Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 799

The Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units are soldered to the EMIC electronic circuit board. Both the 
standard odometer unit located below the tachometer and the optional compass/temperature unit located below 
the minor gauge set are fixed segment displays. The optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) 
VFD unit located below the minor gauge set is a reconfigurable segment display. With the ignition switch in the 
OFF or ACCESSORY positions, both VFD displays are activated and the total odometer information is 
displayed when the driver door is opened (Rental Car Mode) and are deactivated when the driver door is closed 
or after five minutes, whichever occurs first. Otherwise, both display units are active when the ignition switch is 
in the ON or START positions, and inactive when the ignition switch is in the OFF or ACCESSORY positions. 

The illumination intensity of the VFD units is controlled by the EMIC circuitry based upon electronic dimming 
level messages received over the CAN data bus indicating the exterior lighting is turned ON and the dimming 
level selected using the panel dimmer function of the control sleeve on the control stalk of the left (lighting) 
multi-function switch. The illumination intensity of the EMIC VFD units is synchronized with that of other 
display units in the vehicle by sending the same electronic dimming level message inputs to all electronic 
modules in the vehicle over the CAN or LIN data bus. However, if the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) indicator 
or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is active, the odometer VFD will illuminate at full daytime brightness 
until the TPM indicator or MIL is extinguished. 

The odometer VFD unit has several display capabilities including odometer, trip odometer A and B, gear 
selector indication (PRNDL) for vehicles with an automatic transmission, several warning or reminder 
indications, and various diagnostic information when certain fault conditions exist. On vehicles not equipped 
with the optional compass/temperature display or EVIC, the odometer display toggles to an outside temperature 
display following Trip B. The compass/temperature VFD unit displays numerous warning or reminder textual 
messages, compass, temperature, the customer programmable features interface and various diagnostic 
information when certain fault conditions exist. An odometer/trip odometer switch on the EMIC circuit board is 
used to control many of the display modes of the VFD units. These switches are actuated manually by 
depressing the odometer/trip odometer push button that extends through the lower edge of the cluster lens, 
adjacent to the odometer VFD. 

Actuating the odometer/trip odometer push button momentarily with the ignition switch in the ON position will 
toggle the odometer VFD between the odometer and trip odometer modes. Depressing the odometer/trip 
odometer push button for about two seconds while the VFD is in the trip odometer mode will reset the trip 
odometer value to zero. Holding the odometer/trip odometer push button depressed while turning the ignition 
switch from the OFF position to the ON position will initiate the CCN self-diagnostic actuator test. Refer to the 
instrument cluster diagnosis and testing service information for additional details on this cluster function. The 
EMIC microprocessor remembers which odometer display mode is active when the ignition switch is turned to 
the OFF position, and returns the display to that mode when the ignition switch is turned ON again. 

Actuating the odometer/trip odometer push button momentarily with the ignition switch in the ON position will 
toggle the CMTC VFD between the various display functions and the various customer programmable feature 
selectors. The EMIC microprocessor remembers which display modes are active when the ignition switch is 
turned to the OFF position, and returns the display to that mode when the ignition switch is turned ON again. 

Both VFD units are diagnosed using the self-diagnostic Cab Compartment Node (CCN) actuator test. See 
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING. Proper testing of the CAN or LIN data bus message inputs to the EMIC that 
control some of the VFD functions requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic 
information. Specific operation details for the odometer, the trip odometer, the gear selector indicator, the 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Instrument Cluster - Service Information - Nitro

  

compass/temperature display, the EVIC and the various warning and reminder indicator functions of the VFD 
units may be found elsewhere in this service information. 

INDICATORS 

Indicators are located in various positions within the EMIC and are all connected to the EMIC electronic circuit 
board. Some indicators operate based upon hard wired inputs to the EMIC, but most are controlled by CAN or 
LIN data bus messages from other electronic modules in the vehicle. Some are controlled by a combination of 
hard wired inputs, electronic messaging and EMIC programming. If the EMIC loses CAN data bus 
communication, the EMIC circuitry will automatically turn ON the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) until 
CAN data bus communication is restored. 

The various EMIC indicators are controlled by different strategies; some receive fused ignition switch output 
from the EMIC circuitry and have a switched ground, while others are grounded through the EMIC circuitry 
and have a switched battery feed. However, all indicators are completely controlled by the EMIC 
microprocessor based upon various hard wired and electronic message inputs. The cruise and 4WD indicators 
located within the odometer VFD unit are dimmable. All other indicators are illuminated at a fixed intensity, 
which is not affected by the selected illumination intensity of the EMIC general illumination LED units. The 
illumination intensity of the dimmable indicators is synchronized with that of the general illumination lighting. 

In addition, certain indicators in this instrument cluster are automatically or self-configured. This feature allows 
the configurable indicators to be enabled by the EMIC circuitry for compatibility with certain optional 
equipment. These indicators are enabled or disabled by an electronic configuration message sent to the EMIC 
by the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The TIPM defaults for the ABS indicator and airbag indicator 
are enabled, and these configuration settings must be programmatically disabled in the TIPM using a diagnostic 
scan tool for vehicles that do not have this equipment. The automatically or self-configured indicators remain 
latent in each EMIC at all times and will be active only when the EMIC receives the appropriate CAN or LIN 
bus message inputs for that optional system or equipment. 

The hard wired indicator inputs may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. 
However, the EMIC circuitry and electronic CAN or LIN data bus message controlled indicators are diagnosed 
using the self-diagnostic Cab Compartment Node (CCN) actuator test. See DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING. 
Proper testing of the CAN or LIN data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs to the EMIC that control 
each indicator requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. 
Specific details of the operation for each indicator may be found elsewhere in this service information. 

