Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The instrument cluster is a configurable, hybrid electronic cluster (HEC) that contains a microprocessor, gauges, indicator lamps, and internal circuitry. The instrument cluster is non-repairable with the exception of the instrument cluster lens. The instrument cluster utilizes hardwired circuitry, the controller area network (CAN), and universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART)-based protocol (UBP) communication networks. Communication using the CAN circuits transmits and receives data between the instrument cluster, the powertrain control module (PCM), the electronic automatic temperature control (EATC), the tire pressure monitoring system module, and the anti-lock brake system/traction control/integrated vehicle dynamics (ABS/TC/IVD) module. Communication using the UBP network utilizes data transmitted and received by the instrument cluster and the 4x4 control module, parking aid module, vehicle security module, and the driver seat module. For additional information regarding the CAN and UBP circuits, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK . The restraint control module (RCM) is hard wired to the instrument cluster on circuits 608 (BK/YE) and 1390 (DB).