Multi-Function Indicator

A multi-function indicator is standard equipment on all instrument clusters. The multi-function indicator is located near the lower edge of the instrument cluster, directly below the speedometer. The multi-function indicator consists of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) unit and four push button-controlled switches that are soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic circuit board. The LCD is visible through a large rectangular cutout in the instrument cluster overlay, while the four switch push buttons extend through a black plastic switch bezel located on the cluster lens directly below the LCD. The four multi-function indicator push buttons allow the vehicle operator to configure and adjust several of the display features. The buttons are labeled from left to right: "mi" (miles) or "km" (kilometers), an icon depicting an analog clock face (clock), "2" (minus), and "+" (plus).

The multi-function indicator LCD displays both alpha-numeric characters and numerous icons to provide information to the vehicle operator. The indications of the multi-function indicator are not visible when the LCD is not illuminated. When illuminated the indications appear as dark characters and icons silhouetted against an amber field. When the exterior lighting is turned Off, the display is illuminated at maximum brightness. When the exterior lighting is turned On the display illumination level can be adjusted in concert with the cluster general illumination lighting using the "+" (plus) and "2" (minus) multi-function indicator push buttons. The multi-function indicator LCD unit and push button switches are serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.

The multi-function indicator has several display capabilities including odometer, trip odometer, clock, engine oil level data, gear selector indicator (PRNDL), certain diagnostic information and, on vehicles so equipped, an optional Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oil maintenance indicator and an optional outside ambient temperature indicator. The multi-function indicator is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will allow this indication to be viewed whenever the multi-function indicator Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is activated. Therefore, the indicator remains functional regardless of the ignition switch position. With the ignition switch in the Off or Accessory positions and the key removed from the ignition lock cylinder, the display is activated when the park lamps are turned On or, for about thirty seconds after any one of the multi-function indicator switch push buttons is depressed. Otherwise, the display unit is active for about thirty seconds after the key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder, and inactive about thirty seconds after the key is removed from the ignition lock cylinder.

The multi-function indicator "mi" (miles) or "km"(kilometers) switch push button is used to control the odometer/trip odometer display modes. The multi-function indicator clock switch push button is used to control the clock/outside temperature display modes. The multi-function indicator "+" (plus) and "2" (minus) switch push buttons are used to adjust the cluster general illumination dimming level, the clock, and other cluster settings. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use, operation and setting procedures for the various standard and optional multifunction indicator displays.

Proper testing of the multi-function indicator LCD unit, the CAN data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs to the instrument cluster that control some of the multi-function indicator functions requires the use of a DRBIII(R) scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. Additional details for the odometer/trip odometer, the clock, the gear selector indicator, the ambient temperature indicator and the ASSYST warning and reminder functions of the multi-function indicator may be found elsewhere in this service information.