
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER SYSTEM
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The operation of
the electrically heated rear window defogger system
can be confirmed in one of the following manners:
²Turn the ignition switch to the run position.
²Set the defogger switch in the run position. The
rear window defogger operation can be checked by
feeling the rear window or outside rear view mirror
glass. A distinct difference in temperature between
the grid lines and the adjacent clear glass or the mir-
ror glass can be detected within three to four min-
utes of operation.
²Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the rear
glass heating grid terminal B (right side) with the
negative lead, and terminal A (left side) with the pos-
itive lead (Fig. 1). The voltmeter should read battery
voltage.
The above checks will confirm system operation.
Illumination of the defogger switch indicator lamp
means that there is electrical current available at the
output of the defogger relay, but does not confirmthat the electrical current is reaching the rear glass
heating grid lines.
If the defogger system does not operate, the prob-
lem should be isolated in the following manner:
(1) Confirm that the ignition switch is in the run
position.
(2) Ensure that the rear glass heating grid feed
and ground wires are connected to the glass. Confirm
that the ground wire has continuity to ground.
(3) Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) and in the junction block. The fuses must
be tight in their receptacles and all electrical connec-
tions must be secure.
When the above steps have been completed and the
rear glass or outside rear view mirror heating grid is
still inoperative, one or more of the following is
faulty:
²Defogger switch
²Defogger relay
²HVAC control head circuitry
²Rear window grid lines (all grid lines would
have to be broken or one of the feed wires discon-
nected for the entire system to be inoperative)
²Outside rear view mirror heating grid.
If setting the defogger switch to the On position
produces a severe voltmeter deflection, check for a
short circuit between the defogger relay output and
the rear glass or outside rear view mirror heating
grids.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REAR GLASS
HEATING GRID REPAIR
Repair of the rear glass heating grid lines, bus
bars, terminals or pigtail wires can be accomplished
using a Mopar Rear Window Defogger Repair Kit
(Part Number 4267922) or equivalent.
WARNING: MATERIALS CONTAINED IN THE REPAIR
KIT MAY CAUSE SKIN OR EYE IRRITATION. THE
KIT CONTAINS EPOXY RESIN AND AMINE TYPE
HARDENER, WHICH ARE HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED. AVOID CONTACT WITH THE SKIN AND
EYES. FOR SKIN CONTACT, WASH THE AFFECTED
AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER. FOR CONTACT
WITH THE EYES, FLUSH WITH PLENTY OF WATER.
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. IF TAKEN INTER-
NALLY, INDUCE VOMITING AND CALL A PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILA-
TION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME. CON-
TAINS FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS. KEEP OUT OF THE
REACH OF CHILDREN.
(1) Mask the repair area so that the conductive
epoxy can be applied neatly. Extend the epoxy appli-
cation onto the grid line or the bus bar on each side
of the break (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
1 - DEFOGGER BACKGLASS
2 - HEATED GLASS CONNECTOR9A9
3 - HINDGE MOUNTING SCREWS (2)
4 - HINDGE (LEFT SIDE)
5 - HINDGE MOUNTING SCREWS (2)
6 - HINDGE (RIGHT SIDE)
7 - HEATED GLASS CONNECTOR9B9
8 - BACKGLASS DEFOGGER GRID
8G - 4 WINDOW DEFOGGERKJ
WINDOW DEFOGGER (Continued)

(2) Follow the instructions in the repair kit for
preparing the damaged area.
(3) Remove the package separator clamp and mix
the two conductive epoxy components thoroughly
within the packaging. Fold the package in half and
cut the center corner to dispense the epoxy.
(4) For grid line repairs, mask the area to be
repaired with masking tape or a template.
(5) Apply the epoxy through the slit in the mask-
ing tape or template. Overlap both ends of the break
by at least 19 millimeters (0.75 inch).
(6) For a terminal or pigtail wire replacement,
mask the adjacent areas so the epoxy can be
extended onto the adjacent grid line as well as the
bus bar. Apply a thin layer of epoxy to the area
where the terminal or pigtail wire was fastened and
onto the adjacent grid line.
