Description And Operation: Description

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) for this vehicle is located in the instrument panel above the steering column opening. The IPC gauges and indicators are visible through an opening in the cluster bezel and are protected by a clear plastic cluster lens that is secured to the cluster housing by integral latch formations.

The molded plastic cluster housing encloses and protects the perimeter of the IPC unit. The cluster housing serves as the carrier for the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauge set, the indicators, an electronic display unit as well as an audible tone transducer. Each of the cluster hard indicators as well as the general cluster illumination is provided by dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED) units soldered to the cluster electronic circuit board. A molded plastic rear cover includes clearance holes for the connector receptacle and is secured to the cluster housing by screws. The connector receptacle on the back of the IPC electronic circuit board connects the unit to the electrical system of the vehicle through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.

Just behind the cluster lens is the molded plastic cluster mask. The mask serves to separate and define the layout of the various visible areas of the IPC and also trims the cluster overlay. The mask lays over the cluster overlay, which is a laminated plastic unit. The dark, visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing cluttered or busy by concealing the hard indicators that are not illuminated, while the translucence of this layer allows those hard indicators that are illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from the hard indicator LED units to be visible through the outer layer of the overlay through predetermined stencil-like cutouts. The defined areas of the IPC are:

• Tachometer (1) 

  - This is the analog tachometer scale.

• Temperature Gauge (2) 

  - This is the analog temperature scale.

• Electronic Display Unit (3) 

  - This is the electronic display unit. It includes an odometer display, several trip computer functions, a message center, numerous predetermined soft indicators and several reconfigurable display options.

• Fuel Level Gauge (4) 

  - This is the analog fuel level scale.

• Speedometer (5) 

  - This is the analog speedometer scale.

Several versions of the IPC are offered on this vehicle. These versions accommodate all of the variations of optional equipment and regulatory requirements for the various markets in which the vehicle is offered. The microcontroller-based IPC utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus along with several hard wired inputs to monitor other sensors and switches in the vehicle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry and programming of the IPC allow it to monitor many electronic functions and features of the vehicle.

The IPC is mounted behind the steering wheel, is connected to the CAN and includes four gauges:

• Tachometer (1) 

  - This is the analog tachometer scale.

• Temperature Gauge (2) 

  - This is the analog temperature scale.

• Electronic Display Unit (3) 

  - This is the electronic display unit. It includes an odometer display, several trip computer functions, a message center, numerous predetermined soft indicators and several reconfigurable display options.

• Fuel Level Gauge (4) 

  - This is the analog fuel level scale.

• Speedometer (5) 

  - This is the analog speedometer scale.

At the center is a large display (available in two different versions and is reconfigurable), the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). In the various information positions are located numerous warning lights, described in the service information of the functions to which they relate.

The IPC receives and manages the messages coming from the compass module and the humidity sensor (if present) via the LIN line.

The BCM directly controls the door closing red flashing LED, located in the instrument panel.

For the versions in which the "SERVICE" menu is present, a dedicated menu for resetting the SERVICE will be available in the IPC module diagnosis. The "SERVICE" resetting procedure must be carried out via diagnosis equipment.

For versions in which the pre-delivery mileage RESET function is present, when the vehicle is new or with less than 200 km (124 miles) the display shows the letter "H" before mileage. As long as mileage is below 200 km (124 miles) and the "H" is displayed this can be reset, since it is considered as pre-delivery movement. Resetting of pre-delivery mileage is carried out through diagnosis equipment in the IPC module diagnosis.

Within the IPC is placed a chime with the ability to manage reports of different intensity, in order to fulfill the many functions (described in the diagrams of the functions to which they relate).

The IPC is a module of the CAN through which it exchanges information with the Body Control Module (BCM) and other electronic control units, in detail:

• - Speedometer: the function is to display on the dashboard of the car speed: this information comes from the Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit and Powertrain Control Module (PCM), using the BCM
• - Engine RPM: the function is to display on the IPC the rotational speed of the engine by means of the message sent via the CAN by the PCM
• - Odometer: function provides for the display and storage of total and partial information that are processed by the BCM through a counter that is transmitted via the CAN to the IPC
• - Fuel level: the BCM receives the signal from the sensor built into the fuel pump inside the tank and processes it to ensure an appropriate filtering / damping to the indicator of the IPC and also controls the lighting of the "reserve" lamp

The IPC indicator circuit is able to detect any anomaly in the wiring or the sensor and provide an appropriate indication to the IPC:

• - Fuel level: in case of system malfunction, the index is placed at the beginning of scale and the light of the "reserve" flashes.
• - Engine coolant temperature: the function is to display on the IPC the coolant temperature and the indicator light will light of excessive engine temperature by means of messages sent via the CAN by the PCM. The temperature reading is always guaranteed, even in extreme conditions of operation.
• - Low engine oil pressure: the function includes the lighting on the IPC of minimum engine oil pressure warning light through a message sent via CAN by the PCM.
• - Park Brake: the BCM acquires the status of the parking brake from the switch and communicates specific activation to the IPC through the CAN, the function includes the lighting on the IPC of the "brake fluid level too low" warning light; also, if this signal is associated to pass a certain threshold of speed, an acoustic signal is activated.
• - Insufficient brake fluid: the function includes the lighting on the IPC of the "brake fluid level too low" warning light. The signal is sent via the CAN by the BCM.

The IPC gauges, indicators, LED units, control switches as well as the electronic display unit are all integral components of the IPC and its electronic circuit board. If any part of the IPC is damaged or ineffective, the entire IPC assembly must be replaced.