Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) consists of either a digital cluster or an analog cluster. See Fig 1 or Fig 2 . IPC has capability to diagnose malfunctions in various sensors, input switches, components and systems. When IPC or other microprocessor-controlled module detects a malfunction, it may turn on an IPC indicator or request/display a message to Driver Information Center (DIC) to alert driver that a malfunction has occurred. Some indicator lights and IPC messages have dual controls. See WARNING MESSAGES .

IPC contains 2 microprocessors as part of the instrument panel assembly. IPC can recognize operational malfunctions, alert driver through indicators or Driver Information Center (DIC) messages, and store DTCs which identify malfunction areas.

Fig 1: View Of Analog Instrument Cluster Panel

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: View Of Electronic Instrument Cluster Panel

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.