Indicators and Reconfigurable Telltales (RTTs)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: It is important to view each of the cluster options in the Overview to identify which IPC uses specific fixed location indicators.

Refer to: Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - Overview .

Prove-Out

The IPC carries out a display prove-out to verify the gauges function and all module controlled warning indicator lamps and monitored systems are functioning correctly within the IPC. Upon initiation of the prove-out, the gauges sweep from one stop to the other then return to the normal indication state based on the input received. The IPC also provides a timed prove-out of some indicators while other indicators illuminate upon engine start up or have no prove-out. When the ignition is cycled on, the indicators illuminate to prove-out according to the following table:

Indicator	Indicator Type	Prove-Out Duration
Airbag	Warning	6 seconds
ABS	Warning	3 seconds
Brake	Warning	3 seconds
Charging	Warning	Engine start up
Electric park brake	Informational	3 seconds, unless park brake is engaged
Lights on	Informational	None
MIL	Informational	Engine start up
Seatbelt	Informational	65 seconds if the seatbelt is unbuckled, turns off when the seatbelt 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
Wait to start	Informational	Illuminates until engine temperature is sufficient for vehicle start.

ABS Warning

If a fault condition exists in the ABS, the ABS module sends the ABS warning indicator request message to either flash or illuminate the ABS indicator or RTT warning indicator.

Refer to ABS/Brake/Stability-Traction Control System Indication description for information on the conditions when the ABS warning indicator is turned on.

ABS/Brake/Stability-Traction Control System Indication

The brake/stability-traction control system indication is controlled almost entirely by the ABS module. The ABS module can illuminate multiple indicators for various fault conditions. The following table provides a summary of the basic fault conditions and the indicators that are illuminated for each condition.

NOTE: Refer to the Normal Operation and Fault Condition description before each brake/stability-traction control system indicator Pinpoint Test for the IPC default action for network/missing message conditions.

Event/Fault Condition	ABS Indicator Status	Brake Warning Indicator Status	Electric Park Brake Indicator Status (Red)	Electric Park Brake Fault Indicator Status (Yellow)	Stability-Traction Control Indicator Status	Traction Control Disabled Indicator Status
Normal conditions	Off	Off	Off	Off	Off	Off
Parking brake applied	Off	Flashing while applying On when applied	Off	Off	Off	Off
Low brake fluid level or brake fluid level input concern	Off	On	Off	Off	Off	Off
Stability-traction control event - trailer sway	Off	Off	Off	Off	Flashing	Off
Stability-traction control event - brake applied	Off	Off	Off	Off	Flashing	Off
Stability-traction control disabled by driver	Off	Off	Off	Off	Off	On
Single wheel speed sensor fault	On	Off	Off	Off	On	Off
2 wheel speed sensor faults on the same axle or 3 wheel speed sensor faults	On	On	Off	On	On	Off
ABS module fault	On	On	Off	Off	On	Off
Park brake malfunction	Off	On	Flashing	On	Off	Off
ABS disabled	On	On	Off	Off	On	Off
All functions disabled	On	On	On	On	On	Off
Steering wheel angle sensor center not found	Off	Off	Off	Off	On	Off
ABS to CAN total failure	4x2: On 4x4: On	On	Off	On	On	Off
Electric park brake switch fault	Off	Off	Flashing	On	Off	Off
Configuration mismatch	Off	Off	Off	Off	On	Off
VIN mismatch	Off	Off	Off	Off	On	Off
ACC and ABS both active	Off	Off	Off	Off	Flashing	Off

Adaptive Cruise Control/Cruise Control

The IPC provides a cruise control RTT indicator when the adaptive cruise control system is active or in standby mode.

Adaptive Steering

The IPC provides the adaptive steering RTT indicator to alert the driver to adaptive steering states and faults. Depending on the state, the adaptive steering RTT flashes amber, is solid amber or solid red.

Airbag Warning

The IPC provides the airbag warning indicator or RTT warning indicator if a SRS concern is detected. If a fault is detected in the airbag circuit, the RCM sets a DTC and the IPC illuminates the airbag warning indicator or RTT warning indicator.

