECTION
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toStarting
Systemin the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams. Before removing any unit from the starting
system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following
inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
²Battery- Visually inspect the battery for indi-
cations of physical damage and loose or corroded
cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and
cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace
the battery, if required. Refer toBatteryin the
proper section of Group 8A - Battery for complete ser-
vice information for the battery.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect the ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinderin the proper
section of Group 8D - Ignition System for complete
service information for the ignition switch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- Visually
inspect the park/neutral position switch for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded wire
harness connections. Refer toPark/Neutral Posi-
tion Switchin the proper section of Group 21 -
Transmission for complete service information for the
park/neutral position switch.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect the starter
relay for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect the starter
motor for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect the starter
solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect the wire harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to the proper section ofGroup 8W -
Wiring Diagramsfor complete service information
and circuit diagrams for the starting system wiring
components.TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toStarting
Systemin the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams. The battery must be fully-charged and load-
tested before proceeding. Refer toBatteryin the
Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8A - Battery
for the procedures.
(1) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the
battery terminals (Fig. 1). See the instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester
being used.
(2) Fully engage the parking brake.
(3) Place the automatic transmission gearshift
selector lever in the Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent the engine from starting, remove
the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in
the engine compartment. Refer to the fuse and relay
layout label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
(6) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start
position. Note the cranking voltage and current
(amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-ampere
tester.
(a) If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing sec-
tion of this group. If the starter motor is OK, refer
toEngine Diagnosisin the Diagnosis and Testing
section of Group 9 - Engine for further testing of
the engine. If the starter motor is not OK, replace
the faulty starter motor.
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
8F - 32 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)
(b) If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and the
current (amperage) draw reads below specifica-
tions, refer toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor does not turn, refer toControl
Circuit Testingin this section.
(d) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed
Circuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase the starter cur-
rent (amperage) draw reading, and reduce the bat-
tery voltage reading.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in the
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete circuit dia-
grams, refer toStarting Systemin the Contents of
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that the voltage drop is giving an indica-
tion of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.
Example:When testing the resistance of the bat-
tery positive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the
battery positive cable clamp and the cable connector
at the starter solenoid. If you probe the battery pos-
itive terminal post and the cable connector at the
starter solenoid, you are reading the combined volt-
age drop in the battery positive cable clamp-to-termi-
nal post connection and the battery positive cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing the
tests, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin the Diagnosis and Testing section of
Group 8A - Battery for the procedures.
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²Place the automatic transmission gearshift selec-
tor lever in the Park position.
²
Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
²To prevent the engine from starting, remove the
Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The ASD relay is
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in
the engine compartment. Refer to the fuse and relay
layout label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable clamp (Fig. 2). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor contact between
the cable clamp and the terminal post.(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate and hold the ignition switch in
the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage
is detected, correct the poor contact between the
cable clamp and the terminal post.
(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive terminal post and the starter sole-
noid battery terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold
the ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and
tighten the battery cable connection at the solenoid.
Fig. 2 Test Battery Negative Connection Resistance
- Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 Test Battery Positive Connection Resistance -
Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
WJSTARTING 8F - 33
STARTING (Continued)
(8) Remove the starter motor from the engine com-
partment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the starter motor in the engine com-
partment.
(2) Reconnect the solenoid terminal wire harness
connector to the connector receptacle on the starter
solenoid. Always support the starter motor during
this process, do not let the starter motor hang from
the wire harness.
(3) Install the battery cable eyelet onto the sole-
noid battery terminal. Always support the starter
motor during this process, do not let the starter
motor hang from the wire harness.
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery cable eyelet to the solenoid battery terminal.
Tighten the nut to 11.3 N´m (100 in. lbs.). Always
support the starter motor during this process, do not
let the starter motor hang from the wire harness.
(5) Position the starter motor to the front of the
automatic transmission torque converter housing and
loosely install both the upper and lower mounting
screws.
(6) Tighten the lower (forward facing) starter
motor mounting screw. On 4.0L engines, tighten the
screw to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.). On 4.7L engines, tighten
the screw to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).(7) Tighten the upper (rearward facing) starter
mounting screw. Tighten the screw to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The starter relay is an electromechanical device
that switches battery current to the pull-in coil of the
starter solenoid when the ignition switch is turned to
the Start position. The starter relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC), in the engine com-
partment. See the fuse and relay layout label affixed
to the inside surface of the PDC cover for starter
relay identification and location.
