Additional Instrument Cluster Features

A speaker is mounted on the top of the IC casing. The speaker generates audible warnings and is controlled by a sound generator within the IC. The speaker cannot be replaced separately.

On each side of the TFT screen are 4 small apertures, 2 each side. The upper apertures on each side are ambient light sensors. The sensors are used to adjust the cluster illumination in response to the prevailing ambient light conditions. The IC also has high output Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlighting and a smoked glass screen which helps prevent washout by reducing the amount of sunlight that can reach the screen directly. The TFT screen also incorporates an antiglare coating.

The lower apertures contain LED status warning indicators. The left LED is the primary Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning indicator. A secondary SRS warning indicator is located within the TFT screen and is only used in case of failure of the primary warning indicator for legislation requirements.

The IC is integrated into the vehicle start authorization process as it includes encoded data exchange information as part of the distributed start authorization strategy. The cluster also controls the ground switching of the ESCL.