Printed Circuit

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The instrument cluster printed circuit supplies current to the instrument cluster indicators and gauges. It is constructed of copper foil bonded to a polyester base film (usually referred to as Mylar®).

The instrument cluster printed circuit is mounted to the instrument cluster housing and, due to its location, cannot be easily tested or inspected in the vehicle. This makes the instrument cluster printed circuit vulnerable to damage when a probe is used for in-vehicle testing because the probe can pierce the instrument cluster printed circuit or, in some cases, burn the copper conductor.

Since there is no approved procedure for in-vehicle testing of the instrument cluster printed circuit, the instrument cluster must be removed from the vehicle for visual inspection. If no damage is evident, each circuit should be checked with an ohmmeter. If an open circuit or a short is detected, a new instrument cluster printed circuit must be installed.