switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the transmission over-tem-
perature indicator will be turned on for the duration
of the test to confirm the functionality of the bulb
and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM or TCM continually monitors the trans-
mission temperature sensor to determine the trans-
mission operating condition. The PCM or TCM then
sends the proper trans over-temp indicator lamp-on
or lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. If the
transmission over-temperature indicator fails to light
during the bulb test, replace the bulb with a known
good unit. If the instrument cluster turns on the
transmission over-temperature indicator due to a
high transmission oil temperature condition, it may
indicate that the transmission or the transmission
cooling system are being overloaded or that they
require service. For further diagnosis of the trans-
mission over-temperature indicator or the instrument
cluster circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
transmission temperature sensor, the PCM, the
TCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
transmission over-temperature indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
Two turn signal indicators, one right and one left,
are standard equipment on all instrument clusters.
The turn signal indicators are located near the upper
edge of the instrument cluster, the left one is left of
the tachometer, and the right one is right of the
speedometer. Each turn signal indicator consists of
an International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªTurn Warningº imprinted on a green lens. Each lens
is located behind a dedicated cutout in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents these icons from
being clearly visible when they are not illuminated.
The icons appear silhouetted against a green field
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when the indicator is illuminated from behind by a
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder unit
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The turn signal indicator lenses are serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster lens, hood and
mask unit.
OPERATION
The turn signal indicators give an indication to the
vehicle operator that the turn signal (left or right
indicator flashing) or hazard warning (both left and
right indicators flashing) have been selected and are
operating. These indicators are controlled by two
individual hard wired inputs from the combination
flasher circuitry to the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board. Each turn signal indicator bulb is
grounded on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board at all times; therefore, these indicators remain
functional regardless of the ignition switch position.
Each indicator bulb will only illuminate when it is
provided with battery current by the combination
flasher in the Junction Block (JB).
The turn signal indicators are connected in parallel
with the other turn signal circuits. This arrangement
allows the turn signal indicators to remain func-
tional, regardless of the condition of the other cir-
cuits in the turn signal and hazard warning systems.
The combination flasher outputs to the instrument
cluster turn signal indicator inputs can be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic tools and methods. For
more information on the turn signal and hazard
warning system, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR - OPERATION - TURN
SIGNAL & HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN SIGNAL
INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
turn signal indicator condition. If the problem being
diagnosed is related to inoperative turn signal or
hazard warning lamps, be certain to repair the turn
signal and hazard warning system before attempting
to diagnose or repair the turn signal indicators.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN
SIGNAL & HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM). If no
turn signal and hazard warning system problem is
found, the following procedure will help locate an
open in the turn signal indicator circuit. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 33
TRANS TEMP INDICATOR (Continued)
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the instrument cluster from the
instrument panel and disconnect the instrument
panel wire harness for the instrument cluster from
the cluster connector receptacle.
(2) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Activate
the hazard warning system by moving the hazard
warning switch button to the On position. Check for
battery voltage at the inoperative (right or left) turn
signal circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the instrument cluster. There
should be a switching (on and off) battery voltage sig-
nal present. If OK, replace the faulty (right or left)
turn signal indicator bulb. If not OK, repair the open
(right or left) turn signal circuit between the instru-
ment cluster and the combination flasher in the
Junction Block (JB) as required.
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A voltage gauge is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The voltage gauge is located in
the upper left corner of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the tachometer. The voltage gauge consists of a
movable gauge needle or pointer controlled by the
instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90 degree
scale on the gauge dial face that reads left-to-right
from 9 volts to 19 volts. An International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging Condi-
tionº is located on the gauge dial face.
The voltage gauge graphics are either white, gray
and orange against a black gauge dial face (base
cluster) or black, gray and red against a taupe gauge
dial face (premium cluster), making them clearly vis-
ible within the instrument cluster in daylight. When
illuminated from behind by the panel lamps dimmer
controlled cluster illumination lighting with the exte-rior lamps turned On, the base cluster white gauge
graphics appear blue-green and the orange graphics
still appear orange, while the premium cluster taupe
gauge dial face appears blue-green with the black
graphics silhouetted against the illuminated back-
ground and the red graphics still appear red. The
gray gauge graphics for both versions of the cluster
are not illuminated. The orange gauge needle in the
base cluster gauge is internally illuminated, while
the black gauge needle in the premium cluster gauge
is not.
