²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This happens if A/C has
been selected by the vehicle operator and requested
by the A/C thermostat.
CRUISE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At cruising speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Oxygen (O2S) sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then adjust
the injector pulse width by turning the ground circuit
to each individual injector on and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio. It also adjusts engine idle
speed through the idle air control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This happens if A/C has
been selected by the vehicle operator and requested
by the A/C thermostat.
ACCELERATION MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The PCM recognizes
an abrupt increase in throttle position or MAP pres-
sure as a demand for increased engine output and
vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector
pulse width in response to increased throttle opening.
DECELERATION MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is an Open Loop mode. During hard deceleration, the
PCM receives the following inputs.
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Vehicle speed
If the vehicle is under hard deceleration with the
proper rpm and closed throttle conditions, the PCM
will ignore the oxygen sensor input signal. The PCM
will enter a fuel cut-off strategy in which it will not
supply a ground to the injectors. If a hard decelera-
tion does not exist, the PCM will determine the
proper injector pulse width and continue injection.
Based on the above inputs, the PCM will adjust
engine idle speed through the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During wide open
throttle operation, the PCM receives the following
inputs.
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
During wide open throttle conditions, the following
occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off. The PCM ignores the oxygen sensor input
signal and provides a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel. This is done by adjusting injector pulse
width.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When ignition switch is turned to OFF position,
the PCM stops operating the injectors, ignition coil,
ASD relay and fuel pump relay.
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Two different Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
five volt supply circuits are used; primary and sec-
ondary.
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
This circuit ties the ignition switch to the Power-
train Control Module (PCM).
8E - 14 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESWJ
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has 2 main
grounds. Both of these grounds are referred to as
power grounds. All of the high-current, noisy, electri-
cal devices are connected to these grounds as well as
all of the sensor returns. The sensor return comes
into the sensor return circuit, passes through noise
suppression, and is then connected to the power
ground.
The power ground is used to control ground cir-
cuits for the following PCM loads:
²Generator field winding
²Fuel injectors
²Ignition coil(s)
²Certain relays/solenoids
²Certain sensors
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN
The Sensor Return circuits are internal to the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM).
Sensor Return provides a low±noise ground refer-
ence for all engine control system sensors. Refer to
Power Grounds for more information.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM
(1) Also refer to Modes of Operation.
The PCM operates the fuel system. The PCM is a
pre-programmed, triple microprocessor digital com-
puter. It regulates ignition timing, air-fuel ratio,
emission control devices, charging system, certain
transmission features, speed control, air conditioning
compressor clutch engagement and idle speed. The
PCM can adapt its programming to meet changing
operating conditions.
The PCM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
PCM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to as Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Outputs. The sensors and switches that pro-
vide inputs to the PCM are considered Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) Inputs.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based upon
inputs it receives from sensors that react to: engine
rpm, manifold absolute pressure, engine coolant tem-
perature, throttle position, transmission gear selec-
tion (automatic transmission), vehicle speed and the
brake switch.
The PCM adjusts idle speed based on inputs it
receives from sensors that react to: throttle position,
vehicle speed, transmission gear selection, engine
coolant temperature and from inputs it receives from
the air conditioning clutch switch and brake switch.Based on inputs that it receives, the PCM adjusts
ignition coil dwell. The PCM also adjusts the gener-
ator charge rate through control of the generator
field and provides speed control operation.
NOTE: PCM Inputs:
²A/C request
²Auto shutdown (ASD) sense
²Battery temperature
²Battery voltage
²Brake switch
²J1850 bus circuits
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Data link connections for DRB scan tool
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Five volts (primary)
²Five volts (secondary)
²Fuel level
²Generator (battery voltage) output
²Ignition circuit sense (ignition switch in on/off/
crank/run position)
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Leak detection pump (switch) sense (if equipped)
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Oil pressure
²Overdrive/override switch
²Oxygen sensors
²Park/neutral switch (auto. trans. only)
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Speed control multiplexed single wire input
²Throttle position sensor
²Transmission governor pressure sensor
²Transmission temperature sensor
²Vehicle speed (from ABS module)
NOTE: PCM Outputs:
²A/C clutch relay
²Auto shutdown (ASD) relay
²J1850 (+/-) circuits for: speedometer, voltmeter,
fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge/lamp, engine temp.
