8J - Instrument Cluster

DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

The instrument cluster (2), located in the instrument panel above the steering column is only visible through an opening in the cluster bezel (1). The main body of the instrument cluster, including the mounts and the electrical connections, are concealed within the instrument panel behind the cluster bezel. The instrument cluster for this vehicle also includes the hardware and software necessary to serve as the electronic body control module known as the Cab Compartment Node or (CCN).

Besides analog gauges and indicators, the instrument cluster incorporates one of two available blue-green digital Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) units. The standard VFD unit is for displaying odometer information, automatic transmission gear selector position (PRNDL), and several other indicators. The optional display unit is a Compass and Mini Trip Computer (CMTC) and is discussed elsewhere in this manual. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8M - Message Systems/Message Center/MODULE, Compass - Description) .

The instrument cluster gauges and Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicators, are visible through a dedicated opening in the instrument panel behind the cluster bezel, and are protected by a clear plastic cluster lens (5). Just behind the cluster lens is the cluster hood and integral mask (3). The hood, serves as a visor and shields the face of the cluster from ambient light and reflections to reduce glare, while the cluster mask serves to separate and define the individual gauges from the indicator areas and trims the outside perimeter of the cluster overlay. The mask is constructed of black molded plastic, and is sometimes painted silver on vehicles with certain optional trim packages. The hood and mask, as well as the cluster lens are secured through integral latch features that secure it to the outer perimeter of the cluster housing (2). The hood and mask unit also has two integral mounting tabs on the lower corners that combine with the tabs integral to the cluster housing to secure the bottom of the CCN to the molded plastic instrument panel cluster carrier, with two fasteners.

The rear of the cluster housing and the CCN electronic circuitry are protected by a molded white plastic rear cover (1), which is also secured to the cluster housing by integral latch features. The rear cover includes clearance holes for the four CCN connector receptacles. The connector receptacles on the back of the CCN electronic circuit board connect the unit to the vehicle's electrical system through four electrical take outs from the instrument panel wire harness.

Sandwiched between the rear cover and the lens and hood unit is the cluster housing. The molded white plastic cluster housing serves as the carrier for the instrument cluster circuitry, the cluster gauge set, the indicator LED's, the VFD display units as well as an audible tone transducer and general cluster illumination LED's. The standard equipment molded black plastic odometer/trip odometer switch button extends from the face of the cluster housing through dedicated holes in the cluster mask and the cluster lens adjacent to the odometer VFD unit. A black rubber boot (4) seals the switch button to the clearance hole in the lens.

The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The dark, visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing cluttered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators that are not illuminated, while the translucence of this layer allows those indicators and icons that are illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from the indicator LED's to be visible through the outer layer of the overlay through predetermined stencil-like cutouts. Openings in the overlay at the base of the speedometer and tachometer dial faces have smoked clear lenses through which the illuminated VFD units can be viewed.

Several versions of the CCN module are offered on this vehicle. These versions accommodate all of the variations of optional equipment and regulatory requirements for the various markets in which the vehicle is offered. The microprocessor-based CCN utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus and the Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus along with several hard wired analog and multiplexed inputs to monitor sensors and switches throughout the vehicle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry and programming of the CCN allow it to control and integrate many electronic functions and features of the vehicle through both hard wired outputs and the transmission of electronic message outputs to other electronic modules in the vehicle over the CAN and LIN data busses. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8E - Electronic Control Modules/COMMUNICATION - Description) for more information on the CAN and LIN data busses.

The instrument cluster gauges, indicators, VFD units, as well as the cluster illumination are all integral components of the CCN and its electronic circuit board. If any part of the internal working components of the instrument cluster become damaged or ineffective, the entire instrument cluster assembly must be replaced. The cluster lens and the cluster hood and mask unit are the only components of the instrument cluster assembly that can be serviced separately.

VEHICLE SYSTEMS SUPPORT

Besides typical instrument cluster gauge and indicator support, the electronic functions and features that the CCN supports or controls include the following:

• A/C Select and Evaporator Probe Support - The CCN monitors hard wired inputs from the A/C select switch and evaporator temperature sensor inputs, then transmits electronic A/C clutch request messages over the CAN data bus when appropriate to support the A/C clutch control feature.
• Audible Warnings - The CCN electronic circuit board is equipped with an audible tone transducer and programming that allows it to provide various audible alerts to the vehicle operator. These alerts include single chime tones and continuous slow or fast tones. An electromechanical relay is also soldered onto the circuit board to produce audible clicks that are used to emulate the sound of a conventional turn signal or hazard warning flasher.
• Compass Mini-Trip Computer Display Support - The CCN provides support for each of the functions and features of the Compass-Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) display. This includes support for the compass, thermometer, trip computer and the switch inputs that are used to control and configure many of the displays. This also includes display arbitrator programming, which controls the priorities, sequences, and transition of information that is displayed in the CMTC display, particularly when multiple display requests are received simultaneously.
• Electric Backlight Support - The CCN monitors Electric Backlight (EBL) switch hard wired inputs from the air conditioner-heater control, then transmits the appropriate electronic EBL request messages over the CAN data bus to support the EBL function.
• Enhanced Accident Response Support - The CCN monitors inputs from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to automatically turn ON the interior lighting after an airbag deployment event, 10 seconds after the vehicle speed is zero. The interior lighting remains illuminated until the key is removed from the ignition switch lock cylinder, at which time the interior lighting returns to normal operation and control. These Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) features are each dependent upon a functional vehicle electrical system following the vehicle impact event.
• Exterior Lighting Switch Support - The CCN monitors electronic exterior lighting switch, and turn signal switch status messages from the Steering Control Module (SCM) on the steering column over the LIN data bus and transmits the appropriate electronic exterior lighting and turn signal request messages to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) over the CAN data bus to support the exterior lighting functions.
• Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Lock Switch Support - The CCN monitors a hard wired input from the 4WD Lock switch on the center floor console then transmits the appropriate electronic 4WD Lock request and Unlock request messages to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) over the CAN data bus to support the 4WD Lock mode functions.
• Horn Switch Support - The CCN receives a hard wired input from the horn switch on the steering wheel then provides electronic horn request messages over the CAN data bus to support the horn function.
• Interior Lamp Load Shedding - The CCN provides a battery saver feature which will automatically turn OFF all interior lamps if they remain ON after a timed interval of about ten minutes.
• Interior Lighting Control - The CCN monitors electronic messages and hard wired inputs from the interior lighting switch, the door ajar switches, the liftgate ajar switch, the reading lamp switches, and the Wireless Control Module (WCM) to provide courtesy lamp control. This includes support for timed illuminated entry with theater-style fade-to-OFF and courtesy illumination DEFEAT features.
• Local Interface Network Master Module - The CCN is the master module for the LIN data bus. In this role it gathers information from the compass sensor, the Heated Seat Module (HSM), the instrument panel switch pod and the SCM, then either acts on that information directly or places electronic messages on the CAN data bus for use by other modules
• Panel Lamps Dimming Control - The CCN monitors electronic dimming level messages received from the panel lamps dimmer switch input to the SCM over the LIN data bus, then provides both a hard wired 12-volt Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) output and electronic message outputs over the LIN data bus that synchronizes the dimming level of all panel lamps dimmer controlled lamps with that of the cluster general illumination lighting.
• Wiper and Washer Switch Support - The CCN monitors electronic wiper switch and washer switch status messages from the SCM on the steering column over the LIN data bus and transmits the appropriate electronic wiper and washer request messages to the TIPM over the CAN data bus to support the wiper and washer system functions, including the headlamps-on with wipers programmable feature.

VACUUM-FLUORESCENT DISPLAYS

The Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) (25)(34) units are soldered to the CCN electronic circuit board. Both the standard one located below the tachometer and the optional Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) display located below the speedometer are fixed segment displays.

The odometer and trip odometer information are stored in the instrument cluster memory. This information can be increased when the proper inputs are provided to the instrument cluster, but the information cannot be decreased. The odometer can display values up to 999,999 kilometers (999,999 miles). The odometer latches at these values, and will not roll over to zero. The trip odometer can display values up to 999.9 kilometers (999.9 miles) before it rolls over to zero.

The odometer display does not show leading zeroes, does not have a decimal point and will not show values less than a full unit (kilometer or mile). The unit of measure (km or miles) for the odometer display is not shown in the VFD. The unit of measure for the instrument cluster odometer/trip odometer is selected at the time that it is manufactured, and cannot be changed.