Base cluster gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. Premium cluster gauge illumination is pro-
vided by an integral electro-luminescent lamp that is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster. The
voltage gauge is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The voltage gauge gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator of the electrical system voltage. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
voltage gauge is an air core magnetic unit that
receives battery current on the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board through the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On or Start positions. The clus-
ter is programmed to move the gauge needle back to
the low end of the scale after the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position. The instrument cluster
circuitry controls the gauge needle position and pro-
vides the following features:
²System Voltage Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a message from the PCM indicating the
system voltage, the cluster moves the gauge needle to
the relative voltage level position on the gauge scale.
²System Voltage Low Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating
the system voltage is low (system voltage is about
eleven volts or lower), the gauge needle is moved to
the relative voltage position in the red zone of the
gauge scale and the check gauges indicator is illumi-
nated. The gauge needle remains in the red zone and
the check gauges indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing there is no low system voltage condition (system
voltage is above about eleven volts, but lower than
about sixteen volts).
²System Voltage High Message- Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
8J - 34 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR (Continued)
ing the system voltage is high (system voltage is
about sixteen volts or higher), the gauge needle is
moved to the relative voltage position in the red zone
of the gauge scale and the check gauges indicator is
illuminated. The gauge needle remains in the red
zone and the check gauges indicator remains illumi-
nated until the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating there is no high system voltage con-
dition (system voltage is below about sixteen volts,
but higher than about eleven volts).
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a system voltage message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication for about twelve
seconds, until a new message is received, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first. After twelve seconds, the cluster
will return the gauge needle to the low end of the
gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
swept across the entire gauge scale and back to con-
firm the functionality of the gauge and the cluster
control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the system voltage
to control the generator output. The PCM then sends
the proper system voltage messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the voltage
gauge or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If
the instrument cluster turns on the check gauges
indicator due to a system voltage low or high condi-
tion, it may indicate that the charging system
requires service. For proper diagnosis of the charging
system, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the volt-
age gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A wait-to-start indicator is only found in the
instrument clusters of vehicles equipped with an
optional diesel engine. The wait-to-start indicator is
located near the lower edge of the tachometer gauge
dial face, to the right of center. The wait-to-start
indicator consists of an International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªDiesel Preheatº imprinted
on an amber lens. The lens is located behind a cutout
in the opaque layer of the tachometer gauge dial face
overlay. The dark outer layer of the gauge dial face
overlay prevents the icon from being clearly visible
when the indicator is not illuminated. The icon
appears silhouetted against an amber field throughthe translucent outer layer of the gauge dial face
overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by a replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder unit located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The wait-to-start indicator lens
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The wait-to-start indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the diesel engine glow
plugs are energized in their preheat operating mode.
This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The wait-to-start indicator
bulb is completely controlled by the instrument clus-
ter 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 bulb only illu-
minates when it is switched to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the wait-to-start indicator for the following
reasons:
²Wait-To-Start Indicator Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a wait-to-start indica-
tor lamp-on message from the PCM indicating the
glow plugs are heating and the driver must wait to
start the engine, the wait-to-start indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a wait-to-start indicator lamp-off
message, 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 wait-to-start indicator
will be turned on for the duration of the test to con-
firm the functionality of the bulb and the cluster con-
trol circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the ambient tem-
perature and the glow plug pre-heater circuits to
determine how long the glow plugs must be heated in
the pre-heat operating mode. The PCM then sends
the proper wait-to-start indicator lamp-on and lamp-
off messages to the instrument cluster. If the wait-to-
start indicator fails to light during the actuator test,
replace the bulb with a known good unit. For further
diagnosis of the wait-to-start indicator or the instru-
ment cluster circuitry that controls the indicator,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For proper
diagnosis of the glow plug pre-heater control circuits,
the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 35
VOLTAGE GAUGE (Continued)
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
wait-to-start indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A water-in-fuel indicator is only found in the
instrument clusters of vehicles equipped with an
optional diesel engine. The water-in-fuel indicator is
located near the left edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the tachometer. The water-in-fuel indi-
cator consists of an International Control and Dis-
play Symbol icon for ªWater in Fuelº 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 icon
from being clearly visible when the indicator is not
illuminated. The icon appears silhouetted against a
red field through the translucent outer layer of the
overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by a Light Emitting Diode (LED), which is
soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The water-in-fuel indicator lens is serviced as
a unit with the instrument cluster lens, hood and
mask unit.
