Component Description

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)

Component Description

Park Position Detect Switch

The park position detect switch is hardwired to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through a single signal circuit. The park position detect switch is hardwired to a separate ground circuit. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides a battery reference voltage to the park position detect switch. When the selector lever is in PARK (P), the park position detect switch routes the reference voltage to ground, pulling the circuit low to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). When the selector lever is moved out of PARK (P), the park position detect switch opens to ground sending the reference voltage high.

Parking Brake Position Switch

The parking brake position switch is hardwired to the BCM (Body Control Module) through a signal and return circuit. The BCM (Body Control Module) provides a battery reference voltage on the signal circuit. The return circuit is grounded internally in the BCM (Body Control Module). When the parking brake is not applied, the parking brake position switch is open. When the parking brake is applied, the parking brake position switch closes, pulling the reference voltage low.

Brake Fluid Level Switch

The brake fluid level switch is a reed-type switch that is mounted through the master cylinder reservoir. The reservoir uses a magnet incorporated into the float. The brake fluid level switch is hardwired to the BCM (Body Control Module) through separate signal and return circuits and is grounded to a body ground through a separate circuit. The BCM (Body Control Module) provides a battery reference voltage to the brake fluid level switch. When the brake fluid level is low, the float drops allowing the magnet to close the reed switch, pulling the reference voltage low. When the brake fluid level is high, the float lifts, releasing the switch contacts and removing the ground to the BCM (Body Control Module).

Fuel Level Sender

The fuel level sender is mounted to the fuel pump assembly or the fuel level sensor. The fuel level sender is a dual sweep potentiometer style resistor connected to a float mechanism. The dual sweep design provides a second resistance measurement that reduces the intermittent loss of data due to corrosion between the resistor wires and the sweep arm. As the fuel level changes, the float rises or falls with the fuel level moving the sweep arm across the resistor wires. This movement either increases or decreases the resistance through the unit. The fuel level sensor resistance ranges from 180 ohms ± 4 ohms at empty (E) to 10 ohms ± 2 ohms at full (F). When the fuel level is low, the fuel level sensor resistance is high. When the fuel level is high, the fuel level sensor resistance is low.
Both the fuel pump assembly and fuel level sensor are hardwired to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through separate signal and return circuits. The fuel level return circuits are grounded internally in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides a battery reference voltage on the fuel level signal circuit. As the fuel level changes, the change in resistance raises or lowers the fuel level signal voltage depending on the resistance of the fuel level sender.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)

The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides the driver with a system status and alerts the driver when certain conditions exist in the vehicle. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) requires PMI (Programmable Module Installation) when the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) is replaced.