the A-pillar. The SKREEM receives radio messages
from the RKE transmitter (fob) and sends com-
mands via the RKE Interface circuit to the CTM. If
the vehicle is equipped with VTSS, the Security
System Module will be connected in series between
the SKREEM and the CTM.
Confirmation of the RKE Lock/Unlock state is
accomplished via the turn signals. When the vehicle
is locked via RKE the turn signals will flash three
times. When it is unlocked via RKE, the turn
signals will flash one time. If the vehicle has been
unlocked via RKE and no door is opened within 40
seconds, the entire vehicle will be locked again
automatically.
If a transmitter (fob) is operated more than 255
times in succession beyond the range of the receiver
(SKREEM), the RKE portion of the key will become
inoperative. In order to put it back in synchroniza-
tion it will be necessary to have ALL the other
transmitters that are used with this vehicle avail-
able and follow the following procedure:
1. Cycle the ignition on and off 2 times within 6
seconds (leave in off position).
2. Press the lock or unlock button of the disabled
transmitter within 3 seconds of turning the
ignition off.
3. Press any button (lock or unlock) 3 more times
within 6 seconds.
4. Wait 10 seconds.
5. Press any button of ALL other transmitters
belonging to this vehicle at least once within
the next 20 seconds.
For problems related to the Immobilizer function
of the SKREEM, see Service Information.
3.5.3 AUTO DOOR LOCKS
Whenever the engine is started, the CTM receives
a message to lock all doors except the drivers door.
This is accomplished through the D+ Relay. The D+
Relay is controlled by the Instrument Cluster which
receives a command from the ECM that the engine
is running. This relay supplies power to the CTM
(for auto locking), the daytime running lamps and
the rear window defogger.
3.5.4 ACCIDENT RESPONSE
The CTM is hardwired to the Airbag Control
Module through the Enhanced Accident Report
Driver circuit. Anytime the vehicle airbags are
deployed, the CTM will unlock all doors and a
9Crash9DTC will be stored in memory. The door
locks will be inoperative until that code is cleared. If
the vehicle is severly jarred, but not enough to
deploy the airbags, it is possible that the DTC could
be set and therefore the door locks would be inop-
erable. Whenever the door locks are not opera-tional, use the DRBIII and check DTC's . If the code
9ACM has unlocked the doors9appears, use the
DRBIII and erase it.
3.6 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM
(VTSS)
The Security System Module (SSM) is located
under the driver's seat. The SSM communicates
with the DRBIII over the K-line. If equipped the
Vehicle Theft Security System will monitor the
following:
²door jamb switches
²hood ajar switch
²ignition switch
²interior of the vehicle for movement
²longitudinal and transverse movement of the
vehicle
²rear defogger grids for glass breakage
²trailer connector
To arm the system the hood and all of the doors
must be closed when the vehicle is locked with the
RKE transmitter or with the use of the key in the
driver door. If the key is used, it must be held in the
lock position for 2 seconds. When the system is first
activated, the hazard lamps will flash 3 times. Also
with the system armed, the Towing/Intrusion Sen-
sor On/Off Switch indicator will flash to indicate an
armed system. To disarm the system use the RKE
or the driver door lock cylinder. Unlocking and
opening one of the other doors with the system
armed will trip the vehicle theft security system.
Interior monitoring is done by the use of an
Intrusion Sensor located in the front headliner and
with one or two sensors in the ceiling of the cargo
area depending on how the vehicle is equipped.
Monitoring of the interior of the vehicle will begin
after the system has been armed for 30 seconds. The
on/off switch located on the instrument panel can be
used to turn off this feature with the ignition switch
in either the Locked/Off or ACC position. The vehi-
cle tow-monitoring feature can also be switched off
using this switch. Re-locking the vehicle a second
time will reactivate these features.
If a trailer is connected to the vehicle when the
system is armed, the SSM will sense a resistance
change on the turn signal circuits if the trailer
harness becomes disconnected and will trip the
alarm.
Tripping the vehicle theft security system will
cause the hazard lamps to flash and the siren to
sound at 30-second intervals. The siren is equipped
with it's own self-contained battery. In the event the
vehicle's battery power is disconnected the siren
will continue to sound on it's own.
10
GENERAL INFORMATION
effect panels. If necessary, remove the wheels from
the lifted end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle
closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance
at the opposite end of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on
wheel attaching studs to retain brake drums.
RAMP ANGLE
If a vehicle with flat-bed towing equipment is used,
the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15
degrees.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not avail-
able, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type
device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted
off the ground using tow dollies.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
The use of special lubricant additives is not recom-
mended. The use of such additives may affect the
warranty rights. With regard to legal stipulations
concerning emissions control, please note that
engines have to be serviced and adjusted in accor-
dance with special instructions and using special
measuring equipment. Modifications to or interfer-
ence with the emissions control systems are not per-
missible.
MAINTENANCE - WITHOUT ASSYST MAINTE-
NANCE COMPUTER
Maintenance Intervals
²Oil service ±Normal Operationevery 10,000
miles or 16,000 km or 12 months.
