Electro/Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERA single instrument cluster is offered on this model. The cluster is an electromechanical unit that utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network for control of all gauges and many of the indicator lamps. This cluster also incorporates a digital Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) for the odometer/trip odometer display functions. Some variations of this cluster exist due to optional equipment and regulatory requirements.
On models equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), the instrument cluster uses its many inputs along with its internal programming to provide hard-wired chime tone requests to the Central Timer Module (CTM), which performs the functions of the chime warning module. The instrument cluster circuitry also has a self-diagnostic capability.
The only instrument cluster diagnosis found consists of confirming the viability of the hard- wired chime request circuit between the instrument cluster circuitry and the [1][2]CTM, and diagnosis of the hard-wired seat belt switch input to the instrument cluster. For diagnosis of the CCD data bus and the data bus message inputs, a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended.
The instrument cluster chime warning circuitry cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the instrument cluster assembly must be replaced.
This instrument cluster includes the following analog gauges:
- Coolant temperature gauge
- Fuel gauge
- Oil pressure gauge
- Speedometer
- Voltmeter.
This instrument cluster also includes provisions for the following indicator lamps:
- Airbag indicator lamp
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) lamp
- Brake warning lamp
- Check gauges lamp
- Cruise-on indicator lamp (programmable)
- Headlamp high beam indicator lamp
- Low fuel warning lamp
- Low washer fluid warning lamp
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
- Overdrive-off indicator lamp (programmable)
- Seat belt reminder lamp
- Security lamp
- Transmission oil temperature warning lamp (programmable)
- Turn signal indicator lamps
This instrument cluster includes a provision for mounting the automatic transmission gear selector indicator in the lower right corner of the cluster.
The instrument cluster circuitry has a self-diagnostic actuator test capability, which will test each of the CCD bus message-controlled functions of the cluster by lighting the appropriate indicator lamps and positioning the gauge needles at several predetermined locations on the gauge faces in a prescribed sequence.
On models equipped with a [1][2]Central Timer Module ([1][2]CTM), the instrument cluster circuitry also sends chime tone requests over a hard wired circuit to the CTM when it monitors certain conditions or inputs. The CTM replaces the buzzer module on models equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS).
The instrument cluster for this model is serviced only as a complete unit. If a cluster gauge or the cluster circuit board are faulty, the entire cluster must be replaced. The cluster lens and hood, the rear cluster housing cover, and the incandescent lamp bulbs and holders are available for service replacement.
Gauge
With the ignition switch in the ON or Start positions, voltage is supplied to all gauges through the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. With the ignition switch in the OFF position, voltage is not supplied to the gauges. The gauges do not accurately indicate any vehicle condition unless the ignition switch is in the On or Start positions.
All of the instrument cluster gauges, except the odometer, are air core magnetic units. Two fixed electromagnetic coils are located within the 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 shaft. 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 instrument cluster electronic circuitry in response to messages received on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.
The gauge needle moves as the movable permanent magnet aligns itself to the changing magnetic fields created around it by the electromagnets. The instrument cluster circuitry is programmed to move all of the gauge needles back to the low end of their respective scales after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
Indicator Lamp
Indicator lamps are located in the instrument cluster and are served by the cluster circuit board and connectors. Many of the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster are controlled by the instrument cluster circuitry in response to messages received over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.
The headlamp high beam indicator lamp, low washer fluid warning lamp, security lamp and turn signal indicator lamps are hard wired. The seat belt reminder lamp is controlled by the instrument cluster programming and by CCD data bus messages from the Airbag Control Module (ACM). The brake warning lamp is controlled by a hard wired input from the park brake switch and by CCD data bus messages from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB). The instrument cluster circuitry uses CCD data bus messages from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), ACM, and CAB to control all of the remaining indicator lamps.
In addition, certain indicator lamps in this instrument cluster are programmable. This feature allows those indicator lamps to be activated or deactivated with a DRB III scan tool through the instrument cluster electronic circuitry for compatibility with certain optional equipment. The programmable indicator lamps for this model include the cruise-on indicator lamp, the overdrive-off indicator lamp and the transmission oil temperature warning lamp.
Each of the red indicator lamps in the instrument cluster is illuminated by a dedicated Light-Emitting Diode (LED). If an LED should fail, the entire instrument cluster must be replaced. The remaining indicator lamps in the instrument cluster use incandescent bulbs and holders. Each incandescent indicator lamp has a replaceable bulb and bulb holder.
Cluster Illumination Lamp
The cluster illumination lamps are hard wired in the instrument cluster. When the park or head lamps are turned on, the cluster illumination lamps light. Illumination brightness is adjusted by rotating the headlamp switch knob (clockwise to dim, counterclockwise to brighten). The instrument cluster illumination lamps receive battery feed from the panel dimmer rheostat in the headlamp switch through a fuse in the relay and fuse block.
