Instrument Cluster

The Digital Instrument Cluster consists of a microcomputer-based electronic module with three vacuum fluorescent (VF) displays.

The Cluster receives and processes inputs from various switches and sensors to operate the speedometer/odometer display and the gauge/warning indicator display. these displays keep the driver informed about the vehicle's systems. The Digital Cluster also includes a message center display that provides trip computing and other information.

When the park lamps or headlamps are off, all Cluster displays are at their brightest for good visibility. If the park lamps or headlamps are turned on, some of the Cluster displays dim.

Speedometer/Odometer Display

The speedometer/odometer display is located in the center of the Digital Cluster and includes the speedometer, odometer, high beam indicator, left and right turn indicators, and the speed control indicator.

Speedometer

The digital speedometer displays vehicle speeds from 0 to 85 mph or 199 km/h. If vehicle speed exceeds these values, the speedometer will continue to display whether the vehicle is moving forward or backward. Mph or km/h is selected by pressing the E/M button below the message center display.

Odometer

The electronic odometer displays the number of accumulated miles or kilometers and is capable of displaying from 000000.0 is 999999.9. When 999999.9 is exceeded, the odometer rolls over to 000000.0. The accumulated mileage value is stored in a non-volatile memory which retains the mileage value even if the battery is disconnected.

The Digital Cluster uses an input signal from the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) to control the speedometer and odometer.

Hi Beam Indicator

With the headlamps turned on and the Main Light Switch Dimmer Switch in the Hi Beam position, voltage is present on circuit 932 (GY/W) at pin 4, connector C256 of the Cluster. The Cluster turns on the high beam indicator.

On DRL equipped vehicles, the Main Light Switch Dimmer Switch does not power the high beam indicator directly. Instead, the Dimmer Switch applies voltage to pin 8 of the DRL Module and the Module applies voltage at pin 1 to circuit 932 (GY/W).

Left and Right Turn Indicators

With the Multi-function Switch in the left or right turn position, voltage s applied to circuit 3 (LG/W) or 2 (W/LB). The Cluster turns on the left or right turn indicator. The turn indicator flashes in unison with the exterior turn signal bulbs.

Speed Control Indicator

Wit the speed control system operating, the Speed Control Amplifier grounds circuit 203 (O/LB) to the Digital Cluster. The Cluster then turns on the SPEED CONTROL display.

Gauge/Warning Indicator Display

The gauge/warning indicator display is located on the left side of the Digital Cluster and includes the temperate gauge, fuel level gauge, air bag, anti-lock brake, brake, charge, check engine, check temp, fasten belts, low fuel and oil pressure indicators.

Temperature and Fuel Level Gauges

The temperature and fuel level gauges are bar type gauges. Each gauge has fourteen segments. The number of illuminated bars varies according to the voltage drop across the gauge sender.

Temperature Gauge

The Coolant Temperature Sender is a two terminal sender. With low coolant temperature, Sender resistance is high (about 13,000 ohms) and few segments are turned on. As coolant temperature increases, Sender resistance decreases (to about 200 ohms with a very hot engine) and the number of illuminated segments increases.

Fuel Gauge

The Fuel Gauge Sender used with The Digital Cluster is not the same as the Sender used with Analog Clusters. With a full fuel tank, Sender resistance is high (About 168 ohms) and all fourteen segments are turned on. As fuel level drops, Sender resistance decreases (to about 11 ohms with an empty tank) and segments turn off.

The Fuel Gauge Sender signal is filtered by Digital Cluster circuitry to prevent a constantly changing Fuel Gauge reading due to fuel sloshing around the tank.

Air Bag Indicator

If an air bag system fault is present, the Air Bag Diagnostic Module grounds pin 4 and circuit 608 (BK/Y) to the Cluster. the Cluster turns on the AIR BAG Indicator.

Brake Indicator

With the Ignition Switch in START, circuits 977 (P/W) and 57 (BK) are connected through the Ignition Switch contracts. This circuit is used as a bulb test for the brake indicator during engine start up.

With a low brake fluid condition, the Brake Fluid Level Switch contacts close, grounding circuit 977 (P/W) to the Cluster. The Cluster turns on the brake indicator.