gauge and speed control warn. lamp
²Data link connection for DRBIIItscan tool
²EGR valve control solenoid (if equipped)
²EVAP canister purge solenoid
²Fuel injectors
²Fuel pump relay
²Generator field driver (-)
²Generator field driver (+)
²Generator lamp (if equipped)
²Idle air control (IAC) motor
²Ignition coil
²Leak detection pump
WJELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 15
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp).
Driven through J1850 circuits.
²Overdrive indicator lamp (if equipped). Driven
through J1850 circuits.
²Oxygen sensor heater relays (if equipped).
²Radiator cooling fan relay (pulse width modu-
lated)
²Speed control source
²Speed control vacuum solenoid
²Speed control vent solenoid
²Tachometer (if equipped). Driven through J1850
circuits.
²Transmission convertor clutch circuit
²Transmission 3±4 shift solenoid
²Transmission relay
²Transmission temperature lamp (if equipped)
²Transmission variable force solenoid
OPERATION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Primary 5±volt supply:
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor.
²supplies a reference voltage for the Manifold
Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor.
²supplies a reference voltage for the Throttle
Position Sensor (TPS) sensor.
Secondary 5±volt supply:
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
oil pressure sensor.
²supplies the required 5 volt power source for the
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) (if equipped).
²supplies the 5 volt power source to the transmis-
sion pressure sensor (if equipped with an RE auto-
matic transmission).
OPERATION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
The ignition circuit sense input tells the PCM the
ignition switch has energized the ignition circuit.
Battery voltage is also supplied to the PCM
through the ignition switch when the ignition is in
the RUN or START position. This is referred to as
the9ignition sense9circuit and is used to9wake up9
the PCM.
REMOVAL
USE THE DRBIIItSCAN TOOL TO REPRO-
GRAM THE NEW POWERTRAIN CONTROL
MODULE (PCM) WITH THE VEHICLES ORIGI-
NAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) AND
THE VEHICLES ORIGINAL MILEAGE. IF THIS
STEP IS NOT DONE, A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODE (DTC) MAY BE SET.
The PCM is located on the cowl panel in right/rear
side of engine compartment (Fig. 12).The PCM is located on the cowl panel in right/rear
side of engine compartment (Fig. 12).
To avoid possible voltage spike damage to PCM,
ignition key must be off, and negative battery cable
must be disconnected before unplugging PCM connec-
tors.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
Fig. 12 Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Location
1 - PCM
2 - COOLANT TANK
Fig. 13 Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 32±Way
Connectors
1 - 3 32±WAY CONNECTORS
2 - PCM/BRACKET ASSEMBLY
3 - BRACKET NUTS (3)
8E - 16 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESWJ
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
²Pressure Switches
²Transmission Temperature Sensor
²Input Shaft Speed Sensor
²Output Shaft Speed Sensor
²Line Pressure Sensor
Some examples ofindirect inputsto the TCM
are:
²Engine/Body Identification
²Manifold Pressure
²Target Idle
²Torque Reduction Confirmation
²Engine Coolant Temperature
²Ambient/Battery Temperature
²DRBtScan Tool Communication
Based on the information received from these var-
ious inputs, the TCM determines the appropriate
shift schedule and shift points, depending on the
present operating conditions and driver demand.
This is possible through the control of various direct
and indirect outputs.
