Principles of Operation: Notes

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.

The instrument cluster (IC) is a configurable, hybrid electronic cluster (HEC) that contains a microprocessor, gauges, indicator lamps, message center, warning chimes and internal circuitry. The instrument cluster (IC) uses hardwired circuitry, the standard corporate protocol (SCP), and the controller area network (CAN) to transmit and receive data from other modules.

When installing a new instrument cluster (IC), it is necessary to upload the module configuration information to the scan tool. Following installation of the instrument cluster (IC), download the module configuration information from the scan tool into the new instrument cluster (IC). Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION article to carry out programmable module installation (PMI).

It is very important to understand:

where the input originates.
all the information necessary in order for a feature to operate.
which module(s) receive(s) the input or command message.
whether the module which received the input controls the output of the feature, or whether it outputs a message over the SCP or the CAN circuits to another module.
which module controls the output of the feature.