2003 DODGE RAM service indicator

diagnostic feedback for the heated seat system. Each
switch also has an incandescent bulb, which provides
dimmer controlled back lighting of the switch when
the headlamps or park lamps are on.
The heated seat switches are both mounted in the
instrument panel center bezel, located in the lower
center of the instrument panel. The two switches are
snapped into the mounting holes of the heated seat
switch bezel, and the heated seat switch bezel is
secured with screws to the instrument panel center
bezel. The heated seat switches are differentiated by
the keyway in the connector receptacle on the backs
of the switches and keyway on the switch housing.
The instrument panel wire harness connectors for
the heated seat switches are keyed to match the con-
nector receptacles on the switches so that the two
heated seat switches can only be connected to the
proper heated seat electrical.
The two LED indicator lamps and the incandescent
bulb in each heated seat switch cannot be repaired. If
the indicator lamps or back lighting bulb are faulty
or damaged, the individual heated seat switch must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The heated seat switches receive battery current
through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
Depressing the heated seat switch rocker to its
momentary High or Low position provides a hard-wired resistance signal to the heated seat module.
This signal tells the module to energize the heated
seat element of the selected seat and maintain the
requested temperature setting. If the heated seat
switch is depressed to a different position (Low or
High) than the currently selected state, the heated
seat module will change states to support the new
selection. If a heated seat switch is depressed a sec-
ond time, the heated seat module interprets the sec-
ond input as a request to turn the seat heater OFF.
The High and Low LED indicator lamps in the
heated seat switches receive battery current through
a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit when the
ignition switch is in the On position. The ground side
of each indicator lamp is controlled by the heated
seat module. This control of the switch indicator
lamps also allows the module to provide diagnostic
feedback to the vehicle operator or technician to indi-
cate heated seat system faults by flashing the indica-
tor lamps on and off. One side of the incandescent
back lighting bulb in each heated seat switch is con-
nected to ground at all times. The other side of the
incandescent bulb is connected to the fused panel
lamps dimmer switch signal circuit. These bulbs are
energized when the park lamps or headlamps are
turned on, and their illumination intensity is con-
trolled by the panel lamps dimmer switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor connector pin-outs
and the location of complete heated seat system wir-
ing diagrams.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves inoper-
ative heated seat switch back lighting and the cluster
illumination lamps operate, go to Step 2. If the prob-
lem being diagnosed involves inoperative heated seat
switch back lighting and the cluster illumination
lamps are also inoperative, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If the problem being diagnosed involves
Fig. 4 HEATED SEAT SWITCH
1 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH
2 - LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE (LED) INDICATOR LAMPS
8G - 8 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMDR
HEATED SEAT SWITCH (Continued)

inoperative heated seat switch indicator lamps and
the heated seat elements do not heat, proceed. If the
problem being diagnosed involves inoperative heated
seat switch indicator lamps and the heated seat ele-
ments do heat, go to Step 6. If the problem being
diagnosed involves a heated seat switch indicator
lamp that remains illuminated after the heated seat
has been turned Off, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/MEMORY
HEATED SEAT/MIRROR MODULE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the heated seat switch and bezel unit
from the instrument panel. Disconnect the heated
seat switch to be tested. Check for continuity
between the ground circuit cavity of the heated seat
switch and a good ground. There should be continu-
ity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit to ground as required.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
park lamps on with the headlamp switch. Rotate the
panel lamps dimmer thumb wheel on the headlamp
switch upward to just before the interior lamps
detent. Check for battery voltage at the fused panel
lamps dimmer circuit cavity of the heated seat
switch. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the
open fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuit
to the fuse in the Integrated Power Module as
required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run) circuit cavity of the heated seat switch.
If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open fused
ignition switch output (run) circuit as required.
(5) Check the continuity and resistance values of
the heated seat switch in the Neutral, Low and High
positions as shown in the Heated Seat Switch Conti-
nuity chart. If OK, refer to Step 6. If not OK, replace
the faulty heated seat switch.
HEATED SEAT SWITCH CONTINUITY
Switch PositionContinuity
BetweenResistance
Neutral 4 & 6 2.2 Kilohms
Low 4 & 6 .415 Kilohms
High 4 & 6 33 Ohms(6) Replace the inoperative heated seat switch
with a known good unit and test the operation of the
switch indicator lamps. If OK, discard the faulty
heated seat switch. If not OK, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
MEMORY HEATED SEAT/MIRROR MODULE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Wait two minutes for the system reserve capac-
itor to discharge before beginning any airbag or
instrument panel service.
(3) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Remove the screws that secure the heated seat
switch bezel to the instrument panel center bezel.
(5) Remove the heated seat switch bezel and both
switches from the instrument panel as a unit.
(6) From the back of the heated seat switch bezel,
gently pry the switch free and push the heated seat
switch out through the front of the bezel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When installing the heated seat switches, be
certain they are installed in the proper mounting
holes of the heated seat switch bezel. The heated
seat switches are differentiated by the keyway in
the connector receptacle on the backs of the
switches and keyway on the switch housing (Fig.
4).
(1) From the back of the heated seat switch bezel,
gently push the heated seat switch in through the
front of the bezel.
(2) Position the heated seat switch bezel to the
instrument panel center bezel and install the retain-
ing screws.
(3) Install the center bezel on the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
(5) Verify vehicle and system operation.
DRHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 9
HEATED SEAT SWITCH (Continued)

