Gauges Cluster

If the complete circuit of an indicator is not shown in the Instrument Panel schematics, see the circuit referred to for the complete operation of the indicator. Only the indicators that do not appear in other schematics are described in this section.

COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAGE

The Coolant Temperature Gage has two magnetic coils which pull on a pointer in opposite directions. The balancing effect of the two coils prevents errors that would result from varying car voltage. Voltage is applied to the Hot magnetic coil and the Coolant Temperature Sender. The Cold coil connects directly to ground. The sender controls the pointer by changing the amount of voltage applied at the Hot coil.

FUEL GAGE

With the Ignition Switch in RUN, BULB TEST, or START, voltage is available through the GAGES Fuse for the Fuel Gage and indicators. The Fuel Gage pointer is controlled by varying the Fuel Gage Sender resistance. Voltage is applied from the GAGES Fuse to the Empty coil of the Fuel Gage and divides into two paths: 1) through the Fuel Gage Sender to ground, and 2) through the Full coil to ground. The gage pointer is controlled by changes of the Fuel Gage Sender resistance. When the Fuel Gage Sender resistance decreases, more current flows through the Fuel Gage Sender and the Empty coil. At the same time, current in the Full coil decreases. The Fuel Gage Sender resistance is 90 ohms when Full and 0 ohms when empty.

VOLTMETER

The Voltmeter measures the electrical system voltage with the Ignition Switch in RUN, BULB TEST, or START. With the engine stopped, the Voltmeter indicates battery condition. With the engine running, the Voltmeter indicates Charging System operation.

OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

The OIL Pressure Indicator goes on to warn of low pressure when the Fuel Pump/Oil Pressure Sender/Switch is closed. The Fuel Pump/Oil Pressure Sender/Switch is closed when oil pressure falls below 27 kPa (4 psi). When the engine is started, oil pressure is below 27 kPa, so the Fuel Pump/Oil Pressure Sender Switch is closed and the OIL Pressure Indicator goes on momentarily as a Bulb Test. The OIL Pressure Indicator goes off as soon as oil pressure is above 27 kPa (4 psi) and the Fuel Pump/Oil Pressure Sender/Switch opens.

TAILGATE AJAR INDICATOR (WAGON ONLY)

With the Ignition Switch in RUN, BULB TEST, or START, voltage is applied through the GAGES Fuse to the indicator. When the tailgate is ajar, the Tailgate Ajar Switch closes, providing a ground for the indicator.

Speedometer

The Speedometer pointer is moved by the magnetic field of two coils. These coils are driven by a solid state control module.
The Vehicle Speed Sensor, located in the Transaxle, generates a AC voltage that is sent to the Electronic Control Module (ECM). The ECM processes this voltage into a square wave. The pulses generated are sent to the Speedometer at 4000 pulses per mile.

Odometer

The Odometer is a mechanical display. It is driven by an electric stepper motor that is fed from a solid state control module. The stepper motor turns in response to the number of pulses it receives from the ECM.