(3) Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening
and push onto spark plug. Do this while guiding coil
base over mounting stud.
(4) Install coil mounting stud nut. Refer to torque
specifications.(5) Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping
into position.
(6) If necessary, install throttle body air tube or
box.
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold. The sensors are
used only with the 3.7L engine.
OPERATION
Two knock sensors are used on the 3.7L V-6
engine; one for each cylinder bank. When the knock
sensor detects a knock in one of the cylinders on the
corresponding bank, it sends an input signal to the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). In response, the
PCM retards ignition timing for all cylinders by a
scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives the knock sensor voltage signal as an input.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except at
Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The PCM, using short
term memory, can respond quickly to retard timing
when engine knock is detected. Short term memory
is lost any time the ignition key is turned off.
Fig. 18 IGNITION COIL LOCATION - 3.7L
1 - IGNITION COIL
2 - COIL MOUNTING NUT
Fig. 19 IGNITION COIL - 3.7L
1 - O-RING
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 11
IGNITION COIL (Continued)
gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
the Lubrication and Maintenance section.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Also refer to Spark Plug Conditions.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPARK PLUG
CONDITIONS
NORMAL OPERATING
The few deposits present on the spark plug will
probably be light tan or slightly gray in color. This is
evident with most grades of commercial gasoline
(Fig. 21). There will not be evidence of electrode
burning. Gap growth will not average more than
approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 3200 km (2000
miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed, have the gap set and then be installed.
Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
causes the entire tip of the spark plug to be coated
with a rust colored deposit. This rust color can be
misdiagnosed as being caused by coolant in the com-bustion chamber. Spark plug performance may be
affected by MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING
Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basi-
cally carbon (Fig. 21). A dry, black deposit on one or
two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves
or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling
of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused by a
clogged air cleaner element or repeated short operat-
ing times (short trips).
WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING
A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil
is wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings,
leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear
can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled
engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (nor-
mal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usu-
ally be resolved by cleaning and reinstalling the
fouled plugs.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash
encrusted (Fig. 22), evaluate engine condition for the
cause of oil entry into that particular combustion
chamber.
ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose
deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits
accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous
stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly
Fig. 21 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
1 - NORMAL
2 - DRY BLACK DEPOSITS
3 - COLD (CARBON) FOULING
Fig. 22 Oil or Ash Encrusted
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 13
SPARK PLUG (Continued)
REMOVAL
2.4L
If spark plug for #2 or #3 cylinder is being
removed, throttle body must be removed. Refer to
Throttle Body Removal.
(1) Remove air cleaner tube and housing.
(2) Twist secondary cable at cylinder head to break
loose at spark plug. Remove cable from plug.
(3) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(4) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert.
(5) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
3.7L
Each individual spark plug is located under each
ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be
removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to
Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
(1) Prior to removing ignition coil, spray com-
pressed air around coil base at cylinder head.
(2) Prior to removing spark plug, spray com-
pressed air into cylinder head opening. This will help
prevent foreign material from entering combustion
chamber.
(3) Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a
quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. Also
check condition of ignition coil o-ring and replace as
necessary.
(4) Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark
Plug Conditions.
CLEANING SPARK PLUGS
The plugs may be cleaned using commercially
available spark plug cleaning equipment. After clean-
ing, file the center electrode flat with a small point
file or jewelers file before adjusting gap.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
INSTALLATION
2.4L
CAUTION: Spark plug tightening on the 2.4L is
torque critical. The plugs are equipped with tapered
seats. Do not exceed 15 ft. lbs. torque.
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Install throttle body. Refer to Throttle Body
Installation.
(4) Install air cleaner tube and housing.
3.7L
Special care should be taken when installing spark
plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be
Fig. 26 Preignition Damage
1 - GROUND ELECTRODE STARTING TO DISSOLVE
2 - CENTER ELECTRODE DISSOLVED
Fig. 27 Spark Plug Overheating
1 - BLISTERED WHITE OR GRAY COLORED INSULATOR
KJIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 15
SPARK PLUG (Continued)
sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as elec-
trodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a
change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain
insulator.
(1) Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by
hand to avoid cross threading.
(2) Tighten spark plugs. Refer to torque specifica-
tions.
(3) Before installing coil(s), check condition of coil
o-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in coil instal-
lation, apply silicone to coil o-ring.
(4) Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
IGNITION COIL CAPACITOR
DESCRIPTION
One coil capacitor is used. It is located in the
engine compartment and attached (clipped) to a wir-
ing trough near the brake power booster.
