Instrument Panel Cluster Replacement
NOTE: The ignition switch should be in the OFF position when connecting or disconnecting the connectors to the IPC. If an excessive current draw is detected refer to the Parasitic Load test, Engine Electrical.INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) REPLACEMENT
The service of the instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may consist of replacing the IPC.
NOTE: When replacing instrument panel cluster assembly, federal law requires that the odometer reading of the replacement unit be set to register the same mileage as the prior odometer. If the same mileage cannot be set, the law requires that the replacement odometer be set at zero and a label be installed on the driver's door frame to show the previous odometer reading and the date of replacement.
Remove or Disconnect
1. Negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notes.
2. Instrument panel accessory trim plate. Refer to instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement in interior Trim.
3. Four screws that retain the cluster to the instrument panel.
4. Instrument panel wiring harness from the cluster.
5. Cluster from the instrument panel.
Install or Connect
1. Cluster to the instrument panel. Firmly seat cluster onto the connector.
2. Instrument panel wiring harness to the cluster.
3. Screws. Tighten instrument Panel Cluster screws to 1.9 N.m (17 lb in).
4. Instrument panel accessory trim plate. Refer to instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement in interior Trim.
5. Negative battery cable.
WIRING HARNESS SERVICE
The IPC harness electrically connects, via class 2 communication, to the IPC and other control modules (i.e. ATC, BCM, EBCM, HVAC, PCM, and VCM), switches and sensors in the vehicle engine compartment and in the passenger compartment. Wire harnesses must be replaced with the proper part number. When splicing signal wires into a harness, wires with high temperature insulation must be used. Because of the low amperage and voltage levels utilized in IPC, the best possible bond shall be made at all splices. Rosin-core solder must be used in IPC wire splices. Refer to Wire Harness Repair in Electrical Diagnosis. Molded-on connectors that are damaged must be replaced. A new connector must be spliced into the harness. Replacement connectors and terminals are listed in Group 8.965 in the Standard Parts Catalog.
CONNECTORS AND TERMINALS
Care must be taken when probing a connector and when replacing terminals. A short between opposite terminals could damage components. Jumper wires must be used between connectors when checking circuits. NEVER probe through Weather-Pack seals. Connector test adapter kit (J 35616-A) is the ONLY recommended method of probing connectors, terminals, and Bussed Electrical Centers. Connector test adapter kit (J 35616-A) contains an assortment of flexible connectors used to probe connectors, terminals, and Bussed Electrical Centers during diagnosis.
NOTE: The Probing of electrical circuits without the use of Connector test adapter kit (J 35616-A) could cause damage to electrical components and connectors.
Fuse remover and test tool (BT-8616), or equivalent, is used for removing a fuse and to adapt the fuse holder to a meter for diagnosis. Open circuits may be difficult to locate visually because oxidation or terminal misalignment are hidden by the connectors. Wiggling a connector on a sensor or in the wiring harness may temporarily correct the open circuit. Intermittent problems may be caused by oxidized or loose connections. Check the type of connector/terminal before making any connector or terminal repair.
MICRO-PACK TERMINAL REMOVAL
Refer to the below illustration for the Terminal Removal Procedures of a Micro-Pack Connector.
Micro-Pack 100 Terminal Removal
BASIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
A basic understanding of hand tools is necessary to effectively use this section of the service manual.
NOTE: A lack of basic knowledge while performing diagnostic procedures on the IPC could result in incorrect diagnostic or damage IPC components. Do not attempt to diagnose a IPC problem without this basic knowledge. Before using this section of the Service Manual there are some areas that you must be familiar with. Without this basic knowledge, you will have difficulty using the diagnostic procedures.
- Basic Electrical Circuits The basic theory of electricity is essential. An understanding of voltage, current and resistance and their relationships to each other will help in the diagnosis of an open or shorted circuit. You must be able to read and understand a schematic wiring diagram.
- Use of Circuit Testing Tools You must know how to use jumper wires to bypass components to test circuits. You must be familiar with essential tool J 39200 DMM or equivalent. You must be able to measure voltage, resistance, and current with the DMM you are using.
AFTERMARKET (ADD-ON) ELECTRICAL AND VACUUM EQUIPMENT
Aftermarket (Add-On) electrical and vacuum equipment is equipment that has been installed on a vehicle's electrical or vacuum systems after the vehicle leaves the factory. This may also include equipment not connected to the vehicle's electrical system such as portable telephones and radios. No allowances have been made in the vehicle design for this type of equipment.
NOTE: Add-on electrical equipment must be connected to the vehicle's electrical system at the battery (power and ground).
Add-on electrical equipment, including telephones and radios, installed to these strict guidelines, may still cause the IPC to malfunction. This may also include equipment not connected to the vehicle's electrical system, such as portable telephones and radios. The first step in diagnosing a IPC problem is to remove add-on electrical equipment from the vehicle. After this is done, if the problem still exists, the problem may be diagnosed in the normal manner.