AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An ambient temperature indicator is optional
equipment on all instrument clusters. In vehicles so
equipped, the ambient temperature indication can be
toggled with the clock indication on the right side of
the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) located near the lower edge of the instrument
cluster, directly below the speedometer. The ambient
temperature indication consists of a numeric value
with a ª+º (plus) or ª2º (minus) prefix, and the unit
of measure is identified with the characters ªÉCº
(Canadian vehicles only) or ªÉFº (United States vehi-
cles only) located directly above the temperature
indication. The indications of the ambient tempera-
ture indicator are not visible when the LCD is not
illuminated. When illuminated the indications
appear as dark characters and icons silhouetted
against an amber field. When the exterior lighting is
turned Off, the display is illuminated at maximum
brightness. When the exterior lighting is turned On
the display illumination level can be adjusted in con-
cert with the cluster general illumination lighting
using the ª+º (plus) and ª2º (minus) multi-function
indicator push buttons. The ambient temperature
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The optional ambient temperature indicator gives
an indication to the vehicle operator of the outside
air temperature. This indicator is controlled by the
instrument cluster microprocessor based upon cluster
programming and a hard wired input received by the
cluster from the ambient temperature sensor. The
ambient temperature indicator is completely con-
trolled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will allow this indicator to operate when-
ever the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Dis-
play (LCD) is activated. Therefore, the ambient
temperature indicator remains functional regardless
of the ignition switch position.
The vehicle operator can choose to have the ambi-
ent temperature indicator displayed instead of the
clock information, but the clock and ambient temper-
ature indicator cannot be displayed at the same time.
The clock or ambient temperature indicator display
option is selected using the multi-function indicator
clock switch on the instrument cluster circuit board.
This switch is actuated manually by depressing the
clock switch push button that extends through the
lower edge of the cluster lens below the left end of
the multi-function indicator. Actuating this switchmomentarily will toggle the display between the
clock and ambient temperature indicator modes.
Actuating this switch twice within about one second
will cause the display to toggle, but then automati-
cally revert to the originally selected mode after
about twenty seconds.
The ambient temperature sensor located below the
front bumper is a Negative Temperature Coefficient
(NTC) thermistor. The internal resistance of the sen-
sor is reduced as the ambient temperature rises. The
instrument cluster continually monitors the resis-
tance through the sensor to determine the tempera-
ture value to be displayed. The current value is
displayed immediately after the LCD is activated.
The display value will remain static regardless of
decreases in the sensor resistance (temperature ris-
ing) below vehicle speeds of 10 to 15 kilometers-per-
hour (6 to 9 miles-per-hour). Decreases in the sensor
resistance above 15 kilometers-per-hour (9 miles-per-
hour) and increases the sensor resistance (tempera-
ture falling) regardless of vehicle speed are displayed
subject to a sixty second delay.
The ambient temperature sensor is connected to
the instrument cluster in series between the ambient
temperature sensor return and sense circuits. The
ambient temperature sensor and the return and
sense circuits to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the ambient temperature indi-
cator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The brake indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the multi-function indicator display. In vehi-
cles built for the United States market, the brake
indicator consists of stencil-like cutout of the word
ªBRAKEº in the opaque layer of the instrument clus-
ter overlay. In vehicles built for the Canadian mar-
ket, the brake indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªBrake Failureº
imprinted within a rectangular cutout in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. In either
case, the dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the
indicator from being clearly visible when it is not
illuminated. A red Light Emitting Diode (LED)
behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay
causes the ªBRAKEº text to appear in red, or the
icon to appear silhouetted against a red field through
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 11
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The brake indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the parking brake is applied, or
when there are certain brake hydraulic system mal-
functions as indicated by a low brake hydraulic fluid
level condition. This indicator is controlled by a tran-
sistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming and hard wired inputs
from the park brake switch and the brake fluid level
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
detects that the ignition switch is in the On position.
Therefore, the LED will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On. The LED
only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground
by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the brake indicator for the follow-
ing reasons:
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 two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Brake Fluid Level Switch Input- Each time
the cluster detects ground on the park brake/brake
fluid level switch sense circuit (brake fluid level
switch closed = brake fluid level low) while the igni-
tion switch is in the On position, the brake indicator
is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the brake fluid level switch sense input to the
cluster is an open circuit (brake fluid level switch
open = brake fluid level okay), or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
²Park Brake Switch Input- Each time the
cluster detects ground on the park brake/brake fluid
level switch sense circuit (park brake switch closed =
park brake applied or not fully released) while the
ignition switch is in the On position, the brake indi-
cator is illuminated. The indicator remains illumi-
nated 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.
The park brake switch on the park brake pedal
mechanism and the brake fluid level switch in the
brake master cylinder provide a hard wired ground
input to the instrument cluster circuitry through thepark brake/brake fluid level switch sense circuit
whenever the park brake is applied or not fully
released, or whenever the fluid level in the brake
master cylinder is low. The two switches are con-
nected in parallel between ground and the instru-
ment cluster. The park brake switch, brake fluid
level switch, and their input circuit to the instrument
cluster can be diagnosed using conventional diagnos-
tic tools and methods. For proper diagnosis of the
instrument cluster circuitry that controls the brake
indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake wear indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The brake wear indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
brake wear indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªWorn Brake
Liningsº imprinted within a rectangular 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.
An amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the
cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
icon to appear silhouetted against an amber field
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when the indicator is illuminated from behind by the
LED, which is soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The brake wear indicator is
serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The brake wear indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the brake linings have reached
their wear limits. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and a hard wired
input from the four brake wear sensors, one at each
wheel. The brake wear indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the On
position. Therefore, the LED will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On. The
LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the brake wear indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the brake wear indicator is
8J - 12 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)
illuminated by the instrument cluster for about two
seconds as a bulb test.
²Brake Wear Sensor Input- Each time the
cluster detects ground on the brake wear sense cir-
cuit (brake wear sensor closed = brake lining wear
limit exceeded) while the ignition switch is in the On
position, the brake wear indicator is illuminated. The
indicator remains illuminated until the brake wear
sense input to the cluster is an open circuit (brake
wear sensor open = brake lining wear within limits),
or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, whichever occurs first.
A brake wear sensor located at each wheel provides
a hard wired ground input to the instrument cluster
circuitry through the brake wear sense circuit when-
ever the brake linings for that wheel have exceeded
their wear limits. The four normally open brake wear
sensors are connected in parallel between ground and
instrument cluster. The brake wear sensors and their
input circuit to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the brake wear indicator, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
CHARGING INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A charging indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The charging indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the multi-function indicator display. The
charging indicator consists of the International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªBattery Charging
Conditionº imprinted within a rectangular cutout in
the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay.
The dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the indi-
cator from being clearly visible when it is not illumi-
nated. A red Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the
cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
icon to appear silhouetted against a red field through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The charging indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The charging indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the electrical system voltage is
too low. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and a hard wired input from the
generator. The charging indicator Light EmittingDiode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the On
position. Therefore, the LED will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On. The
LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the charging indica-
tor for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position with the engine not run-
ning the charging indicator is illuminated by the
instrument cluster as a bulb test.
