Description And Operation
DESCRIPTION
The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) has provisions for International Control and Display Symbol icon indicators, as well as two analog gauges standard on all models. Some of the indicators are automatically configured when connected to the vehicle electrical system for compatibility with certain optional equipment or equipment required for regulatory purposes in certain markets. While each IPC may have provisions for indicators to support every available option, the configurable indicators will not function in vehicles that do not have the equipment that an indicator supports. For further definitions of the indicators. Refer to INTERNATIONAL VEHICLE CONTROL AND DISPLAY SYMBOLS, DESCRIPTION .
Each indicator in the IPC, except those located within an electronic display unit, is illuminated by a dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is soldered onto the electronic circuit board. IPC illumination is accomplished by several dimmable LED units, which illuminate each of the gauge dial faces for visibility when the exterior lighting is turned ON. These LED units are serviced only as a complete unit with the IPC, and if damaged or ineffective, the entire IPC must be replaced. The cluster lens is the only component of the IPC that can be serviced separately.
OPERATION
Indicators are located in various locations within the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and are all connected to the electronic circuit board. All of the indicators are completely controlled by the IPC. The various indicators are controlled by different strategies; some receive fused ignition output from the IPC circuitry and have a switched ground, while others are grounded through the IPC circuitry and have a switched battery feed. However, most are controlled by Control Area Network (CAN) or Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus messages from other electronic modules in the vehicle while others are controlled by a combination of hard wired inputs, electronic messaging and IPC programming. If the IPC loses CAN data bus communication, the IPC circuitry will automatically turn ON the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) until CAN data bus communication is restored.
In addition, certain indicators in this IPC are automatically or self-configured. This feature allows the configurable indicators to be enabled by the IPC circuitry for compatibility with certain optional equipment. These indicators are enabled or disabled by an electronic configuration message sent to the IPC by the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM default for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and the airbag indicators is enabled. The automatically or self-configured indicators remain latent in the IPC at all times and will be active only when the IPC receives the appropriate CAN or LIN bus message inputs for that optional system or equipment.
The hard wired indicator inputs may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, the IPC circuitry and electronic CAN or LIN data bus message controlled indicators are diagnosed using a diagnostic scan tool. Proper testing of the CAN or LIN data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs to the IPC that control each indicator requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. Refer to DTC TROUBLESHOOTING .