DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination

Overview

Dimmable Backlighting

Dimmable illumination provides backlighting to certain switches and control components when the parking lamps are on. The level of backlighting intensity is adjusted by instrument panel dimmer switch.

Non-Dimmable Backlighting

Non-dimmable illumination provides backlighting to the door lock, roof opening panel and window control switches when the accessory relay is energized.

System Operation

System Diagram

Network Message Chart

 Network Input Messages - IPC

 Network Input Messages - ACM, APIM, FCIM and FCDIM

 Network Input Messages - BCM

Dimmable Backlighting

The dimmable switches and components are illuminated when the parking lamps are on. The instrument panel dimmer switch controls all dimmable interior illuminated components. On vehicles equipped with autolamps, if the exterior lamps are activated during the daytime, the message center illumination remains at full intensity and does not dim from the instrument panel dimmer switch during this condition. If the vehicle travels under a bridge or a tunnel, the low level of ambient light causes the illumination level of the message center to change to the level set by the instrument panel dimmer switch. The message center illumination changes back to full intensity when the intense ambient light is restored.

When the parking lamps are on, the SCCM monitors the input from the instrument panel dimmer switch. The SCCM sends a message to the BCM over the HS-CAN relaying the instrument panel dimmer switch input. Based this message, the BCM sends a pulse-width modulated voltage to the dimmable switches.

The BCM also sends an illumination dimming level message over the network to control the backlighting intensity of networked modules. If a receiving module deems data received from the BCM invalid for 5 seconds or less, the receiving module defaults the backlighting to the last setting.

If the receiving module does not receive the illumination dimming level message from the BCM or if the data received is deemed invalid for more than 5 seconds, the receiving module sets a DTC in continuous memory and defaults the backlighting to full nighttime intensity.

Non-Dimmable Backlighting

When the accessory delay relay is energized, switched voltage is supplied to the window control, roof opening panel and door lock control switches. REFER to Section 501-11.

Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Protection

REFER to Section 419-10.

Component Description

Dimmer Switch

The instrument panel dimmer switch is a double detent rocker switch used to control all dimmable interior illuminated components and the courtesy lamps. The first up detent increases dimmable backlighting intensity. The first down detent decreases dimmable backlighting intensity. The second up detent turns the courtesy lamps on. The second down detent turns the courtesy lamps off (allowing other features to control the courtesy lamps).

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination

DTC Charts

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Section 100-00 for information regarding these diagnostic practices.

Related Module DTC Chart - BCM

Related Module DTC Chart - SCCM

Symptom Chart

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Section 100-00 for information regarding these diagnostic practices.

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test A: All Dimmable Illumination Does Not Dim

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in Section 100-00 for information about these practices.

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 71, Cluster and Panel Illumination for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

REFER to Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination.

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Possible Sources

• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• Instrument panel dimmer switch
• SCCM

PINPOINT TEST A: ALL DIMMABLE ILLUMINATION DOES NOT DIM

Pinpoint Test B: All Dimmable Non-Networked Illumination Is Inoperative

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in Section 100-00 for information about these practices.

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 71, Cluster and Panel Illumination for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

REFER to Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination.

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Possible Sources

• BCM fuse 12 (15A)
• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• BCM

PINPOINT TEST B: ALL DIMMABLE NON-NETWORKED ILLUMINATION IS INOPERATIVE

Pinpoint Test C: All Dimmable Non-Networked Illumination Is Always On

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in Section 100-00 for information about these practices.

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 71, Cluster and Panel Illumination for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

REFER to Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination.

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Possible Sources

• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• BCM

PINPOINT TEST C: ALL DIMMABLE NON-NETWORKED ILLUMINATION IS ALWAYS ON

Pinpoint Test D: The Steering Wheel Switch Illumination Is Inoperative

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in Section 100-00 for information about these practices.

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 71, Cluster and Panel Illumination for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

REFER to Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination.

Possible Sources

• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• Steering wheel switch(es)
• Steering wheel harness
• Clockspring

PINPOINT TEST D: THE STEERING WHEEL SWITCH(ES) ILLUMINATION IS INOPERATIVE

Pinpoint Test E: One Or More Switch Or Component Illumination Is Inoperative

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in Section 100-00 for information about these practices.

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 71, Cluster and Panel Illumination for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

REFER to Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination.

Possible Sources

• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• Illuminated switch
• Illuminated component

PINPOINT TEST E: ONE OR MORE ILLUMINATION SOURCE IS INOPERATIVE

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Instrument Cluster Bulb

Removal and Installation

1. Remove the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). For additional information, refer to Section 413-01.

2. Rotate the bulb one-quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out from the IPC.

3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Selector Lever Indicator Bulb

Removal and Installation

1. Remove the transmission selector lever bezel. For additional information, refer to Section 307-05.

2. Remove the selector lever indicator bulb from the socket.

3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Instrument Panel Dimmer Switch

Removal and Installation

1. Remove the steering column opening trim panel. For additional information, refer to Instrument Panel - Exploded View in Section 501-12.

2. Remove the instrument panel dimmer switch bezel retaining screw and pull off the bezel.
   • Disconnect the electrical connector.

3. Release the tabs and remove the instrument panel dimmer switch.

4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.