Dodge Durango (DN). Manual — part 277

greatly reduces the number of components used over
conventional instrument panel construction.

Modular instrument panel construction allows all

of the gauges and controls to be serviced from the
front of the panel. In addition, most of the instru-
ment panel electrical components can be accessed
without complete instrument panel removal. If neces-
sary, the instrument panel can be removed from the
vehicle as an assembly.

Removal of the steering column opening cover pro-

vides access to the steering column mounts, the
steering column wiring, the gearshift interlock mech-
anism, the junction block, the relay and fuse block
and much of the instrument panel wiring. Removal of
the glove box provides access to the Central Timer
Module (CTM), the radio antenna coaxial cable, and
additional instrument panel wiring.

Removal of the instrument cluster bezel allows

access to the cluster assembly, the radio, the exterior
lighting system switches, and the heating and air
conditioning controls. Removal of the cluster assem-
bly allows access to the cluster illumination and indi-
cator lamp bulbs, and more of the instrument panel
wiring. The instrument panel lower bezel contains an
ash receiver, a rear window (rear wiper/washer and
rear window defogger) switch pod, and has provisions
for a cigar lighter and an accessory power outlet.

Removal of the complete instrument panel is

required for service of the passenger side airbag mod-
ule and most passenger compartment components of
the heating and air conditioning systems.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

DESCRIPTION

A single instrument cluster is offered on this

model. This cluster is an electromechanical unit that
utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried
on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus
network for control of all gauges and many of the
indicator lamps. This cluster also incorporates a dig-
ital Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) for the odom-
eter/trip odometer display functions. Some variations
of this cluster exist due to optional equipment and
regulatory requirements.

This instrument cluster includes the following ana-

log gauges:

• Coolant temperature gauge

• Fuel gauge

• Oil pressure gauge

• Speedometer

• Tachometer

• Voltmeter.
This instrument cluster also includes provisions for

the following indicator lamps:

• Airbag indicator lamp

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) lamp

• Brake warning lamp

• Check gauges lamp

• Cruise-on indicator lamp (programmable)

• Door ajar lamp

• Four-wheel drive lock indicator lamp

• Headlamp high beam indicator lamp

• Liftgate ajar lamp

• Low fuel warning lamp

• Low washer fluid warning lamp

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

• Overdrive-off indicator lamp (automatic trans-

mission - programmable)

• Seat belt reminder lamp

• Security lamp

• Transmission oil temperature warning lamp

(automatic transmission - programmable)

• Turn signal indicator lamps

• Upshift indicator lamp (manual transmission -

programmable).

The instrument cluster includes a provision for

mounting an automatic transmission gear selector
indicator in the lower right corner of the cluster. A
mechanical gear selector indicator is used with all
automatic transmissions except the optional 45RFE
to indicate the gear selector position. If the vehicle is
equipped with the optional 45RFE automatic trans-
mission, the instrument cluster contains an integral
electronic gear selector indicator using a second dig-
ital Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) to indicate
the gear selector position. The electronic gear selector
indicator is controlled by messages received by the
instrument cluster from the electronic Transmission
Control Module (TCM) over the CCD data bus net-
work. Models equipped with a manual transmission
have a block-out plate installed in place of the gear
selector indicator.

The instrument cluster circuitry has a self-diagnos-

tic actuator test capability, which will test each of the
CCD bus message-controlled functions of the cluster
by lighting the appropriate indicator lamps and posi-
tioning the gauge needles at several predetermined
locations on the gauge faces in a prescribed sequence.
For more information on this function, refer to
Instrument Cluster in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group.

The instrument cluster circuitry also sends chime

tone requests over a hard wired circuit to the Central
Timer Module (CTM) when it monitors certain condi-
tions or inputs. The CTM replaces the chime or
buzzer module. Refer to Chime Warning System in
the Description and Operation section of Group 8U -
Chime/Buzzer Warning Systems for more information
on this feature.

