Module, Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC): 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 IPC 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:
- Speedometer
- This is the analog speedometer scale
Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION .
- Tachometer
- This is the analog tachometer scale
Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION .
- Electronic Display Unit
- 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
Refer to CENTER, ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION, DESCRIPTION .
- Fuel Level Gauge
- This is the analog fuel level scale
Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION .
- Temperature Gauge
- This is the analog temperature scale
Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION .
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 IPC utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus along with several hardwired 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 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.