The illumination intensity of the VFD units is controlled by the CCN circuitry based upon electronic dimming level messages received over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus indicating the exterior lighting is turned ON and the dimming level selected using the panel dimmer function of the control sleeve on the control stalk of the left (lighting) multi-function switch. The illumination intensity of the CCN VFD units is synchronized with that of other display units in the vehicle by sending the same electronic dimming level message inputs to all electronic modules in the vehicle over the CAN or Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus. However, on domestic market vehicles only, if the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) indicator or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is active, the odometer VFD will illuminate at full daytime brightness until both the TPM indicator and the MIL are extinguished.

During daylight hours (exterior lamps are OFF) the odometer VFD is illuminated at full brightness for clear visibility. At night (exterior lamps are ON), the VFD lighting level is adjusted with the other cluster general illumination lamps using the panel lamps dimmer function of the interior lighting control sleeve on the left multi-function switch control stalk. However, a PARADE mode position of the control sleeve allows the VFD to be illuminated at full brightness if the exterior lamps are turned ON during daylight hours. On vehicles manufactured for domestic markets, the odometer VFD is also illuminated at full brightness whenever the MIL indicator is illuminated, and cannot be dimmed until the MIL indicator is extinguished.

The odometer VFD unit has several display capabilities including odometer, trip odometer A and B, gear selector indication (PRNDL) for vehicles with an automatic transmission, several warning or reminder indications, and various diagnostic information when certain fault conditions exist. On vehicles not equipped with the optional CMTC, the odometer display toggles to an outside temperature display following Trip B. The CMTC VFD unit displays numerous warning or reminder textual messages, all CMTC data including compass, temperature, trip computer, the customer programmable features interface and various diagnostic information when certain fault conditions exist. An odometer/trip odometer select and reset switch on the CCN circuit board is used to control many of the display modes of the odometer VFD unit. This switch is actuated manually by depressing the odometer/trip odometer select and reset switch push button that extends through the lower edge of the cluster lens, adjacent to the odometer VFD that it controls.

OPERATION

OPERATION

The instrument cluster in this vehicle also includes the hardware and software necessary to serve as the electronic body control module and is referred to as the Cab Compartment Node or (CCN). The following information deals primarily with the instrument cluster functions of this unit. Additional details of the electronic body control functions of this unit may be found within the service information for the system or component that the CCN controls. For example: Additional details of the audible warning functions of the CCN are found within the Chime/Buzzer service information.

The instrument cluster display is designed to allow the vehicle operator to monitor the conditions of many of the vehicle components and operating systems. The gauges and indicators in the cluster display provide valuable information about the various standard and optional powertrains, fuel and emissions systems, cooling systems, lighting systems, safety systems and many other convenience items. The instrument cluster is installed in the instrument panel so that all of these monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator when driving, while still allowing relative ease of access for service.

The microprocessor-based CCN hardware and software uses various inputs to control the gauges and indicators visible on the face of the cluster. Some of these inputs are hard wired, but most are in the form of electronic messages that are transmitted by other electronic modules over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus or the Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus. The CCN is the master node for the LIN data bus. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8E - Electronic Control Modules/COMMUNICATION - Operation) .

The CCN microprocessor smooths the input data using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are accurate, stable and responsive to operating conditions. These algorithms are designed to provide gauge readings during normal operation that are consistent with customer expectations. However, when abnormal conditions exist such as high coolant temperature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer to an extreme position and the microprocessor can sound a chime through the on-board audible tone transducer to provide distinct visual and audible indications of a problem to the vehicle operator. The CCN may also produce audible warnings for other electronic modules in the vehicle based upon electronic tone request messages received over the CAN or LIN data bus. Each audible warning is intended to provide the vehicle operator with an audible alert to supplement a visual indication.

The CCN circuitry operates on battery current received through a fused B(+) fuse on a non-switched fused B(+) circuit, and on battery current received through a fused ignition switch output (run-start) fuse on a fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. This arrangement allows the CCN to provide some features regardless of the ignition switch position, while other features will operate only with the ignition switch in the ON or START positions. The CCN circuitry is grounded through a ground circuit and take out of the instrument panel wire harness with an eyelet terminal connector that is secured by a ground screw to a ground location on the instrument panel structural support.

The CCN also has a self-diagnostic test capability, which will test each of the CAN or LIN bus message-controlled functions of the cluster by lighting the appropriate indicators, positioning the gauge needles at several predetermined calibration points across the gauge faces, and illuminating all segments of the Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8J - Instrument Cluster - Diagnosis and Testing) .