The instrument cluster for this model is serviced

only as a complete unit. If a cluster gauge or the

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INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS

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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

cluster circuit board are faulty, the entire cluster
must be replaced. The cluster lens, the cluster hood,
the rear cluster housing cover, and the incandescent
lamp bulbs and holders are available for service
replacement.

OPERATION

GAUGE

With the ignition switch in the On or Start posi-

tions, voltage is supplied to all gauges through the
instrument cluster electronic circuit board. With the
ignition switch in the Off position, voltage is not sup-
plied to the gauges. The gauges do not accurately
indicate any vehicle condition unless the ignition
switch is in the On or Start positions.

All of the instrument cluster gauges, except the

odometer, are air core magnetic units. Two fixed elec-
tromagnetic coils are located within the gauge. These
coils are wrapped at right angles to each other
around a movable permanent magnet. The movable
magnet is suspended within the coils on one end of a
shaft. The gauge needle is attached to the other end
of the shaft.

One of the coils has a fixed current flowing

through it to maintain a constant magnetic field
strength. Current flow through the second coil
changes, which causes changes in its magnetic field
strength. The current flowing through the second coil
is changed by the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuitry in response to messages received on the
Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.

The gauge needle moves as the movable permanent

magnet aligns itself to the changing magnetic fields
created around it by the electromagnets. The instru-
ment cluster circuitry is programmed to move all of
the gauge needles back to the low end of their respec-
tive scales after the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position.

INDICATOR LAMP

Indicator lamps are located in the instrument clus-

ter and are served by the cluster circuit board and
connectors. Many of the indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster are controlled by the instrument
cluster circuitry in response to messages received
over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus
network.

The four-wheel drive lock indicator lamp, head-

lamp high beam indicator lamp, low washer fluid
warning lamp, security lamp and turn signal indica-
tor lamps are hard wired. The seat belt reminder
lamp is controlled by the instrument cluster pro-
gramming and by CCD data bus messages from the
Airbag Control Module (ACM). The brake warning
lamp is controlled by a hard wired input from the

park brake switch and by CCD data bus messages
from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB). The
instrument cluster circuitry uses CCD data bus mes-
sages from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
ACM, and CAB to control all of the remaining indi-
cator lamps.

In addition, certain indicator lamps in this instru-

ment cluster are programmable. This feature allows
those indicator lamps to be activated or deactivated
with a DRBIII

t scan tool through the instrument

cluster electronic circuitry for compatibility with cer-
tain optional equipment. The programmable indicator
lamps for this model include the cruise-on indicator
lamp, the overdrive-off indicator lamp, the transmis-
sion oil temperature warning lamp and the upshift
indicator lamp.

Except for the cruise-on indicator lamp, the head-

lamp high beam indicator lamp and the turn signal
indicator lamps, each of the indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster is illuminated by a dedicated
Light-Emitting Diode (LED). If an LED should fail,
the entire instrument cluster must be replaced. The
cruise-on indicator lamp is part of the odometer VFD
display. The headlamp high beam indicator lamp and
the turn signal indicator lamps use incandescent
bulbs and holders. Each incandescent indicator lamp
has a replaceable bulb and bulb holder.

CLUSTER ILLUMINATION LAMP

The cluster illumination lamps are hard wired in

the instrument cluster. When the park or head lamps
are turned on, the cluster illumination lamps light.
Illumination brightness is adjusted by rotating the
headlamp switch panel lamps dimmer thumbwheel
(down to dim, up to brighten). The instrument clus-
ter illumination lamps receive battery feed from the
panel dimmer circuitry in the headlamp switch
through a fuse in the junction block.

The instrument cluster electronic circuitry also

monitors the cluster illumination lamp dimming level
whenever the park or head lamps are turned on. The
instrument cluster electronic circuitry responds by
adjusting the dimming level of the instrument cluster
Vacuum Fluorescent Display(s) (VFD), and sending
dimming level messages over the Chrysler Collision
Detection (CCD) data bus network. All VFDs are illu-
minated at full brightness for improved daylight vis-
ibility whenever the park lamps or headlamps are
turned off.

