2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER oil level

the status of the driver side front seat belt. This
audible warning occurs independent of the visual
warning provided by the EMIC ªSeatbeltº indicator.
²Lights-On Warning- The EMIC chime tone
generator will generate repetitive chime tones at a
fast rate when either front door is opened with the
ignition switch in any position except On, and the
exterior lights are turned On. The EMIC uses inter-
nal programming and hard wired inputs from the left
(lighting) control stalk of the multi-function switch,
the ignition switch, and both front door jamb
switches to determine the current status of these
switches. This chime will continue to sound until the
exterior lighting is turned Off, until the ignition
switch is turned to the On position, or until both
front doors are closed, whichever occurs first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning- The EMIC chime
tone generator will generate repetitive chime tones at
a fast rate when the key is in the ignition lock cylin-
der, the ignition switch is in any position except On,
and either front door is opened. The EMIC uses
internal programming and hard wired inputs from
the key-in ignition switch, the ignition switch, and
both front door jamb switches to determine the cur-
rent status of these switches. The chime will con-
tinue to sound until the key is removed from the
ignition lock cylinder, until the ignition switch is
turned to the On position, or until both front doors
are closed, whichever occurs first.
²Audible Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Sup-
port- The EMIC contactless relay will generate
repetitive clicks at a slow rate during normal turn
signal/hazard warning operation, or at a fast rate
when a turn signal lamp bulb or circuit is inopera-
tive, in concert with the operation of the turn signal
indicators in the cluster. These clicks are designed to
emulate the sound of the opening and closing of the
contact points in a conventional electromechanical
turn signal or hazard warning flasher. The EMIC
uses a hard wired input received from the turn sig-
nal relay in the fuse block beneath the steering col-
umn through the turn signal or hazard warning
switch circuitry of the multi-function switch to deter-
mine when to flash the turn signal indicators and
activate the contactless relay on the cluster electronic
circuit board. The turn signal clicks will continue to
sound until the turn signal switch is turned Off, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position,
whichever occurs first. The hazard warning clicks
will continue to sound until the hazard warning
switch is turned Off.
The EMIC provides chime service for all available
features in the chime warning system. The EMIC relies
upon its internal programming and hard wired inputs
from the front door ajar switches, the key-in ignition
switch, the ignition switch, the seat belt switch, and the
turn signal/hazard warning (multi-function) switches.
The EMIC relies upon electronic message inputsreceived from other electronic modules over the CAN
data bus network to provide chime service for the low
engine oil level warning. Upon receiving the proper
inputs, the EMIC activates the chime tone generator or
the contactless relay to provide the audible warning to
the vehicle operator. The internal programming of the
EMIC determines the priority of each chime request
input that is received, as well as the rate and duration
of each tone that is to be generated. See the owner's
manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features provided by the chime warning system.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the EMIC, as well as other hard wired circuits for
this system may be diagnosed and tested using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However,
conventional diagnostic methods may not prove con-
clusive in the diagnosis of the EMIC, the CAN data
bus network, or the electronic message inputs used
by the EMIC to provide chime warning system ser-
vice. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means
to diagnose the EMIC, the CAN data bus network,
and the electronic message inputs for the chime
warning system requires the use of a diagnostic scan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME WARNING
SYSTEM
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC),
as well as other hard wired circuits for this system
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive
in the diagnosis of the EMIC, the Controller Area
Network (CAN) data bus network, or the electronic
message inputs used by the EMIC to provide chime
warning system service. The most reliable, efficient,
and accurate means to diagnose the EMIC, the CAN
data bus network, and the electronic message inputs
for the chime warning system requires the use of a
diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERVA

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER............................7
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CLUSTER PROGRAMMING...............7
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION...........................10
ADR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
CHARGING INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
CLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................15
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................16
ESP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
FUEL FILTER CLOGGED INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................18
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
LOW OIL LEVEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
MAINTENANCE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................21
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................23
PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................24
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 1

