Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
The Instrument Cluster houses the Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel, and Engine Coolant Temperature analog gauges. The cluster positions all of the gauges using PCI Bus messages received from the PCM. The cluster contains certain warning indicators, depending on engine type and options. Some of the indicators are hardwire inputs to the cluster and some indicators are controlled by messages received via the PCI Bus. The warning chime tone generator is contained internally within the cluster. The cluster contains a vacuum fluorescent (VF) display for the Odometer/Trip/Warning function. The VF will also display warning messages such as door / gate / glass ajar, low washer fluid level, and no bus communications. The cluster has the ability to store DTCs, communicate on the PCI Bus, display engine information, and display certain inputs using the DRB III (R).

For complete Description and Operation of the Instrument Cluster, refer to ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster.

Diagnostic Self Test
The Instrument Cluster is capable of performing a Diagnostic Self Test.

This self test can be initiated manually by depressing and holding the odometer trip reset button while cycling the ignition from the Off to the On position.

This self test can also be initiated using the DRB III (R). During the self test, all of the PCI Bus controlled light-emitting diode (LED) indicators will illuminate.

NOTE: The VTSS indicator can be turned on and off through the BCM using the DRB III (R); the Airbag indicator is illuminated by the ORC module in response to a PCI Bus message from the cluster.

The Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel gauge, and the Engine Coolant Temperature gauge will position the pointers at the respective calibration points. The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display will illuminate all segments beginning with 111111 through 999999, and then display the cluster software version. The chime will sound 5 (five) times. The cluster will then return to normal operation. Turning the ignition switch to the Off position or the cluster detecting engine RPM greater than 0 (zero) will stop the self test.