Cluster Features/Operation

MECHANICAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (MIC)
The Ram Van uses a standard MIC in all of it's US vehicles. The cluster has 5 gauges and 15 indicator lamps. The gauges are positioned with information received over the CCD bus. Some of the indicator lamps are hardwired while the cluster uses CCD bus information to control others. The MIC is hardwired to the CTM to provide the warning lamp announcement chimes.

There is a self test available for the cluster that will actuate all the gauges to their calibration points. The self test will not run if the cluster sees engine RPM or vehicle speed. The test will light all CCD controlled lamps for verification of lamp operation. It also forces the odometer vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) to perform a segment check. The self test routine can be entered by pressing and holding the trip reset button while rotating the ignition key from the "off" position to the "on" position. When the word "check" appears release the button and the test will continue.

The cluster will provide bus bias termination and the engine controller provides a second termination. If the cluster is disconnected, the bus will not be biased.

The cluster will be serviced as an assembly. There will be limited parts available, bulbs and sockets, the front lens, the trip odometer system cover and the rear cover assembly. No internal parts of the cluster will be serviceable.

Normal Operation
At key on, the cluster will light the low fuel, seat belt, check gauges, and airbag. As the key is turned farther towards the start position, the check engine, ABS (if equipped) and brake warning lamp will illuminate. The vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) will indicate the mileage stored inside the cluster. If there is a bus failure and the cluster cannot receive distance pulses from the engine controller, the cluster will blink the last mileage stored until the ignition is turned OFF. If the cluster is receiving bus messages but is unable to display odometer information because of an internal failure, the odometer display will be blank. Dimming is handled by the potentiometer that controls instrumentation illumination.

LAMPS (HARDWIRED)
The following lamps are hardwired in the cluster and are not part of the self-test.
* High Beam
* Left Turn Signal
* Right Turn Signal
* Brake (comes on during self-test)
* Low Wash (comes during self-test)
* Seat Belt (comes on during self-test)
* Security

LAMPS (CCD)
The cluster via CCD messages controls the following lamps. They are actuated during the self-test procedure.
* ABS lamps
* Airbag
* Check Engine
* Check Gauges
* Cruise Control Lamp
* Trans Temp
* O/D OFF
* Low Fuel Warning - Internally controlled by the Cluster not CCD

NOTE: THE TURN SIGNALS, HIGH BEAM INDICATOR, SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP, LOW WASHER WARNING LAMP, AND BRAKE WARNING LAMP ARE HARDWIRED TO THE CLUSTER.