CLUSTER ILLUMINATION 

The EMIC has several Light Emitting Diode (LED) units that provide cluster back lighting whenever the 
exterior lighting is turned ON. The illumination intensity of these LED units is adjusted when the panel lamps 
dimmer function of the control sleeve on the control stalk of the left (lighting) multi-function switch is rotated 
to one of six available minor detent positions. The EMIC monitors an electronic dimming level message input 
received over the LIN data bus from the Steering Control Module (SCM) to determine the selected lighting 
level. In response to that input, the EMIC electronic circuitry converts a fused 12-volt input it receives on a hard 
wired panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuit into a 12-volt Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) output. 

The EMIC uses this PWM output to control the illumination intensity of the cluster general illumination lighting 
and the VFD units on the EMIC circuit board, then provides a synchronized PWM output on various hard wired 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Instrument Cluster - Service Information - Nitro

  

fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuits to control and synchronize the illumination intensity of other 
incandescent illumination lamps in the vehicle. The EMIC also transmits electronic dimming level messages 
over the CAN and LIN data bus to other electronic modules in the vehicle to control and synchronize the 
illumination intensity of their display units to that of the EMIC displays. 

The hard wired panel lamps dimmer outputs from the EMIC may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic 
tools and procedures. However, proper testing of the PWM processing of the EMIC and the electronic dimming 
level messages received by the EMIC over the LIN data bus requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to 
the appropriate diagnostic information. 

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING 

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER 

If all of the instrument cluster gauges and indicators are ineffective, be certain to check the instrument cluster 
fused B(+) fuse and the instrument cluster fused B(+) and ground circuits for shorts or opens. Refer to the 
appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector 
repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location 
views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds. 

If an individual hard wired gauge or indicator is ineffective, refer to the diagnosis and testing service 
information for that specific gauge or indicator. If an individual Controller Area Network (CAN) or Local 
Interface Network (LIN) data bus message-controlled gauge or indicator is ineffective, perform the Actuator 
Test as follows: 

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable 
the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering 
wheel, steering column, airbag, Occupant Classification System (OCS), 
seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component 
diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) 
cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before 
performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to 
disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in 
accidental airbag deployment.

CAUTION: Instrument clusters used in this vehicle automatically configure 

themselves for compatibility with the features and optional equipment in 
the vehicle in which they are initially installed. The instrument cluster is 
programmed to do this by embedding the Vehicle Identification Number 
(VIN) and other information critical to proper cluster operation into 
electronic memory. This embedded information is learned through 
electronic messages received from other electronic modules in the vehicle 
over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, and through certain hard 
wired inputs received when the cluster is connected to the vehicle 
electrically. Once configured, the instrument cluster memory may be 
irreparably damaged and certain irreversible configuration errors may 
occur if the cluster is connected electrically to another vehicle; or, if an 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Instrument Cluster - Service Information - Nitro

  

ACTUATOR TEST 

The instrument cluster actuator test will put the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the 
instrument cluster can perform a self-diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument cluster circuitry, the 
gauges and the indicators are capable of operating as designed. During the actuator test the instrument cluster 
circuitry will position each of the gauge needles at various calibration points, illuminate each of the segments in 
the Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units, and turn all of the indicators ON and OFF again. 

Successful completion of the actuator test will confirm that the instrument cluster is operational. However, there 
may still be a problem with the CAN or LIN data bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Totally 
Integrated Power Module (TIPM), the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB), the Occupant Restraint Controller 
(ORC), the compass module, the Sentry Key REmote Entry Module (SKREEM) (also known as the Wireless 
Control Module/WCM), the Steering Wheel Switch Module (SWSM) or the inputs to one of these electronic 
control modules. Use a diagnostic scan tool to diagnose these components. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic 
information. 

1. Begin the test with the ignition switch in the OFF position.  

2. Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch button.  

3. While still holding the odometer/trip odometer switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to the 

ON position, but do not start the engine.  

4. Release the odometer/trip odometer switch button.  

5. The instrument cluster will simultaneously begin to illuminate all of the operational segments in the VFD 

electronic module from another vehicle is connected that provides data to 
the instrument cluster (including odometer values) that conflicts with that 
which was previously learned and stored. Therefore, the practice of 
exchanging (swapping) instrument clusters and other electronic modules 
in this vehicle with those removed from another vehicle must always be 
avoided. Failure to observe this caution may result in instrument cluster 
damage, which is not reimbursable under the terms of the product 
warranty. Service replacement instrument clusters are provided with the 
correct VIN, and the certified odometer and engine hours values 
embedded into cluster memory, but will otherwise be automatically 
configured for compatibility with the features and optional equipment in 
the vehicle in which they are initially installed.

NOTE:

Certain indicators in this instrument cluster are automatically configured. This 
feature allows those indicators to be activated or deactivated for compatibility 
with certain optional equipment. If the problem being diagnosed involves 
improper illumination of the cruise indicator, the electronic throttle control 
indicator, the fog lamp indicator, any of the four-wheel drive indicators, the 
transmission overtemp indicator, the security indicator or the gear selector 
indicator, disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. After about five 
minutes, reconnect the battery negative cable and turn the ignition switch to the 
ON position. The instrument cluster should automatically relearn the equipment 
in the vehicle and properly configure the configurable indicators accordingly.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Instrument Cluster - Service Information - Nitro