Electrical Accessory Panel: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
Power Distribution System
The power distribution system for this vehicle is designed to provide safe, reliable, and centralized distribution of the electrical current required to operate all of the many standard and optional factory-installed electrical and electronic powertrain, chassis, safety, comfort and convenience systems. At the same time, these systems were designed to provide convenient to access centralized locations for conducting diagnosis of faulty circuits, and for sourcing the additional current requirements of many aftermarket vehicle accessory and convenience items.

These power distribution systems also incorporate various types of circuit control and protection features, including:
- Fuses
- Maxi fuse-type fusible links
- Relays.

The power distribution system for this vehicle consists of the following components:
- Power Distribution Center (PDC)
- Fuseblock Module

See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of all of the power distribution system components.

Power Distribution Center

Power Distribution Center:

All of the electrical current distributed throughout this vehicle is directed through the standard equipment Power Distribution Center (PDC). The molded plastic PDC housing is located on the right side of the engine compartment, just forward of the battery. The PDC housing has a molded plastic cover that includes two integral pivot hooks on the outboard side, and an integral latch on the inboard side. The PDC cover is easily removed for service access and has a convenient adhesive-backed fuse and relay layout label affixed to the inside surface of the cover to ensure proper component identification.

The PDC housing is secured to a stamped sheet metal bracket in the engine compartment by mounting slots and tabs that are integral to the PDC housing. The PDC mounting bracket is secured with three screws to the right front inner fender shield above the right front wheel house. A separate cover that is secured by an integral bail strap to the rear of the PDC housing is unlatched and removed to access the battery/generator cable connection stud. The PDC is integral to the dash wire harness, which exits from the rearward end of the PDC housing.

The PDC houses up to fourteen blade-type maxi fuses, which replace all in-line fusible links. The PDC also houses up to six blade-type mini fuses, the ABS relay, and up to nine International Standards Organization (ISO) relays (three standard-type and six micro-type). Internal connection of all of the PDC circuits is accomplished by an intricate combination of hard wiring and bus bars.

The maxi fuses, mini fuses and relays are available for service replacement. The PDC unit cannot be repaired and is only serviced as a unit with the dash wire harness. If the PDC internal circuits or housing are faulty or damaged, the PDC and dash wire harness unit must be replaced.