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Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2012 >> Challenger V8-5.7L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators >> Instrument Cluster / Carrier >> Description and Operation >> Instrument Cluster Indicators - Operation >> Part 1

Part 1





OPERATION

INDICATORS

Indicators are located in various positions within the instrument cluster and are all connected to the Cab Compartment Node (CCN) electronic circuit board. All the indicators are completely controlled by the CCN microprocessor. The various indicators are controlled by different strategies; some receive fused ignition switch output from the CCN circuitry and have a switched ground, while others are grounded through the CCN circuitry and have a switched battery feed. However, most are controlled by Controller Area Network (CAN) or Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus messages from other electronic modules in the vehicle but some are controlled by a combination of hard-wired inputs, electronic messaging and CCN programming. If the CCN loses CAN data bus communication, the CCN circuitry will automatically turn ON the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) until CAN data bus communication is restored.

The blue/green indicators located within the Vacuum Florescent Display (VFD) unit will dim accordingly with the instrument panel dimming. The red indicators within the VFD are at a fixed intensity. The cruise and 4WD indicators located within the odometer VFD unit are dimmable. All other indicators are illuminated at a fixed intensity, which is not affected by the selected illumination intensity of the instrument cluster general illumination Light Emitting Diode (LED) units. The illumination intensity of the dimmable indicators is synchronized with that of the general illumination lighting.

In addition, certain indicators in this instrument cluster are automatically or self-configured. This feature allows the configurable indicators to be enabled by the CCN circuitry for compatibility with certain optional equipment. These indicators are enabled or disabled by an electronic configuration message sent to the CCN by the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The TIPM defaults for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), and the airbag indicator's are enabled, and these configuration settings must be programmatically disabled in the TIPM using a diagnostic scan tool for vehicles that do not have this equipment. The automatically or self-configured indicators remain latent in each CCN at all times and will be active only when the CCN receives the appropriate CAN or LIN bus message inputs for that optional system or equipment.

Below are brief explanations of the indicators available on this vehicle. More detailed information may be available elsewhere under the module or system sections that control or influence the illumination of an indicator located within the instrument cluster or the VFD display's. For information on diagnosis and testing of the indicators Testing and Inspection. The indicators, VFD displays as well as the gauges are only serviceable with the instrument cluster as an assembly. The cluster lens and hood and mask assembly are the only components serviceable separate of the instrument cluster.

ABS INDICATOR

The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the ABS system is faulty or inoperative. This indicator is controlled by a low side driver on the CCN circuit board based upon programming and electronic messages received by the CCN from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The CCN will illuminate the ABS indicator for about three seconds each time the ignition is turned to the ON position, during the bulb test.

The ABS indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the CCN logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the CCN transistor. The CCN will also illuminate the ABS indicator for the following reasons:

- ABS Lamp-On Message - Each time the CCN a lamp-on message from the CAB, the ABS indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the CCN receives a lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Communication Error - If the CCN receives no lamp-on or lamp-off messages from the CAB for five consecutive message cycles, the ABS indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until a valid message from the CAB is received, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- ABS Diagnostic Test - The ABS indicator is blinked on and off by lamp-on and lamp-off messages from the CAB during the performance of the ABS diagnostic tests.

The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the CCN. If the CAB sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a system malfunction and/or that the ABS system has become inoperative. The CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. Each time the ABS indicator fails to light due to an open or short in the cluster ABS indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the CAB of the condition, then the instrument cluster and the CAB will each store a DTC.

AIRBAG INDICATOR

The airbag indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by a transistor on the CCN circuit board based upon programming and electronic messages received from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) over the CAN data bus. Based on messages received from the ORC, the CCN will illuminate the airbag indicator for about six seconds each time the ignition is turned to the ON position, during the bulb test.

The airbag indicator LED is completely controlled by the CCN logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the CCN transistor. The CCN will also illuminate the airbag indicator for the following reasons:

- ORC Lamp-On Message - Each time the CCN receives a lamp-on message from the ORC, the airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated for about twelve seconds or until a lamp-off message from the ORC is received, whichever is longer.
- Communication Error - If the CCN receives no airbag messages for ten consecutive message cycles, the airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the CCN receives a single lamp-off message from the ORC.

The ORC continually monitors the airbag system circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The ORC then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the CCN. If the ORC sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that the ORC has detected a system malfunction and/or that the airbags and seat belt tensioners may not deploy when required, or may deploy when not required. The ORC will store a DTC for any malfunction it detects. Each time the airbag indicator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in the CCN airbag indicator circuit, the CCN sends a message notifying the ORC of the condition, the CCN and the ORC will each store a DTC, and the seat belt indicator will flash on and off as a backup to notify the vehicle operator.

BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR

The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the parking brake is applied, when there are certain brake hydraulic system malfunctions as indicated by a low brake hydraulic fluid level condition, or when the brake fluid level switch is disconnected. The brake indicator can also give an indication when certain faults are detected in the ABS. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the CCN circuit board based upon programming, electronic messages received from the CAB over the CAN data bus, and a hard-wired input from the park brake switch. The CCN will illuminate the brake indicator for about three seconds each time the ignition is turned to the ON position, during the bulb test.

The brake indicator LED is completely controlled by the CCN logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the CCN transistor. The CCN will also illuminate the brake indicator for the following reasons:

- Brake Lamp-On Message - Each time the CCN receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the brake indicator will be illuminated. The CAB can also send brake lamp-on messages as feedback during ABS diagnostic procedures. The indicator remains illuminated until the a lamp-off message from the CAB is received, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Park Brake Switch Input - Each time the CCN detects ground on the park brake switch sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park brake applied or not fully released) while the ignition switch is in the On position, and vehicle speed in 8km (4.9 mph) or greater, the brake indicator flashes on and off. The indicator continues to flash until the park brake switch sense input to the CCN is an open circuit (park brake switch open = park brake fully released), or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.

The park brake switch on the park brake pedal mechanism provides a hard-wired ground input to the CCN circuitry through the park brake switch sense circuit whenever the park brake is applied or not fully released. The CAB continually monitors the ABS system circuits and sensors, including the brake fluid level switch on the brake master cylinder reservoir, to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the CCN. If the CAB sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a brake hydraulic system malfunction and/or that the ABS system has become inoperative. The CAB will store a DTC for any malfunction it detects.

CHARGING INDICATOR

The charging indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the electrical system voltage is too low or too high. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the CCN circuit board based upon programming and electronic messages received Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the CAN data bus. The CCN will illuminate the charge indicator for about three seconds each time the ignition is turned to the ON position, during the bulb test.

The charging indicator LED is completely controlled by the CCN logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the CCN transistor. The CCN will also turn on the charging indicator for the following reasons:

- Voltage Low Message - Each time the CCN receives a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is low (less than about 11.5 volts is a charge fail condition), the charging indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is normal (greater than about 12.0 volts, but less than 16.0 volts) is received, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Voltage High Message - Each time the CCN receives a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is high (greater than about 16.0 volts), the charging indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is normal (less than about 15.5 volts, but greater than 11.5 volts) is received, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.

The PCM continually monitors the electrical system voltage to control the generator output. The PCM then sends the proper system voltage messages to the CCN. If the charging indicator is turned on due to a charge fail or voltage high condition, it may indicate that the charging system requires service.
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