Instrument Cluster
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERA single instrument cluster is offered on this model. This cluster is an Electro-Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) module that utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) 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/cruise-on indicator display functions. Some variations of this cluster exist due to optional equipment and regulatory requirements.
This instrument cluster includes the following gauges:
- Coolant temperature gauge
- Fuel gauge
- Odometer and trip odometer
- Oil pressure gauge
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Voltmeter.
This cluster also includes provisions for the following indicator lamps:
- Airbag indicator lamp
- Anti-lock brake system lamp
- Brake warning lamp
- Check gauges lamp
- Cruise-on indicator (odometer VFD)
- Fog lamps-on indicator lamp
- Headlamp high beam indicator lamp
- Low fuel warning lamp
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
- Master illumination indicator lamp
- Overdrive-off indicator lamp
- Part-time four-wheel drive indicator lamp (SELEC-TRAC)
- Seat belt reminder lamp
- Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) indicator lamp
- Transmission oil temperature warning lamp
- Turn signal indicator lamps.
This instrument cluster features circuitry that has a self-diagnostic actuator test capability, which will test each of the PCI data bus message-controlled functions of the cluster by lighting the appropriate indicator lamps (except for the airbag indicator lamp), sweeping the gauge needles from their respective minimum to their maximum readings, and stepping the odometer display sequentially from all zeros through all nines.
The instrument cluster circuitry also sends chime tone requests over the PCI data bus to the Body Control Module (BCM) when it monitors certain conditions or inputs. The PCM replaces the chime or buzzer module.
This vehicle also offers several customer programmable features, which allows the selection of several optional electronic features to suit individual preferences. Customer programmable feature options affecting the EMIC module include:
- Low Fuel Chime - Allows the option of having a single chime sound as an audible alert whenever the instrument cluster low fuel warning lamp lights, or having no audible alert.
The instrument cluster component parts for this model are available for service. The cluster lens, hood and mask unit, the major gauges and the minor gauge sets, the trip odometer reset knob, the cluster housing with electronic circuit board and rear housing cover, and the incandescent lamp bulbs and bulb holders are available for service replacement.
All of the gauges and many of the indicator lamps in this instrument cluster are controlled by a microprocessor that is located on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The instrument cluster microprocessor uses internal programming, messages received over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network, and a few hard wired inputs to perform its many gauge and indicator lamp control functions. The PCI data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This practice helps to reduce wire harness complexity, internal controller hardware and component sensor current loads.
The instrument cluster microprocessor smooths the input data using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are accurate, stable and responsive to operating conditions. These algorithms are designed to provide gauge readings during normal operation that are consistent with customer expectations. However, when abnormal conditions exist, such as low or high battery voltage, low oil pressure or high coolant temperature, the algorithm drives the gauge pointer to an extreme position and the microprocessor turns on the Check Gauges indicator lamp to provide a distinct visual indication of a problem to the vehicle operator. The instrument cluster circuitry also sends chime tone requests over the PCI data bus to the Body Control Module (PCM) when it monitors certain conditions or inputs to provide the vehicle operator with an audible alert.
This instrument cluster also features a six-digit vacuum-fluorescent odometer and trip odometer display (VFD), which is integral to the cluster electronic circuit board. This display is toggled between the odometer and trip odometer functions by a push button on the face of the cluster. Pressing and holding the button depressed when the trip odometer reading is displayed will reset the trip odometer reading to zero. The instrument cluster microprocessor remembers which function was active when the ignition switch is turned to the off position, and returns the display to that function when the ignition is turned on again. The VFD will also display the message "CRUISE" whenever the vehicle speed control system is turned on, regardless of whether the speed control is engaged.
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 and trip 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 Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) 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 Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network.
The part-time four-wheel drive indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps are hard wired. The seat belt reminder lamp is controlled by the instrument cluster programming and by PCI data bus messages from the Body Control Module (PCM) based upon inputs from the seat belt switch. The brake warning lamp is controlled by a hard wired input from the park brake switch and by PCI data bus messages from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB). The instrument cluster circuitry uses PCI data bus messages from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Airbag Control Module (ACM), BCM and CAB to control all of the remaining indicator lamps.
The 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 instrument cluster features incandescent illumination lamp bulbs. The illumination intensity of these bulbs and of the vacuum-fluorescent electronic display are controlled by the instrument cluster microprocessor based upon dimming messages received from the Body Control Module (BCM) over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The BCM uses inputs from the headlamp and panel dimmer switches on the left (lighting) multi-function switch control stalk and internal programming to decide what dimming message is required. The BCM then sends the proper dimming messages to the instrument cluster over the PCI data bus.
The BCM also sends the proper panel lamps dimming level messages over the PCI data bus to control the dimming levels of the various vacuum fluorescent displays. All modules on the PCI data bus with vacuum fluorescent displays (instrument cluster, radio, electronic vehicle information center) receive these messages and adjust their dimming levels to match that of the incandescent cluster illumination bulbs located in the instrument cluster.