²Generator Input- Each time the cluster
detects that the voltage of the generator input is 12.7
volts or lower while the engine is running, the charg-
ing indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster detects that the
voltage of the generator input is above 12.7 volts, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
The generator provides a hard wired input to the
instrument cluster circuitry on the engine running
(D+) circuit. If the instrument cluster turns on the
indicator while the engine is running, it may indicate
that the charging system requires service. The gener-
ator input circuit to the instrument cluster can be
diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and
methods. For proper diagnosis of the charging sys-
tem, or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls
the charging indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
CLOCK
DESCRIPTION
An electronic digital clock is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. In vehicles equipped with
the optional ambient temperature indicator, the clock
indication can be toggled with the ambient tempera-
ture indication on the right side of the multi-function
indicator Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located near
the lower edge of the instrument cluster, directly
below the speedometer. The clock provides a 12 hour-
based, digital indication of the current hours and
minutes. The indications of the clock are not visible
when the LCD is not illuminated. When illuminated
the indications appear as dark characters silhouetted
against an amber field. When the exterior lighting is
turned Off, the display is illuminated at maximum
brightness. When the exterior lighting is turned On
the display illumination level can be adjusted in con-
cert with the cluster general illumination lighting
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 13
BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR (Continued)
ule (ECM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN)
data bus. The low oil level indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the On
position. Therefore, the LED will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On. The
LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the low oil level indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the low oil level indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Engine Oil Level Low Message- Once the
engine has been started, each time the cluster
receives a message from the ECM indicating that the
engine oil level is at or near the ªMinimumº mark on
the dipstick, the low oil level indicator is illuminated.
The indicator remains illuminated briefly at first, but
will remain illuminated for longer periods as subse-
quent messages indicate that the oil level has
dropped further. Eventually, the indicator will
remain illuminated solid until the engine oil level is
corrected, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
The instrument cluster also supplements the oil level
indicator by displaying an engine oil icon along with
alpha-numeric messages in the multi-function indicator
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) advising the vehicle oper-
ator how much oil is required to correct the engine oil
level, and when the ªMaximumº engine oil level has
been exceeded. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on this feature.
The ECM continually monitors the engine oil level
and temperature sensor to determine the engine oil
level. The ECM then sends the proper engine oil
level messages to the instrument cluster. If the
instrument cluster turns on the indicator after the
bulb test, even after the engine oil level is sufficient,
it may indicate that the engine or the engine oiling
system requires service. For proper diagnosis of the
engine oil level and temperature sensor, the ECM,
the CAN data bus, or the electronic message inputs
to the instrument cluster that control the low oil
level indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MAINTENANCE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oil main-
tenance indicator is optional equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. In vehicles so equipped, a second,dedicated ASSYST microprocessor is integral to the
cluster electronic circuit board. The ASSYST indications
are displayed and can be toggled with the clock indica-
tion on the right side of the multi-function indicator
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located near the lower
edge of the instrument cluster, directly below the speed-
ometer. The ASSYST displays include numeric values
combined with several icons to indicate actual engine oil
level, and reminders in time (days) or distance (miles or
kilometers) until the next required engine oil mainte-
nance is anticipated. ASSYST also provides several
audible indications using the electronic tone generator
on the instrument cluster circuit board to supplement
these visual displays.
The indications of the ASSYST engine oil mainte-
nance indicator are not visible when the LCD is not illu-
minated. When illuminated, the ASSYST indications
appear as dark characters and icons silhouetted against
an amber field. When the exterior lighting is turned Off,
the display is illuminated at maximum brightness.
When the exterior lighting is turned On, the display
illumination level can be adjusted in concert with the
cluster general illumination lighting using the ª+º (plus)
and ª2º (minus) multi-function indicator push buttons.
The ASSYST engine oil maintenance indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The ASSYST engine oil maintenance indicator micro-
processor uses numerous criteria besides time and mile-
age to evaluate vehicle maintenance requirements. Time
data is taken from the electronic digital clock integral to
the instrument cluster. Vehicle distance data is obtained
from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Con-
troller Area Network (CAN) data bus. Coolant tempera-
ture, engine oil temperature, engine oil level, engine oil
quality, engine speed, and engine load data are obtained
from the Engine Control Module (ECM) over the CAN
data bus. Using all of the available data and internal
programming, the ASSYST microprocessor then calcu-
lates the estimated time and distance to the next
required engine oil maintenance interval. The ASSYST
uses the multi-function indicator LCD to display that
data and, when necessary, issues audible alerts to the
vehicle operator through the electronic tone generator
on the cluster circuit board.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use, operation and
resetting procedures for the ASSYST maintenance
computer. Proper diagnosis and testing of the
ASSYST engine oil maintenance computer, the CAN
data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs
to the EMIC that are used by the ASSYST computer
for its calculations requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19
LOW OIL LEVEL INDICATOR (Continued)
OPERATION
The odometer and trip odometer give an indication
to the vehicle operator of the distance the vehicle has
traveled. This indicator is controlled by the instru-
ment cluster circuitry based upon cluster program-
ming and electronic messages received by the cluster
from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB) over the
Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The odom-
eter and trip odometer information is displayed by
the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD). The LCD will display the odometer informa-
tion whenever it is activated, and will display the
last previously selected odometer or trip odometer
information when the ignition switch is turned to the
On position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the LCD and provides the following features:
²Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Toggling-
Actuating the multi-function indicator ªmiº (miles) or
ªkmº (kilometers) switch push button momentarily
with the LCD illuminated will toggle the display
between the odometer and trip odometer information.