OPERATION
The coil capacitor(s) help dampen the amount of
conducted electrical noise to the camshaft position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and throttle posi-
tion sensor. This noise is generated on the 12V sup-
ply wire to the ignition coils and fuel injectors.
REMOVAL
The coil capacitor is located in the engine compart-
ment and is attached (clipped) to a wiring harness
trough near the brake power booster (graphic not
available).
(1) Unclip capacitor from wiring harness trough.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector at capacitor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect electrical connector to coil capacitor.
(2) Position capacitor into v-clip on wiring harness
trough.
8I - 16 IGNITION CONTROLKJ
SPARK PLUG (Continued)
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER............................7
REMOVAL.............................9
DISASSEMBLY..........................9
ASSEMBLY............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
INDICATOR..........................14
CHARGING INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................15
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................16
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................17
DOOR AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
FRONT FOG LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................20
GATE AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
GLASS AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22OPERATION...........................22
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
REAR FOG LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................28
SECURITY INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
SHIFT INDICATOR (TRANSFER CASE)
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - PART TIME INDICATOR....29
DESCRIPTION - FULL TIME INDICATOR....29
DESCRIPTION - FOUR LOW MODE
INDICATOR..........................29
OPERATION
OPERATION - PART TIME INDICATOR.....29
OPERATION - FULL TIME INDICATOR.....30
OPERATION - FOUR LOW MODE
INDICATOR..........................30
SKIS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................32
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
TRANS TEMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................34
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 1
perform its many functions. The EMIC module incor-
porates a blue-green digital Vacuum Fluorescent Dis-
play (VFD) for displaying odometer and trip
odometer information, as well as several warning
messages and certain diagnostic information. In addi-
tion to instrumentation and indicators, the EMIC has
the hardware and software needed to provide the fol-
lowing features:
²Chime Warning Service- A chime tone gener-
ator on the EMIC electronic circuit board provides
audible alerts to the vehicle operator and eliminates
the need for a separate chime module. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/CHIME WARNING SYSTEM -
DESCRIPTION).
²Panel Lamps Dimming Service- The EMIC
provides a hard wired 12-volt Pulse-Width Modulated
(PWM) output that synchronizes the dimming level
of the radio display, gear selector indicator, heater-air
conditioner control, and all other dimmable lighting
on the panel lamps dimmer circuit with that of the
cluster illumination lamps and VFD.
The EMIC houses four analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to twenty-four indicators (Fig. 2). The
EMIC includes the following analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
Some of the EMIC indicators are automatically
configured when the EMIC is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system for compatibility with certain
optional equipment or equipment required for regula-
tory purposes in certain markets. While each EMIC
may have provisions for indicators to support every
available option, the configurable indicators will not
be functional in a vehicle that does not have the
equipment that an indicator supports. The EMIC
includes provisions for the following indicators (Fig.
2):
²Airbag Indicator (with Airbag System only)
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
(with ABS only)
²Brake Indicator
²Charging Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Cruise Indicator (with Speed Control Sys-
tem only)
²Four-Wheel Drive Full Time Indicator (with
Selec-Trac Transfer Case only)
²Four-Wheel Drive Low Mode Indicator
²Four-Wheel Drive Part Time Indicator
²Front Fog Lamp Indicator (with Front Fog
Lamps only)
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator²Low Oil Pressure Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Overdrive-Off Indicator (with Automatic
Transmission only)
²Rear Fog Lamp Indicator (with Rear Fog
Lamps only)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Security Indicator (with Vehicle Theft
Security System only)
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS)
Indicator (with SKIS only)
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator (with
Automatic Transmission only)
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
Each indicator in the EMIC is illuminated by a
dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is sol-
dered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board. The
LEDs are not available for service replacement and,
if damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC must be
replaced. Cluster illumination is accomplished by
dimmable incandescent back lighting, which illumi-
nates the gauges for visibility when the exterior
lighting is turned on. Each of the incandescent bulbs
is secured by an integral bulb holder to the electronic
circuit board from the back of the cluster housing.
The incandescent bulb/bulb holder units are available
for service replacement.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator,
the VFD, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
board hardware, the cluster overlay, or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
ule must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and
mask unit and the individual incandescent lamp
bulbs with holders are available for service replace-
ment.
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
is designed to allow the vehicle operator to monitor
the conditions of many of the vehicle components and
operating systems. The gauges and indicators in the
EMIC provide valuable information about the various
standard and optional powertrains, fuel and emis-
sions systems, cooling systems, lighting systems,
safety systems and many other convenience items.
