Indicators, Instrument Cluster: Operation: Notes

Indicators are located in various locations within the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and are all connected to the electronic circuit board. All of the indicators are completely controlled by the IPC. The various indicators are controlled by different strategies; some receive fused ignition output from the IPC circuitry and have a switched ground, while others are grounded through the IPC circuitry and have a switched battery feed. However, most are controlled by Controller Area Network (CAN) or Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus messages from other electronic modules in the vehicle while others are controlled by a combination of hard-wired inputs, electronic messaging, and IPC programming. If the IPC loses CAN data bus communication, the IPC circuitry will automatically turn ON the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) until CAN data bus communication is restored.

Certain indicators in the IPC are automatically or self-configured. This feature allows the indicators to be enabled by the IPC circuitry for compatibility with certain optional equipment. These indicators are enabled or disabled by an electronic configuration  message sent to the IPC by the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM defaults for the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and the airbag indicators is enabled. These configuration settings must be programmatically disabled in the BCM using a diagnostic scan tool for vehicles that do not have this equipment. The automatically or self-configured indicators remain latent in the IPC at all times and will be active only when the IPC receives the appropriate CAN or LIN bus message inputs for that optional system or equipment.

The hard-wired indicator inputs may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, the IPC circuitry and electronic CAN or LIN data bus message controlled indicators are diagnosed using the self-diagnostic IPC Self Test  . Proper testing of the CAN or LIN data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs to the IPC that control each indicator requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

Below are brief explanations for all of the indicators available on this vehicle. Additional information may be found within the service information that is related to the system or component responsible for controlling the illumination of that indicator.