Grand Cherokee 2WD V8-5.2L VIN Y (1998)
Driver/Vehicle Information Display: Testing and Inspection
Vehicle Information Center
The Vehicle Information Center (VIC) has a number of display functions and features. The diagnosis found here addresses only those VIC messages and
functions that are controlled by hard-wired inputs. To diagnose any internally controlled VIC function or feature, or any that are enabled by inputs on the
CCD data bus network, use a DRB scan tool and the proper Computers and Control Systems/Body Control Module/Testing and Inspection Procedures.
Coolant Level Low/Coolant Sensor Bad
If the problem being diagnosed is related to lamp accuracy, be certain to confirm that the problem is with the lamp and sensor and not with the engine
coolant level. The actual engine coolant level should be checked before you proceed with lamp and sensor diagnosis.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, REFER TO AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIR BAGS BEFORE
ATTEMPTING STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
1. Unplug the coolant level sensor wire harness connector on the coolant reserve bottle. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the
wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
2. With the engine coolant at the proper level, check the resistance between the two terminals of the coolant level sensor. The resistance should be
3000 to 3500 Ohms. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty sensor.
3. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the VIC module. Unplug the VIC module wire harness connector. Check for continuity
between the engine coolant level switch sense circuit cavity of the VIC wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity
If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.
4. Check for continuity between the engine coolant level switch sense circuit cavities of the VIC wire harness connector and the engine coolant level
sensor wire harness connector. If OK, replace the faulty VIC module. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
Four-Wheel Drive Display And Indicators/Service 4WD Switch
If the problem being diagnosed is related to an incorrect or no four-wheel drive display or indicator functions, be certain to confirm that the problem is
with the VIC module and transfer case switch circuits, and not with a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with an incorrect Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). This condition can only occur if the original PCM was replaced with a unit from another vehicle. The VIC module uses the VIN
message received on the CCD data bus from the PCM to determine if the vehicle is equipped with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
If a four-wheel drive vehicle has a two-wheel drive VIN entered in the PCM, the VIC will ignore all transfer case switch inputs. If a two-wheel drive
vehicle has a four-wheel drive VIN entered in the PCM, the rear wheels in the VIC display will not light. Use a DRB scan tool and the proper
Powertrain Management/Computers and Control Systems/Testing and Inspection/Diagnostic Charts Procedures to confirm the VIN in the PCM.
In addition, it should be noted that a VIC "Service 4WD Switch" message on a two-wheel drive vehicle can occur if a short circuit occurs in the
transfer case switch circuits from the VIC module, in combination with a PCM having a four-wheel drive VIN. To locate the short circuit, start at Step
3 of the following diagnostic procedure. Two-wheel drive models do have the same VIC wire harness provisions as four-wheel drive models.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIR BAGS BEFORE
ATTEMPTING STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
1. Unplug the wire harness connector at the transfer case switch. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the transfer case switch
wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity if OK, go to Step 2. if not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
