Diagnosis And Testing-Remote Switches

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota and 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Any diagnosis of the Audio system should begin with the use of the DRB III(R) diagnostic tool. For information on the use of the DRB III(R), refer to BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES (2003) or BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES (2004).

Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Remove the remote radio switch(es) (Fig 1 ) from the steering wheel.

Fig 1: Identifying Remote Radio Right And Left Switches
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Use an ohmmeter to check the switch resistances as shown in the Remote Radio Switch test table. If the remote radio switch resistances check OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.

REMOTE RADIO SWITCH TEST

SWITCH	SWITCH POSITION	RESISTANCE
Right or Left	Neutral	24K Ohms +/- 5%
Right (White)	Volume Up	6.8K Ohms +/- 5%
Right (White)	Volume Down	15.6K Ohms +/- 1%
Right (White)	Mode	0 Ohms
Left (Black)	Seek Up	1.2K Ohms +/- 5%
Left (Black)	Seek Down	3.3K Ohms +/- 5%
Left (Black)	Pre-Set Station Advance	.47K Ohms +/- 5%

Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the remote radio switch wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.
Disconnect the 18-way wire harness connector from the Central Timer Module (CTM). Check for continuity between the radio control mux circuit cavity of the remote radio switch wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted radio control mux circuit as required.
Check for continuity between the radio control mux circuit cavities of the remote radio switch wire harness connector and the 18-way CTM wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, refer to BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES (2003) or BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES (2004) to test the CTM and the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. If not OK, repair the open radio control mux circuit as required.