Console: Description and Operation
OVERHEAD CONSOLE SYSTEMTwo different overhead console units are available factory-installed options on this model, base or premium. The base overhead console unit features a garage door opener storage bin, a sunglasses storage bin and two reading and courtesy lamps. The premium overhead console has all of the features of the base unit, but adds a 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 consoles for this model include two front-mounted reading and courtesy lamps, a garage door opener storage bin, and a sunglasses storage bin. The premium overhead console includes a Compass Mini-Trip Computer. The base overhead console uses the same overhead console housing, but has a computer cover plug installed in place of the Compass Mini-Trip Computer display module lens and push buttons.
The rear of the overhead console is secured to two rear mounting holes in the inner roof panel by two plastic hook formations that are integral to the overhead console housing. The front of the overhead console is secured to the two front mounting holes of the inner roof panel by two plastic latches that are integral to the overhead console housing. A single electrical connection joins the overhead console wire harness to the roof wire harness for both the base and premium overhead console units.
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 premium overhead console on models equipped with this option. Two Compass Mini-Trip Computer units are available. One unit is used on vehicles not equipped with the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) option, and the other is used on vehicles with the VTSS option. Both Compass Mini-Trip Computer units include the electronic control module, a Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD), a compass flux-gate unit and two push button function switches.
Compass Mini-Trip Computer units for vehicles equipped with the VTSS include a red Light-Emitting Diode (LED) on their electronic circuit board. This LED protrudes through the bottom of the lens on the front of the overhead console unit, and serves as the security indicator lamp. Refer to Security Indicator Lamp in the Description and Operation of Vehicle Theft/Security Systems for more information on this feature.
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.
- Compass and Compass in Degrees - provides one of eight compass readings to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing and provides the compass direction in degrees.
- Trip Odometer (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 Computer 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. If these tests prove inconclusive, the use of a DRB III 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. If faulty or damaged, the complete 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), along with the outside ambient temperature. When the compass unit is placed in the compass/compass in degrees mode, the compass will display the direction the vehicle is heading using the eight major compass headings and in degrees (0 to 359 degrees). North is 0 degrees, East is 90 degrees, South is 180 degrees and West is 270 degrees. It will not display the headings in minutes or seconds.
The self-calibrating compass unit requires no adjusting in normal use. The compass unit 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. If the vehicle roof should become magnetized, the demagnetizing and calibration procedures found in this may be required to restore proper compass operation.
Reset Chart:
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 43 °C (109 °F). If the engine coolant temperature is below about 43 °C (109 °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; therefore, if the temperature reading seems inaccurate, drive the vehicle for at least three minutes while maintaining a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph) or higher.
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 on 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. While in either compass mode, depressing the U. S./Metric push button for more than ten seconds will toggle the display between the compass/temperature and the compass/compass in degrees modes.
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 with the ignition switch in the ON position, the trip computer information that can be reset is reset. Depressing and releasing the Step and U. S./Metric push buttons at the same time for more than 100 milliseconds, but not more than one second while in any display mode (except the compass/temperature mode) will cause a local reset. A local reset affects only the function currently displayed. See the Reset Chart below for more information on this feature. Performing a local reset while in the compass/temperature mode enters the module into the compass variance setting mode.
Depressing and releasing the Step and U.S./Metric push buttons at the same time for more than two seconds while in any display mode (except the compass/temperature mode) will cause a global reset. A global reset changes all of the trip computer functions that can be reset.
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 garage door opener storage bin and the sunglasses storage bin. Each lamp has its own switch, bulb, reflector 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 and reflector unit 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 in the Removal and Installation of Lamps. For diagnosis of the reading and courtesy lamps, refer to Lamp Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing of Lamps.
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 front of the overhead console is designed to hold most garage door opener remote control transmitters. The transmitter is mounted within the compartment with an adhesive backed hook and loop fastener patch and, when the compartment is closed, a push button in the center of the compartment door is depressed to actuate the transmitter.
A transmitter mounting kit including the adhesive backed hook and loop fastener material is available for service. The garage door opener storage bin door and the push button with three assorted length adapter pegs are also available for service replacement.
The garage door opener storage compartment door is opened by pressing the integral latch towards the front of the vehicle. When the compartment door is opened, the push button unit is removed from the compartment by squeezing the latch tabs and pulling the unit downward. With the push button removed, the garage door opener 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 garage door opener push button unit are selected and mounted on one of two posts on the back side of the push button. The combination of the adapter peg length and the push button post location must be suitable to depress the button of the transmitter when the push button in the center of the garage door opener storage bin door is depressed. When the proper combination has been selected, the push button is reinstalled in the compartment and the compartment door is closed.
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.
SUNGLASSES STORAGE BIN
A sunglasses storage bin is included in the overhead console. The storage bin is located near the rear of the overhead console and is held in the closed position by a latch 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. Dampening springs that are located on the back of the overhead console reading and courtesy lamp housing contact the hinges of the sunglasses storage bin for a smooth opening action.
The sunglasses storage bin and door unit is available for service replacement. The hinge dampening springs are serviced as a unit with the overhead console reading and courtesy lamp housing.
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 position. The integral latch 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 underside of the hood panel near the hood latch striker in 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 return 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 return circuit, which it is programmed to correspond to a specific temperature.