Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster Description and Operation

Displays Test

Certain instrument panel cluster (IPC) features are tested when the ignition is turned ON in order to verify the features are working properly. The following occurs at key up:

* The air bag indicator flashes 8 times.
* The ABS indicator illuminates briefly.
* The check engine indicator (MIL) illuminates briefly.
* The brake indicator illuminates briefly.
* All gages sweep.
* The HUD illuminates all segments briefly.
* The security indicator illuminates briefly.
* The traction indicator illuminates briefly.
* The tire inflation monitor indicator illuminates briefly.
* The seat belt indicator illuminates.
* The MPH or KM/H indicator illuminates.
* The audible warning chimes 6 times.

Indicators and Warning Messages

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

The IPC displays the engine coolant temperature as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The IPC receives a class 2 message from the ECM indicating the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature gage defaults to 215°C (260°F) or below if:

* The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit.
* The IPC will display the engine coolant temperature message on the DIC.

Engine Oil Pressure Gage

The IPC displays the engine oil pressure as determined by the ECM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the ECM indicating the engine oil pressure. The engine oil pressure gage defaults to 0 kPa (0 psi) or below if:

* The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine oil pressure sensor circuit.
* The IPC will display the low oil pressure message on the DIC.

Fuel Gage

The IPC displays the fuel level as determined by the ECM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the ECM indicating the fuel level percent. The fuel gage defaults to empty if:

* The ECM detects a malfunction in the fuel level sensor circuit.
* The IPC displays a low fuel message on the DIC.

Speedometer

The IPC displays the vehicle speed based on the information from the vehicle speed sensor.The ECM converts the data from the vehicle speed sensor to a 4,000 pulses/mile signal. The IPC uses the vehicle speed signal circuit (4,000 pulses/mile) from the ECM in order to calculate the vehicle speed. The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h (0 mph) if a malfunction in the vehicle speed signal circuit (4,000 pulses/mile) exists. The speedometer displays either miles or kilometers as requested by the activation of the English/metric setting on the driver information center (DIC). The associated indicator, MPH or KM/H, illuminates.

Tachometer

The IPC receives a discrete input from the ECM indicating vehicle speed. Each engine revolution represents 2 input pulses to the ECM. The instantaneous engine speed is calculated by the ECM using the time difference between the 2 input pulses. The tachometer will default to 0 RPMif:

* The ignition is in OFF, ACCESSORY, or CRANK.
* The time duration since the last pulse is greater than or equal to one second.

Voltmeter

The IPC displays the system voltage as detected at the ignition 1 input of the DIC. The voltage on the volt gage is also displayed on the DIC. The IPC displays high or low voltage when the DIC detects voltage levels out of range. The DIC will issue the appropriate warning message.