2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Message center

certain conditions or inputs to provide the vehicle
operator with an audible alert to supplement a visual
indication.
The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through fused B(+) fuses in the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC) and the Junction Block (JB)
on a non-switched fused B(+) circuit, and on battery
current received through a fused ignition switch out-
put (run-start) fuse in the JB on a fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit. This arrangement
allows the EMIC to provide some features regardless
of the ignition switch position, while other features
will operate only with the ignition switch in the On
or Start positions. The EMIC circuitry is grounded
through two separate ground circuits of the instru-
ment panel wire harness. These ground circuits
receive ground through take outs of the instrument
panel wire harness with eyelet terminal connectors
that are secured by a nut to a ground stud located on
the floor panel transmission tunnel beneath the cen-
ter floor console, just forward of the Airbag Control
Module (ACM).
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 across the gauge
faces from their minimum to their maximum read-
ings, and stepping the odometer display sequentially
from all zeros through all nines. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). The self-diagnostic actuator test
can be initialized manually or using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
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 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, except the odometer, 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 per-
manent 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 flowingthrough 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 mes-
sages received over the PCI data bus. The gauge nee-
dle 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 data bus message inputs to the EMIC that con-
trol each gauge requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
Specific operation details for each gauge may be
found elsewhere in this service information.
VACUUM-FLUORESCENT DISPLAY
The Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) module is
soldered to the EMIC circuit board. The display is
active with the ignition switch in the On or Start
positions, and inactive when the ignition switch is in
any other position. The illumination intensity of the
VFD is controlled by the EMIC circuitry based upon
electronic dimming level messages received from the
BCM over the PCI data bus, and is synchronized
with the illumination 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 control stalk of the left (lighting) multi-function
switch on the steering column.
The VFD has several display capabilities including
odometer and trip odometer information. An odome-
ter/trip odometer switch on the EMIC circuit board is
used to control 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 right of the speed-
ometer. Actuating this switch momentarily with the
ignition switch in the On position will toggle the
VFD between the odometer and trip odometer modes.
The EMIC microprocessor remembers which display
mode is active when the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, and returns the display to that
mode when the ignition switch is turned On again.
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. Holding this
switch depressed while turning the ignition switch
from the Off position to the On position will initiate
the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information for additional
details on this VFD function.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

the JB and the Power Distribution Center (PDC) as
required.
(3) Check the fused ignition switch output (run-
start) fuse (Fuse 22 - 10 ampere) in the JB. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or
component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run-start) fuse (Fuse 22 - 10 ampere) in the
JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit
between the JB and the ignition switch as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument cluster. Reconnect the bat-
tery negative cable. Check for battery voltage at the
fused B(+) circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the instrument cluster. If OK,
go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+)
circuit between the instrument cluster and the JB as
required.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run-start) circuit cavity of the instrument
panel wire harness connector for the instrument clus-
ter. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit
between the instrument cluster and the JB as
required.
(7) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between each of the ground cir-
cuit cavities of the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the instrument cluster and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, refer to
the ACTUATOR TEST . If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit(s) between the instrument cluster and
ground (G200) as required.
ACTUATOR TEST
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.
The instrument cluster actuator test will put the
instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In
this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-
diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument
cluster circuitry, the gauges, the PCI data bus mes-
sage controlled indicators, and the electro-lumines-
cent illumination lamp (if equipped) are capable of
operating as designed. During the actuator test the
instrument cluster circuitry will sweep each of the
gauge needles across the gauge faces, illuminate each
of the segments in the Vacuum-Fluorescent Display
(VFD), turn all of the PCI data bus message-con-
trolled indicators on and off again, and turn the elec-
tro-luminescent illumination lamp (if equipped) on
and off again.
Successful completion of the actuator test will con-
firm that the instrument cluster is operational. How-
ever, there may still be a problem with the PCI data
bus, the Powertrain Control Module, the Airbag Con-
trol Module (ACM), the Body Control Module (BCM),
the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), the Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM), or the inputs to one of
these electronic control modules. Use a DRBIIItscan
tool to diagnose these components. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
If an individual indicator lamp or the electro-lumi-
nescent illumination lamp do not illuminate during
the actuator test, the instrument cluster should be
removed. However, check that the incandescent lamp
bulb is not faulty, that the bulb holder is properly
installed on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board, or that the electro-luminescent lamp pigtail
wire connector is properly connected to the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board before consider-
ing instrument cluster replacement. If the bulb and
bulb holder, or the electro-luminescent lamp connec-
tion check OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster
unit.
