Instrument Cluster - Description

DESCRIPTION





The instrument cluster (1) includes the hardware and software necessary to serve as the electronic body control module and is also known as the Cab Compartment Node (CCN) located in the instrument panel (I/P) above the steering column opening. The remainder of the CCN, including the mounts and the electrical connections, are concealed within the I/P behind the cluster bezel (2). Besides analog gauges and indicators, the CCN module incorporates a single blue-green digital Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit for displaying odometer/trip odometer information, engine hours, automatic transmission gear selector position (PRNDL), several warning or reminder indications and certain diagnostic information.





The CCN gauges and indicators are visible through a dedicated opening in the cluster bezel on the I/P and are protected by a clear plastic cluster lens that is integral to a cluster lens, hood and mask unit (3). Just behind the cluster lens is the cluster hood and an integral cluster mask, which are constructed of molded black plastic. Two different masks are used, one with silver rings (Dodge) and one with chrome rings (Chrysler) around the gauge openings. The cluster hood serves as a visor and shields the face of the cluster from ambient light and reflections to reduce glare, while the cluster mask serves to separate and define the individual gauges and indicators of the CCN. A black plastic odometer/trip odometer switch button protrudes through dedicated holes in the cluster mask and the cluster lens, located near the lower edge of the cluster to the left of the fuel gauge. The molded plastic CCN lens, hood and mask unit has four integral mounting tabs, two each on the upper and lower edges of the unit. These mounting tabs are used to secure the CCN to the molded plastic instrument panel cluster carrier with four screws.

The rear of the cluster housing and the CCN electronic circuitry are protected by a molded plastic rear cover (1), which is secured to the cluster housing with screws. There are eight screws installed around the outside perimeter of the rear cover securing it to the cluster lens, hood and mask unit. The rear cover includes clearance holes for the cluster electrical connector receptacles. The electrical connector receptacles on the back of the cluster electronic circuit board connect the CCN to the vehicles electrical system through three connectors from the I/P wire harness.

The cluster housing (2) is located between the rear cover and the lens, hood and mask unit. The molded plastic cluster housing serves as the carrier for:

- The cluster circuit board and circuitry
- The cluster connector receptacles
- The gauges
- A Light Emitting Diode (LED) for each cluster indicator
- The Vacuum Florescent Display (VFD) unit
- An audible tone transducer
- The cluster overlay
- An electro-luminescent lamp for general cluster illumination
- The gauge pointers
- The odometer/trip odometer switch and the switch button

The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The dark, visible outer surface of the overlay is marked with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing cluttered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators that are not illuminated, while the translucence of this layer allows those indicators and icons that are illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from the LED for each of the various indicators and an electro-luminescent lamp behind it to be visible through the outer layer of the overlay only through predetermined stencil-like cutouts. A rectangular opening in the overlay at the base of the tachometer dial face has a smoked clear lens through which the illuminated VFD unit can be viewed.

Several versions of the CCN module are offered on this vehicle. These versions accommodate all of the variations of optional equipment and regulatory requirements for the various markets in which the vehicle will be offered. The microprocessor-based CCN uses integrated circuitry and information carried on the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus along with several hardwired analog and multiplexed inputs to monitor sensors and switches throughout the vehicle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry and programming of the CCN allow it to control and integrate many electronic functions and features of the vehicle through both hardwired outputs, and the transmission of electronic message outputs to other electronic modules in the vehicle over the CAN data bus. Communication - Description.

Besides typical instrument cluster gauge and indicator support, the electronic functions and features the CCN supports or controls include the following:

- Audible warnings - The electronic circuit board is equipped with an audible tone transducer and programming that allows it to provide various audible alerts to the vehicle operator, including chime tones and beep tones. An electromechanical relay is also soldered onto the circuit board to produce audible clicks that emulate the sound of a conventional turn signal or hazard warning flasher. Chime/Buzzer - Description.
- Automatic headlamps control - On vehicles equipped with optional automatic headlamps, the CCN monitors inputs from both the headlamp switch and a sun load sensor located on the top of the instrument panel to provide automatic headlamps.
- Brake lamp control - The CCN provides electronic brake lamp request messages to the Front Control Module (FCM) located on the Integrated Power Module (IPM) in the engine compartment near the battery for brake lamp control, excluding control of the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), which remains controlled by a direct hard wired output of the brake lamp switch.
- Brake transmission shift interlock control - The CCN monitors inputs from the brake lamp switch, ignition switch, and the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), then controls a high side driver output to operate the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) solenoid that locks and unlocks the automatic transmission gearshift selector lever on the steering column.
- Electronic transfer case interface - On vehicles equipped with an electronic four-wheel drive transfer case, the CCN monitors a hardwired multiplex input from the transfer case mode switch and then provides the appropriate electronic data bus messages to the FCM for transfer case control. After the transfer case shift is completed, the FCM provides an electronic message and the CCN responds by activating the appropriate Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) indicators within the cluster or in the transfer case switch.
- Electronic vehicle information center support - The CCN provides support for the optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) by calculating average fuel economy, distance to empty, outside temperature values, and storing trip odometer and elapsed ignition-on time data. The CCN receives data and reset requests from the EVIC and transmits the appropriate information for the EVIC to display using electronic messaging.
- Enhanced accident response support - The CCN monitors an input from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) and, following an airbag deployment, immediately disables the power lock output, unlocks all doors by activating the power unlock output, then enables the power lock output if the power lock switch input remains inactive for two seconds. The CCN also monitors an input from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to automatically turn on the interior lighting after an airbag deployment event, 10 seconds after the vehicle speed is zero. The interior lighting remains illuminated until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, at which time the interior lighting returns to normal operation and control. The Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) features are each dependent upon a functional vehicle electrical system following the vehicle impact event.
- Exterior lighting control - The CCN provides electronic headlamp and park lamp request messages to the FCM for the appropriate exterior lamp control of standard head and park lamps, as well as optional front fog lamps. This includes support for headlamp beam selection and the optical horn feature, also known as flash-to-pass.
- Exterior lighting fail-safe - In the absence of a headlamp switch input, the CCN turns on the cluster illumination lamp and provides electronic headlamp low beam and park lamp request messages to the FCM for default exterior lamp operation. The FCM also provides default park lamp and headlamp low beam operation and the CCN turns on the cluster general illumination lighting at full intensity if there is a failure of the electronic data bus communication between the CCN and the FCM.
- Fuel level data support - The CCN provides a current source for, and receives a hardwired analog input from, the fuel level sending unit located on the fuel pump module in the fuel tank. The CCN uses this input to calculate the proper fuel gauge needle position and low fuel indicator operation. Based on this input, the CCN calculates fuel level, average fuel economy and distance to empty data, then uses electronic messaging to transmit this data over the CAN data bus for use by other electronic modules.
- Heated seat control - The CCN monitors inputs from the ignition switch and electronic engine speed messages from the PCM to control a high side driver output to the heated seat switch LED indicators. This input allows the heated seat switches to wake up the heated seat module if the switch is actuated. The CCN de-energizes the heated seat switch LED indicators, which deactivates the heated seat system, if the ignition switch is turned to any position except ON or START, or if the engine speed message indicates zero. Heated Seats - Description.
- Horn control - The CCN monitors an input from the horn switch and provides electronic horn request messages to the FCM for horn relay control.
- Interior lamp load shedding - The CCN provides a battery saver feature which will automatically turn off all interior lamps if they remain on after a timed interval of about five minutes.
- Interior lighting control - The CCN monitors inputs from the interior lighting switch, the door ajar switches, the reading lamp switches, and the Sentry Key REmote Entry Module (SKREEM) to provide courtesy lamp control. This includes support for timed illuminated entry with theater-style fade-to-OFF and courtesy illumination defeat features.
- Panel lamps dimming control - The CCN monitors hardwired multiplexed inputs from the headlamp switch on the instrument panel, then provides a hard wired 12 Volt Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) output that synchronizes the dimming level of all panel lamps dimmer controlled lamps with that of the cluster illumination lamp.
- Power locks - The CCN monitors inputs from the power lock switches and the SKREEM to provide control of the power lock motors through high side driver outputs to the motors. This includes support for rolling door locks (also known as automatic door locks), automatic door unlock, briefcase lock mode, and a door lock inhibit mode. Power Locks - Description.
- Remote keyless entry (RKE) - The CCN supports the standard RKE system features, including support for the RKE lock, unlock (with optional driver door-only unlock, and unlock all doors), panic, audible chirp, optical chirp, illuminated entry modes, an RKE programming mode, as well as optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) arming (when the proper VTSS arming conditions are met), and disarming.
- Remote radio switch interface - The CCN monitors inputs from the optional remote radio switches and then provides the appropriate electronic data bus messages to the radio to select the radio or optional hands-free cellular system operating mode, volume control, preset station scan and station seek features.
- Turn signal and hazard warning lamp control - The CCN monitors hardwired multiplexed inputs from the multifunction switch on the steering column, then provides electronic turn and hazard lamp request messages to the FCM for turn and hazard lamp control. The CCN also provides an audible click at one of two rates to emulate normal and bulb out turn or hazard flasher operation based upon electronic lamp outage messages from the FCM. The CCN provides an audible turn signal on chime warning if a turn is signalled continuously for more than about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) and the vehicle speed remains greater than about 24 km/h (15 mph).
- Vacuum fluorescent display synchronization - The CCN monitors hardwired multiplexed inputs from the headlamp switch on the instrument panel, then transmits electronic panel lamp dimming level messages. These messages allow all other electronic modules on the CAN data bus with Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) units to coordinate their illumination intensity with that of the CCN VFD unit. This includes a PARADE mode (also known as funeral mode) that allows all VFD units in the vehicle to be illuminated at full (daytime) intensity while driving during daylight hours with the exterior lamps turned on.
- Vehicle theft security system control - The CCN monitors inputs from the door ajar switches, the liftgate ajar switch, the ignition switch, and the SKREEM then provides electronic horn and lighting request messages to the FCM for the appropriate VTSS alarm output features.
- Wiper and washer system control - The CCN monitors both hardwired multiplexed inputs from the front wiper and washer switches in the multifunction switch on the steering column and electronic messages from the rear wiper and washer switches in the heater and air conditioner control on the instrument panel. The CCN then provides electronic wiper and washer request messages to the FCM for the appropriate front or rear wiper and washer system features. Wipers and Washers - Description.