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION
The instrument cluster for this model is an Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) that is
located above the steering column opening in the
instrument panel, directly in front of the driver (Fig.
1). The remainder of the EMIC, including the mounts
and the electrical connections, are concealed within
the instrument panel behind the cluster bezel and
beneath the instrument panel top cover for the clus-
ter. The instrument cluster includes analog gauges,
meters, indicators, and acoustic signal transmit-
ters.The EMIC module also incorporates a multi-func-
tion indicator that consists of a digital Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) unit for displaying odometer/trip
odometer information, an electronic digital clock,
engine oil level information, automatic transmission
gear selector position (PRNDL), and certain diagnos-
tic information. The multi-function indicator also has
four push button switches, which provide the vehicle
operator with an interface to adjust certain inputs to
the instrument cluster and to select from multiple
display options. If the vehicle is equipped with the
appropriate options, the multi-function indicator also
provides an outside ambient temperature indicator
display and an Active Service SYStem (ASSYST)
engine oil maintenance indicator to display engine oil
level and maintenance reminders.
The EMIC gauges and indicators are visible
through a dedicated opening in the cluster bezel on
the instrument panel and are protected by a clear
plastic cluster lens (Fig. 2) that is secured by eight
integral latches to the molded black plastic cluster
hood. Four, black plastic multi-function indicator
switch push buttons protrude through dedicated
holes in a rectangular black plastic switch bezel that
is integral to the cluster lens and located near the
lower edge of the cluster directly below the multi-
function indicator LCD unit. The cluster hood serves
as a visor and shields the face of the cluster from
ambient light and reflections to reduce glare. The
cluster hood has eight integral latches that engage
eight integral latch tabs on the cluster rear cover,
sandwiching the cluster housing unit between the
hood and the rear cover. The cluster hood also has
two integral pivot loops molded into its underside
that engage two pairs of molded pivot hooks that are
integral to the top of the instrument panel base
structure. These pivots allow the cluster to be rolled
rearward to ease service access to the wire harness
connectors at the back of the cluster.
The rear of the cluster housing and the EMIC elec-
tronic circuitry are protected by the molded plastic
rear cover. A mounting ear at each upper corner of
the rear cover are used to secure the EMIC to the
molded plastic instrument panel base unit with two
screws. The rear cover includes clearance holes for
the two cluster connector receptacles on the cluster
electronic circuit board. The connector receptacles on
the back of the cluster electronic circuit board con-
nect the EMIC to the vehicle electrical system
through two take outs with connectors from the vehi-
cle wire harness. The EMIC rear cover includes a
molded mounting tab and a latch feature that
secures the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)/immobilizer
module to the back of the cluster. The RKE/immobi-
lizer module is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a separate take out and connector of the
vehicle wire harness.
Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster
1 - COVER
2 - BEZEL
3 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
4 - STEERING WHEEL
5 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
6 - SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
Fig. 2 Instrument Cluster Components
1 - LENS
2 - HOOD
3 - CLUSTER HOUSING
4 - REAR COVER
8J - 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

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 oil
maintenance indicator option, the EMIC electronic
circuit board includes a second dedicated micropro-
cessor. This second microprocessor evaluates various
data including time, mileage, and driving conditionsto 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
²Constant Engine Speed (ADR) Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator
²Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indica-
tor
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Multi-Function Indicator (LCD)
²Park Brake Indicator
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

