Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
The mechanical instrument cluster is an electromechanical module which receives most of its information via the Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) bus.

Fig. 1 Cluster - Intrepid/Concorde:

Fig. 2 Cluster - 300M:

There are three types of clusters (Fig. 1) and (Fig.2).

The Instrument Cluster for the Intrepid and Concorde (Fig. 1) are almost identical. The gauge and warning lamp location and functionality are identical. The difference being, the Intrepid has white gauges with black numbers, and the Concorde has black gauges with white numbers and chrome rings around the gauges.
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- Odometer/trip odometer
- Fuel gauge
- Temperature gauge
- Electronic transmission range

The warning and information indicators include the following:
- Check Engine
- Airbag
- Charging system
- Low oil pressure
- High temperature
- Low fuel
- Seat belt
- Cruise
- Brake/park brake
- High beam
- Turn signals
- Door Ajar
- Decklid Ajar
- ABS (optional)
- Traction Control Active (if equipped)
- Traction Control Off (if equipped)
- Low Washer Fluid

The gauges are the magnetic air-core type. When the ignition switch is OFF, the gauge pointers should rest at or below the low graduation.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
The amber Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) warning indicator lamp is located on the instrument panel in the instrument cluster.

When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the amber ABS warning indicator lamp is lit until the Controller Anti-Lock Brakes (CAB) completes it's self-tests and turns off the indicator lamp (approximately 4 seconds). The amber ABS warning indicator lamp will illuminate when the CAB detects a condition that results in the shutdown of ABS function or when the instrument cluster does not receive messages from the CAB. The CAB sends a message across the PCI bus circuit that informs the instrument cluster to turn ON the amber ABS warning indicator lamp.

NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with traction control, the TRAC OFF indicator lamp will illuminate anytime the amber ABS warning indicator lamp is ON.

Under most conditions, when the amber ABS warning indicator lamp is on only the ABS function of the brake system is affected the base brake system and the ability to stop the vehicle are not affected.

RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR
The red BRAKE warning indicator lamp is located on the instrument panel in the instrument cluster.

The red BRAKE warning indicator lamp is supplied 12-volt ignition feed anytime the ignition switch is ON. The indicator lamp is then illuminated by completing the ground circuit either through the parking brake warning switch mounted on the parking brake lever, the brake fluid level switch mounted in the master cylinder reservoir or the ignition switch when in the CRANK position.

TACHOMETER
Refer to Electrical, Instrument Cluster, Description for more information.

The tachometer receives its information across the PCI Bus from the Body Control Module (BCM). Information on engine RPM is transmitted from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) across the PCI Bus to the BCM. The BCM calculates the position of the tachometer pointer based on the input from the PCM and adjusts the position of the gauge pointer to the necessary position. This signal is sent over the PCI Bus to the instrument cluster.

TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATOR (PRNDL)
The shift position indicator is located in the instrument cluster. It indicates the position of the manual valve lever by illuminating an LED located under the P, R, N, D, 3, or L (or Autostick) gear symbol.

The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) sends a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) regarding the position of the manual valve lever. The PCM converts this signal into a Shift Lever Position (SLP) and sends the information to the Body Control Module (BCM) and the instrument cluster.