Explorer 2WD V6-245 4.0L VIN X SFI (1999)
Instrument Panel Circuit Board: Description and Operation
The instrument cluster printed circuit is a flexible circuit that supplies power and ground to the instrument cluster indicators and gauges. It is constructed
of copper foil bonded to a polyester base film (usually referred to as Mylar).
The flexible circuit is mounted to the instrument cluster housing and, due to its location, cannot be easily tested or inspected in the vehicle. This makes
the flexible circuit vulnerable to damage when a probe is used for in-vehicle testing because the probe can pierce the printed circuit or, in some cases,
bum the copper conductor.
Since there is no approved procedure for in-vehicle testing of the flexible circuit, the instrument cluster must be removed from the vehicle for visual
inspection. If no damage is evident, each circuit should be checked with an ohmmeter. If an open circuit or a short is detected, the flexible circuit must be
replaced.
