Author: Jason
What is a car instrument cluster?
The instrument panel in your car actually refers to the large plastic assembly in front of your windshield. This panel is otherwise known as a dashboard or dash pad. This panel ultimately houses your car’s instrument cluster, navigation unit, glovebox, and other console systems. Inside of your instrument panel is the instrument cluster. This is also known as a speedometer, gauge cluster, speedometer head, or gauge. The instrument cluster is a removable assembly that houses critical meters and warning devices for the driver. This cluster typically has analog gauge displays with moving physical needles that indicate your speed (MPH), engine revolutions per minute (RPM), fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter, and coolant temperature gauge. These are the most common gauges inside an instrument panel. Also inside of the cluster is the odometer display either analog or digital. This display shows the current vehicle chassis mileage. The instrument panel can also include various warning lights and alerts to tell you what’s going on in the vehicle.
The importance of your car’s instrument cluster
As you previously learned the instrument cluster is quite important. It provides the driver with the engine and vehicle vitals. The instrument cluster displays how fast you are traveling. This is important if you want to avoid a speeding ticket. The voltmeter, coolant, and oil pressure gauges are the next most important gauges. The voltmeter can alert you to a charging system problem or impending alternator failure which can leave you stranded. The coolant temperature gauge can alert you to a coolant leak or failed engine fan. An overheated engine can mean imminent failure and permanent engine damage. Lastly the oil pressure gauge can alert you to abnormalities within the engine assembly. Worn engine bearings can lead to low oil pressure and ultimately engine rod knock and total engine failure. Newer instrument clusters can show you current fuel miles per gallon, distance to empty, outside temperature, and door ajar alerts. It is important to ensure all of these gauges and information displays are working properly to prolong the life of your vehicle.
Key functions of your car’s instrument cluster
Some of the important functions were described above. Additional functions found on many Toyota and Lexus vehicles are a speed sensor return back to the ECU. In this situation, the instrument cluster receives the vehicle speed sensor and then passes that value back to the ECU. Certain faults and component failures within the instrument cluster can lead to ECU OBD engine codes. If you have a check engine light you won’t be able to pass emissions, smog, or annual vehicle inspections. Speaking of the check engine light, we have seen many instrument clusters with the check engine light ripped off of the circuit board, covered up with tape, and even plugged with a paper towel. We are typically able to repair check engine lights or LEDs that have been ripped off of the board. We can also remove any debris inside the cluster that is blocking the check engine light from appearing.
Why does your car’s instrument cluster matter?
Your car’s instrument cluster matters because without it you are driving blind. People take the instrument panel for granted, but when gauges have failed, needles are broken and not moving, and screens are no longer displaying your radio station we start to receive calls and emails. The instrument cluster can provide you with vital information and is one of the most important brains inside your vehicle. On Kia and Hyundai models, the CANBUS controller is actually inside the instrument cluster. Usually the CANBUS system has its own module or is handled by the ECU or BCM. Many vehicle functions will not work if you have a CANBUS failure. In a situation like this, a complete instrument cluster replacement is recommended.
The role of the instrument cluster and speedometer in your car
The role of your car’s instrument cluster has been clearly defined. The instrument cluster displays all vital vehicle functions and also in some cases has a role in controlling vehicle functions as well. The instrument cluster should be maintained and repaired if you notice displays that no longer turn on, needles that no longer move, and warning lights or backlighting that does not look as bright and crisp as it used to. Tanin Auto Electronix specializes in instrument panel restoration, repair, and modifications. We can also program VIN information and chassis mileage into a replacement instrument cluster for you. We are a one-stop shop for all things related to speedometers and instrument panels.
Contact Tanin Auto Electronix for instrument cluster repair or instrument cluster replacement.