The instrument cluster electronic circuitry also monitors the cluster illumination lamp dimming level whenever the park or head lamps are turned on. The instrument cluster electronic circuitry responds by adjusting the dimming level of the odometer Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), and sending dimming level messages over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network. When the park lamps or headlamps are turned off, the VFD is illuminated at full brightness for improved daylight visibility.
Each of the cluster illumination lamps is located on the instrument cluster circuit board. Each cluster illumination lamp has a replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder.
[1][2]CENTRAL TIMER MODULE
A Central Timer Module (CTM) is used on this vehicle when it is equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). In addition to serving as the security system module, the [1][2]CTM combines the functions of a chime/buzzer module, an intermittent wipe module, an illuminated entry module, and a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module in a single unit.
The [1][2]CTM is also able to control and integrate many of the additional electronic functions and features included on models with this option. The CTM contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other 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 [1][2]CTM is mounted under the instrument panel, to the inboard side of the left center instrument panel support. For diagnosis of the CTM or the CCD data bus, the use of a DRB III scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended. The CTM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
Some of the functions and features that the [1][2]CTM supports or controls include:
- Chimes for the following conditions:
- Headlamps on with ignition off and driver door open warning
- Key in ignition with ignition off and driver door open warning
- Airbag lamp warning
- Check gauges lamp warning
- Low fuel lamp warning
- Low washer fluid lamp warning
- Seat belt reminder lamp warning
- Transmission oil temperature lamp warning
- Central locking
- Courtesy lamp time-out
- Intermittent wipe control
- Enhanced accident response
- Horn chirp upon door lock with RKE (programmable)
- Illuminated entry
- Power lock delay
- Power lock inhibit
- Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
- Rolling door locks (programmable)
- Speed sensitive intermittent wipe
- Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS)
- Wipe after wash.
More information on the operation of these [1][2]CTM features and functions can be found that covers the system to which that feature or function applies.
INSTRUMENT PANEL CIGAR LIGHTER
A cigar lighter is available equipment on this model. The cigar lighter is installed in the instrument panel accessory switch plate, which is located near the center of the instrument panel, inboard of the radio. The cigar lighter base is secured by a snap fit within the instrument panel accessory switch plate.
The cigar lighter knob and heating element unit, and the cigar lighter receptacle unit are available for service. These components cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
The cigar lighter consists of two major components: a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar lighter base or receptacle shell. The receptacle shell is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the bottom of the shell is connected to battery current. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a fuse in the fuseblock module only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or ON positions.
The knob and heating element are encased within a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding protective heat shield. When the knob and heating element are inserted in the receptacle shell, the heating element resistor coil is grounded through its housing to the receptacle shell. If the cigar lighter knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides up toward the knob exposing the heating element, and the heating element extends from the housing toward the insulated contact in the bottom of the receptacle shell.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom of the receptacle shell. These clips engage and hold the heating element against the insulated contact long enough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the heating element is engaged with the contact, battery current can flow through the resistor coil to ground, causing the resistor coil to heat.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated, excess heat radiates from the heating element causing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips expand far enough to release the heating element, the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heating element to pop back outward to their relaxed position. When the cigar lighter knob and element are pulled out of the receptacle shell, the protective heat shield slides downward on the housing so that the heating element is recessed and shielded around its circumference for safety.
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
An automatic transmission gear selector indicator is standard factory-installed equipment in this model. The mechanical gear selector indicator gives an indication of the transmission gear that has been selected with the automatic transmission gear selector lever.
The indicator housing is mounted to the rear of the instrument cluster housing. The gear selector indicator pointer is easily visible through an opening provided in the front of the instrument cluster mask, and is also lighted by the cluster illumination lamps for visibility at night. This covers only the removal and installation of the gear selector indicator from the instrument cluster.
The gear selector indicator has a spring-loaded pointer that is mechanically actuated by a cable connected to the gear selector indicator driver lever of the gear selector lever mechanism on the steering column. When the gear selector lever is moved the indicator driver lever moves, which actuates the spring-loaded pointer through the mechanical actuator cable. An adjuster mounted on the steering column housing provides a mechanical means of calibrating the gear selector indicator mechanism.
INSTRUMENT PANEL POWER OUTLET
An accessory power outlet is optional equipment on this model. The power outlet is installed in the instrument panel accessory switch plate, which is located near the center of the instrument panel, inboard of the radio. The power outlet base is secured by a snap fit within the instrument panel accessory switch plate. A plastic protective cap snaps into the power outlet base when the power outlet is not being used, and hangs from the power outlet base mount by an integral bail strap while the power outlet is in use.
The power outlet receptacle unit and the accessory power outlet protective cap are available for service. The power outlet receptacle cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
The power outlet base or receptacle shell is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the bottom of the shell is connected to battery current. The power outlet receives battery voltage from a fuse in the fuseblock module at all times.
While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar lighter base unit, it does not include the two small spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the receptacle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter heating element to the insulated contact.