2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ignition

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
OPERATION - GLOW PLUG................1
SPECIAL TOOLS........................1
GLOW PLUG
REMOVAL.............................1
INSTALLATION..........................1GLOW PLUG RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GLOW PLUG
RELAYS..............................2
IGNITION CONTROL
OPERATION - GLOW PLUG
Pre - Glowing
With the key in the On position, the glow plug out-
put stage and the indicator lamp are actuated by the
ECM. The pre-heating time is calculated by the ECM
in line with the coolant temperature. The glow plug
output stage switches the current through the glow
plugs. The glow plug indicator lamp goes out after a
pre-glow period has elapsed. Component or cable fail-
ures in the pre-glow system are indicated by the glow
plug lamp and stored in the ECM.
Glow Output Stage
With the ignition key in the On position a signal is
transmitted from the ECM to the glow plug output
stager. If no data is exchanged with the ECM the
glow plug stage is terminated after two seconds. The
glow plug out put stage constantly signals the cur-
rent operating state (ON/OFF) and any system
faults. The following faults are recognized by the out
put stage and transmitted to the ECM:
²Open circuit in one or more of the glow plug
leads
²Short circuit in the glow plug circuit
²Out put stage fault or temperature related shut-
off
If a failure in the glow plug system occurs, the
glow plug indicator lamp will be illuminated only as
long as the fault is current. If the failure is no longer
present, the glow plug indicator lamp will be
switched off but a code will be stored in the ECM.
After Glow
Once the engine has started, the ECM determines
the after glow time depending on cooling tempera-
ture. During this time the glow plugs continue to be
actuated by the glow plug output stage. This results
in improved smooth running after a cold start and
improved warming up properties, elimination of blueexhaust after a cold start up and a more stable cold
starting speed.
If no signal is received from the coolant tempera-
ture sensor the signal from the oil sensor is used as a
substitute.
SPECIAL TOOLS
GLOW PLUG
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the engine cover.
(3) Use special tool #9286 pliers to unplug the
glow plug wiring harness connector(s) at the glow
plug.
(4) Remove the glow plug(s) (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw glow plug(s) into cylinder head and
tighten to 12 N´m (115 lbs. in) (Fig. 1).
(2) Connect the glow plug wiring harness connec-
tor(s)
(3) Install the engine cover.
(4) Connect negative battery cable.
GLOW PLUG RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The glow plug relay supplies battery voltage to the
glow plug through a timed cycle that is related to
coolant temperature. The glow plug relay is located
under the battery. The purpose of a glow plug system
GLOW PLUG PLIERS
VAIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1

is to improve combustion for low emissions and to
achieve easy starting at low temperatures.
OPERATION
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the glow plug output stage and pre-glow indica-
tor lamp are actuated by the ECM. The duration of
the signal depends on the coolant temperature. The
glow plug relay has processing that communicates
with the ECM. If no data exchange occurs at the trig-
gering stage, the preheating is switched off after 2
seconds.
Start glowing is initiated when the key is in the
start position. The glow plugs (R13±R17) continue to
be supplied with voltage. This makes it possible to
stabilize the cold starting speed. (After glowing is ini-
tiated when the starter reject speed is reached).
After the engine starts, the ECM determines the
afterglow period in line with coolant temperature. If
no signal is received from the coolant temperature
sensor, afterglow is maintained for thirty seconds.
The following aims are reached by the afterglow :
²Improvement in warming-up properties
²Prevention of white exhaust smoke after cold
start
²Stabilizing of the cold starting speed
The glow plug output stage constantly signals the
current operating state and faults. The following are
faults detected and transmitted to the ECM :²Open circuit at one or several glow plugs
²Short circuit in the glow plug circuit
²Relay fault
If the Glow plug relay detects an open circuit at a
glow plug, it is stored and indicated only once the
engine is running by the preglow indicator lamp com-
ing on for about one minute and a fault is stored in
the ECM. If a short circuit, a glow plug output stage
faulty or a temperature related switching off of out-
put stages is detected, the fault is stored and indi-
cated immediately by the preglow indicator lamp
coming on. Once the fault is no longer current, the
indicator is immediately switched off, but the fault is
stored in the ECM. If the fault is constantly current,
the preglow indicator lamp remains on until the igni-
tion is switched off.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GLOW PLUG
RELAYS
Refer to the appropriate Diesel Powertrain Diagno-
sis Manual for information on diagnosing the glow
plug relays.
