Console: Description and Operation
OVERHEAD CONSOLE SYSTEMAn overhead console unit is an available factory-installed option on this model. The overhead console unit features a garage door opener storage bin, a sunglasses storage bin, two reading and courtesy lamps and either a standard paperclip or an optional compass mini-trip computer. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of all of the overhead console components and systems.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
Overhead Console:
The overhead console for this model includes two front-mounted reading and courtesy lamps, a garage door opener storage bin, a sunglasses storage bin and either a standard paperclip or an optional compass mini-trip computer.
The overhead console is secured with two snap clips at the rear and a single screw at the front to the overhead console mounting bracket. The front of the overhead console mounting bracket is secured to the roof header near the windshield with two screws, and the rear of the bracket is secured with double faced tape to the inside surface of the roof panel. A single electrical connection joins the overhead console wire harness to the roof wire harness.
Following are general descriptions of the major components used in the overhead console. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the use and operation of the various overhead console features.
COMPASS MINI-TRIP COMPUTER
The compass mini-trip computer is located in the overhead console on models equipped with this option. The compass mini-trip computer units include the electronic control module, a Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD), a compass sensor unit and two push button function switches.
The compass mini-trip computer module contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other electronic modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network. The CCD data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity, reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities.
The compass mini-trip computer provides several electronic functions and features. Some of the functions and features that the compass mini-trip computer module supports and/or controls, include the following display options:
- Compass and temperature - provides the outside temperature and one of eight compass readings to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing.
- Trip odometer (TRIP ODO) - shows the distance travelled since the last trip computer reset.
- Average fuel economy (AVG ECO) - shows the average fuel economy since the last trip computer reset.
- Instant fuel economy (ECO) - shows the present fuel economy based upon the current vehicle distance and fuel used information.
- Distance to empty (DTE) - shows the estimated distance that can be travelled with the fuel remaining in the fuel tank. This estimated distance is computed using the average miles-per-gallon from the last 30 gallons of fuel used.
- Elapsed time (ET) - shows the accumulated ignition-on time since the last trip computer reset.
- Blank screen - the compass mini-trip VFD is turned OFF.
The ambient temperature sensor is hard wired to the compass mini-trip computer module. Data input for all other compass mini-trip computer functions, including VFD dimming level, is received through CCD data bus messages. The compass mini-trip computer uses its internal programming and all of these inputs to calculate and display the requested data. If the data displayed is incorrect, perform the self-diagnostic tests as described. If these tests prove inconclusive, the use of a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended for further testing of the compass mini-trip computer module and the CCD data bus.
The compass mini-trip computer module cannot be repaired, and is available for service only as a unit. This unit includes the push button switches and the plastic module and display lens. If any of these components is faulty or damaged, the complete compass mini-trip computer module must be replaced.
Compass
While in the compass/temperature mode, the compass will display the direction in which the vehicle is pointed using the eight major compass headings (Examples: north is N, northeast is NE). The self-calibrating compass unit requires no adjusting in normal use. The only calibration that may prove necessary is to drive the vehicle in three complete circles, on level ground, in not less than forty-eight seconds. This will reorient the compass unit to its vehicle.
The compass unit also will compensate for magnetism the body of the vehicle may acquire during normal use. However, avoid placing anything magnetic directly on the roof of the vehicle. Magnetic mounts for an antenna, a repair order hat, or a funeral procession flag can exceed the compensating ability of the compass unit if placed on the roof panel. Magnetic bit drivers used on the fasteners that hold the overhead console assembly to the roof header can also affect compass operation. If the vehicle roof should become magnetized, the demagnetizing and calibration procedures found may be required to restore proper compass operation.
Thermometer
The thermometer displays the outside ambient temperature in whole degrees. The temperature display can be changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius using the U.S./Metric push button. The displayed temperature is not an instant reading of conditions, but an average temperature. It may take the thermometer display several minutes to respond to a major temperature change, such as driving out of a heated garage into winter temperatures.
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, the last displayed temperature reading stays in the thermometer unit memory. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position again, the thermometer will display the memory temperature if the engine coolant temperature is above about 52 °C (125 °F). If the engine coolant temperature is below about 52 °C (125 °F), the thermometer will display the actual temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor. The thermometer temperature display update interval varies with the vehicle speed.
The thermometer function is supported by an ambient temperature sensor. The sensor is mounted outside the passenger compartment near the front and center of the vehicle, and is hard wired to the module. The ambient temperature sensor is available as a separate service item.
The compass mini-trip computer only operates with the ignition switch in the ON position. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, all of the segments in the compass mini-trip computer VFD will be turned OFF for one second, then the display will return to the last function being displayed before the ignition was turned to the OFF position. With the ignition switch in the ON position, momentarily depressing and releasing the Step push button switch will cause the compass-mini-trip computer to change its mode of operation, and momentarily depressing and releasing the U.S./Metric push button will cause the unit to toggle between U.S. and Metric measurements.
This compass mini-trip computer features several functions that can be reset. If both the Step and U.S./ Metric push buttons are depressed at the same time for more than one second with the ignition switch in the ON position, the trip computer information that can be reset is reset. However, the reset will only occur if the function currently displayed is a function that can be reset. The functions that can be reset are: TRIP ODO, AVG ECO, and ET.