²Maintenance service every 30,000 miles or
48,000 km.
Additional work must be carried out at yearly
intervals.
MAINTENANCE - WITH ASSYST MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER
ASSYST provides information on the best possible
timing for maintenance work.
When the next maintenance service is due, this
will be indicated in the multi-function display with
the wrench icon symbol displayed in km/miles or
days.
²One wrench icon showing indicates Oil Service
is necessary.
²Two wrench icons showing indicates Mainte-
nance Service is necessary ± displayed in km/miles or
days.
If the display shows the number of days, a clock
symbol will also appear in the multi-function display.You should have the maintenance performed
within the stated period/distance.
The service indicator will be reset after an oil ser-
vice and/or maintenance service has been performed.
REGULAR CHECK - UPS
To maintain the safe operation of the vehicle, it is
recommended that the following tasks be performed
on a regular basis (i.e. weekly or whenever the vehi-
cle is refueled). Check:
²Engine oil level
²Brake system - fluid level
²Battery - acid level
²Windshield washer system and headlamp clean-
ing system - fluid level
²Mechanical assemblies (e.g. engine, transmis-
sion, etc.) - check for leaks
²Condition of tires and tires pressures
²All exterior lights
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
If bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehi-
cle, the maintenance requirements and lubrication
intervals specified by the body manufacturer must be
adhered to, in addition to all standard maintenance
requirements.
Coolant
Corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in the
coolant should be checked before the onset of winter
(once year in countries with high prevailing temper-
atures).
Replace the coolant every five years or 100,000
miles.
Dust Filter for Heating / Ventilation Replacement
The dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are to
be renewed during routine maintenance service. If
operating conditions are dusty, these filters should be
renewed more frequently.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
At a minimum, change the engine oil and oil filter
once a year ± even if the vehicle mileage per year is
extremely low. For standard oil service schedules
refer to the chapter oil service and maintenance ser-
vice.
Once a Year
Select the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system guide-
lines.
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA
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
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
RAIN SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The rain sensor provides the primary input for the
optional automatic wiper system (Fig. 6). The rain
sensor is located on the inside of the windshield,
where it is concealed within the molded plastic trim
cover that snaps over the base of the rear view mir-
ror arm. The sensor fits within the center of a ring-
like molded plastic bracket that is glued to the inside
of the windshield glass and that also serves as the
support for the rear view mirror.
The rain sensor is contained within a circular
molded black plastic housing with a short pigtail
wire and a connector insulator containing three ter-
minal cavities that exits one side of the housing. This
pigtail connects the rain sensor to the vehicle electri-
cal system through a dedicated take out and connec-
tor of the overhead wire harness that extends from
above the headliner. A molded plastic trough routes
and conceals the pigtail wires on the inside of the
windshield between the rear view mirror base and
the headliner.
The windshield side of the rain sensor housing is
open, but covered with a clear gelatin-like material
that protects the internal electronic sensor circuitry
and serves as the lens for the InfraRed (IR) diodes
and photocells within the sensor housing. This gel
coating must never be touched or the rain sensor
function may be impaired and the unit rendered
unusable. The rain sensor cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if damaged or faulty, the entire sensor
must be replaced. The sensor bracket and a rear viewmirror adhesive kit are available for separate service
replacement.
OPERATION
The rain sensor operates on battery current and a
clean ground received from the rain sensor control
module. The rain sensor contains InfraRed (IR)
diodes that direct IR light beams at the windshield
at an angle. When the windshield glass is dry, most
of this IR light is reflected back to the sensor, which
uses photocell receivers to measure the intensity of
the light. When moisture accumulates on the wind-
shield glass, much of the IR light is refracted away
from the photocell receivers. This causes changes in
the signal output of the rain sensor. The rain sensor
control module monitors the signal output from the
sensor and then controls the wiper motor speed and
wipe intervals accordingly.
It is important to note that the default condition
for the wiper system is automatic wipers Off; there-
fore, if no message is received from the rain sensor
by the rain sensor control module, the automatic wip-
ers will be disabled. If automatic wipers are disabled,
normal low and high speed continuous wiper opera-
tion are unaffected. Also, due to the low voltage
nature of the rain sensor signal and the impact that
minor fluctuations in this signal strength can have
on wiper operation, grounded shielding circuits are
provided at the roof and control module connectors to
control electrical induction into the sensor signal cir-
cuit.
The hard wired rain sensor circuits may be diag-
nosed using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. However, conventional diagnostic methods may
not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the internal
circuitry or the optics of the rain sensor. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
RAIN SENSOR BRACKET REPLACEMENT
The rain sensor fits within the center of a ring-like
molded plastic bracket that is glued to the inside of
the windshield glass and that also serves as the sup-
port for the rear view mirror arm. If the bracket
should come loose from the windshield, it must be
reinstalled using a rear view mirror adhesive kit and
the procedure that follows.
Fig. 6 Rain Sensor
1 - HEADLINER
2 - TROUGH
3 - WINDSHIELD
4 - RAIN SENSOR
5 - MIRROR
8R - 12 WIPERS/WASHERSVA