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER...........................10
REMOVAL.............................14
DISASSEMBLY.........................14
ASSEMBLY............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
INDICATOR..........................19
CARGO LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
DOOR AJAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
ETC INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................25
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................26
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................27
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................28LAMP OUT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................32
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................34
SECURITY INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................35
SERVICE 4WD INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................36
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................36
OPERATION...........................36
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................37
OPERATION...........................37
TRANS TEMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................39
OPERATION...........................39
UPSHIFT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................40
OPERATION...........................40
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................40
OPERATION...........................41
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................42
OPERATION...........................42
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 1

WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................42
OPERATION...........................42WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrument cluster for this model is an Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) that is
located in the instrument panel above the steering
column opening, directly in front of the driver (Fig.
1). The remainder of the EMIC, including the mounts
and the electrical connections, are concealed within
the instrument panel behind the cluster bezel.
Besides analog gauges and indicators, the EMIC
module incorporates two blue-green digital Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units for displaying odom-
eter/trip odometer information, engine hours, auto-
matic transmission gear selector position (PRNDL),
several warning or reminder indications and certain
diagnostic information. The instrument cluster for
this model also includes the hardware and software
necessary to serve as the electronic body control mod-
ule and is sometimes referred to as the Cab Com-
partment Node or CCN.
The EMIC gauges and indicators are visible
through a dedicated opening in the cluster bezel on
the instrument panel and are protected by a clear
plastic cluster lens (Fig. 2) that is integral to a clus-
ter lens, hood and mask unit. Just behind the cluster
lens is the cluster hood and an integral cluster mask,
which are constructed of molded black plastic. The
cluster hood serves as a visor and shields the face of
the cluster from ambient light and reflections to
reduce glare, while the cluster mask serves to sepa-
rate and define the individual gauges and indicators
of the EMIC. A black plastic odometer/trip odometerswitch button protrudes through dedicated holes in
the cluster mask and the cluster lens, located near
the lower edge of the cluster just to the left of the
tachometer. The molded plastic EMIC lens, hood and
mask unit has four integral mounting tabs, one each
on the upper and lower outboard corners of the unit.
These mounting tabs are used to secure the EMIC to
the molded plastic instrument panel cluster carrier
with four screws.
The rear of the cluster housing and the EMIC elec-
tronic circuitry are protected by a molded plastic rear
cover, which is secured to the cluster housing with a
single screw, while eight screws installed around the
outside perimeter of the rear cover secure it to the
cluster lens, hood and mask unit. The rear cover
includes clearance holes for service access to each of
the eleven incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
installed on the cluster circuit board for general illu-
mination lighting and for the cluster connector recep-
tacles. The connector receptacles on the back of the
cluster electronic circuit board connect the EMIC to
the vehicle electrical system through three take outs
with connectors from the instrument panel wire har-
ness. The EMIC also has an integral interface con-
nector on the back of the cluster circuit board that
joins it to the optional external RKE receiver through
a connector receptacle that is integral to that unit.
The rear cover includes a molded receptacle and two
latch features to secure the RKE receiver on vehicles
that are so equipped.
Sandwiched between the rear cover and the lens,
hood and mask unit is the cluster housing. The
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster Components
1 - SCREW (9)
2 - REAR COVER
3 - CLUSTER HOUSING
4 - LENS, HOOD & MASK
8J - 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR

