Part 1
OPERATION
Indicators are located in various positions within the instrument cluster display and are all connected to the electronic circuit board of the instrument cluster, also known as the Cab Compartment Node or (CCN). Some indicators operate based upon hard-wired inputs to the CCN, but most are controlled by Controller Area Network (CAN) or LIN data bus messages from other electronic modules in the vehicle. Some are controlled by a combination of hard-wired inputs, electronic messaging and CCN programming. If the CCN loses CAN data bus communication, the CCN circuitry will automatically turn ON the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) until CAN data bus communication is restored.
The various CCN indicators are controlled by different strategies; some receive fused ignition switch output from the CCN circuitry and have a switched ground, while others are grounded through the CCN circuitry and have a switched battery feed. However, all indicators are completely controlled by the CCN microprocessor based upon various hard-wired and electronic message inputs. The cruise indicator located within the odometer VFD unit is dimmable. All other indicators are illuminated at a fixed intensity, which is not affected by the selected illumination intensity of the CCN general illumination Light Emitting Diode (LED) units. The illumination intensity of the dimmable indicators is synchronized with that of the general illumination lighting.
In addition, certain indicators in this instrument cluster are automatically or self-configured. This feature allows the configurable indicators to be enabled by the CCN circuitry for compatibility with certain optional equipment. These indicators are enabled or disabled by an electronic configuration message sent to the CCN by the TIPM. The TIPM defaults for the ABS indicator and airbag indicator are enabled, and these configuration settings must be programmatically disabled in the TIPM using a diagnostic scan tool for vehicles that do not have this equipment. The automatically or self-configured indicators remain latent in each CCN at all times and will be active only when the CCN receives the appropriate CAN or LIN bus message inputs for that optional system or equipment.
The hard-wired indicator inputs may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, the CCN circuitry and electronic CAN or LIN data bus message controlled indicators are diagnosed using the self-diagnostic test. Instrument Cluster. Proper testing of the CAN or LIN data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs to the CCN that control each indicator requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. Specific details of the operation for each indicator may be found elsewhere in this service information.
ABS INDICATOR
The ABS indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the ABS system, or a circuit or component of the system is ineffective. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the CAN data bus. Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the ABS indicator is illuminated for about three seconds as a bulb test. The entire bulb test is a function of the CAB.
The ABS indicator LED is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn ON the ABS indicator for the following reasons:
- ABS Indicator Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic ABS indicator lamp-ON message from the CAB, the ABS indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a lamp-OFF message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
- Communication Error - If the cluster receives no lamp-ON or lamp-OFF messages from the CAB for five consecutive message cycles, the ABS indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a valid message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
- ABS Diagnostic Test - The ABS indicator is blinked ON and OFF by lamp-ON and lamp-OFF messages from the CAB during the performance of the ABS diagnostic tests.
The CAB continually monitors the ABS circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the CCN. If the CAB sends a lamp-ON message after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a system malfunction or that the ABS system has become ineffective. The CAB will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. Each time the ABS indicator fails to light due to an open or short in the cluster ABS indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the CAB of the condition, then the instrument cluster and the CAB will each store a DTC and the cluster will flash the brake indicator ON and OFF as a backup to notify the vehicle operator.
AIRBAG INDICATOR
The airbag indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the airbag system, or a circuit or component of the system is ineffective. The airbag indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) over the CAN data bus. Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the airbag indicator is illuminated for about six to eight seconds. The entire bulb test is a function of the ORC.
The airbag indicator LED is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn ON the airbag indicator for the following reasons:
- Airbag Indicator Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic airbag indicator lamp-ON message from the ORC, the airbag indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated for about 12 seconds or until the cluster receives a lamp-OFF message from the ORC, whichever is longer. This indicator will also be extinguished when the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
- Communication Error - If the cluster receives no lamp-ON or lamp-OFF messages from the ORC for 10 consecutive message cycles, the airbag indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a single lamp-OFF message from the ORC.
The ORC continually monitors the airbag system circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The ORC then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the CCN. If the ORC sends a lamp-ON message after the bulb test, it indicates that the ORC has detected a system malfunction or that the airbags and seat belt tensioners may not deploy when required, or may deploy when not required. The ORC will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. Each time the airbag indicator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in the cluster airbag indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the ORC of the condition, then the instrument cluster and the ORC will each store a DTC.
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
The brake indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the parking brake is applied, when there are certain brake hydraulic system malfunctions as indicated by a low brake hydraulic fluid level condition, or when the brake fluid level switch is disconnected. The brake indicator can also give an indication when certain faults are detected in the Antilock Brake System (ABS). This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming, electronic messages received by the cluster from the CAB over the CAN data bus, and a hard-wired input from the park brake switch. Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the brake indicator is illuminated by the instrument cluster for about three seconds as a bulb test.
The brake indicator LED is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn ON the brake indicator for the following reasons:
- Brake Indicator Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic brake indicator lamp-ON message from the CAB, the brake indicator will be illuminated. The CAB may also send lamp-ON messages as feedback during ABS diagnostic procedures. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a lamp-OFF message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
- Park Brake Switch Input - Each time the cluster detects ground on the park brake switch sense circuit (park brake switch closed = park brake applied or not fully released) while the ignition switch is in the ON position, the brake indicator flashes ON and OFF. The indicator continues to flash until the park brake switch sense input to the cluster is an open circuit (park brake switch open = park brake fully released), or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
- Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator Backup - If the instrument cluster detects a fault in the ABS indicator circuit it will send a message indicating the fault to the CAB, then flash the brake indicator ON and OFF. The cluster will continue to flash the brake indicator until the ABS indicator circuit fault is resolved, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
The park brake switch on the park brake lever mechanism provides a hard-wired ground input to the instrument cluster circuitry through the park brake switch sense circuit whenever the park brake is applied or not fully released. The TIPM monitors the brake fluid level switch on the brake master cylinder reservoir, then sends the appropriate electronic messages to the CAB. The CAB continually monitors the ABS system circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The CAB then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the CCN. If the CAB sends a lamp-ON message after the bulb test, it indicates that the CAB has detected a brake hydraulic system malfunction or that the ABS system has become ineffective. The CAB will store a DTC for any malfunction it detects.
