Instruments

INSTRUMENTS

Instrument Pack Connectors:

Gauges:

Warning Indicators:

INTRODUCTION

The Instrument Pack is a self-contained removeable unit that incorporates all the main display gauges and warning indicators that are used to present vehicle condition information. The primary function of the Instrument Display is to provide the driver with information usual to normal driving requirements. The secondary function is to display the results of trip computer calculations and information, in response to signals received from the trip computer keypad.

Information is received from sensors positioned at various locations about the vehicle via one of the two multi-pin sockets located at the rear of the Instrument Pack.

Information concerning vehicle condition and operation is displayed in one of three ways:

1 Information necessary to confirm normal vehicle operation:
road speed,
engine speed,
oil pressure,
battery condition,
fuel level,
coolant temperature.
This information is displayed using analogue gauges.

2 Information indicating the presence of a hazard/fault condition (low oil pressure/door open etc.) or operational action (indicator flashing/headlamp full beam ON etc.). This information is provided by twenty two warning lamps/tell-tales, arranged in four groups, two groups of seven at the left and right sides of the instrument panel and two groups of four at the bottom of the instrument panel.

3 An LCD Display is located at the bottom~centre of the instrument pack and is normally used to display the odometer reading, but it can also be used to display vehicle condition messages associated with particular warning lamps and trip computer information such as vehicle speed, fuel usage and distance travelled.

GAUGES

There are six analogue-style gauges contained in the instrument pack:
1 Speedometer.
2 Tachometer.
3 Battery condition.
4 Fuel Level.
5 Oil Pressure.
6 Coolant Temperature.

The speedometer and tachometer are true analogue gauges, in that the readings indicated are directly proportional to the parameters being measured. However, the four minor gauges (battery condition, fuel level, oil pressure and coolant temperature) each have their indication ranges resolved into 58 discrete steps. Slight gauge flicker may be discernable between individual steps.

Each gauge is contained in a sealed non-serviceable can, therefore complete replacement of the gauge/can is necessary in the event of a damaged or faulty gauge.

Extreme care should be exercised when replacing instrument pack components, to avoid damage to the delicate gauge indicator needles.

The coolant temperature gauge needle will move rapidly up the scale to 'N' when the thermostat opens. This is due to the sensitivity of the gauge and the close proximity of the sensor to the thermostat, ie when the thermostat opens, a rush of hot coolant from the cylinder block causes the sensor to react accordingly. It is perfectly normal, there is not a fault with the gauge.

BULBS

Gauge and warning indicator illumination is controlled by a microprocessor located in the electronic instrument pack, there are no bulb relays. Bulbs are of the long life type. There are two different types of colored bulb holder, cream and brown, the two types should not be interchanged and replacement bulbs should be of the same colour type.

The seven right-hand warning indicators are for primary warnings and illuminate RED. The seven left hand warning indicators are for secondary warnings and illuminate AMBER. The eight lower lamps are a mixture of status and warning lamps.

ODOMETER

Total distance travelled by the vehicle is displayed on an LCD display located centre-bottom of the Instrument Pack. The LCD is a single line, six digit, seven segment display.

The odometer shares the LCD display with Trip Computer and Vehicle Condition Monitor information. When the ignition is switched off, the odometer reading is permanently displayed. If the ignition is switched on and the odometer reading is not shown, it can be displayed by pressing the 'CLEAR' button located on the VCM keypad either once or twice.

Excessive heat in the vicinity of the LCD display will be automatically detected by a thermistor, and the backlight will be dimmed to prevent opaqueing of the LCD. This safety feature may be actioned if driving in hot countries with headlights on full beam for example.