Dodge Caliber. Manual - part 219
REMOTE SWITCHES
DESCRIPTION
Two rocker-type switches (if equipped) are mounted on the back (instrument panel side) of the steering wheel
spokes. The switch on the left spoke is the seek switch and has seek up, seek down, and preset station advance
functions. The switch on the right spoke is the volume control switch and has volume up, and volume down func-
tions. The switch on the right spoke also includes a “mode” control that allows the driver to sequentially select AM
radio, FM radio, cassette player, CD player or CD changer (if equipped).
OPERATION
These switches are resistor multiplexed units that are hard-wired to the Body Control Module (BCM) through the
clockspring. The BCM sends the proper messages on the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus
network to the radio receiver. For diagnosis of the BCM or the PCI data bus, the use of a scan tool and the proper
Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended. For more information on the operation of the remote radio switch
controls, refer to the owner’s manual in the vehicle glove box.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE SWITCHES
WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to electrical, restraints before attempting any steering
wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Failure to take the proper pre-
cautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.
Any diagnosis of the Audio system should begin with the use of the DRB III
T
diagnostic tool. For informa-
tion on the use of the DRB III
T
, refer to the appropriate Diagnostic Service Manual.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appropriate wiring information.
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the remote radio switch(es) from the steering wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/REMOTE
SWITCHES - REMOVAL).
3. Use an ohmmeter to check the switch resistance as shown in the Remote Radio Switch Test table
REMOTE RADIO SWITCH TEST
Switch
Switch Position
Resistance
Right
(White)
Volume Up
1.210 Kilohms
Right
(White)
Volume Down
3.010 Kilohms
Right
(White)
Mode Advance
0.0511 Kilohms
Left
(Black)
Seek Up
0.261 Kilohms
Left
(Black)
Seek Down
0.681 Kilohms
Left
(Black)
Pre-Set Station
Advance
0.162 Kilohms
NOTE: The right remote radio switch back is white in color. The left switch back is black in color. The right/
left remote radio switch orientation is with the steering wheel installed, and driver in driver’s seat.
4. If the switch resistance checks OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.
5. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the switch wire harness connector and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
PM
AUDIO
8A - 149