(1) Begin the test with the ignition switch in the
Off position.
(2) Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch but-
ton.
8J - 8 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

lens is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster
lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The check gauges indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when certain instrument cluster
gauge readings reflect a condition requiring immedi-
ate attention. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The check gauges
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 indicator will always be
off when the ignition switch is in any position except
On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is
provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster
transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the
check gauges indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the check gauges indicator
is illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test.
²Engine Temperature High/Critical Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature is
high or critical [above about 127É C (261É F) for gas-
oline engines except Gulf Coast Country (GCC), 129É
C (264É F) for GCC gasoline engines, and 118É C
(244É F) for diesel engines], the check gauges indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a message indicating the
engine coolant temperature is not high or critical
[about 125É C (255É F) or below for all gasoline
engines, or 115É C (239É F) for all diesel engines].
²Engine Oil Pressure Low Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine oil pressure is about 0.28
kg/cm or lower (about 4 psi or lower), the check
gauges indicator is illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a mes-
sage from the PCM indicating that the engine oil
pressure is about 0.56 kg/cm or higher (about 8 psi
or higher). The cluster will only turn the indicator on
in response to an engine oil pressure low message if
the ignition switch is in the On position and the
engine speed is 300 rpm or greater.
²System Voltage Low Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating
a low system voltage condition (system voltage is
about eleven volts or lower), the check gauges indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminateduntil the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating there is no low system voltage condition
(system voltage is above about eleven volts, but lower
than about sixteen volts).
²System Voltage High Message- Each time
the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicat-
ing a high system voltage condition (system voltage
is about sixteen volts or higher), the check gauges
indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating there is no high system voltage
condition (system voltage is below about sixteen
volts, but higher than about eleven volts).
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the check gauges indicator
will be turned on for the duration of the test to con-
firm the functionality of the LED and the cluster con-
trol circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the engine temper-
ature, oil pressure, and electrical system voltage,
then sends the proper messages to the instrument
cluster. For further diagnosis of the check gauges
indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the PCM, the PCI
data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the check gauges
indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A coolant low indicator is only found in the instru-
ment clusters of vehicles equipped with an optional
diesel engine. The coolant low indicator should not be
confused with the coolant level low indication pro-
vided by the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) of vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine,
although they do perform the same function. The
coolant low indicator is located in the lower left cor-
ner of the instrument cluster, to the left of the
tachometer. The coolant low indicator consists of an
International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªLow Coolantº imprinted on an amber 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 icon appears
silhouetted against an amber field through the trans-
lucent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator
is illuminated from behind by a replaceable incandes-
cent bulb and bulb holder unit located on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board. When the
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR (Continued)

system has been turned On, the cruise indicator is
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a cruise indicator lamp-off mes-
sage 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 for the duration of the test to confirm the
functionality of the bulb and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
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. If the cruise indicator fails to
light during the actuator test, replace the bulb with a
known good unit. For further diagnosis of the cruise
indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For proper diagnosis of the speed control
switches, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the elec-
tronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the cruise indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An engine coolant temperature gauge is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The engine
coolant temperature gauge is located in the lower
right corner of the instrument cluster, to the right of
the speedometer. The engine coolant temperature
gauge consists of a movable gauge needle or pointer
controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry and a
fixed 90 degree scale on the gauge dial face that
reads left-to-right from 40É C to 125É C, or from 100É
F to 260É F, depending upon the market for which
the vehicle is manufactured. An International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªEngine Coolant
Temperatureº is located on the gauge dial face.
The engine coolant temperature gauge graphics are
either white, gray and orange against a black gauge
dial face (base cluster) or black, gray and red against
a taupe gauge dial face (premium cluster), making
them clearly visible within the instrument cluster in
daylight. When illuminated from behind by the panel
lamps dimmer controlled cluster illumination lighting
with the exterior lamps turned On, the base cluster
white gauge graphics appear blue-green and the
orange graphics still appear orange, while the pre-
mium cluster taupe gauge dial face appears blue-green with the black graphics silhouetted against the
illuminated background and the red graphics still
appear red. The gray gauge graphics for both ver-
sions of the cluster are not illuminated. The orange
gauge needle in the base cluster gauge is internally
illuminated, while the black gauge needle in the pre-
mium cluster gauge is not.
