Telltale Lamps

Up-Level Cluster:

Base Cluster:

TELLTALE INDICATOR LAMPS

High Beam
The high beam indicator lamp receives power from the battery, through the instrument cluster. When the headlamp switch is in the HIGH BEAM position, it supplies a ground, turning the indicator ON. This an indicates to the vehicle's operator that the high beams are ON.

Left Turn Signal Indicator Lamp
The left turn signal indicator lamp is switched to power by the left turn signal switch. When the switch is in the left turn position current flows through the indicator lamp which is connected to ground within the cluster. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that the left turn signal is operating. If both the left and right turn signal indicator lamps are flashing the hazard flashers are ON.

Right Turn Signal Indicator Lamp
The right turn signal indicator lamp is switched to power by the right turn signal switch. When the switch is in the right turn position current flows through the indicator lamp which is connected to ground within the cluster. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that the right turn signal is operating. If both the right and left turn signal indicator lamps are flashing the hazard flashers are ON.

LAP BELT Indicator Lamp
The LAP BELT indicator lamp is pulled to ground through an open collector transistor in the passive restraint control module (PRCM). When the lamp is pulled to ground, current from the ignition circuit flows through the indicator lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the to the vehicle's operator that the lap belt is not buckled.

The LAP BELT indicator lamp is illuminated, for approximately two seconds, during engine start-up by the PRCM for a bulb check.

SERVICE ENGINE SOON Indicator Lamp
The SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator lamp (called the malfunction indicator lamp [MIL]) is pulled to ground by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When the lamp is pulled to ground, current from the ignition circuit flows through the indicator lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that there is a possible problem with the engine control system.

During engine start-up the SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated, for approximately two seconds, by the PCM for a bulb check.

LOW COOLANT Indicator Lamp
The low coolant indicator lamp is connected to ground by an 820 ohm, 1/2 watt resistor, located in the instrument cluster. When the coolant level is adequate it is pulled up to IGNITION 1 by the coolant level switch. If the coolant level is below a specified level, this switch opens and the input level drops to GROUND. This signal activates a counter integrated circuit (IC) which, after a 8-12 second delay, drives an NPN transistor and turns on the indicator lamp. This indicates to the operator that the coolant level is low.

During engine start-up the LOW COOLANT indicator lamp is illuminated, for 2.5 seconds, by the integrated circuit built into the instrument cluster for a bulb check.

Brake Indicator Lamp
The brake indicator lamp is switched to ground by either the low brake fluid switch (indicating low brake fluid), antilock brake system (ABS) module (indicating a possible problem within the mechanical function of the brakes), or the park brake switch (indicating the park brake is engaged). When the brake indicator lamp is switch to ground, current from the ignition circuit flows through the indicator lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that the park brake is engaged, brake fluid is low, or there is a possible problem in the mechanical portion of the antilock brake system.

During engine start-up the brake indicator lamp is illuminated, for 2.5 seconds, by the integrated circuit built into the instrument cluster for a bulb check.

Coolant Temperature Indicator Lamp
The coolant temperature indicator lamp is pulled to ground by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When the lamp is pulled to ground, current from the ignition circuit flows through the indicator lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that the coolant temperature has exceeded a specified temperature.

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle, the coolant temperature indicator lamp is also used to indicate a possible overheat condition within the automatic transaxle.

The coolant temperature indicator lamp is illuminated, for approximately two seconds, during engine start-up by the PCM for a bulb check.

Oil Pressure Indicator Lamp
The oil pressure indicator lamp is switched to ground by the oil pressure switch on the SOHC (LKO) engine or by the oil pressure sender/switch on the DOHC (LLO) engine. When the lamp is switched to ground, ignition voltage flows through the lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that the oil pressure has dropped below a specified limit.

The oil pressure indicator lamp is illuminated, for approximately one to two seconds, until the oil pressure raises enough to open the oil pressure switch, for a bulb check.

Charge (Battery) Indicator Lamp
The charge (battery) indicator lamp is pulled to ground by the voltage regulator, located internal to the generator. When the lamp is pulled to ground, ignition voltage flows through the lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that there is a possible problem in the charging circuit.

The charge (battery) indicator lamp is illuminated, for approximately one to two seconds, during engine start-up, until the voltage regulator senses voltage output by the generator, for a bulb check.

Seat Belt Indicator Lamp
The seat belt indicator lamp is pulled to ground through an open collector transistor located in the passive restraint control module (PRCM). When the lamp is switched to ground, ignition voltage flows through the lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that the shoulder belt is not buckled, or there is a problem with the passive restraint system.

The seat belt indicator lamp is illuminated, for approximately two seconds, during engine start-up by the PRCM for a bulb check.

SHIFT TO D2 Indicator Lamp (Automatic Transaxle)
The SHIFT TO D2 indicator lamp is pulled to ground by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When the lamp is switched to ground, ignition voltage flows through the lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator that a possible problem has been detected in the automatic transmission control system by the transmission controller (TC), located inside the powertrain control module.

Upshift Indicator Lamp (Manual Transaxle) (U.S. only)
The upshift indicator lamp is pulled to ground by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When the lamp is pulled to ground, ignition voltage flows through the lamp, allowing it to illuminate. This indicates to the vehicle's operator when to shift to the next highest gear for maximum fuel mileage.

ANTILOCK Brake Indicator Lamp (Base and Up-Level Clusters)
The ANTILOCK brake indicator is illuminated by the antilock brake system (ABS) module. The cluster supplies an 8.0 volt (nominal [6.2 volt minimum]) input, through a resistor, located in the instrument cluster. This voltage drives an NPN transistor in the instrument cluster allowing current to flow through the bulb. If the ABS module provides a ground to the input of the cluster, then the NPN transistor is turned off and the bulb remains off. If this input is open when ignition voltage is present, the ANTILOCK brake indicator lamp illuminates.

The ANTILOCK indicator lamp is illuminated, for approximately two seconds, during engine start-up by the ABS module for a bulb check.