2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER battery

INDICATORS
Indicators are located in various positions within
the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC elec-
tronic circuit board. The ambient temperature indica-
tor (optional), brake indicator, brake wear indicator,
charging indicator, coolant low indicator, high beam
indicator, low fuel indicator, seatbelt indicator, turn
signal indicators, and washer fluid indicator operate
based upon hard wired inputs to the EMIC. The air-
bag (SRS) indicator is normally controlled by a hard
wired input from the Airbag Control Module (ACM);
however, if the EMIC sees an abnormal or no input
from the ACM, it will automatically turn the airbag
indicator On until the hard wired input from the
ACM has been restored. The Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL) is normally controlled by CAN data bus
messages from the Engine Control Module (ECM);
however, if the EMIC loses CAN data bus communi-
cation, the EMIC circuitry will automatically turn
the MIL on until CAN data bus communication is
restored. The EMIC uses CAN data bus messages
from the ECM, the ACM, and the Controller Antilock
Brake to control all of the remaining indicators.
The various EMIC indicators are controlled by dif-
ferent strategies; some receive battery feed from the
EMIC circuitry and have a switched ground, while
others are grounded through the EMIC circuitry and
have a switched battery feed. However, all indicators
are completely controlled by the EMIC microproces-
sor based upon various hard wired and electronic
message inputs. Except for the indications provided
by the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Dis-
play (LCD) unit, all indicators are illuminated at a
fixed intensity, which is not affected by the selected
illumination intensity of the EMIC general illumina-
tion lamps.
The hard wired indicator inputs may be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic methods. However,
proper testing of the EMIC circuitry and the CAN
bus message controlled indicators requires the use of
a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information. Specific details of the operation
for each indicator may be found elsewhere in this
service information.
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION
The EMIC has several general illumination lamps
that are illuminated when the exterior lighting is
turned on with the multi-function switch. The illumi-
nation intensity of these lamps is adjusted by a dim-
ming level input received from the multi-function
indicator ª+º (plus) and ª±º (minus) switch push but-
tons that extend through the lower edge of the clus-
ter lens below the right end of the multi-function
indicator. When the exterior lighting is turned Off,
the display is illuminated at maximum brightness.When the exterior lighting is turned On and the
transmission gear selector is in the Park position,
depressing the plus switch push button brightens the
display lighting, and depressing the minus switch
push button dims the display lighting. The EMIC
also provides a Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) panel
lamps dimmer output that can be used to synchro-
nize the illumination lighting levels of external illu-
mination lamps (up to about 23 to 30 watts) with
that of the EMIC.
The hard wired multi-function switch input and
the EMIC panel lamps dimmer output may be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic methods. How-
ever, proper testing of the PWM control of the EMIC
and the electronic dimming level inputs from the
multi-function indicator push buttons requires the
use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
INPUT AND OUTPUT CIRCUITS
HARD WIRED INPUTS
The hard wired inputs to the EMIC include the fol-
lowing:
NOTE: Final approved circuit names were not yet
available at the time this information was compiled.
²Airbag Indicator Driver
²Ambient Temperature Sensor Signal
(Optional)
²Brake Wear Indicator Sense
²Charging Indicator Driver
²Coolant Level Switch Sense
²Front Door Jamb Switch Sense
²Fuel Level Sensor Signal
²Fused B(+)
²Fused Ignition Switch Output
²High Beam Indicator Driver
²Key-In Ignition Switch Sense
²Left Turn Signal
²Park Brake Switch Sense
²Right Turn Signal
²Seat Belt Switch Sense
²Washer Fluid Switch Sense (Optional)
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
HARD WIRED OUTPUTS
The hard wired outputs of the EMIC include the
following:
NOTE: Final approved circuit names were not yet
available at the time this information was compiled.
²Engine Running Relay Control
²Panel Lamps Driver
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
GROUNDS
The EMIC receives and supplies a ground path to
several switches and sensors through the following
hard wired circuits:
NOTE: Final approved circuit names were not yet
available at the time this information was compiled.
²Ambient Temperature Sensor Return
(Optional)
²Fuel Level Sensor Return
²Ground
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
COMMUNICATION
The EMIC has provisions for the following commu-
nication circuits:
NOTE: Final approved circuit names were not yet
available at the time this information was compiled.
²CAN Data Bus - High
²CAN Data Bus - Low
²Diagnostic Serial Communication Interface
(SCI) Data Bus Line
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
instrument cluster may be diagnosed and tested
using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wir-
ing 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.
If the instrument cluster is completely inoperative,
be certain to check the fused B(+) circuit fuses and
wiring for the instrument cluster. If the cluster gen-
eral illumination is inoperative, be certain to check
the instrument lighting fuse and the input circuit to
the instrument cluster from the exterior lighting cir-
cuitry of the multi-function switch on the steering
column.
Conventional diagnostic methods may not prove
conclusive in the diagnosis of the instrument cluster.
In order to obtain conclusive testing of the instru-
ment cluster, the Controller Area Network (CAN)
data bus network and all of the electronic modules
that provide inputs to or receive outputs from theinstrument cluster must also be checked. The most
reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose
the instrument cluster, the CAN data bus network,
and the electronic modules that provide inputs to or
receive outputs from the instrument cluster requires
the use of a DRBIIItscan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information. The DRBIIItscan tool can
provide confirmation that the CAN data bus network
is functional, that all of the modules are sending and
receiving the proper electronic messages over the
CAN data bus, and that the instrument cluster is
receiving the proper hard wired inputs and respond-
ing with the proper hard wired outputs needed to
perform its many functions.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)

INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the instrument cluster to the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Align the two molded plastic pivot loops inte-
gral to the base of the cluster hood between the two
pairs of molded plastic pivot hooks that are integral
to the top of instrument panel base structure, then
push downward on the top of the cluster until the
loops snap into engagement with the hooks (Fig. 6).
(3) Roll the top of the instrument cluster rearward
to access, reconnect, and latch the two frame wire
harness connectors for the cluster to the connector
receptacles on the back of the cluster housing.
(4) Engage and latch the RKE/immobilizer module
to the back of the instrument cluster rear cover (Fig.
5)
(5) Roll the top of the instrument cluster forward
to position the instrument cluster into the instru-
ment panel.
(6) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the instrument cluster mounting ears to the instru-
ment panel base structure (Fig. 4). Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the cluster top cover onto the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/TOP COVER - CLUSTER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters. The ABS
indicator is located near the lower edge of the instru-
ment cluster, to the right of the multi-function indi-
cator display. The ABS indicator consists of the
International Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªFailure of Anti-lock Braking Systemº 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 trans-
lucent 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 ABS indicator is serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when the ABS or the electronic brake
force distribution (EBV) systems are faulty or inoper-
ative. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on
the instrument cluster circuit board based upon clus-
ter programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)
over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.
The ABS 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 ignition switch is in
any position except On. The LED only illuminates
when it is provided a path to ground by the instru-
ment cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will
turn on the ABS indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the ABS indicator is illu-
minated by the cluster for about two seconds as a
bulb test.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 9
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (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)

ENGINE TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
An engine coolant temperature gauge is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The engine
coolant temperature gauge is located in the upper
right corner of the instrument cluster, to the right of
the speedometer. The engine coolant temperature
gauge consists of a movable gauge needle or pointer
controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry and a
fixed 45 degree scale on the cluster overlay that
reads left-to-right from 120É C to 40É C for Canadian
vehicles, or from 250É F to 110É F for United States
vehicles. An International Control and Display Sym-
bol icon for ªEngine Coolant Temperatureº is located
on the cluster overlay, directly below the high end of
the scale. Just to the right of the icon, the nomencla-
ture ªÉCº or ªÉFº confirms the unit of measure for the
gauge readings.
The engine coolant temperature gauge graphics are
white against a black field, except for a single red
graduation at the far left (high) end of the gauge
scale, 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 and the red
graphics appear red. The orange gauge needle is
internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is pro-
vided by Light Emitting Diode (LED) units soldered
onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit board.
The engine coolant temperature gauge is serviced as
a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The engine coolant temperature gauge gives an
indication to the vehicle operator of the engine cool-
ant temperature. This gauge is controlled by the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the Engine Control Module (ECM)
over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.
The engine coolant temperature gauge is an air core
magnetic unit that receives battery current 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
position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls
the gauge needle position and provides the following
features:
²Engine Temperature Normal Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the ECMindicating the engine coolant temperature is within
the normal operating range [up to about 120É C (250É
F), the gauge needle is moved to the actual relative
temperature position on the gauge scale.
²Engine Temperature High Message- Each
time the cluster receives a message from the ECM
indicating the engine coolant temperature is high
[above about 120É C (250É F) the gauge needle is
moved into the red warning zone on the gauge scale.
The ECM continually monitors the engine coolant
temperature sensor to determine the engine operat-
ing temperature. The ECM then sends the proper
engine coolant temperature messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the instrument cluster moves the
engine coolant temperature gauge needle to red area
of the gauge scale, it may indicate that the engine or
the engine cooling system require service. For proper
diagnosis of the engine coolant temperature sensor,
the ECM, the CAN data bus, the electronic message
inputs to the instrument cluster, or the instrument
cluster circuitry that controls the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge, a DRBIIItscan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
FUEL FILTER CLOGGED
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A fuel filter clogged indicator is standard equip-
ment on all instrument clusters. The fuel filter
clogged indicator is located near the left edge of the
instrument cluster, next to the tachometer. The fuel
filter clogged indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªFuel Filterº
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 fuel filter clogged indicator
is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The fuel filter clogged indicator gives an indication
to the vehicle operator when the pressure in the fuel
system is low, which could indicate that the fuel filter
is clogged. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Engine Control Mod-
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 15

ule (ECM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN)
data bus. The fuel filter clogged indicator Light Emit-
ting 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 fuel filter
clogged indicator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the fuel filter clogged indi-
cator is illuminated by the cluster for about two sec-
onds as a bulb test.
²Fuel Filter Clogged Lamp-On Message-
Each time the cluster receives a lamp-on message
from the ECM, the fuel filter clogged indicator will
be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated
until the cluster receives a lamp-off message from
the ECM, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
The ECM continually monitors the low fuel pres-
sure sensor located at the inlet of the high pressure
fuel pump to decide whether the fuel system is in
good operating condition. The ECM then sends the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the ECM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the ECM has
detected a low pressure condition in the fuel system,
which could result from a clogged fuel filter or from
any other restrictions in the fuel delivery system.
The ECM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
for any malfunction it detects. For proper diagnosis
of the low fuel pressure sensor, the ECM, the CAN
data bus, the electronic message inputs to the instru-
ment cluster, or the instrument cluster circuitry that
controls the fuel filter clogged indicator, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A fuel gauge is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. The fuel gauge is located in the lower
right corner of the instrument cluster, to the right of
the speedometer. The fuel gauge consists of a mov-
able gauge needle or pointer controlled by the instru-
ment cluster circuitry and a fixed 45 degree scale on
the cluster overlay that reads left-to-right from ªFº
(or Full) to ªEº (or Empty). An International Control
and Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº is located on thecluster overlay, directly to the left of the low end of
the scale.
The fuel gauge 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 fuel gauge is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The fuel gauge gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the level of fuel in the fuel tank. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and a hard
wired input received by the cluster from the fuel
level sensor in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge is an air
core magnetic unit that receives battery current on
the instrument cluster electronic circuit board when
the instrument cluster detects that the ignition
switch is in the On position. The cluster is pro-
grammed 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:
²Fuel Level Sensor Input (At Ignition On)-
When the cluster detects the ignition switch has been
turned to the On position, the cluster moves the
gauge needle to the proper relative position on the
gauge scale as signaled by the fuel level sensor with-
out any electronic damping.
²Fuel Level Sensor Input (After Ignition On)
- After the ignition switch has been turned to the On
position, the cluster applies an algorithm to the input
from the fuel level sensor to electronically dampen
gauge needle movement against the negative effect
that fuel sloshing within the fuel tank can have on
accurate gauge readings.
²Fuel Level Sensor Input Open- If the fuel
level sensor input to the instrument cluster is an
open circuit, the cluster will move the fuel gauge nee-
dle to the ªEº (Empty) position on the gauge scale,
but the low fuel indicator will not be illuminated.
The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank provides a
hard wired input to the instrument cluster circuitry
through the fuel level sense circuit. The fuel level
sensor is a potentiometer that changes resistance
according to the fuel level. As the fuel level
decreases, the resistance through the fuel level sen-
sor increases. The fuel level sensor and the fuel level
sense circuit to the instrument cluster can be diag-
8J - 16 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA
FUEL FILTER CLOGGED INDICATOR (Continued)

nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the fuel gauge, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An electronic automatic transmission gear selector
indicator is standard equipment on all instrument
clusters. The gear selector indicator information is
displayed in the center of the multi-function indicator
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located near the lower
edge of the instrument cluster, directly below the
speedometer. The gear selector indicator displays the
following characters as they are selected: ªP,º ªR,º
ªN,º ªD,º ª4,º ª3,º ª2,º and ª1.º Respectively, these
characters represent the currently selected park,
reverse, neutral, drive, fourth gear, third gear, second
gear, and first gear positions of the transmission gear
selector lever on the instrument panel.
The indications of the gear selector indicator are
not visible unless the multi-function indicator LCD is
illuminated and the engine is running. When illumi-
nated, each indication appears as a dark character
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 illumina-
tion lighting using the ª+º (plus) and ª2º (minus)
multi-function indicator push buttons. The gear
selector indicator is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The electronic gear selector indicator gives an indi-
cation to the vehicle operator of the transmission
gear that is currently selected with the automatic
transmission gear selector lever. This indicator is
controlled by the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and electronic mes-
sages received from the Transmission Control Module
(TCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data
bus. The gear selector indicator information is dis-
played by the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) unit on the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The multi-function indicator
LCD is completely controlled by the instrument clus-
ter logic circuit, and that logic will only allow the
gear selector indicator information to be displayed
when the instrument cluster detects that the ignition
switch is in the On position. Therefore, the gearselector indicator will always be off when the ignition
switch is in any position except On.
The TCM continually monitors the transmission
range sensor, then sends the proper gear selector
indicator position messages to the instrument cluster.
For proper diagnosis of the transmission range sen-
sor, the TCM, the CAN data bus, or the electronic
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
the gear selector indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A high beam indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The high beam indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
high beam indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªHigh Beamº
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
blue Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the icon to
appear silhouetted against a blue field through the
translucent outer layer of the overlay when the indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by the LED, which
is soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The high beam indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The high beam indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator whenever the headlamp high beams
are illuminated. This indicator is controlled by a
transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board
based upon cluster programming and a hard wired
input from the multi-function switch. The high beam
indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely
controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will allow this indicator to operate when-
ever the instrument cluster receives battery current
on the fused B(+) circuit. Therefore, the LED can be
illuminated regardless of the ignition switch position.
The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path
to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the high beam indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the high beam indicator is
illuminated by the cluster for about two seconds as a
bulb test.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 17
FUEL GAUGE (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)