Lighting and Horns: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Brake Lamp Switch:

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
The brake lamp switch is located under the instrument panel at the brake pedal arm. This switch contains three internal switches controlling various functions of the vehicle, one of them controls operation of the vehicle's brake lamps. Other functions of the internal switches include speed control deactivation and brake sense for the ABS and the brake transmission shift interlock.

The brake lamp switch has three internal switches used for various functions. Among these are:
- Brake lamp actuation
- Speed control deactivation, and
- Brake sense for ABS and brake transmission shift interlock

When the brake pedal is in the released position, the plunger on the outside of the brake lamp switch is pushed inward by the brake pedal. In this position, the electrical contacts for one internal switch are open while the electrical contacts for other two internal switches are closed.

When the brake pedal is pressed, the plunger on the outside of the brake lamp switch extends outward. This action closes the electrical contacts for the one internal switch and opens the contacts for the remaining two switches within the brake lamp switch. The internal switch which closes when the brake pedal is pressed completes the circuit to the brake lamps at the rear of the vehicle, thus allowing illumination of the brake lamps and the Center-High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL).

COMBINATION FLASHER
The Combination Flasher, also refered to as the combo-flasher, is mounted to the in-line bracket which is located to the right of the Junction Block. The flasher can be removed by pulling in a rearward direction. The left under panel silencer duct must be removed to access the flasher. The combo-flasher is black in color for ease of identification.

The Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Flasher is combined into one unit called a Combination Flasher (Combo-Flasher). The combo-flasher controls the flashing of the hazard warning system and the turn signal system. An inoperative bulb or incomplete turn signal circuit will result in an increase in flasher speed.

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP MODULE
On vehicles equipped with Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) (Canada only), they are controlled by the Daytime Running Lamp Module. The DRL module is attached to the Junction Block. The Junction Block is located on the left side of the instrument panel.

The DRL allows the high beam headlamps to illuminate at reduced power when the ignition switch is in the RUN position with the high and low beam headlamp switches in the OFF position. The Park Brake must be released and the Brake Fluid Level switch must be in the OPEN position to allow the headlamps to operate in DRL mode. The daytime running lamps will go out when the headlamp switch is turned ON. The passing light feature will flash bright high beams while the daytime running lamps are activated.

Fig. 21 Front Position Lamp - Export:

FRONT POSITION LAMP - EXPORT
All vehicles are equipped with front position lamps. One front position lamp is incorporated into each of the headlamp modules. These lamps utilize a clear lens and clear bulb and function in the same way that Parking Lamps do on other market built vehicles (U.S., Canada). The front position lamp is built in to the headlamp and therefore doesn't require its own lamp housing.

The front position lamps are turned ON or OFF with the headlamp switch. These lamps function in the same way that the parking lamps do on other market built vehicles. (U.S., Canada). Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

HEADLAMP
Headlamp System
The headlamp system is controlled completely by the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM controls the Park lamps, Headlamps, and Front Fog Lamps using relays located in the Junction Block. Three wires are connected between the headlamp switch and the BCM. The first wire contains information regarding the position of the headlamp switch (Off, Automatic Headlamps, Automatic Headlamp switch fog, Park with Fog, Head, or Head with Fog Lamps). The second wire contains information regarding the position of the dimmer switch (Dome Lamp, Daytime Brightness, or Dimming Level). The third wire is a dedicated signal return (ground) wire.

The headlamp system will default to the head-lamps ON position when the ignition switch is ON, or when an open/short circuit failure occurs on the headlamp switch input. The system will return to normal operation when the open or short is repaired. A fault will be reported by the BCM when a failure occurs on the dimmer or headlamp switch input.

The dimmer system will default to Daytime Brightness when an open or a short occurs on the dimmer switch input.

The BCM will turn OFF the exterior lamps if they are left ON with the ignition switch OFF for more than ten minutes. This feature prevents the vehicle battery from being discharged when the vehicle lights have been left ON.

Auto Headlamp System
The Automatic Headlamp system turns the instrumentation and exterior illumination lamps ON when the ambient light levels are low and OFF when light levels are high.

Automatic headlamps are controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM). With the headlamp switch in the AUTO position (Automatic mode). The BCM will control the headlamp, parking, side marker, tail and instrumentation lamps based on ambient light levels. Ambient light levels are monitored by the BCM using the automatic temperature control system Sun Sensor, located on the top of the instrument panel cover. Ambient light readings are averaged to limit cycling the lamps ON and OFF when passing through areas with varying light levels. The automatic headlamps will only function when the engine is running. When the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, the Headlamp Time Delay system will function when the ignition is switched OFF.