For more information on the features and control functions of the compass mini-trip computer, see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE READING AND COURTESY LAMP
The overhead console in this vehicle is equipped with two individual reading and courtesy lamps. The lamp lenses are the only visible components of these lamps. The reading and courtesy lamp lenses are mounted in the overhead console housing between the compass mini-trip computer display and the sunglasses storage bin. Each lamp has its own switch, bulb, and lens; but both lamps share a common lamp housing within the overhead console.
The overhead console reading and courtesy lamps operate on battery current that is provided at all times, regardless of the ignition switch position. The ground feed for the lamps is switched through the integral reading and courtesy lamp switches or through the door jamb switches. Each lamp is designed and aimed to provide illumination that will be directed only to that side of the vehicle on which the lamp is located.
The reading and courtesy lamp lenses, bulbs and the lamp housing are available for service replacement. The reading and courtesy lamp switches, bulb holders and wiring are only available as part of the overhead console wire harness. If either of the lamp switches or bulb holders is faulty or damaged, the entire overhead console wire harness assembly must be replaced.
For service of the reading and courtesy lamp bulbs, refer to Overhead Console Reading Lamp Bulbs.
All reading and courtesy lamps located in the overhead console are activated by the door jamb switches. When all of the doors are closed, these lamps can be individually activated by depressing the corresponding lens. When any door is open, depressing the lamp lenses to activate the lamp switches will not turn the lamps OFF.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the use and operation of the overhead console reading and courtesy lamps.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER STORAGE BIN
A compartment near the rear of the overhead console is designed to hold most garage door opener remote control transmitters. The door for the garage door opener compartment features a spring-loaded latch mechanism and has a small depression with tactile ribs just forward of the latch. The transmitter is mounted within the compartment with an adhesive-backed hook and loop fastener patch and, when the compartment is closed, the depressed area of the compartment door is pressed upward to actuate the transmitter.
A transmitter mounting kit including the adhesive backed hook and loop fastener material and additional adapter pegs is available for service. The garage door opener storage bin door is also available for service replacement. The door unit includes the spring-loaded latch mechanism. If any of these components is damaged or faulty, the garage door opener storage bin door unit must be replaced.
The garage door opener storage compartment door is opened by pressing the spring-loaded latch towards the front of the vehicle. When the compartment door is opened, the garage door opener transmitter can be installed in the compartment using the adhesive-backed hook and loop fastener material provided.
With the transmitter mounted in the storage bin, adapter pegs located on the inside of the garage door opener door are selected and mounted on one of several posts on the back side of the door. The adapter pegs can be stacked if additional length is required. The combination of the adapter peg length and the peg location selected must be suitable to depress the button of the transmitter when the center of the garage door opener storage bin door is depressed. When the proper combination has been selected, the compartment door is closed and need not be reopened except to replace the transmitter batteries.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the use and operation of the overhead console garage door opener storage bin.
PAPERCLIP
A paperclip is standard equipment on the base version of the overhead console. The paperclip provides a convenient place for storage and easy retrieval of notes, maps, toll tickets or stubs and other paper items that may be required or desired while driving. The paperclip is located near the front of the overhead console and is secured in the overhead console housing by four screws.
The paperclip is available for service replacement, but it cannot be adjusted or repaired. If the paperclip is damaged or faulty it must be replaced.
SUNGLASSES STORAGE BIN
A sunglasses storage bin is included in the overhead console. The storage bin is located near the center of the overhead console and is held in the closed position by a spring-loaded latch mechanism that is integral to the storage bin door. The interior of the bin is lined with a foam rubber padding material to protect the sunglasses from being scratched. A damper spring is snapped onto the pivot shaft of the sunglasses storage bin door. The damper spring engages two flats on the shaft and is anchored in a slot in the rear flange of the overhead console reading and courtesy lamp housing to provide a smooth opening action and an open detent position for the storage bin unit.
The sunglasses storage bin and door unit is available for service replacement. The bin and door unit includes the spring-loaded latch mechanism, the bin liner and the damper spring. If any of these components is damaged or faulty, the sunglasses storage bin and door unit must be replaced.
The sunglasses storage bin is opened by pressing the latch on the rear edge of the door towards the front of the vehicle, then pulling the bin downward to the open detent position. The spring-loaded latch mechanism on the sunglasses bin door will automatically engage when the bin is closed. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the use and operation of the sunglasses storage bin.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Ambient air temperature is monitored by the compass mini-trip computer module through the ambient temperature sensor. The ambient temperature sensor is a variable resistor mounted to a bracket that is secured with a screw to the right side of the radiator yoke, behind the radiator grille and in front of the engine compartment.
The ambient temperature sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable resistor that operates on a five-volt reference signal sent to it by the compass mini-trip computer module. The resistance in the sensor changes as temperature changes, changing the temperature sensor signal circuit voltage to the compass mini-trip computer module. Based upon the resistance in the sensor, the compass mini-trip computer module senses a specific voltage on the temperature sensor signal circuit, which it is programmed to correspond to a specific temperature.