The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) serves as the primary display unit for systems that require display functions. The IPC is capable of displaying system information and driver warning/status messages by using three different technologies:

Located on the IPC is a 20-character vacuum florescent display referred to as the Driver Information Center (DIC). The DIC is used to display driver selectable information and warning/status messages. The DIC switches are located on the IPC and can be used to access any of the modes listed. For example, oil pressure can be displayed by pressing the GAGE button, and personalized option can be displayed by pressing the OPTIONS button. The following information can be assessed through the IPC display by selecting the following DIC switches:

The IPC is also responsible for indicator illumination and chime functions. Some indicators are directly controlled by the IPC and others are controlled by a dedicated circuit to the IPC. The IPC controlled indicators are illuminated when a message is received on the serial data line to perform this function. Indicators that are illuminated by a dedicated wire to the IPC are controlled directly by other systems which provide all control functions. The IPC controls all chime functions and is able to determine what indicator is associated with a chime. The chime is integrated within the IPC and is not serviced separately.

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is capable of preforming the following functions:

Wake-Ups are signals that will turn the IPC ON and cause it to begin active control and/or monitoring. The IPC is asleep when it has stopped control or monitoring and has become idle again. The IPC has the ability to detect wake-up inputs when in the sleep state. Wake-ups input monitoring is needed to allow the IPC determine when to wake-up and begin active monitoring and control of vehicle functions. The IPC will enter a wake-up state under any of the following conditions:

The IPC has a low power or sleep state. This state is intended to reduce parasitic load during a period when no control functions are needed. The IPC will enter a sleep state when all the following conditions are met:

If all these conditions are met the IPC will enter a low power or sleep condition. However, the IPC will still be able to monitor wake-up inputs and as well as any activity on the serial data line to determine when to enter a wake-up state.