Except for the indications provided within the
multi-function indicator LCD unit, each indicator in
the EMIC is illuminated by a dedicated LED that is
soldered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board.
Cluster illumination is accomplished by dimmable
LED back lighting, which illuminates the gauges for
visibility when the exterior lighting is turned on. The
cluster general illumination LED units are also sol-
dered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board. The
LED units are not available for service replacement
and, if damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC must be
replaced.Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to the vehicle wire harnesses,
which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained
by many different methods. These circuits may be
connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem and to the EMIC through the use of a combina-
tion of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and
many different types of wire harness terminal con-
nectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wir-
ing information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
Fig. 3 Gauges & Indicators
1 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 16 - SEATBELT INDICATOR
2 - TACHOMETER 17 - ABS INDICATOR
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 18 - MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR PLUS/MINUS SWITCH
PUSH BUTTONS
4 - SPEEDOMETER 19 - MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR (INCLUDES: CLOCK, GEAR
SELECTOR INDICATOR, ODOMETER, TRIP ODOMETER, EN-
GINE OIL LEVEL DATA, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
[OPTIONAL], & ACTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM [ASSYST] ENGINE
OIL MAINTENANCE INDICATOR [OPTIONAL])
5 - TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR 20 - MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR MODE (MILES [KILOME-
TERS]/TIME) SWITCH PUSH BUTTONS
6 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 21 - COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
7 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE 22 - BRAKE INDICATOR
8 - FUEL GAUGE 23 - OIL LEVEL INDICATOR
9 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR 24 - BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR
10 - WASHER FLUID INDICATOR (OPTIONAL) 25 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
11 - CONSTANT ENGINE SPEED (ADR) INDICATOR (OPTION-
AL)26 - CHARGING INDICATOR
12 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR 27 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
13 - TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION INDICATOR 28 - PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
14 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 29 - FUEL FILTER CLOGGED INDICATOR
15 - ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) INDICATOR
(OPTIONAL)
8J - 4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

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 instrument cluster applies a fuel
tank characteristic curve and fuel tank reserve valve
setting to the fuel level sensor input, which must be
configured when the cluster is initialized. These
characteristics determine the algorithm the cluster
uses to display the fuel level data on the fuel gauge
and the control for the low fuel warning indicator.
The fuel level sensor and the fuel level sense circuit
to the instrument cluster can be diagnosed using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and methods. For proper
diagnosis of the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the fuel gauge, a diagnostic scan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
LOW OIL LEVEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A low oil level indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters. The low oil level indicator is
located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the left of the multi-function indicator display. The
low oil level indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªEngine Oilº
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 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 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 low oil level indicator is serviced as a unit
with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The low oil level indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the engine oil level is low.
This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board based
upon cluster programming and electronic messages
received by the cluster from the Engine Control Mod-
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 toground 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 operator 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 diagnostic scan tool is required.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MAINTENANCE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oil
maintenance indicator is optional equipment on all
instrument clusters. In vehicles so equipped, a sec-
ond, dedicated ASSYST microprocessor is integral to
the cluster electronic circuit board. The ASSYST indi-
cations are displayed and can be toggled with the
clock indication on the right side of the multi-func-
tion indicator Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
directly below the speedometer. 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
8J - 20 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

next required engine oil maintenance is anticipated.
ASSYST also provides several audible indications
using the electronic tone generator on the instrument
cluster circuit board to supplement these visual dis-
plays.
The indications of the ASSYST engine oil mainte-
nance indicator are not visible when the LCD is not
illuminated. When illuminated, the ASSYST indica-
tions 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 ASSYST engine oil main-
tenance indicator is serviced as a unit with the
instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The ASSYST engine oil maintenance indicator
microprocessor uses numerous criteria besides time
and mileage to evaluate vehicle maintenance require-
ments. Time data is taken from the electronic digital
clock integral to the instrument cluster. Vehicle dis-
tance data is obtained from the Controller Antilock
Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus. Coolant temperature, 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 cal-
culates 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 diagnostic
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is standard
equipment on all instrument clusters. The MIL islocated near the lower edge of the instrument cluster,
to the right of the multi-function indicator display.
The MIL consists of the International Control and
Display Symbol icon for ªEngineº imprinted within a
rectangular cutout in the opaque layer of the instru-
ment cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents the indicator from being clearly vis-
ible 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 MIL is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an
indication to the vehicle operator when the Engine
Control Module (ECM) has recorded a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for an On-Board Diagnostics II
(OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component mal-
function. The MIL is controlled by a transistor on the
instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster
programming and electronic messages received by
the cluster from the ECM over the Controller Area
Network (CAN) data bus. The MIL 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 MIL for the fol-
lowing reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the MIL is illuminated as a
bulb test. The indicator will remain illuminated until
the engine is started, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²MIL Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a MIL lamp-on message from the ECM,
the indicator will be illuminated. The indicator will
remain illuminated until the detected fault is
repaired, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first. For more infor-
mation on the ECM and the DTC set and reset
parameters, (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL -
OPERATION).
²Communication Error- If the cluster receives
no lamp-on or lamp-off message from the ECM, the
MIL is illuminated by the instrument cluster. The
indicator remains controlled and illuminated by the
cluster until a valid lamp-on or lamp-off message is
received from the ECM.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 21