If the park brake is applied, the Park Brake Switch contacts close. On standard production vehicles, this grounds circuits 512 (T/LG) and 977 (P/W) to the Cluster and turns on the brake indicator.

On non-standard production vehicles, the brake part of the brake indicator circuit is slightly different from that of standard production vehicles.

While all non-standard production vehicles are wired fro Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), only vehicles sold in Canada have a DRL Module installed. Cars sold in the United States have a DRL Module jumper plugged into the DRL Module connector C180. This jumper has two circuits. One connects circuits 977 (P/W) and 512 (T/G). Whether a DRL Module or DRL Module jumper is installed, the Park Brake Switch signal is still used to ground circuit 977 (P/W) to the Cluster.

Charge Indicator

With the Ignition Switch in RUN, voltage si present on circuit 88 (BK/W) at the Digital Cluster. With the engine not running, or with the engine running and Alternator output below a preset value, the Alternator grounds circuit 904 (LG/R) to the Cluster and the Cluster turns on the charge indicator battery symbol.

If the engine is running and the charging system is working properly, the Alternator "ungrounds" circuit 904 (LG/R) and the charge indicator is turned off.

On vehicles equipped with the Heated Windshield, the Alternator signal passes through the Heated Windshield Module.

Check Engine Indicator

With a fault present in the Electronic Engine Control System, the Electronic Engine Control (EEC) Module grounds pin 17 and circuit 201 (T/R) to the Cluster; the Cluster turns on the CHECK ENGINE display.

Check Temp Indicator

If engine temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the Cluster flashes the check temp thermometer symbol, located next to the temperature gauge. The Cluster also emits a beep tone every five seconds to alert the driver that an overheat condition is occurring.

Low Fuel Warning Indicator

When fuel level drops to a predetermined level (about 1/8 tank remaining), the Cluster flashes the gas pump symbol, located next to the fuel gauge.

Oil Pressure Indicator

With low oil pressure (or with the engine shut off), the Oil Pressure Switch is closed, grounding circuit 31 (W/R) to the Cluster. the Cluster turns on the oil pressure indictor (an oil can symbol). With oil pressure above about 6 psi, the Switch opens, breaking the ground circuit. The oil pressure indicator is turned off.

Message Center Display

The message center display is located on the right side of the Digital Cluster and includes displays for the air suspension, door ajar, low washer fluid and trunk lid ajar warning indicators. It also includes a display for the trip computer and outside temperature.

Air Suspension Indicator

If an Air Suspension System fault is present, the Air Suspension/EVO Steering Module grounds pin 11 and circuit 419 (DG/LG) to the Cluster. The Cluster turns on the CHECK AIR SUSPENSION indicator.

Door Ajar Indicator

With any of the vehicle's four doors ajar, that door's Door Latch Switch closes, grounding circuit 627 (BK/O) to the Cluster. The Cluster turns on the DOOR AJAR indicator.

Low Washer Fluid Indicator

With washer fluid level below a predetermined level, the contacts of the Windshield Washer Low fluid Switch close, grounding circuit 82 (PK/Y) to the Cluster. The Cluster turns on the LOW WASHER FLUID indicator.

Trunk Lid Ajar Indicator

With the trunk lid ajar, the contacts of the Trunk Ajar Switch close, grounding circuit 486 (BR/W) to the Cluster. The Cluster turns on the TRUNK AJAR indicator.

Outside Temperature/Trip Computer Display

The same three-digit display area is used for outside temperature and all trip computer functions. The information displayed depends on which function is selected by the driver, using the buttons on the Message Center Switch Assembly. The Switch Assembly is located directly below the message center display and the buttons are illuminated for night time visibility.

An Outside Temperature Sensor is used to provide outside air temperature information. The temperature can be displayed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

The Digital Cluster provides several trip computing functions: distance-to-empty, fuel remaining, average fuel economy, instant fuel economy and two separate trip odometers. Input information for these functions provided to the Digital Cluster by the Fuel Gauge Sender, the Vehicle Speed Sensor and fuel flow rate input from the Electronic Engine Control Module.