Each time the LCD is illuminated with the ignition
switch in the On or Start positions, the display will
automatically return to the last mode previously
selected (odometer or trip odometer).
²Trip Odometer Reset- When the multi-func-
tion indicator ªmiº (miles) or ªkmº (kilometers) switch
push button is pressed and held for longer than
about two seconds, the trip odometer will be reset to
000.0 kilometers (miles). The LCD must be display-
ing the trip odometer information in order for the
trip odometer information to be reset.
The CAB continually monitors the vehicle speed
pulse information received from the four wheel speed
sensors, then sends the proper distance messages to
the instrument cluster. For proper diagnosis of the
wheel speed sensors, the CAB, the CAN data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the odometer/trip odometer, a
DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A seatbelt indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The seatbelt indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the
right of the multi-function indicator display. The
seatbelt indicator consists of the International Con-
trol and Display Symbol icon for ªSeat Beltº
imprinted within a rectangular 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. A redLight Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout in the
opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to appear
silhouetted against a red field through the translu-
cent outer layer of the overlay when the indicator is
illuminated from behind by the LED, which is sol-
dered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit
board. The seatbelt indicator is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The seatbelt indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator of the status of the driver side front
seat belt. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
cluster programming and a hard wired input received
from the seat belt switch on the driver side front seat
belt. The seatbelt 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
detects that the ignition switch is in the On position.
Therefore, the LED will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On. The LED
only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground
by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the seatbelt indicator for the fol-
lowing reasons:
²Seatbelt Reminder Function- Each time the
cluster detects that the ignition switch has been
turned to the On position the seatbelt indicator will
be illuminated as a reminder for about six seconds,
or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, whichever occurs first. This reminder function
will occur regardless of the status of the input
received by the cluster from the driver side front seat
belt switch.
²Driver Side Front Seat Belt Switch Input-
Following the seatbelt reminder function, each time
the cluster detects ground on the seatbelt indicator
driver circuit (seat belt switch closed = seatbelt
unbuckled) with the ignition switch in the On posi-
tion, the seatbelt indicator will be illuminated. The
seatbelt indicator remains illuminated until the seat
belt switch input to the cluster is an open circuit
(seat belt switch open = seatbelt buckled), or until
the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first.
²Airbag Indicator Malfunction- Following the
seatbelt reminder function, each time the cluster
detects a malfunction in the airbag (SRS) indicator or
the airbag indicator circuit, the cluster will flash the
seatbelt indicator on and off. The cluster will con-
tinue to flash the seatbelt indicator until the airbag
indicator circuit fault is resolved, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
8J - 22 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA
ODOMETER (Continued)
The instrument cluster continually monitors the
status of the driver side front seat belt switch and
the airbag indicator circuit to determine the proper
seatbelt indicator response. The seat belt switch is
connected in series between the instrument cluster
and ground. The seat belt switch and the seatbelt
indicator driver circuit to the instrument cluster can
be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and
methods. For proper diagnosis of the ACM, the air-
bag (SRS) indicator, or the instrument cluster cir-
cuitry that controls the seatbelt indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A speedometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The speedometer is located in the cen-
ter of the instrument cluster. The speedometer
consists of a movable gauge needle or pointer con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed
210 degree primary outer scale on the gauge dial face
that reads left-to-right either from ª0º to ª100º miles-
per-hour, or from ª0º to ª180º kilometers-per-hour,
depending upon the market for which the vehicle is
manufactured. Each version also has a secondary
inner scale on the gauge dial face that provides the
equivalent opposite units from the primary scale.
