Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS. 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 an analog cluster. IPC has capability to diagnose malfunctions in various sensors, input switches, components and systems. When IPC or other microprocessor-controlled module detects a malfunction, an IPC indicator may illuminate or a message may be requested/displayed on Driver Information Center (DIC) to alert driver that a malfunction has occurred. See Fig 1. Some indicator lights and IPC messages have dual controls.

IPC contains a microprocessor as part of the instrument panel assembly. IPC can recognize operational malfunctions, alert driver through indicators or Driver Information Center (DIC) messages, and store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) which identify malfunction areas. DTCs can be displayed on DIC to aid in diagnosis of malfunctions.See WARNING MESSAGES .

Fig 1: View Of Analog Instrument Cluster Panel

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.