Information And 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 simultaneously. For example, if the IPC detects low washer fluid level condition, the IPC illuminates the low washer fluid level message center indicator and displays WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW 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.

System Warning Messages 

The system warning messages alert the operator to possible problems or malfunctions in the vehicle operating systems. System warning messages may be stand-alone messages but are often associated with another form of indication such as a gauge, an indicator or message center indicator. The message center displays the last selected feature if there are no additional warning messages. Once a warning message has been displayed, the message must be acknowledged to allow full functionality of the message center. Press the OK button to acknowledge and clear the warning message.

When the IPC receives a request to display an informational warning message or a fault condition warning message, the message center may display an informational message or a fault condition message. For a complete list of warning messages, refer to the Owner's Literature.