Driver/Vehicle Information Display: Testing and Inspection
Fig. 4 Systems Sentry System warning light display module:
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
This system, available on some models, is a diagnostic warning system used to monitor vital fluid levels and disc brake pad wear.
The system consists of a warning light display module mounted on right side of instrument cluster, a remote module under the dash, various fluid level and wear sensors and the necessary interconnecting wiring.
The warning light display module in the instrument cluster contains three different color lights. The amber checking lights indicate that each system is being checked. The green lights indicate that fluid level or brake pads are satisfactory. The red lights indicate that fluid level or brake pads should be checked and corrected as necessary. It should be noted that disconnected fluid level sensor wires or open circuits will cause a red warning light, however, disconnected brake pad wear sensor wires will not create any indication.
The remote module monitors and analyzes electrical current flow through the sensors connected to it. Because current varies with fluid level, the module is able to energize the appropriate warning light on the display module. The engine, transmission, transfer case and rear axle oil level sensors are connected to the remote module.
The various sensors and their locations are as follows: engine coolant, located in the coolant recovery bottle; engine oil, located in the oil pan; power steering fluid, located in the pump reservoir; manual transmission oil, located in the transmission fill plug; automatic transmission fluid, located on the transmission dipstick; windshield washer fluid, located in the washer reservoir; brake fluid, located in the master cylinder; transfer case oil, located in the rear section of the transfer case; front and rear axle oil, located in front and rear axle housings; front disc brake pads, located on each inboard brake pad.
The engine, transfer case, transmission and axle oil level sensors operate on the principle of changes in resistance in relation to contact with oil and are connected to the remote module. The power steering, brake fluid, windshield washer and engine coolant sensors are float-type sensors affected by changes in fluid level and are wired directly to the display module. The brake pad wear sensor is also wired directly to the display module and is an electromechanical device actuated by contact with the rotor surface. When the pad is worn enough to allow sensor to contact rotor, the sensor grounds against the rotor. This creates a brief current surge on the pad warning circuit and shorts the 4 amp in-line signal fuse, resulting in illumination of the red warning light.
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS AND/OR BRAKE PAD WEAR
1. Operate vehicle until fluids reach normal operating temperature.
2. Park vehicle on a level surface.
3. Turn ignition to Off position and observe display module indicator lights, noting the following:
a. Amber lights indicate that all systems are being checked.
b. A green light indicates that the fluid level or pad wear is satisfactory.
c. A red light indicates that the fluid level or pad wear should be checked.
4. To repeat warning light display, restart engine and idle for 30 seconds, then turn ignition to Off position.
Fig. 5 Systems Sentry System wiring diagram:
Fig. 6 Systems Sentry System diagnostic chart (Part 1 of 2):
Fig. 6 Systems Sentry System diagnostic chart (Part 2 of 2):
DIAGNOSIS
In a properly functioning system, a red light caused by a low fluid condition will go out when the fluid level has been corrected. If a warning light remains lit after correcting the fluid level, or if the fluid level was actually satisfactory when the warning light was energized, refer to wiring diagram and diagnostic charts to pinpoint and correct the malfunction.
In the case of front disc brake pads, replacement of the pads alone will not turn off the brake pad warning light. The 4 amp signal fuse and brake pad wear sensors must also be replaced.
TESTING
Engine, Front Axle, Transfer Case, Transmission & Rear Axle Sensors
These sensors may be tested while installed in vehicle.
1. Disconnect sensor electrical connectors.
2. Measure resistance across pins in sensor electrical connector using a suitable ohmmeter.
3. If ohmmeter reads 6-10 ohms resistance, sensor is satisfactory.
4. If ohmmeter indicates no resistance, sensor is defective and must be replaced.
Brake, Engine Coolant, Power Steering & Windshield Washer Sensors
These sensors must be removed from vehicle for testing.
1. Remove sensor from vehicle.
2. Connect a suitable ohmmeter to terminal pins in sensor connector.
3. Invert sensor to simulate a full reservoir condition and note ohmmeter reading. If ohmmeter does not read 2640-3960 ohms, sensor is defective and must be replaced.
4. Turn sensor right side up to simulate an empty reservoir condition and note ohmmeter reading. If any resistance is indicated, sensor is defective and must be replaced.
Front Disc Brake Pad Wear Sensor
This sensor cannot be tested. It is a single wire one-time use component that is activated only when grounded against the rotor surface.