System Operation: Gauges

AWD Gauge 

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

• Wheel torque data
• AWD lock torque
• Engine rpm data
• Speedometer fault

As power is applied to the wheels, the area directly in front of each displayed wheel begins 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.

Fuel Gauge 

The fuel gauge is an analog gauge. The BCM 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 monitors the change in voltage and sends the IPC the fuel level status message. The IPC 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.

Odometer 

The IPC receives the wheel rotation count message from the BCM. The BCM receives the wheel rotation count from the ABS module. The IPC monitors the wheel count input from the BCM and commands the odometer with a digital display in the message center.

Speedometer 

The speedometer is an analog gauge. The BCM receives the vehicle speed message from the ABS module. The ABS module uses the tire size stored in the vehicle configuration file along with wheel speed inputs to generate a vehicle speed signal. The BCM provides the vehicle speed message to the IPC.

In addition to the analog speedometer, the message center also provides a digital speed display. The IPC uses the same vehicle speed message as the speedometer to provide the message center speed display.

The IPC 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 97 km/h (60 mph), the speedometer can indicate between 94-103 km/h (58-64 mph). Incorrect tire size or tire size configuration could potentially affect the speedometer accuracy.

Tachometer 

The Tachometer is an analog type gauge. The IPC receives the engine rpm message from the BCM. The BCM receives the engine rpm message from the PCM, which is hardwired to the CKP sensor.

Temperature Gauge 

The temperature gauge is an analog type gauge. The IPC receives the engine coolant temperature message from the BCM. The BCM receives the engine coolant temperature message from the PCM, which is hardwired to the ECT sensor.