The starter relay is a International Standards
Organization (ISO) micro-relay. Relays conforming to
the ISO specifications have common physical dimen-
sions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and ter-
minal functions. The ISO micro-relay terminal
functions are the same as a conventional ISO relay.
However, the ISO micro-relay terminal pattern (or
footprint) is different, the current capacity is lower,
and the physical dimensions are smaller than those
of the conventional ISO relay.
The starter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When the elec-
tromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable
contact away from the normally closed fixed contact,
and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed
contact.
When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized,
spring pressure returns the movable contact to the
normally closed position. The resistor or diode is con-
nected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil in the
relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that are
produced when the coil is de-energized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY
The starter relay (Fig. 13) is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC), in the engine compart-
ment. Refer to the fuse and relay layout label affixed
to the underside of the PDC cover for starter relay
identification and location. For complete circuit dia-
grams, refer toStarting Systemin the Contents of
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 12 Starter Wire Harness Remove/Install - 4.7L
Engine
1 - SOLENOID BATTERY TERMINAL EYELET
2 - NUT
3 - SOLENOID TERMINAL CONNECTOR
4 - BATTERY STARTER AND GENERATOR WIRE HARNESS
5 - RETAINERS
8F - 38 STARTINGWJ
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)
²Passenger Door Module (PDM)- Refer to
Electronic Control Modules for more information.
OPERATION - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The rear window defogger system is controlled by a
momentary switch that is integral to the a/c heater
control located in the center stack area of the instru-
ment panel. A Light-Emitting Diode (LED) in the
switch button will light to indicate when the rear
window defogger system is turned on. The BCM,
which contains the rear window defogger system
timer and control logic, monitors the status of the
defogger switch through a hard-wired input. The
BCM then sends control outputs through a hard
wired circuit to energize or de-energize the defogger
relay.
The electrically heated outside rear view mirror
heating grids are also controlled by the rear window
defogger switch. When the BCM receives an input
from the switch, it sends a defogger switch status
message to the DDM and the PDM over the PCI data
bus. The DDM and PDM respond to the defogger
switch status messages by energizing or de-energiz-
ing the battery current feed to their respective out-
side rear view mirror heating grids.
The rear window defogger system will be automat-
ically turned off after a programmed time interval of
about ten minutes. After the initial time interval has
expired, if the defogger switch is turned on again
during the same ignition cycle, the defogger system
will automatically turn off after about five minutes.
The defogger system will automatically shut off if the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, or it can
be turned off manually by depressing the rear win-
dow defogger switch again.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the rear window defogger system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER SYSTEM
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.For complete circuit diagrams, (Refer to Appropri-
ate Wiring Information). The operation of the electri-
cally heated rear window defogger system can be
confirmed in one of the following manners:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter,
depress the rear window defogger switch to the On
position. When the rear window defogger switch is
turned On, a distinct voltmeter needle deflection
should be noted.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Depress the rear window defogger switch to the On
position. The rear window defogger operation can be
checked by feeling the rear window or outside rear
view mirror glass. A distinct difference in tempera-
ture between the grid lines and the adjacent clear
glass or the mirror glass can be detected within three
to four minutes of operation.
3. Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the rear
glass heating grid terminal A (right side) with the
negative lead, and terminal B (left side) with the pos-
itive lead (Fig. 1). The voltmeter should read battery
voltage.
The above checks will confirm rear window defog-
ger system operation. Illumination of the rear win-
dow defogger switch LED indicator means that there
is battery current available at the output of the rear
window defogger relay, but does not confirm that bat-
tery current is reaching the rear glass heating grid
lines.
