Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC)

MECHANICAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
The body control module sends the angular position of four gauges, the status of seven indicator lamps and the status and dimming of the PRNDL indicator (VF display). It also sends information of the dimming of cruise and low fuel lamps to the Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) over the CCD bus when the ignition is in the "off, (unlock), "run" or "start" positions. The PRNDL indicator works when the ignition is in the "off", "run" or "start" positions; all other MIC features work only when the ignition is in the "run" position. On transition of the ignition from the "off, to the "run" position, a bulb check is performed. This consists of activating all CCD-controlled indicator lamps and all PRNDL segments for approximately two to four seconds. The PRNDL bulb check is aborted if the gear selector is moved from the PARK position, or if the tachometer exceeds 450 rpm. The ABS warning lamp is hard wired to the cluster. However, if communication is lost to the ABS module, the MIC will turn on the warning lamp.

A new diagnostic feature has been added to the cluster software. If the cluster loses bus communication specifically with the powertrain control module for more than 20 seconds, the MIL lamp will turn on and the "No Bus" message will be shown in the VF display. If communications are reestablished, then both the MIL lamp and VF display are cleared. It is important to note that no DTC's will be set.