2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Code

CHARGING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM............................24
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS - GAS POWERED . . 25
TORQUE - GAS POWERED.............25
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................26
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................26OPERATION...........................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................26
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................28
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
CHARGING
DESCRIPTION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Ignition switch
²Battery (refer to 8, Battery for information)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Generator Lamp (if equipped)
²Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped)
²Voltmeter (refer to 8, Instrument Cluster for
information)
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to 8, Wir-
ing for information)
OPERATION
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. When the
ASD relay is on, voltage is supplied to the ASD relay
sense circuit at the PCM. This voltage is connected
through the PCM and supplied to one of the genera-
tor field terminals (Gen. Source +) at the back of the
generator.
The amount of DC current produced by the gener-
ator is controlled by the EVR (field control) circuitry
contained within the PCM. This circuitry is con-
nected in series with the second rotor field terminal
and ground.
A battery temperature sensor, located in the bat-
tery tray housing, is used to sense battery tempera-
ture. This temperature data, along with data from
monitored line voltage, is used by the PCM to vary
the battery charging rate. This is done by cycling theground path to control the strength of the rotor mag-
netic field. The PCM then compensates and regulates
generator current output accordingly.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM.
Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in elec-
tronic memory for certain failures it detects. Refer to
Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain Control
Module; Electronic Control Modules for more DTC
information.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors:
charging system voltage,engine coolant tempera-
ture and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition
is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is
done as reminder to check the three gauges. The sig-
nal to activate the lamp is sent via the CCD bus cir-
cuits. The lamp is located on the instrument panel.
Refer to 8, Instrument Cluster for additional infor-
mation.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING
SYSTEM
The following procedures may be used to diagnose
the charging system if:
²the check gauges lamp (if equipped) is illumi-
nated with the engine running
²the voltmeter (if equipped) does not register
properly
²an undercharged or overcharged battery condi-
tion occurs.
Remember that an undercharged battery is often
caused by:
²accessories being left on with the engine not
running
8F - 24 CHARGINGWJ

²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test in 8, Battery for more information.
INSPECTION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) system. Some charging system circuits are
checked continuously, and some are checked only
under certain conditions.
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain
Control Module; Electronic Control Modules for more
DTC information. This will include a complete list of
DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.
To perform a complete test of the charging system,
refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual and the DRBtscan tool. Per-
form the following inspections before attaching the
scan tool.(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to 8, Bat-
tery for procedures.
(2) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(3) Inspect all fuses in both the fuseblock and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in
receptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
torque specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in 7, Cooling System.
(6) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to 7, Cooling System for information.
(7) Inspect generator electrical connections at gen-
erator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if
equipped). Also check generator ground wire connec-
tion at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean
and tight. Repair as required.
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS - GAS POWERED
TYPE PART NUMBER RATED SAE AMPS ENGINES MINIMUM TEST AMPS
BOSCH 56041322 136 4.0L 6-Cylinder 100
DENSO 56041324 136 4.7L V-8 100
TORQUE - GAS POWERED
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Generator Mounting Bolts-4.0L 55 41
Generator Vertical Mounting Bolt-4.7L 40 29
Generator (long) Horizontal Mounting
Bolt-4.7L55 41
Generator (short) Horizontal Mounting
Bolt-4.7L55 41
Generator B+ Terminal Nut 11 95
WJCHARGING 8F - 25
CHARGING (Continued)

STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................30
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - STARTER...................35
STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED......35
STARTER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................36DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................38
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY . 38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
An electrically operated engine starting system is
standard factory-installed equipment on this model.
The starting system is designed to provide the vehi-
cle operator with a convenient, efficient and reliable
means of cranking and starting the internal combus-
tion engine used to power the vehicle and all of its
accessory systems from within the safe and secure
confines of the passenger compartment. See the own-
er's manual in the vehicle glove box for more infor-
mation and instructions on the recommended use
and operation of the factory-installed starting sys-
tem.
The starting system consists of the following com-
ponents:
²Battery
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
²Ignition switch
²Park/neutral position switch
²Wire harnesses and connections (including the
battery cables).
This group provides complete service information
for the starter motor and the starter relay. Complete
service information for the other starting system
components can be located as follows:
²Refer toBatteryin the proper section of Group
8A - Battery for complete service information for the
battery.
²Refer toIgnition Switch and Key Lock Cyl-
inderin the proper section of Group 8D - Ignition
System for complete service information for the igni-
tion switch.²Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin the
proper section of Group 21 - Transmission for com-
plete service information for the park/neutral posi-
tion switch.
²Refer to the proper section ofGroup 8W - Wir-
ing Diagramsfor complete service information and
circuit diagrams for the starting system wiring com-
ponents.
Group 8A covers the Battery, Group 8B covers the
Starting Systems, and Group 8C covers the Charging
System. We have separated these systems to make it
easier to locate the information you are seeking
within this Service Manual. However, when attempt-
ing to diagnose any of these systems, it is important
that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The battery, starting, and charging systems in the
vehicle operate with one another, and must be tested
as a complete system. In order for the vehicle to start
and charge properly, all of the components that are
used in these systems must perform within specifica-
tions.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere
ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile
rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostic Test For Charging System
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -
Charging System for more information.
WJSTARTING 8F - 29

OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes, and a
low-amperage control circuit that operates on less
than 20 amperes. The high-amperage feed circuit
components include the battery, the battery cables,
the contact disc portion of the starter solenoid, and
the starter motor. The low-amperage control circuit
components include the ignition switch, the park/
neutral position switch, the starter relay, the electro-
magnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the
connecting wire harness components.
Battery voltage is supplied through the low-amper-
age control circuit to the coil battery terminal of the
starter relay when the ignition switch is turned to
the momentary Start position. The park/neutral posi-
tion switch is installed in series between the starter
relay coil ground terminal and ground. This normally
open switch prevents the starter relay from being
energized and the starter motor from operating
unless the automatic transmission gear selector is in
the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear on the automatic transmission torque con-
verter drive plate.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing the
starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to
the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the
relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger
hold-in coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate with one another, and must be tested as a com-
plete system. In order for the vehicle to start and
charge properly, all of the components involved in
these systems must perform within specifications.
Group 8A covers the Battery, Group 8B covers the
Starting Systems, and Group 8C covers the Charging
System. We have separated these systems to make it
easier to locate the information you are seeking
within this Service Manual. However, when attempt-
ing to diagnose any of these systems, it is important
that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in these groups
include the most basic conventional diagnostic meth-
ods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostic Test For Charging System
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -
Charging System for more information.
8F - 30 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)

The ASD relay will be shut±down, meaning the
12±volt power supply to the ASD relay will be de-ac-
tivated by the PCM if:
²the ignition key is left in the ON position. This
is if the engine has not been running for approxi-
mately 1.8 seconds.
²there is a crankshaft position sensor signal to
the PCM that is lower than pre-determined values.
OPERATION - ASD SENSE - PCM INPUT
A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM
that the ASD has been activated. The relay is used to
connect the oxygen sensor heater element, ignition
coil and fuel injectors to 12 volt + power supply.
This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay
is energized. If the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) does not see 12 volts at this input when the
ASD should be activated, it will set a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
REMOVAL
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 1). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.
(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 1). Refer to label on PDC cover
for relay location.
(1) Install relay to PDC.
(2) Install cover to PDC.
CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 4.0L
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) on the 4.0L
6±cylinder engine is bolted to the top of the oil pump
drive shaft assembly (Fig. 2). The sensor and drive
shaft assembly is located on the right side of the
engine near the oil filter (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Power Distribution Center (PDC) Location
1 - PCM
2 - COOLANT TANK
Fig. 2 CMP and Oil Pump Drive ShaftÐ4.0L Engine
1 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
3 - PULSE RING
4 - DRIVE GEAR (TO CAMSHAFT)
5 - OIL PUMP DRIVESHAFT
6 - SENSOR BASE (OIL PUMP DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY)
8I - 4 IGNITION CONTROLWJ
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY (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)

