Instrument Cluster & Message Center

The instrumentation gauges are contained in a subdial assembly within the instrument cluster. The individual gauges are not serviceable. If one of the cluster gauges becomes faulty, the entire cluster would require replacement.

The mechanical instrument cluster with a tachometer is equipped with a electronic vacuum fluorescent transmission range indicator (PRND3L), odometer and trip odometer display.

The mechanical instrument cluster without a tachometer is equipped with a cable operated transmission range indicator (PRND21) and vacuum fluorescent odometer display. It also has the following indicators:

Turn Signals (Base Cluster Only)

The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal when the turn signal lever is operated. If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has traveled about one mile with the turn signal on, a chime will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.

High Beam (Base Cluster Only)

This light shows that the headlights are on high beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low beam.

Oil Pressure Warning Light (Base Cluster Only)

This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light should turn on momentarily when the engine is started. If the light turns on while driving stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on. Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not show how much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) - (Base Cluster Only)

This light is part of an on-board diagnostic system called OBD that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) flashes to alert to serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.

The instrument cluster is also equipped with the following warning lamps:

Airbag

This light turns on and remains on for 6 to 8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Anti-Lock Brake

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System. The light will turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as 4 seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the BRAKE warning light is not ON.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.

Autostick

Information is not provided by manufacturer.

Battery Voltage

This light monitors the electrical system voltage. The light should turn on momentarily as the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while driving, it indicated a problem with the charging system. Immediate service should be obtained.

WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

NOTE: The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering maneuvers which change fluid level conditions. The vehicle should have service performed. If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.

NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

Brake
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the brake light turns on, it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, there is a low brake fluid level or there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of and EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.

The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON position. The light should illuminated for approximately 2 seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer. The light will also turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.

Coolant Temperature

This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the engine is critically hot, a continuous chime will sound for 4 minutes. After the chime turns off, the engine will still be critically hot until the light turns off.

Cruise

This vacuum fluorescent display indicator shows that the Speed Control System is ON.

Door Ajar

this light turns on if a door is not completely closed.

Fasten Seat Belt

The light will turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a reminder to "Buckle Up". The light will remain on until the driver's seat belt is buckled.

Lift Gate Ajar

This light turns on if the liftgate is not completely closed.

Low Fuel Level

When the fuel level reaches approximately 3 to 5 gallons (11 to 19 liters) this light will turn on and remain on until fuel is added.

Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level

This light turns on when the washer fluid level falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will remain on until fluid is added.

NOTE: Extended heavy use of the Traction Control may cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC OFF light. This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn off the Traction Control Light.

Traction Control (TRAC Off)
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator illuminates momentarily as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. The TRAC indicator will turn on if the traction control is in use.

Both the TRAC and the OFF indicators will turn on if:
- The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the system OFF.
- There is a Traction Control System malfunction.
- The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated brake temperatures.

The mechanical instrument cluster without a tachometer also has the following warning lamps:

Turn Signals (Base Cluster Only)

The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal when the turn signal lever is operated. If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has traveled about one mile with the turn signal on, a chime will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.

High Beam (Base Cluster Only)

This light shows that the headlights are on high beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low beam.

Oil Pressure Warning Light (Base Cluster Only)

This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light should turn on momentarily when the engine is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for 4 minutes when this light turns on. Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not show how much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) - (Base Cluster Only)

This light is part of an on-board diagnostic system called OBD that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) flashes to alert to serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.

Fig 1: Identifying Instrument Cluster & Message Center Components

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION