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System Operation

System Diagram - Gauges 

GFD58661Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Network Message Chart - Gauges 

Module Network Input Messages - IPC 

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
AWD lock torque actual PCM Input used for the AWD gauge display.
Engine coolant temperature PCM Engine temperature data used for temperature gauge indication.
Engine coolant temperature fault reporting PCM Input used to determine the quality of the engine temperature data input for the temperature gauge indication.
Engine overheat failsafe mode PCM Input used to send the temperature gauge to full hot when in failsafe cooling mode.
Engine rpm PCM Engine speed data used for tachometer indication and the low oil pressure message center warning indicator.
Ignition status BCM Ignition RUN, START and accessory states required for the IPC operating modes and fault reporting.
Vehicle speed PCM Vehicle speed data used for speedometer indication. Input used for the AWD gauge display.
Vehicle speed fault reporting PCM Input used to determines the quality of the vehicle speed data input for the speedometer indication.
Wheel torque data PCM Input used for the AWD gauge display.

System Diagram - Indicators 

GFD58662Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Network Message Chart - Indicators 

Module Network Input Messages - IPC 

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
Air bag indicator request RCM Restraints indicator lamp request used to control the air bag warning indicator.
ABS warning indicator request ABS module Input required for the ABS warning indicator.
Brake warning indicator request BCM Input from the BCM required for the brake fluid level and parking brake components of the brake warning indicator operation.
Brake (red) warning indicator request ABS module Input required from the ABS module for the ABS and EBD components of the brake warning indicator.
Engine MIL request PCM Input used for the MIL.
Fog lamp indicator request BCM Input required for the fog lamps indicator.
Headlamp high beam indicator request BCM Input required for the high beam indicator.
Ignition status BCM Ignition RUN, START and accessory states required for the IPC operating modes and fault reporting.
Parklamp status BCM Input used to trigger the lights on indicator.
Safety belt indicator request RCM Input used to control the safety belt warning indicator.
Stability-traction control indicator ABS module Input required for the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon).
Stability-traction control disabled (OFF) indicator ABS module Input required for the stability/traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon).
Transmission gear display actual PCM Transmission range input used for the PRNDL display.
Transmission gear display status PCM Transmission range input used for the PRNDL display.
Transmission shift mode PCM Input used to control the grade assist indicator.
Tire pressure warning indicator BCM Input required for the IPC to illuminate or flash the TPMS warning indicator.
Turn indicator command BCM RH and LH turn signal/hazard inputs required for the RH and LH turn/hazard indicator.

Networked Input Messages and Default States 

The IPC uses input messages from other modules to control the gauges, informational indicators, and warning indicators 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 message received. For example, if the stability-traction control status message is missing for less than 5 seconds and the stability-traction control indicator (sliding car icon) was on, the indicator remains on until the next message is received. If the message remains missing or invalid for more than 5 seconds, the IPC sets a U-code DTC and the IPC 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 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 returns at any time, normal function of the gauge or indicator resumes.

NOTE: Whenever a network message is suspected as missing and confirmed by a missing message DTC (U-code), it is important to look for other symptoms that may also be present in the IPC and throughout the vehicle. Once a DTC sets in the IPC, it may be helpful to review the complete message list. Refer to Module Communications Network , CAN Multiplex Messages Description and Operation, 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 may also be set in those modules. Confirmation of missing messages common to multiple modules may indicate the originating module is the source of the concern or the communication network may be faulted.

It is very important to understand:

Configuration 

The IPC contains items that are configurable. Configurable items include customer preference items, which can also be set with a scan tool. The remaining configurable items can only be set by the PMI procedure by uploading/downloading existing configuration or by using As-Built data. Refer to the scan tool instructions. The configurable IPC items are:

Customer Preference As-Built Parameter State Description
- 2WD /4WD /AWD 2WD
AWD
- ABS Enabled
- Adaptive cruise control Enabled
Disabled
- Adaptive headlamps Enabled
Disabled
- Advance traction control function Enabled
- AWD gauge Disabled
- Auto high beams Enabled
Disabled
- Autolamp delay Enabled
- Autolock control Enabled
- Auto unlock control Enabled
- Active park assist Enabled
Disabled
- Average fuel economy metric type Liters/100 km
- Back up chime (Japan only) Disabled
- Belt-Minder® Enabled
- Camera active guide 1 Disabled
- Camera delay Disabled
- Camera parkaid Disabled
- Camera zoom Disabled
- Chime generator Cluster only
- Compass LIN based Disabled
- Compass GPS based Enabled
- Continuously controlled dampening Enabled
Disabled
- Courtesy wipers Enabled
- Cross traffic alert Enabled
Disabled
- Cruise control menu Enabled
Disabled
- Do not disturb Enabled
Disabled
- Doors Trunk
Liftgate
- Driver alert Enabled
Disabled
- DSP present DSP present
DSP not present
- Easy entry-easy exit Enabled
Disabled
- Emergency assist Enabled
Disabled
- Engine hours Enabled
Disabled
- EPAS Enabled
- Flex fuel Disabled
- Forward collision warning Enabled
Disabled
- Front fog Enabled
Disabled
- Gallon type US gallon
- Gear select/select shift Enabled
Disabled
- Global window open Enabled
Disabled
- Global window closed Enabled
Disabled
- Idle hours Disabled
- Key-in-ignition chime Enabled
- Lane assist Disabled
Lane departure warning
Full lane departure warning/lane keeping assist
- Lane departure warning OFF telltale Disabled
- Language Refer to the Owner's Literature
- Language bundle - country code US language
- Multiple chimes Single
- MyKey® Enabled
- MyKey® speed limiter Disabled
USA
Canada, Mexico, South America
All other
- ® volume Enabled
- Neutral tow Disabled
- Number of fuel senders Two senders
- Number of fuel tanks One tank
- Oil minder Enabled
- Oil pressure input type CAN
- Outside air temperature Enabled
- Overspeed chime Enabled
Disabled
- Park aid front Disabled
- Park aid rear Enabled
- Passive entry/passive start Enabled
Disabled
- Police auxiliary Disabled
- Power liftgate Enabled
Disabled
- PTY type RBDS (US)
- Rain sensing wipers Enabled
Disabled
- Rear camera Disabled
- Rear fog Disabled
- Remote start Enabled
Disabled
- Remote start-climate Enabled
Disabled
- Remote start-driver Enabled
Disabled
- Remote start-passenger Enabled
Disabled
- Remote start-rear defrost Enabled
Disabled
- Remote start-steering wheel Enabled
Disabled
- Reverse gear wiper Enabled
- Right hand screen - phone Enabled
Disabled
- Right hand screen - navigation Enabled
Disabled
- Right hand screen - climate Enabled
Disabled
- Right hand screen - entertainment Sirius Enabled
Disabled
- Right hand screen - entertainment digital audio band (Europe only) Disabled
- Right hand screen - entertainment compact disc Enabled
- RSC® chime Enabled
- Side detection Enabled
Disabled
- Side marker lamp telltale Enabled
- Speedometer calibration North America
- Tank size A 18.6 US gallons
- Tire kit Disabled
- Traction control/interactive vehicle dynamics/® Interactive vehicle dynamics
RSC®
- Trailer sway Enabled
Disabled
- Transmission type Automatic
- TPMS configuration Enabled
- Turn-by-turn navigation Enabled
Disabled
- Two stage unlocking Enabled
- Welcome and farewell Enabled
- Welcome ignition behavior Welcome scene OFF during crank

Dealer Test Mode 

To enter the IPC dealer mode, begin with the ignition in the OFF mode. Press and hold the LH steering wheel switch OK button. Place the ignition in the ON mode and hold the button until the dealer test mode popup window appears, usually within 3 to 5 seconds. Press the up or down arrow buttons to navigate through each of the display windows. To exit the IPC self-test mode, press and hold the OK button for 3-5 seconds or place the ignition in the OFF mode. The dealer test mode displays multiple items in a viewing window on the LH side of the IPC. Each button press advances the viewing window to the next set of items.

NOTE: The table below lists the displays as they appear when navigating using the down arrow button.
Button Press Viewing Window Content Information Display Description
1 Part Number Information (base IPC) PartNo: xxxx-xx Core: xxxx-xx Cal#: xxxx-xx ECU S/W: xxxx-xx Displays the alphanumeric prefix and suffix of the IPC part number.
1 Part Number Information (optional IPC) xxxx-xx xxxx-xx xxxx-xx xxxx-xx Displays the alphanumeric prefix and suffix of the IPC part number.
2 Fuel Level (Dual Fuel Sender) Inst Fuel1: xxx FLPM1: xxxx.x FLPM: xxxx.x Displays the primary (fuel pump assembly) fuel level and average fuel level.
3 Fuel Level (Dual Fuel Sender) Inst Fuel2: xxx FLPM2: xxxx.x FLPM: xxxx.x Displays the secondary (fuel level sensor) fuel level and average fuel level.

Transport Mode 

The vehicle is placed in a transport mode at the completion of production to reduce the drain on the battery. Various systems may be altered in how they operate or are disabled when in the transport mode. The vehicle automatically reverts to normal operation after 201 km (125 miles). To disable or turn off the transport mode, carry out the following within 10 seconds:

Factory Mode 

During vehicle assembly, the vehicle defaults to factory mode. Factory mode sets the function timers such as PRNDL display to further reduce the drain on the battery during assembly. The vehicle is placed into transport mode at the end of vehicle assembly. The vehicle remains in factory mode for 60 ignition cycles or until it is manually changed to transport mode.

Gateway Function 

The IPC 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 or HS-CAN).

MyKey® 

The MyKey® feature allows the customer to program a restricted driving mode that is tied to one or more keys known as a MyKey® key. When a MyKey® programmed key is in use, the IPC provides the following functions:

When an administrator key is in use, the IPC provides the following functions:

For information on the MyKey® features, refer to the Owner's Literature.

Prove-Out 

The IPC and other vehicle modules carry out a display prove-out to verify all module controlled warning/indicator lamps and monitored systems are functioning correctly within the IPC. The IPC and other modules, such as the RCM, provide a timed prove out while other indicators illuminate until 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:

Indicator Indicator Type Prove-Out Duration
ABS Warning 3 seconds
Air bag Warning 6 seconds
Brake Warning 3 seconds
Fog lamp Informational None
High beam Informational None
Lights on Informational None
MIL Warning Engine startup
Safety belt Warning 70 seconds if the safety belt is unbuckled, turns off when the safety belt is buckled
Stability-traction control (sliding car icon) Warning 3 seconds
Stability-traction control disabled (sliding car OFF icon) Informational 3 seconds
TPMS Warning 3 seconds
RH/LH turn Informational None

Startup-Shutdown 

The IPC provides a startup/shutdown sequence also known as a welcome/farewell strategy. When the vehicle receives a RKE request or a door ajar (open) message, the IPC illuminates the gauge trim rings and pointers. When the ignition is placed in the ACC mode, all cluster backlighting, gauges and indicators are turned off. When the ignition is placed into the RUN or START mode, the IPC begins a prove-out stage. During the prove-out stage, the IPC illuminates all LED indicators for a predetermined time and provides message center information. For the shutdown, the IPC reverses the startup process.

Transport Mode 

During vehicle build, some vehicle modules (IPC, BCM and RFR module [if equipped]) are set in factory mode. While in the factory mode the IPC displays FACTORY MODE CONTACT DEALER in the message center. If the vehicle is set in factory mode, the system does not  automatically exit the mode and must be manually set to either the transport or normal operation mode. When the vehicle build is complete, the vehicle is set to transport mode. While in transport mode, the IPC displays TRANSPORT MODE CONTACT DEALER in the message center. Transport mode is used to reduce the drain on the battery during longer periods where the vehicle is not used. Various systems may be altered or are disabled when in the transport mode. The vehicle automatically reverts to normal operation mode after being driven 201 km (125 mi). To disable or turn off the transport mode, refer to Multifunction Electronic Modules .

Fuel Gauge 

The IPC sends a reference voltage to the fuel level senders. As the fuel level changes, a separate float on each sender actuates the variable resistor fuel level senders, raising or lowering the fuel level signal voltages. The IPC monitors the changes in voltage from both senders and commands the fuel gauge with a corresponding movement of the pointer.

Depending on which operating mode the fuel gauge is in after a fuel fill up, the time for the fuel gauge to move from empty (E) to full (F) ranges from 2 seconds to 55 minutes.

The IPC uses 4 different operating modes to calculate the fuel level:

Anti-Slosh Mode 

The default fuel gauge mode is called the anti-slosh mode. To prevent fuel gauge changes from fuel slosh (gauge instability due to changes in fuel sensor readings caused by fuel moving around in the tank), the fuel gauge takes approximately 55 minutes to go from empty (E) to full (F).

