Electronic Vehicle Info Center Description; Overhead Console; Operation - Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual

DR
COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER (Continued)
Fig. 5 OVERHEAD CONSOLE MODULE REMOVAL
1 - COMPASS MINI-TRIP COMPUTER MODULE

2 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE

NOTE: If a new module has been installed, the com-
pass will have to be calibrated and the variance set.
Refer to Compass Variation Adjustment and Com-
pass Calibration in the Standard Procedures sec-
tion of this group for the procedures.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO
CENTER
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
is a module located in the overhead console on some
models. The EVIC module features a large Vacuum
Fluorescent Display (VFD) screen for displaying
information, and back-lit push button switches
labeled C/T (compass/temperature), RESET, STEP,
and MENU.
The EVIC module contains a central processing
unit and interfaces with other electronic modules in
the vehicle over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) J1850 data bus circuit. The PCI data
bus circuit allows the sharing of sensor information.
This helps to reduce wire harness complexity, reduce
internal controller hardware, and reduce component
sensor current loads. At the same time, this system
provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics,
and allows the addition of many new feature capabil-
ities.
MESSAGE SYSTEMS
The EVIC "Menu" push button provides the vehicle
operator with a user interface, which allows the
selection of several optional customer programmable
electronic features to suit individual preferences.
Refer to ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMA-
TION CENTER PROGRAMMING in the Standard
Procedures section of this group for more information
on the customer programmable feature options.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional univer-
sal transmitter transceiver, the EVIC will also dis-
play messages and an icon indicating when the
universal transmitter transceiver is being trained,
which of the three transmitter buttons is transmit-
ting, and when the transceiver is cleared.
Data input for all EVIC functions, including VFD
dimming level, is received through the J1850 PCI
data bus circuit. The EVIC module uses its internal
programming and all of its data inputs to calculate
and display the requested data. If the data displayed
is incorrect, perform the self-diagnostic tests as
described in this group. If these tests prove inconclu-
sive, the use of a DRB III scan tool and the proper
Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended for
further testing of the EVIC module and the J1850
PCI data bus circuit.
The EVIC module cannot be repaired, and is avail-
able for service only as a unit. If any part is faulty or
damaged, the complete EVIC module must be
replaced.

OPERATION

The Electronic Vehicle Information Center is wired
to both constant 12v and ignition switched sources of
battery current so that some of its features remain
operational at any time, while others may only oper-
ate with the ignition switch in the On position. When
the ignition switch is turned to the On position, the
EVIC module display will return to the last function
being displayed before the ignition was turned to the
Off position.
The compass/temperature display is the normal
EVIC display. With the ignition switch in the On
position, momentarily depressing and releasing the
C/T (compass/temperature) push button switch will
cause the EVIC to return to the compass/tempera-
ture display mode from any other mode. While in the
compass/temperature
depressing and releasing the Step push button will
step through the available trip computer display
options.
The EVIC trip computer features several functions
that can be reset. The functions that can be reset
are: average fuel economy, trip odometer and elapsed
time. With the ignition switch in the On position and
with one of the functions of the trip computer that
can be reset currently displayed, depressing the
display mode, momentarily
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