Gauge Pack, Instrument Cluster: Operation: Operation: Gauges: Tachometer

The tachometer gives an indication to the vehicle operator of the engine speed. This gauge is controlled by the IPC circuit board based upon programming and electronic messages received from the BCM over the CAN data bus. The BCM provides the vehicle speed information across the CAN-B, and CAN-C data buses for use other modules within the vehicle.

The tachometer is a stepper motor design gauge that receives battery current on the IPC electronic circuit board through the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or START positions. The IPC is programmed to move the gauge needle back to the low end of the scale after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. The IPC circuitry controls the gauge needle position and provides the following features:

• Engine Speed Message  - Each time the IPC receives an electronic engine speed  message from the BCM it will calculate the correct engine speed reading and position the gauge needle at that relative speed position on the gauge scale. The IPC will receive a new message and reposition the gauge pointer accordingly. The gauge needle will continually be repositioned at the relative engine speed position on the gauge scale until the engine stops running, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
• Communication Error  - If the IPC fails to receive a speed message, it will hold the gauge needle at the last indication for about three seconds, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first. After three seconds, the gauge needle will return to the left end of the gauge scale.

The PCM continually monitors the crankshaft position sensor to determine the engine speed. The PCM then sends the proper engine speed messages to the IPC via BCM over the CAN-B and CAN-C data buses. The tachometer can only be serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.