Message Centre

The message center is located at the bottom of the instrument pack. The message center comprises an LCD, which has a 20 character text display. The majority of messages are generated by the LCM which monitors system status via the bus systems and displays system information messages as appropriate. Other system ECU's are also capable of generating messages to display system status. Most messages are accompanied by a chime, which is requested by the ECU generating the message and generated by the instrument pack via the sounder.

A check control button is located between the tachometer and the engine coolant temperature gauge. This button allows the driver to view system status messages which are current in the instrument pack RAM. Pressing and releasing the check control button, displays current messages in priority order or, if no messages are present, the message center displays 'CHECK CONTROL OK'.

The messages are assigned priorities, depending on the effect on driving safety and driving ability of the vehicle. New messages are displayed and accompanied by a chime from the sounder. Messages are divided into priority groups P1, P2 and P3. The priority groups are as follows:

• Priority Group P1  This group includes messages which have a direct affect on the driving ability and safety of the vehicle, "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE " for example. This message requires an urgent and immediate reaction from the driver in response to the message. P1 messages are also accompanied by appropriate flashing warning lamp symbols adjacent to the message center. If more than one P1 message is present, each message is displayed in turn at 3 second intervals. P1 messages are displayed between the symbols "> <" which are flashing.
• Priority Group P2  This group includes messages which do not directly affect driving ability or safety of the vehicle, "CHECK NUMPLATE LIGHT" for example. This message must be noted by the driver and the cause rectified as soon as possible. Each message is indicated once for a maximum of 23 seconds. They can be recalled by pressing the check control, RH, button on the instrument pack. P2 messages are displayed between the symbols "> <", which are permanently illuminated with the message.
• Priority Group P3  This group displays messages which relate to fluid levels, "LOW SCREEN WASH" for example. Depending on the message, some messages are only displayed at the end of a journey, to avoid irritation to the driver. P3 messages are displayed between the symbols "> <", which are permanently illuminated with the message.

Two other groups are defined as 'End of Journey Messages' and 'Special Messages S and S1', as follows:

• End of Journey Messages  Messages categorized as 'P1' and 'P2' error messages, are displayed again at the end of the journey. Error messages do not include messages such as "DOOR OPEN". Messages in the 'P3' group are displayed after the 'P1' and 'P2' messages. New messages, which only occur at the end of a journey, "LIGHTS ON" for example, are displayed according to their priority.
• Special Messages S and S1  These messages have the highest priority and cannot be overridden by messages in groups 'P1', 'P2' and 'P3'. They immediately overwrite any currently displayed messages. If more than one special message is present, the message with the highest priority has priority, after the current displayed message has been shown for at least 1 second. S and S1 messages are not displayed between any symbols.

Most messages, especially S, S1 and P messages are accompanied by a chime from the sounder to alert the driver to their presence. At the end of a journey, a single chime precedes all end of journey messages.

For 3 minutes after the ignition is switched off, messages can be displayed using the check control RH button on the instrument pack. If more than one message is present, the button must be pressed again to display the next message. If no messages are present, 'CHECK CONTROL OK' will be displayed for as long as the button is pressed.

The messages are displayed in a language applicable to the vehicle market configuration and can be changed using T4. The following list shows the possible messages which can be displayed.