(7) Apply a thin layer of conductive epoxy to the
terminal or bare wire end of the pigtail and place it
in the proper location on the bus bar. To prevent the
terminal or pigtail wire from moving while the epoxy
is curing, it must be wedged or clamped.
(8)
Carefully remove the masking tape or template.
CAUTION: Do not allow the glass surface to exceed
204É C (400É F) or the glass may fracture.
(9) Allow the epoxy to cure 24 hours at room tem-
perature, or use a heat gun that will not over heat
the glass. Hold the heat gun approximately 25.4 cen-
timeters (10 inches) from the repair.
(10) After the conductive epoxy is properly cured,
remove the wedge or clamp from the terminal or pig-
tail wire. Do not attach the wire harness connectors
until the curing process is complete.
(11) Check the operation of the rear window defog-
ger glass heating grid.
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
GRID
DESCRIPTION
The heated rear window glass has two electrically
conductive vertical bus bars and a series of 11 hori-
zontal grid lines made of a silver-ceramic material,
which is baked on and bonded to the inside surface of
the glass. The grid lines and bus bars comprise a
parallel electrical circuit.
OPERATION
When the rear window defogger switch is placed in
the On position, electrical current is directed to the
rear window grid lines through the bus bars. The
grid lines heat the rear window to clear the surface
of fog or snow. Protection for the heated grid circuit
is provided by a fuse in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC).
The grid lines and bus bars are highly resistant to
abrasion. However, it is possible for an open circuit
to occur in an individual grid line, resulting in no
current flow through the line.
The grid lines can be damaged or scraped off with
sharp instruments. Care should be taken when clean-
ing the glass or removing foreign materials, decals,
or stickers from the glass. Normal glass cleaning sol-
vents or hot water used with rags or toweling is rec-
ommended.
A repair kit is available to repair the grid lines and
bus bars, or to reinstall the heated glass pigtail
wires.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER GRID
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). To detect breaks in
the grid lines, the following procedure is required:
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the run position.
Set the defogger switch in the On position. The indi-
cator lamp should light. If OK, go to Step 2. If not
OK, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HEATED GLASS/
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
(2) Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the ver-
tical bus bar on the right side of the vehicle with the
negative lead. With the positive lead, contact the ver-
tical bus bar on the left side of the vehicle. The volt-
meter should read battery voltage. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the defogger
relay as required.
(3) With the negative lead of the voltmeter, contact
a good body ground point. The voltage reading should
not change. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the
circuit to ground as required.
Fig. 2 GRID LINE REPAIR
1 - BREAK
2 - GRID LINE
3 - MASKING TAPE
KJWINDOW DEFOGGER 8G - 5
WINDOW DEFOGGER (Continued)

(2) With the bulb holder fully seated against the
cluster electronic circuit board, turn the bulb holder
clockwise about sixty degrees to lock it into place.
(3) Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
CLUSTER LENS, HOOD, AND MASK
(1) Position the cluster lens, hood, and mask unit
over the face of the instrument cluster (Fig. 5). Be
certain that the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton is inserted through the proper clearance holes in
the mask and the lens.
(2) From the back of the instrument cluster, install
and tighten the six screws that secure the rear cover
and the lens, hood, and mask unit to the cluster
housing. Tighten the screws to 1 N´m (10 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
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) Position the instrument cluster to the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the cluster to the cluster connector
receptacle.
(3) Position the instrument cluster into the instru-
ment panel.
(4) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the instrument cluster to the instrument panel (Fig.
3). Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.NOTE: Some of the indicators in this instrument
cluster are self configured or automatically config-
ured when the cluster is connected to the vehicle
electrical system. This feature allows those indica-
tors to be enabled for compatibility with certain
optional equipment. However, if an instrument clus-
ter was previously connected to another vehicle
with different equipment options than the current
vehicle, some of the automatically configured indi-
cator settings may have to be disabled using a
DRBIIITscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Antilock Brake System (ABS) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters. However,
the instrument cluster is programmed to automati-
cally enable this indicator only on vehicles equipped
with the optional antilock brake system. The ABS
indicator is located above the engine temperature
gauge and to the right of the speedometer in the
instrument cluster. The ABS indicator consists of a
stencil-like cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªFailure of Anti-lock Braking
Systemº in the opaque layer of the instrument clus-
ter overlay. The dark outer layer of the overlay pre-
vents the indicator from being clearly visible when it
is not illuminated. An amber Light Emitting Diode
(LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the icon to appear in amber through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when it is
illuminated from behind by the LED, which is sol-
dered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The ABS indicator is serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
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 Antilock Brake (CAB)
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The ABS indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) 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 LED will always be off when the ignition switch
is in any position except On or Start. The LED only
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 11
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by
the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the ABS indicator for the follow-
ing reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ABS indicator is illu-
minated by the cluster for about three seconds as a
bulb test.
²ABS Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the
ABS indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
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 lamp-on or lamp-off messages from the CAB for
six consecutive seconds, the ABS indicator is illumi-
nated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a valid 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-
tor will be turned on, then off again during the bulb
check portion of the test to confirm the functionality
of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
²ABS Diagnostic Test- The ABS indicator is
blinked on and off by 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
lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument clus-
ter. If the CAB sends a 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 each store a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it
detects. Each time the ABS indicator fails to light
due to an open or short in the cluster ABS indicator
circuit, 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 diag-
nosis of the antilock brake system, the CAB, the PCI
data bus, or the message inputs to the instrument
cluster that control the ABS indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.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 above the fuel gauge and to the
left of the tachometer in the instrument cluster. The
airbag indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout of the
words ªAIR BAGº in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible when it is not illuminated. A red Light Emitting
Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of
the overlay causes the ªAIR BAGº text to appear in
red through the translucent outer layer of the over-
lay when it is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The airbag indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
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 LED 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 airbag indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the airbag indicator is illu-
minated for about six seconds. The entire six second
bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²ACM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a 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 a lamp-off message from the
ACM, whichever is longer.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no airbag messages for six consecutive seconds, the
airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator
8J - 12 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
ABS INDICATOR (Continued)

remains illuminated until the cluster receives a sin-
gle 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 a function
of the instrument cluster.
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 lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the ACM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the ACM has
detected a system malfunction and/or that the air-
bags and driver seat belt tensioner may not deploy
when required, or may deploy when not required.
The ACM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
for any malfunction it detects. Each time the airbag
indicator fails to illuminate due to an open or short
in the cluster airbag indicator circuit, the cluster
sends a message notifying the ACM of the condition,
then the instrument cluster and the ACM will each
store a DTC. For proper diagnosis of the airbag sys-
tem, the ACM, the PCI data bus, or the message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the air-
bag indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The brake indicator is located
near the lower edge of the tachometer dial face in the
instrument cluster. The brake indicator consists of
stencil-like cutouts of the word ªBRAKEº and the
International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªBrake Failureº in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible when it is not illuminated. A red Light Emitting
Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of
the overlay causes the ªBRAKEº text and the icon to
appear in red through the translucent outer layer of
the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The brake
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the parking brake is applied, when
there are certain brake hydraulic system malfunc-
tions as indicated by a low brake hydraulic fluid level
condition, or when the brake fluid level switch is dis-
connected. On models equipped with an optional
Antilock Brake System (ABS), the brake indicator
can also give an indication when certain faults are
detected in the ABS. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board based upon cluster programming, electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Controller
Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus (ABS only), and
hard wired inputs from the park brake switch and
the brake fluid level switch. The brake 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 LED 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 brake indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the brake indicator is illu-
minated by the instrument cluster for about three
seconds as a bulb test.
