Dodge Dakota (ND). Manual - part 284
cators are controlled by transistors on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board based upon the cluster
programming, a hard wired multiplex input received by the cluster from the turn signal and hazard warning switch
circuitry of the multi-function switch on the turn/hazard switch mux circuit, and electronic messages received from
the Front Control Module (FCM) (also known as the Integrated Power Module/IPM) over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus.
Each turn signal 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, each 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 turn signal indicators for the following reasons:
•
Turn Signal-On Input - Each time the cluster detects a turn signal-on input from the turn signal switch circuitry
of the multi-function switch on the turn/hazard switch mux circuit, it sends the appropriate electronic turn signal
switch status messages to the FCM over the CAN data bus. The FCM responds to these messages by con-
trolling a battery voltage output and the flash rate for either the right or left turn signal lamps. The FCM also
sends the appropriate electronic messages back to the EMIC to control the illumination and flash rate of the
right or left turn signal indicators, as well as to control the click rate of an electromechanical relay soldered
onto the EMIC electronic circuit board that emulates the sound emitted by a conventional turn signal flasher.
The turn signals and the turn signal indicators continue to flash on and off until the cluster receives a turn
signal-off input from the multi-function switch, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever
occurs first.
•
Hazard Warning-On Input - Each time the cluster detects a hazard warning-on input from the hazard warning
switch circuitry of the multi-function switch on the turn/hazard switch mux circuit, it sends the appropriate elec-
tronic hazard switch status messages to the FCM over the CAN data bus. The FCM responds to these mes-
sages by controlling a battery voltage output and the flash rate for each of the right and left turn signal lamps.
The FCM also sends the appropriate electronic messages back to the EMIC to control the illumination and
flash rate of the right and left turn signal indicators, as well as to control the click rate of an electromechanical
relay soldered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board that emulates the sound emitted by a conventional haz-
ard warning flasher. The turn signals and the turn signal indicators continue to flash on and off until the cluster
receives a hazard warning-off input from the multi-function switch.
•
Lamp Out Mode - The instrument cluster also sends electronic turn signal on and off messages to the FCM
over the CAN data bus, and the FCM flashes the appropriate exterior turn signal lamps. If the FCM detects an
inoperative turn signal lamp or circuit, it increases the flash rate for the remaining operative turn signals and
sends an electronic message back to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster then increases the flash
rate of the turn signal indicator(s) and the clicking rate of the electromechanical relay to provide an indication
of the problem to the vehicle operator.
•
Actuator Test - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the turn signal indicators will be turned
on, then off again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of each LED and the
cluster control circuitry.
The instrument cluster continually monitors the multi-function switch and electronic messages from the FCM to
determine the proper turn signal and hazard warning system control. For further diagnosis of the turn signal indi-
cators or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indicators, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For proper diagnosis of the turn signal and hazard warning system, the multi-function switch, the FCM, the CAN
data bus, or the electronic message inputs to the instrument cluster that control the turn signal indicators, a diag-
nostic scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A washer fluid indicator is standard equipment on all
instrument clusters. This indicator is located in the
center of the speedometer, in the area below and to
the left of the speedometer needle hub.
8J - 78
CLUSTER
ND