Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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). For additional module configuration information, refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION article.

The standard and optional instrument clusters are configurable, hybrid electronic clusters (HEC) that contain 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. For additional information regarding the communication networks, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article.

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 CAN or SCP communication networks circuits to another module.
Which module controls the output of the feature.