Fig. 1 GLOW PLUG (S)
1 - GLOW PLUG
2 - WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - ENGINE COVER
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLVA

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.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator,
the multi-fuction indicator LCD unit, an electronic
tone generator, the electronic circuit board, the cir-
cuit board hardware, the cluster overlay, the cluster
housing, the cluster hood, the cluster lens, or the
cluster rear cover are damaged or faulty, the entire
EMIC module must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
is designed to allow the vehicle operator to monitor
the conditions of many of the vehicle components and
operating systems. The gauges, meters and indicators
in the EMIC provide valuable information about the
powertrain, fuel and emissions systems, cooling sys-
tem, lighting systems, safety systems and many
other convenience items. The EMIC is installed in
the instrument panel so that all of these monitors
can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator when
driving, while still allowing relative ease of access for
service. The microprocessor-based EMIC hardware
and software uses various inputs to control the
gauges and indicators visible on the face of the clus-
ter. Some of these inputs are hard wired, but many
are in the form of electronic messages that are trans-
mitted by other electronic modules over the Control-
ler Area Network (CAN) data bus network. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist such as high coolant tem-
perature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer
to an extreme position and the microprocessor can
sound a chime through the on-board audible tone
generator to provide distinct visual and audible indi-
cations of a problem to the vehicle operator. The
instrument cluster circuitry also provides audible
turn signal and hazard warning support by emulat-
ing the ªtickingº sound associated with a conven-
tional electro-mechanical flasher using a contactless
relay. The relay will also provide an indication of a
turn signal failure by sounding at double the usual
frequency. Each audible warning is provided to the
vehicle operator to supplement a visual indication.
The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through a non-switched fused B(+) circuit,
and on a fused ignition switch output circuit. TheEMIC circuitry is grounded through a ground circuit
and take out of the frame wire harness with an eye-
let terminal connector that is secured to a stud by a
nut at a ground location on the dash panel just for-
ward of the instrument cluster. Separate switched
ground inputs from the key-in ignition switch and
the front door jamb switches provide wake-up signals
to the EMIC circuitry. This arrangement allows the
EMIC to provide some features regardless of the igni-
tion switch position, while other features will operate
only with the ignition switch in the On position.
Proper diagnosis and testing of the EMIC, the
CAN data bus, the data bus electronic message
inputs to and outputs from the EMIC, as well as the
retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. See
the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of the
EMIC.
GAUGES
All gauges receive battery current through the
EMIC circuitry only when the instrument cluster
detects the ignition switch is in the On position. With
the ignition switch in the Off position, battery cur-
rent is not supplied to any gauges and the EMIC cir-
cuitry is programmed to move all of the gauge
needles back to the low end of their respective scales.
Therefore, the gauges do not accurately indicate any
vehicle condition unless the ignition switch is in the
On position.
All of the EMIC gauges are air core magnetic
units. Two fixed electromagnetic coils are located
within each gauge. These coils are wrapped at right
angles to each other around a movable permanent
magnet. The movable magnet is suspended within
the coils on one end of a pivot shaft, while the gauge
needle is attached to the other end of the shaft. One
of the coils has a fixed current flowing through it to
maintain a constant magnetic field strength. Current
flow through the second coil changes, which causes
changes in its magnetic field strength. The current
flowing through the second coil is changed by the
EMIC circuitry in response to messages received over
the CAN data bus. The gauge needle moves as the
movable permanent magnet aligns itself to the
changing magnetic fields created around it by the
electromagnets.
