Description & Operation

WARNING: Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Do not apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.

NOTE: This article applies only to 4-door Explorer and Mountaineer models. For Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac testing procedures, see ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS - EXPLORER SPORT & EXPLORER SPORT TRAC article.

Analog instrument cluster is equipped with speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), voltmeter, fuel, oil pressure and temperature gauges. See Fig 1 . Instrument cluster printed circuit is a flexible circuit that supplies power and ground to instrument cluster indicators and gauges. It is constructed of copper foil bonded to a polyester base film, also known as Mylar. There is no in-vehicle procedure for testing a printed circuit. Instrument cluster must be removed for visual inspection. If found defective, a complete printed circuit must be installed. All models use magnetic gauges to monitor fuel quantity, coolant temperature and oil pressure. Vehicle speed signal is generated by rear ABS sensor and sent to 4-Wheel ABS (4WABS) module. 4WABS then transmits signal to instrument cluster. When ignition switch is turned to RUN position, the following warning indicators will light momentarily for function proof:

ABS
Air Bag Readiness
BRAKE
Charging System
CHECK GAGE
CHECK SUS
MIL (CHECK ENGINE)
Safety Belt
4WD HIGH (if equipped)
4WD LOW (if equipped)

Fig 1: Identifying Instrument Cluster Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.