VACUUM-FLUORESCENT DISPLAYS

With the ignition switch in the OFF or ACCESSORY positions the Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) displays are activated and the total odometer information is displayed when the driver door is opened (Rental Car Mode) and are deactivated when the driver door is closed. Otherwise, both display units are active when the ignition switch is in the ON or START positions, and inactive when the ignition switch is in the OFF or ACCESSORY positions. The CCN circuitry controls the VFD and provides the following features:

• Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Toggling - Actuating the odometer/trip odometer push button momentarily with the ignition switch in the ON position will toggle the odometer VFD between the odometer and trip odometer modes. Depressing the odometer/trip odometer push button for about two seconds while the VFD is in the trip odometer mode will reset the trip odometer value to zero. Holding the odometer/trip odometer push button depressed while turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON position will initiate the instrument cluster self-diagnostic test. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8J - Instrument Cluster - Diagnosis and Testing) for additional details. The CCN microprocessor remembers which odometer display mode is active when the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, and returns the display to that mode when the ignition switch is turned ON again
• Trip Odometer Reset - When the trip odometer reset switch button is pressed and held for longer than about two seconds with the ignition switch in the ON or START positions, the trip odometer will be reset to 0.0 kilometers (miles). The VFD must be displaying the trip odometer information in order for the trip odometer information to be reset.
• GasCap Message Display - On vehicles manufactured with a United States country code, each time the cluster receives an electronic message from the PCM indicating a monitored leak in the evaporative emissions system, the cluster replaces the displayed odometer/trip odometer value with the textual message, gascap. This message serves as a reminder to the vehicle operator to check that the gas cap is properly installed and tightened, but could also indicate another source of air leakage in the on-board evaporative and vapor recovery emissions systems. Unless the leak is corrected, this message will latch and remain displayed during the current and each subsequent ignition cycle until the trip odometer reset button is pressed and released momentarily, which will revert the display to the odometer/trip odometer information that was last displayed for the remainder of that ignition cycle. Once the source of a leak has been corrected, either momentarily pressing the trip odometer reset button or cycling the ignition switch will unlatch the message and return the odometer/trip odometer to normal operation.
• Communication Error - If the cluster fails to receive an electronic distance message during normal operation, it will hold and display the last data received until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. If the cluster does not receive a distance message within one second after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, it will display the last distance value stored in the cluster memory. If the cluster is unable to display odometer information due to an error internal to the cluster, the VFD will display error.

The PCM continually monitors the vehicle speed pulse information received from the wheel speed sensors, then sends the proper messages to the CCN. For proper diagnosis of the wheel speed sensors, the PCM, the CCN, the CAN data bus or the electronic communication related to odometer/trip odometer operation a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

Proper testing of the CAN or LIN data bus message inputs to the CCN that control some of the VFD functions requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

CLUSTER ILLUMINATION

The CCN has several Light Emitting Diode (LED) units that provide cluster back lighting whenever the exterior lighting is turned ON. The illumination intensity of these LED units is adjusted when the panel lamps dimmer function of the control sleeve on the control stalk of the left (lighting) multi-function switch is rotated to one of six available minor detent positions. The CCN monitors an electronic dimming level message input received over the LIN data bus from the Steering Control Module (SCM) to determine the selected lighting level. In response to that input, the CCN electronic circuitry converts a fused 12-volt input it receives on a hard wired panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuit into a 12-volt Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) output.

The CCN uses this PWM output to control the illumination intensity of the cluster general illumination lighting and the VFD units on the CCN circuit board, then provides a synchronized PWM output on various hard wired fused panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuits to control and synchronize the illumination intensity of other incandescent illumination lamps in the vehicle. The CCN also transmits electronic dimming level messages over the CAN and LIN data bus to other electronic modules in the vehicle to control and synchronize the illumination intensity of their display units within instrument cluster .

The hard wired panel lamps dimmer outputs from the CCN may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Proper testing of the PWM processing of the CCN and the electronic dimming level messages received by the CCN over the LIN data bus requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

If all of the instrument cluster gauges and indicators are ineffective, be certain to check the instrument cluster fused B(+) fuse and the instrument cluster fused B(+) and ground circuits for shorts or opens. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

If an individual hard wired gauge or indicator is ineffective, refer to the diagnosis and testing service information for that specific gauge or indicator. If an individual Controller Area Network (CAN) or Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus message-controlled gauge or indicator is ineffective, perform the Actuator Test as follows:

SELF TEST

The self-diagnostic test will put the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-diagnostic test that will confirm that the Cab Compartment Node (CCN) circuitry, the gauges and the indicators are capable of operating as designed. During the test the CCN circuitry will position each of the gauge needles at various calibration points, illuminate each of the segments in the Vacuum-Fluorescent Display (VFD) units, and turn all of the indicators ON and OFF again.

