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)
instrument cluster will turn on the gate ajar indica-
tor for the following reasons:
²Gate Ajar Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a gate ajar lamp-on message from
the BCM indicating that the rear tailgate is open or
not completely latched, the gate ajar indicator will be
illuminated. If the vehicle is not moving when the
gate ajar lamp-on message is received, the VFD will
repeatedly and sequentially cycle its indication in
two second intervals with the odometer/trip odometer
information, the gate ajar warning, and any other
active warnings including: door ajar, glass ajar, and
low washer fluid. If the vehicle is moving, or once the
cluster of a non-moving vehicle receives an electronic
vehicle speed message from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) indicating a speed greater than zero,
the warning sequence will consist of three complete
display cycles, then revert to only the odometer/trip
odometer display until the tailgate ajar switch is
cycled. The gate ajar indicator will also be extin-
guished when the cluster receives a gate ajar lamp-
off message from the BCM, or if the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
The BCM continually monitors the tailgate ajar
switch that is integral to the tailgate latch to deter-
mine the status of the rear tailgate. The BCM then
sends the proper gate ajar lamp-on and lamp-off mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis
of the gate ajar indicator or the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the tail-
gate ajar switch and circuit, the BCM, the PCI data
bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the gate ajar indicator, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
GLASS AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A glass ajar indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The glass ajar indicator consists
of the word ªglassº, 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 ªglassº 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 isilluminated by the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The glass ajar indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The glass ajar indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator that the rear flip-up glass may be
open or not completely latched. This indicator is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Body Control Module (BCM) over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The glass
ajar indicator function of the Vacuum Fluorescent
Display (VFD) 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 VFD glass ajar indicator will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On or
Start. The instrument cluster will turn on the glass
ajar indicator for the following reasons:
²Glass Ajar Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a glass ajar lamp-on message from
the BCM indicating that the rear flip-up glass is
open or not completely latched, the glass ajar indica-
tor will be illuminated. If the vehicle is not moving
when the glass ajar lamp-on message is received, the
VFD will repeatedly and sequentially cycle its indica-
tion in two second intervals with the odometer/trip
odometer information, the glass ajar warning, and
any other active warnings including: door ajar, gate
ajar, and low washer fluid. If the vehicle is moving,
or once the cluster of a non-moving vehicle receives
an electronic vehicle speed message from the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) indicating a speed
greater than zero, the warning sequence will consist
of three complete display cycles, then revert to only
the odometer/trip odometer display until the glass
ajar switch is cycled. The glass ajar indicator will
also be extinguished when the cluster receives a
glass ajar lamp-off message from the BCM, or if the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
The BCM continually monitors the glass ajar
switch that is integral to the flip-up glass latch to
determine the status of the rear flip-up glass. The
BCM then sends the proper glass ajar lamp-on and
lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the glass ajar 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 glass ajar switch and circuit,
the BCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic mes-
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 21
GATE AJAR INDICATOR (Continued)
sage inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
glass ajar indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A high beam indicator lamp is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. The high beam indicator
is located near the upper edge of the instrument clus-
ter overlay, between the tachometer and the speed-
ometer. The high beam indicator consists of a stencil-
like cutout of the International Control and Display
Symbol icon for ªHigh Beamº in the opaque layer of
the instrument cluster overlay. The dark outer layer
of the overlay prevents the indicator from being
clearly visible when the it is not illuminated. A blue
Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the
opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to appear
in blue through the translucent outer layer of the
overlay when it is illuminated from behind by the
LED, which is soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The high beam indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The high beam indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator whenever the headlamp high beams
are illuminated. 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
Body Control Module (BCM) over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The high
beam indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster logic cir-
cuit, and that logic will allow this indicator to
operate whenever the instrument cluster receives a
battery current input on the fused B(+) circuit.
