Challenger V8-5.7L (2010)
Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Testing and Inspection
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
WARNING: Disable the supplemental restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, Occupant Classification
System (OCS), seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the
battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis
or service. This is the only sure way to disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Failure to take the proper precautions
could result in accidental airbag deployment and serious or fatal injury.
If all of the instrument cluster gauges and indicators are inoperative, be certain to check the instrument cluster fused B(+) fuse and B (+) circuit as well
as the ground circuits, for shorts or opens. 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.
If an individual hardwired gauge or indicator is inoperative, refer to the diagnosis and testing service information for that specific gauge or indicator. If
an individual Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus message-controlled gauge or indicator is inoperative, perform the Actuator Test as follows:
CAUTION: Instrument clusters used in this model automatically configure themselves for compatibility with the features and optional
equipment in the vehicle in which they are initially installed. The instrument cluster is programmed to do this by embedding the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and other information critical to proper cluster operation into electronic memory. This
embedded information is learned through electronic messages received from other electronic modules in the vehicle over the
Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, and through certain hard wired inputs received when the cluster is connected to the
vehicle electrically. Once configured, the instrument cluster memory may be irreparably damaged and certain irreversible
configuration errors may occur if the cluster is connected electrically to another vehicle; or, if an electronic module from another
vehicle is connected that provides data to the instrument cluster (including odometer values) that conflicts with that which was
previously learned and stored. Therefore, the practice of exchanging (swapping) instrument clusters and other electronic modules
in this vehicle with those removed from another vehicle must always be avoided. Failure to observe this caution may result in
instrument cluster damage, which is not reimbursable under the terms of the product warranty. Service replacement instrument
clusters are provided with the correct VIN, and the certified odometer and engine hours values embedded into cluster memory,
but will otherwise be automatically configured for compatibility with the features and optional equipment in the vehicle in which
they are initially installed.
NOTE: Certain indicators in this instrument cluster are automatically configured. This feature allows those indicators to be activated or
deactivated for compatibility with certain optional equipment. If the problem being diagnosed involves improper illumination of the
cruise indicator, the electronic throttle control indicator, the tow/haul indicator, the service four-wheel drive indicator, the four-wheel
drive low indicator, the four-wheel drive lock indicator, the transmission overtemp indicator, the security indicator or the gear
selector indicator, disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. After about five minutes, reconnect the battery negative cable and
turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The instrument cluster should automatically relearn the equipment in the vehicle and
properly configure the configurable indicators accordingly.
ACTUATOR TEST
The instrument cluster actuator test puts the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the instrument cluster can performs a
self-diagnostic test that confirms that the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the indicators are capable of operating as designed. During the
actuator test the instrument cluster circuitry will positions each of the gauge needles at various calibration points and illuminates all of the segments in
the Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) units.
Successful completion of the actuator test confirms that the instrument cluster is operational. However, there may still be a problem with the CAN data
bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Front Control Module (FCM), the Transmission Control Module (TCM), the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC), the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), or the hardwired inputs to one of these electronic control modules. Use a diagnostic scan tool
to diagnose these components. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
1. Begin the test with the ignition switch in the OFF position.
2. Press and hold the odometer/trip odometer switch button.
3. While still holding the odometer/trip odometer switch button, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start the engine.
4. Release the odometer/trip odometer switch button.
5. The instrument cluster simultaneously illuminates all of the operational segments in both VFD units, and performs a bulb check of each
operational LED indicator. The VFD segments and LED indicators remain illuminated as each gauge needle sweeps to several calibration points
and back. If a VFD segment or an LED indicator fails to illuminate, or if a gauge needle fails to sweep through the calibration points and back
during this test, replace the instrument cluster.
6. The actuator test is now completed. The instrument cluster automatically exits the self-diagnostic mode and returns to normal operation at the
completion of the test. The actuator test aborts if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, or if a vehicle speed message indicating that the
vehicle is moving is received from the PCM over the CAN data bus during the test.
7. Go back to 1 to repeat the test, if necessary.
