Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC)

There are 5 basic instrument cluster (IC) configurations available:
- Base cluster
- Family carrier
- Mid-line cluster
- Message center cluster
- Harley-Davidson cluster

The base, family carrier, and mid-line clusters all contain indicator and warning lamps, speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, voltage gauge, and an integrated circuit display. The message center and Harley-Davidson clusters contain a message center in place of the integrated circuit display with an expanded message list. The instrument cluster (IC) gauges, indicator lamps, warning lamps, and the integrated circuit display/message center are designed to provide the driver with system status and to alert the driver that certain conditions exist in the vehicle.

Integrated Display
Vehicles that are not equipped with a message center contain an integrated circuit display located in the lower RH corner of the instrument cluster (IC). The integrated circuit provides the odometer, trip odometer, outside air temperature (if equipped), compass display (if equipped) and the driver information messages. The compass module is mounted to the underside of the interior rear view mirror on vehicles not equipped with the auto-dimming rear view mirror or integrated into the mirror if equipped with the auto-dimming rear view mirror. The outside air temperature sensor is mounted on the radiator core support in front of the radiator and A/C condenser.

Gauges
Gauges provide information to the driver indicating the status of systems. The systems that use gauges are as follows:
- Charging system
- Engine coolant temperature
- Engine rpm
- Fuel level
- Oil pressure
- Vehicle speed

Informational Indicators
Informational indicators provide information to the driver of conditions that exist in the vehicle. The informational indicators are grouped into the following systems/subsystems:
- Engine/powertrain control
- Four wheel drive (4WD)
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
- Powertrain malfunction (wrench)
- Transmission (overdrive)

- Lighting
- High beam
- Turn signal

- Vehicle control
- Speed control
- Traction control

Warning Indicators
Warning indicators provide information to the driver of conditions that could potentially cause personal injury or alter vehicle performance. The warning indicators are grouped into the following systems/subsystems:
- Engine/powertrain control
- Charging system

- Occupant/driver safety
- Safety belt
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Supplemental restraints system (SRS) (air bag)

- Vehicle control
- ABS
- Brake system

Hardwired Inputs
The hardwired inputs used for the instrument cluster (IC) indication are provided from the following components:
- Ambient air temperature sensor
- Brake fluid level switch
- Multifunction switch (turn signal)
- Multifunction switch (high beam)
- Parking brake switch
- Engine oil pressure switch
- Restraints control module (RCM)
- Door ajar switches (LH/RH)
- Fuel pump module

Network Messaged Inputs
Module messaging is becoming the standard for sending and receiving information required to operate the instrument cluster (IC).

The status and information messages that the instrument cluster (IC) requires from other vehicle inputs are grouped into the following systems/subsystems:
- ABS
- Roll stability control

- Powertrain
- Engine emission system
- Engine rpm
- Engine temperature
- O/D off
- Traction control
- Vehicle speed

- SRS
- TPMS