Base cluster gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. Premium cluster gauge illumination is pro-
vided by an integral electro-luminescent lamp that is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster. The
engine coolant temperature gauge is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The engine coolant temperature gauge gives an
indication to the vehicle operator of the engine cool-
ant temperature. This gauge is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The engine coolant temper-
ature gauge is an air core magnetic unit that is com-
pletely controlled by the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board. The cluster is programmed to move the
gauge needle back to the low end of the scale after
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position. The
instrument cluster circuitry controls the gauge nee-
dle position and provides the following features:
²Engine Temperature Normal Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is within
the normal operating range [up to about 124É C (255É
F) for gasoline engines, and 115É C (239É F) for diesel
engines], the gauge needle is moved to the relative
temperature position of the gauge scale.
²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the PCM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is high
[above about 127É C (260É F) for gasoline engines
except Gulf Coast Country (GCC), 129É C (264É F) for
GCC gasoline engines, and 118É C (244É F) for diesel
engines], the gauge needle is moved to the center of
the red warning zone on the gauge scale.
²Engine Temperature Critical Message-
Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature is
critical [about 132É C (270É F) or higher for all gaso-
line engines, and 126É C (259É F) for all diesel
engines], the gauge needle is moved to the high end
of the red warning zone on the gauge scale.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive an engine temperature message, it will hold
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19
CRUISE INDICATOR (Continued)

Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The SKIS indicator bulb 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 bulb only illuminates when it is switched
to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the SKIS indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position, the SKIM tells the cluster
to illuminate the SKIS indicator for about three sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²SKIS Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a SKIS indicator lamp-on
message from the SKIM, the SKIS indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator can be flashed on and off,
or illuminated solid, as dictated by the SKIM mes-
sage. For more information on the SKIS and the
SKIS indicator control parameters, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY -
OPERATION). The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a SKIS indicator lamp-off
message from the SKIM, or until the ignition switch
is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no SKIS indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages from
the SKIM for twenty consecutive seconds, the SKIS
indicator is illuminated by the instrument cluster.
The indicator remains controlled and illuminated by
the cluster until a valid SKIS indicator lamp-on or
lamp-off message is received from the SKIM.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the SKIS indicator will be
turned on for the duration of the test to confirm the
functionality of the bulb and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The SKIM performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position to decide
whether the system is in good operating condition
and whether a valid key is present in the ignition
lock cylinder. The SKIM then sends the proper SKIS
indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the SKIS indicator fails to light dur-
ing the bulb test, replace the bulb with a known good
unit. For further diagnosis of the SKIS indicator or
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the
instrument cluster flashes the SKIS indicator upon
ignition On, or turns on the SKIS indicator solid
after the bulb test, it indicates that a SKIS malfunc-
tion has occurred or that the SKIS is inoperative. Forproper diagnosis of the SKIS, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the SKIS indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A speedometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The speedometer is located to the
right of the tachometer in the instrument cluster.
The speedometer consists of a movable gauge needle
or pointer controlled by the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry, and a fixed 255 degree primary scale on the
gauge dial face that reads left-to-right either from 0
to 120 mph, from 0 to 200 km/h, or from 0 to 220
km/h, depending upon the market for which the vehi-
cle is manufactured. Most models also have a smaller
secondary inner scale on the gauge dial face that pro-
vides the equivalent opposite measurement units
from the primary scale. Text appearing in the center
of the gauge dial face just beneath the hub of the
speedometer needle abbreviates the unit of measure
for the primary scale in all upper case letters (i.e.:
MPH or KM/H). On models with a secondary scale,
the abbreviation for that scale follows the abbrevia-
tion for the primary scale in all lower case letters
(i.e.: mph or km/h).
The speedometer graphics are either white, gray
and orange against a black gauge dial face (base
cluster) or black and gray against a taupe gauge dial
face (premium cluster), making them clearly visible
within the instrument cluster in daylight. When illu-
minated from behind by the panel lamps dimmer
controlled cluster illumination lighting with the exte-
rior lamps turned On, the base cluster white gauge
graphics appear blue-green and the orange graphics
still appear orange, while the premium cluster taupe
gauge dial face appears blue-green with the black
graphics silhouetted against the illuminated back-
ground. The gray gauge graphics for both versions of
the cluster are not illuminated. The orange gauge
needle in the base cluster gauge is internally illumi-
nated, while the black gauge needle in the premium
cluster gauge is not.
