The IPC uses information from other systems in order to execute some functions. Therefore, before further diagnosis, review the general information on how the IPC operates and how each system interacts with the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Description . This will save diagnostic time, future misdiagnosis, and unnecessary parts replacement.

Use a scan tool in order to diagnose the IPC when referred to in diagnostic procedures. In addition to displaying DTCs, the IPC displays the input status and the data values used. The IPC can also command many of its display functions ON and OFF. Any of these features can be selected using the scan tool.

If a scan tool is unavailable, the on-board diagnostic features may be used to access and clear DTCs only. Further diagnosis of the IPC requires the use of a scan tool, therefore, it is beneficial to become familiar with the scan tool's capabilities and diagnostic features. These diagnostics features are referenced often in the IPC DTC tables, and also can be very useful in diagnosing IPC complaints that are non-DTC setting.

Replace the IPC only if the diagnostic procedures specifically direct you to do so. Every input to the IPC and every output from the IPC is short to ground/short to battery protected. Therefore, the IPC does not automatically need to be replaced when a short is found in the wiring. Repair the wiring first. Then check the system for further problems. Most system malfunctions are traceable to faulty wiring and connectors, and occasionally components. The IPC is very reliable and not the likely cause of a system malfunction. IPC replacement before a complete diagnosis will usually result in a recurrence of the original complaint malfunction.

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) has the ability to display stored DTCs as current or history codes. If a current DTC is stored and the malfunction is no longer present, some current DTCs will remain current until the first ignition cycle, others will go history when the malfunction is no longer present and does not require an ignition cycle. History DTCs are intermittent malfunctions and must be diagnosed different then current DTCs. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis for a complete description on how history DTCs are used to diagnose intermittent malfunctions. If a malfunction does not recur within 50 ignition cycles the system that indicated a malfunction will automatically clear the DTC.