OPERATION
The water-in-fuel indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when there is excessive water in
the fuel system. This 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 Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus. The water-in-
fuel indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is
completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic
circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator tooperate 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 LED only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the water-in-fuel indicator for the following
reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the water-in-fuel indicator
is illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test.
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a water-in-fuel indica-
tor lamp-on message from the PCM indicating there
is excessive water in the diesel fuel system, the
water-in-fuel indicator will be illuminated. The indi-
cator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
water-in-fuel indicator lamp-off message, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the water-in-fuel indicator
will be turned on for the duration of the test to con-
firm the functionality of the LED and the cluster con-
trol circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the water-in-fuel
sensor to determine whether there is excessive water
in the diesel fuel. The PCM then sends the proper
water-in-fuel indicator lamp-on and lamp-off mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis
of the water-in-fuel indicator or the instrument clus-
ter circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
water-in-fuel sensor, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the water-in-fuel indicator, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
8J - 36 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR (Continued)
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR
SPECIFICATIONS
...................................28
COURTESY LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - BULB.....................29
REMOVAL - LAMP.....................29
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - BULB.................29
INSTALLATION - LAMP.................29
DOME LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - BULB.....................29
REMOVAL - LAMP.....................29
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - BULB.................29
INSTALLATION - LAMP.................29
DOOR AJAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - DOOR AJAR SWITCH.....29
DESCRIPTION - FLIP UP GLASS AJAR
SWITCH............................29DESCRIPTION - LIFTGATE AJAR SWITCH . . 30
OPERATION
OPERATION - DOOR AJAR SWITCH.......30
OPERATION - FLIP UP GLASS AJAR
SWITCH............................30
OPERATION - LIFTGATE AJAR SWITCH....30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DOOR AJAR
SWITCH............................30
GLOVE BOX LAMP/SWITCH
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
READING LAMP
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................32
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32
TRANS RANGE INDICATOR ILLUMINATION
DESCRIPTION.........................32
VANITY LAMP
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR
SPECIFICATIONS
CAUTION: Do not use bulbs other than the bulbs
listed in the Bulb Application Table. Damage to
lamp can result.
Service procedures for most of the lamps in the
instrument panel, are located in Electrical, Instru-
ment Panel. Some components have lamps that can
only be serviced by an Authorized Service Center
(ASC) after the component is removed from the vehi-
cle.
LAMP BULB TYPE
A/C HEATER NOT SERVICED
ASH RECEIVER 161
CLIMATE CONTROL 74
PASSENGER ASSIST
HANDLE214±2
FRONT READING 192
GLOVE COMPARTMENT 194
TELLTALE/HAZARD LAMP 74
HEATER NOT SERVICED
OVERHEAD CONSOLE 192
RADIO ASC
REAR CARGO 214±2
UNDER PANEL COURTESY 906
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION 103
SUNVISOR VANITY CHRYSLER P/N
6501966
8L - 28 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORWJ
²Passenger Airbag- The passenger airbag is
located on the instrument panel, beneath the instru-
ment panel top pad and above the glove box on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The passenger knee
blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral
to and concealed within the glove box door.
²Side Impact Sensor- Two side impact sensors
are used on vehicles with the optional side curtain
airbags, one left side and one right side. One sensor
is located behind the B-pillar trim near the base of
each B-pillar.
