Actuator Test

ACTUATOR TEST

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

The instrument cluster actuator test will put the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the indicators are capable of operating as designed. During the actuator test the instrument cluster circuitry will position each of the gauge needles at various calibration points, illuminate all of the segments in the Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) units, turn all of the indicators on and off again, display any Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) information, and display the number of ignition key cycles that have occurred since the DTC was detected. It is suggested that a note pad and pencil be used to write down any fault information that is displayed during the test for reference.

Successful completion of the actuator test will confirm that the instrument cluster is operational. However, there may still be a problem with the PCI data bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Engine Control Module (ECM), the Front Control Module (FCM), the Transmission Control Module (TCM), the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM), the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), or the inputs to one of these electronic control modules. Use a DRBIII scan tool to diagnose these components. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

1. Begin the test with the ignition switch in the Off position.
2. Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch button.
3. While still holding the odometer/trip odometer switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to the On position, but do not start the engine.
4. Release the odometer/trip odometer switch button.
5. The instrument cluster will simultaneously illuminate all of the operational segments in both VFD units, perform a bulb check of each operational LED indicator. The VFD segments and LED indicators remain illuminated as each gauge needle is swept to several calibration points and back. If a VFD segment or an LED indicator fails to illuminate, or if a gauge needle fails to sweep through the calibration points and back during this test, the instrument cluster must be replaced. Following these tests, the actuator test will proceed as described in Step 6.

Instrument Cluster Failure Message (Part 1 Of 3):

Instrument Cluster Failure Message (Part 2 Of 3):

Instrument Cluster Failure Message (Part 3 Of 3):

6. The text "C Code" is displayed in the odometer VFD for about three seconds. If there is no stored fault information, the display will show two pairs of zeroes in the format "00" "00", which indicate that the display of fault information is done. If there is stored fault information, two sets of two-digit alpha and alpha-numeric fault codes will appear in the odometer display for a three second interval. The first pair of digits represents a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), or fault code for the instrument cluster. The second pair of digits is a counter for the number of ignition key cycles that have occurred since the displayed DTC was set. The instrument cluster will continue to display additional sets of two pairs of digits at three second intervals until all of the stored codes have been displayed, which is again signaled by a code of "00" "00". Refer to the Instrument Cluster Failure Message table for a description of each fault code that the instrument cluster displays. If an instrument cluster fault is displayed, use a DRBIII scan tool to diagnose the problem. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
7. The actuator test is now completed. 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 over the PCI data bus during the test.
8. Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if necessary.