Vehicles equipped with the Auto Headlamps option have an automatic parade mode. In this mode, the BCM uses an input from the auto headlamp light sensor to determine the ambient light levels. If the BCM decides that the exterior lighting is turned on in the daylight, it overrides the selected panel dimmer switch signal by sending a message over the PCI data bus to illuminate all vacuum fluorescent displays at full brightness for easier visibility in daytime light levels. The automatic parade mode has no effect on the incandescent bulb dimming levels.
Each of the cluster illumination lamps is located on the instrument cluster circuit board. Each cluster illumination lamp has a replaceable bulb and bulb holder.
BODY CONTROL MODULE
A Body Control Module (BCM) is used on this model to control and integrate many of the electronic features and functions of the vehicle. The BCM is concealed below the driver side end of the instrument panel in the passenger compartment, where it is mounted to the dash panel side of the junction block with four screws. The BCM has two external connector receptacles that receive connections from the instrument panel wire harness. The BCM also has a connector concealed on the back side of the unit that joins it directly to the circuitry within the junction block.
The BCM contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other electronic modules in the vehicle on the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network. The PCI 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.
Some of the functions and features that the BCM supports or controls, include:
- Chimes
- Automatic headlamp control
- Headlamp delay
- Headlamps on with ignition off and driver door open warning
- Key in ignition with ignition off and driver door open warning
- Automatic funeral or parade mode
- Panel lamp dimming
- Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS)
- Illuminated entry
- Heated rear window and heated outside mirror control
- Intermittent wipe control
- Monitoring and transmitting rear door, liftgate, and liftgate flip-up glass ajar data
- Monitoring and transmitting outside ambient temperature data
- Monitoring and transmitting air conditioning select switch data
- Courtesy lamp time-out
- Door lock inhibit
- Electronic odometer and trip odometer
- Brake warning lamp
- Check gauges lamp
- High beam indicator lamp
- Seatbelt reminder lamp and chime
- Speed sensitive intermittent wipe
- Fog lamp control
- Electro-Mechanical Instrument Cluster
- BCM diagnostic support
- Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) support
- Customer programmable features, including:
- Auto door locks
- Horn chirp upon door lock with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
- Low fuel warning chime
- Headlights on with wipers (with auto headlamps only)
For diagnosis of the BCM or the PCI data bus, the use of a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended. The BCM can only be serviced by an authorized electronic warranty repair station. Refer to the latest version of the Chrysler Corporation Warranty Policies and Procedures for a current listing of authorized electronic repair stations.
The functions and features provided by the BCM are possible because of its hard wired inputs and outputs, as well as the resources it shares with other electronic modules in the vehicle through its communication over the PCI data bus network. The BCM uses its internal programming and all of these inputs to decide which functions it should perform and both the standard and optional features it should provide. Refer to ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER PROGRAMMING in the Service Procedures.
INSTRUMENT PANEL CIGAR LIGHTER
A cigar lighter receptacle is standard equipment on this model. On models equipped with the optional Smoker's Package, the cigar lighter knob and heating element are included. On models without the Smoker's Package, the cigar lighter receptacle is equipped with a snap fit plastic cap and is treated as an extra accessory power outlet. The cigar lighter receptacle is installed in the instrument panel center lower bezel, which is located near the bottom of the instrument panel center stack area, below the heater and air conditioner controls. The cigar lighter base is secured by a snap fit within the center lower bezel.
The cigar lighter receptacle, plastic cap and the knob and heating element unit are available for service replacement. 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 junction block through the cigar lighter relay only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On positions.
The cigar lighter 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.
CIGAR LIGHTER RELAY
The cigar lighter relay is an electromechanical device that switches fused battery current to the cigar lighter when the ignition switch is turned to the Accessory or On positions. The cigar lighter relay is located in the junction block, below the driver side of the instrument panel in the passenger compartment.The cigar lighter relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have common physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions.
The cigar lighter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one movable) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed) relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts (normally closed) by spring pressure. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable contact away from the normally closed fixed contact, and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed contact.
When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, spring pressure returns the movable contact to the normally closed position. The resistor or diode is connected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil in the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that are produced when the coil is de-energized.
INSTRUMENT PANEL POWER OUTLET
An accessory power outlet is standard equipment on this model. The power outlet is installed in the instrument panel center lower bezel, which is located near the bottom of the instrument panel center stack area, below the heater and air conditioner controls. The power outlet base is secured by a snap fit within the center lower bezel. A hinged door with an overcenter spring flips closed to conceal and protect the power outlet base when the power outlet is not being used, and flips open below the center lower bezel while the power outlet is in use.The power outlet receptacle unit and the power outlet door are each available for service replacement.
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 junction block 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.