Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC)







The instrument cluster (IC) is available as a base or a message center instrument cluster (IC) and can be identified by the single stem select/reset button (base) or with a full function message center (identified by the 3 button message center switch). The instrument cluster (IC) contains gauges, informational indicators and warning indicators that are designed to provide the driver with system status and to alert the driver that certain conditions exist in the vehicle.

The instrument cluster (IC) uses a 2-line display of basic informational items such as the odometer and trip odometer and for the message center display information.

All indicator lamps are LEDs, which are not replaceable. The only replaceable item is the instrument cluster (IC) lens assembly.

Gauges
Gauges provide information to the driver indicating the status of systems. The systems that use gauges are as follows:
- Engine coolant temperature
- Engine rpm
- Fuel level
- 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
- Evaporative emissions
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
- Powertrain malfunction (wrench)
- Transmission (overdrive)

- Lighting
- High beam
- Turn signal

- Vehicle control
- Anti-theft
- Speed control
- Traction control
- Upshift

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
- Engine over temperature
- Low engine oil pressure

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

- Vehicle control
- ABS
- Brake system

Hardwired Inputs
The hardwired inputs are provided from the following systems or components:
- Engine oil pressure switch
- Fuel level
- Message center switch
- Network communications (high speed and medium speed controller area network [HS-CAN and MS-CAN])
- Passive anti-theft system (PATS)
- Traction control disable switch

Network Messaged Inputs
Module messaging has increased over time and is becoming the standard for sending and receiving information required to operate the instrument cluster (IC). For additional information and a complete list of module messages with the message origination sources, refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network).

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

- Base brake system
- Brake fluid level status
- Parking brake status

- Lighting system
- LH/RH turn
- High beam

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

- SRS
- TPMS