Headlamps On With Wipers
For vehicles equipped with the Automatic Headlamp System, the instrumentation and exterior illumination lamps will be turned ON when the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position and the windshield wipers have been in the intermittent, low or high mode of operation for more than ten seconds. When the windshield wipers are turned OFF the Body Control Module will determine if the instrumentation and exterior illumination lamps should remain ON base upon the current ambient light level.

Lamp Systems
Vehicles use lighting on the interior and exterior of the vehicle for illuminating and indicating purposes. Lighting circuits are protected by fuses or circuit breakers. Lighting circuits require an overload protected power source, ON/OFF device, lamps and body ground to operate properly. Plastic lamp sockets require a wire in the harness to supply body ground to the lamp socket. Lamp sockets that are exposed to moisture should be coated with Mopar Multi purpose Grease or equivalent to avoid corrosion. If a socket has become corroded, clean socket and bulb base with abrasive fiber sanding pad or metallic bristle brush. Replace sockets and bulbs that are deformed from corrosion that could prevent a continuous body ground.

Wire connectors can make intermittent contact or become corroded. Before coupling wire connectors, inspect the terminals inside the connector. Male terminals should not be bent or disengaged from the insulator. Female terminals should not be sprung open or disengaged from the insulator. Bent and sprung terminals can be repaired using needle nose pliers and pick tool. Corroded terminals appear chalky or green. Corroded terminals should be replaced to avoid recurrence of the problem symptoms. Wire connector terminals should be coated with Mopar Multi purpose Grease or equivalent to avoid corrosion.

Begin electrical system failure diagnosis by testing related fuses and circuit breakers in the fuse block and engine compartment. Verify that bulbs are in good condition and test continuity of the circuit ground. Refer to Wiring Diagrams, for component location and circuit information.

HEADLAMP DELAY
The Headlamp Time Delay system is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM) through the headlamp relay.

The headlamp time delay system is activated by turning the headlamps ON (high or low beam) while the engine is running, turning the ignition switch OFF, and then turning the headlamp switch OFF within 45 seconds. The system will not activate if more than 45 seconds elapse between ignition switch OFF and headlamp switch OFF. The BCM will allow the headlamps to remain ON for 90 seconds before they automatically turn OFF. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information.

HEADLAMP LEVELING MOTOR - EXPORT
Headlamp Leveling System
The Remote Headlamp Leveling System allows the driver to adjust the headlamp beam pattern from the interior of the vehicle to compensate for passenger or cargo load. Only the vertical axis of the headlamp beam can be adjusted.

A headlamp leveling switch is located on the instrument panel and controls the headlamp leveling motors/modules found on the headlamp modules. The Leveling switch has three settings 0-2, 0 being the lowest, 2 being the highest headlight beam vertical setting.

NOTE: When performing a headlamp beam pattern alignment on a vehicle equipped with headlamp leveling, be certain the headlamp leveling switch is in the "0" position before starting. Failure to do so will result in an incorrect headlamp alignment.

Moving the headlamp leveling switch control knob will adjust the voltage (rheostat) sent to the headlamp leveling motors. This signals the headlamp leveling motors to move and adjust the vertical headlamp beam pattern accordingly. The headlamp switch must be "ON" in order for the leveling system to function. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

Headlamp Leveling Motor
Vehicles equipped with the remote headlamp leveling system, utilize headlamp leveling motors. Two leveling motors are used per vehicle, one for each headlamp. These leveling motors are attached to the rear of the headlamp modules. They can be described as a small semi-square shaped module with a electrical connector attached to one side. Due to vehicle design these motors can only be serviced or accessed by removing the headlamp from the vehicle.

The headlamp leveling motors move the headlamp and beam pattern according to the signal received from the headlamp leveling switch. With the vehicles headlamps ON a signal voltage is sent from the headlamp leveling switch and received at each of the headlamp leveling motors. This signal voltage (typically 2 - 9 volts) tells the headlamp leveling motors where to position the headlamps. The headlamp leveling motors are attached to the headlamps with a pushrod snapped into the rear of headlamp reflector mechanism.

Fig. 25 Headlamp Leveling Switch - Export:

HEADLAMP LEVELING SWITCH - EXPORT
The Headlamp Leveling Switch is located next to the headlamp switch (Fig 25) and is the primary controller of the headlamp leveling system. The leveling switch has three settings 0-2, "0" being the lowest, "2" being the highest headlight beam vertical setting.

With the rotation of the headlamp leveling switch control knob, voltage is adjusted at the headlamp leveling switch (rheostat). This signals the headlamp leveling motors (headlamp module mounted) to adjust the vertical headlamp beam pattern accordingly. The headlamps must be "ON" in order for the leveling system to function. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

Fig. 36 Multi-Function Switch:

MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
Multi-Function Switch
The turn signals are part of the multi-function switch (Fig. 36) which contains:
- Electrical circuitry for turn signals.
- Hazard warning switch.
- Headlamp beam select switch.
- Headlamp optical horn.
- Windshield wiper switch.
- Pulse wipe and windshield washer switching.

