Switch Pod

Panel lamps dimmer controlled illumination lamps integral to the circuit board within the switch provide back lighting for visibility at night, but these lamps are not serviceable. The individual switches in the instrument panel switch pod cannot be repaired and are not serviced separately. If any component within the switch pod is ineffective or damaged, the entire switch pod unit must be replaced.

For information covering details of operation for the individual switches contained within the instrument panel switch pod, refer to the specific service information covering the system to which that switch belongs.

The instrument panel switch pod is located in the center stack area of the instrument panel. This switch pod contains the following push button switches:

Hazard Warning Switch
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Switch
Fuel Economy (ECON)

The switch housing and the push buttons are constructed of molded plastic. Each push button has a smooth finish and is clearly identified with the appropriate text or International Control and Display Symbol icon. The hazard warning switch push button latches, while the ESC OFF and ECON switches feature momentary operation.

Two screws secure the switch to the back of the instrument panel center bezel through integral mounting tabs that are molded into the diagonally opposite corners of the switch housing. The back of the switch housing has an integral connector receptacle containing terminal pins that connect the switch to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.

Panel lamps dimmer controlled illumination lamps integral to the circuit board within the switch provide back lighting for visibility at night, but these lamps are not serviceable. The individual switches in the instrument panel switch pod cannot be repaired and are not serviced separately. If any component within the switch pod is damaged or inoperative, the entire switch pod unit must be replaced.

The Fuel Economy mode can improve the vehicle's overall fuel economy during normal driving conditions. Press the "ECON" switch in the center stack of the instrument panel and a green light on the switch will indicate the ECON mode is engaged. When engaged, the vehicle control systems will be able to change the following:

The transmission will upshift sooner and downshift later.
The transmission will skip select gears during shifts to allow the engine to operate at lower speeds.
The torque converter clutch will engage sooner (lower engine rpm's) and remain on longer.
The engine idle speed will be lower.