Therefore, the LED can be illuminated regardless of
the ignition switch position. The LED only illumi-
nates when it is provided a path to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster
will turn on the high beam indicator for the following
reasons:
²High Beam Headlamps-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a high beam headlamps-on
message from the BCM indicating the headlamp high
beams are turned On, the high beam indicator will
be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a high beam headlamps-off
message from the BCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the high beam indicator
will be turned on, then off again during the bulbcheck portion of the test to confirm the functionality
of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The BCM continually monitors the exterior light-
ing (multi-function) switch to determine the proper
outputs to the headlamp low beam and high beam
relays. The BCM then sends the proper high beam
indicator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the high
beam indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the headlamp
system, the BCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the high beam indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A low fuel indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The low fuel indicator is located
above the fuel gauge and to the left of the tachometer
in the instrument cluster. The low fuel indicator con-
sists of a stencil-like cutout of the International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº 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. 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 soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The low fuel indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The low fuel indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the level of fuel in the fuel
tank becomes low. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster electronic 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
low fuel 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
8J - 22 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
GLASS AJAR INDICATOR (Continued)
dition. The PCM then sends the proper malfunction
indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the MIL or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the LED,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the instru-
ment cluster turns on the MIL after the bulb test, it
may indicate that a malfunction has occurred and
that the fuel and emissions system may require ser-
vice. For proper diagnosis of the fuel and emissions
systems, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the elec-
tronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the MIL, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION
An odometer and trip odometer are standard
equipment in all instrument clusters. The odometer
and trip odometer information are displayed in a
common electronic, blue-green Vacuum Fluorescent
Display (VFD), which is located in the lower edge of
the speedometer dial face in the instrument cluster
and, when illuminated, is visible through a small
window cutout in the cluster overlay. However, the
odometer and trip odometer information are not dis-
played simultaneously. The trip odometer reset
switch on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board toggles the display between odometer and trip
odometer modes by depressing the odometer/trip
odometer switch knob that extends through the lower
edge of the cluster lens, just right of the odometer
VFD. Both the odometer and trip odometer informa-
tion is stored in the instrument cluster memory.
All odometer and trip odometer distance informa-
tion is stored in the instrument cluster. This distance
information can be increased when the proper inputs
are provided to the instrument cluster, but the dis-
tance information cannot be decreased. The odometer
can display values up to 864,004 kilometers (536,870
miles). The odometer will not roll over, but will latch
at the maximum value. The trip odometer can dis-
play values up to 9999.9 kilometers (9999.9 miles)
before it rolls over to zero. The odometer display does
not have a decimal point and will not show values
less than a full unit (kilometer or mile), the trip
odometer display does have a decimal point and will
show tenths of a unit (kilometer or mile). When the
trip odometer is active, the word ªTRIPº will also
illuminate near the bottom of the VFD. The unit of
measure for the odometer and trip odometer display
is not shown in the VFD. If the instrument cluster
has a kilometers-per-hour primary speedometer
scale, the odometer/trip odometer registers kilome-ters; and if the cluster features a miles-per-hour pri-
mary speedometer scale, the odometer/trip odometer
registers miles. In this instrument cluster, the odom-
eter/trip odometer VFD is also used to display certain
warning messages and diagnostic information.
The odometer/trip odometer has a ªRental Carº
mode, which will illuminate the odometer informa-
tion in the VFD whenever the driver side front door
is opened with the ignition switch in the Off or
Accessory positions. During daylight hours (exterior
lamps Off) the VFD is illuminated at full brightness
for clear visibility. At night (exterior lamps are On)
the instrument cluster converts an electronic dim-
ming level message received from the Body Control
Module (BCM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus to a digital dimming
level signal for controlling the lighting level of the
VFD. However, a ªParadeº mode position of the panel
lamps dimmer control ring on the multi-function
switch left control stalk allows the VFD to be illumi-
nated at full brightness if the exterior lamps are
turned On during daylight hours.