²Brake Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a lamp-on message from the CAB,
the brake indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Park Brake Switch Input- Each time the
cluster detects ground on the park brake switch
sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park brake
applied or not fully released) the brake indicator is
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the park brake switch sense input to the cluster is an
open circuit (park brake switch open = park brake
fully released), or until the ignition switch is turned
to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Brake Fluid Level Switch Input- Each time
the cluster detects ground on the red brake warning
indicator driver circuit (brake fluid level switch
closed = brake hydraulic system fluid level low) the
brake indicator is illuminated solid. The indicator
remains illuminated until the status of the red brake
warning indicator driver input to the cluster is off
(brake fluid level switch off = brake hydraulic system
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 13
AIRBAG INDICATOR (Continued)

tor for the park brake switch from the switch termi-
nal. Check for continuity between the terminal of the
park brake switch and a good ground. There should
be no continuity with the park brake released, and
continuity with the park brake applied. If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake
switch.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the instrument cluster from the cluster
connector receptacle. Check for continuity between
the park brake switch sense circuit cavity of the front
body wire harness connector for the park brake
switch and a good ground. There should be no conti-
nuity. If not OK, repair the shorted park brake
switch sense circuit between the park brake switch
and the instrument cluster as required.
CHARGING INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A charging indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The charging indicator is located
above the engine temperature gauge and to the right
of the speedometer in the instrument cluster. The
charging indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout of
the International Control and Display Symbol icon
for ªBattery Charging Conditionº 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. A red Light
Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the
opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to appear
in red through the translucent outer layer of the
overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The
charging indicator is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The charging indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the electrical system voltage is
too low or too high. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board based upon the 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
charging 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 bat-
tery current input on the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED 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 charging indicator for the following rea-
sons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the charging indicator is
illuminated by the instrument cluster for about three
seconds as a bulb test.
²Charge Fail Message- Each time the cluster
receives a charge fail message from the PCM (system
voltage is nine volts or lower, the charging indicator
will be illuminated. The indicator remains illumi-
nated until the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating there is no charge fail condition (sys-
tem voltage is twelve volts or higher, but lower than
sixteen volts), or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Voltage High Message- Each time the cluster
receives a message from the PCM indicating a volt-
age high condition (system voltage is sixteen volts or
higher), the lamp will be illuminated. The lamp
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a mes-
sage from the PCM indicating there is no voltage
high condition (system voltage is lower than sixteen
volts, but higher than nine volts), or until the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position, whichever
occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the charging indicator will
be turned on, then off again during the bulb check
portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the electrical sys-
tem voltage to control the generator output. The
PCM then sends the proper system voltage messages
to the instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster
turns on the indicator after the bulb test, it may
indicate that the charging system requires service.
For further diagnosis of the charging indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indica-
tor, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For
proper diagnosis of the charging system, the PCI
data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the charging indica-
tor, 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 is located
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)

OPERATION
The fuel gauge gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the level of fuel in the fuel tank. 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
fuel gauge is an air core magnetic unit that receives
battery current on the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board through the fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) circuit whenever the ignition switch is
in the On or Start positions. The cluster is pro-
grammed 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 provides the
following features:
²Percent Tank Full Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating
the percent tank full, the cluster moves the gauge
needle to the relative fuel level position on the gauge
scale. The PCM applies an algorithm to the input
from the fuel tank sender to dampen gauge needle
movement against the negative effect that fuel slosh-
ing within the fuel tank can have on accurate inputs
to the PCM.
²Less Than 12.5 Percent Tank Full Message-
Each time the cluster receives messages from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is less than
12.5 (one-eighth), the gauge needle is moved to the
proper position on the gauge scale and the low fuel
indicator is illuminated. The low fuel indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives mes-
sages from the PCM indicating that the percent tank
full is greater than 12.5 (one-eighth), or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating the percent tank full is less than
empty, the gauge needle is moved to the far left (low)
end of the gauge scale and the low fuel indicator is
illuminated immediately. This message would indi-
cate that the fuel tank sender input to the PCM is a
short circuit.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is more than
full, the gauge needle is moved to the far left (low)
end of the gauge scale and the low fuel indicator is
illuminated immediately. This message would indi-
cate that the fuel tank sender input to the PCM is an
open circuit.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will beswept to the gauge calibration points on the gauge
scale in sequence in order to confirm the functional-
ity of the gauge and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the fuel tank
sender input to determine the fuel level. The PCM
then applies an algorithm to the input and sends the
proper percent tank full messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the fuel gauge or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the gauge,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For proper
diagnosis of the fuel tank sender, the PCM, the PCI
data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the fuel gauge, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
GATE AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A gate ajar indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The gate ajar indicator consists
of the word ªgateº, which appears in place of the
odometer/trip odometer information in the Vacuum-
Fluorescent Display (VFD) of the instrument cluster.
