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Instrument Cluster / Carrier: Description and Operation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (MIC)
The Prowler utilizes a 'smart' instrument cluster. The tachometer and the voltmeter gauges are hard-wired and are not part of the instrument cluster self test routine which will be explained later. They cannot be actuated. As mentioned previously, the tach is hardwired directly to the PCM, the illumination circuit, however, is part of the instrument panel lighting circuit. The voltmeter is hardwired to the B (+) circuit through the ignition switch.

The cluster positions its gauges based on a message formulated by the BCM for gauge position. All the sensors that are responsible for a gauge message are hardwired to the BCM. The BCM then builds the message and sends it over the CCD bus where the cluster will receive the message, decode it, and position all the gauge pointers at their proper positions.

The cluster also contains hardwired and CCD bus controlled warning lamps. A hardwired lamp is usually supplied B (+) by the cluster and ground by the circuit that it monitors. Any circuit that has a lamp that is CCD bus controlled will be an input to the BCM, except the Airbag Lamp which receives it's CCD messages from the Airbag Control Module (ACM). If no messages are received from the ACM for 5 seconds the Airbag lamp will be turned ON.

There is an onboard self-test that can be actuated standalone or with the DRBIII(R). During the self-test, the cluster will position all the gauges at predetermined calibration points, the CCD controlled lamps will be illuminated, as well as the segments of the LCD odometer. This allows verification of gauge operation, CCD operation, as well as a visual check of all the individual segments in the LCD odometer.

Fig. 1 Instrument Cluster:




INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
The cluster (Fig. 1) includes:
- 150 mph (240 kph) speedometer
- Odometer/trip odometer and transmission range indicator with autostick transmission
- Fuel gauge
- Oil gauge
- Voltage gauge
- Temperature gauge

The warning and information indicators include the following:
- Service Engine Soon (ISO Symbol)
- Airbag
- CHECK gauge
- Low fuel
- Seat belt
- Cruise
- Brake/park brake
- High beam
- Low washer fluid
- Low tire
- Vehicle Theft Security System alarm LED indicator
- Turn signals
- Pass Airbag OFF

The mechanical instrument cluster is an electromechanical module. The gauges are the magnetic aircore type.

The electro/mechanical instrument cluster receives most of its information from the Body Control Module (BCM) via the CCD data bus. When the ignition switch is OFF, the gauge pointers should rest at or below the low graduation.

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MIL
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is located on the instrument panel. It is displayed as an engine icon (graphic).

As a functional test, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates at key-on before engine cranking. Whenever the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that affects vehicle emissions, it illuminates the MIL. If a problem is detected, the PCM sends a message over the CCD Bus to the instrument cluster to illuminate the lamp. The PCM illuminates the MIL only for DTC's that affect vehicle emissions. The MIL stays on continuously when the PCM has entered a Limp-In mode or identified a failed emission component or system. The MIL remains ON until the DTC is erased. Refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code charts for emission related codes.

Also, the MIL either flashes or illuminates continuously when the PCM detects active engine misfire. Refer to Misfire Monitoring.

Additionally, the PCM may reset (turn OFF) the MIL when one of the following occur:
- PCM does not detect the malfunction for 3 consecutive trips (except misfire and fuel system monitors).
- PCM does not detect a malfunction while performing three successive engine misfire or fuel system tests. The PCM performs these tests while the engine is operating within ± 375 RPM of and within 10 % of the load of the operating condition at which the malfunction was first detected.

RED BRAKE WARNING LAMP
The red BRAKE warning lamp is located in the instrument cluster and is used to indicate the loss of pressure in the brake hydraulic system or that the parking brake is applied.

The red BRAKE warning lamp is used to indicate the loss of pressure in the brake hydraulic system or that the parking brake is applied. In addition, the brake warning lamp is turned on as a bulb check by the ignition switch when the ignition switch is placed in the crank position. Problems with this system will generally be of the type where the warning lamp fails to turn on when it should, or remains on when it should not.

The warning lamp bulb is supplied a 12-volt ignition feed anytime the lock cylinder (key) is in the ON position. The bulb is then illuminated by completing the ground circuit either through the park brake switch, the brake warning lamp switch, or the ignition switch when it is in the crank position.

The brake warning switch is located in the combination valve. The purpose of the switch is to indicate to the driver that there is a loss of pressure in the hydraulic system of the vehicle's brakes. This loss of hydraulic pressure can be the result of low brake fluid level or a leak in the brake hydraulic system.

NOTE: If brake fluid level has dropped in master cylinder fluid reservoir, the entire brake hydraulic system must be checked for evidence of a leak.

Fig. 13 Autostick Odometer/Transmission Range Indicator:




TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATOR
The Transmission Range indicator (Fig. 13) is located in the instrument cluster. It indicates the position of the manual valve lever by illuminating an LED around the P, R, N, D, 1, 2, 3, 4th gear symbol.

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

When in the Autostick mode, a box around the gear position will be displayed to inform the driver which transmission gear is currently engaged.

TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS
The turn signal indicator lamps are located in the instrument cluster.

The turn signal indicators flash with the exterior turn signal lamps to give the driver a visual indication that a turn signal or the hazard warning system is operating.
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