2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Check gauges

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

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER............................7
REMOVAL.............................9
DISASSEMBLY.........................10
ASSEMBLY............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
INDICATOR..........................16
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................17
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................18
CRUISE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
FRONT FOG LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................23
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION.........................23OPERATION...........................23
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................25
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................26
OVERDRIVE OFF INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
REAR FOG LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
SHIFT INDICATOR (TRANSFER CASE)
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
SKIS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................31
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
TRANS TEMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................32
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN SIGNAL
INDICATOR..........................33
VOLTAGE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................34
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................35
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................36
OPERATION...........................36
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 1

EMIC also uses several hard wired inputs in order to
perform its many functions. The EMIC module incor-
porates a blue-green digital Vacuum Fluorescent Dis-
play (VFD) for displaying odometer and trip
odometer information.
The EMIC houses six analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to twenty indicators (Fig. 2). The
EMIC includes the following analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Oil Pressure Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
²Voltage Gauge
Some of the EMIC indicators are automatically
configured when the EMIC is connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system for compatibility with certain
optional equipment or equipment required for regula-
tory purposes in certain markets. While each EMIC
may have provisions for indicators to support every
available option, the configurable indicators will not
be functional in a vehicle that does not have the
equipment that an indicator supports. The EMIC
includes provisions for the following indicators (Fig.
2):
²Airbag Indicator (with Airbags only)
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
²Brake Indicator
²Check Gauges Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Cruise Indicator
²Four-Wheel Drive Part Time Indicator
(with Selec-Trac NVG-242 Transfer Case only)
²Front Fog Lamp Indicator (with Front Fog
Lamps only)
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Overdrive-Off Indicator (except Diesel
Engine)
²Rear Fog Lamp Indicator (with Rear Fog
Lamps only)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS)
Indicator
²Transmission Overtemp Indicator (except
Diesel Engine)²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Wait-To-Start Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator (with Diesel Engine
only)
Many indicators in the EMIC are illuminated by a
dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is sol-
dered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board. The
LEDs are not available for service replacement and,
if damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC must be
replaced. Base cluster illumination is accomplished
by dimmable incandescent back lighting, which illu-
minates the gauges for visibility when the exterior
lighting is turned on. Premium cluster illumination
is accomplished by a dimmable electro-luminescent
lamp that is serviced only as a unit with the EMIC.
Each of the incandescent bulbs is secured by an inte-
gral bulb holder to the electronic circuit board from
the back of the cluster housing. The incandescent
bulb/bulb holder units are available for service
replacement.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the EMIC through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator,
the VFD, the electronic circuit board, the circuit
board hardware, the cluster overlay, the electro-lumi-
nescent lamp (premium model only) or the EMIC
housing are damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC mod-
ule must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and
mask unit and the individual incandescent lamp
bulbs with holders are available for service replace-
ment.
WJINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
is designed to allow the vehicle operator to monitor
the conditions of many of the vehicle components and
operating systems. The gauges and indicators in the
EMIC provide valuable information about the various
standard and optional powertrains, fuel and emis-
sions systems, cooling systems, lighting systems,
safety systems and many other convenience items.
The EMIC is installed in the instrument panel so
that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by the
vehicle operator when driving, while still allowing
relative ease of access for service. The microproces-
sor-based EMIC hardware and software uses various
inputs to control the gauges and indicators visible on
the face of the cluster. Some of these inputs are hard
wired, but most are in the form of electronic mes-
sages that are transmitted by other electronic mod-ules over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus network. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist, such as low or high bat-
tery voltage, low oil pressure or high coolant temper-
ature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer to
an extreme position and the microprocessor turns on
the Check Gauges indicator to provide a distinct
visual indication of a problem to the vehicle operator.
The instrument cluster circuitry also sends electronic
chime tone request messages over the PCI data bus
to the Body Control Module (BCM) when it monitors
Fig. 2 EMIC Gauges & Indicators
1 - BRAKE INDICATOR 15 - TRANSMISSION OVERTEMP INDICATOR
2 - REAR FOG LAMP INDICATOR 16 - PART TIME 4WD INDICATOR
3 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR 17 - CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
4 - VOLTAGE GAUGE 18 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
5 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 19 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER SWITCH BUTTON
6 - TACHOMETER 20 - ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER DISPLAY
7 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR 21 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
8 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 22 - OVERDRIVE-OFF INDICATOR
9 - SPEEDOMETER 23 - SEATBELT INDICATOR
10 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 24 - ABS INDICATOR
11 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE 25 - FUEL GAUGE
12 - SKIS INDICATOR 26 - FRONT FOG LAMP INDICATOR
13 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) 27 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR
14 - CRUISE INDICATOR 28 - COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
8J - 4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (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)

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)

For further diagnosis of the brake indicator or the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indica-
tor, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). The park
brake switch input to the instrument cluster can be
diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and
methods. For proper diagnosis of the brake fluid level
switch input to the CAB, the anti-lock brake system,
the CAB, the PCI data bus, or the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
brake indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
park brake indicator condition. If there are problems
with several indicators in the instrument cluster,
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUS-
TER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the brake
indicator stays on with the ignition switch in the On
position and the park brake released, or comes on
while driving, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If no brake system problem is
found, the following procedures will help to locate a
shorted or open circuit, or a faulty park brake switch
input. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information includes wiring diagrams,
proper wire and connector repair procedures, details
of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-
out information and location views for the various
wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, 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.
INDICATOR ILLUMINATES DURING BULB TEST, BUT DOES
NOT WHEN PARK BRAKE APPLIED
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the park brake switch from the switch
terminal. Apply the parking brake. Check for conti-nuity between the park brake switch terminal and a
good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake
switch.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the instrument cluster from the cluster
connector receptacle. Check for continuity between
the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavi-
ties of the instrument panel wire harness connector
for the park brake switch and the instrument panel
wire harness connector for the instrument cluster.
There should be continuity. If not OK, repair the
open red brake warning indicator driver circuit
between the park brake switch and the instrument
cluster as required.
INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED - BRAKE SYSTEM
CHECKS OK
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the park brake switch from the park
brake switch terminal. Check for continuity between
the terminal of the park brake switch and a good
ground. There should be no continuity with the park
brake released, and continuity with the park brake
applied. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the
faulty park brake switch.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the instrument cluster from the cluster
connector receptacle. Check for continuity between
the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavity
of the instrument panel wire harness connector for
the park brake switch and a good ground. There
should be no continuity. If not OK, repair the shorted
red brake warning indicator driver circuit between
the park brake switch and the instrument cluster as
required.
CHECK GAUGES INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A check gauges indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The check gauges indicator is
located on the right edge of the instrument cluster, to
the right of the speedometer. The check gauges indi-
cator consists of the words ªCHECK GAGESº
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 ªCHECK GAGESº text appears sil-
houetted against a red field through the translucent
outer layer of the overlay when the indicator is illu-
minated from behind by a Light Emitting Diode
(LED), which is soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The check gauges indicator
8J - 16 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERWJ
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (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)