The VFD, the trip odometer switch, and the trip
odometer switch button are serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The odometer and trip odometer give an indication
to the vehicle operator of the distance the vehicle has
traveled. This gauge is controlled by the instrument
cluster electronic circuitry based upon cluster pro-
gramming and electronic messages received by the
cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The odometer and trip odometer
information is displayed by the instrument cluster
Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD). The VFD will
display the odometer information whenever the
driver side front door is opened with the ignition
switch in the Off or Accessory positions, and will dis-
play the last previously selected odometer or trip
odometer information when the ignition switch is in
the On or Start positions. The instrument cluster cir-
cuitry controls the VFD and provides the following
features:
²Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Toggling-
Actuating the trip odometer reset switch momen-
tarily with the VFD illuminated will toggle the dis-
play between the odometer and trip odometer
information. Each time the VFD is illuminated with
the ignition switch in the On or Start positions, the
display will automatically return to the last mode
previously selected (odometer or trip odometer).
²Trip Odometer Reset- When the trip odome-
ter reset switch is pressed and held for longer than
about two seconds with the ignitions switch in the
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 25
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) (Continued)
On or Start positions, the trip odometer will be reset
to 0.0 kilometers (miles). The VFD must be display-
ing the trip odometer information in order for the
trip odometer information to be reset.
²Warning Display- The odometer or trip odom-
eter information will be toggled at two second inter-
vals with a warning display when certain monitored
conditions are active. If multiple conditions are
active, the VFD will toggle each active warning and
the odometer/trip odometer information at two sec-
ond intervals. Once the vehicle is moving and a vehi-
cle speed input is received by the instrument cluster,
each active warning will be displayed for three two-
second intervals before the VFD reverts to displaying
only the selected odometer or trip odometer informa-
tion. The warnings and monitored conditions include:
²ªdoorº- A door is open or not fully latched.
²ªgateº- The tailgate is open or not fully
latched.
²ªglassº- The rear flip-up glass is open or not
fully latched.
²ªlowashº- The fluid level in the washer reser-
voir is low.
²ªno busº- The instrument cluster can detect no
PCI bus communication. This message is illuminated
solid when there is no PCI bus communication, and
will override the display of all other active warning
displays.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a distance message during normal operation,
it will hold and display the last data received until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position. If
the cluster does not receive a distance message
within one second after the ignition switch is turned
to the On position, it will display the last distance
message stored in the cluster memory. If the cluster
is unable to display distance information due to an
error internal to the cluster, ªerrorº will be displayed
in the VFD.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the VFD will step sequen-
tially through a display of ª111111 ºthrough ª999999º,
then display the cluster software version number to
confirm the functionality of the VFD and the cluster
control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
pulse information received from the Body Control
Module (BCM), then sends the proper distance mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis
of the odometer/trip odometer or the instrument clus-
ter circuitry that controls these functions, (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
vehicle speed sensor, the BCM, the PCM, the PCI
data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the odometer/tripodometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An overdrive off indicator is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters, but is only functional on
vehicles equipped with the optional overdrive auto-
matic transmission. The overdrive off indicator is
located above the fuel gauge and to the left of the
tachometer in the instrument cluster. The overdrive
off indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout of the
text ªO/D OFFº 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. An amber Light Emitting
Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of
the overlay causes the ªO/D OFFº text to appear in
amber through the translucent outer layer of the
overlay when it is illuminated from behind by the
LED, which is soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. When the exterior lighting is
turned On, the illumination intensity of the overdrive
off indicator is dimmable, which is adjusted using the
panel lamps dimmer control ring on the left control
stalk of the multi-function switch. The overdrive off
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The overdrive off indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the Off position of the
overdrive off switch has been selected, disabling the
electronically controlled overdrive feature of the auto-
matic transmission. 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
overdrive off 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 overdrive off indicator for the following
reasons:
²Overdrive Off Lamp-On Message- Each time
the cluster receives an overdrive off lamp-on message
8J - 26 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
ODOMETER (Continued)
from the PCM indicating that the Off position of the
overdrive off switch has been selected, the overdrive
off indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives an
overdrive off lamp-off message from the PCM or until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the overdrive off indicator
will be turned on, then off again during the bulb
check portion of the test in order to confirm the func-
tionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the overdrive off
switch to determine the proper outputs to the auto-
matic transmission. The PCM then sends the proper
overdrive off lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the over-
drive off indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry
that controls the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the overdrive con-
trol system, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the elec-
tronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the overdrive off indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
REAR FOG LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A rear fog lamp indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters, but is only functional on
vehicles equipped with the optional rear fog lamps,
which are available only in certain markets where
they are required. The rear fog lamp indicator is
located above the engine temperature gauge and to
the right of the speedometer in the instrument clus-
ter. The rear fog lamp indicator consists of a stencil-
like cutout of the International Control and Display
Symbol icon for ªRear Fog Lightº 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. 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 soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. When the exterior lighting is
turned On, the illumination intensity of the rear fog
lamp indicator is dimmable, which is adjusted using
the panel lamps dimmer control ring on the left con-
trol stalk of the multi-function switch. The rear fog
lamp indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The rear fog lamp indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator whenever the rear fog lamps are
illuminated. This indicator is controlled by a transis-
tor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon the cluster programming and electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Body Con-
trol Module (BCM) over the Programmable Commu-
nications Interface (PCI) data bus. The rear fog lamp
indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely
controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will allow this indicator to operate when-
ever the instrument cluster receives a battery cur-
rent input on the fused B(+) circuit. Therefore, the
LED can be illuminated regardless of the ignition
switch position. The LED only illuminates when it is
provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
rear fog lamp indicator for the following reasons:
²Rear Fog Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a rear fog lamp-on message from the
BCM indicating the rear fog lamps are turned On,
the rear fog lamp indicator will be illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a rear fog lamp-off message from the BCM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the rear fog lamp 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 BCM continually monitors the exterior light-
ing (multi-function) switch to determine the proper
outputs to the rear fog lamp relay. The BCM then
sends the proper rear fog lamp indicator lamp-on and
lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. For fur-
ther diagnosis of the rear fog lamp 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 rear fog lamp system, the
BCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the rear
fog lamp indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A seatbelt indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The seatbelt indicator is located
above the fuel gauge and to the right of the tachom-
eter in the instrument cluster. The seatbelt indicator
consists of a stencil-like cutout of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªSeat Beltº in
the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay.
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 27
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR (Continued)
The dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indi-
cator from being clearly visible when it is not illumi-
nated. 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 it is illuminated from
behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The seat-
belt indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The seatbelt indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the status of the driver side front
seatbelt. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon the cluster programming and electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Airbag
Control Module (ACM) over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus. The seatbelt
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 LED will always be off
when the ignition switch is in any position except On
or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is pro-
vided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
seatbelt indicator for the following reasons:
²Seatbelt Reminder Function- Each time the
cluster receives a battery current input on the fused
ignition switch output (run-start) circuit, the indica-
tor will be illuminated as a seatbelt reminder for
about seven seconds, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
This reminder function will occur regardless of the
status of the electronic seat belt lamp-on or lamp-off
messages received by the cluster from the ACM.
²Seat Belt Lamp-On Message- Following the
seatbelt reminder function, each time the cluster
receives a seat belt lamp-on message from the ACM
indicating the driver side front seat belt is not fas-
tened with the ignition switch in the Start or On
positions, the indicator will be illuminated. The seat-
belt indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a seat belt lamp-off message, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the seatbelt 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 ACM continually monitors the status of both
front seat belt switches to determine the proper air-
bag system response to a frontal impact of the vehi-
cle. The ACM then sends the proper seatbelt
indicator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster based upon the status of the
driver side front seat belt switch input. For further
diagnosis of the seatbelt indicator or the instrument
cluster circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the
seatbelt switches, the ACM, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the seatbelt indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
SECURITY INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A security indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters, but is only functional on vehi-
cles equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Secu-
rity System (VTSS). The security indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster below
the tachometer and to the right of the fuel gauge.
