Power and Ground Distribution: Description and Operation
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMThis information covers the various standard and optional power distribution components used on this model.
The power distribution system for this vehicle is designed to provide safe, reliable, centralized and convenient to access 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 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
- Fuse cartridges
- Fusible links
- Automatic resetting circuit breakers
- Relays
- Flashers
- Timers
- Circuit splice blocks.
The power distribution system for this vehicle consists of the following components:
- Power Distribution Center (PDC)
- Fuse Block
Following are general descriptions of the major components in the power distribution system. Refer to 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 (PDC)
Power Distribution Center (PDC) Location:
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 in the left front corner of the engine compartment, just behind the air cleaner housing and left of the battery. The PDC housing has a molded plastic cover. The PDC cover is easily removed for service access and has a convenient fuse and relay layout label affixed to the inside surface of the cover to ensure proper component identification.
The PDC housing is secured to the left inner fender well an indexing pin and one screw. All of the PDC outputs are through the integral engine compartment wire harness.
All of the current from the generator cable connection goes to the battery through a 140 ampere fusible link that is secured with a nut to the positive battery cable terminal. The PDC houses up to ten six fuse cartridges, which replace all in-line fusible links. The PDC also houses up to twelve blade-type fuses, up to three full International Standards Organization (ISO) relays, and up to eight mini International Standards Organization (ISO) relays. Internal connection of all the PDC circuits is accomplished by an intricate network of hard wiring and bus bars.
The fusible link, fuses and relays are available for service replacement. The PDC unit cannot be repaired and is only serviced as a unit with the engine compartment wire harness. If the PDC is faulty or damaged, the engine compartment wire harness assembly must be replaced.
FUSE BLOCK
Fuse Block Location:
An electrical Fuse Block is located in the left end of the instrument panel. It serves to simplify and centralize numerous electrical components, as well as to distribute electrical current to many of the accessory systems in the vehicle.
The Fuse Block is positioned on a mounting bracket up and under the left instrument panel. It is secured by two screws. The fuse block is concealed behind the left instrument panel end cap. The left end cap is a snap-fit access cover that conceals the fuse block fuses. A fuse layout placard is on the back of the end cap to ensure proper fuse identification.
Fuse Block:
The fuse block houses blade-type fuses and automatic resetting circuit breakers. Internal connection of all the fuse block circuits is accomplished by an intricate network of hard wiring and bus bars.
The fuses and circuit breakers are available for service replacement. The fuse block unit cannot be repaired and is only serviced as an assembly. If any circuit or the fuse block housing is faulty or damaged, the entire fuse block and instrument panel wire harness assembly must be replaced.