Contents: Operating principle ↳ Instrument cluster and adjustable… ↳ Non-adjustable background lighting ↳
Operating principle
NOTE: The new instrument cluster requires reconfiguration. Refer to Section 418-01 for additional information.
The instrument panel and dashboard lighting consists of adjustable and non-adjustable lighting. The adjustable panel lighting is controlled by the panel lighting switch (headlight switch element), which allows the background lighting level to be changed depending on the customer's preference. When the headlight switch is set to the "Parking Lights" or "Headlights" position, the intensity of the background lighting can be adjusted using the panel dimmer. Non-adjustable lighting provides full intensity lighting depending on the ignition switch position.
Instrument cluster and adjustable ambient lighting
The adjustable backlight uses traditional lamps and LEDs. The following adjustable backlight elements have background lighting using traditional lamps.
- ashtray
- cigarette lighter
- gear shift lever
- basic instrument cluster (except for vehicles with Duratec ST engine)
- heater control panel
The following dimmable elements have background lighting using LEDs.
- audio block
- instrument panel
- oil pressure and oil temperature display
- microclimate control unit
- hazard warning light button
- traction control system cut-off switch
- front right and left seat heating switches
CAUTION: Both Duratec ST engine variant instrument clusters use high voltage alternating current for the electroluminescent backlight system. Care must be taken when making measurements on the instrument cluster electrical circuits.
There are two instrument cluster configurations according to the ambient lighting type: the basic instrument cluster configuration and the instrument cluster(s) configuration of the Duratec ST engine variant. The basic configuration uses conventional lamps, while the instrument cluster(s) configuration of the Duratec ST engine variant uses electroluminescent ambient lighting. The electroluminescent ambient lighting uses a circuit with switching from direct current to high-voltage alternating current. The oil pressure and oil temperature display converts 12 V direct current to alternating current with an adjustable voltage of up to 180 V. The adjustment is performed by a dimmer (element of the headlight switch). High-voltage alternating current is supplied to the basic cluster through a fixed electrical circuit. These electrical circuits are marked "High Voltage" on both clusters.
Non-adjustable background lighting
The headlamp switch backlight system consists of two continuously lit LEDs powered by separate electrical circuits. Battery voltage is supplied to the first lamp when the ignition is in the RUN position. Battery voltage is supplied to the second lamp when the headlamp switch is in the Headlamp or Parking Lamp position.