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Home >> Ford >> 2012 >> Focus L4-2.0L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators >> Description and Operation >> Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) >> System Operation >> Part 1

Part 1




Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)

System Operation

System Diagram - Gauges





Network Message Chart - Gauges

Module Network Input Messages - IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)






System Diagram - Indicators





Network Message Chart - Indicators

Module Network Input Messages - 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 the audio and multimedia modules using another format. This enables network communication between modules that do not communicate using the same network (I-CAN (Infotainment Controller Area Network) or MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network)).

Networked Input Messages and Default States

The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) uses input messages from other modules to control the gauges, informational indicators, warning indicators and message center message displays over the communication networks. The majority of messaged inputs to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) are received from the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) only acts as a gateway to convert the message from one network to another network recognized by the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). Network messages can drop out or be missing for a variety of reasons, such as high network traffic on the bus. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) incorporates a defined strategy for handling missing network messages based on time. The required time for a network message to be missing differs between the various gauges, indicators and message center displays. The strategy is basically the same for all indication but differs in the length of time required for the network message to be missing. If a required network message is missing or invalid for less than the preset time criteria, the gauge, indicator or message center display that requires the network message remains at the last commanded state based upon the last network message received. The example describes how the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon) functions using a time criteria of 5 seconds.
If the stability/traction control network message is missing for less than 5 seconds and the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon) was on, the indicator remains in the on state until the next network message is received. Again, using the time criteria example, if the network message remains missing or invalid for more than 5 seconds, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) sets a U-code DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) and the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) output becomes a default action for the indicator or gauge. The indicator may default on/off or the gauge may default to the rest position.
Each indicator or gauge utilizes a different default strategy depending on the nature of the indication. Refer to the diagnostic overview descriptions located before each individual pinpoint test for further description of the default action specific to each indicator or gauge. If the missing messaged input to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) returns at any time, the normal function of the gauge, indicator or message center display resumes.

NOTE:Whenever a network message is suspected as missing and confirmed by a missing message DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) (U-code), it is important to look for other symptoms that can also be present in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and throughout the vehicle. Once a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) sets in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster), it can be helpful to review the complete message list. REFER to Controller Area Network (CAN) Multiplex Messages to determine which 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 (Diagnostic Trouble Code) can also be set in those modules. Confirmation of missing messages common to multiple modules can indicate that the originating module is the source of the concern or the communication network may be faulted.
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.
- which module controls the output of the feature.
- whether the module that receives the input controls the output of the feature, or whether it outputs a message over the communication network to another module.

Transport Mode

The vehicle is placed in a transport mode at the completion of production to reduce the drain on the battery. Transport mode is controlled by the BCM (Body Control Module). When the vehicle is in transport mode, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) the transport mode network message to display TRANSPORT MODE in the message center. REFER to Transport Mode . To take the vehicle out of transport mode and place into normal operation mode, REFER to Disabling Transport Mode .

Startup-Shutdown

The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides a startup/shutdown sequence also known as a welcome/farewell strategy. When the BCM (Body Control Module) receives a RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) request or a door ajar (open) message, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates the RH (Right Hand) and LH (Left Hand) turn indicators briefly then illuminates the message center display (base IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)) or displays the message center splash screen (optional IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)). When the ignition is placed in the RUN or START mode, the message center proves out and defaults to normal operation. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates all LED (Light-emitting Diode) indicators for a predetermined time (prove-out).

MyKey(R)

The MyKey(R) feature allows the customer to program a restricted driving mode that is tied to one or more keys known as a MyKey(R) key. When a MyKey(R) key is in use, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides:
- At the beginning of vehicle start up, as part of the welcome strategy, the message center greets the MyKey(R) driver with MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY displayed in the message center. If the MyKey(R) speed limiter feature is turned on, the message center also displays SPEED LIMITED TO 130 KM/H (80 MPH).
- The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) continuously provides a periodic Belt-Minder(R) warning chime until the driver and passenger safety belts are buckled. When the Belt-Minder(R) is issued, the ACM (Audio Control Module) is muted and the message center displays BUCKLE UP TO UNMUTE AUDIO.
- If the MyKey(R) speed limiter feature is turned on and the vehicle speed approaches 130 km/h (80 mph), the message center displays VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED, along with a chime.
- If the MyKey(R) speed limiter feature is turned on and the vehicle speed reaches 130 km/h (80 mph), the message center displays VEHICLE AT TOP SPEED, along with a chime.
- If the speed warning is selected at one of the preset values (75, 90, 105 km/h [45, 55, 65 mph]) and the vehicle approaches the preset speed, the message center displays CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY, along with a chime.
- If the traction control always on feature is turned on and the MyKey(R) driver attempts to disable the traction control, the message center displays ADVANTRAK CANNOT BE DEACTIVATED.
- At 1/8 tank of remaining fuel, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) illuminates the low fuel indicator and the message center displays the appropriate DTE (Distance To Empty), along with a chime.
- MyKey(R) miles driven by the MyKey(R) user can be found in the information display.
- The number of MyKey(R) programmed and administrator keys can be found in the information display.