Base cluster gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. Premium cluster gauge illumination is pro-
vided by an integral electro-luminescent lamp that is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster. The
speedometer is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
8J - 30 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
SKIS INDICATOR (Continued)

OPERATION
The speedometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the vehicle road speed. This gauge is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
speedometer is an air core magnetic unit that
receives battery current on the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board through the fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On or Start positions. The clus-
ter is programmed to move the gauge needle back to
the low end of the scale after the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position. The instrument cluster
circuitry controls the gauge needle position and pro-
vides the following features:
²Vehicle Speed Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a vehicle speed message from the PCM it
will calculate the correct vehicle speed reading and
position the gauge needle at that speed position on
the gauge scale. The cluster will receive a new vehi-
cle speed message and reposition the gauge pointer
accordingly about every 86 milliseconds. The gauge
needle will continue to be positioned at the actual
vehicle speed position on the gauge scale until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a speedometer message, it will hold the gauge
needle at the last indication for about six seconds, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. If a new speed message is not
received after about six seconds, the gauge needle
will return to the far left (low) end of the scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
swept across the entire gauge scale and back in order
to confirm the functionality of the gauge and the
cluster control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed
information received from the Controller Anti-lock
Brake (CAB) to determine the vehicle road speed,
then sends the proper vehicle speed messages to the
instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the
speedometer or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). For proper diagnosis of the CAB, the PCM, the
PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the speedometer, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A tachometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The tachometer is located to the left of
the speedometer in the instrument cluster. The
tachometer consists of a movable gauge needle or
pointer controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry,
and a fixed 255 degree scale on the gauge dial face
that reads left-to-right from 0 to 7 for gasoline
engines, or from 0 to 6 for diesel engines. The text ªX
1000º (base cluster) or ªRPM X 1000º (premium clus-
ter) imprinted on the cluster overlay directly below
the hub of the tachometer needle identifies that each
number on the tachometer scale is to be multiplied
by 1000 rpm. The gasoline engine tachometer has a
red zone beginning at 5800 RPM, while the red zone
for the diesel engine tachometer begins at 4200 RPM.
The tachometer in the premium version cluster for
certain engine and market applications also includes
red text located in the center of the gauge dial face
just above the hub of the tachometer needle that
specifies a special fuel requirement.
The tachometer graphics are either white, gray
and orange against a black gauge dial face (base
cluster) or black, gray and red against a taupe gauge
dial face (premium cluster), making them clearly vis-
ible within the instrument cluster in daylight. When
illuminated from behind by the panel lamps dimmer
controlled cluster illumination lighting with the exte-
rior lamps turned On, the base cluster white gauge
graphics appear blue-green and the orange graphics
still appear orange, while the premium cluster taupe
gauge dial face appears blue-green with the black
graphics silhouetted against the illuminated back-
ground and the red graphics still appear red. The
gray gauge graphics for both versions of the cluster
are not illuminated. The orange gauge needle in the
base cluster gauge is internally illuminated, while
the black gauge needle in the premium cluster gauge
is not.
Base cluster gauge illumination is provided by
replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder units
located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. Premium cluster gauge illumination is pro-
vided by an integral electro-luminescent lamp that is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster. The
tachometer is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The tachometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the engine speed. This gauge is controlled
by the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the Powertrain
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 31
SPEEDOMETER (Continued)

ing the system voltage is high (system voltage is
about sixteen volts or higher), the gauge needle is
moved to the relative voltage position in the red zone
of the gauge scale and the check gauges indicator is
illuminated. The gauge needle remains in the red
zone and the check gauges indicator remains illumi-
nated until the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating there is no high system voltage con-
dition (system voltage is below about sixteen volts,
but higher than about eleven volts).
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a system voltage message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication for about twelve
seconds, until a new message is received, or until the
ignition switch is turned to the Off position, which-
ever occurs first. After twelve seconds, the cluster
will return the gauge needle to the low end of the
gauge scale.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the gauge needle will be
swept across the entire gauge scale and back to con-
firm the functionality of the gauge and the cluster
control circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the system voltage
to control the generator output. The PCM then sends
the proper system voltage messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For further diagnosis of the voltage
gauge or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the gauge, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If
the instrument cluster turns on the check gauges
indicator due to a system voltage low or high condi-
tion, it may indicate that the charging system
requires service. For proper diagnosis of the charging
system, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the volt-
age gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A wait-to-start indicator is only found in the
instrument clusters of vehicles equipped with an
optional diesel engine. The wait-to-start indicator is
located near the lower edge of the tachometer gauge
dial face, to the right of center. The wait-to-start
indicator consists of an International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªDiesel Preheatº imprinted
on an amber lens. The lens is located behind a cutout
in the opaque layer of the tachometer gauge dial face
overlay. The dark outer layer of the gauge dial face
overlay prevents the icon from being clearly visible
when the indicator is not illuminated. The icon
appears silhouetted against an amber field throughthe translucent outer layer of the gauge dial face
overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by a replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder unit located on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The wait-to-start indicator lens
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The wait-to-start indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the diesel engine glow
plugs are energized in their preheat operating mode.