Except Hybrid



Hybrid Only
The CCN houses four analog gauges and has provisions for up to 27 indicators. Some of the indicators are automatically configured when the CCN is connected to the vehicle electrical system for compatibility with certain optional equipment or equipment required for regulatory purposes in certain markets. While each CCN may have provisions for indicators to support every available option, the configurable indicators will not be functional in a vehicle that does not have the equipment that an indicator supports.

The CCN includes the following analog gauges:

- Engine temperature gauge (2)
- Fuel gauge (1)
- Power gauge (20) - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) only
- Speedometer (9)
- Tachometer (19) - except Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

The CCN VFD includes the Odometer/Trip Odometer/Gear Selector Indicator (21)

The CCN includes provisions for the following indicators:

- Airbag indicator (10)
- Antilock Brake System (ABS) indicator (16)
- Brake indicator (23)
- Change oil indicator - in domestic market vehicles only, a textual message in odometer VFD (21), or in Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) if equipped
- Charging indicator (13)
- Cruise indicator (30)
- Door ajar indicator - textual message in odometer VFD (21), or in Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) if equipped
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Brake Assist System (BAS) indicator (25)
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator (22)
- Engine temperature indicator (5)
- Fog lamp indicator - icon in odometer VFD (21)
- Four Wheel Drive Low (4Low) indicator (32)
- Four Wheel Drive (4WD) indicator (27)
- Gas cap indicator - textual message in odometer VFD (21)
- Gate ajar indicator - textual message in odometer VFD (21), or in Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) if equipped
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) service indicator (15 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) only)
- High beam indicator (6)
- Low fuel indicator (4)
- Low oil pressure indicator (18)
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) (26)
- No Bus indicator - textual message in odometer VFD (21)
- No Fuse indicator - textual message in odometer VFD (21)
- Ready Indicator (24) - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) only
- Regenerative Brake System (RBS) indicator (29) - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) only
- Seat belt indicator (7)
- Security indicator (14)
- Service Four-Wheel Drive (Serv 4WD) indicator (28)
- Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) indicator (8)
- Tow/Haul indicator (31)
- Traction control indicator (11)
- Transmission overtemp indicator (12)
- Turn signal (right and left) indicators (3 and 17)
- Washer fluid indicator- textual message in odometer VFD (21), or in Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) if equipped

Each indicator in the instrument cluster, except those located within the VFD unit, are illuminated by a dedicated LED that is soldered onto the CCN electronic circuit board. Cluster illumination is accomplished by a dimmable electro-luminescent lamp, which illuminates each of the gauges for visibility when the exterior lighting is turned on.

Hardwired circuitry connects the CCN to the electrical system of the vehicle. These hardwired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system, and to the CCN through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and location views of the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

The CCN module for this vehicle is serviced only as a complete unit and cannot be adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator, the VFD unit, the electronic circuit board, the circuit board hardware, the cluster overlay, or the housing are damaged or ineffective, the entire CCN module must be replaced. The cluster lens, hood and mask unit is available separately for service replacement.