2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE electronic control module

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)

certain conditions or inputs to provide the vehicle
operator with an audible alert to supplement a visual
indication.
The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through fused B(+) fuses in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) and the Junction Block (JB)
on a non-switched fused B(+) circuit, and on battery
current received through a fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) fuse in the JB on a fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit. This arrangement
allows the EMIC to provide some features regardless
of the ignition switch position, while other features
will operate only with the ignition switch in the On
or Start positions. The EMIC circuitry is grounded
through two separate ground circuits of the instru-
ment panel wire harness. These ground circuits
receive ground through take outs of the instrument
panel wire harness with eyelet terminal connectors
that are secured by a nut to a ground stud located on
the floor panel transmission tunnel beneath the cen-
ter floor console, just forward of the Airbag Control
Module (ACM).
The EMIC also has a self-diagnostic actuator test
capability, which will test each of the PCI bus mes-
sage-controlled functions of the cluster by lighting
the appropriate indicators (except the airbag indica-
tor), sweeping the gauge needles across the gauge
faces from their minimum to their maximum read-
ings, and stepping the odometer display sequentially
from all zeros through all nines. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). The self-diagnostic actuator test
can be initialized manually or using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of the EMIC.
GAUGES
All gauges receive battery current through the
EMIC circuitry when the ignition switch is in the On
or Start positions. With the ignition switch in the Off
position battery current is not supplied to any
gauges, and the EMIC circuitry is programmed to
move all of the gauge needles back to the low end of
their respective scales. Therefore, the gauges do not
accurately indicate any vehicle condition unless the
ignition switch is in the On or Start positions. All of
the EMIC gauges, except the odometer, are air core
magnetic units. Two fixed electromagnetic coils are
located within each gauge. These coils are wrapped
at right angles to each other around a movable per-
manent magnet. The movable magnet is suspended
within the coils on one end of a pivot shaft, while the
gauge needle is attached to the other end of the
shaft. One of the coils has a fixed current flowingthrough it to maintain a constant magnetic field
strength. Current flow through the second coil
changes, which causes changes in its magnetic field
strength. The current flowing through the second coil
is changed by the EMIC circuitry in response to mes-
sages received over the PCI data bus. The gauge nee-
dle moves as the movable permanent magnet aligns
itself to the changing magnetic fields created around
it by the electromagnets.
The gauges are diagnosed using the EMIC self-di-
agnostic actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). Proper testing of the PCI data bus, and
the data bus message inputs to the EMIC that con-
trol each gauge requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
Specific operation details for each gauge may be
found elsewhere in this service information.
VACUUM-FLUORESCENT DISPLAY
The Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) module is
soldered to the EMIC circuit board. The display is
active with the ignition switch in the On or Start
positions, and inactive when the ignition switch is in
any other position. The illumination intensity of the
VFD is controlled by the EMIC circuitry based upon
electronic dimming level messages received from the
BCM over the PCI data bus, and is synchronized
with the illumination intensity of other VFDs in the
vehicle. The BCM provides dimming level messages
based upon internal programming and inputs it
receives from the control knob and control ring on
the control stalk of the left (lighting) multi-function
switch on the steering column.
The VFD has several display capabilities including
odometer and trip odometer information. An odome-
ter/trip odometer switch on the EMIC circuit board is
used to control the display modes. This switch is
actuated manually by depressing the odometer/trip
odometer switch button that extends through the
lower edge of the cluster lens, just right of the speed-
ometer. Actuating this switch momentarily with the
ignition switch in the On position will toggle the
VFD between the odometer and trip odometer modes.
The EMIC microprocessor remembers which display
mode is active when the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, and returns the display to that
mode when the ignition switch is turned On again.
Depressing the switch button for about two seconds
while the VFD is in the trip odometer mode will
reset the trip odometer value to zero. Holding this
switch depressed while turning the ignition switch
from the Off position to the On position will initiate
the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information for additional
details on this VFD function.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5
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)

the JB and the Power Distribution Center (PDC) as
required.
(3) Check the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) fuse (Fuse 22 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or
component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run-start) fuse (Fuse 22 - 10 ampere) in the
JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit
between the JB and the ignition switch as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument cluster. Reconnect the bat-
tery negative cable. Check for battery voltage at the
fused B(+) circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the instrument cluster. If OK,
go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+)
circuit between the instrument cluster and the JB as
required.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run-start) circuit cavity of the instrument
panel wire harness connector for the instrument clus-
ter. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit
between the instrument cluster and the JB as
required.
(7) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between each of the ground cir-
cuit cavities of the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the instrument cluster and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, refer to
the ACTUATOR TEST . If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit(s) between the instrument cluster and
ground (G200) as required.
ACTUATOR TEST
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.
The instrument cluster actuator test will put the
instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In
this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-
diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument
cluster circuitry, the gauges, the PCI data bus mes-
sage controlled indicators, and the electro-lumines-
cent illumination lamp (if equipped) are capable of
operating as designed. During the actuator test the
instrument cluster circuitry will sweep each of the
gauge needles across the gauge faces, illuminate each
of the segments in the Vacuum-Fluorescent Display
(VFD), turn all of the PCI data bus message-con-
trolled indicators on and off again, and turn the elec-
tro-luminescent illumination lamp (if equipped) on
and off again.
Successful completion of the actuator test will con-
firm that the instrument cluster is operational. How-
ever, there may still be a problem with the PCI data
bus, the Powertrain Control Module, the Airbag Con-
trol Module (ACM), the Body Control Module (BCM),
the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), the Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM), or the inputs to one of
these electronic control modules. Use a DRBIIItscan
tool to diagnose these components. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
If an individual indicator lamp or the electro-lumi-
nescent illumination lamp do not illuminate during
the actuator test, the instrument cluster should be
removed. However, check that the incandescent lamp
bulb is not faulty, that the bulb holder is properly
installed on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board, or that the electro-luminescent lamp pigtail
wire connector is properly connected to the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board before consider-
ing instrument cluster replacement. If the bulb and
bulb holder, or the electro-luminescent lamp connec-
tion check OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster
unit.
(1) Begin the test with the ignition switch in the
Off position.
(2) Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
8J - 8 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
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)