²Side Curtain Airbag- In vehicles equipped
with this option, a side curtain airbag is located on
each inside roof side rail above the headliner, and
extends from the A-pillar to just beyond the C-pillar.
The ACM and the EMIC each contain a central
processing unit and programming that allow them to
communicate with each other using the Programma-
ble Communication Interface (PCI) data bus network.
This method of communication is used by the ACM
for control of the airbag indicator on all models
equipped with dual front airbags. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION).
Hard wired circuitry connects the supplemental
restraint system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits 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 supplemental restraint system compo-
nents through the use of a combination of soldered
splices, splice block connectors, and many different
types of wire harness terminal connectors and insu-
lators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information includes wiring diagrams,
proper wire and connector repair procedures, further
details on wire harness routing and retention, as well
as pin-out and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The primary passenger restraints in this or any
other vehicle are the standard equipment factory-in-
stalled seat belts. Seat belts are referred to as an
active restraint because the vehicle occupants are
required to physically fasten and properly adjust
these restraints in order to benefit from them. See
the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of all
of the factory-installed active restraints.PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints system is referred to as a
supplemental restraint system because they were
designed and are intended to enhance the protection
for the vehicle occupants of the vehicleonlywhen
used in conjunction with the seat belts. They are
referred to as passive systems because the vehicle
occupants are not required to do anything to make
them operate; however, the vehicle occupants must
be wearing their seat belts in order to obtain the
maximum safety benefit from the factory-installed
supplemental restraint systems.
The supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a
microprocessor and software contained within the
Airbag Control Module (ACM). An airbag indicator in
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
illuminates for about seven seconds as a bulb test
each time the ignition switch is turned to the On or
Start positions. Following the bulb test, the airbag
indicator is turned on or off by the ACM to indicate
the status of the supplemental restraint system. If
the airbag indicator comes on at any time other than
during the bulb test, it indicates that there is a prob-
lem in the supplemental restraint system electrical
circuits. Such a problem may cause airbags not to
deploy when required, or to deploy when not
required.
Deployment of the supplemental restraints
depends upon the angle and severity of an impact.
Deployment is not based upon vehicle speed; rather,
deployment is based upon the rate of deceleration as
measured by the forces of gravity (G force) upon the
impact sensors. When an impact is severe enough,
the microprocessor in the ACM signals the inflator
unit of the airbag module to deploy the airbag. Dur-
ing a frontal vehicle impact, the knee blockers work
in concert with properly fastened and adjusted seat
belts to restrain both the driver and the front seat
passenger in the proper position for an airbag deploy-
ment. The knee blockers also absorb and distribute
the crash energy from the driver and the front seat
passenger to the structure of the instrument panel.
Typically, the vehicle occupants recall more about
the events preceding and following a collision than
they have of an airbag deployment itself. This is
because the airbag deployment and deflation occur so
rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour (30 mile-
per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment of impact
until the airbags are fully inflated takes about 40
milliseconds. Within one to two seconds from the
moment of impact, the airbags are almost entirely
deflated. The times cited for these events are approx-
imations, which apply only to a barrier impact at the
given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSWJ
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
(4) Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehi-
cle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Next, use the DRBIIItto read and record any
stored (historical) DTC data.
(7) If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6, refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(8) Use the DRBIIItto erase the stored DTC data.
If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not
erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion to diagnose any stored DTC that will not erase.
If the stored DTC information is successfully erased,
go to Step 9.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should light for six to eight seconds, and
then go out. This indicates that the supplemental
restraint system is functioning normally and that the
repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails to
light, or lights and stays on, there is still an active
supplemental restraint system fault or malfunction.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to
diagnose the problem.
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is also some-
times referred to as the Occupant Restraint Control-
ler (ORC) (Fig. 6). The ACM is concealed underneath
the center floor console, where it is secured by four
screws to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded
onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel
just forward of the park brake mechanism in the pas-
senger compartment of the vehicle.
Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die
cast aluminum ACM housing is the electronic cir-
cuitry of the ACM which includes a microprocessor,
an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing sen-
sor, and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped
metal cover plate is secured to the bottom of the
ACM housing with four screws to enclose and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components. A
printed label on the top of the ACM housing provides
a visual verification of the proper orientation of the
unit, and should always be pointed toward the front
of the vehicle.
Two molded plastic electrical connector receptacles
exit the forward side of the ACM housing. These two
receptacles connect the ACM to the vehicle electrical
system through a dedicated take out and connector of
the instrument panel wire harness, and a dedicated
take out and connector of the airbag overlay wire
harness. For vehicles equipped with the optional side
curtain airbags, both ACM connector receptacles are
black in color and the ACM contains a second bi-di-
rectional safing sensor for the side airbags. For vehi-
cles not equipped with the optional side curtain
airbags, the ACM connector receptacles are both
gray.
The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to
the ACM are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and
are only serviced as a unit with the ACM. The ACM
cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or
faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) contains the supplemental restraint system
logic circuits and controls all of the supplemental
restraint system components. The ACM uses
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate
with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well
as with the DRBIIItscan tool using the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus net-
work. This method of communication is used for
control of the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechani-
cal Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and for supplemental
restraint system diagnosis and testing through the
16-way data link connector located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
Fig. 6 Airbag Control Module
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - ORIENTATION ARROW
3 - LABEL
4 - MOUNTING HOLES (4)
5 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 9
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with a three-point center
seat belt have the center seat belt lower anchor
secured to the right buckle anchor plate with a
screw instead of the center lap belt. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR CENTER SEAT
BELT & RETRACTOR - INSTALLATION).
(3) Fold the rear seat cushion back into the seat-
ing position.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch for this model is actually a
Hall Effect-type sensor. This sensor consists of a
fixed-position, Hall Effect Integrated Circuit (IC) chip
and a small permanent magnet that are integral to
each front seat belt buckle. The front seat belt buck-
les are each located on a stamped steel stanchion
within a molded plastic scabbard and secured with a
screw to the floor panel transmission tunnel on the
inboard side of each front seat cushion (Fig. 40). Theseat belt switches are connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system through a two-lead pigtail wire and
connector on the seat belt buckle-half, which is con-
nected to a wire harness connector and take out of
the body wire harness on vehicles with manual seat
adjusters, or to a connector and take out of the power
seat wire harness on vehicles with power seat adjust-
ers. A radio noise suppression capacitor is connected
in parallel with the IC where the two pigtail wire
leads connect to the IC pins.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire seat belt buckle-
half unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The seat belt switches are designed to provide a
status signal to the seat belt switch sense inputs of
the Airbag Control Module (ACM) indicating whether
the front seat belts are fastened. The ACM uses the
seat belt switch inputs as a factor in determining
what level of force with which it should deploy the
multistage driver and passenger airbags. In addition,
the ACM sends electronic messages to the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) to control the
seat belt indicator based upon the status of the
driver side front seat belt switch. A spring-loaded
slide with a small window-like opening is integral to
the buckle latch mechanism. When a seat belt tip-
half is inserted and latched into the seat belt buckle,
the slide is pushed downward and the window of the
slide exposes the Hall Effect Integrated Circuit (IC)
chip within the buckle to the field of the permanent
magnet, which induces a current within the chip.
The chip provides this induced current as an output
to the ACM, which monitors the current to determine
the status of the front seat belts. When the seat belt
is unbuckled, the spring-loaded slide moves upward
and shields the IC from the field of the permanent
magnet, causing the output current from the seat
belt switch to be reduced.
The seat belt switch receives a supply current from
the ACM, and the ACM senses the status of the front
seat belts through its pigtail wire connection to the
airbag overlay wire harness. The ACM monitors the
condition of the seat belt switch circuits and will illu-
minate the airbag indicator in the EMIC then store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is
detected in either seat belt switch circuit. For proper
diagnosis of the seat belt switches, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
Fig. 40 Front Seat Belt Buckle
1 - SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - SEAT BELT SWITCH PIGTAIL WIRE
3 - SCREW
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)