Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Messaged Inputs
Module messaging has increased over time and is slowly becoming the standard for sending and receiving information required to operate the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster is a gateway module. As a gateway module, the instrument cluster receives and sends information to other modules over both the high speed controller area network (HS-CAN) and the medium speed controller area network (MS-CAN) that may not necessarily be used for instrument cluster gauge or indicator outputs.
For additional information and a complete list of all module messages along with the message origination sources, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article.
Some of the system status and information messages that the instrument cluster requires from other modules to operate the gauges and indicators are as follows:
- Vehicle speed
- Engine RPM
- Engine coolant temperature
- ABS
- Stability/traction control status
- Four wheel drive (4WD)
- Odometer rolling count
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Supplemental restraint system (SRS)
- Brake fluid level
- Parking brake status
- Electronic throttle control (ETC)
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.