Proper diagnosis and testing of the gauges, the
CAN data bus and the electronic data bus message
inputs to the EMIC that control each gauge require
the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information. Specific operation
details for each gauge may be found elsewhere in
this service information.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5

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, park brake indicator,
seatbelt indicator, turn signal indicators, and washer
fluid indicator operate based upon hard wired inputs
to the EMIC. The airbag (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 automat-
ically turn the airbag indicator On until the hard
wired input from the ACM has been restored. The
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is normally con-
trolled by CAN data bus messages from the Engine
Control Module (ECM); however, if the EMIC loses
CAN data bus communication, 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 diagnostic scan 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 thetransmission 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 diagnostic scan 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:
²Engine Running Relay Control
²Panel Lamps Driver
Refer to the appropriate wiring information for
additional details.
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

GROUNDS
The EMIC receives and supplies a ground path to
several switches and sensors through the following
hard wired circuits:
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:
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 the
instrument 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 diagnostic scan tool and the appropriate
diagnostic information. The diagnostic scan 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 isreceiving the proper hard wired inputs and respond-
ing with the proper hard wired outputs needed to
perform its many functions.
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CLUSTER PROGRAMMING
NOTE: After replacing the Instrument Cluster (IC)
according to the service procedures, determine the
optional equipment on the vehicle by accessing the
sales code information using the Vehicle Identifica-
tion Number (VIN) on DealerCONNECT.
(1) Using the DRBIIIt, selectMISCELLANEOUS
FUNCTIONSin the Instrument Cluster (IC) section.
(2) SelectMODULE SERVICE REPLACE-
MENT.
(3) Following the prompts on the DRBIIIt, enter
the correct parameters that are applicable to the
vehicle. Use the sales code information and visual
inspection to obtain the correct parameters.
CAUTION: Do not lock down the instrument cluster
until the following steps are followed or the instru-
ment cluster may be irreversibly damaged.
(4) After entering the proper parameters into the
IC, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for
30 seconds, then turn the ignition switch ON.
(5) Test drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes
before proceeding.
(6) Check ALL modules for any parameterization
DTCs. If any parameterization DTCs are present, one
or more parameters entered into the IC are incorrect.
Verify all parameters entered using the sales code
information and visual inspection of the vehicle.
(7) If the parameters entered are verified as cor-
rect and parameterization DTCs are still present,
refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(8) If no parameterization DTCs are present, lock
down the IC.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 7

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.
²ABS Lamp-On Message- Each time the clus-
ter receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the
ABS indicator will be illuminated. The indicator
remains illuminated until the cluster receives a
lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
The CAB continually monitors the ABS and EBV
circuits and sensors to decide whether the systems
are in good operating condition. The CAB then sends
the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the
instrument cluster. If the CAB sends a lamp-on mes-
sage after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB
has detected a system malfunction and/or that the
ABS or EBV systems have become inoperative. The
CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for
any malfunction it detects. For proper diagnosis of
the ABS and EBV systems, the CAB, the CAN data
bus, the electronic message inputs to the instrument
cluster, or the instrument cluster circuitry that con-
trols the ABS indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
ADR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A constant engine speed (ADR) indicator is stan-
dard equipment on all instrument clusters, but is
only functional on vehicles equipped with the
optional ADR switch. The ADR indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the
right of the multi-function indicator display. The
ADR indicator consists of the text ªADRº 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 text 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 ADR indicator is serviced as a unit with
the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The constant engine speed (ADR) indicator gives
an indication to the vehicle operator concerning the
operating status of the constant engine speed (ADR)
feature. The ADR indicator is controlled by a transis-
tor on the instrument cluster 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 ADR indicator Light Emitting Diode
(LED) is completely controlled by the instrument
cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow
this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster
detects that the ignition switch is in the On position.
