Dakota 2WD L4-2.5L VIN P (2001)
Turn Signal Indicator: Description and Operation
Two turn signal indicators, one right and one left, are standard equipment on all instrument clusters. The turn signal indicators are located near the upper
edge of the instrument cluster overlay, between the speedometer and the tachometer. Each turn signal indicator consists of a stenciled cutout of the
International Control and Display Symbol icon for "Turn Warning" in the opaque layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark outer layer of the
overlay prevents these icons from being clearly visible when their lamps are not illuminated. The icons appear in green through the translucent outer
layer of the overlay when the indicator is illuminated from behind by a replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb holder unit located on the instrument
cluster electronic circuit board. The turn signal indicators are serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
The turn signal indicators give an indication to the vehicle operator that the turn signal (left or right indicator flashing) or hazard warning (both left and
right indicators flashing) have been selected. These indicators are controlled by two individual hard wired inputs to the instrument cluster electronic
circuit board. The turn signal indicator bulbs are grounded on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board at all times. The turn signal indicator bulbs
only illuminate when they are provided with battery current by the turn signal and hazard warning circuitry of the combination flasher through separate
left and right turn signal circuit inputs to the instrument cluster; therefore, these indicators can be illuminated, regardless of the ignition switch position.
The turn signal indicators are connected in series between ground and the output of the combination flasher circuitry, but in parallel with the other turn
signal circuits. This arrangement allows the turn signal indicators to remain functional regardless of the condition of the other circuits in the turn signal
and hazard warning system. For more information on the turn signal and hazard warning system, (Refer to LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR -
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL & HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM). The turn signal indicators can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods.
