The gauges located in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) provide the driver with vehicle information. Each gauge utilizes a specific viscosity (thickness) of damping fluid to ensure smooth and steady operation of the needle. The IPC controls gauge increments in each gauge by information received on the serial data line or by a dedicated circuit from other systems. The gauges my be toggled between English and Metric units by pressing the E/M button.

Speedometer

The IPC receives a 4000 pulse-per mile Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) input over a dedicated input from the PCM. The PCM is responsible for processing the VSS data and sending it to the IPC. By pressing the E/M button on the DIC, the IPC will change its vehicle speed display from English to Metric.

Fuel

Fuel level is read and displayed by the IPC. The IPC obtains fuel level data from the PCM on the serial data line. The IPC only displays the actual fuel level data sent by the PCM; so the PCM is responsible for sending the correct data to the IPC. The IPC will display a LOW FUEL message on the DIC when the IPC receives low fuel data from the PCM. If the IPC cannot receive proper fuel level data from the PCM (due to a communication or sensor malfunction), the IPC will command the fuel gauge to the lowest possible setting.

Tachometer

Engine RPM input information is obtained from the PCM on a dedicated engine speed input to the IPC. The IPC also receives engine RPM data on the serial data line. The PCM is responsible for processing and sending engine RPM data to the IPC. The IPC will only display the engine RPM data that was sent by the by the PCM.

Oil pressure

The IPC obtains oil pressure data from the PCM on the serial data line. The PCM is responsible for processing this data and sending the correct values to the IPC for display. The IPC will display the LOW OIL PRESSURE message and the CHECK GAGES indicator when the IPC receives low oil pressure data from the PCM. If the IPC cannot receive proper oil pressure data from the PCM (due to a communication or sensor malfunction), the IPC will command the oil pressure gauge to the lowest possible setting.

Voltage

The IPC obtains vehicle voltage data through ignition 1 which is directly connected to the IPC. The IPC processes this information and displays vehicle voltage on the volt gauge as well as the same values on the DIC display. The IPC will display a HIGH VOLTAGE or LOW VOLTAGE message on the DIC when the IPC detects voltage levels out of range.

Coolant temperature

The IPC obtains coolant temperature data from the PCM on the serial data line. The PCM is responsible for processing this data and sending the correctly values to the IPC for display. The IPC will display a LOW OIL PRESSURE message on the DIC when the IPC receives low oil pressure data from the PCM. The IPC will display the COOLANT OVER TEMP message and the CHECK GAGES indicator when the IPC receives high coolant temperature data from the PCM. If the IPC cannot receive proper coolant temperature data from the PCM (due to communication or sensor malfunction), the IPC will command the coolant temperature gauge to the highest possible setting.