Therefore, the LED will always be off when the igni-
tion switch is in any position except On. The LED
only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground
by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument
cluster will turn on the traction control indicator for
the following reasons:
²Constant Engine Speed (ADR) Indicator
Lamp-On Message- Each time the cluster receives
an ADR indicator lamp-on message from the ECM,
the indicator will be illuminated. The indicator is
illuminated when the ADR feature has been acti-
vated with the ADR switch, and is turned off when
the ADR feature is deactivated with the ADR switch.
The ADR indicator will be extinguished if the ADR
feature is turned off because the park brake has been
released or the vehicle is in motion. The ADR indica-
tor will also be extinguished if the service brake
pedal is depressed, but the ADR feature will auto-
matically be restored and the indicator illuminated
when the brake pedal is released. The indicator
8J - 10 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

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 constant engine
speed (ADR) switch and electronic messages from the
Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) concerning the sta-
tus of the four wheel speed sensors, the park brake
switch and the brake lamp switch to determine the
correct operating mode for the ADR feature. The
ECM then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off mes-
sages to the instrument cluster. See the owner's man-
ual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features, use, activation and deactivation of the
constant engine speed (ADR) feature. For proper
diagnosis of the ADR feature, the ECM, the CAB, the
CAN data bus, or the electronic message inputs to
the instrument cluster that control the ADR indica-
tor, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An airbag indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The airbag indicator is located
near the left edge of the instrument cluster, next to
the tachometer. The airbag indicator consists of a
stencil-like cutout of the letters ªSRSº 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 ªSRSº text to
appear in red through the translucent outer layer of
the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from
behind by the LED, which is soldered onto the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The air-
bag indicator is serviced as a unit with the instru-
ment cluster.
OPERATION
The airbag (SRS) indicator gives an indication to
the vehicle operator when the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) has recorded a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
for a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) circuit or
component malfunction. Such a DTC may indicate
that the SRS is faulty or inoperative. The airbag
indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instru-
ment cluster circuit board based upon cluster pro-
gramming and a hard wired input received by the
cluster from the ACM. The airbag indicator Light
Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the
instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will
only allow this indicator to operate when the instru-
ment cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the
On position. Therefore, the LED will always be offwhen 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 airbag indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the airbag indicator is illu-
minated for about four seconds. The entire four sec-
ond bulb test is a function of the ACM.
²Airbag Lamp-On Input- Each time the cluster
receives a lamp-on input from the ACM, the airbag
indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can be
flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dictated
by the ACM input. For some DTC's, if the problem
does not recur, the ACM will send a lamp-off input
automatically. Other DTC's may require that a fault
be repaired and the ACM be reset before a lamp-off
input will be sent. For more information on the ACM
and the DTC set and reset parameters, refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AIRBAG CONTROL
MODULE - OPERATION). The indicator remains
illuminated until the cluster receives a lamp-off
input from the ACM, or until the ignition switch is
turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
²Airbag Indicator Malfunction- Following the
seatbelt reminder function, each time the cluster
detects a malfunction in the airbag (SRS) indicator or
the airbag indicator circuit, the cluster will flash the
seatbelt indicator on and off. The cluster will con-
tinue to flash the seatbelt indicator until the airbag
indicator circuit fault is resolved, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first.
The ACM continually monitors the SRS circuits
and sensors to decide whether the system is in good
operating condition. The ACM then provides the
proper lamp-on or lamp-off inputs to the instrument
cluster. If the ACM provides a lamp-on input after
the bulb test, it indicates that the ACM has detected
a system malfunction and/or that the airbags and
seat belt tensioners may not deploy when required,
or may deploy when not required. The ACM will
store a DTC for any malfunction it detects. The ACM
input circuit to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the SRS, the ACM, or
the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the air-
bag indicator, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An ambient temperature indicator is optional
equipment on all instrument clusters. In vehicles so
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 11

equipped, the ambient temperature indication can be
toggled with the clock indication on the right side of
the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) located near the lower edge of the instrument
cluster, directly below the speedometer. The ambient
temperature indication consists of a numeric value
with a ª+º (plus) or ª2º (minus) prefix, and the unit
of measure is identified with the characters ªÉCº
(Canadian vehicles only) or ªÉFº (United States vehi-
cles only) located directly above the temperature
indication. The indications of the ambient tempera-
ture indicator are not visible when the LCD is not
illuminated. When illuminated the indications
appear as dark characters and icons silhouetted
against an amber field. When the exterior lighting is
turned Off, the display is illuminated at maximum
brightness. When the exterior lighting is turned On
the display illumination level can be adjusted in con-
cert with the cluster general illumination lighting
using the ª+º (plus) and ª2º (minus) multi-function
indicator push buttons. The ambient temperature
indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument
cluster.