Each of the cluster illumination lamps is located on

the instrument cluster circuit board. Each cluster
illumination lamp has a replaceable bulb and bulb
holder.

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INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS

8E - 3

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

CENTRAL TIMER MODULE

DESCRIPTION

Two versions of the Central Timer Module (CTM)

are available on this vehicle, a base version and a
high-line version. The base version of the CTM is
used on base models of the vehicle. The base version
of the CTM combines the functions of a chime/buzzer
module, an intermittent wipe module, and an igni-
tion lamp time delay relay in a single unit. The base
CTM also uses inputs from the door ajar switches,
the headlamp switch and the key-in ignition switch
to control the output to the dome lamp circuits,
which allows the base CTM to provide load shedding
to help protect the battery from becoming discharged.

The high-line version of the CTM is used on high-

line vehicles. The high-line CTM provides all of the
functions of the base version CTM, but also is used to
control and integrate many of the additional elec-
tronic functions and features included on the high-
line models. The high-line version of the CTM
contains a central processing unit and interfaces with
other modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Colli-
sion Detection (CCD) data bus network.

The CCD data bus network allows the sharing of

sensor information. This helps to reduce wire har-
ness complexity, reduce internal controller hardware,
and reduce component sensor current loads. At the
same time, this system provides increased reliability,
enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of
many new feature capabilities.

Both versions of the CTM are mounted under the

passenger side end of the instrument panel, outboard
of the instrument panel glove box opening. For diag-
nosis of the base version of the CTM, refer to Cen-
tral Timer Module in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of Group 8U - Chime/Buzzer Warning Sys-
tems. For diagnosis of the high-line version of the
CTM or the CCD data bus, the use of a DRB scan
tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual
are recommended. The CTM cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

OPERATION

Some of the functions and features that the CTM

supports or controls include:

• Chimes for the following conditions:

• Headlamps on with ignition off and driver door

open warning

• Key in ignition with ignition off and driver door

open warning

• ABS lamp warning (if the vehicle is so equipped)

• Airbag lamp warning

• Check gauges lamp warning

• Door ajar lamp warning

• Low fuel lamp warning

• Low washer fluid lamp warning

• Seat belt reminder lamp warning

• Transmission oil temperature lamp warning

(automatic transmission)

• Central locking

• Courtesy lamp defeat

• Courtesy lamp time-out (high-line only)

• Intermittent wipe control

• Enhanced accident response (high-line only)

• Horn chirp upon door lock with RKE (customer

programmable) (high-line only)

• Illuminated entry (high-line only)

• Power door lock control (high-line only)

• Power lock inhibit (high-line only)

• Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) (high-line only)

• Remote radio switches (high-line only)

• Rolling door locks (customer programmable)

(high-line only)

• Speed sensitive intermittent wipe (high-line

only)

• Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) (high-line

only) (if the vehicle is so equipped)

• Wipe after wash (high-line only).
More information on the operation of these CTM

features and functions can be found in the group that
covers the system to which that feature or function
applies.

INSTRUMENT PANEL CIGAR LIGHTER

DESCRIPTION

A cigar lighter is standard equipment on this

model. The cigar lighter is installed in the instru-
ment panel lower bezel, which is located near the
center of the instrument panel, below the radio. The
cigar lighter base is secured by a snap fit within the
instrument panel lower bezel.

The cigar lighter knob and heating element unit,

and the cigar lighter receptacle unit are available for
service. These components cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.

OPERATION

The cigar lighter consists of two major components:

a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar
lighter base or receptacle shell. The receptacle shell
is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in
the bottom of the shell is connected to battery cur-
rent. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a
fuse in the junction block only when the ignition
switch is in the Accessory or On positions.

The knob and heating element are encased within

a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding
protective heat shield. When the knob and heating
element are inserted in the receptacle shell, the heat-
ing element resistor coil is grounded through its

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INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS

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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

housing to the receptacle shell. If the cigar lighter
knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides up
toward the knob exposing the heating element, and
the heating element extends from the housing toward
the insulated contact in the bottom of the receptacle
shell.

Two small spring-clip retainers are located on

either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom
of the receptacle shell. These clips engage and hold
the heating element against the insulated contact
long enough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the
heating element is engaged with the contact, battery
current can flow through the resistor coil to ground,
causing the resistor coil to heat.

When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated,

excess heat radiates from the heating element caus-
ing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips
expand far enough to release the heating element,
the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heat-
ing element to pop back outward to their relaxed
position. When the cigar lighter knob and element
are pulled out of the receptacle shell, the protective
heat shield slides downward on the housing so that
the heating element is recessed and shielded around
its circumference for safety.

GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION

An automatic transmission gear selector indicator

is

standard

factory-installed

equipment

in

this

model, when it is also equipped with an optional
automatic transmission. Two types of gear selector
indicators are used, mechanical or electronic. Either
gear selector indicator gives an indication of the
transmission gear that has been selected with the
automatic transmission gear selector lever. If the
vehicle is equipped with the optional 45RFE auto-
matic transmission, the instrument cluster contains
an integral electronic gear selector indicator. All
other automatic transmission types use the mechan-
ical gear selector indicator.

Diagnosis of the electronic gear selector indicator

should be performed using a DRBIII

t scan tool and

the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual. The elec-
tronic gear selector indicator cannot be adjusted or
repaired. If faulty or damaged, the instrument clus-
ter unit must be replaced.

The mechanical gear selector indicator housing is

mounted to the rear of the instrument cluster hous-
ing. The mechanical gear selector indicator pointer is
easily visible through an opening provided in the
front of the instrument cluster mask, and is also
lighted by the cluster illumination lamps for visibility
at night. This group covers only the removal and
installation of the mechanical gear selector indicator

from the instrument cluster. Refer to Steering Col-
umn in the Removal and Installation section of
Group 19 - Steering for the mechanical gear selector
indicator cable adjustment procedures.

OPERATION

The electronic gear selector indicator uses a digital

Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) to indicate the
gear selector position. The electronic gear selector
indicator is controlled by messages received by the
instrument

cluster

circuitry

from

the

electronic

Transmission Control Module (TCM) over the CCD
data bus network.

The mechanical gear selector indicator has a

spring-loaded pointer that is mechanically actuated
by a cable connected to the gear selector indicator
driver lever of the gear selector lever mechanism on
the steering column. When the gear selector lever is
moved the indicator driver lever moves, which actu-
ates the spring-loaded pointer through the mechani-
cal actuator cable. An adjuster mounted on the
steering

column

housing

provides

a

mechanical

means of calibrating the gear selector indicator
mechanism.

INSTRUMENT PANEL POWER OUTLET

DESCRIPTION

An accessory power outlet is optional equipment on

this model. The power outlet is installed in the
instrument panel lower bezel, which is located near
the center of the instrument panel, below the radio.
The power outlet base is secured by a snap fit within
the instrument panel lower bezel. A plastic protective
cap snaps into the power outlet base when the power
outlet is not being used, and hangs from the power
outlet base mount by an integral bail strap while the
power outlet is in use.

The power outlet receptacle unit and the accessory

power outlet protective cap are available for service.
The power outlet receptacle cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

OPERATION

The power outlet base or receptacle shell is con-

nected to ground, and an insulated contact in the
bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The power outlet receives battery voltage from a fuse
in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) at all times.

While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar

lighter base unit, it does not include the two small
spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the recepta-
cle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter
heating element to the insulated contact.

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INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS

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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)