Grand Caravan FWD V6-3.8L VIN L (2001)
Driver/Vehicle Information Display: Description and Operation
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) is a module located in the overhead console on some models. The EVIC module features a
large Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) screen for displaying information, and back-lit push button switches labeled C/T
(Compass/Thermometer), RESET, STEP, and MENU.
The EVIC module contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other electronic modules in the vehicle over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) J1850 data bus circuit. The PCI data bus circuit allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce
wire harness complexity, reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides
increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities.
The EVIC "Menu" push button provides the vehicle operator with a user interface, which allows the selection of several optional customer
programmable electronic features to suit individual preferences.
Refer to ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER PROGRAMMING in the Service Procedures for more information on the
customer programmable feature options.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Homelink transceiver, the EVIC will also display messages and an icon indicating when the Homelink
transceiver is being trained, which of the three transmitter buttons is transmitting, and when the transceiver is cleared.
Data input for all EVIC functions, including VFD dimming level, is received through the J1850 PCI data bus circuit. The EVIC module uses its
internal programming and all of its data inputs to calculate and display the requested data. If the data displayed is incorrect, perform the
self-diagnostic tests as described. If these tests prove inconclusive, the use of a DRB III scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are
recommended for further testing of the EVIC module and the J1850 PCI data bus circuit.
The EVIC module cannot be repaired, and is available for service only as a unit. This unit includes the plastic module and display lens. If any of
these components is faulty or damaged, the complete EVIC module must be replaced.
The EVIC has access to both non-switched and ignition switched sources of battery current so that some of its features remain operational at any
time, while others may only operate with the ignition switch in the ON position. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the EVIC
module VFD will return to the last function being displayed before the ignition was turned to the OFF position.
The compass/thermometer display is the normal EVIC display. With the ignition switch in the ON position, momentarily depressing and releasing
the C/T (compass/thermometer) push button switch will cause the EVIC to return to the compass/thermometer/trip computer display mode from
any other mode. While in the compass/thermometer/trip computer display mode, momentarily depressing and releasing the Step push button will
step through the available trip computer display options.
The EVIC trip computer features several functions that can be reset. The functions that can be reset are: average fuel economy, trip odometer and
elapsed time. With the ignition switch in the ON position and with one of the functions of the trip computer that can be reset currently displayed,
depressing the Reset push button twice within three seconds will perform a global reset, and all of the trip computer information that can be reset
will be reset to zero. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the function that is to be reset currently displayed, momentarily depressing
and releasing the Reset push button once will perform a local reset, and only the value of the displayed function will be reset to zero. A global or
local reset will only occur if the function currently displayed is a function that can be reset. The distance to service function can also be reset using
the local reset method, but it will reset back to the Service Interval distance that is set in the EVIC programmable features mode. Refer to
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER PROGRAMMING in the Service Procedures for more information on setting the Service
Interval.
For more information on the features, control functions and setting procedures for the EVIC module, see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box.
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) serves as the user interface for the memory system. It displays memory system status messages
and provides the user with the means for enabling and disabling the many customer programmable features available on the vehicle, including
those for the memory system.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the EVIC. Refer to Electronic Vehicle
Information Center in Overhead Console Systems for more information on the EVIC.
