The Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check is an organized approach in order to identify the problems associated with the instrument cluster. Ensure that this inspection is the starting point for any instrument cluster complaint. This point may direct you to the next logical step in diagnosing the complaint. The instrument cluster is a very reliable component. The instrument cluster is not likely the cause of the malfunction. Most system complaints are due to the following conditions:
• | Faulty wiring |
• | Faulty connectors |
• | The components |
Understanding the computer system and the correct use of the tables may ensure the following conditions:
• | Reduced diagnostic time |
• | Unnecessary parts replacement |
• | The following conditions may result in an intermittent operation of the instrument cluster with no DTC stored: |
- | Any condition which results in the interruption of power to the instrument cluster |
- | The battery or ignition voltage out of range (below 9.0 V or above 16.0 V) |
- | A loose or damaged ground |
- | An open or short on the serial data line |
• | An intermittent failure in the electronic system may be very difficult to detect and accurately diagnose. The instrument cluster tests for different malfunctions under different vehicle conditions. For this reason, perform a thorough test drive in order to repeat a fault condition. If the system malfunction is not repeated during the drive test, a good description of the complaint may be useful in locating an intermittent fault condition. The following faulty components cause most intermittent problems: |
- | Poor mating of the connector halves |
- | Backed out terminals |
- | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
- | Wire chafing |
- | Poor wire-to-terminal connections |
- | Dirty or corroded terminals |
- | Damage to the connector bodies |
• | Use a J 35616 . |
- | Probing a terminal |
- | Inspecting a terminal |
- | Use the adapter in order to ensure the following conditions: |
• | No damage to the terminal will occur. |
• | Indicate whether the contact tension is sufficient. |
• | If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests shown while moving any related wiring and connectors pertaining to the history DTC stored. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections. |
• | Exit all the scan tool tests before cycling the ignition OFF to ON unless the scan tool instructions direct otherwise. Follow the operating instructions unless the scan tool direct instructions otherwise. Follow the operating instructions in the scan tool operators's manual. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the following conditions to occur: |
- | Set the DTCs |
- | Cause the vehicle system malfunctions |
- | Set the false DTCs |
- | Cause a scan tool malfunction |
• | Inspect all the relative fuses (see schematic) for the instrument cluster. If a fuse is open, inspect the circuits which are fed power by these fuses for a short to ground. |
• | Ensure that all the relative grounds (see schematic) are clean and tight. |
• | For the instrument cluster replacement procedure, refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement . |
• | Inspect for a broken (or partially broken) wire inside of the insulation which may cause one of the following conditions: |
- | A system malfunction |
- | A system that is GOOD in a continuity/voltage inspection while the system is disconnected |
- | These circuits may be intermittent or recessive when loaded. If possible, ensure that the circuits are inspected by monitoring for a voltage drop using the system operational (under load). |
• | Inspect for the proper installation of the aftermarket electronics equipment which may affect the integrity of the other systems. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories . |
The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.
This test determines if the communication may be established using the instrument cluster.
This test inspects for stored instrument cluster DTCs.
This test determines whether communication may be established using other systems connected to the same serial data line.
This test inspects for the instrument cluster power circuits.
This test inspects for the instrument cluster ground circuits.
This test determines if an open is present in the serial data line between the instrument cluster and the DLC terminal (circuit 1036 and circuit 1132).
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Does the scan tool communicate with the instrument cluster? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3 | |||||||
Are any DTCs stored? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | Go to Step 11 | |||||||
Attempt to establish communication with the other systems connected to the same serial data line. Does the scan tool communicate with the other systems? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Starting Point in Data Link Communications | |||||||
Does the test lamp light for all of the circuits? | -- | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 8 | |||||||
Use a test light in order to backprobe between B+ and each of the following circuits:
Does the test lamp light for all of the circuits? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 9 | |||||||
Is there continuity in circuit 1036 and circuit 1132? | -- | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 10 | |||||||
7 |
Is the repair complete? | -- | System OK | -- | ||||||
8 |
Is the repair complete? | -- | System OK | -- | ||||||
9 |
Is the repair complete? | -- | System OK | -- | ||||||
10 |
Is the repair complete? | -- | System OK | Go to Diagnostic Starting Point in Data Link Communications | ||||||
11 | Inspect the Air Bag indicator for any of the following conditions after the engine is started or when the car is driven:
Does the Air Bag indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Diagnostic System Check - SIR in SIR | Go to Step 12 | ||||||
12 | Inspect for an inoperative ANTI-LOCK indicator after the engine is started or when the car is driven. Is the ANTI-LOCK indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to ABS Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System | Go to Step 13 | ||||||
