Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Upon installation, a new instrument cluster must be reconfigured. For additional information, refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION .

The instrument cluster is a hybrid electronic cluster (HEC) with two basic configurations, the base cluster and the optional instrument cluster. In addition to the two basic configurations, the SVT uses a modified optional cluster in combination with a separate oil pressure and oil temperature cluster. The base instrument cluster, optional instrument cluster and the oil pressure and oil temperature cluster receive and output information utilizing both hardwired circuitry and the standard corporate protocol (SCP) or the controller area network (CAN) communication network (2.3L only).

An additional feature of the SVT instrument cluster and oil pressure and oil temperature cluster configuration is the use of an electro-luminescent backlighting strategy. The electro-luminescent backlighting utilizes switched DC to high AC voltage circuitry. The oil pressure and oil temperature cluster converts 12V DC into AC voltage that is variable up to 180V AC through the dimmer switch control.

CAUTION: The SVT instrument cluster utilizes high AC voltage for the electro-luminescent backlighting system in both the instrument cluster and oil pressure and oil temperature cluster. Care must be exercised when making measurements to the instrument cluster circuits.

It is very important to understand:

where the input originates from.
all the information necessary in order for a feature to operate.
which module(s) receive(s) the input or command message.
does the module which received the input control the output of the feature, or does it output a message over the SCP or CAN network to another module?
which module controls the output of the feature.

The instrument cluster carries out a display prove-out to verify that the warning/indicator miniature bulbs for monitored systems are functioning correctly. When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position with the engine off, the following warning indicators will prove out:

check transmission indicator
malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicator
oil pressure indicator
safety belt warning indicator
door ajar warning indicator

The following indicators are also displayed during prove-out but are not controlled by the instrument cluster:

anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator
O/D OFF indicator
air bag warning indicator
brake warning indicator
charging system warning indicator
shift up indicator
low fuel warning indicator
traction control indicator
CHECK FUEL CAP indicator
speed control indicator