lens is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster
lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The check gauges indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when certain instrument cluster
gauge readings reflect a condition requiring immedi-
ate attention. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor 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 Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The check gauges
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 cur-
rent input on the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) circuit. 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
provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
check gauges indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the check gauges indicator
is illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test.
²Engine Temperature High/Critical Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature is
high or critical [above about 127É C (261É F) for gas-
oline engines except Gulf Coast Country (GCC), 129É
C (264É F) for GCC gasoline engines, and 118É C
(244É F) for diesel engines], the check gauges indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a message indicating the
engine coolant temperature is not high or critical
[about 125É C (255É F) or below for all gasoline
engines, or 115É C (239É F) for all diesel engines].
²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine oil pressure is about 0.28
kg/cm or lower (about 4 psi or lower), the check
gauges indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a mes-
sage from the PCM indicating that the engine oil
pressure is about 0.56 kg/cm or higher (about 8 psi
or higher). The cluster will only turn the indicator on
in response to an engine oil pressure low message if
the ignition switch is in the On position and the
engine speed is 300 rpm or greater.
²System Voltage Low Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating
a low system voltage condition (system voltage is
about eleven volts or lower), the check gauges indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminateduntil the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating 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-
ing a high system voltage condition (system voltage
is about sixteen volts or higher), the check gauges
indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating there is no high system voltage
condition (system voltage is below about sixteen
volts, but higher than about eleven volts).
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the check gauges 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 engine temper-
ature, oil pressure, and electrical system voltage,
then sends the proper messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the check gauges
indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the PCM, the PCI
data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the check gauges
indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A coolant low indicator is only found in the instru-
ment clusters of vehicles equipped with an optional
diesel engine. The coolant low indicator should not be
confused with the coolant level low indication pro-
vided by the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) of vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine,
although they do perform the same function. The
coolant low indicator is located in the lower left cor-
ner of the instrument cluster, to the left of the
tachometer. The coolant low indicator consists of an
International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªLow Coolantº 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. When the
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR (Continued)

exterior lighting is turned On, the illumination inten-
sity of the coolant low indicator is dimmable, which
is adjusted using the panel lamps dimmer control
ring on the control stalk of the left multi-function
switch. The coolant low indicator lens is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster lens, hood and mask
unit.
OPERATION
The coolant low indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the diesel engine coolant level
is low. 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 Body Control Module (BCM)
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The coolant low 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 coolant low indicator for the following
reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the coolant low indicator is
illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test.
²Coolant Low Indicator Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a coolant low indicator
lamp-on message from the BCM indicating the
engine coolant is below the minimum level in the
coolant reservoir, the coolant low indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a coolant low indicator lamp-off
message from the BCM indicating that the engine
coolant level is above the minimum level.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the coolant low 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 BCM continually monitors the input from the
coolant level switch, then sends the proper coolant
low indicator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the coolant low indicator fails
to light during the bulb test, replace the bulb with a
known good unit. For further diagnosis of the coolant
low indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). For proper diagnosis of the coolant level
switch, the BCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronicmessage inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the coolant low indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A cruise indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters, but is only functional on vehi-
cles equipped with the optional speed control system.
The cruise indicator is located on the right edge of
the instrument cluster, to the right of the speedome-
ter. The cruise indicator consists of the word
ªCRUISEº imprinted on a blue/green 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 ªCRUISEº text
appears silhouetted against a blue/green field
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when the indicator is illuminated from behind by a
replaceable bulb and bulb holder unit located on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. When the
exterior lighting is turned On, the illumination inten-
sity of the cruise indicator is dimmable, which is
adjusted using the panel lamps dimmer control ring
on the control stalk of the left multi-function switch.
The cruise indicator lens is serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The cruise indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the speed control system is turned
On, regardless of whether the speed control is
engaged. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster electronic 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 cruise
indicator bulb is completely controlled by the instru-
ment 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 indicator will always be off when the ignition
switch is in any position except On or Start. The bulb
only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground
by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the cruise indicator for the fol-
lowing reasons:
²Cruise Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a cruise indicator lamp-on
message from the PCM indicating the speed control
8J - 18 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR (Continued)