
OPERATION
The central timer module (CTM) monitors many
hard wired switch and sensor inputs as well as those
resources it shares with other modules in the vehicle
through its communication over the programmable
communications interface (PCI) data bus network.
The internal programming and all of these inputs
allow the CTM to determine the tasks it needs to
perform and their priorities, as well as both the stan-
dard and optional features that it should provide.
The CTM then performs those tasks and provides
those features through both PCI data bus communi-
cation with other modules and hard wired outputs
through a number of driver circuits, relays, and
actuators.These outputs allow the CTM the ability to
control numerous accessory systems in the vehicle.
The CTM monitors its own internal circuitry as
well as many of its input and output circuits, and
will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in elec-
tronic memory for any failure it detects. These DTCs
can be retrieved and diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
HARD WIRED INPUTS
The hard wired inputs to the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Fused B(+)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-start)
²Ground
²Key-in ignition switch sense
²Sliding door switch sense
²Passenger door switch sense
²Driver door switch sense
²PCI bus circuit
HARD WIRED OUTPUTS
The hard wired outputs of the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Door lock relay output
²Door unlock relay output
²VTSS indicator driver
MESSAGING
The CTM uses the following messages received
from other electronic modules over the PCI data bus:
²Airbag Deploy (ACM)
²Beep request (CMTC)
²Charging System Failure (PCM)
²Chime request (EMIC)
²Engine RPM (PCM)
²OK to Arm VTSS (PCM)
²Security indicator request (SKIM)
²System Voltage (PCM)
²Valid/Invalid Key (SKIM)
²Vehicle Distance (PCM)²Vehicle Speed (PCM)DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CENTRAL TIMER
MODULE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
central timer module (CTM) may be diagnosed and
tested using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the CTM. In
order to obtain conclusive testing of the CTM, the
programmable communications interface (PCI) data
bus network and all of the modules that provide
inputs to or receive outputs from the CTM must also
be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the CTM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the modules that provide inputs to, or
receive outputs from, the CTM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Slide the driver seat to the full forward posi-
tion.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector for the
seat belt latch. (Fig. 1).
(4) Remove the screws that secure the closeout
panel beneathe the driver seat cushion and remove
the panel.
(5) Remove the screws that secure the central
timer module to the bracket.
(6) Disconnect the wire harness connectors from
the central timer module.
(7) Remove the central timer module from the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the central timer module in the vehicle
8E - 2 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESVA
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (Continued) 

arate take out and connector of the vehicle wire
harness.
Located between the rear cover and the cluster
hood is the cluster housing. The molded plastic clus-
ter housing serves as the carrier for the cluster elec-
tronic circuit board and circuitry, the cluster
connector receptacles, the gauges, a Light Emitting
Diode (LED) for each cluster indicator and general
illumination lamp, the multi-function indicator LCD
unit, electronic tone generators, the cluster overlay,
the gauge pointers, the multi-function indicator
switches and the four switch push buttons.
The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The
dark, visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked
with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but
this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this
outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing clut-
tered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators
that are not illuminated, while the translucence of
this layer allows those indicators and icons that are
illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying
layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from
the LED for each of the various indicators and illu-
mination lamps behind it to be visible through the
outer layer of the overlay only through predeter-
mined cutouts. A rectangular opening in the overlay
at the base of the speedometer provides a window
through which the illuminated multi-function indica-
tor LCD unit can be viewed.
Several versions of the EMIC module are offered
on this model. These versions accommodate all of the
variations of optional equipment and regulatory
requirements for the various markets in which the
vehicle will be offered. The microprocessor-based
EMIC utilizes integrated circuitry, Electrically Eras-
able Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
type memory storage, information carried on the
Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, along with
several hard wired analog and multiplexed inputs to
monitor systems, sensors and switches throughout
the vehicle.
In response to those inputs, the hardware and soft-
ware of the EMIC allow it to control and integrate
many electronic functions and features of the vehicle
through both hard wired outputs and the transmis-
sion of electronic message outputs to other electronic
modules in the vehicle over the CAN data bus. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION -
CAN BUS).
