Messaged Inputs

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Module messaging has increased over time and is slowly becoming the standard for sending and receiving information required to operate the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster is a gateway module. As a gateway module, the instrument cluster receives and sends information to other modules over both the high speed controller area network (HS-CAN) and the medium speed controller area network (MS-CAN) that may not necessarily be used for instrument cluster gauge or indicator outputs.

For additional information and a complete list of all module messages along with the message origination sources, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article.

Some of the system status and information messages that the instrument cluster requires from other modules to operate the gauges and indicators are as follows:

Vehicle speed
Engine RPM
Engine coolant temperature
ABS
Stability/traction control status
Four wheel drive (4WD)
Odometer rolling count
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Supplemental restraint system (SRS)
Brake fluid level
Parking brake status
Electronic throttle control (ETC)