Symptom Chart: Message Center

Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer Service Information for information regarding Ford-specific diagnostic practices.

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
The message center display is blank	IPC	GO to Pinpoint Test A .
The message center is not operating correctly	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AF .
The compass display is inoperative or incorrect	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AG .
The DTE - Average Fuel Economy (AFE) display is inoperative	IPC	CHECK the operation of the fuel gauge, the speedometer and the odometer. If the fuel gauge does not operate correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test C . If the speedometer does not operate correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test D . If the odometer does not operate correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test F . If the speedometer, the fuel gauge and the odometer operate correctly,
Incorrect or fluctuating DTE	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AH .
The digital speedometer does not display	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	VERIFY the message center display screen operates. If the message center display screen does not operate, GO to Pinpoint Test A . If the message center display screen operates,
The digital speedometer displays the incorrect speed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	DIAGNOSE the speedometer. GO to Pinpoint Test D .
The engine hours and engine idle hours display is inoperative	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AI .
The engine oil pressure, engine oil temperature or transmission temperature display is inoperative	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AJ .
The off road display is inoperative (if equipped)	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AK .
The outside air temperature display is inoperative or incorrect (if equipped)	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AL .
The PRNDL display is never on or never displays P	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AM .
The SelectShift ® display is incorrect	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AM .
A 4WD (2WD, 4x4 A, 4x4 H or 4x4 L) Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AN .
The charging system Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AO .
The cruise control Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AP .
The door or liftgate ajar Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AQ .
The engine over-temperature Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AR .
The hill descent Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AS .
The low fuel Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AT .
The low oil pressure Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AU .
The low washer fluid Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AV .
The powertrain malfunction (wrench) Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AW .
The tow haul Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) is never or always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AX .
A BLIS ® or CTA system message is never or always displayed	Message center concern BLIS ® or CTA system concern	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, REFER to Side and Rear Vision to diagnose the BLIS ® and CTA systems.
A brake warning message (check brake system, park brake engaged or brake fluid level low) is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the brake warning indicator. GO to Pinpoint Test N .
The check adaptive headlamps message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the adaptive headlamps. REFER to Exterior Lighting .
The check charging system message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the charging system warning indicator or the charging system Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT). GO to Pinpoint Test P or GO to Pinpoint Test AO .
The check fuel fill inlet message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	GO to Pinpoint Test AY .
The change engine oil soon or oil change required message is never displayed	The PCM has not reached the programmed mileage/time based on the criteria required to display the message. IPC.	Using the vehicle settings menu in the message center, VERIFY the oil life is between 0% and 5% for the change engine oil soon message or at 0% for the oil change required message. If the oil life is between 0% and 5%, INSTALL a new IPC. If the oil life is not between 0% and 5%, the message center is operating correctly. INFORM the customer how the message center functions and how the oil life messages are set.
The change engine oil soon or oil change required message is always displayed	The oil life needs to be reset	PERFORM the oil life reset procedure using the message center controls. REFER to the Owner's Literature.
A door or liftgate ajar message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the door ajar warning indicator or door ajar Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT). GO to Pinpoint Test Q or GO to Pinpoint Test AQ .
The engine over-temperature warning message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the engine over-temperature warning indicator or engine over-temperature Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT). GO to Pinpoint Test R or GO to Pinpoint Test AR .
The factory or transport message is always on	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	REFER to Multifunction Electronic Modules .
The hill descent fault message display is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the hill descent indicator or hill descent Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT). GO to Pinpoint Test S or GO to Pinpoint Test AS .
The IKT programming message (could not program the integrated key) is always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	REFER to Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems , key programming.
A load shed message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the charging/load management system. REFER to Charging System .
The low oil pressure warning message is always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the low oil pressure warning indicator or low oil pressure Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT). GO to Pinpoint Test W or GO to Pinpoint Test AU .
A neutral tow message is never displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the neutral tow feature. REFER to Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Systems .
A parking aid fault message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the parking aid system. REFER to Parking Aid .
A passive entry message (no key detected or restart now or key is needed) message is inoperative or always on	Message center concern Passive entry concern	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the passive entry. REFER to Anti-Theft Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - With IA .
The PATS message (starting system fault) is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the PATS. REFER to Anti-Theft Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Without IA (without push button start) or Anti-Theft Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - With IA (with push button start).
The perimeter alarm message (start vehicle to stop alarm) is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the perimeter alarm. REFER to Anti-Theft Perimeter .
The power reduced to lower engine temperature message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the engine cooling system. REFER to Engine Cooling .
A powertrain malfunction message (check 4x4 or see manual) is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator or powertrain malfunction (wrench) Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT). GO to Pinpoint Test Z or GO to Pinpoint Test AW .
A push button start message (press brake to start, accessory power active or starting system fault) message is inoperative or always on	Message center concern IA concern	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the push button start system. REFER to Steering Column Switches .
The transmission not in park message is always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	DIAGNOSE the PRNDL. GO to Pinpoint Test AM .
The service AdvanceTrac ® message is always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the stability-traction control indicator. GO to Pinpoint Test AB .
A steering system message (steering fault service now, steering loss stop safely or steering assist fault service required) is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the EPAS. REFER to Power Steering .
The tires not trained message is always displayed	TPMS sensor training	PERFORM the TPMS sensor training. REFER to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .
The tire pressure fault, low tire pressure or tire pressure monitor fault warning is never or always displayed	BCM IPC	NOTE: Disconnecting the PCM creates an unrelated fault to test the overall message center function and display. With the ignition OFF, disconnect PCM C175E . Place the ignition ON and monitor the message center display.If the message center does not display the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, GO to Pinpoint Test A .If the message center displays the powertrain malfunction Reconfigurable Telltale (RTT) or powertrain warning messages, DIAGNOSE the TPMS indicator.
The trailer brake module fault message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the trailer braking system. REFER to Auxiliary Brake System .
A trailer electrical fault message is never or always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the trailer electrical system. REFER to Exterior Lighting .
The trailer sway reduce speed message is always displayed	Refer to the Pinpoint Test	OPEN then CLOSE the driver door and VERIFY the driver door ajar warning functions correctly. If the driver door ajar warning does not function correctly, GO to Pinpoint Test AQ . If the driver door ajar warning functions correctly, DIAGNOSE the stability-traction control system. REFER to Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control .
The training complete message is inoperative	TPMS sensor training	NOTE: This message only appears during the TPMS sensor training procedure. PERFORM the TPMS sensor training. REFER to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .
The train left front, right front, left rear or right rear message is inoperative or always on	TPMS warning indicator concern TPMS sensor training	NOTE: This message only appears during the TPMS sensor training procedure. VERIFY the TPMS warning indicator functions.If the TPMS warning indicator does not operate, GO to Pinpoint Test AD .If the TPMS warning indicator operates, PERFORM the TPMS sensor training. REFER to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .
A MyKey ® menu is not available or is incorrect	MyKey ® programmed key in use Number of keys set to unlimited mode Non-Ford approved remote start system installed	REFER to the Owner's Literature.