Auto High Beam

The IPC provides the auto high beam RTT indicator to indicate the auto high beam is active.

Auto Hold

The IPC provides the auto hold RTT indicator to indicate the state of the auto hold feature. The auto hold feature holds a vehicle stationary once it has come to a stop using the brakes, allowing the driver to remove his or her foot from the brake pedal.

Auto Stop-Start

The IPC provides the auto stop-start RTT indicator, along with multiple messages displayed throughout the auto stop-start system operation, to inform the driver of the system status and to provide direction when driver intervention is required.

The auto stop-start indicator informs the driver of the following states:

Indicator State	System Status
Solid green	The auto stop-start feature has temporarily turned off the engine.
Solid amber	A stop-start system concern exists.
Flash in either green or amber	A system state as determined by the PCM.

Blind Spot Monitoring System (BLIS®) Off

The IPC provides a BLIS off RTT indicator to inform the driver the BLIS is turned off.

Brake Warning

The brake warning indicator or RTT indicator informs the driver the brake fluid level is low, there is a failure in the base brake system or the parking brake is applied. The IPC uses messaged inputs to control the brake RTT warning indicator.

Refer to ABS/Brake/Stability-Traction Control System Indication description for information on the conditions when the brake warning indicator is turned on.

Charge Warning (12-Volt Battery)

The IPC provides a charging system RTT indicator along with message displays indicating the charging system status. When a fault is present in the charging system, the BCM sends the battery low state of charge message to the IPC to display message center warning messages and the charging system RTT indicator.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Level

The IPC provides the diesel exhaust fluid level indicator or RTT indicator to inform the driver the diesel exhaust fluid level is low or a fault condition exists in the diesel exhaust fluid level indication system. When a fault condition exists or the diesel exhaust fluid level is low, the IPC flashes the diesel exhaust fluid level indicator to alert the driver and draw attention to the warning message displayed related to the fluid level status and engine status.

DPF Auto Regeneration

The IPC provides a menu selection to allow the user to turn off the DPF auto regeneration mode. If the PCM agrees to turn off the DPF auto regeneration control, the PCM sends the auto regen message display message back to the IPC to illuminate the DPF auto regeneration indicator or RTT indicator.

Door Ajar, Hood Ajar Or Power Tailgate Ajar Warning

The IPC provides a door ajar warning indicator along with message displays to indicate the status of the doors, hood and power tailgate (if equipped). The BCM monitors each of the ajar inputs and sends the specific door ajar status message to the IPC to display the ajar warning indicator and corresponding warning message.

Drive Mode - Eco, Sport, Tow Haul, Slippery, Trail, Mud/Ruts, Deep Snow/Sand, Rock Crawl)

The IPC provides a drive mode RTT indicator when a specific drive mode is selected. The indicator displays each drive mode in text form when the vehicle is equipped with the high level 12-inch display IPC.

ELD Indicator

The ELD indicator informs the driver the locking differential is engaged.

Electric Park Brake

The electric park brake indicator or RTT indicator illuminates when a fault in the electric park brake system is detected.

Engine Over-Temperature

The IPC provides a RTT warning indicator to alert the driver the engine is over temperature.

Fog Lamp - Front

The IPC provides a front fog lamp indicator or RTT indicator to indicate when the front fog lamps are on.

Fog Lamp - Rear (China)

The IPC provides a rear fog lamp RTT indicator to indicate the rear fog lamp is on.

Forward Collision System

The IPC provides a RTT warning indicator to alert the driver the forward collision warning system is unavailable or a fault is detected, disabling the system.

Four Wheel Drive System

The IPC provides a RTT indicator for each 4WD position selected: 2H, 4H, 4L, 4A.

Hazard (HEV)

The IPC provides a hazard RTT indicator to inform the driver that a vehicle hazard may exist and a powertrain shutdown may be imminent or may have already occurred. The indicator appears in the form of a triangle or a vehicle with an exclamation point (China).

High Beam

The high beam indicator or RTT indicator informs the driver the high beams are on.

Hill Descent Control

The IPC provides a hill descent control RTT indicator to indicate when the HDC is in ready mode, active control mode, or in an over-temperature mode with the system cooling.