the vehicle speed remains greater than about twenty-
four kilometers-per-hour (fifteen miles-per-hour).
²Vacuum Fluorescent Display Synchroniza-
tion- The EMIC transmits electronic panel lamp
dimming level messages which allows all other elec-
tronic modules on the PCI data bus with Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) units to coordinate their
illumination intensity with that of the EMIC VFD
units.
²Vehicle Theft Security System- The EMIC
monitors inputs from the door cylinder lock switch-
(es), the door ajar switches, the ignition switch, and
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver module,
then provides electronic horn and lighting request
messages to the Front Control Module (FCM) located
on the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for the appro-
priate VTSS alarm output features.
²Wiper/Washer System Control- The EMIC
provides electronic wiper and/or washer request mes-
sages to the Front Control Module (FCM) located on
the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for the appropri-
ate wiper and washer system features. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - DESCRIP-
TION).
The EMIC houses six analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to twenty-three indicators (Fig. 3) or
(Fig. 4). The EMIC includes the following analog
gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Oil Pressure Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
²Voltage Gauge
Some of the EMIC indicators are automatically
configured when the EMIC is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system for compatibility with certain
optional equipment or equipment required for regula-
tory purposes in certain markets. While each EMIC
may have provisions for indicators to support every
available option, the configurable indicators will not
be functional in a vehicle that does not have the
equipment that an indicator supports. The EMIC
includes provisions for the following indicators (Fig.
3) or (Fig. 4):
²Airbag Indicator (with Airbag System only)
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
(with ABS or Rear Wheel Anti-Lock [RWAL]
brakes only)
²Brake Indicator
²Cargo Lamp Indicator
²Check Gauges Indicator
²Cruise Indicator (with Speed Control only)
²Door Ajar Indicator
²Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator
(with 5.7L Gasoline Engine only)²Gear Selector Indicator (with Automatic
Transmission only)
²High Beam Indicator
²Lamp Out Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Overdrive-Off Indicator (with Automatic
Transmission only)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Security Indicator (with Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer & Vehicle Theft Security Systems only)
²Service Four-Wheel Drive Indicator (with
Four-Wheel Drive only)
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator (with
Automatic Transmission only)
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Upshift Indicator (with Manual Transmis-
sion only)
²Washer Fluid Indicator
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
Each indicator in the EMIC, except those located
within one of the VFD units, is illuminated by a ded-
icated LED that is soldered onto the EMIC electronic
circuit board. The LED units are not available for
service replacement and, if damaged or faulty, the
entire EMIC must be replaced. Cluster illumination
is accomplished by dimmable incandescent back
lighting, which illuminates the gauges for visibility
when the exterior lighting is turned on. Each of the
incandescent bulbs is secured by an integral bulb
holder to the electronic circuit board from the back of
the cluster housing.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator, a
VFD unit, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
board hardware, the cluster overlay, or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

ule must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and
mask unit and the individual incandescent lamp
bulbs with holders are available for individual ser-
vice replacement.
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
in this model also includes the hardware and soft-
ware necessary to serve as the electronic body control
module and is sometimes referred to as the Cab
Compartment Node or CCN. The following informa-
tion deals primarily with the instrument cluster
functions of this unit. Additional details of the elec-
tronic body control functions of this unit may be
found within the service information for the system
or component that the EMIC controls. For example:
Additional details of the audible warning functions of
the EMIC are found within the Chime/Buzzer service
information.The EMIC is designed to allow the vehicle operator
to monitor the conditions of many of the vehicle com-
ponents and operating systems. The gauges and indi-
cators in the EMIC provide valuable information
about the various standard and optional powertrains,
fuel and emissions systems, cooling systems, lighting
systems, safety systems and many other convenience
items. The EMIC is installed in the instrument panel
so that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by
the vehicle operator when driving, while still allow-
ing relative ease of access for service. The micropro-
cessor-based EMIC hardware and software uses
various inputs to control the gauges and indicators
visible on the face of the cluster. Some of these
inputs are hard wired, but most are in the form of
electronic messages that are transmitted by other
electronic modules over the Programmable Communi-
cations Interface (PCI) data bus network. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
Fig. 3 Gauges & Indicators - Gasoline Engine
1 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 13 - ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) INDICATOR
2 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 14 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 15 - SECURITY INDICATOR
4 - TACHOMETER 16 - GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY (INCLUDES
CRUISE & UPSHIFT INDICATORS)
5 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 17 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
6 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 18 - BRAKE INDICATOR
7 - SEATBELT INDICATOR 19 - ABS INDICATOR
8 - SPEEDOMETER 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY (INCLUDES
ENGINE HOURS, WASHER FLUID, LAMP OUTAGE,
OVERDRIVE-OFF & SERVICE 4x4 INDICATORS)
9 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 21 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
10 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 22 - FUEL GAUGE
11 - CARGO LAMP INDICATOR 23 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
12 - DOOR AJAR INDICATOR 24 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
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 audible tone
generator to provide distinct visual and audible indi-
cations of a problem to the vehicle operator. The
instrument cluster circuitry may also produce audi-
ble warnings for other electronic modules in the vehi-
cle based upon electronic tone request messages
received over the PCI data bus. Each audible warn-
ing is intended to provide the vehicle operator with
an audible alert to supplement a visual indication.The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through a fused B(+) fuse in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) on a non-switched fused B(+)
circuit, and on battery current received through a
fused ignition switch output (run-start) fuse in the
IPM on a fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. This arrangement allows the EMIC to provide
some features regardless of the ignition switch posi-
tion, while other features will operate only with the
ignition switch in the On or Start positions. 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 ground screw to a ground location near the center
of the instrument panel structural support.
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, positioning the gauge nee-
Fig. 4 Gauges & Indicators - Diesel Engine
1 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 14 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
2 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 15 - SECURITY INDICATOR
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 16 - GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY (INCLUDES
CRUISE & UPSHIFT INDICATORS)
4 - TACHOMETER 17 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
5 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 18 - BRAKE INDICATOR
6 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 19 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
7 - SEATBELT INDICATOR 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY (INCLUDES
ENGINE HOURS, WASHER FLUID, LAMP OUTAGE,
OVERDRIVE-OFF & SERVICE 4x4 INDICATORS)
8 - SPEEDOMETER 21 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
9 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 22 - FUEL GAUGE
10 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 23 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
11 - CARGO LAMP INDICATOR 24 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
12 - DOOR AJAR INDICATOR 25 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
13 - ABS INDICATOR
DRINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

