Actuator Test

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

The instrument cluster actuator test will put the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the PCI data bus message-controlled indicators are capable of operating as designed. During the actuator test the instrument cluster circuitry will position each of the gauge needles at various calibration points, illuminate each of the segments in the Vacuum-Fluorescent Displays (VFD) units, and turn all of the PCI data bus message-controlled indicators on and off again, and display any Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) information. It is suggested that a note pad and pencil be used to write down any fault information that is displayed during the test for reference.

Successful completion of the actuator test will confirm that the instrument cluster is operational. However, there may still be a problem with the PCI data bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Central Timer Module (CTM), the Transmission Control Module (TCM), the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM), the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), or the inputs to one of these electronic control modules. Use a DRBIII(R) scan tool to diagnose these components. Refer to ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES .

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

Begin the test with the ignition switch in the Off position.
Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch button.
While still holding the odometer/trip odometer switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to the On position, but do not start the engine.
Keep the odometer/trip odometer switch button depressed for about ten seconds, until CHEC appears in the odometer display, then release the odometer/trip odometer switch button.

A series of three-digit numeric failure messages may appear in the odometer display, depending upon the failure mode. If a failure message appears, refer to the INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE MESSAGE ) chart for the description and proper correction. If no failure message appears, the actuator test will proceed as described in Step 6.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE MESSAGE

Message	Description	Correction
110	A failure has been identified in the instrument cluster CPU, RAM, or EEPROM.	Replace the faulty instrument cluster.
900	The PCI data bus is not operational.	Check the PCI data bus connection at the instrument cluster. Check the instrument cluster fuses. Check the PCI data bus functionality using a DRBIII(R) scan tool. Refer to ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES .
920	The instrument cluster is not receiving a vehicle speed message from the PCM.	Check the PCM software level and reflash if required. Use a DRBIII(R) scan tool to verify that the vehicle speed message is being sent by the PCM.
921	The instrument cluster is not receiving a distance pulse message from the PCM.	Check the PCM software level and reflash if required. Use a DRBIII(R) scan tool to verify that the distance pulse message is being sent by the PCM.
940	The instrument cluster is not receiving an airbag lamp-on message from the ACM.	Check the PCI data bus connection at the ACM. Check the ACM fuse.
950	The instrument cluster is not receiving an ABS lamp-on message from the CAB.	Check the PCI data bus connection at the CAB. Check the CAB fuse.
960	The instrument cluster is not receiving a PRND21 message from the TCM.	Check the PCI data bus connection at the TCM. Check the TCM fuse.
999	An error has been discovered.	Record the failure message. Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch button to continue the Actuator Test.

The instrument cluster will begin the Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) walking segment test. This test will require the operator to visually inspect each VFD segment as it is displayed to determine a pass or fail condition. First, all of the segments will be illuminated at once; then, each individual segment of the VFD will be illuminated in sequence. If any segment in the display fails to illuminate, repeat the test to confirm the failure. If the failure is confirmed, replace the faulty instrument cluster. Following completion of the VFD walking segment test, the actuator test will proceed as described in Step 7.
The instrument cluster will perform a bulb check of each indicator that the instrument cluster circuitry controls. Each of the instrument cluster circuitry controlled indicators except the cruise indicator and the overdrive-off indicator are illuminated by a Light Emitting Diode (LED), If an LED fails to illuminate during this test, the instrument cluster must be replaced. Following the bulb check test, the actuator test will proceed as described in Step 8.
The instrument cluster will perform a gauge actuator test. In this test the instrument cluster circuitry positions each of the gauge needles at three different calibration points, then returns the gauge needles to their relaxed positions. If an-individual gauge does not respond properly, or does not respond at all during, the gauge actuator test, the instrument cluster should be removed. However, check that the gauge terminal pins are properly inserted through the spring-clip terminal pin receptacles on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board before considering instrument cluster replacement. If the gauge terminal connections are OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster.
The actuator test is now completed. The instrument cluster will automatically exit the self-diagnostic mode and return to normal operation at the completion of the test, if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position during the test, or if a vehicle speed message indicating that the vehicle is moving is received from the PCM on the PCI data bus during the test.
Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if required.