Description - LHD: Notes
The instrument cluster (1), located in the instrument panel above the steering column is only visible through an opening in the instrument panel top cover (2). The main body of the instrument cluster, including the mounts and the electrical connections, are concealed within the instrument panel. The instrument cluster for this vehicle also includes the hardware and software necessary to serve as the electronic body control module known as the Cab Compartment Node or (CCN).
Besides analog gauges and indicators, the instrument cluster incorporates one of two available blue-green digital Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) units. The standard VFD is a fixed segment unit for displaying odometer information, automatic transmission gear selector position (PRNDL), and several other indicators. The optional larger fixed segment VFD display unit is an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that is re-configurable. These optional VFD units serve as the visual display for the compass, the outside temperature, the trip computer, the audio system settings as well as the user interface for the customer programmable features, numerous textual warning or reminder indicators and certain diagnostic information depending upon vehicle equipment. For more information on the EVIC. Refer to CENTER, ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION, DESCRIPTION .
The instrument cluster gauges and indicators are visible through dedicated openings in the cluster mask and are protected by a clear plastic cluster lens. Integral latch formations on the lens secure it to the cluster lens, hood and mask unit to the cluster housing. Just behind the cluster lens is the cluster hood and integral mask, which is constructed of molded black plastic. The hood serves as a visor and shields the face of the cluster from ambient light and reflections to reduce glare, while the cluster mask serves to separate and define the individual gauges and trims the outside perimeter of the cluster overlay. The cluster has four integral mounting tabs, one on each upper and lower corner of the housing. The cluster is secured to the instrument panel support structure by screws through these mounting tabs.
The rear of the cluster housing and the CCN electronic circuitry are protected by a molded black plastic rear cover (1), which is also secured to the cluster housing by integral latch features. The rear cover includes clearance holes for the cluster connector receptacles. The connector receptacles on the back of the cluster electronic circuit board connect the CCN to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of the instrument panel wire harness.
The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but this layer is also translucent. This outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing cluttered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators that are not illuminated, while the translucence of this layer allows those indicators and icons that are illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from the LED for each of the various indicators and, on vehicles so equipped, the LED general illumination lamps behind it to be visible through the outer layer of the overlay through predetermined stencil-like cutouts.
Several versions of the CCN module are offered on this vehicle. These versions accommodate not only the different car lines, but also all of the variations of optional equipment and regulatory requirements for the various markets in which the vehicle is offered. The microprocessor-based CCN utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus and the Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus along with several hard-wired analog and multiplexed inputs to monitor sensors and switches throughout the vehicle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry and programming of the CCN allow it to control and integrate many electronic functions and features of the vehicle through both hard-wired outputs and the transmission of electronic message outputs to other electronic modules in the vehicle over the CAN and LIN data busses. Refer to COMMUNICATION, DESCRIPTION .
The CCN module for this vehicle is serviced only as a complete unit. The CCN module cannot be adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED unit, a VFD unit, the electronic circuit board, the circuit board hardware, or the cluster housing are damaged or ineffective, the entire CCN module must be replaced. Some of the components for the instrument cluster used in this vehicle are serviced individually. The cluster lens, hood and the mask unit can be serviced separately as a one piece assembly.