IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 4.0L 6-CYLINDER
ENGINE..............................2
ENGINE FIRING ORDERÐ4.7L V-8 ENGINE . . 2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.0L ENGINE . 2
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ4.7L V-8
ENGINE..............................2
IGNITION TIMING......................2
SPARK PLUGS........................3
TORQUE - IGNITION SYSTEM............3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION - PCM OUTPUT.............3
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT.............3
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT....4
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 4.0L....................4
DESCRIPTION - 4.7L....................5
OPERATION
OPERATION - 4.0L.....................5
OPERATION - 4.7L.....................5
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4.0L.......................6
REMOVAL - 4.7L.......................7INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4.0L...................8
INSTALLATION - 4.7L...................9
COIL RAIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION...........................10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................15
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION.........................15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS.........................15
REMOVAL.............................18
CLEANING............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
Two different ignition systems are used. One type
of system is for the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine. The other
is for the 4.7L V-8 engine.
OPERATION
The 4.0L 6±cylinder engine uses a one-piece coil
rail containing three independent coils. Although cyl-
inder firing order is the same as 4.0L engines of pre-
vious years, spark plug firing is not. The 3 coils dual-
fire the spark plugs on cylinders 1±6, 2±5 and/or 3±4.
When one cylinder is being fired (on compressionstroke), the spark to the opposite cylinder is being
wasted (on exhaust stroke). The one-piece coil bolts
directly to the cylinder head. Rubber boots seal the
secondary terminal ends of the coils to the top of all
6 spark plugs. One electrical connector (located at
the rear end of the coil rail) is used for all three coils.
The 4.7L V-8 engine uses 8 dedicated and individ-
ually fired coil for each spark plug. Each coil is
mounted directly to the top of each spark plug. A sep-
arate electrical connector is used for each coil.
Because of coil design, spark plug cables (second-
ary cables) are not used on either engine. Adistrib-
utor is not usedwith either the 4.0L or 4.7L
engines.
WJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1
The ignition system is controlled by the powertrain
control module (PCM) on all engines.
The ignition system consists of:
²Spark Plugs
²Ignition Coil(s)
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect
on the control of the ignition system.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE FIRING ORDER - 4.0L 6-CYLINDER
ENGINEENGINE FIRING ORDERÐ4.7L V-8 ENGINE
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - 4.0L ENGINE
PRIMARY RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)
0.71 - 0.88 Ohms
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCEÐ4.7L V-8
ENGINE
PRIMARY RESISTANCE
21-27ÉC (70-80ÉF)SECONDARY
RESISTANCE 21-27ÉC
(70-80ÉF)
0.6 - 0.9 Ohms 6,000 - 9,000 Ohms
IGNITION TIMING
All ignition timing functions are controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Mechanical
adjustments are not needed and can't be made.
On the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine, do not attempt to
rotate the oil pump drive to adjust timing. This
adjustment is used for fuel synchronization after
camshaft position sensor replacement.
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
IGNITION CONTROL (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)
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
31). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 inch per 2000 miles of opera-
tion. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat
range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition
timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions
can also cause spark plug overheating.
CAUTION: If the engine is equipped with copper
core ground electrode, or platinum tipped spark
plugs, they must be replaced with the same type/
number spark plug as the original. If another spark
plug is substituted, pre-ignition will result.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If equipped with a 4.7L H.O. (High-Out-
put) engine, never substitute the original platinum
tipped spark plug with a different part number. Seri-
ous engine damage may result.
On the 4.0L 6±cylinder engine, the spark plugs are
located below the coil rail assembly. On the 4.7L V±8
engine, each individual spark plug is located under
each ignition coil.
(1) 4.0L 6±Cylinder Engine: Prior to removing
spark plug, spray compressed air around spark plug
hole and area around spark plug. This will help pre-
vent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(2) 4.7L V±8 Engine: Prior to removing spark plug,
spray compressed air around base of ignition coil at
cylinder head. This will help prevent foreign material
from entering combustion chamber.
(3) On the 4.0L engine the coil rail assembly must
be removed to gain access to any/all spark plug.
Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation. On the4.7L V-8 engine each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. If
equipped with a 4.7L V-8 engine, also check condition
of coil o-ring and replace as necessary.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
CLEANING
Except 4.7L H.O. Engine:The plugs may be
cleaned using commercially available spark plug
cleaning equipment. After cleaning, file center elec-
trode flat with a small point file or jewelers file
before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean spark plugs. Metallic deposits will remain
on spark plug insulator and will cause plug misfire.
4.7L H.O. Engine:Never clean spark plugs on the
4.7L H.O. engine. Damage to the platinum rivet on
the center electrode will result.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The standard 4.7L V-8 engine is
equipped with copper core ground electrode spark
plugs. They must be replaced with the same type/
number spark plug as the original. If another spark
plug is substituted, pre-ignition will result.
CAUTION: If equipped with a 4.7L H.O. (High-Out-
put) engine, never substitute the original platinum
tipped spark plug with a different type/part number.
Serious engine damage may result.
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into cylinder head spark plug wells. Be sure
plugs do not drop into plug wells as ground straps
may be bent resulting in a change in plug gap, or
electrodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to specified torque. Over
tightening can cause distortion resulting in a change
in spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain insulator.
(1) Start spark plug into cylinder head by hand to
avoid cross threading.
(2) 4.0L 6±Cylinder Engine: Tighten spark plugs to
35-41 N´m (26-30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) 4.7L V±8 Engine: Tighten spark plugs to 27
N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4)
4.7L V±8 Engine: Before installing coil(s), check
condition of coil o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid
in coil installation, apply silicone to coil o-ring.
(5) Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
Fig. 31 SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
8I - 18 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
SPARK PLUG (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)
(3) While still holding the odometer/trip odometer
switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to
the On position, but do not start the engine.
(4) Release the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
(5) The instrument cluster will automatically
begin the actuator test sequence, as follows:
(a) The cluster will turn on, then off again each
of the PCI data bus message controlled indicators
(except Airbag) to confirm the functionality of the
indicator and the cluster control circuitry:
(b) The cluster will sweep the needles for each of
the gauges from minimum to maximum and back
to minimum to confirm the functionality of the
gauge and the cluster control circuitry:
(c) Only on models with a premium version of
the cluster, the cluster will illuminate the electro-
luminescent lamp and turn it off again to confirm
the functionality of the lamp and the cluster con-
trol circuitry.
(d) The cluster will sequentially step the odome-
ter/trip odometer VFD display from all zeros
(000000) through all nines (999999) to confirm the
functionality of all VFD segments and their control
circuitry, then display the software version number,
followed by ªDONEº.
(6) The actuator test is now completed. The instru-
ment cluster will automatically exit the self-diagnos-
tic mode and return to normal operation at the
completion of the test, if the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position during the test, or if a vehicle
speed message indicating that the vehicle is moving
is received from the PCM over the PCI data bus dur-
ing the test.
(7) Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if
required.
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSIS
On models equipped with a base version of the
instrument cluster, the EMIC has several incandes-
cent illumination lamps that are illuminated when-
ever the exterior lighting is turned On. If the
problem being diagnosed is a single inoperative illu-
mination lamp, be certain that the bulb and bulb
holder unit are properly installed in the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. If no installation
problems are found replace the faulty bulb and bulb
holder unit. If all of the cluster illumination lamps
are inoperative, the most reliable, efficient, and accu-
rate means to diagnose the cluster illumination func-tion of the instrument cluster requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
REMOVAL
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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the upper
mounting tabs of the instrument cluster to the
underside of the instrument cluster hood formation of
the instrument panel top pad.
(4) Remove the two screws that secure the lower
mounting tabs of the instrument cluster to the
instrument panel structural duct.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 9
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the instrument cluster to the connector
receptacle on the back of the instrument cluster
housing (Fig. 7).
