Module, Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC): Description
The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) for this vehicle is located directly in front of the driver, above the steering column opening. Only the face of the IPC is visible. The remainder of the IPC including the mounting provisions and electrical connections are concealed within the instrument panel behind the IPC housing and the instrument panel cluster bezel.
The IPC gauges and indicators are visible through a dedicated opening in the instrument panel below the cluster hood and are protected by a clear plastic cluster lens. A cluster hood and mask serves as a visor and shields the face of the cluster from ambient light and reflections to reduce glare. The IPC has two integral mounting tabs on the sides near the top of the unit as well as two on the bottom which are used to secure the IPC to the molded plastic instrument panel cluster carrier with screws.
Besides analog gauges and Light Emitting Diode (LED) unit indicators, the IPC incorporates a multicolor Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display unit. The TFT will display odometer information and automatic transmission gear selection. The TFT may also display numerous indications, textual messages, both static and animated graphics and certain diagnostic information, some of which are model and equipment dependent. Refer to CENTER, ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION, DESCRIPTION .
Several versions of the IPC module are offered for 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. Refer to COMMUNICATION, DESCRIPTION .
The IPC gauges, indicators and electronic circuitry along with the cluster housing are only serviced as an assembly, and cannot be adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, a LED unit, the TFT display unit, the electronic circuit board and hardware, the cluster overlay or the cluster housing is damaged or ineffective, the entire IPC unit must be replaced.