Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes
Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes
Principles of Operation
NOTE: Whenever a network message is suspected as missing or confirmed by a missing message DTC (U-code), it is important to look for other conditions that may also be present in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and throughout the vehicle. Once a DTC sets in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster), it may be helpful to review the complete message list available in Information Bus to see what other modules also rely on the same message and run the self-test for those modules. If the message is missing from other modules, the same DTC may also be set in those modules. Confirmation of missing messages common to multiple modules may indicate that the originating module is the source of the concern or the communication network may be experiencing some problems.
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) uses input messages from other modules to control the gauges, informational indicators, warning indicators, message center and warning chimes over the communication networks. If a required message is missing or invalid for less than 5 seconds, the gauge or indicator that requires the message remains at the last commanded state based upon the last known good message. For example, if the brake status message is missing for less than 5 seconds and the brake warning indicator was illuminated, the indicator remains in the on state until the next good message is received. If the message remains missing or invalid for more than 5 seconds, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) sets a U-code DTC and the output becomes a default action for the indicator or gauge. Each indicator or gauge utilizes a different default strategy depending on the nature of the indication. Refer to the normal operation descriptions located before each individual pinpoint test for further description of the default action specific to each indicator or gauge. If the messaged input to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) returns at any time, the normal function of the gauge or indicator resumes.
It is very important to understand:
- where the input originates.
- all the information necessary in order for a feature to operate.
- which module(s) receive(s) the input or command message.
- whether the module which received the input controls the output of the feature, or whether it outputs a message over the communication network to another module.
- which module controls the output of the feature.
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) utilizes a microprocessor to control the gauge and indicator functions. Data is sent to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) over the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN) and the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN) bus lines and through hardwired circuitry from individual components. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) uses each input to output an action to the gauges or indicators.
IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) Gateway Function
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) acts as a gateway module by receiving information in one format and transmitting it to other modules using another format. For example, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the vehicle speed data from the PCM over the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network), converts the data into an MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) message and sends (gateways) the message to other network modules such as the Body Control Module (BCM). This enables network communication between modules that do not communicate using the same network (HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) or MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network)).
IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) Configuration
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) contains items that are configurable. Configurable items include customer preference items, which can be set with a scan tool. The remaining items can be set only through the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) procedure using As-Built data.
NOTE: When installing a new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster), it is necessary to upload the module configuration to the scan tool. Following installation of the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) download the module configuration from the scan tool into the new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). It is also necessary to carry out key programming and parameter reset whenever a new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) or PCM is installed Programming and Relearning. Refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems.
IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) Configuration Parameters
IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) Prove-Out
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and other vehicle modules carry out a display prove-out to verify that all module controlled informational and warning indicators and monitored systems are functioning correctly within the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). When the ignition is transitioned to the ON state with the engine off, the indicators illuminate to prove-out according to the following table:
Information and Message Center
The message center is integrated into the Front Control/Display Interface Module (FCDIM). The message center is controlled by the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and acts upon much of the same information that is input and used to operate the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) gauges, informational indicators, and warning indicators. The FCDIM (Front Control/Display Interface Module) receives the message center display information from the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) communication bus.
Whenever conditions are present that require a warning message, the message center replaces the last selected display with the new warning message. Once the message is reset or cleared, the message center returns to the last selected display. If multiple warnings are present, the message center displays each warning for approximately 4 seconds. Warning messages are also generally associated with other observable IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) indications. For example, when the LH front door is opened, the message center displays the message DRIVER DOOR AJAR along with the door ajar warning indicator. This allows the message center to be a more informative supplement to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) gauges and indicators.
Warning Chimes
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) uses inputs that are both hardwired to individual components and messages that are sent from other modules over the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) or MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) to control the warning chime functions.
Warning Chime Characteristics
Each warning chime has unique characteristics that help identify and differentiate one warning chime from another. The warning chimes use volume, chime frequency, length of time the chime sounds and the number of chime tones to identify which chime is sounding. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) prioritizes the chimes according to a preset hierarchy programmed into the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) software. Generally, when more than one chime request is received by the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster), the most important chime sounds. If a lower priority chime is currently sounding, the higher priority request takes over and replaces the lower priority chime.
There are 3 different chimes as listed below:
- Repetitive
- Single tone
- Tick-tock
The following table provides a summary of the chime characteristics including the chime priority:
IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) Chime Characteristics
Belt-Minder(R)
The Belt-Minder(R) is configurable. To configure the Belt-Minder(R), refer to Belt-Minder(R) Deactivating/Activating Service and Repair.
