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: If Virtual Image Cluster (VIC) is replaced, key information must be programmed for vehicle to start. See PROGRAMMING in PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS - CONTINENTAL article.

Principal components of Virtual Image Cluster (VIC) are analog gauges, various warning indicators and a message center. See Fig 1 .

Gauges have analog needles and a mask that projects gauge faces and graduation using a cold cathode fluorescent light to present a 3 dimensional effect. Displays appear whenever ignition switch is in ON position. When ignition is first turned on, VIC will go through a prove-out cycle. Message center and instrument pointers will come on at full intensity, and message center will display PLEASE FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT. A few seconds later, graphics will come on and gauge pointers will return to their appropriate positions.

System has self-diagnostic capabilities. One or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) will be stored in event of a malfunction. DTCs can be retrieved from VIC using a New Generation Star (NGS) tester. See SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM . Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) information is also stored in VIC memory.

Message center is a green vacuum fluorescent dot matrix display integrated into right side of VIC. Message center provides warning status messages and access to various features, including:

System Check
English/Metric Or Driver I.D.
Menu
Select
Vehicle Handling
Trip
Display
Reset
DTE/Economy

Fig 1: Identifying Virtual Image Cluster (VIC) Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.