Sandwiched between the rear cover and the lens, hood and mask unit is the cluster housing (2). The molded plastic
cluster housing serves as the carrier for the cluster circuit board and circuitry, the cluster connector receptacles, the
gauges, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) for each cluster indicator, the VFD unit, an audible tone transducer, an elec-
tro-luminescent lamp for general cluster illumination, the cluster overlay, the gauge pointers, the odometer/trip odom-
eter switch and the switch button.
The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The dark, visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked with all of the
gauge dial faces and graduations, but this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this outer layer prevents the
cluster from appearing cluttered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators that are not illuminated, while the trans-
lucence of this layer allows those indicators and icons that are illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying layer
of the overlay is opaque and allows light from the LED for each of the various indicators and an electro-luminescent
lamp behind it to be visible through the outer layer of the overlay only through predetermined stencil-like cutouts. A
rectangular opening in the overlay at the base of the tachometer dial face has a smoked clear lens through which
the illuminated VFD unit can be viewed.
Several versions of the EMIC module are offered on this model. These versions accommodate all of the variations
of optional equipment and regulatory requirements for the various markets in which the vehicle will be offered. The
microprocessor-based EMIC utilizes integrated circuitry and information carried on the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus along with several hard wired analog and multiplexed inputs to monitor sensors and switches
throughout the vehicle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry and programming of the EMIC allow it to
control and integrate many electronic functions and features of the vehicle through both hard wired outputs and the
transmission of electronic message outputs to other electronic modules in the vehicle over the CAN data bus. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION - CAN BUS).
Besides typical instrument cluster gauge and indicator support, the electronic functions and features that the EMIC
supports or controls include the following:
•
Audible Warnings - The EMIC electronic circuit board is equipped with an audible tone transducer and pro-
gramming that allows it to provide various audible alerts to the vehicle operator, including chime tones and
beep tones. An electromechanical relay is also soldered onto the circuit board to produce audible clicks that
emulate the sound of a conventional turn signal or hazard warning flasher. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHIME/
BUZZER - DESCRIPTION).
•
Automatic Headlamps Control - On models equipped with optional automatic headlamps, the EMIC monitors
inputs from both the headlamp switch and a sun load sensor located on the top of the instrument panel to
provide automatic headlamps.
•
Brake Lamp Control - The EMIC provides electronic brake lamp request messages to the Front Control Mod-
ule (FCM) located on the Integrated Power Module (IPM) for brake lamp control, excluding control of the Cen-
ter High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), which remains controlled by a direct hard wired output of the brake
lamp switch.
•
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Control - On vehicles with an optional automatic transmission the EMIC
monitors inputs from the brake lamp switch, ignition switch, and the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), then
controls a high-side driver output to operate the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) solenoid that locks
and unlocks the automatic transmission gearshift selector lever on the steering column.
•
Cargo Lamp Control - The EMIC provides direct control of cargo lamp operation with a load shedding (battery
saver) feature which will automatically turn off the cargo lamp if it remains on after a timed interval.
•
Compass Mini Trip Computer Support - The EMIC provides support for the optional Compass Mini Trip
Computer (CMTC) by calculating average fuel economy, distance to empty and outside temperature values
and storing trip odometer and elapsed ignition on time data. The EMIC receives data and reset requests from
the CMTC and transmits the appropriate information for the CMTC to display using electronic messaging.
•
Electronic Transfer Case Interface - On vehicles equipped with an electronic four-wheel drive transfer case,
the EMIC monitors a hard wired multiplex input from the transfer case mode switch and then provides the
appropriate electronic data bus messages to the Front Control Module (FCM) located on the Integrated Power
Module (IPM) for transfer case control. After the transfer case shift is completed, the FCM provides an elec-
tronic message to the EMIC and the EMIC responds by activating the appropriate 4WD indicators within the
cluster or in the transfer case switch.
•
Enhanced Accident Response Support - The EMIC monitors an input from the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) and, following an airbag deployment, will immediately disable the power lock output, unlock all doors by
activating the power unlock output, then enables the power lock output if the power lock switch input remains
inactive for two seconds. The EMIC also monitors an input from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to auto-
matically turn on the interior lighting after an airbag deployment event, ten seconds after the vehicle speed is
zero. The interior lighting remains illuminated until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, at which time
8J - 38
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