2002 Chrysler Intrepid BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Cluster & Panel Illumination Problems

NOTE: After making any repairs, perform BODY VERIFICATION TEST  under VERIFICATION TESTS.

Possible Causes:

  • Checking For Instrument Cluster DTC
  • Checking The Panel Light Driver Circuit For A Short To Ground
  • Instrument Cluster
  • Panel Light Driver Circuit Shorted To Ground
  • Panel Light Driver Circuit Shorted To Voltage
  • Checking For A Short To Ground
  • Checking For A Short To Voltage
  • Observe The Dimming Level Voltage
  • Attempt To Communicate With The Instrument Cluster

Testing

  1. Turn ignition off. Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, attempt to communicate with Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC). If scan tool communicates wit MIC, go to next step. If scan tool does not communicate with MIC, perform MIC MESSAGES NOT RECEIVED  test under COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
  2. Using scan tool, retrieve MIC DTCs. If no MIC DTCs exist, go to next step. If any MIC DTCs exist, perform appropriate test. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION  table under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  3. Using scan tool, read DIMMING LEVEL voltage while rotating dimming level switch from low to high positions. If voltage changes from about 0.2 to 3.0 volts, go to next step. If voltage does not change from 0.2 to 3.0, perform DIMMING LEVEL SWITCH FAILURE  test.
  4. Turn parking lights on. Rotate dimmer level switch from low to high positions while observing instrument panel lights. If instrument panel lights remain brightly illuminated with dimmer level switch in all positions, go to next step. If instrument panel lights do not remain brightly illuminated with dimmer level switch in all positions, go to step  7 .
    5. CAUTION: Ensure ignition is off while disconnecting and connecting following components/modules.
  5. Turn parking lights off. Turn ignition off. After disconnecting following components/modules, rotate dimmer level switch from low to high positions while observing instrument panel lights. If instrument panel lights operate properly after disconnecting any component/module, replace that component/module. If instrument panel light do not operate after disconnecting all components/modules, ensure all components/modules are reconnected and go to next step. Disconnect following components/modules (if equipped) one at a time, in order listed.
    • Ashtray Light Connector
    • Clock Connector
    • PRND3L Light Connector
    • Radio Gray Connector C2
    • Traction Control Switch Connector
    • Headlight Switch Connector
    • Temperature Control Module Connector
  6. Turn ignition off. Disconnect instrument cluster connector C1. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage on instrument cluster connector C1 terminal No. 4, panel lights driver circuit (Orange wire). See Figure . If voltage is more than 10 volts, repair short to voltage in Orange wire. If voltage is 10 volts or less, replace instrument cluster. See ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
  7. Using scan tool, retrieve MIC DTCs. If PANEL LIGHTS DRIVER OUTPUT CIRCUIT SHORTED is retrieved, go to next step. If PANEL LIGHTS DRIVER OUTPUT CIRCUIT SHORTED is not retrieved, replace instrument cluster. See ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
  8. Turn ignition off. Disconnect instrument cluster connector C1. Measure resistance between ground and instrument cluster connector C1 terminal No. 4, panel lights driver circuit (Orange wire). See Figure . If resistance is less than 10 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 10 ohms or more, replace instrument cluster. See ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS - CONCORDE, INTREPID & 300M article.
    9. CAUTION: Ensure ignition is off while disconnecting and connecting following components/modules.
  9. Turn parking lights off. Turn ignition off. After disconnecting following components/modules, measure resistance between ground and panel light driver circuit (Gray/Black wire) at corresponding component/module connector. If resistance is more than 10 ohms after disconnecting any component/module, replace that component/module. If resistance is 10 ohms or less after disconnecting any components/modules, repair short to ground in Gray/Black wire from corresponding connector. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  . Disconnect following components/modules (if equipped) one at a time, in order listed.
    • Ashtray Light Connector
    • Clock Connector
    • PRND3L Light Connector
    • Radio Gray Connector C2
    • Traction Control Switch Connector
    • Headlight Switch Connector
    • Temperature Control Module Connector
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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