OPERATION
The optional ambient temperature indicator gives
an indication to the vehicle operator of the outside
air temperature. This indicator is controlled by the
instrument cluster microprocessor based upon cluster
programming and a hard wired input received by the
cluster from the ambient temperature sensor. The
ambient temperature indicator is completely con-
trolled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and
that logic will allow this indicator to operate when-
ever the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Dis-
play (LCD) is activated. Therefore, the ambient
temperature indicator remains functional regardless
of the ignition switch position.
The vehicle operator can choose to have the ambi-
ent temperature indicator displayed instead of the
clock information, but the clock and ambient temper-
ature indicator cannot be displayed at the same time.
The clock or ambient temperature indicator display
option is selected using the multi-function indicator
clock switch on the instrument cluster circuit board.
This switch is actuated manually by depressing the
clock switch push button that extends through the
lower edge of the cluster lens below the left end of
the multi-function indicator. Actuating this switch
momentarily will toggle the display between the
clock and ambient temperature indicator modes.
Actuating this switch twice within about one second
will cause the display to toggle, but then automati-
cally revert to the originally selected mode after
about twenty seconds.
The ambient temperature sensor located below the
front bumper is a Negative Temperature Coefficient
(NTC) thermistor. The internal resistance of the sen-sor is reduced as the ambient temperature rises. The
instrument cluster continually monitors the resis-
tance through the sensor to determine the tempera-
ture value to be displayed. The current value is
displayed immediately after the LCD is activated.
The display value will remain static regardless of
decreases in the sensor resistance (temperature ris-
ing) below vehicle speeds of 10 to 15 kilometers-per-
hour (6 to 9 miles-per-hour). Decreases in the sensor
resistance above 15 kilometers-per-hour (9 miles-per-
hour) and increases the sensor resistance (tempera-
ture falling) regardless of vehicle speed are displayed
subject to a sixty second delay.
The ambient temperature sensor is connected to
the instrument cluster in series between the ambient
temperature sensor return and sense circuits. The
ambient temperature sensor and the return and
sense circuits to the instrument cluster can be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. For proper diagnosis of the instrument cluster
circuitry that controls the ambient temperature indi-
cator, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A brake indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. The brake indicator is located
near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, to the
left of the multi-function indicator display. In vehi-
cles built for the United States market, the brake
indicator consists of a stencil-like cutout of the word
ªBRAKEº in the opaque layer of the instrument clus-
ter overlay. In vehicles built for the Canadian mar-
ket, the brake indicator consists of the International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªBrake Failureº
imprinted within a rectangular cutout in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. In either
case, the dark outer layer of the overlay prevents the
indicator from being clearly visible when it is not
illuminated. A red Light Emitting Diode (LED)
behind the cutout in the opaque layer of the overlay
causes the ªBRAKEº text to appear in red, or the
icon to appear silhouetted against a red field through
the translucent outer layer of the overlay when the
indicator is illuminated from behind by the LED,
which is soldered onto the instrument cluster elec-
tronic circuit board. The brake indicator is serviced
as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehi-
cle operator when there are certain brake hydraulic
system malfunctions as indicated by a low brake
hydraulic fluid level condition, or when there is a
problem in the electronic brake force distribution
8J - 12 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA