Message Center: Overview

The message center is an integral part of the IPC  that receives and acts upon much of the same information that is input and used to operate the IPC  gauges, indicators, and warning indicators. The message center uses both hardwired and the network based inputs to receive information.

The message center functionality is controlled through the message center switch (part of the LH steering wheel switch), which is hardwired to the SCCM  through input and return circuits.

Whenever conditions are present that require a warning message, the message center replaces the last selected display with the new warning display. 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 outputs of the IPC  (gauges, indicators and message center indicators). For example, when the BCM  detects a low brake fluid condition, the BCM  sends the IPC  a request to illuminate the brake warning indicator and a request to display the LOW BRAKE FLUID message in the message center. This allows the message center to be a more informative supplement to the IPC  gauges and indicators.

Another function of the message center is to display message center warning indicators. Similar to the interaction between the message center and the standard warning indicators, the message center often displays a warning message and the message center warning indicator at the same time. For example, if the PCM  detects low engine oil pressure, the PCM  sends a request to the IPC  to illuminate the low oil pressure message center indicator and to display LOW OIL PRESSURE in the message center. If multiple warnings are present requiring multiple message center warning indicator displays, the message center cycles or rotates through the displays in the same manner the message center cycles the text messages.