Besides typical instrument cluster gauge and indi-
cator support, the electronic functions and features
that the EMIC supports or controls include the fol-
lowing:
²Active Service System- In vehicles equipped
with the Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oilmaintenance indicator option, the EMIC electronic
circuit board includes a second dedicated micropro-
cessor. This second microprocessor evaluates various
data including time, mileage, and driving conditions
to calculate the required engine oil service intervals,
and provides both visual and audible alerts to the
vehicle operator when certain engine oil maintenance
services are required.
²Audible Warnings- The EMIC electronic cir-
cuit board is equipped with an audible tone generator
and programming that allows it to provide various
audible alerts to the vehicle operator, including buzz-
ing and chime tones. An audible contactless elec-
tronic relay is also soldered onto the circuit board to
produce audible clicks that is synchronized with turn
signal indicator flashing to emulate the sounds of a
conventional turn signal or hazard warning flasher.
These audible clicks can occur at one of two rates to
emulate both normal and bulb-out turn or hazard
flasher operation. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHIME/BUZZER - DESCRIPTION).
²Panel Lamps Dimming Control- The EMIC
provides a hard wired 12-volt Pulse-Width Modulated
(PWM) output that synchronizes the dimming level
of all panel lamps dimmer controlled lamps with that
of the cluster general illumination lamps and multi-
function indicator.
The EMIC houses four analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to nineteen indicators (Fig. 3). The
EMIC includes the following analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
The EMIC includes provisions for the following
indicators (Fig. 3):
²Airbag (SRS) Indicator
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
²Brake Indicator
²Brake Wear Indicator
²Charging Indicator
²Clogged Fuel Filter Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Multi-Function Indicator (LCD)
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Traction Control (ASR) Indicator
²Traction Control (ASR) Malfunction Indica-
tor
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Washer Fluid Indicator
²Wait-To-Start Indicator
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued) 

splices, splice block connectors, and many different
types of wire harness terminal connectors and insu-
lators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information includes wiring diagrams,
proper wire and connector repair procedures, further
details on wire harness routing and retention, as well
as pin-out and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The primary passenger restraints in this or any
other vehicle are the standard equipment factory-in-
stalled seat belts. Seat belts are referred to as an
active restraint because the vehicle occupants are
required to physically fasten and properly adjust
these restraints in order to benefit from them. See
the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of all
of the factory-installed active restraints.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints are referred to as a supple-
mental restraint system because they were designed
and are intended to enhance the protection for the
occupants of the vehicleonlywhen used in conjunc-
tion with the seat belts. They are referred to as pas-
sive restraints because the vehicle occupants are not
required to do anything to make them operate; how-
ever, the vehicle occupants must be wearing their
seat belts in order to obtain the maximum safety
benefit from the factory-installed supplemental
restraint system.
The supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a
microprocessor and software contained within the
Airbag Control Module (ACM). An airbag indicator in
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
illuminates for about four seconds as a bulb test each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On or Start
positions. Following the bulb test, the airbag indica-
tor is turned on or off by the ACM to indicate the
status of the supplemental restraint system. If the
airbag indicator comes on either solid or flashing at
any time other than during the bulb test, it indicates
that there is a problem in the supplemental restraint
system electrical circuits. Such a problem may cause
airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy
when not required.
Deployment of the supplemental restraints
depends upon the angle and severity of an impact.Deployment is not based upon vehicle speed; rather,
deployment is based upon the rate of deceleration as
measured by the forces of gravity (G force) upon the
impact sensor. When an impact is severe enough, the
microprocessor in the ACM signals the inflator of the
appropriate airbag units to deploy their airbag cush-
ions. The front seat belt tensioners are provided with
a deployment signal by the ACM in conjunction with
the driver and passenger airbags. During a frontal
vehicle impact, the knee blockers work in concert
with properly fastened and adjusted seat belts to
restrain both the driver and the front seat passenger
in the proper position for an airbag deployment. The
knee blockers also absorb and distribute the crash
energy from the driver and the front seat passenger
to the structure of the instrument panel. The seat
belt tensioners remove the slack from the front seat
belts to provide further assurance that the driver and
front seat passenger are properly positioned and
restrained for an airbag deployment.