The Belt-Minder(R) feature supplements the current safety belt warning function and is enabled after the current safety belt warning is complete. The Belt-Minder(R) informs the driver that the driver or front passenger safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently and simultaneously sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning indicator in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) once the vehicle speed has exceeded 9.7 km/h (6 mph). The Belt-Minder(R) remains active for 5 minutes from the time it is started. While activated, the Belt-Minder(R) chime provides a series of 6 chimes/safety belt warning indicator flash sequences, which consist of a 1-second chime tone and safety belt warning indicator on/off state. The Belt-Minder(R) chime and the safety belt warning indicator sound and flash for 6 seconds, then the chime stops and the safety belt warning indicator remains on for 30 seconds. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) repeats the chime cycle for 5 minutes.
If the vehicle speed drops below 4.8 km/h (3 mph) once the Belt-Minder(R) chime has activated, the chime turns off and the safety belt warning indicator remains on. When the vehicle speed exceeds 9.7 km/h (6 mph) again, the Belt-Minder(R) chime resumes.
The Belt-Minder(R) warning chime inputs are the:
- Ignition state.
- Safety belt warning request communicated by the RCM (Restraints Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
- Belt-Minder(R) chime request communicated by the RCM (Restraints Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
Safety Belt Warning Chime
The safety belt warning chime warns that the driver safety belt is not fastened and sounds when the driver safety belt is not fastened, the ignition is transitioned from the OFF/LOCK or ACC state to the RUN or START state.
The safety belt warning chime stops sounding when the safety belt is fastened, the ignition is transitioned from the RUN or START state to the OFF/LOCK or ACC state, or the chime has sounded for approximately 6 seconds.
The safety belt warning chime inputs are the:
- Ignition state.
- Driver safety belt warning request communicated by the RCM (Restraints Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
- Driver safety belt warning chime request communicated by the RCM (Restraints Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
Door Ajar Warning Chime
The door ajar warning chime warns that a door is open or not fully closed. The chime sounds when any door, or the luggage compartment lid becomes ajar while the ignition is in the RUN state.
The door ajar warning chime stops sounding and resets when all of the doors and the luggage compartment lid are closed, or the ignition is placed in the OFF/LOCK or ACC state.
The door ajar warning chime inputs are the:
- Ignition state.
- Door ajar data communicated by the BCM (Body Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
Headlamps On Warning Chime
The headlamps on warning chime sounds if the driver door is ajar, the headlamp switch is in the PARK or HEADLAMP position, and the ignition is in the OFF/LOCK state with the key removed (IA (Intelligent Access) only).
The headlamps on warning chime stops sounding when any one of the above conditions are removed or the battery saver has expired.
The headlamps on warning chime inputs are the:
- Ignition state.
- Door ajar input from the driver door ajar switch to the BCM (Body Control Module).
- Headlamp switch input to the BCM (Body Control Module).
- Headlamps on chime request communicated by the BCM (Body Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
Key-In-Ignition Warning Chime
On vehicles without IA (Intelligent Access), the key-in-ignition warning chime warns that the key is still in the ignition when the driver door is ajar. On vehicles with IA (Intelligent Access), the key-in-ignition warning chime sounds when the ignition is in the ON state with the door ajar.
On vehicles with IA (Intelligent Access) and a automatic transaxle, the key-in-ignition warning chime is also used when the ignition is in the OFF mode with the transaxle range selector out of park. The message center displays a warning message and the chime sounds.
The key-in-ignition warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state.
- Key-in-ignition chime request to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) from the BCM (Body Control Module) over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) (without IA (Intelligent Access)).
- Key-in-ignition chime request to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) from the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) (with IA (Intelligent Access)).
- Door ajar input to the BCM (Body Control Module).
Parking Brake Warning Chime
The parking brake warning chime warns that the parking brake is engaged when the vehicle is in motion. The parking brake warning chime sounds if the ignition is in the ON state, the parking brake is engaged, and the vehicle speed is greater than 4.8 km/h (3 mph).
The parking brake warning chime stops sounding and resets if the parking brake is released, the ignition is not in the ON state, if the vehicle speed is less than 4.8 km/h (3 mph), or after 90 seconds from the time the chime is activated.
The parking brake warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state.
- Parking brake switch status to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster).
- Vehicle speed data communicated by the PCM to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
Turn/Hazard On Tone
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides a tick-tock tone along with the visual turn signal indicators to indicate that the RH/LH TURN or HAZARD indicators are on.
The turn/hazard on tone inputs are:
- Left turn indicator signal from the BCM (Body Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
- Right turn indicator signal from the BCM (Body Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).