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Do you need to replace your instrument cluster? The instrument cluster in your car is designed according to certain communication standards. The cluster is designed to gather and display data that is collected from different modules of the vehicle. The transmission controller will know the speed of the vehicle while a control mechanism for the anti-lock braking system will be able to detect a problem with the ABS. The instrument cluster constantly receives information from a variety of systems within the vehicle and that data is displayed on the instrument panel for the driver to easily see.

Each module in the vehicle sends its specific data to a communications bus. Several times in a single second data is sent which is used to update an indicator or a gauge with that updated value. Carmakers tend to purchase fully assembled instrument clusters which are pre-assembled by a supplier. The supplier designs those clusters according to specifications provided by the carmaker which makes the job of instrument panel design much simpler for the supplier and the carmaker.

The car manufacturer will provide the supplier with certain information including how each gauge is to be operated and will provide a list of packets of data for the vehicle. The carmaker is then responsible for ensuring that the right data is sent to the communications bus. The process of designing the instrument panel is much easier if the supplier does not know details about how speed is generated or where it comes from.

When instrument clusters need to be replaced, it is a good idea to find local shops that has experience with the replacement of instrument cluster. Make enquiries with the shop owner to see if there are technicians on staff that have experience in replacing instrument clusters. If your car is older, the set-up of the cluster is not very complicated; however, if you have a newer vehicle there may be a lot more work involved that is extremely detailed. One should never assume that every shop has experience with every type of vehicle, but shops that specialize in gauge replacement are usually very knowledgeable with replacement of clusters for a variety of makes and models.