Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Instrument cluster

If all of the gauges and/or indicator lamps are inoperative, perform the Preliminary Diagnosis. If an individual gauge or Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus message-controlled indicator lamp is inoperative, go directly to the Actuator Test. If an individual hard wired indicator lamp is inoperative, refer to Instrument Cluster - Hard Wired Lamp Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group for the procedures to diagnosis that lamp.

For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS

(1) If the indicator lamps operate, but none of the gauges operate, go to Step 2. If all of the gauges and the data bus message-controlled indicator lamps are inoperative, go to Step 5.

(2) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(3) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse in the PDC. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the battery as required.

(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster. Connect the battery negative cable. Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A. If OK, refer to Instrument Cluster - Actuator Test in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.

(5) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 6.

If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(7) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Install the instrument cluster. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Set the park brake. The red brake warning lamp should light. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, go to Step 9.

(8) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Turn on the park lamps and adjust the panel lamps dimmer rheostat in the headlamp switch to the full bright position. The cluster illumination lamps should light. If OK, refer to Instrument Cluster - Actuator Test in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If not OK, go to Step 10.

(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Remove the instrument cluster. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A. If OK, refer to Instrument Cluster - Actuator Test in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the fuse in the junction block as required.

(10) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, refer to Instrument Cluster - Actuator Test in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.

ACTUATOR TEST

The instrument cluster actuator test will put the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the instrument cluster can perform a selfdiagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the CCD data bus message controlled indicator lamps are capable of operating as designed. During the actuator test the instrument cluster circuitry will position each of the gauge needles at various specified calibration points, and turn all of the CCD data bus message-controlled lamps on and off at specified time intervals (Fig. 1) or (Fig. 2).

Successful completion of the actuator test will confirm that the instrument cluster is operational. However, there may still be a problem with the CCD data bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) or the inputs to one of these electronic control modules. Use a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual for testing of these components.

If an individual gauge does not respond properly, or does not respond at all during the actuator test, the instrument cluster should be removed. However, check that the gauge mounting screws on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board for proper tightness before considering instrument cluster replacement. If the gauge mounting screws check OK, replace the faulty cluster.

If an individual indicator lamp does not illuminate during the actuator test, the instrument cluster should be removed. However, check that the incandescent lamp bulb is not faulty and that the bulb holder is properly installed on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board before considering instrument cluster replacement. If the bulb and bulb holder check OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster.

(1) Begin the test with the ignition switch in the Off position.

(2) Depress the trip odometer reset button.

(3) While holding the trip odometer reset button depressed, turn the ignition switch to the On position, but do not start the engine.

(4) Release the trip odometer reset button.

(5) Compare the operation of the suspect gauge(s) and/or indicator lamp(s) with the Instrument Cluster Actuator Test chart (Fig. 1) or (Fig. 2).

(6) 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 CCD data bus during the test.

(7) Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if required.

HARD WIRED LAMP DIAGNOSIS

Each of the lamps found in this section depends upon a hard wired circuit input to the instrument cluster for proper operation. The following procedures will help to diagnose conditions that may cause an inoperative hard wired lamp circuit condition.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LAMP

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) lamp condition. If the ABS lamp stays on with the ignition switch in the On position, or comes on and stays on while driving, refer to Antilock Brakes in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 5 - Brakes for diagnosis. If no ABS problem is found, the following procedure will help locate a short or open in the ABS lamp circuit.

For complete circuit descriptions, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.

If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Remove the instrument cluster. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position and within five seconds check for continuity between the ABS warning indicator driver circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A and a good ground. There should be continuity for five seconds after ignition On, and then an open circuit. If OK, replace the faulty bulb. If not OK, go to Step 4.

(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Disconnect the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB) wire harness connector. Check for continuity between the ABS warning indicator driver circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted ABS warning indicator driver circuit as required.

(5) Check for continuity between the ABS warning indicator driver circuit cavities of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A and the CAB wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, refer to Antilock Brakes in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 5 - Brakes for diagnosis of the CAB. If not OK, repair the open ABS warning indicator driver circuit as required.

Fig. 1 Low-Line Instrument Cluster Actuator Test

Fig. 2 High-Line Instrument Cluster Actuator Test

BRAKE WARNING LAMP

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative brake warning lamp condition. If the brake warning lamp stays on with the ignition switch in the On position and the park brake released, or comes on while driving, refer Base Brake System for vehicles not equipped with the four wheel anti-lock brake system, or refer to Antilock Brakes for vehicles equipped with the four wheel anti-lock brake system in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 5 - Brakes for further diagnosis. If no brake system problem is found, the following procedure will help locate a short or open circuit, or a faulty switch. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.

If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Disconnect the wire harness connector at the park brake switch. With the park brake released, check for continuity between the park brake switch terminal and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, adjust or replace the faulty park brake switch.

(4) Disconnect the wire harness connector at the brake warning switch. Check for continuity between the two terminals of the brake warning switch. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, replace the faulty brake warning switch.

(5) Check for continuity between each of the two brake warning switch terminals and a good ground.