Some examples of TCMdirect outputsare:
²Transmission Control Relay
²Solenoids
²Torque Reduction Request
Some examples of TCMindirect outputsare:
²Transmission Temperature (to PCM)
²PRNDL Position (to BCM)
In addition to monitoring inputs and controlling
outputs, the TCM has other important responsibili-
ties and functions:
²Storing and maintaining Clutch Volume Indexes
(CVI)
²Storing and selecting appropriate Shift Sched-
ules
²System self-diagnostics
²Diagnostic capabilities (with DRBtscan tool)
NOTE: If the TCM has been replaced, the ªQuick
Learn Procedureº must be performed. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
BATTERY FEED
A fused, direct battery feed to the TCM is used for
continuous power. This battery voltage is necessary
to retain adaptive learn values in the TCM's RAM
(Random Access Memory). When the battery (B+) is
disconnected, this memory is lost. When the battery
(B+) is restored, this memory loss is detected by the
TCM and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set.
CLUTCH VOLUME INDEXES (CVI)
An important function of the TCM is to monitor
Clutch Volume Indexes (CVI). CVIs represent the vol-
ume of fluid needed to compress a clutch pack.The TCM monitors gear ratio changes by monitor-
ing the Input and Output Speed Sensors. The Input,
or Turbine Speed Sensor sends an electrical signal to
the TCM that represents input shaft rpm. The Out-
put Speed Sensor provides the TCM with output
shaft speed information.
By comparing the two inputs, the TCM can deter-
mine transmission gear position. This is important to
the CVI calculation because the TCM determines
CVIs by monitoring how long it takes for a gear
change to occur (Fig. 18).
Gear ratios can be determined by using the
DRBIIItScan Tool and reading the Input/Output
Speed Sensor values in the ªMonitorsº display. Gear
ratio can be obtained by dividing the Input Speed
Sensor value by the Output Speed Sensor value.
The gear ratio changes as clutches are applied and
released. By monitoring the length of time it takes
for the gear ratio to change following a shift request,
the TCM can determine the volume of fluid used to
apply or release a friction element.
The volume of transmission fluid needed to apply
the friction elements are continuously updated for
adaptive controls. As friction material wears, the vol-
ume of fluid need to apply the element increases.
Fig. 18 Example of CVI Calculation
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT
3 - CLUTCH PACK
4 - SEPARATOR PLATE
5 - FRICTION DISCS
6 - INPUT SHAFT
7 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
8 - PISTON AND SEAL
8E - 20 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESWJ
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
Certain mechanical failures within the input clutch
assembly can cause inadequate or out-of-range ele-
ment volumes. Also, defective Input/Output Speed
Sensors and wiring can cause these conditions. The
following chart identifies the appropriate clutch vol-
umes and when they are monitored/updated:
CLUTCH VOLUMES
Clutch When UpdatedProper Clutch
Volume
L/R2-1 or 3-1
downshift45 to 134
2C3-2 kickdown
shift25 to 85
OD 2-3 upshift 30 to 100
4C 3-4 upshift 30 to 85
UD4-3 kickdown
shift30 to 100
SHIFT SCHEDULES
As mentioned earlier, the TCM has programming
that allows it to select a variety of shift schedules.
Shift schedule selection is dependent on the follow-
ing:
²Shift lever position
²Throttle position
²Engine load
²Fluid temperature
²Software level
As driving conditions change, the TCM appropri-
ately adjusts the shift schedule. Refer to the follow-
ing chart to determine the appropriate operation
expected, depending on driving conditions.
Schedule Condition Expected Operation
Extreme ColdOil temperature below -16É F -Park, Reverse, Neutral and 1st and
3rd gear only in D position, 2nd
gear only in Manual 2 or L
-No EMCC
Super ColdOil temperature between -12É F and
10É F- Delayed 2-3 upshift
- Delayed 3-4 upshift - Early 4-3
coastdown shift
- High speed 4-2, 3-2, 2-1 kickdown
shifts are prevented
-Shifts at high throttle openings willl
be early.
- No EMCC
ColdOil temperature between 10É F and
36É F-Shift schedule is the same as
Super Cold except that the 2-3
upshifts are not delayed.
