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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Taurus LX, 3.0 2, AX4N >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1621 (Instrument Cluster Illumination And Panel Illumination) >> Diagnostic Tests >> Instrument Cluster & Panel Illumination >> Principles of Operation

Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Dimmable Backlighting 

The lighting control module (LCM) generates a variable pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage which is distributed to the dimmable components when the parking lamps are on. Light intensity is adjusted by rotating the instrument panel dimmer switch. The dimmable backlighting components consist of:

The LCM communicates backlighting intensity signals on the standard corporate protocol (SCP) network to the following:

If the headlamps are operated during daylight hours, the light sensor amplifier detects high ambient light levels and signals the LCM to keep illumination levels readable and therefore are non-adjustable on the following components:

When the headlamp switch is in the OFF position, the IC internally powers the gauge illumination lamps to full brightness.

Fixed Level Backlighting 

The following components have fixed level backlighting that is illuminated when the ignition switch is in the RUN or ACCESSORY position: