Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When installing a new instrument cluster, it is necessary to upload the module configuration to the scan tool. Following installation of the new instrument cluster, download the module configuration from the scan tool into the new instrument cluster. Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION article.

The following items are configurable:

Safety belt telltale
Safety belt telltale timeout
Safety belt chime
Belt minder
Base door ajar tone (Escape, Mariner)
Anti-theft telltale (Hybrid)
Check cap
Speedometer bias
Transmission type (Escape, Mariner)
Key reminder chime
Default language
ABS/TCS/IVD
4x4 (Hybrid)
4WD (Escape, Mariner)
Oil change reminder
Not in park chime
Turn signal on reminders
Park brake on
Button press chime
Key off dimming timer
IFE/AFE/TFE navigation configuration (Hybrid)
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

The instrument cluster contains a microprocessor, gauges, indicator lamps, and internal circuitry. The instrument cluster and the smart junction box (SJB) use a combination of hardwired circuitry and the controller area network (CAN) to transmit and receive information. Refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article.

It is very important to understand:

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

Each time the key is turned from off to on, the charging system indicator, the low oil pressure indicator, and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) prove out and remain on until the engine is started and running normally. The safety belt indicator proves out for 60 seconds or until the safety belt is fastened. The air bag indicator proves out for approximately 6-8 seconds while the following instrument cluster indicators and warning indicators prove out for approximately 3 seconds:

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator
Anti-theft warning indicator
Brake warning indicator
Check fuel cap warning indicator (Escape, Mariner)
Four wheel drive (4WD) indicator (Escape, Mariner)
Low fuel level warning indicator (Escape, Mariner)
Hazard warning indicator (Hybrid)
Service soon warning indicator (Hybrid)
Overtemp warning indicator
TPMS warning indicator