The VFD is part of the cluster electronic circuit
board, and is visible through a cutout located near
the lower edge of the speedometer dial face in the
instrument cluster. The dark outer layer of the over-
lay prevents the VFD from being clearly visible when
it is not illuminated. The word ªgateº appears in the
same blue-green color and at the same lighting level
as the odometer/trip odometer information through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when it is
illuminated by the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The gate ajar indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The gate ajar indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator that the rear tailgate may be open
or not completely latched. This indicator is controlled
by the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Body Control
Module (BCM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The gate ajar indica-
tor function of the Vacuum Fluorescent Display
(VFD) 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) circuit. Therefore, the VFD
gate ajar indicator will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On or Start. The
8J - 20 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
FUEL GAUGE (Continued)

three consecutive messages from the PCM indicating
that the engine oil pressure is about 4 kPa or lower
(about 0.6 psi or lower), the low oil pressure indicator
is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a single message from the
PCM indicating that the engine oil pressure is about
76 kPa or higher (about 11 psi or higher), or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first. Once the cluster monitors and
engine speed of greater than 450 rpm, the cluster
logic will ignore engine speed in determining low oil
pressure indicator operation for the remainder of the
current ignition cycle.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the low oil pressure indi-
cator will be turned on, then off again during the
bulb check portion of the test to confirm the function-
ality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the engine oil pres-
sure sensor to determine the engine oil pressure. The
PCM then sends the proper engine oil pressure mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis
of the low oil pressure indicator or the instrument
cluster circuitry that controls the LED, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). If the instrument cluster turns
on the indicator after the bulb test, it may indicate
that the engine or the engine oiling system requires
service. For proper diagnosis of the engine oil pres-
sure sensor, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the elec-
tronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the low oil pressure indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The MIL is
located above the coolant temperature gauge and to
the right of the speedometer in the instrument clus-
ter. The MIL consists of a stencil-like cutout of the
International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªEngineº in the opaque layer of the instrument clus-
ter overlay. The dark outer layer of the overlay pre-
vents the indicator from being clearly visible when it
is not illuminated. An amber Light Emitting Diode
(LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the
overlay causes the icon to appear in amber through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when it is
illuminated from behind by the LED, which is sol-
dered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuitboard. The MIL is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) has recorded a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics
II (OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component
malfunction. This indicator is controlled by a transis-
tor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the PCM over the
Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The MIL Light Emitting Diode (LED) is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster logic cir-
cuit, 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 LED 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 MIL for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the MIL is illuminated for
about seven seconds as a bulb test.
²PCM Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a malfunction indicator lamp-on message
from the PCM, the indicator will be illuminated. The
indicator can be flashed on and off, or illuminated
solid, as dictated by the PCM message. For some
DTC's, if a problem does not recur, the PCM will
send a lamp-off message automatically. Other DTC's
may require that a fault be repaired and the PCM be
reset before a lamp-off message will be sent. For
more information on the PCM and the DTC set and
reset parameters, (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CON-
TROL - OPERATION).
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no malfunction indicator lamp-on or lamp-off mes-
sage from the PCM for twenty consecutive seconds,
the MIL is illuminated by the instrument cluster.
The indicator remains controlled and illuminated by
the cluster until a valid malfunction indicator
lamp-on or lamp-off message is received from the
PCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the MIL will be turned on,
then off again during the bulb check portion of the
test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the
cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors each of the many
fuel and emissions system circuits and sensors to
decide whether the system is in good operating con-
8J - 24 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR (Continued)