CHARGING INDICATOR
The charging indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the electrical system voltage is too low or too high. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the CAN data bus. Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the charging indicator is illuminated by the instrument cluster for about three seconds as a bulb test.
The charging indicator LED is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn ON the charging indicator for the following reasons:
- Voltage Low Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic system voltage message from the PCM indicating the voltage is low (less than about 11.5 volts is a charge fail condition), the charging indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the voltage is normal (greater than about 12.0 volts, but less than 16.0 volts), or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
- Voltage High Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic system voltage message from the PCM indicating the voltage is high (greater than about 16.0 volts), the charging indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the voltage is normal (less than about 15.5 volts, but greater than 11.5 volts), or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
The PCM continually monitors the electrical system voltage to control the generator output. The PCM then sends the proper messages to the CCN. If the instrument cluster turns ON the charging indicator due to a charge fail or voltage high condition, it may indicate that the charging system requires service.
CRUISE INDICATOR
The cruise indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the speed control system is ON, regardless of whether the speed control is engaged. This indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the CAN data bus.
The cruise indicator is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indicator will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The indicator only illuminates when it is energized by the instrument cluster logic circuit. The instrument cluster will turn ON the cruise indicator for the following reasons:
- Cruise Indicator Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic cruise indicator lamp-ON message from the PCM indicating the speed control system is ON, the cruise indicator is illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a lamp-OFF message from the PCM, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
The PCM continually monitors the speed control switches to determine the appropriate outputs to control the vehicle speed. The PCM then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the CCN.
DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR
The ajar indicators give an indication to the vehicle operator that one or more of the passenger compartment doors or the liftgate may be open or not completely latched. These indicators are controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit based upon cluster programming and electronic ajar switch status messages received by the cluster from the TIPM over the CAN data bus.
The ajar indicator function of the odometer Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused B(+) circuit. Therefore, the VFD ajar indications can occur regardless of the ignition switch position. The instrument cluster will turn ON the ajar indicator for the following reasons:
- Ajar Switch Message Input - Each time the cluster receives a door or liftgate ajar switch status message indicating that a door, the liftgate or any combination of these is open or not completely latched with the ignition switch in any position, the appropriate ajar textual message will be illuminated. If the cluster detects a vehicle speed input greater than zero (kilometers or miles-per-hour) while the ignition switch is in the ON or START positions, the ajar indication will be accompanied by a single chime tone. When the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START, any and all ajar indications will time out after about five minutes.
The TIPM continually monitors the door and liftgate ajar switches to determine the status of the doors and liftgate. The TIPM then sends the proper ajar switch status messages to the CCN. The door and liftgate ajar switches and their circuits may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
The engine temperature indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the engine temperature gauge reading reflects a condition requiring immediate attention. This indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the CAN data bus. Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the engine temperature indicator is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test. The entire bulb test is a function of the PCM.
The engine temperature indicator LED is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn ON the engine temperature indicator for the following reasons:
- Engine Temperature High or Critical Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic engine temperature message from the PCM indicating the temperature is high [at or above about 127 °C (261 °F) for gasoline engines, or about 118 °C (244 °F) for diesel engines], the engine temperature indicator will be illuminated and a single chime tone is sounded. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating that the temperature is below about 124 °C (255 °F) for gasoline engines, or about 115 °C (239 °F) for diesel engines, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first. The chime tone feature will only repeat during the same ignition cycle if the engine temperature indicator is cycled OFF, then ON again by the appropriate messages from the PCM.
The PCM continually monitors the engine coolant temperature sensor to determine the engine operating temperature. The PCM then sends the proper messages to the CCN. For further diagnosis of the engine temperature indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the LED, Instrument Cluster. If the instrument cluster turns ON the engine temperature indicator due to a high engine temperature gauge reading, it may indicate that the engine or the engine cooling system requires service.
ETC INDICATOR
The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the ETC system, or a circuit or component of the system is ineffective. The ETC indicator is controlled by a transistor on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over the CAN data bus. Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the ETC indicator is illuminated for about three seconds. The entire bulb test is a function of the instrument cluster.
The ETC indicator LED is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The instrument cluster will turn ON the ETC indicator for the following reasons:
- ETC Indicator Lamp-On Message - Each time the cluster receives an electronic ETC indicator lamp-ON message from the PCM, the ETC indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can be flashed ON and OFF, or illuminated solid, as dictated by the PCM message. The indicator remains illuminated solid or continues to flash for about 12 seconds or until the cluster receives a lamp-OFF message from the PCM, whichever is longer. If the indicator is illuminated solid with the engine running the vehicle will usually remain drivable. If the indicator is flashing with the engine running the vehicle may require towing. A flashing indicator means the ETC system requires immediate service. The indicator will be extinguished when the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
- Actuator Test - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the ETC indicator will be turned ON, then OFF again during the bulb check portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry. The actuator test illumination of the ETC indicator is a function of the PCM.
The PCM continually monitors the ETC system circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The PCM then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the CCN. If the PCM sends a lamp-ON message after the bulb test, it indicates that the PCM has detected an ETC system malfunction or that the ETC system is ineffective. The PCM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it detects. Each time the ETC indicator fails to illuminate due to an open or short in the cluster ETC indicator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying the PCM of the condition, then the CCN and the PCM will each store a DTC.