Lane Centering Aid

The IPC provides the lane centering aid on RTT indicator to indicate the lane centering aid has been turned on, is active or in standby mode. The RTT indicator changes colors to indicate system status.

Lane Keeping System

The IPC provides the lane keeping system on RTT indicator to indicate the lane keeping system has been turned on, is active or in standby mode. The RTT indicator changes colors to indicate system status.

Lights On

When the parking lamps are turned on, the BCM sends the park lamp status to the IPC to illuminate the lights on indicator or RTT indicator.

Low Engine Oil Pressure

The IPC uses the engine oil pressure warning indicator request and engine RPM data from the PCM to control the low engine oil pressure RTT indicator. The engine oil pressure sensor is hardwired to the PCM. The IPC requires engine RPM above 400 RPM before the message center displays the low engine oil pressure warning.

Low Fuel

To supplement the fuel gauge indication, the IPC provides the low fuel warning indicator or RTT indicator.

The IPC uses the low fuel warning indicator request message sent from the PCM to the IPC to control the low fuel indicator.

When the DTE is 120 km (75 miles) (for MyKey®) and 80 km (25 miles), 40 km (25 miles), 20 km (10 miles) and 0 km (0 miles) for all keys, the low fuel indicator illuminates.

Low Washer Fluid Level

The low washer fluid level switch is hardwired to the IPC through a single signal circuit and is grounded through a separate ground circuit. The IPC provides a reference voltage to the washer fluid level switch. When the washer fluid is low, the washer fluid level switch closes, pulling the reference voltage low, and the IPC illuminates the low washer fluid level RTT indicator.

MIL (Check Engine)

The IPC provides the MIL or check engine lamp indicator or RTT indicator when a fault in the engine or the powertrain system is detected.

Motor Over-Temperature (HEV Only)

The IPC provides a RTT warning indicator to alert the driver the hybrid motor is over temperature.

Overspeed Warning (Gulf Cooperative Countries [GCC])

The IPC provides an overspeed warning RTT indicator when the vehicle speed has reached or exceeded the 120 km/h (75 mph) threshold.

Powertrain Malfunction (Wrench) Warning

The IPC provides a powertrain malfunction (wrench) RTT warning indicator to indicate a:

BCM concern.
4WD system concern.
gearshift concern.
powertrain concern (Electronic Throttle Control [ETC]).
transmission concern.
Hybrid system or high voltage battery charging concern (HEV).

Progressive Range Select

The IPC provides the progressive range select RTT indicator to display each selected transmission gear position.

Ready to Drive (HEV)

The ready to drive RTT indicator informs the driver the vehicle is ready to be driven. Since the engine may turn on and off at different times during operation, the ready to drive indication helps eliminate the potential for the driver to interpret the engine turning off as a stall or other failure condition.

Seatbelts (With Rear Seatbelts)

The RCM monitors the seatbelt positions through the seatbelt buckle switch. The IPC provides a seatbelt monitor RTT indicator to indicate a rear seatbelt is not fastened.

Seatbelts/Belt-Minder

The RCM monitors the driver and front passenger seatbelt positions through the seatbelt buckle switch. The RCM provides the driver and passenger seatbelt buckle status to the IPC to turn on or turn off the seatbelt warning indicator or RTT indicator.

Stability-Traction Control (Sliding Car Icon)

The stability-traction control (sliding car icon) indicator or RTT indicator informs the driver of the current status of the stability and traction control systems. The stability-traction control indicator illuminates when a fault condition exists or when an active traction control or stability control event is occuring.

Refer to ABS/Brake/Stability-Traction Control System Indication description for information on the conditions when the stability-traction control indicator (sliding car icon) is turned on.

Traction Control Disabled (Sliding Car OFF Icon)

The stability-traction control is configured on/off from the console mounted switch. When the driver enables or disables the stability-traction control system, the ABS module sends the traction control off indicator request message to the IPC to illuminate or turn off the stability-traction control disabled (sliding car OFF icon) indicator or RTT indicator based upon the system state.

Refer to ABS/Brake/Stability-Traction Control System Indication description for information on the conditions when the stability-traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon) is turned on.

