Diesel Data: Automotive Repair
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Part 2






OPERATION

INDICATORS

Indicators are located in various positions within the CCN and are all connected to the CCN electronic circuit board. The various CCN indicators are controlled by different strategies; some receive fused ignition switch output from the CCN circuitry and have a switched ground, while others are grounded through the CCN circuitry and have a switched battery feed. However, all indicators are completely controlled by the CCN microprocessor based upon various hard wired and electronic message inputs. The blue/green indicators located within the VFD unit will dim accordingly with the instrument panel dimming. The red indicators within the VFD are at a fixed intensity.

ABS INDICATOR





The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the ABS system is faulty or inoperative. This indicator is controlled by a low side driver on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The ABS indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the ABS indicator for the following reasons:

- Bulb Test - Each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position the ABS indicator is illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test. The entire bulb test is a function of the CAB.
- ABS Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the ABS indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Communication Error - If the cluster receives no lamp-on or lamp-off messages from the CAB for five consecutive message cycles, the ABS indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a valid message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Actuator Test - Each time the instrument cluster is put through the actuator test, the ABS indicator will be turned on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.
- ABS Diagnostic Test - The ABS indicator is blinked on and off by lamp-on and lamp-off messages from the CAB during the performance of the ABS diagnostic tests.

The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. If the CAB sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a system malfunction and/or that the ABS system has become inoperative. The CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. Each time the ABS indicator fails to light due to an open or short in the cluster ABS indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the CAB of the condition, then the instrument cluster and the CAB will each store a DTC. The ABS indicator is serviced with the instrument cluster.

AIRBAG INDICATOR





The airbag indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the airbag system is faulty or inoperative. The airbag indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The airbag indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the airbag indicator for the following reasons:

- Bulb Test - Each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position the airbag indicator is illuminated for about six to eight seconds. The entire bulb test is a function of the ORC.
- ORC Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives a lamp-on message from the ORC, the airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated for about twelve seconds or until the cluster receives a lamp-off message from the ORC, whichever is longer.
- Communication Error - If the cluster receives no airbag messages for ten consecutive message cycles, the airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a single lamp-off message from the ORC.
- Actuator Test - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the airbag indicator will be turned on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator test illumination of the airbag indicator is a function of the instrument cluster.

The ORC continually monitors the airbag system circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The ORC then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. If the ORC sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that the ORC has detected a system malfunction and/or that the airbags and seat belt tensioners may not deploy when required, or may deploy when not required. The ORC will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. Each time the airbag indicator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in the cluster airbag indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the ORC of the condition, the instrument cluster and the ORC will each store a DTC, and the cluster will flash the seat belt indicator on and off as a backup to notify the vehicle operator. The Airbag indicator is serviced with the instrument cluster.

BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR





The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the parking brake is applied, when there are certain brake hydraulic system malfunctions as indicated by a low brake hydraulic fluid level condition, or when the brake fluid level switch is disconnected. The brake indicator can also give an indication when certain faults are detected in the Antilock Brake System (ABS). This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming, electronic messages received by the cluster from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, and a hard wired input from the park brake switch.

The brake indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the brake indicator for the following reasons:

- Bulb Test - Each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position the brake indicator is illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test. The entire bulb test is a function of the CAB.
- Brake Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives a lamp-on message from the CAB, the brake indicator will be illuminated. The CAB can also send brake lamp-on messages as feedback during ABS diagnostic procedures. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a lamp-off message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Park Brake Switch Input - Each time the cluster detects ground on the park brake switch sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park brake applied or not fully released) while the ignition switch is in the On position, and vehicle speed in 8km (4.9 mph) or greater, the brake indicator flashes on and off. The indicator continues to flash until the park brake switch sense input to the cluster is an open circuit (park brake switch open = park brake fully released), or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Actuator Test - Each time the instrument cluster is put through the actuator test, the brake indicator will be turned on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.

The park brake switch on the park brake pedal mechanism provides a hard wired ground input to the instrument cluster circuitry through the park brake switch sense circuit whenever the park brake is applied or not fully released. The CAB continually monitors the ABS system circuits and sensors, including the brake fluid level switch on the brake master cylinder reservoir, to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. If the CAB sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a brake hydraulic system malfunction and/or that the ABS system has become inoperative. The CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. The Brake/Park Brake indicator is serviced with the instrument cluster.

