Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting ANY repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, deactivate air bag system. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS.

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, information in this article applies to both Escort and ZX2 models. Escort may be referred to as Sedan and ZX2 may be referred to as Coupe.

Instrument cluster contains an engine coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, speedometer/odometer/trip odometer, tachometer (if equipped) and various warning indicators placed in groups at bottom of instrument cluster. See Fig 1 and Fig 2 .

Instrument cluster gauge amplifier is part of low fuel level warning/anti-slosh module and provides a delay in fuel level sender signal to prevent fluctuation in fuel gauge pointer as a result of fuel movement in tank. The module is a small printed circuit board which latches into a pocket on back of instrument cluster. There are no provisions for calibration or adjustment of low fuel level warning/anti-slosh module.

Instrument cluster carries out a display prove-out to verify that the warning/indicator miniature bulbs and monitored systems are functioning correctly. When ignition switch is turned to ON position, the following warning indicators will light momentarily as a bulb check.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning indicator
Air bag warning indicator
BRAKE warning indicator
Charging system indicator
CHECK FUEL CAP warning indicator
Low oil pressure warning indicator
SERVICE ENGINE SOON/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Seat belt warning indicator

Fig 1: Identifying Instrument Cluster Gauges & Indicators (Escort)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Identifying Instrument Cluster Gauges & Indicators (ZX2)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.