Key Off Fueling Mode 

The key OFF fueling mode (2 seconds to read empty [E] to full [F]) requires 3 conditions be met:

If these conditions are not met, the fuel gauge stays in the anti-slosh mode, which results in a slow to read full (F) event.

Key On Fueling Mode 

The key ON fueling mode (approximately 60 seconds to read empty [E] to full [F]) requires the following conditions be met:

In key ON fueling mode, a 30-second timer activates after the transmission is put into the PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) position. When the 30-second time has elapsed and at least 9% of the vehicle's fuel capacity has been added, the fuel gauge response time is 60 seconds to read from empty (E) to full (F). When the transmission is shifted out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), the fuel gauge strategy reverts to the anti-slosh mode. The key ON fueling mode prevents slow to read full events from happening if the customer refuels the vehicle with the ignition in the RUN mode.

Recovery Mode 

Recovery mode is incorporated into the IPC strategy to recover from a missing fuel level input after a refueling event. Missing fuel level inputs result from intermittent opens in the fuel sensor or its circuits. Recovery mode (empty [E] to full [F] approximately 20 minutes) is initiated when the following 2 conditions are met:

Temperature Gauge 

The temperature gauge is located in the LCD display area and is a graphical image as opposed to the more traditionally recognized analog gauge. The base IPC uses a thermometer style image that moves upward as the engine temperature increases, changing color as the temperature reaches predetermined ranges. When the temperature is in the cold band, the thermometer color is blue. When the temperature is in the normal band, the thermometer color is gray, and when the temperature is in the hot band, the thermometer color is red. The optional IPC uses a graphical gauge image with a single bar set horizontally across the gauge that moves vertically from bottom to top as the engine temperature increases. The PCM uses the CHT sensor to measure the engine temperature. The IPC uses the engine coolant temperature message from the PCM to control the temperature gauge indication.

Speedometer 

The PCM calculates the vehicle speed from the transmission OSS sensor input and from the tire size and axle ratio configuration in the PCM VID block. The PCM provides the IPC with a vehicle speed data message to command the speedometer pointer.

The IPC provides a tolerance which allows the gauge to display between 3% lower and 7% higher than the actual vehicle speed. This means that with an actual vehicle speed of 96.6 kmh (60 mph), the speedometer may indicate between 93.7 kmh (58.2 mph) and 103.3 kmh (64.2 mph), which is normal.

Odometer 

The IPC receives the odometer count message from the PCM. The IPC monitors the odometer count input from the PCM and commands the odometer with a digital display in the message center.

Tachometer 

The PCM uses the CKP sensor to measure the engine rpm. The IPC uses the engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) data message from the PCM to control the tachometer. The base and optional IPC tachometers appear differently but function the same. The base IPC uses an analog gauge. The optional IPC uses a digital display that provides a 6, 000 rpm bar graph or a 7, 000 rpm simulated analog gauge display depending on the selected display mode.

AWD Gauge 

The AWD gauge displays the level of power applied to each wheel. The IPC uses the following inputs to determine the AWD gauge display:

As power is applied to the wheels, the area directly in front of each displayed wheel begin to fill in. The lowest power displayed is the closest to the wheel. As the amount of power sent to the wheels increases, the area fills in either forward (front wheels) or rearward (rear wheels) of the wheels.

Brake Warning Indicator 

The IPC 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. The third is the for EBD and low brake booster vacuum or vacuum sensor fault messages sent from the ABS module.

The parking brake position switch is hardwired to the BCM through a single signal circuit, while using a separate ground to control the input. The brake fluid level switch is hardwired to the BCM through separate signal and return circuits to control the input.

The BCM provides a 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 reference voltage on the parking brake signal circuit low. When a low brake fluid level condition exists, the brake fluid level switch closes to ground pulling the reference voltage on the brake fluid level signal circuit low. When the brake fluid level switch is disconnected, the reference voltage on the brake fluid level signal circuit is sent high. When the BCM detects the parking brake is applied, a low brake fluid level condition exists or the brake fluid level switch is disconnected, the BCM sends the IPC a brake warning indicator request.

When the ABS module detects a base brake system concern or other ABS related concerns that affect the EBD function or brake booster vacuum, the ABS module sends a brake (red) warning indicator request to the IPC to illuminate the brake warning indicator and the ABS warning indicator.

