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)
OPERATION
The cruise indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the speed control system is turned
On, regardless of whether the speed control is
engaged. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon the cluster programming and electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus. The cruise
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
cruise indicator for the following reasons:
²Cruise Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a cruise lamp-on message from the
PCM indicating the speed control system has been
turned On, the cruise indicator is illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the cluster
receives a cruise 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 cruise indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test in order to confirm the functionality
of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the speed control
switches to determine the proper outputs to the
speed control servo. The PCM then sends the proper
cruise indicator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to
the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
cruise 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 speed control
system, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the cruise indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
DOOR AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A door ajar indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The door ajar indicator consists
of the word ªdoorº, 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 ªdoorº 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 door ajar indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The door ajar indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator that one or more of the passenger
compartment doors may be open or not completely
latched. This indicator is controlled by the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Body Control Module (BCM)
over the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus. The door ajar indicator 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 cur-
rent input on the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) circuit. Therefore, the VFD door ajar indication
will always be off when the ignition switch is in any
position except On or Start. The instrument cluster
will turn on the door ajar indicator for the following
reasons:
²Door Ajar Lamp-On Message- Each time the
cluster receives a door ajar lamp-on message from
the BCM indicating that a door is open or not com-
pletely latched, the door ajar indicator will be illumi-
nated. If the vehicle is not moving when the door
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 door ajar warning, and any other
active warnings including: gate 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 door ajar switch is cycled.
The door ajar indicator will also be extinguished
when the cluster receives a door ajar lamp-off mes-
sage from the BCM, or if the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
KJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
CRUISE 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)
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)
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)
OPERATION
The washer fluid indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator that the fluid level in the washer
reservoir is low. This indicator is controlled by the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board based
upon cluster programming and a hard wired input
received by the cluster from the washer fluid level
switch mounted on the washer reservoir. The washer
fluid 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 LED will always be off when the ignition switch
is in any position except On or Start. The instrument
cluster will turn on the washer fluid indicator for the
following reasons:
²Washer Fluid Level Switch Input- Each time
the cluster detects ground on the low washer fluid
sense circuit (washer fluid level switch closed =
washer fluid level low) the cluster applies an algo-
rithm to confirm that the input is correct and not the
result of fluid sloshing in the washer reservoir. The
cluster tests the status of the circuit about seven mil-
liseconds after ignition On, and about once every sec-
ond thereafter, then uses an internal counter to
count up or down. When the counter accumulates
thirty ground inputs on the circuit, the washer fluid
indicator will be illuminated. If the vehicle is not
moving when the washer fluid level switch input
counter reaches thirty, the VFD will repeatedly and
sequentially cycle its indication in two second inter-
vals with the odometer/trip odometer information,
the low washer fluid warning, and any other active
warnings including: door ajar, gate ajar, and glass
ajar. 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 dis-
play cycles, then revert to only the odometer/trip
odometer display. Once the washer fluid indicator
warning has completed, the washer fluid indicator is
extinguished and will not repeat until the ignition
switch is cycled.
The instrument cluster continually monitors the
washer fluid level switch in the washer reservoir to
determine the status of the washer fluid level. For
further diagnosis of the washer fluid indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indica-
tor, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). The
washer fluid level switch and circuits can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. The washer fluid level switch also features a 3.3kilohm diagnostic resistor connected in parallel
between the switch input and output to provide the
cluster with verification that the low washer fluid
sense circuit is not open or shorted. This input can
be monitored using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WASHER FLUID
INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
washer fluid indicator condition. If the problem being
diagnosed is related to indicator accuracy, be certain
to confirm that the problem is with the indicator or
washer fluid level switch input and not with a dam-
aged or empty washer fluid reservoir, or inoperative
instrument cluster indicator control circuitry. Inspect
the washer fluid reservoir for proper fluid level and
signs of damage or distortion that could affect
washer fluid level switch performance and perform
the instrument cluster actuator test before you pro-
ceed with the following diagnosis. If no washer fluid
reservoir or instrument cluster control circuitry prob-
lem is found, the following procedure will help to
locate a short or open in the washer fluid switch
sense circuit. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
details of wire harness routing and retention, connec-
tor pin-out information and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
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.
INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WITH WASHER
RESERVOIR EMPTY
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer fluid level switch from
the washer fluid level switch connector receptacle.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
8J - 36 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERKJ
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR (Continued)
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The brake lamp switch is a three circuit, spring-
loaded plunger actuated switch that is secured to the
steering column support bracket under the driver
side of the instrument panel (Fig. 3). The brake lamp
switch is contained within a rectangular molded plas-
tic housing with an integral connector receptacle fea-
turing six terminal pins and a red plastic Connector
Position Assurance (CPA) lock. The switch is con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a ded-
icated take out and connector of the instrument
panel wire harness. The switch plunger extends
through a mounting collar on one end of the switch
housing. The plunger has a one time telescoping self-
adjustment feature that is achieved after the switch
is installed by moving an adjustment release lever on
the opposite end of the switch housing clockwise,
until it locks in a position that is parallel to the con-
nector receptacle. The brake lamp switch self-adjust-
ment is a one time feature. Once the feature has
been used, the switch cannot be readjusted. A ªDO
NOT RE-INSTALLº warning is molded into the
switch housing below the connector receptacle.
