Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Windstar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The instrument cluster, front electronic module (FEM), and the rear electronic module (REM) must be reconfigured upon installation. Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION .

The instrument cluster is a hybrid electronic cluster (HEC). The vehicle electronic functions are divided into zones. The instrument cluster, FEM and REM use the standard corporate protocol (SCP) communication network to transmit and receive information. As a technician it is very important to understand:

where the input (command) originates from.
all information (messages) necessary in order for a feature to operate.
which module(s) receive(s) the input or command message.
if the module which received the input (message), controls the output of the feature, or if it outputs a message over the SCP communication network to another module.
which module controls the output of the feature.

The instrument cluster communicates to the FEM, REM, ABS/TC, PCM and other modules on the vehicle over the SCP network to control the gauges and warning indicators.