In each case, there should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, replace the faulty brake warning switch.

(6) With both the park brake switch and the brake warning switch wire harness connectors still disconnected, check for continuity between the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavity of the park brake switch wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the shorted red brake warning indicator driver circuit as required.

(7) With the ignition switch held in the Start position, check for continuity between the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavity of the park brake switch wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, repair the open red brake warning indicator driver circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(8) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Remove the instrument cluster. Check for continuity between the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 9. If not OK, repair the shorted red brake warning indicator driver circuit as required.

(9) Check for continuity between the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavities of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A and the brake warning switch wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty bulb. If not OK, repair the open red brake warning indicator driver circuit as required.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR LAMP - FULL TIME

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative four-wheel drive indicator lamp condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to lamp accuracy, be certain to confirm that the problem is with the lamp or switch and not with a damaged or inoperative transfer case or transfer case linkage. Refer to NV242 Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission for more information.

If no transfer case problem is found, the following procedure will help locate a short or open in the indicator lamp circuit. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.

If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Disconnect the transfer case switch wire harness connector.

Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the transfer case 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.

(4) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Install a jumper wire between the full time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit cavity of the transfer case switch wire harness connector and a good ground. The full time four-wheel drive indicator lamp should light. If OK, replace the faulty transfer case switch. If not OK, go to Step 5.

(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Remove the instrument cluster. With the transfer case switch wire harness connector still disconnected, check for continuity between the full time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted full time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit as required.

(6) Check for continuity between the full time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit cavities of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and the transfer case switch wire harness connector.

There should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty bulb. If not OK, repair the open full time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit as required.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR LAMP - PART TIME

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative four-wheel drive indicator lamp condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to lamp accuracy, be certain to confirm that the problem is with the lamp or switch and not with a damaged or inoperative transfer case or transfer case linkage. Refer to NV231 Diagnosis or NV242 Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission for more information. If no transfer case problem is found, the following procedure will help locate a short or open in the indicator lamp circuit. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.

If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Disconnect the transfer case switch wire harness connector.

Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the transfer case 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.

(4) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Install a jumper wire between the part time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit cavity of the transfer case switch wire harness connector and a good ground. The part time four-wheel drive indicator lamp should light. If OK, replace the faulty transfer case switch. If not OK, go to Step 5.

(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Remove the instrument cluster. With the transfer case switch wire harness connector still disconnected, check for continuity between the part time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted part time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit as required.

(6) Check for continuity between the part time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit cavities of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and the transfer case switch wire harness connector.

There should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty bulb. If not OK, repair the open part time four wheel drive indicator lamp driver circuit as required.

HEADLAMP HIGH BEAM INDICATOR LAMP

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative headlamp high beam indicator lamp condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to inoperative headlamp high beams, refer to Headlamp Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8L - Lamps for diagnosis of the headlamp system. If no headlamp system problems are found, the following procedure will help locate an open in the high beam indicator lamp circuit. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster.

(2) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the headlamps on and select the high beams with the multi-function switch stalk. Check for battery voltage at the high beam indicator driver circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector A. If OK, replace the faulty bulb. If not OK, repair the open high beam indicator driver circuit to the headlamp dimmer (multi-function) switch as required.

LOW WASHER FLUID WARNING LAMP

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative low washer fluid warning lamp condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to lamp accuracy, be certain to confirm that the problem is with the lamp or washer fluid level sensor and not with a damaged or empty washer fluid reservoir. Inspect the reservoir for proper fluid level and signs of damage or distortion that could affect sensor performance before you proceed with lamp diagnosis. Refer to Washer System in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8K - Wiper and Washer Systems for more information.

For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Check the fused ignition switch output (run/ start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.

If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch as required.

(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Disconnect the wire harness connector from the washer fluid level sensor. Install a jumper wire between the two cavities of the washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. About thirty seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the On position, the low washer fluid warning lamp should light. Remove the jumper wire and the lamp should go off. If OK, replace the faulty washer fluid level sensor. If not OK, go to Step 4.

(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.

Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.

(5) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster. The washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector is still disconnected.

Check for continuity between the low washer fluid level sense circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted low washer fluid level sense circuit as required.

(6) Check for continuity between the low washer fluid level sense circuit cavities of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and the washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty bulb.

If not OK, repair the open low washer fluid level sense circuit as required.

TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LAMP

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative turn signal indicator lamp condition. For any other turn signal problem, refer to Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8J - Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems for further diagnosis. If no turn signal or hazard warning system problem is found, the following procedure will help locate a short or open in the indicator lamp circuit. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Instrument Cluster in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster.

(2) Connect the battery negative cable. Activate the hazard warning system by moving the hazard warning switch button to the On position. Check for battery voltage at the inoperative (right or left) turn signal circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector A - left, or connector B - right). There should be a switching (on and off) battery voltage signal. If OK, replace the faulty (right or left) indicator lamp bulb. If not OK, repair the open (right or left) turn signal circuit to the turn signal/ hazard warning (multi-function) switch as required.