When an administrator key is in use, the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides:
- The message center provides a menu guiding the user to create a MyKey(R). When only 1 administrator key remains, the MyKey(R) creation menu is no longer available.
- The message center provides menus for setting 4 optional MyKey(R) features:
- MyKey(R) 130 KM/H (80 MPH) speed limiter
- MyKey(R) pre-selected speed warning
- MyKey(R) radio volume limiter
- Traction control on/selectable

- The message center provides a menu to clear all MyKey(R) programmed keys at once.

MyKey(R) information can be accessed by an administrator key or a MyKey(R) key.

- MyKey(R) mileage driven by the MyKey(R) user can be found in the information tab of the message center.
- The number of MyKey(R) programmed keys and administrator keys can be found in the system check function of the message center.

Configuration

The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) contains items that are configurable. Configurable items often include customer preference items, which can also be set with a scan tool. The remaining configurable items can only be set through the car configuration parameters. REFER to Module Configuration and Parameter Chart .

Prove-Out

The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and other modules carry out a display prove-out to verify all module controlled warning/indicator lamps and monitored systems are functioning correctly within the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and other modules, such as the RCM (Restraints Control Module), provide a timed prove-out of some indicators while other indicators illuminate upon engine start up. When the ignition is cycled to on with the engine off, the indicators illuminate to prove-out according to the following table:






Dealer Test Mode

To enter the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) self-diagnostic mode, begin with the ignition in the OFF mode. Press and hold the LH (Left Hand) steering wheel switch OK button. Place the ignition in the ON mode and hold the button until the display indicates Test or Gauge Sweep, usually within 3-5 seconds. Press the up or down arrow buttons to navigate through each of the display windows. To exit the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) self-test mode, press and hold the OK button for 3-5 seconds or place the ignition in the OFF mode. Each button press advances the viewing window to the next set of items.

NOTE:Some of the displays listed in the table use xxx's to represent a numeric or alpha-numeric value. The value can display the same amount of characters represented by the xxx's or there can be more/less depending on the type of display. For example: Speedo gauge xxx.x mph may display Speedo gauge 22.5 mph. Note that there were 4 x's in the display description but only 3 digits in the actual display.

NOTE:The table lists the displays as they appear when navigating using the down arrow button.










Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge is an analog type gauge. The BCM (Body Control Module) sends a reference voltage to the fuel level sender. As the fuel level changes, a float actuates the variable resistor on the fuel level sender, raising or lowering the fuel level signal voltage. The BCM (Body Control Module) monitors the change in voltage and sends the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) the fuel level status message. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) changes the fuel gauge indication with a corresponding movement of the pointer.
The fuel gauge indicates fuel changes quickly while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. The fuel gauge does not change fuel level indication between key cycles if the vehicle is parked on a slope. The fuel gauge does not change fuel indication by more than 1/8 tank when vehicle ascends or descends a hill.

Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge is an analog type gauge. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the engine coolant temperature message from the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) receives the engine coolant temperature message from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), which is hardwired to the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor.

Tachometer

The tachometer is an analog type gauge. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) message from the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) receives the engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) message from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), which is hardwired to the CKP (Crankshaft Position) sensor.

Speedometer

The BCM (Body Control Module) receives the vehicle speed message from the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module. The ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module uses tire size stored in the vehicle configuration file along with wheel speed inputs to generate a vehicle speed signal. The BCM (Body Control Module) provides the vehicle speed message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster).
The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) provides a tolerance that allows the speed indication to display between 3% below and 7% above the actual vehicle speed. This means that with an actual vehicle speed of 96.6 km/h (60 mph), the speedometer can indicate between 93.7-103.3 km/h (58.2-64.2 mph). Incorrect tire size or tire size configuration could potentially affect the speedometer accuracy.

Odometer

The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) receives the wheel rotation count message from the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) receives the wheel rotation count from the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module. The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) monitors the wheel count input from the BCM (Body Control Module) and commands the odometer with a digital display in the message center.

Brake Warning Indicator

The IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) uses 3 basic messaged inputs to control the brake warning indicator. The first 2 messages are the parking brake position switch and the brake fluid level switch sent from the BCM (Body Control Module). The third is the brake warning indicator request message sent from the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module through the BCM (Body Control Module).
The parking brake position switch and the brake fluid level switches are hardwired to the BCM (Body Control Module) through a single signal circuit while using a separate ground to control the input.
The BCM (Body Control Module) provides reference voltage to both the parking brake position switch and the brake fluid level switch. When the parking brake is applied, the parking brake position switch closes to ground, pulling the parking brake signal circuit low. When a low brake fluid level condition exists, the brake fluid level switch closes to ground, pulling the signal circuit low. If the brake fluid level switch is disconnected, the BCM (Body Control Module) reference voltage sent to the brake fluid level switch remains high and the brake fluid input is interpreted as normal by the BCM (Body Control Module). When the BCM (Body Control Module) detects the brake fluid level signal low, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends the brake fluid level low request to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). When the BCM (Body Control Module) detects the parking brake signal low, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends the parking brake warning request to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster).
When the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module detects a base brake system concern or other ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)-related concerns that affect the EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) function, the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) module sends the brake warning request to the BCM (Body Control Module). The BCM (Body Control Module) in turn sends the brake warning indicator request to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) to illuminate the brake warning indicator.
If the brake fluid level drops and closes the brake fluid level switch, the BCM (Body Control Module) waits approximately 30 seconds before sending the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) the brake fluid level low message to illuminate the brake warning indicator.
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