System Operation
Message Center
System Operation
System Diagram
Message Center
Network Message Chart
Module Network Input Messages - IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
Oil Change Minder
The message center provides an oil change minder to inform the driver that an oil change is required. The duration of the interval between oil changes is calculated in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and varies due to driving conditions. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) assumes a base mileage of 16,090 km (10,000 mi) or 1 year for normal driving. However, this number is adjusted down for conditions such as high engine temperature, high engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), use of flex fuel and possibly low oil level. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) calculates and provides an engine oil life percent message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) further converts the remaining oil life using the driver's configured oil life start value and displays the oil life percentage, indicating the remaining oil life. The oil change minder can be reset at any time by the driver.
Compass Display
The compass signal originates with the GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna. No calibration or zone adjustment is available, as the compass heading is based on the GPS (Global Positioning System) signal. REFER to Global Position System Module (GPSM) (Premium Plus) or REFER to Global Positioning System Module (GPSM) (Sony(R) Sound) for information on the GPS (Global Positioning System) signal.
Outside Air Temperature Display
The AAT (Ambient Air Temperature) sensor is hardwired to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) through separate input and return circuits. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) provides a reference voltage to the AAT (Ambient Air Temperature) sensor and monitors the change in voltage resulting from changes in resistance as determined by outside air temperature. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) messages the outside air temperature data to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) module through the BCM (Body Control Module). The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) filters the temperature data and sends the updated temperature status back to the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) in turn messages the outside air temperature in degrees Celsius (metric) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). When the Fahrenheit (English) display is selected by the driver, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) converts the Celsius to Fahrenheit and displays the temperature in the message center.
The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) module is programmed to update the messaged outside temperature data at different rates depending on several criteria to prevent false temperature displays due to a condition known as heat soaking. Heat soaking is where the outside air temperature is hotter in the location of the AAT (Ambient Air Temperature) sensor than the actual outside air temperature.
When the sensed outside temperature rises, the display updates slowly at varying rates based on vehicle speed. When the sensed outside temperature drops, the display updates more quickly following the drop experienced by the AAT (Ambient Air Temperature) sensor.
Powertrain Malfunction (Wrench) Message Center Indicator
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the ETC (Electronic Throttle Control), the transaxle and the 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) status from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
When a fault condition exists in the ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) system, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) provides the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) with the engine service required message to illuminate the powertrain malfunction (wrench) message center warning indicator.
When a fault condition exists in the transaxle, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) provides the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) with the transmission malfunction indicator request to illuminate the powertrain malfunction (wrench) message center warning indicator.
When a fault condition exists in the 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) system, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) provides the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) with the AWD (All-Wheel Drive) lock status message to illuminate the powertrain malfunction (wrench) message center warning indicator.
Charging System Message Center Warning Indicator
The charging system message center warning indicator is controlled by the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) based upon data received from the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) receives the charging system status from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). When a fault is detected in the charging system, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) a charging system status message to illuminate the charging system message center warning indicator. REFER to Charging System for additional information on the charging system operation.
Cruise Control Message Center Indicator
On base cruise control vehicles, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the cruise control status message from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
When the cruise control switch is placed in the ON position, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) sends the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) a standby mode request through the cruise control status message and the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates the cruise control indicator in gray. When the cruise control is engaged, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) sends a cruise control on request through the cruise control status message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) changes the cruise control indicator illumination from gray to green.
On vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the adaptive cruise control follow mode display message from the C-CM (Cruise-Control Module).
When the cruise control switch is placed in the ON position, the C-CM (Cruise-Control Module) sends the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) a standby mode request through the adaptive cruise control follow mode display message and the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates the cruise control indicator in gray. When the cruise control is engaged, the C-CM (Cruise-Control Module) sends a cruise control on request through the adaptive cruise control follow mode display message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) changes the cruise control indicator illumination from gray to green.
Low Oil Pressure Message Center Warning Indicator
The engine oil pressure switch is hardwired to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) provides the engine oil pressure status and engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) data to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) over the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) communication bus. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) requires engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) above 500 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) before the message center displays the low oil pressure message center indicator.
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) provides a reference voltage to the engine oil pressure switch when the ignition is in RUN. With the engine running and low or no oil pressure, the engine oil pressure switch remains open. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects no change in the reference voltage and provides the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) a request to illuminate the low oil pressure warning indicator. With the engine running and sufficient oil pressure, the engine oil pressure switch closes, pulling the reference voltage low. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects the low reference voltage and provides the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) a request to turn off the low oil pressure warning indicator.
