Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster:

The Instrument Cluster comprises a Major Cluster and a Minor Cluster, as well as being a primary Electronic Control Module.

The Minor Cluster indicates engine oil pressure and battery state of charge. The Major Cluster provides indications for the speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, fuel level, driver information (Message center) and warning lamps.

The Major Instrument Cluster also:
- Provides input / output information signals for use by other modules.
- Acts as a protocol converter (software language translator - the languages used on each network are very similar, but neither can be directly interpreted by the opposite system) for communication between all modules on both the CAN and SCP multiplexed networks. The Instrument Cluster is the only module on the vehicle which communicates between the two networks.

Major Cluster:

All gauges look like conventional analogue gauges, but each pointer is driven by a stepper motor to provide more accurate indication.

The message center is used to warn the driver, using text messages; for warnings not covered by conventional warning lamps, to indicate that the Automatic Stability Control is operating and for other shared warnings. Two warning lamps, Red and Amber, are located above the Message center to attract the driver's attention when a text warning message has been displayed.