If the rear window defogger system does not oper-
ate, the problem should be isolated in the following
manner:
Fig. 1 REAR WINDOW GLASS GRID TEST
1 - TERMINAL ªAº
2 - TERMINAL ªBº
3 - FEED WIRE
4 - MID-POINT ªCº (TYPICAL)
5 - HEATED REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID
6 - GROUND WIRE
8G - 2 HEATED GLASSWJ
HEATED GLASS (Continued)
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire a/c
heater control must be replaced. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
HEATER CONTROL - REMOVAL)
OPERATION
When the rear window defogger switch push but-
ton is depressed, it momentarily closes the rear win-
dow defogger switch sense circuit for the BCM to
ground. The BCM monitors the rear window defogger
switch sense circuit. Each time the BCM rear win-
dow defogger timer and logic circuitry sees another
input from the switch, it toggles a control output to
the rear window defogger relay. Energizing the rear
window defogger relay provides electrical current to
the rear window defogger grid and to the LED indi-
cator in the switch, which lights to indicate when the
defogger system is turned on. A dedicated fuse in the
junction block protects the rear window defogger
relay output circuit to the LED indicator.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER SWITCH
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the Appro-
priate Wiring Information.
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the a/c heater control from the instru-
ment panel and disconnect the 11-way (manual tem-
perature control) or 16-way (automatic zone control)
instrument panel wire harness connector from the a/c
heater control receptacle.
(2) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the 11-way or 16-way instrument panel
wire harness connector for the a/c heater control and
a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to
ground as required.
(3) Connect two jumper wires to the a/c heater
control 11-way or 16-way connector receptacle. Con-
nect one jumper from the ground circuit terminal inthe 11-way or 16-way a/c heater control connector
receptacle to a good ground. Connect the other
jumper from the fused rear window defogger relay
output circuit terminal of the 11-way or 16-way con-
nector receptacle to a 12-volt battery feed. The rear
window defogger switch LED indicator should light.
If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace the faulty a/c
heater control.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit and rear window defogger switch sense circuit
terminals of the 11-way or 16-way a/c heater control
connector receptacle. There should be momentary
continuity as the rear window defogger switch push
button is depressed, and then no continuity. If OK, go
to Step 5. If not OK, replace the faulty a/c heater
control.
(5) Disconnect the 22-way instrument panel wire
harness connector from the Body Control Module
(BCM) connector receptacle. Check for continuity
between the rear window defogger switch sense cir-
cuit cavity of the 11-way or 16-way instrument panel
wire harness connector for the a/c heater control and
a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK,
go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted rear win-
dow defogger switch sense circuit as required.
(6) Check for continuity between the rear window
defogger switch sense circuit cavities of the 11-way or
16-way instrument panel wire harness connector for
the a/c heater control and the 22-way instrument
panel wire harness connector for the BCM. There
should be continuity. If OK, refer to (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED GLASS/REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
CONTROLS/A/C HEATER CONTROL - REMOVAL)
WJHEATED GLASS 8G - 7
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH (Continued)
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE PLUG TYPE ELECTRODE GAP
4.0L 6-CYL. RC12ECC 0.89 mm (.035 in.)
4.7L V-8 (Exc. HO) RC12MCC4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
4.7L V-8 High
Output (HO)RC7PYCB4 1.01 mm (.040 in.)
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Bolts - 4.0L Engine7- 60
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Bolt - 4.7L V-8 Engine28 21 -
Camshaft Position
Sensor±to±base bolts - 4.0L
Engine2- 15
Camshaft Position Sensor
Bolt - 4.7L V-8 Engine12 - 106
Oil Pump Drive Hold-down
Bolt - 4.0L Engine23 17 -
Ignition Coil Rail Mounting
Bolts - 4.0L Engine29 - 250
Ignition Coil Mounting Nut -
4.7L V-8 Engine8- 70
* Knock Sensor Bolt - 4.7L
HO V-8 Engine*20 *15 -
Spark Plugs - 4.0L Engine 35-41 26-30 -
Spark Plugs - 4.7L V-8
Engine24-30 18-22 -
* Do not apply any sealant,
thread-locker or adhesive to
bolts. Poor sensor
performance may result.
Refer to Removal / Installation
for additional information.
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT
The 5±pin, 12±volt, Automatic Shutdown (ASD)
relay is located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT
The ASD relay supplies battery voltage (12+ volts)
to the fuel injectors and ignition coil(s). With certain
emissions packages it also supplies 12±volts to the
oxygen sensor heating elements.
The ground circuit for the coil within the ASD
relay is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM operates the ASD relay by switch-
ing its ground circuit on and off.
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 3
IGNITION CONTROL (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)