Car Instrument Panel
The instrument panel or "cluster" as it is sometimes referred to as, in your vehicle is what contains all of the important gauges, warning lights, and indicators that you need to drive and stay informed as to what your own vehicle is doing while on the road. In this panel is the odometer, speedometer, tachometer, exterior lights indicator, fuel gauge, and various warning lights which tell you when you are close to running out of gas or need to check the engine. Some people who have older cars need to replace this entire panel because there is something wrong with it. If you need to get a whole new one it is important to learn how to about getting one and what installation is like as well. Sometimes with a car instrument panel there are issues with visibility which can really start to become a problem over time. You will want to make sure to do everything in your power to ensure that the replacement you get is fully functional so you will not experience any problems like this for years to come.
With some of the more recent cars that have been made in the last five or six years, the instrument panel also consists of what is called an electronic information center which you will be able to reference for outside temperature information as well as any issues with the internal parts of the vehicle itself. When this panel starts to malfunction is can mean serious problems, especially if it affecting the speedometer or gas gauge. Since the last thing you want is to run out of gas without notice or get caught speeding when you thought you were going the posted limit, you will need to make sure everything is in working order. If something seems strange in the slightest with your information panel, you should check to see if it is fully functional. Those who find something wrong with their panel will want to take a closer look and maybe even have it replaced.
There are a few things you will need before inspecting the information panel in your vehicle, including fuses. If your instrument panel cannot be seen at night, you will want to search for the illumination control. With some vehicles there is a sort of dimmer switch near where the panel is, so you might be able to access that to get a better look at it. Sometimes the dimmer function is controlled by the interior lights which can usually be found near where the switch for the main lights is on the dash. You will need to replace the fuse if you are still not able to clearly see the instrument panel or any of the gauges on it. You will be able to find the fuse panel in the engine compartment where it is usually located in most vehicles. Once you go under the dash or inside the trunk you should be able to find it.
Most of the time vehicles have an index which will let you know which fuse corresponds to the part that you need to replace or fix. Usually you will find that it is a 20 Amp yellow fuse that you will need to replace. When you are replacing it you will need to put in one that is the exact same color and amperage as the one that is currently in the vehicle. After you are done replacing the fuse you will need to completely reset the EVIC display in the instrument panel if the measurements come out wrong. When you read it the odometer should be in miles and the temperature should read in Fahrenheit. If these measurements are not reading this way, you will need to adjust something in the settings. Usually vehicles will have something like a “Select” button which you will be able to hold in order to reset everything to default settings.
There are separate procedures which you will need to follow if you are simply repairing your instrument panel, and it is important to thoroughly look through the instructions so you will be able to do it right. If you do not have much mechanical experience at all, it may be a good idea to leave it to a professional. Sometimes when you go into the wiring of your vehicle you can do more harm than good if you are inexperienced in doing this type of work. When it comes to the internal function of your car, you should be well-educated and ideally experienced before going in to change anything at all.