The engine oil pressure switch is hardwired to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the oil pressure warning message and the engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) message from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). With the KOEO (Key ON Engine OFF), the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) does not display the low oil pressure message center warning indicator until the engine is started and it receives the engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) message.
Engine Over-Temperature Message Center Warning Indicator
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) uses the CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature) sensor to measure the engine temperature. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the engine coolant temperature data message from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) requires 2 basic messaged inputs to control the engine over-temperature message center warning indicator. The first is the engine coolant temperature data message. The second is an engine overheat mitigation message. When the engine temperature reaches 121 C (250 F), or when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) sends the engine coolant temperature data message, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates the engine over-temperature message center warning indicator.
Grade Assist Message Center Indicator
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the grade assist on/off status from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). When the grade assist function is selected off, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) sends the transmission shift mode message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) to illuminate the grade assist message center indicator.
Low Fuel Message Center Indicator
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) uses fuel level, running average fuel economy, odometer counts and fuel flow data to calculate the DTE (Distance To Empty). The low fuel message center indicator is controlled using the calculated DTE (Distance To Empty). When the DTE (Distance To Empty) display is 120 km (75 miles) (with a MyKey(R) programmed key) or 80 km (50 miles) (with an administrator key) to empty or less, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates the low fuel message center indicator.
Low Washer Fluid Message Center Indicator
The low washer fluid level sensor is hardwired to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through a single signal circuit. The low washer fluid sensor is grounded through a separate ground circuit. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides a battery reference voltage to the washer fluid level switch. When the washer fluid is low, the washer fluid level switch closes to ground, pulling the reference voltage low. When the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) detects the washer fluid input pulled low, it illuminates the low washer fluid level message center warning indicator.
Door Ajar Message Center Indicator
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the door ajar status for the LF (Left Front), RF (Right Front), LR (Left Rear), RR (Right Rear) and the liftgate ajar switches from the BCM (Body Control Module). When the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives a driver door, passenger door, left rear door, passenger rear door or liftgate ajar status message from the BCM (Body Control Module) that one or more doors are open or ajar, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates the appropriate door ajar message center warning indicator.
Check Fuel Fill Inlet Message Display
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) monitors the fuel tank evaporative emission system for significant leaks that occur following refueling of the vehicle. Once the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects a fuel vapor leak, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) sends a fuel fill inlet message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) to display the CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) only sets a fault code following a successful cruise test, which is initiated when the vehicle is driven at a steady speed above 64.36 km (40 mi) for a duration of approximately 4-5 minutes. If the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is unable to successfully run the cruise test, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) does not receive the fuel fill inlet message and the CHECK FUEL FILL INLET message remains off.
Shift To Park Message Display
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) displays SHIFT TO PARK when the vehicle is turned off with the shifter out of the PARK (P) position on vehicles with IA (Intelligent Access). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides a reference voltage to the park detect switch through the park detect signal, or input circuit. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides the transaxle park status to the BCM (Body Control Module).
When the selector lever is out of the PARK (P) position, the park detect switch remains open to ground leaving the reference voltage high to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) sends a park status message to the BCM (Body Control Module), indicating that the selector lever is not in PARK (P). The BCM (Body Control Module) monitors the ignition state and when the ignition is OFF with the selector lever out of PARK (P), the BCM (Body Control Module) sends the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) an intelligent access system status message to display the SHIFT TO PARK message display.
Hill Descent Control Message Display
The hill descent control system maintains vehicle speed on a downhill grade at operating speeds between 3.2 km/h (2 mph) and 32.2 km/h (20 mph). The system goes into standby mode on a flat or uphill terrain. The system deactivates at speeds above 64.4 km/h (40 mph). During periods of sustained use, the hill descent control system may automatically deactivate in order to cool the braking system.
When the hill descent control switch is pressed, a ground signal is sent to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) then sends a message to the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module requesting system activation. The ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module uses inputs from the RCM (Restraints Control Module) and wheel speed sensors to determine the mode of operation.
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the hill descent mode status message from the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module. The message center also displays hill descent control messages to inform the driver they have entered or exited various states of the hill descent control function.