adkdremn

I have a 98 and the information center where there is like a diagram of the top of the Jeep does not work at all, and hasn't since I've owned the Jeep. Then on each side of that it looks like there are two other areas that are supposed to show something. I'm guessing the pic of the Jeep is supposed to show if doors are open. What else is supposed to show up...4wd and the different ranges?? Anything else?

In order to troubleshoot this and try to get it working again where do I begin?

Thanks for any info!

ol"blue

You have either the Graphic Display Module, or the optional Vehicle Information Center.
Graphic Display Module:
A Graphic Display Module (GDM) is standard
equipment on all four-wheel drive Grand Cherokee
models, unless the vehicle is equipped with the
optional Vehicle Information Center (VIC). The GDM
is mounted in the lower center stack area of the
instrument panel, above the ash receiver and below
the heater-A/C controls. Two-wheel drive Grand
Cherokee models have a storage bin installed in
place of the GDM as standard equipment.
The GDM display consists of a back-lit screen with
a vehicle outline. The two rear wheels of the vehicle
are illuminated by a lamp when the transfer case is
engaged in any two-wheel drive operating mode. The
two front wheels are also illuminated when the
transfer case is engaged in any four-wheel drive operating
mode.
The GDM also has up to three lamps, which indicate
whether the four-wheel drive mode selected is
Lo, Part-Time, or Full-Time. The number of operational
indicator lamps may vary, depending upon the
optional four-wheel drive transfer case in the vehicle.
A switch on the transfer case is hard-wired to the
GDM to illuminate the proper wheels and indicator
lamps.
The GDM bulbs can be serviced. However, if any
other part of the GDM is damaged or faulty, the
entire GDM must be replaced.
Vehicle Information Center:
The Vehicle Information Center (VIC) is an available
option on Grand Cherokee models. The VIC
module replaces the standard equipment Graphic
Display Module. The VIC is mounted in the lower
center stack area of the instrument panel, above the
ash receiver and below the heater-A/C controls.
The VIC consists of a multicolored vacuum fluorescent
display screen with a vehicle outline. The VIC is
able to display four functions in a choice of five languages.
The display functions include:
² Current time (12 or 24 hour clock), day, and date
² Monitor specific vehicle operating systems and
alert the driver of a malfunction in a monitored system
² Provide service reminders or the distance to the
next service interval
² The current transfer case mode of operation
(four-wheel drive models).
The display language choices include:
² English
² French
² German
² Italian
² Spanish.
The VIC receives input from hard-wired sensors
and over the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data
bus network. In response to these inputs the VIC
offers a combination of graphic and message displays,
and provides requests for audible chime alerts to the
Body Control Module (BCM) on the CCD data bus.
Refer to the owner’s manual for more information
on the VIC controls, operation, and setting procedures.
For diagnosis of the VIC module or the CCD
data bus, refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures
manual. The VIC module cannot be repaired*. If
damaged or faulty, the entire module must be
replaced.*(Not actually true).
This should be a link to a post that shows how to remove & repair a bad Vehicle Information Center in a '98 ZJ that needs to be soldered. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/c.../#post11719192

adkdremn

Great info...thanks. Mine does not have any buttons on it like the one in the post that you linked too. So I guess that means that I have the Graphic Display Module.

Do I need to do the whole dash removal procedure in order to get to the bulbs?

ol"blue

I'd try and feel for the bulbs from behind without removing it first. They are quarter turn to remove type bulbs it looks like.

adkdremn

Bumping this thread....

I haven't done much with this, besides just hoping it miraculously starts working on it's own.

I don't believe it's the bulbs. On occassion the rear wheels will light up and flicker. One time when it happened I shifted into the different four wheel drive modes and they also lit up. So I'm thinking maybe a bad connection??? When I reach behind the panel I can feel some wires on the passenger side. There is also one set of easy to get to wires which are plugged into something right by the heat vent. Do these wires have anything to do with the GDM or are they something different? What's the easiest way to get to the wires behind the GDM, dismantle the whole dash and everything?

juvius

i have a spare one, but i'd want to make sure it's the same as what you need. post or email a pic of yours so i can make sure. you can have it for shipping cost.... email is dhail@neo.rr.com

Drivingmad

I'm having an issue with my 98 GC Laredo, not sure if related to this thread or not. I have the "mini" overhead console (above the rear-view mirror). It quit working yet I have power to the map lights. Is this controlled by the BCM? I've checked and or replaced EVERY fuse both in the fuse block behind the passenger side kick panel AND the power distribution box under the hood.

Any ideas? Thanks

ol"blue

Regarding the overhead console, the Factory Service Manual has the following info:
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
A self-diagnostic test is used to determine that the
trip computer, compass, thermometer, and all of the
display module segments are operating properly electrically.
Initiate the self-diagnostic test as follows:
(1) With the ignition switch in the Off position,
simultaneously press and hold the Step button and
the U.S./Metric button.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(3) Continue to hold both buttons until the display
module performs a display segment test. In this test,
all of the vacuum fluorescent display segments are
lighted. This test will:
a. Verify that all display segments are functional
b. Check the internal circuitry of the module
c. Check that all of the CCD data bus messages
needed are being received.
(4) Respond to the respective test results as follows.
If all tests are passed, the module will automatically
return to normal operation.
d. In the display segment test, if any segment
should fail to light the unit is faulty and must be
replaced.
e. If the internal circuitry test is failed, the module
will display “FAIL”. If “FAIL” is displayed, the unit is
faulty and must be replaced.
f. If the CCD data bus message test is failed, the
module will display “CCD”. If “CCD” is displayed, the
use of a DRB scan tool and the proper Body Diagnostic
Procedures manual are required for further diagnosis.
(5) Momentarily depress and release either button
one time to exit the self-diagnostic test mode and
return the trip computer, compass, and thermometer
display module to normal operation.
NOTE: If the compass functions, but accuracy is
suspect, it may be necessary to perform a variation
adjustment. This procedure allows the compass
unit to accommodate variations in the earth’s magnetic
field strength, based on geographic location.
See the Compass Variation Adjustment procedures,
in this group.
NOTE: If the compass reading has blanked out, and
only “CAL” appears in the display module, demagnetizing
may be necessary to remove excessive
residual magnetic fields from the vehicle. See the
Compass Demagnetizing procedure, in this group.

Sean Westfall

DO U STILL HAVE YOUR SPARE vic

Khawk2

ADKDremin,

It is very possible it is a bad connection. See my post on page one titled VIC problem revisited. The last post is my update on where I found the problem. When I look at the FSM wiring the grounding is the same for both the VIC module and the GDM Module in the 1997 ZJ I believe the 98 is the same.. If you don't have a factory service manual, I strongly suggest you get one if you plan on doing your own work and troubleshooting. The electronic one works very well and as I recall I got mine from West Coast Manuals. Less than ten bucks. Money well spent.
Good Luck

dave1123

I've been wrong before, but I believe they are $14.99 now. Even so, the best investment you can make. Downloadable pdf zip files.