Page 1 of 6 2006 Dodge Dakota 4.7L Eng VIN J 1Search Print Date: FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM) MODULE-FRONT CONTROL DESCRIPTION Fig 1: IPM Wiring Connectors Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. The Front Control Module (FCM) (2) is a micro controller based module located in the left front corner of the engine compartment. The FCM mates to the Power Distribution Center (PDC) (1) to form the Integrated Power Module (IPM). The IPM connects directly to the battery and provides the primary means of circuit protection and power distribution for all vehicle electrical systems.

Page 2 of 6 The front control module controls power to some of these vehicle systems electrical and electromechanical loads based on inputs received from hard wired switch inputs and data received on the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus circuit. OPERATION As messages are sent over the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus circuit, the Front Control Module (FCM) reads these messages and controls power to some of the vehicles electrical systems by completing the circuit to ground (low side driver) or completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side driver). The following functions are controlled by the FCM: Front turn signals Stop, turn signal and tail lamps Front and rear hazard warning lamps Headlamps Fog Lamps Daytime running lamps - if equipped Horn Windshield and liftgate wiper and washer systems Transfer case shifting Trailer tow wiring output Rear window defroster power and timing The FCM provides the following features for the above function: It operates the electric transfer case mechanism, replacing a stand-alone module. It flashes lamps in response to turn signal, Remote Keyless Entry and Vehicle Theft Security Alarm inputs. It sounds the horn in response to Remote Keyless Entry and Vehicle Theft Security Alarm inputs. It turns off the horn in the event of excessively long operation that could otherwise damage the horn. It minimized voltage variations to the headlamps to extend bulb life and to equalize the light output from the lamps, which might otherwise differ due to variations in wiring resistance. If the headlamps are left on, it automatically turns them off after eight minutes to protect the battery from discharge. It monitors battery voltage and turns off non-essential functions such as the fog lamps, rear window defogger and heated seats if necessary to conserve battery power.

Page 3 of 6 It operates the high-beam headlamps at reduced intensity by pulse-width modulation of the power supply to provide the daytime running lamps. It provides the variable delay intermittent windshield and liftgate wiper time delay features, and the vehicle speed sensitive windshield wiper delay variation. It acts as a gateway between the CAN-C network for critical powertrain and anti-lock brake systems and the CAN-B network for body and interior modules. For example it collects battery temperature data and relays it to the PCM. DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING BODY VERIFICATION TEST - VER 1 Diagnostic Test 1) Perform Body Verification Test Disconnect all jumper wires and reconnect all previously disconnected components and connectors. Ensure that all accessories are turned off. Ensure that the battery is fully charged. Turn the ignition on. With the scan tool, record and erase DTCs from all modules. If an electronic control module was replaced, select the applicable module from the scan tool menu and press "Misc. Functions". If the module has programmable features, program as necessary. If repairs were made to any of the HVAC door actuator circuits, with the scan tool in HVAC, select System Tests and then select Actuator DTC Detection. The test must pass before proceeding to the next step. If repairs were made to any of the HVAC doors, linkage, door actuators, or door actuator circuits, with the scan tool in HVAC, select System Tests and then select Actuator Calibration Test. The test must pass before proceeding to the next step. Turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds, and then turn the ignition on. Operate all functions of the system that caused the original concern. With the scan tool, select ECU View. Check for DTCs in the modules. Are DTCs present in any of the modules or is the original condition still present? Yes

Page 4 of 6 The repair is not complete. Refer to the related category for the DTC or symptom that is still present. Refer to appropriate ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS article. No The repair is complete. REMOVAL Fig 2: View Of Front Control Module Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. 1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. 2. Remove the Integrated Power Module (IPM) from the engine compartment, (Refer to ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE - REMOVAL).

Page 5 of 6 3. Remove the four fasteners (2) securing the Front Control Module (FCM) (1) to the Power Distribution Center (PDC) (3). 4. Separate the FCM from the PDC by pulling the two straight away from each other to disengage the electrical connector. INSTALLATION Fig 3: View Of Front Control Module Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. 1. Connect the Power Distribution Center (PDC) (3) to the Front Control Module (FCM) by lining up the electrical connector and pushing the two together. 2. Install the four fasteners (2) securing the FCM (1) to the PDC (3). 3. Install the Integrated Power Module (IPM), (Refer to ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE - INSTALLATION). 4. Connect the battery negative cable.

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