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it
detects. Each time the airbag indicator fails to illu-
minate due to an open or short in the cluster airbag
indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notify-
ing the ACM of the condition, then the instrument
cluster and the ACM will each store a DTC. For
proper diagnosis of the airbag system, the ACM, the
PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the
instrument cluster that control the airbag indicator,
a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information.
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The brake indicator is located
near the left edge of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the tachometer. There are two versions of the
brake indicator. The version used depends upon the
market for which the vehicle is manufactured. The
version of the brake indicator used for vehicles man-
ufactured for the United States consists of the word
ªBRAKEº imprinted on a red lens. The Rest-Of-World
(ROW) market version of this indicator has two
International Control and Display Symbol icons
imprinted on the red lens; one is the icon for ªBrake
Failureº, and the other is the icon for ªParking
Brakeº. In either case, 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 ªBRAKEº text or the two icons
appear silhouetted against a red field through the
translucent outer layer of the overlay when the indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by a Light Emitting
Diode (LED), which is soldered onto the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The brake indicator
lens is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster
lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the parking brake is applied, when
the fluid level of the brake hydraulic system is low,
or if there are certain malfunctions of the Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS). This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board based upon cluster programming, electronic
messages received by the cluster from the Controller
Anti-lock Brake (CAB) over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus, and a hard
wired input to the cluster from the park brake
switch. The brake 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) circuit. Therefore, the indi-
cator will always be off when the ignition switch is in
any position except On or Start. The LED only illu-
minates when it is provided a path to ground by the
instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster
will turn on the brake indicator for the following rea-
sons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the brake indicator is illu-
minated by the instrument cluster for about three
seconds as a bulb test.
²Brake Indicator Lamp-On Message- Each
time the cluster receives a brake indicator lamp-on
message from the CAB, the brake indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a brake indicator lamp-off mes-
sage from the CAB.
²Park Brake Switch Input- Each time the
cluster logic circuit detects ground on the park brake
switch sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park
brake applied or not fully released) the brake indica-
tor is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the park brake switch sense input to the cluster
is an open circuit (park brake switch open = park
brake fully released), or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no brake indicator lamp-on or lamp-off messages
from the CAB for six consecutive seconds, the brake
indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives a single valid
brake indicator lamp-off message from the CAB.
²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the brake indicator will be
turned on for the duration of the test to confirm the
functionality of the LED and the cluster control cir-
cuitry.
The park brake switch on the park brake pedal
mechanism provides a hard wired ground input to
the instrument cluster circuitry through the red
brake warning indicator driver circuit whenever the
park brake is applied or not fully released. The CAB
continually monitors the input from the brake fluid
level switch and the circuits of the anti-lock brake
system, then sends the proper brake indicator
lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument clus-
ter. If the CAB sends a brake indicator lamp-on mes-
sage after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB
has detected a brake hydraulic 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.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15
AIRBAG INDICATOR (Continued)

tor lens is serviced as a unit with the instrument clus-
ter lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The low fuel indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the level of fuel in the fuel
tank becomes low. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
low fuel indicator bulb is completely controlled by the
instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will
only allow this indicator to operate when the instru-
ment cluster receives a battery current 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 bulb only illuminates when it is switched to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the low fuel indicator
for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the low fuel indicator is
illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test.
²Less Than 12.5 Percent Tank Full Message-
Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating that the percent tank full is less
than about 12.5 (one-eighth), the low fuel indicator is
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives messages from the PCM indicat-
ing that the percent tank full has increased to
greater than about 12.5 (one-eighth). The PCM
applies an algorithm to the input from the fuel tank
sender to dampen the illumination of the low fuel
indicator against the negative effect that fuel slosh-
ing within the fuel tank can have on accurate inputs
to the PCM.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
the PCM indicating the percent tank full is less than
empty, the low fuel indicator is illuminated immedi-
ately. This message would indicate that the fuel tank
sender input to the PCM is a short circuit.
²More Than Full Percent Tank Full Message
- Each time the cluster receives a message from the
PCM indicating the percent tank full is more than
full, the low fuel indicator is illuminated immedi-
ately. This message would indicate that the fuel tank
sender input to the PCM is an open circuit.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive a percent tank full message for more than
about twelve seconds, the cluster control circuitry
will illuminate the low fuel indicator until a new per-
cent tank full message is received.²Actuator Test- Each time the cluster is put
through the actuator test, the low fuel indicator will
be turned on for the duration of the test to confirm
the functionality of the bulb and the cluster control
circuitry.
The PCM continually monitors the fuel tank
sender input to determine the fuel level. The PCM
then applies an algorithm to the input and sends the
proper percent tank full messages to the instrument
cluster. If the low fuel indicator fails to light during
the bulb test, replace the bulb with a known good
unit. For further diagnosis of the low fuel indicator
or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the
indicator, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For
proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sender, the PCM,
the PCI data bus, or the electronic message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the low fuel indi-
cator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The MIL is
located near the right edge of the instrument cluster,
to the right of the speedometer. The MIL consists of
an International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªEngineº 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 icon from being clearly vis-
ible when the indicator is not illuminated. The icon
appears silhouetted against an amber field through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by a replaceable
incandescent bulb and bulb holder unit located on
the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The
MIL lens is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster lens, hood and mask unit.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) has recorded a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics
II (OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component
malfunction. This indicator is controlled by a transis-
tor on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received by the cluster from the PCM over the
Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data
bus. The MIL bulb is completely controlled by the
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 23
LOW FUEL INDICATOR (Continued)