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1998+ Ram Instrument Panel Test

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1998+ instrument clusters have a self diagnostic test you can run for your enjoyment and information.

  1. Begin with the key off and vehicle stopped.
  2. Depress AND HOLD the trip odometer reset button and turn the ignition switch to the ON position BUT DO NOT START THE TRUCK.
  3. Continue to hold the reset button in for about 10 seconds until "CHEC" appears in the odometer display, then release the button.
  4. A series of 3 digit error messages MAY appear in the display (IF you had cluster problems) but if not then the display will proceed with the segment test; all segments then each individual segment in sequence will illuminate.  If any do not, the cluster is a candidate for service.  If all are OK then the next test follows.
  5. The bulb of each  amber indicator lamp that the cluster controls will light individually, if not, the bulb may be bad, the bulb may be loose or the bulb holder may not be installed correctly.  The red indicators are LED's and if they don't light in the test the cluster must be replaced.
  6. The gauge actuator test is next.  The cluster circuitry will position each of the gauge needles at three different calibration points and then return the needle to its relaxed position.  If any one does not respond correctly, check the spring-clip terminal pins on the cluster.  If those are OK the cluster is bad.
  7. The self-diagnostic test is completed.  The cluster will self exit the test mode and return to normal at the end of the test. If the key is turned off during the test or if the PCM sends a message on the CCD bus that there is movement of the vehicle, the test ends.  Try it!
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE MESSAGE
Message Description Correction
110 A failure has been identified in the cluster CPU, RAM, or EEPROM. 1. Replace the faulty cluster.
900 The CCD data bus is not operational.

1. Check the CCD data bus connections at the cluster.
2. Check the cluster fuses.
3. Check the CCD data bus bias.
3. Check the CCD data bus voltage.
3. Check the CCD data bus terminations.
920 The cluster is not receiving a vehicle speed message from the PCM.

1. Check the PCM software level and reflash if required.
2. Use a DRB III scan tool to verify that the vehicle speed message is being sent by the PCM.
921 The cluster is not receiving a distance pulse message from the PCM. 1. Check the PCM software level and reflash if required.
2. Use a DRB III scan tool to verify that the distance pulse message is being sent by the PCM.
940 The cluster is not receiving an airbag lamp-on message from the ACM. 1. Check the CCD data bus connections to the ACM.
Check the ACM fuse.
950 The cluster is not receiving an airbag lamp-on message from the CAB. 1. Check the CCD data bus connections to the CAB.
Check the CAB fuse.
999 An error has been discovered. 1. Record the failure message.
2. Depress the trip odometer reset button to continue the Self-Diagnostic test.

 

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Thanks to Bob Bergevin for providing this tip.