Power Distribution Module: Description and Operation

POWER DISTRIBUTION
This information covers the various standard and optional power distribution components used on this model.

The power distribution system for this vehicle is designed to provide safe, reliable, centralized and convenient to access distribution of the electrical current required to operate all of the many standard and optional factory-installed electrical and electronic powertrain, chassis, safety, comfort and convenience systems. At the same time, these systems were designed to provide centralized locations for conducting diagnosis of faulty circuits, and for sourcing the additional current requirements of many aftermarket vehicle accessory and convenience items.

These power distribution systems also incorporate various types of circuit control and protection features, including:
- Fuses
- Fuse cartridges
- Fusible links
- Automatic resetting circuit breakers
- Relays
- Flashers
- Timers
- Circuit splice blocks

The power distribution system for this vehicle consists of the following components:
- Power Distribution Center (PDC)
- Fuse Block
- Accessory power outlet
- Micro Relay Bank

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the power distribution system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of all of the power distribution system components.

FUSE BLOCK
An electrical Fuse Block is located in the left endcap of the instrument panel.

The left instrument panel endcap is a snap-fit fuse access cover that conceals the fuse block and fuses. A fuse puller and spare fuse holders are located on the back of the endcap, as well as the fuse layout to ensure proper fuse identification. The left instrument panel endcap must be removed to access components other than the fuses in the fuse block.

All of the current entering and leaving the fuse block does so through wire harnesses, which are connected to the fuse block. The fuse block houses blade-type fuses. Internal connection of all the fuse block circuits is accomplished by an intricate network of hard wiring and bus bars.

The fuses and circuit breakers are available for service replacement. The fuse block unit cannot be repaired and is only serviced with the instrument panel wiring harness assembly. If any internal circuit or the fuse block is faulty or damaged, the entire instrument panel wire harness and fuse block assembly must be replaced.

POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC)
All of the electrical current distributed throughout this vehicle is directed through the standard equipment Power Distribution Center (PDC). The molded plastic PDC housing is located in the left side of the engine compartment, below and to the outboard side of the master cylinder. The PDC housing has a molded plastic cover. The PDC cover is easily removed for service access and has a convenient fuse and relay layout label affixed to the inside surface of the cover to ensure proper component identification. The PDC housing is secured in the engine compartment.

All of the PDC outputs are through the integral engine compartment wire harness.

The PDC houses up to nine maxi-fuses. The PDC also houses up to ten mini-fuses, up to four full International Standards Organization (ISO) relays, and up to eight ISO micro-relays. Internal connection of all the PDC circuits is accomplished by an intricate network of hard wiring and bus bars.

The fusible link, fuses and relays are available for service replacement. The PDC unit cannot be repaired and is only serviced as a unit with the engine compartment wire harness. If the PDC is faulty or damaged, the engine compartment wire harness assembly must be replaced.

MICRO RELAY BANK
A relay bank is located behind and above the glove box. It holds six micro relays and blade-type automatic resetting circuit breakers.

All of the current entering and leaving the micro relay bank does so through wire harnesses, which are connected to the micro relay bank. The relay bank houses six blade-type automatic resetting circuit breakers. Internal connection of all the micro relay bank circuits is accomplished by an intricate network of hard wiring and bus bars.

The circuit breakers are available for service replacement. The micro relay bank cannot be repaired and is only serviced with the instrument panel wiring harness assembly. If any internal circuit or the relay bank is faulty or damaged, the entire instrument panel wire harness must be replaced.