Text appearing on the cluster overlay near the left
end of each scale abbreviates the unit of measure,
either ªmphº or ªkm/hº.
The speedometer graphics are white against a
black field, 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 white graphics appear amber. The
orange gauge needle is internally illuminated. Gauge
illumination is provided by Light Emitting Diode
(LED) units soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The speedometer is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The speedometer gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the vehicle road speed. This gauge is con-
trolled by the instrument cluster circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Controller Anti-lock
Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus. The speedometer is an air core mag-
netic unit that receives battery current on the instru-
ment cluster electronic circuit board when the
instrument cluster detects that the ignition switch isin the On position. 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 needle position and provides the following
features:
²Vehicle Speed Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a vehicle speed message from the CAB it
will calculate the correct vehicle speed reading and
position the gauge needle at that relative speed posi-
tion on the gauge scale. The gauge needle will con-
tinue 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 three seconds, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. After three seconds, the gauge
needle will return to the left end of the gauge scale.
The CAB continually monitors the four wheel
speed sensors to determine the vehicle road speed.
The CAB then sends the proper vehicle speed mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. For proper diagnosis
of the wheel speed sensors, the CAB, the CAN data
bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster that control the speedometer, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION
A tachometer is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The tachometer is located to the left of
the speedometer, to the left of center in the instru-
ment cluster. The tachometer consists of a movable
gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instrument
cluster circuitry and a fixed 45 degree scale on the
gauge dial face that reads left-to-right from ª0º to ª7º.
The text ªrpm X 1000º imprinted on the cluster over-
lay near the left end of the gauge scale identifies that
each number on the tachometer scale is to be multi-
plied by 1000 rpm.
The tachometer graphics are white against a black
field, making them clearly visible within the instru-
ment cluster in daylight. When illuminated from
behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster
illumination lighting with the exterior lamps turned
On, the white graphics appear amber. The orange
gauge needle is internally illuminated. Gauge illumi-
nation is provided by Light Emitting Diode (LED)
units soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board. The tachometer is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 23
SEATBELT INDICATOR (Continued)
OPERATION
The tachometer gives an indication to the vehicle oper-
ator of the engine speed. This gauge is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming and electronic messages received by the clus-
ter from the Engine Control Module (ECM) over the
Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The tachome-
ter is an air core magnetic unit that receives battery cur-
rent on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
when the instrument cluster detects that the ignition
switch is in the On position. 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 posi-
tion. The instrument cluster circuitry controls the gauge
needle position and provides the following features:
²Engine Speed Message- Each time the cluster
receives an engine speed message from the ECM it
will calculate the correct engine speed reading and
position the gauge needle at that relative speed posi-
tion on the gauge scale. The gauge needle will con-
tinually be repositioned at the relative engine speed
position on the gauge scale until the engine stops
running, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Communication Error- If the cluster fails to
receive an engine speed message, it will hold the
gauge needle at the last indication for about three
seconds, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first. After three sec-
onds, the gauge needle will return to the left end of
the gauge scale.
The ECM continually monitors the crankshaft position
sensor to determine the engine speed. The ECM then
sends the proper engine speed messages to the instru-
ment cluster. For proper diagnosis of the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor, the ECM, the CAN data bus, or the
electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that
control the tachometer, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
TRACTION CONTROL
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A traction control (ASR) indicator is standard equip-
ment on all instrument clusters. The traction control
indicator is located near the center of the speedometer
in the instrument cluster. The traction control indicator
consists of an ª!º (exclamation point) imprinted within a
triangular cutout in the opaque layer of the instrument
cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the overlay pre-
vents the indicator from being clearly visible when it is
not illuminated. An amber Light Emitting Diode (LED)
behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay
causes the exclamation point to appear silhouettedagainst an amber field through the translucent outer
layer of the overlay when the indicator is illuminated
from behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The traction
control indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The traction control (ASR) indicator gives several
indications to the vehicle operator concerning the
operating status of the traction control (ASR) system.