An installed brake lamp switch cannot be read-
justed or repaired. If the switch is damaged, faulty,
or removed from its mounting position for any rea-
son, it must be replaced with a new unit.
OPERATION
The brake lamp switch controls three different cir-
cuits, one normally open and two normally closed.
These circuits are described as follows:
²Brake Lamp Switch Circuit- A normally
open brake lamp switch circuit receives battery cur-
rent on a fused B(+) circuit from a fuse in the Junc-
tion Block (JB), and supplies battery current to the
brake lamps and the Controller Antilock Brake
(CAB) on a brake lamp switch output circuit when
the brake pedal is depressed (brake lamp switch
plunger released).
²Brake Lamp Switch Signal Circuit- A nor-
mally closed brake lamp switch signal circuit receives
a path to ground through a splice block located in the
instrument panel wire harness with an eyelet termi-
nal connector that is secured by a nut to a ground
stud on the driver side instrument panel end bracket
near the Junction Block (JB). This circuit supplies a
ground input to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) on a brake lamp switch sense circuit when the
brake pedal is released (brake lamp switch plunger is
depressed).
²Speed Control Circuit- A normally closed
speed control circuit receives battery current from
the Powertrain Control Module on a speed control
supply circuit, and supplies battery current to the
speed control servo solenoids (dump, vacuum, and
vent) on a speed control brake switch output circuit
when the speed control system is turned on and the
brake pedal is released (brake lamp switch plunger is
depressed).
Concealed within the brake lamp switch housing
the components of the self-adjusting brake switch
plunger consist of a two-piece telescoping plunger, a
split plunger locking collar, and a release wedge. The
release lever has an integral shaft with a wedge that
spreads the plunger locking collar to an open or
released position. After the switch is installed and
the brake pedal is released, the plunger telescopes to
the correct adjustment position. When the release
lever is moved to the release position, the wedge is
disengaged from the locking collar causing the collar
to apply a clamping pressure to the two plunger
halves fixing the plunger length.
The brake lamp switch can be diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and methods.
Fig. 3 Brake Lamp Switch
1 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
2 - BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
3 - PLUNGER
4 - COLLAR
5 - LEVER
8L - 16 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORKJ
path to the switches using another internal driver
through the courtesy lamp load shed circuit. The
BCM provides a battery saver (load shedding) feature
for all courtesy lamps, which will automatically turn
these lamps off if they are left on for more than
about eight minutes with the ignition switch in the
Off position.
PANEL LAMPS DIMMER CIRCUIT The panel
lamps dimmer circuit includes the ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster (EMIC), heater-air conditioner
control, hazard switch and, depending upon the
selected vehicle options, ash receiver, and automatic
transmission range indicator illumination lamps. All
lamps in the panel lamps dimmer circuit are pro-
vided a path to ground at all times through a hard
wired ground circuit. These lamps illuminate based
upon inputs to the Body Control Module (BCM) from
the exterior lighting control knob and the interior
lighting control ring on the left (lighting) control
stalk of the multi-function switch. The control knob
on the left control stalk of the multi-function switch
selects the exterior lights, while the control ring
selects the panel lamps intensity (dimming) level.
When the exterior lighting is turned On, the BCM
energizes the park lamp relay and provides an elec-
tronic dimming level message to the ElectroMechani-
cal Instrument Cluster (EMIC), the radio, and the
Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) over the Pro-
grammable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The energized park lamp relay provides a hard
wired battery current signal input to the EMIC on
the park lamp relay output circuit. The EMIC
responds to these inputs by supplying a 12-volt Pulse
Width Modulated (PWM) output to all of the incan-
descent lamps in the panel lamps dimmer circuit
over the fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal cir-
cuit. This shared PWM output synchronizes the
selected illumination intensity level of all of the
incandescent lamps in the panel lamps dimmer cir-
cuit.
The EMIC and the radio each use the electronic
dimming level message from the BCM to control and
synchronize the illumination intensity of their own
Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), while the CMTC
uses the dimming level message to control the illumi-
nation intensity of both its VFD and its incandescent
lighting. In addition, when the control ring on the
left (lighting) control stalk of the multi-function
switch is moved to the Parade Mode detent position,
all of the VFDs are illuminated at their full intensity
levels for increased visibility when the vehicle is
driven during daylight hours with the exterior lights
turned On.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LAMPS/LIGHTING
- INTERIOR
The hard wired circuits and components of the
interior lighting system may be diagnosed and tested
using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the Body Control
Module (BCM), the ElectroMechanical Instrument
Cluster (EMIC), or the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus network. The most
reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose
the BCM, the EMIC, and the PCI data bus network
inputs and outputs related to the various interior
lighting systems requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
When diagnosing the interior lighting circuits,
remember that high generator output can burn out
bulbs rapidly and repeatedly; and, that dim or flick-
ering bulbs can be caused by low generator output or
poor battery condition. If one of these symptoms is a
problem on the vehicle being diagnosed, be certain to
diagnose and repair the battery and charging system
as required. Also keep in mind that a good ground is
necessary for proper lighting operation. If a lighting
problem is being diagnosed that involves multiple
symptoms, systems, or components the problem can
often be traced to a loose, corroded, or open ground.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appropri-
ate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector
repair procedures, details of wire harness routing
and retention, connector pin-out information and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
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.
8L - 68 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORKJ
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR (Continued)