ABS Warning Indicator 

The IPC uses the ABS warning indicator request from the ABS module to control the ABS warning indicator. If a fault condition exists in the ABS, the ABS module sends the IPC the ABS warning indicator request to either flash or illuminate the ABS warning indicator.

Stability-Traction Control Indicator (Sliding Car Icon) 

The IPC uses a traction control indicator request message from the ABS module to control the stability-traction control indicator (sliding car icon). The stability-traction control indicator (sliding car icon) flashes when the vehicle stability-traction control is in active mode or is being controlled by the ABS module. The stability-traction control indicator (sliding car icon) illuminates continuously if a fault condition exists in the stability-traction control system. The IPC monitors the traction control indicator request message from the ABS module and either flashes the stability-traction control indicator (sliding car icon) or illuminates it steady depending on the condition.

Stability-Traction Control Disabled Indicator (Sliding Car OFF Icon) 

The stability-traction control is configured on/off through the message center. When the stability-traction control is configured on or off, the IPC sends a message to the ABS module indicating the stability-traction control system has been enabled or disabled by the driver. The ABS module either enables or disables the stability-traction control system, and sends a traction control disabled (OFF) indicator request back to the IPC to illuminate or turn off the stability-traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon) based upon the system state. The stability/traction control system defaults back on or enabled once the ignition is cycled off then back on again.

When a MyKey® programmed key is in use and the AdvanceTrac® on feature is configured always on, the traction control system cannot be disabled and the stability-traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon) does not illuminate when the traction control is disabled. The stability-traction control indicator still functions normally to indicate a stability-traction control system fault and a stability-traction control active event.

Safety Belt Warning Indicator 

The RCM monitors the safety belt position through the safety belt buckle switch. The RCM sends a safety belt indicator request to the IPC to illuminate the safety belt warning indicator.

Air Bag Warning Indicator 

The IPC receives the air bag warning indicator lamp request from the RCM. If a SRS concern is detected, the RCM sets a DTC and sends an air bag indicator lamp request to the IPC to illuminate the air bag warning indicator.

LH-RH Turn Signal Indicator 

When the multifunction switch is in the LH or RH turn position or if the hazard switch is on, a turn indicator command message is sent to the IPC from the BCM. Upon receipt of the applicable turn signal on/off request, the IPC flashes the turn signal indicator on and off.

High Beam Indicator 

When the high beams are turned on, the BCM sends a headlamp high beam indicator request to the IPC to illuminate the high beam indicator.

TPMS Warning Indicator 

The IPC receives TPMS data from the BCM. The BCM receives the tire pressure status message from the TPM module. If the BCM determines the tire pressure has exceeded the low tire pressure limits, a tire pressure status message is sent to the IPC to illuminate the TPMS warning indicator. If a TPMS fault condition exists, the BCM sends the tire pressure status message to the IPC. The IPC flashes the TPMS warning indicator for 75 seconds, then illuminates the indicator continuously.

When the TPMS is in tire train mode, the BCM sends a message to the IPC to flash the TPMS warning indicator.

Lights On Indicator 

When the parking lamps are turned on either through the exterior lighting functions or the illuminated entry feature, the BCM sends the position light indication message to the IPC to illuminate the lights on indicator.

MIL 

The MIL is controlled by the IPC using an engine MIL request from the PCM.

PRNDL/Select Shift Indicator 

The IPC receives the selector lever (PRNDL) status message from the PCM. The IPC also uses a park detect switch (part of the selector lever) input to signal the IPC that the shift lever is fully seated in the PARK (P) position. The IPC compares the park detect switch input with the selector lever (PRNDL) status message sent from the PCM and illuminates the appropriate gear position in the PRNDL indicator.

The IPC provides a battery reference voltage to the brake shift interlock. When the selector lever is in PARK (P), the brake shift indicator routes the reference voltage to ground, pulling the circuit low to the IPC. When the selector lever is moved out of PARK (P), the brake shift interlock opens the ground sending the reference voltage high.

The select shift display area indicates to the driver which gear is currently selected when the transmission is in the select shift mode. When the transmission is in select shift manual mode, the gear number is displayed in the select shift display area preceded by the letter M (example: M1, M2, M3 etc).