Remote Switches: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Intrepid, 2004 Chrysler Intrepid, 2004 Chrysler Concorde, and 2004 Chrysler 300M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The six switches in the two remote radio switch units are normally open, resistor multiplexed momentary switches that are hard wired to the Body Control Module (BCM) through the clockspring. The BCM sends a five volt reference signal to both switch units on one circuit, and senses the status of all of the switches by reading the voltage drop on a second circuit.

When the BCM senses an input (voltage drop) from any one of the remote radio switches, it sends the proper switch status messages on the Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) data bus network to the radio receiver. The electronic circuitry within the radio receiver is programmed to respond to these remote radio switch status messages by adjusting the radio settings as requested. For diagnosis of the BCM or the PCI data bus, the use of a DRB III scan tool and the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended.

For more information on the features and control functions for each of the remote radio switches, see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.