WarmOil temperature between 40É F and
80É F- Normal operation (upshift,
kickdowns, and coastdowns)
- No EMCC
HotOil temperature between 80É F and
240É F- Normal operation (upshift,
kickdowns, and coastdowns) -
Normal EMCC operation
OverheatOil temperature above 240É F or
engine coolant temperature above
244É F- Delayed 2-3 upshift
- Delayed 3-4 upshift
- 3rd gear FEMCC from 30-48 mph
- 3rd gear PEMCC above 35 mph
- Above 25 mph the torque
converter will not unlock unless the
throttle is closed or if a wide open
throttle 2nd PEMCC to 1 kickdown
is made
WJELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 21
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives the knock sensor voltage signal as an input.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except at
Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The PCM, using short
term memory, can respond quickly to retard timing
when engine knock is detected. Short term memory
is lost any time the ignition key is turned off.
NOTE: Over or under tightening the sensor mount-
ing bolts will affect knock sensor performance, pos-
sibly causing improper spark control. Always use
the specified torque when installing the knock sen-
sors.
REMOVAL
4.7L High-Output Engine Only
The 2 knock sensors are bolted into the cylinder
block under the intake manifold (Fig. 22).
NOTE: The left sensor is identified by an identifica-
tion tag (LEFT). It is also identified by a larger bolt
head. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must
have and know the correct sensor left/right posi-
tions. Do not mix the sensor locations.
(1) Disconnect knock sensor dual pigtail harness
connector from engine wiring harness connector. This
connection is made near the right/rear of intake man-
ifold (Fig. 23).
(2) Remove intake manifold. Refer to Engine sec-
tion.
(3) Remove sensor mounting bolts (Fig. 22). Note
foam strip on bolt threads. This foam is used only to
retain the bolts to sensors for plant assembly. It is
not used as a sealant. Do not apply any adhesive,
sealant or thread locking compound to these bolts.
(4) Remove sensors from engine.
Fig. 22 KNOCK SENSOR LOCATION - 4.7L H.O.
1 - KNOCK SENSORS (2)
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD (CUTAWAY)
4 - PIGTAIL CONNECTOR
Fig. 23 KNOCK SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR - 4.7L
H.O.
1 - KNOCK SENSOR PIGTAIL HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - ENGINE WIRING HARNESS
8I - 14 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)
an input from the auto headlamp light sensor to
determine the ambient light levels. If the BCM
decides that the exterior lighting is turned on in the
daylight, it overrides the selected panel dimmer
switch signal by sending a message over the PCI
data bus to illuminate all vacuum fluorescent dis-
plays at full brightness for improved visibility in day-
time light levels. The automatic parade mode has no
effect on the incandescent bulb illumination intensity.
The hard wired cluster illumination circuits
between the left (lighting) multi-function switch and
the BCM may be diagnosed using conventional diag-
nostic tools and methods. The electro-luminescent
lamp is diagnosed using the EMIC self-diagnostic
actuator test. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
However, proper testing of the EMIC and the elec-
tronic dimming level messages sent by the BCM over
the PCI data bus requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
CHIME SERVICE
The EMIC is programmed to request chime service
from the Body Control Module (BCM) when certain
indicators are illuminated. The EMIC chime request
for illumination of the low fuel indicator is a cus-
tomer programmable feature. When the programmed
conditions are met, the EMIC generates an electronic
chime request message and sends it over the PCI
data bus to the BCM. Upon receiving the proper
chime request, the BCM activates an integral chime
tone generator to provide the audible chime tone to
the vehicle operator. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHIME WARNING SYSTEM - OPERATION). Proper
testing of the PCI data bus and the electronic chime
request message outputs from the EMIC requires the
use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
If all of the instrument cluster gauges and/or indi-
cators are inoperative, refer to PRELIMINARY
DIAGNOSIS . If an individual gauge or Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus mes-
sage-controlled indicator is inoperative, refer to
ACTUATOR TEST . If an individual hard wired indi-
cator is inoperative, refer to the diagnosis and testing
information for that specific indicator. If the base
instrument cluster incandescent illumination lighting
is inoperative, refer to CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
DIAGNOSIS . If the premium instrument cluster
electro-luminescent illumination lighting is inopera-
tive, refer to ACTUATOR TEST . Refer to the appro-
priate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connectorrepair 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.