The traction control 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 Controller Anti-lock
Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus. The traction control 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 instru-
ment cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the
On position. Therefore, the LED will always be off
when the ignition switch is in any position except
On. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a
path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor.
The instrument cluster will turn on the traction con-
trol indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test-
Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the traction control indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Traction Control (ASR) Indicator Lamp-On
Message-
Each time the cluster receives a traction
control indicator lamp-on message from the CAB, the
indicator will be illuminated. This indicator can be
flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dictated by
the CAB message. The indicator is illuminated solid
when the traction control system has been deactivated;
and is flashed when the traction control is activated or
when the driven wheels lose traction with the traction
control deactivated. The indicator remains flashing or
illuminated solid until the cluster receives a lamp-off
message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
The CAB continually monitors the traction control
(ASR) switch and the four wheel speed sensors to deter-
mine the correct operating mode for the traction control
system. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-
off messages to the instrument cluster. See the owner's
manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features, use, activation and deactivation of the trac-
tion control (ASR) system. For proper diagnosis of the
traction control system, the CAB, the CAN data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster
that control the traction control indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
8J - 24 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA
TACHOMETER (Continued)
TRACTION CONTROL
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A traction control (ASR) malfunction indicator is
standard equipment on all instrument clusters. The
traction control malfunction indicator is located near
the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the right
of the multi-function indicator display. The traction
control malfunction indicator consists of an icon that
graphically depicts a tire and two skid marks
imprinted within a rectangular 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. An
amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to
appear silhouetted against an amber field through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The traction control malfunction
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The traction control (ASR) malfunction indicator
gives the vehicle operator an indication when the
traction control system is faulty or inoperative. This
indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming and electronic messages received by the
cluster from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)
over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.
The traction control malfunction 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 instru-
ment cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the
On position. Therefore, the LED will always be off
when the ignition switch is in any position except
On. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a
path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor.
The instrument cluster will turn on the traction con-
trol malfunction indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the traction control indica-
tor is illuminated as a bulb test until the engine is
started.
²Traction Control (ASR) Malfunction Indica-
tor Lamp-On Message- Each time the cluster
receives a traction control malfunction indicator
lamp-on message from the CAB, the indicator will be
illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until
the cluster receives a lamp-off message from theCAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off
position, whichever occurs first.
The CAB continually monitors the traction control
(ASR) system circuits and sensors to decide whether
the system is in good operating condition. The CAB
then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages
to the instrument cluster. If the CAB sends a
lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that
the CAB has detected a system malfunction and that
the traction control (ASR) system has become inoper-
ative. The CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) for any malfunction it detects. In addition, if
the traction control malfunction indicator is illumi-
nated, the CAB will deactivate an activated traction
control system and engine power output may be
reduced. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use, activa-
tion and deactivation of the traction control (ASR)
system. For proper diagnosis of the traction control
system, the CAB, the CAN data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the traction control malfunction indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
Two turn signal indicators, one right and one left,
are standard equipment on all instrument clusters.
The turn signal indicators are located near the upper
edge of the instrument cluster, one to each side of the
speedometer. Each turn signal indicator consists of a
arrow-shaped cutout of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªTurn Warningº in the
opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The
dark outer layer of the overlay prevents these icons
from being clearly visible when they are not illumi-
nated. A green Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind
each turn signal indicator cutout in the opaque layer
of the overlay causes the icon to appear in green
through the translucent outer layer of the overlay
when the indicator is illuminated from behind by the
LED, which is soldered onto the instrument cluster
electronic circuit board. The turn signal indicators
are serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The turn signal indicators give an indication to the
vehicle operator that the turn signal (left or right
indicator flashing) or hazard warning (both left and
right indicators flashing) have been selected and are
operating. These indicators are controlled by transis-
tors on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
based upon the cluster programming and a hard
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 25