Your Vehicle: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 L4-2.0L DOHC VIN 3
 
Vehicle » Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators » Description and Operation » Instrument Cluster  
 
 
  Instrument Cluster  
 

Instrument Cluster - Coupe
  

The main components of the Instrument Cluster (IC) are:

  • instrument cluster back plate
  • instrument cluster mask
  • fuel/temp gauge
  • gauges
  • warning/indicator lamps
  • tachometer (if equipped)

Instrument Cluster Display Prove-Out
The instrument cluster carries out a display prove-out to verify that all warning/indicator miniature bulbs and monitored systems are functioning correctly. When the ignition switch is in the ON position with the engine off, the following warning indicators will illuminate:

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) (SERVICE ENGINE SOON)
  • charging system indicator
  • low oil pressure warning indicator
  • Anti-lock Brake (ABS) warning indicator
  • safety belt warning indicator
  • air bag warning indicator
  • CHECK FUEL CAP warning indicator

As long as there is a sufficient amount of brake fluid, the BRAKE warning indicator will go out once the engine is running and the parking brake is released.

Printed Circuit
The instrument cluster printed circuit supplies current to the instrument cluster warning indicator, gauges and illumination bulbs. It is made of copper foil which is bonded to a polyester base film (usually referred to as Mylar(R)). The instrument cluster printed circuit is mounted on the back of the instrument cluster back plate.

Speedometer
The speedometer and odometer are electrically driven by the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) .

Odometer
The vehicle is equipped with two odometers. The primary odometer shows the vehicle's cumulative distance. The second odometer is the trip and tenths odometer.

Tachometer
The tachometer is electrically operated and indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute rpm). The tachometer range is 0 to 8,000 rpm . The tachometer receives the electrical signal from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) .

Fuel/Temperature Gauge
The fuel level sensor changes resistance according to the amount of fuel in the fuel tank and varies the current flow through the fuel gauge. The pointer position varies proportionately to the current flow. The engine coolant temperature gauge is a magnetic-type. The pointer varies in direction according to the variable resistance from the water temperature indicator sender unit.

Low Oil Pressure Warning Indicator
The low oil pressure warning indicator is identified by an oil can symbol on the instrument cluster. The low oil pressure warning indicator illuminates during prove out. The indicator goes out after the engine starts if the oil pressure is normal.

Charging System Indicator
The charging system indicator illuminates when the generator output is insufficient to maintain the battery's state of charge.

Check Fuel Cap Warning Indicator
The CHECK FUEL CAP indicator illuminates when significant leaks in the fuel tank evaporative system due to a loose fuel cap.

Air Bag Warning Indicator
when the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is operating correctly, the air bag warning indicator illuminates for approximately six seconds when the ignition switch is turned on. It only illuminates after starting if a malfunction is present in the SRS.

Service Engine Soon Indicator
During vehicle operation, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) illuminates when the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a fault.

Upshift Indicator
The upshift indicator illuminates when the transaxle should be shifted to the next higher gear.

High Beam Indicator
The high beam indicator illuminates when the headlamps are placed in the high beam position or the flash-to-pass position.

Turn Indicator
The RH or LH turn indicator illuminates intermittently relative to the position of the turn signal switch on the steering column.

Brake Warning Indicator
The brake system warning indicator has a dual function. It illuminates when the parking brake is applied and/or when the brake fluid level is low.

Anti-Lock Brake Warning Indicator (ABS)
The anti-lock brake warning indicator (ABS) lights when the anti-lock brake control module detects a fault in the system.

Safety Belt Warning Indicator
The safety belt warning indicator illuminates when a safety belt is not fastened.

Anti-Theft Indicator
The anti-theft indicator, located in the instrument cluster, will only light when the system is prearmed or armed.

During the PREARM cycle, the theft indicator will light constantly for 30 seconds . After 30 seconds , the system is ARMED and the theft indicator will begin flashing.