13 | Inspect the ANTI-LOCK indicator for any of the following conditions after the engine is started or when the car is driven:
Does the ANTI-LOCK indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to ABS Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System | Go to Step 14 | ||||||
14 | Inspect the LOW-TRAC indicator for any of the following conditions after the engine is started or when the car is driven:
Does the LOW-TRAC indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Low Traction Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System | Go to Step 15 | ||||||
15 | Inspect for an inoperative LOW-TRAC indicator after the engine is started or when the car is driven. Is the LOW-TRAC Inoperative? | -- | Go to Low Traction Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System | Go to Step 16 | ||||||
16 | Inspect the TRAC-OFF indicator for any of the following conditions after the engine is started or when the car is driven:
Does the TRAC-OFF indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Traction Control Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System | Go to Step 17 | ||||||
17 | Inspect for an inoperative TRAC-OFF indicator after the engine is started or when the car is driven. Is the TRAC-OFF indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Traction Control Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System | Go to Step 18 | ||||||
18 | Inspect the LOW-TIRE indicator for any of the following conditions after the engine is started or when the car is driven:
Does the LOW-TIRE indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 19 | |||||||
19 | Inspect for an inoperative LOW-TIRE indicator after the engine is started or when the car is driven. Is the LOW-TIRE indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 20 | |||||||
20 | Does the automatic transmission control position indicator illumination operate properly when the transmission shift selector has changed positions? | -- | Go to Step 21 | |||||||
21 | Inspect the BRAKE warning indicator. Is the BRAKE warning indicator always on? | -- | Go to Step 22 | |||||||
22 | Set the parking brake. Does the BRAKE warning indicator come on when the parking brake is set? | -- | Go to Step 23 | |||||||
23 | Inspect the brake fluid. Does the BRAKE warning indicator come on when there is insufficient brake fluid? | -- | Go to Step 24 | |||||||
24 | Inspect the BRAKE indicator. Is the BRAKE indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 25 | |||||||
25 |
Does the charge indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 26 | |||||||
26 |
Is the charge indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 27 | |||||||
27 |
Does the LOW COOLANT indicator remain illuminated? | -- | Go to Step 28 | |||||||
28 |
Is the coolant TEMP indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 29 | |||||||
29 |
Does the LOW WASH indicator remain illuminated? | Go to Step 30 | ||||||||
30 |
Does the LOW WASH indicator illuminate? | -- | Go to Step 31 | |||||||
31 |
Does the temperature gauge indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative | Go to Step 32 | ||||||
32 |
Does the coolant TEMP indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 33 | |||||||
33 |
Does the DOOR/TRUNK ajar indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 34 | |||||||
34 |
Does the DOOR/TRUNK ajar indicator illuminate? | -- | Go to Step 35 | |||||||
35 |
Does the fasten seat belt indicator remain illuminated? | -- | Go to Step 36 | |||||||
36 |
Is the fasten seat belt indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 37 | |||||||
37 |
Does the fuel gauge exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 38 | |||||||
38 |
Does the high beam indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 39 | |||||||
39 |
Does the instrument cluster illumination dim properly? | -- | Go to Step 40 | |||||||
40 |
Is the low fuel indicator illuminated? | -- | Go to Step 41 | |||||||
41 |
Is the low fuel indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 42 | |||||||
42 |
Does the OIL PRESSURE indicator exhibit the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 43 | |||||||
43 |
Is the OIL PRESSURE indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 44 | |||||||
44 |
Does the CHANGE OIL SOON indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 45 | |||||||
45 |
Is the CHANGE OIL SOON indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 46 | |||||||
46 |
Does the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 47 | |||||||
47 |
Is the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 48 | |||||||
48 |
Does the LOW OIL indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 49 | |||||||
49 |
Is the LOW OIL indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 50 | |||||||
50 |
Does the SECURITY indicator exhibit any of the preceding conditions? | -- | Go to Step 51 | |||||||
51 |
Is the SECURITY indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 52 | |||||||
52 |
Is the SERVICE ENGINE SOON illuminated? | -- | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 2.5L (LB8) and 3.0L (L46) | Go to Step 53 | ||||||
53 |
Is the SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 2.5L (LB8) and 3.0L (L46) | Go to Step 54 | ||||||
54 |
Does the speedometer/odometer indicator operate inaccurate or erratically? | -- | Go to Step 55 | |||||||
55 |
Is the speedometer/odometer indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 56 | |||||||
56 |
Does the tachometer operate inaccurate or erratically? | -- | Go to Tachometer Inaccurate | Go to Step 57 | ||||||
57 |
Is the tachometer indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Tachometer Inoperative | Go to Step 58 | ||||||
58 |
Is the left turn signal indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 59 | |||||||
59 |
Is the right turn signal indicator inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 60 | |||||||
60 | Perform all of the steps in the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check. Is the inspection complete? | -- | System OK | -- |