(3) Position the lower mounting tabs of the instru-
ment cluster to the mounting holes on the instru-
ment panel structural duct, then tilt the top of the
instrument cluster forward until the upper mounting
tabs are positioned to the mounting holes on the
underside of the instrument cluster hood formation of
the instrument panel top pad.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the upper mounting tabs of the instrument cluster to
the underside of the instrument cluster hood forma-
tion of the instrument panel top pad. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the lower mounting tabs of the instrument cluster to
the instrument panel structural duct. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters. The ABS
indicator is located on the lower left edge of the
instrument cluster, to the left of the tachometer. TheABS indicator consists of a International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªFailure of Anti-lock Braking
Systemº imprinted on an amber lens. The lens is
located behind a cutout in the opaque layer of the
instrument cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of
the overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly
visible when it is not illuminated. The icon appears
silhouetted against an amber field through the trans-
lucent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator
is illuminated from behind by a replaceable incandes-
cent bulb and bulb holder unit located on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The ABS
indicator lens is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the ABS system is faulty or inop-
erative. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Controller Anti-lock Brake
(CAB) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The ABS indicator bulb is
completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic
circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to
operate when the instrument cluster receives a bat-
tery current input on the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indicator will
always be off when the ignition switch is in any posi-
tion except On or Start. The bulb only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the ABS indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the CAB sends an elec-
tronic ABS lamp-on message to the cluster which will
illuminate the ABS indicator for about four seconds
as a bulb test. The entire four second bulb test is a
function of the CAB.
²ABS Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives an ABS indicator lamp-on mes-
sage from the CAB, the ABS indicator will be illumi-
nated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives an ABS indicator lamp-off message
from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no ABS indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages from
the CAB for six consecutive seconds, the ABS indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a valid lamp-on or lamp-off
message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the instrument clus-
ter is put through the actuator test, the ABS indica-
Fig. 7 Instrument Cluster Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 13
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
tor will be turned on for the duration of the test to
confirm the functionality of the bulb and the cluster
control circuitry.
²ABS Diagnostic Test- The ABS indicator is
blinked on and off based upon lamp-on and lamp-off
messages from the CAB during the performance of
the ABS diagnostic tests.
The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits
and sensors to decide whether the system is in good
operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper
ABS indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the ABS indicator fails to light
during the bulb test, replace the bulb with a known
good unit. If the CAB sends an ABS indicator
lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that
the CAB has detected a system malfunction and/or
that the ABS system has become inoperative. The
CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for
any malfunction it detects. Each time the ABS indi-
cator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in
the cluster ABS indicator circuit or bulb, the cluster
sends a message notifying the CAB of the condition,
then the instrument cluster and the CAB will each
store a DTC. For proper diagnosis of the anti-lock
brake system, the CAB, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the ABS indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, the instrument cluster
is programmed to automatically enable this indicator
only on vehicles equipped with the airbag system,
which is not available in some markets. The airbag
indicator is located on the upper edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the speedometer and the
tachometer. The airbag indicator consists of the
words ªAIR BAGº imprinted on a red lens. The lens
is located behind a cutout in the opaque layer of the
instrument cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of
the overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly
visible when it is not illuminated. The ªAIR BAGº
text appears silhouetted against a red field through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED), which is soldered onto the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The airbag
indicator lens is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The airbag indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or
inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The airbag indicator
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled
by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic
will only allow this indicator to operate when the
instrument cluster receives a battery current input
on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. Therefore, the indicator will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On or
Start. The LED only illuminates when it is switched
to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the airbag indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ACM sends an elec-
tronic airbag indicator lamp-on message to the clus-
ter which will illuminate the airbag indicator for
about six seconds as a bulb test. The entire six sec-
ond bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²Airbag Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives an airbag indicator lamp-on
message from the ACM, the airbag indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated for
about twelve seconds or until the cluster receives an
airbag indicator lamp-off message from the ACM,
whichever is longer.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no airbag indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages for
six consecutive seconds, the airbag indicator is illu-
minated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a single valid airbag indicator lamp-
off message from the ACM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the airbag indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the airbag indicator is also a
function of the ACM.
The ACM continually monitors the airbag system
circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is
in good operating condition. The ACM then sends the
proper airbag indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages
to the instrument cluster. If the ACM sends an air-
bag indicator lamp-on message after the bulb test, it
indicates that the ACM has detected a system mal-
function. Such a malfunction could mean that the
airbags may not deploy when required, or may
deploy when not required. The ACM will store a
8J - 14 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
ABS INDICATOR (Continued)