FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Instrument Cluster Gauges

Standard Instrument Cluster:






Optional Instrument Cluster:






Optional Instrument Cluster - R/T Model:





INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Front Fog Light Indicator - If Equipped

This light shows when the front fog lights areON.

2. Brake System Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the brake light comes on, it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, or there is a low brake fluid level. On vehicles equipped with Anti-lock brakes (ABS), it may also indicate an ABS malfunction that could lead to reduced braking performance.

WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your vehicle harder to control. You could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

The operation of the Brake Warning light can be checked turning the ignition key from the OFF to the ON position. The light should illuminate for three seconds, or until the engine is started, whichever comes first. The light should then go out unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected and serviced as soon as possible.

The light will also come on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition in the ON position.

NOTE: This light shows only that the parking brake is on. It does not show the degree of brake application.

If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have the brake system inspected as soon as possible.

3. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) - If Equipped

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System - (ABS). This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.

If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required, however, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not on.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock Brakes.

The warning light should be checked frequently to assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to a point midway between ON and START. The light should come on. If the light does not come on, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

4. Speedometer

Indicates vehicle speed.

5. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.

6. High Beam Indicator

This light shows that the headlights are on high beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low beam.

7. Tachometer - If Equipped

The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to prevent engine damage.

8. Oil Pressure Light

Shows low engine oil pressure. The tight will come on and remain on when the ignition key is turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.

The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.

9. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition key is first turned on, this light will come on for about six seconds. A chime will sound if you have not pulled the shoulder belt out of the retractor. This is a reminder to buckle up' If you do not buckle up, the light will remain on.

10. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. The light should come on briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, it means that there is a problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE MEDIATELY.

11.Airbag Light

AIR The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8 BAG seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light does not come on during starting, stays on, or comes on while driving, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

12. Theft Alarm Light - If Equipped

This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash slowly indicating that the system is armed.

13. Fuel Door Reminder

This symbol is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is located on the passenger's side of the vehicle.

14. Fuel Gauge

When the ignition key is in the ON position, the pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.

15. Low Fuel Light - If Equipped

When the fuel level drops to about 1/8 tank, the fuel symbol will light and a single chime will sound. The light will remain on until fuel is added. If the fuel level drops to about 1/2 gallon, the fuel symbol will begin to flash and the chime will sound several times.

16. Malfunction Indicator Light

This light is part of an on-board diagnostic system called OBD that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light will illuminate briefly when the key is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.

If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.

17. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Knob

Press this knob to switch between the odometer and trip odometer. While the trip odometer is being displayed, press and hold this knob for a few seconds to reset the trip odometer to zero miles/kilometers.

18. Odometer/Trip Odometer

Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.

U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading changes during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the service so the correct mileage can be determined.

19. Door Ajar Indicator

This vacuum fluorescent display indicator illuminates when a door is not completely closed. If the door is open for more than 8 minutes and the ignition key is in the OFF position, the indicator will turn off.

20. Trip Indicator

This light will illuminate when the Trip Odometer is in use.

21 Cruise Light - If �quipped

This indicator shows that the Speed Control System is ON.

NOTE The word SET will not illuminate when the Speed Control System is on.

22. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temperature. Any reading between the light blue and red areas of the gauge shows that the engine cooling system is operating properly. The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when towing a trailer.

If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark, the instrument cluster will sound a chime. Pull off the road at a safe area.

With the vehicle in Park, idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H (red) mark, turn the ignition off immediately and call for service.

There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.