dles at several predetermined calibration points
across the gauge faces, and illuminating all segments
of the odometer/trip odometer and gear selector indi-
cator Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - 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 only when the ignition switch is in
the On or Start positions. With the ignition switch in
the Off position battery current is not supplied to
any gauges, and the EMIC circuitry is programmed
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 condition unless
the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions.
All of the EMIC gauges are air core magnetic
units. Two fixed electromagnetic 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 DISPLAYS
The Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units are
soldered to the EMIC electronic circuit board. With
the ignition switch in the Off or Accessory positions,
the odometer display is activated when the driver
door is opened (Rental Car mode) and is deactivated
when the driver door is closed. Otherwise, both dis-
play units are active when the ignition switch is in
the On or Start positions, and inactive when the igni-
tion switch is in the Off or Accessory positions.The illumination intensity of the VFD units is con-
trolled by the EMIC circuitry based upon an input
from the headlamp switch and a dimming level input
received from the headlamp dimmer switch. The
EMIC synchronizes the illumination intensity of
other VFD units with that of the units in the EMIC
by sending electronic dimming level messages to
other electronic modules in the vehicle over the PCI
data bus.
The EMIC VFD units have several display capabil-
ities including odometer, trip odometer, engine hours,
gear selector indication (PRNDL) for models with an
automatic transmission, several warning or reminder
indications, and various diagnostic information when
certain fault conditions exist. An odometer/trip odom-
eter switch on the EMIC circuit board is used to con-
trol some of the display modes. This switch is
actuated manually by depressing the odometer/trip
odometer switch button that extends through the
lower edge of the cluster lens, just left of the tachom-
eter. Actuating this switch momentarily with the
ignition switch in the On position will toggle the
VFD between the odometer and trip odometer modes.
Depressing the switch button for about two seconds
while the VFD is in the trip odometer mode will
reset the trip odometer value to zero. While in the
odometer mode with the ignition switch in the On
position and the engine not running, depressing this
switch for about six seconds will display the engine
hours information. Holding this switch depressed
while turning the ignition switch from the Off posi-
tion to the On position will initiate the EMIC self-di-
agnostic actuator test. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information for additional details on this
VFD function. The EMIC microprocessor remembers
which display mode is active when the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, and returns the
VFD display to that mode when the ignition switch is
turned On again.
The VFD units are diagnosed using the EMIC self-
diagnostic 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 some of the VFD functions requires the
use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information. Specific operation details for
the odometer, the trip odometer, the gear selector
indicator and the various warning and reminder indi-
cator functions of the VFD may be found elsewhere
in this service information.
INDICATORS
Indicators are located in various positions within
the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC elec-
tronic circuit board. The cargo lamp indicator, door
8J - 8 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)