Successful completion of the self test will confirm that the instrument cluster is operational. However, there may still be a problem with the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus or Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB), the All-Wheel Drive Control Module (AWDCM), the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), the compass module, the Wireless Control Module (WCM), or the inputs to one of these electronic control modules. Use a diagnostic scan tool to diagnose these components. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

1. Begin the test with the ignition switch in the OFF position.

 
2. Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch button.

 
3. While still holding the odometer/trip odometer switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start the engine.

 
4. Release the odometer/trip odometer switch button.

 
5. The instrument cluster will simultaneously begin to illuminate all of the operational segments in the VFD units, and perform a bulb check of each operational LED indicator. The VFD segments and LED indicators remain illuminated as each gauge needle is swept to several calibration points and back. If a VFD segment or an LED indicator fails to illuminate, or if a gauge needle fails to sweep through the calibration points and back during this test, the instrument cluster must be replaced.

 
6. The self test is now completed. The instrument cluster will automatically exit the self-diagnostic mode and return to normal operation at the completion of the test. The self test will be aborted if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, or if an electronic vehicle speed message indicating that the vehicle is moving is received over the CAN data bus during the test.

 
7. Go back to Step #1 to repeat the test, if necessary.

 

STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENHANCED SEATBELT REMINDER PROGRAMMING

STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENHANCED SEATBELT REMINDER PROGRAMMING

The seatbelt indicator also includes a programmable enhanced seatbelt reminder or BELTMINDER feature that is enabled when the vehicle is shipped from the factory. This BELTMINDER feature provides extended and modified visual seatbelt indicator and audible chime warning responses to an unbuckled driver side front seat belt. The BELTMINDER feature may be disabled or enabled by the customer using the programming sequence that follows, or by the dealer using a diagnostic scan tool.

CUSTOMER PROGRAMMING SEQUENCE

1. With all doors closed and the ignition switch in any position except ON or START, buckle the driver side front seat belt.

 
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait for the seatbelt indicator reminder function to conclude (about six seconds).

 
3. Unbuckle and buckle the driver side front seat belt three or more times, ending with the belt buckled.

 
4. Turn the ignition switch to any position except ON or START to toggle the BELTMINDER feature from its current setting (from active to inactive, or from inactive to active). A single chime tone will provide an audible confirmation that the programming sequence has been successfully completed.

 

REMOVAL

REMOVAL

CLUSTER ASSEMBLY

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

 
2. Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - Body/Instrument Panel/BEZEL, Instrument Cluster - Removal) .

 
3. Remove the four screws (3) that secure the instrument cluster (1) to the instrument panel armature (2).

 
4. Pull the top of the instrument cluster rearward far enough to access and disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connectors from the connector receptacles on the back of the cluster housing.

 
5. Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument panel.
   

 

CLUSTER LENS

1. Working around the perimeter of the cluster, disengage each of the nine integral latch features that secure the cluster lens (5) to the cluster hood and mask unit (3) and to the cluster housing (2).

 
2. Remove the lens from the face of the cluster hood and mask unit.
   

 

INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION

CLUSTER ASSEMBLY

1. Position the instrument cluster (1) close enough to the instrument panel to reconnect the instrument panel wire harness connectors to the connector receptacles on the back of the cluster housing.

 
2. Position the instrument cluster mounting tabs to the mounting holes in the instrument panel armature (2).

 
3. Install and tighten the four screws (3) that secure the mounting tabs of the instrument cluster. Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (17 in. lbs.).

 
4. Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - Body/Instrument Panel/BEZEL, Instrument Cluster - Installation) .

 
5. Reconnect the battery negative cable.

 

CLUSTER LENS

1. Position the cluster lens (5) over the face of the cluster hood and mask unit (3). Be certain that the rubber boots (4) for the odometer/trip odometer switch and reconfigurable display switch push buttons are installed in the clearance holes in the lens, and that the push buttons are engaged into the boots.

 
2. Working around the perimeter of the cluster, press the lens over the face of the hood and mask until each of the nine integral latch features is fully engaged in the receptacles of the hood and mask or the cluster housing (2).

 
3. Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the instrument panel.