Instrument Panel Cluster
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) consists of engine coolant temperature, fuel level, speedometer and tachometer analog gauges and numerous indicator and warning lights. See Fig 1 . IPC contains a microprocessor as part of the instrument panel assembly. IPC can recognize operational malfunctions, alert driver through indicators or Driver's Information Center (DIC) messages, and store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) which identify malfunction areas. 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 DIC to alert driver that a malfunction has occurred. Some indicator lights and IPC messages have dual controls.