Typically, the vehicle occupants recall more about
the events preceding and following a collision than
they do of an airbag deployment itself. This is
because the airbag deployment and deflation occur so
rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour (30 mile-
per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment of impact
until the airbags are fully inflated takes only a few
milliseconds. Within one to two seconds from the
moment of impact, the airbags are almost entirely
deflated. The times cited for these events are approx-
imations, which apply only to a barrier impact at the
given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.
When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
front airbag system circuits or components, including
the seat belt tensioners, it stores a fault code or
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory circuit
and sends a hard wired output to the EMIC to turn
on the airbag indicator. If the EMIC detects a prob-
lem in the airbag indicator or airbag indicator circuit,
the cluster will flash the seatbelt indicator on and
off. Proper testing of the supplemental restraint sys-
tem components as well as the retrieval or erasure of
a DTC from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the factory-installed passive restraints.
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSVA
RESTRAINTS (Continued) 

an electronic impact sensor, and an energy storage
capacitor. The ACM housing has three integral
mounting tabs. A stamped metal cover plate is per-
manently secured to the bottom of the ACM housing
to enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry
and components. An arrow printed on a label on the
top of the ACM housing near the rear provides a
visual verification of the proper orientation of the
unit, and should always be pointed toward the front
of the vehicle. A molded plastic electrical connector
receptacle containing numerous terminal pins is inte-
gral to the left facing side of the ACM housing. These
terminal pins connect the ACM to the vehicle electri-
cal system through a dedicated take out and connec-
tor of the vehicle wire harness.
The impact sensor internal to the ACM is cali-
brated for the specific vehicle, and is only serviced as
a unit with the ACM. The ACM cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) contains the supplemental restraint system
logic circuits and controls all of the supplemental
restraint system components. The ACM uses
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate
with the DRBIIItscan tool using a diagnostic Serial
Communication Interface (SCI) data bus line for sup-
plemental restraint system programming or diagno-
sis and testing through the 16-way Data Link
Connector (DLC) located on the dash panel below the
driver side end of the instrument panel. A hard wired
output from the ACM is used for control of the airbag
indicator in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Clus-
ter (EMIC). (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER/AIRBAG INDICATOR -
OPERATION).
The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all
of the supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM
detects a monitored system fault, it sets an appropri-
ate Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and sends an out-
put to the EMIC to turn on the airbag indicator. The
ACM illuminates the indicator for about four seconds
each time the ignition switch is turned to the On
position as a bulb test. If the indicator remains illu-
minated for about ten seconds after the ignition
switch is turned to the On position, the ACM has
detected a non-critical fault that poses no danger to
the vehicle occupants. If the airbag indicator illumi-
nates solid (not flashing) while driving or stays on
longer than ten seconds following the bulb test, the
ACM has detected a critical fault that may cause the
airbags not to deploy when required or to deploy
when not required. An active fault only remains forthe duration of the fault, or in some cases, for the
duration of the current ignition switch cycle, while a
stored fault causes a DTC to be stored in memory by
the ACM.
The ACM receives battery current through a fused
ignition switch output circuit. The ACM receives
ground through a ground circuit and take out of the
vehicle wire harness. This take out has an eyelet ter-
minal connector secured by a nut to a ground stud on
the floor panel directly below the ACM within the
driver side seat riser. A case ground is also provided
for the ACM through a ground circuit and eyelet ter-
minal connector secured under the left rear ACM
mounting screw. These connections allow the ACM to
be operational whenever the ignition switch is in the
On position. The ACM also contains an energy-stor-
age capacitor. When the ignition switch is in the On
position, this capacitor is continually being charged
with enough electrical energy to deploy the supple-
mental restraint components for up to one second fol-
lowing a battery disconnect or failure. The purpose of
the capacitor is to provide backup supplemental
restraint system protection in case there is a loss of
battery current supply to the ACM during an impact.