The integrated switch assembly is mounted to the left hand side of the steering column.

When the driver wishes to signal his intentions to change direction of travel, he moves the lever upward to cause the right signals to flash and downward to cause the left signals to flash. After completion of a turn the system is deactivated automatically As the steering wheel returns to the straight ahead position, a canceling cam molded to the clock spring mechanism comes in contact with the cancel actuator on the turn signal multi-function switch assembly The cam lobe, pushing on the cancel actuator, returns the switch to the OFF position.

If only momentary signaling such as indication of a lane change is desired, the switch is actuated to a left or right intermediate detent position. In this position the signal lamps flash as described above, but the switch returns to the OFF position as soon as the lever is released.

When the system is activated, one of two indicator lamps mounted in the instrument cluster flashes in unison with the turn signal lamps, indicating to the driver that the system is operating.

Hazard Warning System
The hazard warning system is actuated by a push button located on the top of the steering column between the steering wheel and the instrument panel (Fig. 36). The hazard switch is identified with a double triangle on top of the button.

Push and release the button to turn the hazard function ON or OFF The button will move out from the steering column in the ON position and will remain in toward the column in the OFF position.

Fig. 42 Tail Lamp Bulbs:

REAR FOG LAMP - EXPORT
Some vehicles are equipped with rear fog lamps (Fig. 42). The rear fog lamp is integrated into the tail lamp assembly. If the rear fog lamp proves faulty the entire tail lamp must be replaced. Rear fog lamps utilize a red lens and clear bulb.

Rear fog lamps are standard equipment in certain parts of the world where excessive fog is experienced on a regular basis.

The rear fog lamps are turned ON and OFF with the rear fog lamp switch. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/FOG LAMP SWITCH - OPERATION) and Wiring Diagrams.

Fig. 25 Headlamp Leveling Switch - Export:

REAR FOG LAMP SWITCH - EXPORT
Vehicles equipped with rear fog lamps utilize a rear fog lamp switch. This switch is located next to the headlamp switch on (Fig. 43). The rear fog lamp switch is the primary controller of the rear fog lamps.

With the rotation of the rear fog lamp switch, voltage is sent through the rear fog lamp switch. This illuminates the rear fog lamp or lamps. The headlamps must be "ON" in order for the rear fog lamp/s to function. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin- out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

Fig. 44 Side Repeater Lamp:

SIDE REPEATER LAMP - EXPORT
One Side Repeater Lamp can be found on each side of the vehicle just behind the front wheel (Fig. 44). The side repeater lamp utilizes an amber colored housing and clear bulb.

The side repeater lamps are turned ON or OFF with the turn signal lamps. These lamps are controlled by the steering column mounted multi-function switch.

COURTESY LAMP
The Body Control Module (BCM) illuminates the courtesy lamps whenever a door is opened. When the last door is closed, the BCM "fades-to-OFF" the courtesy lamps in five seconds if not in illuminated entry mode. If a door is left ajar, the courtesy lamps remain on for a maximum of 15 minutes when the ignition switch is OFF. After 15 minutes, the BCM "fades-to-OFF" the courtesy lamps.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The Illuminated Entry System is available on vehicles equipped with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system. The Illuminated Entry System turns ON the courtesy lamps when the remote keyless entry system is activated.

The Remote Keyless Entry Module and the Body Control Module (BCM) are used to control the system. Courtesy lamps will turn ON for 30 seconds and "fade-to-OFF" over a five second period.

The Illuminated Entry System also turns ON the courtesy lamps when a door is opened. The courtesy lamps will remain ON while the door is open, then "fade-to-OFF" 30 seconds after the last door is closed.

The courtesy lamps will "fade-to-OFF" immediately when the ignition is switched to ON.

The Illuminated Entry System cannot be activated during the 30 second period after the ignition switch is turned OFF except by using the RKE transmitter. If a door is opened and closed during this 30 second period, the system will function as previously described.

The courtesy lamps will "fade-to-OFF" immediately if the RKE lock function is actuated with all the doors closed.

TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATOR ILLUMINATION
The floor console mounted Transmission Range Indicator Lamp display utilizes electroluminescent technology as the light source. The only diagnostics that should be performed is to check for the presence of 12 volts on the mating wire harness connector. The electroluminescent lamp requires a 120 volt AC signal that is provided by a power converter included in the assembly Because of a potential shock hazard, diagnostics testing of the electroluminescent lamp and power converter should be avoided. The module is not serviceable. Refer to Body, Floor Console Shift Bezel REMOVAL and INSTALLATION.