When a MyKey® administrator has set the AdvanceTrac® feature to always on and a MyKey® programmed key is in use, the stability-traction control system cannot be disabled. The menu selection in the message center used to disable the stability-traction control system does not display when a MyKey® is in use, but remains active for the MyKey® administrator to select the AdvanceTrac® always on feature off. The stability-traction control indicator still functions normally to indicate a stability-traction control system fault and a stability-traction control active event.

TPMS Warning

If the BCM determines the tire pressure has exceeded the low tire pressure limits, the tire pressure warning indicator request message is sent to the IPC to illuminate the TPMS warning indicator or RTT warning indicator.

If a TPMS monitor or sensor fault condition exists, the BCM sends the tire pressure warning indicator request message to the IPC to flash the TPMSRTT warning indicator. The IPC flashes the TPMSRTT warning indicator for 75 seconds then turns the indicator on solid.

Trail Control

The IPC provides the trail control RTT indicator to inform the driver the trail control system is enabled. Trail control is part of the adaptive cruise control/cruise control system, and allows the driver to select a constant low vehicle speed when driving off road or on rough terrain.

Turn Signal/Hazard

When the multifunction switch is in the LH or RH turn position or if the hazard switch is on, the BCM sends the left or right turn lamp on request to the IPC to flash the turn signal indicator or RTT indicator on and off.

Wait To Start (Diesel)

The IPC provides a wait to start indicator or RTT indicator to inform the driver the diesel engine is preheating before attempting to start the engine.

Water In Fuel (Diesel)

The water in fuel indicator informs the driver that water has been detected in the fuel.

Component Description

Brake Fluid Level Switch

The brake fluid level switch is mounted in the master cylinder reservoir and is hardwired to the ABS module through a single signal circuit and is grounded through a separate return circuit. The ABS module provides a reference voltage to the brake fluid level switch. When the brake fluid level is low the switch closes, pulling the reference voltage low. When the brake fluid level is high, the switch opens, sending the reference voltage high on the signal circuit to the ABS module.

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor

The engine oil pressure sensor is hardwired to the PCM through VREF, signal and return circuits. The PCM provides the sensor voltage supply on the VREF circuit and monitors the voltage changes through the signal and return circuits as the engine oil pressure changes.

Fuel Level Sender (Float and Card)

The fuel level sender is mounted to the fuel pump and sender unit. The fuel level sender is a dual sweep potentiometer style resistor connected to a float mechanism. Each sweep has multiple fingers that reduces intermittent loss of data. As the fuel level changes, the float rises or falls with the fuel level moving the sweep arm across the resistor wires. This movement either increases or decreases the resistance through the unit. The fuel level sensor resistance ranges from 180 ohms +/- 4 ohms to 10 ohms +/- 2 ohms. When the fuel level is low, the fuel level sensor resistance is high. When the fuel level is high, the fuel level sensor resistance is low.

The fuel pump and sender unit is hardwired to the IPC through separate signal and return circuits. The fuel level return circuits are grounded internally in the IPC. The IPC provides a reference voltage on the fuel level signal circuit. As the fuel level changes, the change in resistance raises or lowers the fuel level signal voltage depending on the resistance of the fuel level sender. The IPC converts the fuel level signals and sends them to the PCM through the GWM.

IPC

The IPC provides the driver with a system status and alerts the driver when certain conditions exist in the vehicle. The IPC receives the ignition status from the BCM through the GWM over the HS-CAN3.

The IPC requires PMI when it is replaced.

Low Washer Fluid Level Switch

The low washer fluid switch is hardwired to the IPC through a single signal wire and is grounded to a body ground through a separate circuit. The IPC provides a reference voltage to the low washer fluid level switch. When the washer fluid level is low, the float drops closing the switch and pulling the reference voltage low. When the washer fluid level is high, the float lifts opening the circuit to the IPC and sending the reference voltage high.

Seatbelt Buckle Sensor

The seatbelt buckles contain integrated sensors that are Hall-effect switches. The seatbelt buckle sensors are serviced as one component with the seatbelt buckle. The seatbelt buckles are hard-wired inputs to the RCM. The RCM sends the seatbelt buckle status messages to the IPC.