This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The wait-to-start indicator
bulb is completely controlled by the instrument clus-
ter 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 indi-
cator will always be off when the ignition switch is in
any position except On or Start. The bulb only illu-
minates when it is switched to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the wait-to-start indicator for the following
reasons:
²Wait-To-Start Indicator Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a wait-to-start indica-
tor lamp-on message from the PCM indicating the
glow plugs are heating and the driver must wait to
start the engine, the wait-to-start indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a wait-to-start indicator lamp-off
message, 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 wait-to-start indicator
will be turned on for the duration of the test to con-
firm the functionality of the bulb and the cluster con-
trol circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the ambient tem-
perature and the glow plug pre-heater circuits to
determine how long the glow plugs must be heated in
the pre-heat operating mode. The PCM then sends
the proper wait-to-start indicator lamp-on and lamp-
off messages to the instrument cluster. If the wait-to-
start indicator fails to light during the actuator test,
replace the bulb with a known good unit. For further
diagnosis of the wait-to-start indicator or the instru-
ment cluster circuitry that controls the indicator,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For proper
diagnosis of the glow plug pre-heater control circuits,
the PCM, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 35
VOLTAGE GAUGE (Continued)

ergize the combination flasher in response to mes-
sage inputs received over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network.
The BCM can energize the combination flasher when
the VTSS is requested.
Vehicles equipped with the optional Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) use turn signal
status messages received from the Electro-Mechani-
cal Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and distance mes-
sages received from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) over the PCI data bus to determine when the
Turn Signal On warning should be activated. The
EMIC receives hard wired inputs from the combina-
tion flasher to operate the turn signal indicators,
then sends the proper turn signal status message to
the EVIC. If a turn signal is left on for more than
about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of driving distance, the
EVIC will display a visual ªTurn Signal Onº message
and will send a request to the BCM over the PCI
data bus to notify the vehicle operator.
During both the turn signal and the hazard warn-
ing operation, if the exterior lamps are turned Off,
the front park/turn signal lamps and the front side
marker lamps will flash in unison. If the exterior
lamps are turned On, the front park/turn signal
lamps and the front side marker lamps will flash
alternately. Refer to the owner's manual.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN SIGNAL &
HAZARD WARNING SYSTEMS
When diagnosing the turn signal and hazard warn-
ing circuits, remember that high generator output
can burn out bulbs rapidly and repeatedly. If this is a
concern on the vehicle being diagnosed, test the
charging system as required.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Actuate the turn signal switch or the hazard warning
switch. Observe the turn signal indicator lamp(s) in
the instrument cluster. If the flash rate is very high,
check for a turn signal bulb that is not lit or is verydimly lit. Repair the circuits to that lamp or replace
the faulty bulb, as required. If the turn signal indi-
cator(s) fail to light, go to Step 2.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Check the ignition run fuse and the flasher fuse in
the Junction Block (JB). If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse(s).
(3) Check for battery voltage at the flasher fuse in
the JB. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the
open fused B(+) circuit between the JB and the
Power Distribution Center (PDC).
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the ignition run fuse in
the JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
open fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
between the JB and the ignition switch.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the combination flasher from the JB and
replace it with a known good unit. Reconnect the bat-
tery negative cable. Test the operation of the turn
signal and hazard warning systems. If OK, discard
the faulty combination flasher. If not OK, remove the
test flasher and go to Step 6.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run) circuit cavity in the JB for the combina-
tion flasher. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the
open fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
between the combination flasher and the ignition run
fuse in the JB.
(7) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Check for battery voltage at the B(+) circuit of the JB
for the combination flasher. If OK, go to Step 8. If
not OK, repair the open B(+) circuit between the
combination flasher and the flasher fuse in the JB.
(8) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the turn signal and hazard warning
switches from the multi-function switch connector.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit of
the instrument panel wire harness connector for the
left multi-function switch and a good ground. There
should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 9. If not OK,
repair the open ground circuit.
(9) Check for continuity between the hazard switch
sense circuit of the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the multi-function switch and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 10. If not OK, repair the shorted hazard switch
sense circuit between the multi-function switch and
the combination flasher.
(10) Check for continuity between the hazard
switch sense circuit of the JB for the combination
flasher and the instrument panel wire harness con-
WJLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 3
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)