Ranger 2WD V6-245 4.0L VIN X SFI (1997)
Instrument Panel Circuit Board: Description and Operation
Printed Circuit
The instrument cluster printed circuit which supplies current to the instrument panel indicators, gauges, and some clocks, is made of copper foil which
is bonded to a polyester base film (usually referred to as Mylar).
The instrument cluster printed circuit is mounted to the cluster housing and, due to its location, cannot be easily inspected or tested in the vehicle. This
makes the instrument cluster printed circuit vulnerable to damage when a probe is used for in-vehicle testing as the probe can pierce the instrument
cluster printed circuit or, in some cases, burn the copper conductor.
Since there is no approved procedure for in-vehicle testing of the instrument cluster printed circuit, it must be removed for visual inspection. If no
visual damage is evident, each circuit should be tested with an ohmmeter. If an open circuit or short is detected, the instrument cluster printed circuit
must be replaced.
