Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators: Description and Operation

INSTRUMENTS

Introduction

The instrument pack is a self-contained, removable unit, which incorporates all the main display gauges and warning indicators that are used to present vehicle condition information. The instrument pack is programmed during vehicle build, to match the vehicle's individual requirements using 'Programmable Electronic Control Units System' (PECUS). This is achieved via the diagnostic communication line, and therefore, should be renewed like-for-like. The primary function of the instrument display is to provide the driver with information usual to normal driving requirements. The secondary function is to display trip computer information.

The trip computer functions are selected via the steering column stalk switch (LH). The messages are displayed in the following order:

Odometer - Distance - Range - Fuel Used - Average Fuel - Average Speed - Instant Fuel - Odometer (return).

Two trip computer switches, 'Reset' and 'Odo', are incorporated into the facia switch panel.

Instrument pack information is received from sensors positioned at various locations about the vehicle via one of the two multi-pin sockets located at the rear of the instrument pack.

Information concerning vehicle condition and operation is displayed in one of three ways:
- Information necessary to confirm normal vehicle operation: road speed, engine speed, oil pressure, battery condition, fuel level, coolant temperature. This information is displayed using analogue gauges.
- Information indicating the presence of a hazard/fault condition (low oil pressure/door open etc.) or operational action (indicator flashing / headlamp full beam 'on' etc.). This information is provided by twenty two warning lamps / tell-tales, arranged in four groups; two groups of seven at the left and right sides of the instrument pack and two groups of four at the bottom of the instrument pack.
- A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is located at the bottom-centre of the instrument pack and is normally used to display the odometer reading, but it can also be used to display SRS fault conditions and trip computer information such as vehicle speed, fuel usage and distance travelled.

Component Location Diagram: