Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERThe instrumentation gauges are contained in a subdial assembly within the instrument cluster.
The Instrument Cluster receives and sends messages to other modules via the PCI bus circuit. The indicator lamps will illuminate briefly for a bulb check when the ignition is turned from off to run. All of the gauges receive their information via the PCI bus from the powertrain control module and body control module.
The gauges and the LEDs are not individually replaceable, thereby requiring complete replacement of the Instrument Cluster if a repair is necessary. In the event that the Instrument Cluster loses communication with other modules on the PCI bus, the cluster will display "no bus" in the VF display.
The Trip/Reset button is used to switch the display from trip to total mileage. Holding the button when the display is in the trip mode will reset the trip mileage. This button is also used to put the cluster into self-diagnostic mode. The odometer display uses blue-green vacuum fluorescent digital characters.
On base models, the Instrument Cluster has three gauges: Speedometer, fuel and temperature. A red dot moves transversely appears through openings in the Instrument Cluster face (P-R-N-D-2-1) to indicate the gear selected.
With other models, the Instrument Cluster may also include a tachometer and use a vacuum�fluorescent shift indicator.
The high-line Instrument Cluster features Electroluminescent Illumination of the gauge faces (EL Panel). This feature eliminates the use of bulbs for gauge/panel lighting. In a manner similar to fluorescent lights, a/c voltage from an inverter integrated circuit chip is applied to the phosphorescent material, causing it to glow. The phosphorescent material is screen-printed onto flexible Mylar sheets that form the gauge faces.
The mechanical instrument cluster with a tachometer is equipped with a electronic vacuum fluorescent transmission range indicator (PRND3L), odometer, and trip odometer display.
The mechanical instrument cluster without a tachometer is equipped with a cable operated transmission range indicator (PRND21) and a vacuum fluorescent odometer display. It also has the following indicators:
- Turn Signals
- High Beam
- Oil Pressure
- MIL
The instrument cluster is equipped with the following warning lamps.
- Lift Gate Ajar
- Low Fuel Level
- Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level
- Cruise
- Battery Voltage
- Fasten Seat Belt
- Door Ajar
- Coolant Temperature
- Anti-Lock Brake
- Brake
- Airbag
- Traction Control
- Autostick
The mechanical instrument cluster without a tachometer also has the following warning lamps:
- Turns Signals
- High Beam
- Oil Pressure
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
The odometer display and door/liftgate ajar indicators turn on when a door is opened to assist both the customer and service technician to view the odometer without turning the ignition ON.
On models with AutoStick, the display includes an O/D OFF indicator that is illuminated when the driver presses the Overdrive Off button on the transaxle shifter.
Instrument Cluster Self Test
1. Depress and hold the Odometer Reset button.
2. Turn the ignition switch to on.
3. Release the Odometer reset button.
The Instrument Cluster will illuminate all indicators and step the gauges through several calibration points. Also, the odometer will display any stored codes that may have set.