Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Indicators and Lamps

HIGH BEAM
The high beam indicator is turned On by the cluster when requested by the BCM. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that the high beams are On. The indicator also comes On when the flash-to-pass feature is used.

SAFETY BELT REMINDER
The safety belt reminder indicator is turned On by the cluster when requested by the SDM. If the driver's seat belt is not buckled, the safety belt reminder belt indicator will come On and stay On for seven seconds. If the driver's seat belt is not buckled after seven seconds, the indicator will remain On for an additional 13 seconds, followed by about 1.5 minutes of flashing. If the driver's seat belt is buckled at any time after the initial seven second period, the indicator will be immediately turned Off.

AIR BAG READINESS
The SDM controls the Air Bag Readiness indicator by providing a signal to the cluster. The cluster uses the SDM signal to determine when to turn On the Air Bag Readiness indicator. The Air Bag Readiness indicator is used in the SIR system to notify the vehicle's operator of the following:
1. Correct SIR system operation by flashing seven times when the ignition switch is first turned On. Turning off if the system is OK. The cluster controls the seven flashes. A serial data message from the SDM to the cluster is required to turn the indicator Off.
2. To warn the vehicle operator of SIR electrical system malfunctions which could potentially affect the operation of the SIR system.

The Air Bag Readiness indicator is the key to driver notification of SIR system malfunctions. For proper operation, refer to "SIR Diagnostic System Check" in the Body Diagnostic service manual.

SERVICE (WRENCH)
The SERVICE (Wrench) indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The ECM (sending information over the CAN serial data link) or BCM will turn the SERVICE (Wrench) indicator On for all non-emission related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that require that a indicator be turned On (some DTCs do not turn on a indicator but are stored to aid in diagnosis).

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) (SERVICE ENGINE SOON)
The MIL (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The ECM sends MIL command to the BCM over the CAN serial data link. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that there is a possible problem with the engine/transaxle control system.

The MIL (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) indicator will only be turned On for emission related faults.

During engine start-up, the MIL (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) indicator is turned On, for approximately 3 seconds, by the cluster for a visual system check. A message from the BCM is required to turn the indicator Off.

LOW FUEL
The low fuel indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The BCM receives fuel level information from the ECM over the CAN serial data link. The indicator is turned On when the fuel level in the tank reaches approximately 1.5 gallons.

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING
The engine coolant temperature warning indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The ECM sends engine control information to the BCM over the CAN serial data link. When the coolant temperature is above the specified range, the engine coolant temperature warning indicator will be illuminated.

LOW COOLANT WARNING
The low coolant warning indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. When the coolant level switch in the coolant reservoir is open, the BCM will command the indicator on.

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
The engine oil pressure indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that the engine oil pressure has dropped below a specified limit. The ECM sends engine control information to the BCM over the CAN serial data link.

CHANGE OIL SOON
The change oil soon indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The ECM sends a change oil soon message to the BCM over the CAN serial data link. The change oil soon indicator is commanded On based on a calculated value of time and mileage. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that the oil should be changed as soon as possible.

LOW TRACTION
The low traction indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The BCM receives this information from the EBTCM through the Key Word 2000 data link. When the traction control system attempts to prevent wheel slip, the low traction indicator will begin to flash.

The low traction indicator is turned On by the cluster for 2-3 seconds, when the ignition is turned to RUN, for a visual system check.

ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM)
The ABS indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The BCM receives this information from the EBTCM through the CAN serial data link.

If the indicator stays On, it informs the driver that a problem has occurred and that the ABS system has been disabled. The vehicle should be taken in for service as soon as possible.

BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING
The brake system warning indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The BCM sends the command when any of the following inputs occur: low brake fluid switch (indicating low brake fluid), anti lock brake system (ABS) control module (indicating a possible problem within the mechanical function of the brakes), or the park brake switch (indicating the park brake is engaged). This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that the park brake is engaged, brake fluid is low, or there is a possible problem in the basic brake system.

CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The ECM sends a charging system information message to the BCM over the CAN serial data link. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that there is a possible problem in the charging system.

REDUCED POWER
The reduced power indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The ECM sends a engine control information message to the BCM over the CAN serial data link. The reduced power indicator is illuminated when the ECM is limiting engine torque in a low traction situation.

LIFTGATE AJAR
The liftgate ajar indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. When the liftgate has been opened, the cargo lamp switch will close providing input to the BCM. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that the liftgate is ajar.

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL)
The DRL indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The indicator will be On whenever DRL are in operation.

The DRL indicator will turn Off if the High or Low Beams headlamps are activated or if a High Beam Headlamp fails. However, if both high beams fail, the DRL indicators will turn On again. This is because the DRL circuitry is unable to identify this condition.

NOTE: Low resistance high beam bulbs or high charging system voltage can cause a flickering DRL indicator.

SECURITY
The security indicator is turned On by the BCM. There is a wire directly from the security indicator (LED) to the BCM. The security indicator receives battery power from the cluster battery circuit. The security indicator is grounded by the BCM.

The security indicator is related to the passlock system. Refer to the "Passlock System" information located in the "Locks and Security" section.

SHIFT UP
The shift up indicator is turned On by the cluster when it receives a command from the BCM. The ECM sends engine control information to the BCM over the CAN serial data link. The shift up indicator indicates to the operator of the vehicle when to shift to the next highest gear for maximum fuel mileage.

LEFT TURN SIGNAL
The left turn signal lamp is switched to power by the left turn signal switch. When the switch is in the Left Turn position, current flows though the indicator lamp which is connected to ground within the cluster. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that the left turn signal is operating. If both the left and right turn signal indicator lamps are flashing, the hazard flashers are On.

RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
The right turn signal lamp is switched to power by the right turn signal switch. When the switch is in the Right Turn position, current flows though the indicator lamp which is connected to ground within the cluster. This indicates to the operator of the vehicle that the right turn signal is operating. If both the right and left turn signal indicator lamps are flashing, the hazard flashers are On.