The ECM continually monitors the fuel and emis-
sions system circuits and sensors to decide whether
the system is in good operating condition. The ECM
then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages
to the instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster
turns on the MIL after the bulb test, it may indicate
that a malfunction has occurred and that the fuel
and emissions systems may require service. For
proper diagnosis of the fuel and emissions systems,
the ECM, the CAN data bus, or the electronic mes-
sage inputs to the instrument cluster that control the
MIL, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
MULTI - FUNCTION INDICA-
TOR
DESCRIPTION
A multi-function indicator is standard equipment
on all instrument clusters. The multi-function indica-
tor is located near the lower edge of the instrument
cluster, directly below the speedometer. The multi-
function indicator consists of a Liquid Crystal Dis-
play (LCD) unit and four push button-controlled
switches that are soldered onto the instrument clus-
ter electronic circuit board. The LCD is visible
through a large rectangular cutout in the instrument
cluster overlay, while the four switch push buttons
extend through a black plastic switch bezel located
on the cluster lens directly below the LCD. The four
multi-function indicator push buttons allow the vehi-
cle operator to configure and adjust several of the
display features. The buttons are labeled from left to
right: ªmiº (miles) or ªkmº (kilometers), an icon
depicting an analog clock face (clock), ª2º (minus),
and ª+º (plus).
The multi-function indicator LCD displays both
alpha-numeric characters and numerous icons to pro-
vide information to the vehicle operator. The indica-
tions of the multi-function 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 concert with the cluster general illumina-
tion lighting using the ª+º (plus) and ª2º (minus)
multi-function indicator push buttons. The multi-
function indicator LCD unit and push button
switches are serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The multi-function indicator has several display
capabilities including odometer, trip odometer, clock,engine oil level data, gear selector indicator
(PRNDL), certain diagnostic information and, on
vehicles so equipped, an optional Active Service SYS-
Tem (ASSYST) engine oil maintenance indicator and
an optional outside ambient temperature indicator.
The multi-function indicator is completely controlled
by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic
will allow this indication to be viewed whenever the
multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) is activated. Therefore, the indicator remains
functional regardless of the ignition switch position.
With the ignition switch in the Off or Accessory posi-
tions and the key removed from the ignition lock cyl-
inder, the display is activated when the park lamps
are turned On or, for about thirty seconds after any
one of the multi-function indicator switch push but-
tons is depressed. Otherwise, the display unit is
active for about thirty seconds after the key is
inserted into the ignition lock cylinder, and inactive
about thirty seconds after the key is removed from
the ignition lock cylinder.
The multi-function indicator ªmiº (miles) or
ªkmº(kilometers) switch push button is used to con-
trol the odometer/trip odometer display modes. The
multi-function indicator clock switch push button is
used to control the clock/outside temperature display
modes. The multi-function indicator ª+º (plus) and
ª2º (minus) switch push buttons are used to adjust
the cluster general illumination dimming level, the
clock, and other cluster settings. See the owner's
manual in the vehicle glove box for more information
on the features, use, operation and setting proce-
dures for the various standard and optional multi-
function indicator displays.
Proper testing of the multi-function indicator LCD
unit, the CAN data bus and the electronic data bus
message inputs to the instrument cluster that control
some of the multi-function indicator functions
requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information. Additional
details for the odometer/trip odometer, the clock, the
gear selector indicator, the ambient temperature indi-
cator and the ASSYST warning and reminder func-
tions of the multi-function indicator may be found
elsewhere in this service information.
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION
An odometer and trip odometer are standard
equipment in all instrument clusters. The odometer
and trip odometer values are displayed on the left
side of the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD). The LCD is soldered onto the cluster
electronic circuit board and is visible through a win-
dow with a clear lens located near the lower edge of
8J - 22 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA