Instrument Cluster: Operation: Indicators

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

Indicators are located in various positions within the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC electronic circuit board. The high beam indicator, washer fluid indicator and the turn signal indicators operate based upon hard wired inputs to the EMIC. The brake indicator is controlled by PCI data bus messages from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB) as well as by a hard wired park brake switch input to the EMIC. The seatbelt indicator is controlled by the EMIC programming, PCI data bus messages from the Airbag Control Module (ACM), and a hard wired seat belt switch input to the EMIC. The security indicator is controlled by a hard wired Central Timer Module (CTM) input to the EMIC, as well as by PCI data bus messages from the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) if the vehicle is equipped with the optional Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS). The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is normally controlled by PCI data bus messages from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM); however, if the EMIC loses PCI data bus communication, the EMIC circuitry will automatically turn the MIL on, and flash the odometer VFD unit on and off repeatedly until PCI data bus communication is restored. The EMIC uses PCI data bus messages from the CTM, the PCM, the Transmission Control Module (TCM), the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM), the ACM, and the CAB to control all of the remaining indicators.

The various EMIC indicators are controlled by different strategies; some operate only when the EMIC circuitry receives a battery current input on a fused ignition switch output circuit, while others will operate regardless of the ignition switch position. However, all indicators except the high beam indicator and the security indicator are completely controlled by the EMIC microprocessor based upon various hard wired and electronic message inputs. All indicators except those located within one of the VFD units, are illuminated at a fixed intensity, which is not affected by the selected illumination intensity of the EMIC general illumination lamps.

In addition, certain indicators in this instrument cluster are programmable or configurable. This feature allows the programmable indicators to be activated or deactivated with a DRBIII(R) scan tool, while the configurable indicators will be automatically enabled or disabled by the EMIC circuitry for compatibility with certain optional equipment. The only programmable indicator for this model is the upshift indicator. The cruise indicator, service 4WD indicator, cargo lamp indicator, door ajar indicator, overdrive-off indicator, and the transmission overtemp indicator are automatically configured, either electronically or mechanically. If the EMIC is disconnected from the fused B(+) circuit for more than about five minutes the EMIC will forget its previous electronic configuration settings, but will learn the proper indicator configuration settings again when it is reinstalled in a vehicle.

The hard wired indicator inputs may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic methods. However, the EMIC circuitry and PCI data bus message controlled indicators are diagnosed using the EMIC self-diagnostic actuator test. (Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING-INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ). Proper testing of the PCI data bus and the electronic message inputs to the EMIC that control an indicator require the use of a DRBIII(R) scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. Specific details of the operation for each indicator may be found elsewhere in this service information.