CHARGING INDICATOR





The charging indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the electrical system voltage is too low or too high. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The charging indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the charging indicator for the following reasons:

- Bulb Test - Each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position the charging indicator is illuminated by the instrument cluster for about three seconds as a bulb test.
- Voltage Low Message - Each time the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is low (less than about 11.5 volts is a charge fail condition), the charging indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is normal (greater than about 12.0 volts, but less than 16.0 volts), or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Voltage High Message - Each time the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is high (greater than about 16.0 volts), the charging indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the electrical system voltage is normal (less than about 15.5 volts, but greater than 11.5 volts), or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.
- Actuator Test - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the charging indicator will be turned on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.

The PCM continually monitors the electrical system voltage to control the generator output. The PCM then sends the proper system voltage messages to the instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster turns on the charging indicator due to a charge fail or voltage high condition, it may indicate that the charging system requires service. For further diagnosis of the charging indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indicator, Testing and Inspection. The Charging indicator is serviced with the instrument cluster.

ENGINE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR





The engine temperature indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the engine temperature gauge reading reflects a condition requiring immediate attention. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The engine temperature indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the engine temperature indicator for the following reasons:

- Bulb Test - Each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position the engine temperature indicator is illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test. The entire bulb test is a function of the PCM.
- Engine Temperature High Message - Each time the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature is above about 122° C (252° F), the engine temperature indicator will be illuminated and a single chime tone is sounded. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating that the engine coolant temperature is below about 119° C (246° F), or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first. The chime tone feature will only repeat during the same ignition cycle if the engine temperature indicator is cycled off and then on again by the appropriate engine temperature messages from the PCM.
- Actuator Test - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the engine temperature indicator will be turned on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.

The PCM continually monitors the engine coolant temperature sensor to determine the engine operating temperature. The PCM then sends the proper engine coolant temperature messages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the engine temperature indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the LED, Testing and Inspection. If the instrument cluster turns on the engine temperature indicator due to a high engine temperature gauge reading, it may indicate that the engine or the engine cooling system requires service. The Engine Temperature indicator is serviced with the instrument cluster.

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL INDICATOR





The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the ETC system is faulty or inoperative. The ETC indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The ETC indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the ETC indicator for the following reasons:

- Bulb Test - Each time the ignition switch is turned to the On position the ETC indicator is illuminated for about fifteen seconds. The entire bulb test is a function of the PCM.
- ETC Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives a lamp-on message from the PCM, the ETC indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dictated by the PCM message. The indicator remains illuminated solid or continues to flash for about twelve seconds or until the cluster receives a lamp-off message from the PCM, whichever is longer. If the indicator is illuminated solid with the engine running the vehicle will usually remain drivable. If the indicator is flashing with the engine running the vehicle may require towing. A flashing indicator means the ETC system requires immediate service.
- Actuator Test - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the ETC indicator will be turned on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator test illumination of the ETC indicator is a function of the PCM.

The PCM continually monitors the ETC system circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The PCM then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. If the PCM sends a lamp-on message after the bulb test, it indicates that the PCM has detected an ETC system malfunction and/or that the ETC system is inoperative. The PCM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. Each time the ETC indicator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in the cluster ETC indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the PCM of the condition, the instrument cluster and the PCM will each store a DTC. The Electronic Throttle Control indicator is serviced with the instrument cluster.

FOG LAMP INDICATOR





The fog lamp indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator whenever the optional fog lamps are illuminated. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the TIPM over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The fog lamp indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will allow this indicator to operate whenever the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused B(+) circuit. Therefore, the LED can be illuminated regardless of the ignition switch position. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn on the fog lamp indicator for the following reasons:

- Fog Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives a fog lamp-on message from the TIPM indicating the fog lamp relay is energized, the fog lamp indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a fog lamp-off message from the TIPM.
- Actuator Test - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the fog lamp indicator will be turned on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.

The instrument cluster continually monitors a hard wired input from the headlamp switch to determine the selected fog lamp switch status. The instrument cluster then sends the proper fog lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the TIPM over the CAN data bus. The TIPM activates the fog lamp relay then sends the proper fog lamp indicator lamp-on and lamp-off messages to the instrument cluster. For further diagnosis of the fog lamp indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indicator, Testing and Inspection. The Fog Lamp indicator is serviced with the instrument cluster.
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