Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
The main components of the Instrument Cluster (IC) are:
^ Instrument cluster back plate.
^ Instrument cluster mask.
^ Fuel and temperature gauge.
^ Gauges.
^ Warning/indicator lamps.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY PROVE OUT
The instrument cluster performs a display prove out to verify that all warning/indicator miniature bulbs and monitored systems are functioning properly. When the ignition switch in the ON position with the engine OFF, the following warning indicators will illuminate:
^ SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning indicator.
^ Charging system indicator.
^ Low oil pressure warning indicator.
^ Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) warning indicator.
^ Safety belt warning indicator.
^ Air bag warning indicator.
^ CHECK COOLANT warning indicator (2 second prove out).
During engine cranking, the BRAKE warning indicator will illuminate. After engine is running and the brakes DO NOT have a low brake fluid condition and the parking brake is released the light goes out.
PRINTED CIRCUIT
The instrument cluster printed circuit supplies current to the instrument cluster warning indicator, gauges and illumination miniature bulbs. It is made of copper foil which is bonded to a polyester base film (usually referred to as Mylar). The instrument cluster printed circuit is mounted on the back of the instrument cluster back plate.
SPEEDOMETER
The speedometer and odometer are electrically driven by the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS).
ODOMETER
The vehicle is equipped with two odometers. The primary odometer shows the vehicle's cumulative distance. The second odometer is the trip and tenths odometer.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer is electrically operated and indicates engine speed in Revolutions Per Minute (rpm). The tachometer range is 0 to 8000 rpm.
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel level sensor changes resistance according to the amount of fuel in the fuel tank and varies the current flow through the fuel gauge. The pointer position varies proportionately to the current flow.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The engine coolant temperature gauge is a magnetic-type. The pointer varies in direction according to the variable resistance from the water temperature indicator sender unit.
LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR
The Low oil pressure warning indicator is identified by an 0il can symbol on the instrument cluster. The low oil pressure warning indicator illuminates during prove out. The indicator goes out after the engine starts if the oil pressure is normal.
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
The charging system indicator illuminates when the generator output is insufficient to maintain the battery's state of charge.
LOW COOLANT WARNING INDICATOR
The low coolant warning indicator illuminates when the coolant level is low in the coolant recovery reservoir.
AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR
When the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is operating properly, the air bag warning indicator illuminates for approximately six seconds when the ignition switch is turned ON. It only illuminates after starting if a malfunction is present in the SRS.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR
During vehicle operation, the SERVICE ENGINE SOON Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a fault.
UPSHIFT INDICATOR
The upshift indicator illuminates when the transaxle should be shifted to the next higher gear.
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
The high beam indicator illuminates when the headlamps are placed in the high beam position or the flash-to-pass position.
LIFTGATE AJAR WARNING INDICATOR
The liftgate ajar warning indicator illuminates when the liftgate is opened (wagon only).
TURN INDICATOR
The RH or LH turn indicator illuminates intermittently relative to the position of the turn signal switch on the steering column.
BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR
The brake system warning indicator has a dual function. It illuminates when the parking brake is applied and/or when the brake fluid level is low.
ANTI-LOOK BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) warning indicator lights when the anti-lock brake control module detects a fault in the system.
SAFETY BELT WARNING INDICATOR
The safety belt warning indicator illuminates when a safety belt is not fastened.
ANTI-THEFT INDICATOR
The anti-theft indicator located in the instrument cluster, will only light when the system is PREARMED or ARMED. During the PREARM cycle, the theft indicator will light constantly for 30 seconds. After the 30 seconds, the system is ARMED and the theft indicator will begin flashing.