The security indicator consists of a small stencil-like
round 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. A red Light Emitting
Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the opaque layer of
the overlay causes the indicator to appear in red
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when it is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The security indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The security indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA)
portion of the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS)
is arming or is armed. This indicator is controlled on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon a
hard wired input to the cluster from the Body Con-
trol Module (BCM) on the VTSS indicator driver cir-
cuit. The security indicator Light Emitting Diode
(LED) receives battery current on the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board through the fused
B(+) circuit at all times; therefore, the LED will
remain functional regardless of the ignition switch
position. The LED only illuminates when it is pro-
vided a path to ground by the BCM. The security
8J - 28 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
SEATBELT INDICATOR (Continued)
message from the SKIM or until the ignition switch
is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no SKIS lamp-on or lamp-off messages from the
SKIM for twenty consecutive seconds, the SKIS indi-
cator is illuminated by the instrument cluster. The
indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the
cluster until a valid SKIS lamp-on or lamp-off mes-
sage is received from the SKIM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the SKIS 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 SKIM performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position to decide
whether the system is in good operating condition
and whether a valid key is present in the ignition
lock cylinder. The SKIM then sends the proper SKIS
lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument clus-
ter. For further diagnosis of the SKIS indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indica-
tor, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the
instrument cluster flashes the SKIS indicator upon
ignition On, or turns on the SKIS indicator solid
after the bulb test, it indicates that a SKIS malfunc-
tion has occurred or that the SKIS is inoperative. For
proper diagnosis of the SKIS, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the SKIS indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A speedometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The speedometer is located to the
right of the tachometer in the instrument cluster.
The speedometer consists of a movable gauge needle
or pointer controlled by the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry, and a fixed 255 degree primary scale on the
gauge dial face that reads left-to-right either from 0
to 120 mph, or from 0 to 240 km/h, depending upon
the market for which the vehicle is manufactured.
Most models also have a smaller secondary inner
scale on the gauge dial face that provides the equiv-
alent opposite measurement units from the primary
scale. Text appearing on the cluster overlay just
below the hub of the speedometer needle abbreviates
the unit of measure for the primary scale first (i.e.:
MPH or km/h), followed by the unit of measure for
the secondary scale (i.e.: MPH or km/h). The speed-
ometer graphics are dark blue (primary scale) andlight blue (secondary scale) against a beige field,
making them clearly visible within the instrument
cluster in daylight. When illuminated from behind by
the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumina-
tion lighting with the exterior lamps turned On, both
the dark blue and light blue graphics retain their
blue colors. The orange gauge needle is internally
illuminated. Gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The speedometer is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The speedometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the vehicle road speed. This gauge is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster electronic 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
speedometer is an air core magnetic unit that
receives battery current on the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board through the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On or Start positions. The clus-
ter is programmed to move the gauge needle back to
the low end of the scale after the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position. The instrument cluster
circuitry controls the gauge needle position and pro-
vides the following features:
²Vehicle Speed Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a vehicle speed message from the PCM it
will calculate the correct vehicle speed reading and
position the gauge needle at that speed position on
the gauge scale. The cluster will receive a new vehi-
cle speed message and reposition the gauge pointer
accordingly about every 86 milliseconds. The gauge
needle will continue to be positioned at the actual
vehicle speed position on the gauge scale until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a speedometer message, it will hold the gauge
needle at the last indication for about six seconds, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. If a new speed message is not
received after about six seconds, the gauge needle
will return to the far left (low) end of the scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
swept to several calibration points on the gauge scale
in sequence in order to confirm the functionality of
the gauge and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
information received from the Body Control Module
(BCM) to determine the vehicle road speed, then
8J - 32 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
SKIS INDICATOR (Continued)