An electronic impact sensor is contained within the
ACM. The electronic impact sensor is an accelerome-
ter that senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which
provides verification of the direction and severity of
an impact. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in
the ACM microprocessor determines when the decel-
eration rate as signaled by the impact sensor indi-
cates an impact that is severe enough to require
supplemental restraint system protection. When the
programmed conditions are met, the ACM sends the
proper electrical signals to deploy the seat belt ten-
sioners and front airbags.
The ACM also provides a hard wired electrical
crash signal output following a supplemental
restraint deployment event. This output is used to
signal other electronic modules in the vehicle to pro-
vide their enhanced accident response features,
which include automatically disabling the engine
from running and unlocking all of the doors. How-
ever, these responses are each dependent upon the
circuits, components, and modules controlling these
features remaining intact from collateral damage
incurred during the vehicle impact.
A single ACM is used for all variations of the sup-
plemental restraint system available in this vehicle.
This ACM is programmable and in order to function
properly it must be programmed for the correct vehi-
cle supplemental restraint system equipment using
an initialization procedure. The initialization proce-
dure requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information. The hard
wired inputs and outputs for the ACM may be diag-
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 9
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued) 

Oil level and oil quality are separate of each other.
The information is first of all compensated in the
ECM before being transmitted over the CAN bus.
Faults at the oil sensor are detected by the ECM
and entered into fault memory. The voltage for the
oil sensor (approx.5V) is supplied by the ECM.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Drain engine oil into a suitable, and appropri-
ately marked container.
(4) Remove engine mount to chassis nuts.
(5) Lower vehicle and install engine support.
(6) Raise engine until the weight of the engine no
longer rests on the engine mounts.
(7) Raise and support the vehicle.
(8) Detach the front stabilizer bar at the front axle
and rotate it downward.
(9) Unplug the oil level sensor (Fig. 62).
(10) Remove the oil level sensor retaining screw,
oil level sensor and discard the gasket (Fig. 62).
INSTALLATION
(1) Seat O-ring on oil level sensor and lubricate
O-ring with clean engine oil (Fig. 62).
(2) Install the oil level sensor into the oil pan and
tighten screw to 124 lbs. in.(14N´m) (Fig. 62).(3) Connect oil level sensor wiring harness connec-
tor (Fig. 62).
(4) Rotate front stabilizer bar upward and secure
to axle beam. Tighten to 22 lbs.ft. (30 N´m)
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Lower the engine into the mounts.
(7) Remove engine support fixture.
(8) Raise and support the vehicle.
(9) Tighten both engine mount to chassis nuts.
(10) Install and tighten oil drain plug.
(11) Lower vehicle and install the appropriate
engine oil.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
REMOVAL
WARNING: NO FIRE, SPARKS OR SMOKING.
STORE FUELS ONLY INTO SUITABLE AND APPRO-
PRIATELY MARKED CONTAINERS, AND WEAR
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM - WARNING).
WARNING: DO NOT OPEN THE COOLING SYSTEM
UNLESS THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW
90ÉC (194ÉF). OPEN RADIATOR CAP SLOWLY TO
RELEASE PRESSURE. STORE COOLANT ONLY
INTO SUITABLE AND APPROPRIATELY MARKED
CONTAINERS, WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND
EYE PROTECTION.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Drain coolant from the radiator.
(3) Remove the engine cover.
(4) Disconnect the engine wiring harness from
inside the vehicle and carefully guide the harness
into the engine compartment.
(5) Disconnect the charge air hose at the intake
manifold (Fig. 63).
(6) Disconnect the EGR wiring harness connector
(Fig. 63).
(7) Remove the bolt retaining the engine wiring
harness to the intake manifold (Fig. 63).
(8) Disconnect the coolant hose at the connection
junction through the intake manifold support bracket
(Fig. 63).
NOTE: Collect and store any fluid spillage when
disconnecting components.
(9) Disconnect both fuel lines at the fuel filter (Fig.
63).
(10) Remove the lower intake manifold support
bracket (Fig. 63).
Fig. 62 OIL LEVEL SENSOR
1 - OIL PAN
2 - O-RING
3 - WIRING HARNESS
4 - BOLT
5 - OIL LEVEL SENSOR
VAENGINE 9 - 57
OIL TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)