Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with a driver-side air bag; before attempting ANY repairs involving steering column or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.

The electronic Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) components include Climate Control Center (CCC), Driver Information Center (DIC), Fuel Data Center (FDC), speedometer/odometer, fuel gauge and warning indicator lights. See Fig 1.

The electronic Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is the heart of the vehicle computer systems. IPC has an internal microprocessor which is the center link between all other computer components/modules in the vehicle's computer system. All component systems and sensors relay input to the IPC or are monitored directly by the IPC through the serial data line.

A Twilight Sentinel lighting system can be set to control operation of exterior lighting in relation to ambient light (daylight). This lighting system can also be set to keep exterior lights on for a pre-selected amount of time after ignition is turned off. This lighting system uses a photocell, twilight sentinel module assembly and control switch mounted beside headlight switch.

Fig 1: View of Electronic Instrument Cluster Panel

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.