Pacifica V6-3.8L VIN L (2005)
Information Bus: Description and Operation
The Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) data bus is a single wire multiplexed network capable of supporting binary encoded messages shared
between multiple modules. The PCI Bus circuit is identified as D25 and is white with a violet tracer. Additional tracer colors may be added to the violet
in order to distinguish between different module connections. The modules are wired in parallel. Connections are made in the harness using splices.
The modules used include:
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Body Control Module
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Integrated Power Module (IPM)
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Next Generation Controller (NGC)
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Instrument Cluster (IC)
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Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
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Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
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Compass/Mini-Trip (CMTC)
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Overhead Console
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Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)
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Automatic Temperature Control Module (ATC)
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Power Liftgate Module (PLGM)
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Radio
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CD Changer
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Memory/Heated Seat Adjustable Pedal Module
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Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM)
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Driver Door Module (DDM)
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Passenger Door Module (PDM)
Each module provides its own bias and termination order to transmit and receive messages. The bus voltage is at zero volts when no modules are
transmitting and is pulled up to about seven and a half volts when modules are transmitting.
The PCI bus messages are transmitted at a rate averaging 10800 bits per second. Since there is only voltage present when the modules transmit and the
message length is only about 500 milliseconds, it is ineffective to try and measure the bus activity with a conventional voltmeter. The preferred method
is to use the DRBIII(R) scan tool. The 12v square wave selection on the 20-volt scale provides a good view of the bus activity. Voltage on the bus
should pulse between zero and about seven and a half volts.
The PCI Bus failure modes are broken down into two categories. Complete PCI Bus Communication Failure and individual module no response. Causes
of complete PCI Bus Communication Failure include a short to ground or battery on the PCI circuit. Individual module no response can be caused by an
open circuit at the module, or an open battery or ground circuit to the affected module.
Symptoms of a complete PCI Bus Communication Failure would include but are not limited to:
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All gauges on the cluster stay at zero
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All telltales on cluster illuminate - cluster backlighting at full intensity
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No response received from any module on the PCI Bus (except the NGC)
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No start (if equipped with Sentry Key Immobilizer)
Symptoms of Individual module failure could include any one or more of the above. The difference would be that at least one or more modules would
respond to the DRBIII(R).
Diagnosis starts with symptom identification. If a complete PCI Bus Communication Failure is suspected, begin by identifying which modules the
vehicle is equipped with and then attempt to get a response from the modules with the DRBIII(R) If any modules are responding, the failure is not related
to the total bus, but can be caused by one or more modules PCI circuit or power supply and ground circuits. The DRBIII(R) may display "BUS ±
SIGNAL OPEN" or "NO RESPONSE" to indicate a communication problem. These same messages will be displayed if the vehicle is not equipped with
that particular module. The CCD error message is a default message used by the DRBIII(R) and in no way indicates whether or not the PCI Bus is
operational. The message is only an indication that a module is either not responding or the vehicle is not equipped.