The EMIC is installed in the instrument panel so
that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by the
vehicle operator when driving, while still allowing
relative ease of access for service. The microproces-sor-based EMIC hardware and software uses various
inputs to control the gauges and indicators visible on
the face of the cluster. Some of these inputs are hard
wired, but most are in the form of electronic mes-
sages that are transmitted by other electronic mod-
ules over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus network. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
Fig. 2 EMIC Gauges & Indicators
1 - SKIS INDICATOR 16 - REAR FOG LAMP INDICATOR
2 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 17 - ABS INDICATOR
3 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR 18 - CHARGING INDICATOR
4 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR 19 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
5 - OVERDRIVE-OFF INDICATOR 20 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
6 - COOLANT LOW INDICATOR 21 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
7 - SEATBELT INDICATOR 22 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY
8 - TACHOMETER 23 - CRUISE INDICATOR
9 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 24 - LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
10 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 25 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
11 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 26 - PART TIME 4WD INDICATOR
12 - SPEEDOMETER 27 - BRAKE INDICATOR
13 - FRONT FOG LAMP INDICATOR 28 - FULL TIME 4WD INDICATOR
14 - 4WD LOW MODE INDICATOR 29 - SECURITY INDICATOR
15 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) 30 - FUEL GAUGE
8J - 4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist such as high coolant tem-
perature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer
to an extreme position and the microprocessor can
sound a chime through the on-board chime tone gen-
erator to provide distinct visual and audible indica-
tions of a problem to the vehicle operator. The
instrument cluster circuitry may also perform chime
service for other electronic modules in the vehicle
based upon electronic chime tone request messages
received over the PCI data bus to provide the vehicle
operator with an audible alert to supplement a visual
indication. One such alert is a door ajar warning
chime, which the EMIC provides by monitoring PCI
bus messages from the Body Control Module (BCM).
The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through a fused B(+) fuse in the Junction
Block (JB) on a non-switched fused B(+) circuit, and
on battery current received through a fused ignition
switch output (run-start) fuse in the JB on a fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. This
arrangement allows the EMIC to provide some fea-
tures regardless of the ignition switch position, while
other features will operate only with the ignition
switch in the On or Start positions. The EMIC
receives a ground input from the BCM as a wake-up
signal in order to provide the ignition-off features.
The EMIC circuitry is grounded through a ground
circuit and take out of the instrument panel wire
harness with an eyelet terminal connector that is
secured by a nut to a ground stud located on the left
instrument panel end bracket.
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 to several calibra-
tion points across the gauge faces, and stepping the
odometer display sequentially from all ones through
all nines. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). 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 sup-
plied to any gauges, and the EMIC circuitry is pro-
grammed 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 condi-
tion unless the ignition switch is in the On or Start
positions. All of the EMIC gauges, except the odome-
ter, are air core magnetic units. Two fixed electro-magnetic coils are located within each gauge. These
coils are wrapped at right angles to each other
around a movable permanent 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 flowing through 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 messages received over the PCI data bus.
The gauge needle 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 electronic data bus message inputs to the EMIC
that control each gauge require the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Specific operation details for each gauge may
be found elsewhere in this service information.
VACUUM-FLUORESCENT DISPLAY The Vacu-
um-Fluorescent Display (VFD) module is soldered to
the EMIC circuit board. The display is active when
the driver door is opened with the ignition switch in
the Off or Accessory positions (Rental Car mode), and
with the ignition switch in the On or Start positions.
The VFD is inactive when the ignition switch is in
the Off or Accessory positions and the driver door is
closed. The illumination intensity of the VFD is con-
trolled by the EMIC circuitry based upon electronic
dimming level messages received from the BCM over
the PCI data bus, and is synchronized with the illu-
mination 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 left (lighting)
control stalk of the multi-function switch on the
steering column.
The VFD has several display capabilities including
odometer, trip odometer, and warning messages
whenever the appropriate conditions exist. The VFD
warning messages include:
²ªdoorº- indicating a door is ajar.
²ªgateº- indicating the tailgate is ajar.
²ªglassº- indicating the tailgate glass is ajar.
²ªlowashº- indicating that the washer fluid
level is low.
²ªno busº- indicating there is no PCI data bus
communication detected.
An odometer/trip odometer switch on the EMIC cir-
cuit board is used to control the display modes. This
switch is actuated manually by depressing the odom-
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)