NOTE: Occasionally, a condition may be encoun-
tered where the gauge pointer for the speedometer
or the tachometer becomes caught on the wrong
side of the pointer stop. To correct this condition,
the technician should use a DRBIIITscan tool and
the appropriate diagnostic information to perform
the instrument cluster self-diagnostic actuator test
procedure. When performed, the actuator test pro-
cedure will automatically return the pointer to the
correct side of the pointer stop.
PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE IMPACT SENSOR,
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.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE
PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, THE CLUSTER
CIRCUITRY PROVIDES AN ALTERNATING CURRENT
TO SUPPLY POWER TO THE ELECTRO-LUMINES-
CENT ILLUMINATION LAMP THROUGH A PIGTAIL
WIRE AND CONNECTOR THAT IS ACCESSIBLE AT
THE BACK OF THE CLUSTER HOUSING. USE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS WHEN HANDLING THIS
UNIT DURING DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE TO AVOID
ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse 17 - 10
ampere) in the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse 17 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit between
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
tor will be turned on for the duration of the test to
confirm the functionality of the bulb and the cluster
control circuitry.
²ABS Diagnostic Test- The ABS indicator is
blinked on and off based upon lamp-on and lamp-off
messages from the CAB during the performance of
the ABS diagnostic tests.
The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits
and sensors to decide whether the system is in good
operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper
ABS indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the ABS indicator fails to light
during the bulb test, replace the bulb with a known
good unit. If the CAB sends an ABS indicator
lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that
the CAB has detected a system malfunction and/or
that the ABS system has become inoperative. The
CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for
any malfunction it detects. Each time the ABS indi-
cator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in
the cluster ABS indicator circuit or bulb, the cluster
sends a message notifying the CAB of the condition,
then the instrument cluster and the CAB will each
store a DTC. For proper diagnosis of the anti-lock
brake system, the CAB, the PCI data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the ABS indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. However, the instrument cluster
is programmed to automatically enable this indicator
only on vehicles equipped with the airbag system,
which is not available in some markets. The airbag
indicator is located on the upper edge of the instru-
ment cluster, between the speedometer and the
tachometer. The airbag indicator consists of the
words ªAIR BAGº imprinted on a red lens. The lens
is located behind a 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. The ªAIR BAGº
text appears silhouetted against a red field through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emit-
ting Diode (LED), which is soldered onto the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. The airbag
indicator lens is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The airbag indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or
inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The airbag indicator
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled
by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic
will only allow this indicator to operate when the
instrument cluster receives a battery current input
on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) cir-
cuit. Therefore, the indicator will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On or
Start. The LED only illuminates when it is switched
to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the airbag indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ACM sends an elec-
tronic airbag indicator lamp-on message to the clus-
ter which will illuminate the airbag indicator for
about six seconds as a bulb test. The entire six sec-
ond bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²Airbag Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives an airbag indicator lamp-on
message from the ACM, the airbag indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated for
about twelve seconds or until the cluster receives an
airbag indicator lamp-off message from the ACM,
whichever is longer.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no airbag indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages for
six consecutive seconds, the airbag indicator is illu-
minated. The indicator remains illuminated until the
cluster receives a single valid airbag indicator lamp-
off message from the ACM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the airbag indicator will be
turned on, then off again during the bulb check por-
tion of the test to confirm the functionality of the
LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator
test illumination of the airbag indicator is also a
function of the ACM.
The ACM continually monitors the airbag system
circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is
in good operating condition. The ACM then sends the
proper airbag indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages
to the instrument cluster. If the ACM sends an air-
bag indicator lamp-on message after the bulb test, it
indicates that the ACM has detected a system mal-
function. Such a malfunction could mean that the
airbags may not deploy when required, or may
deploy when not required. The ACM will store a
8J - 14 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
ABS INDICATOR (Continued)