Instrument Panel Cluster

DESCRIPTION 

There are two Instrument Panel Clusters (IPC) available for this vehicle:

1. 3.5" display with analog indicators
2. 7" display with digital indicators

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

1 - 3.5" Cluster

The IPC for this vehicle is located in the instrument panel above the steering column opening. The IPC gauges and indicators are visible through an opening in the cluster bezel and are protected by a clear plastic cluster lens that is secured to the cluster housing by integral latch formations.

The molded plastic cluster housing encloses and protects the perimeter of the IPC unit. The cluster housing serves as the carrier for the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauge set, the indicators, an electronic display unit as well as an audible tone transducer. Each of the cluster hard indicators as well as the general cluster illumination is provided by dedicated Light Emitting Diode (LED) units soldered to the cluster electronic circuit board. A molded plastic rear cover includes clearance holes for the connector receptacle and is secured to the cluster housing by screws. The connector receptacle on the back of the IPC electronic circuit board connects the unit to the electrical system of the vehicle through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

Just behind the IPC lens is the molded plastic cluster mask. The mask serves to separate and define the layout of the various visible areas of the IPC and also trims the cluster overlay. The mask lays over the cluster overlay, which 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 hard indicators that are not illuminated, while the translucence of this layer allows those hard indicators that are illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from the hard indicator LED units to be visible through the outer layer of the overlay through predetermined stencil-like cutouts. The defined areas of the IPC are:

• Speedometer  - This is the analog speedometer scale. Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
• Tachometer  - This is the analog tachometer scale. Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
• Electronic Display Unit  - This is the electronic display unit. It includes an odometer display, several trip computer functions, a message center, numerous predetermined soft indicators and several reconfigurable display options.
• Fuel Level Gauge  - This is the analog fuel level scale. Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
• Temperature Gauge  - This is the analog temperature scale. Refer to GAUGE PACK, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .

Several versions of the IPC 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 IPC utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus along with several hardwired inputs to monitor other sensors and switches in the vehicle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry and programming of the IPC allow it to monitor many electronic functions and features of the vehicle.

OPERATION 

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) has the hardware and software to simultaneously monitor multiple inputs. The IPC uses these inputs to control the gauges and indicators visible on the face of the cluster, and to display the appropriate information in the electronic display unit to allow the vehicle operator to monitor the conditions of many of the vehicle components and operating systems. The IPC display provides 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 IPC 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.

Some of the IPC inputs are hardwired, but most are in the form of electronic messages that are transmitted by other electronic modules over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The IPC 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 provide an extreme output and the IPC 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 IPC may also produce audible warnings for other electronic modules in the vehicle based upon electronic tone request  messages received over the CAN data bus. Each audible warning is intended to provide the vehicle operator with an audible alert to supplement a visual indication.

The Body Control Module (BCM) stores and compares vehicle configuration data with the IPC as well as with other Electronic Control Units (ECU) in the vehicle. This process is referred to as Programming Of Configuration of Systems Integrated (PROCSI) (also known as PROXI). If a configuration mismatch is detected, the BCM sets a DTC. A configuration mismatch DTC will require the performance of a Restore BCM PROXI Configuration routine, or a PROXI Configuration Alignment routine using a diagnostic scan tool.

The IPC circuitry operates on battery current received through a fused B(+) fuse on a non-switched fused B(+) circuit. This arrangement allows the IPC to remain functional regardless of the status of the ignition switch.