Principles of Operation
The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) utilizes a microprocessor to control the gauge, indicator, message center and warning chime functions. Data is sent to the IPC over the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN), Infotainment Controller Area Network (I-CAN) bus and through hardwired circuitry from individual components. The IPC uses each input to output an action to the gauges or indicators. In addition to the base IPC functions, the MKX and optional Edge message centers also display audio, phone, navigation and climate control related information using the Infotainment Controller Area Network (I-CAN). The audio, phone or navigation information is controlled by the RH steering wheel switch. For additional information on the audio functions, refer to Information and Entertainment Systems . For additional information on the climate control functions, refer to Climate Control System General Information .
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
IPC Gateway Function
The IPC acts as a gateway module by receiving information in one format and transmitting it to the audio and multimedia modules using another format. This enables network communication between modules that do not communicate using the same network (HS-CAN or I-CAN).
IPC Network Messages
The IPC uses input messages from other modules to control the gauges, informational indicators, and warning indicators over the communication networks. If a required message is missing or invalid for less than 5 seconds, the gauge or indicator that requires the message remains at the last commanded state based upon the last message received. For example, if the stability/traction control status message is missing for less than 5 seconds and the stability/traction control indicator was on, the indicator remains in the on state until the next message is received. If the message remains missing or invalid for more than 5 seconds, the IPC sets a U-code DTC and the IPC output becomes a default action for the indicator or gauge. Each indicator or gauge utilizes a different default strategy depending on the nature of the indication. Refer to the normal operation descriptions located before each individual pinpoint test for further description of the default action specific to each indicator or gauge. If the missing messaged input to the IPC returns at any time, the normal function of the gauge or indicator resumes.
It is very important to understand:
- where the input originates.
- all the information necessary in order for a feature to operate.
- which module(s) receive(s) the input or command message.
- which module controls the output of the feature.
- whether the module that receives the input controls the output of the feature, or whether it outputs a message over the communication network to another module.
IPC Configuration
The IPC contains items that are configurable. Configurable items include customer preference items, which can also be set with a scan tool. The remaining configurable items can only be set by the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) procedure by uploading/downloading existing configuration or by using As-Built data. Refer to Module Configuration .
The configurable IPC items are as follows:
IPC Configuration Parameters
| Customer Preference | As-Built Parameter |
|---|---|
| - | 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) /Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) /All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| - | ABS |
| - | Adaptive cruise control |
| - | Adaptive cruise control menu configuration |
| - | Adaptive headlamp |
| - | Advance traction control function |
| - | AWD gauge feature |
| - | Audio system |
| - | Autolamp delay |
| - | Autolock control |
| - | Auto unlock control |
| Average fuel economy metric display type | - |
| - | Back up warning chime |
| Belt-Minder® | - |
| - | Chime generator |
| - | Compass |
| - | Compass Sync |
| Courtesy wipe after wash | - |
| - | Cross traffic |
| - | Daytime illumination |
| Default Language | - |
| - | Door content |
| - | Easy entry/easy exit |
| - | Electronic Stability Control (ESC) /Roll Stability Control (RSC®) chime warning |
| - | Forward collision warning |
| - | Front fog |
| Gallon display type | - |
| - | Gear select |
| - | Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) enabled |
| - | Key-in-ignition warning chime |
| - | Multiple chime |
| - | MyKey® feature supported |
| - | Navigation |
| - | Number of fuel senders |
| - | Number of fuel tanks |
| - | Oil minder 10K |
| - | One/two stage unlocking |
| - | Outside air temperature |
| - | Overspeed warning chime |
| - | Park aid rear |
| - | Passive entry/passive start |
| - | Power liftgate control function |
| - | Rain sensing wipers |
| Rear fog lamps | - |
| Rear reverse gear wipe | - |
| - | Remote start-climate settings |
| - | Remote start-driver seat |
| - | Remote start-feature |
| - | Remote start-passenger seat |
| - | Remote start-rear defrost |
| - | Remote start-steering wheel |
| - | Side detection |
| - | Speedometer calibration |
| - | Tank size A |
| - | Transmission Control Module (TCM) present |
| - | Traction control/interactive vehicle dynamics/Roll Stability Control (RSC®) |
| - | Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) configuration |
| - | Trailer sway |
| - | Transmission type |
| - | Welcome/farewell strategy |
IPC Prove-Out
The IPC and other vehicle modules carry out a display prove-out to verify all module controlled warning/indicator lamps and monitored systems are functioning correctly within the IPC. The IPC and other modules, such as the Restraints Control Module (RCM), provide a timed prove-out while other indicators illuminate until engine start up. When the ignition switch is cycled to the ON position with the engine off, the indicators illuminate to prove-out according to the following table:
| Indicator | Indicator Type | Prove-Out Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Warning | 3 seconds |
| Air bag | Warning | 6 seconds |
| Brake | Warning | 3 seconds |
| Fog (MKX only) | Informational | None |
| High beam indicator | Informational | None |
| Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) | Warning | Engine startup |
| Safety belt warning indicator | Warning | 70 seconds if the safety belt is unbuckled, turns off when the safety belt is buckled |
| Stability/traction control indicator | Warning | 3 seconds |
| Stability/traction control disabled indicator | Informational | 3 seconds |
| TPMS warning indicator | Warning | 3 seconds |
| RH/LH turn indicators | Informational | None |
Information And Message Center
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.
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 Body Control Module (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. The message center often displays a warning message and the message center warning indictor at the same time. For example, if the PCM detects low engine oil pressure, the PCM sends a request to the IPC to illuminate the low oil pressure message center indicator and to display LOW OIL PRESSURE 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.
Warning Chimes
Warning Chime Characteristics
Each warning chime has unique characteristics. The warning chimes use volume, chime frequency, length of time the chime sounds and the number of chime tones to identify which chime is sounding. The IPC prioritizes the chimes according to a preset hierarchy programmed into the IPC software. When more than one chime request is received by the IPC, the most important chime sounds. If a lower priority chime is currently sounding, the higher priority request takes over and replaces the lower priority chime.
There are 3 different chime types as listed below:
- Repetitive
- Single tone
- Tick-tock
The following table provides a summary of the chimes and chime characteristics:
IPC Chime Characteristics
| Chime Name | Chime Type | Condition Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive cruise control | Single (high priority or low priority) | The high priority chime and low priority chime sound for a single chime tone when driver intervention is required. |
| Air bag | Repetitive | The chime sounds five 1 second chime tones. |
| Belt-Minder® A and B | Repetitive | The chime sounds 6 chime tones/safety belt warning indicator flash sequences for as long as the IPC receives the Belt-Minder® chime request. |
| Door ajar | Single tone | The chime sounds a single 1.6 second chime tone when any door changes from the closed to the open state with vehicle speed greater than 5 km/h (3 mph). |
| Forward collision warning | Single | The chime sounds for a single 1.5 second chime tone when a forward collision potential has been detected. |
| Headlamps on | Repetitive | The chime sounds a 1.6 second chime tone for as long as the headlamps are on and the IPC receives the chime on command. The chime shuts off when battery saver has expired (approximately 30 minutes). |
| Key-in-ignition | Repetitive | The chime sounds a single 1 second chime tone for as long as the key is in the lock cylinder with the ignition off (except Intelligent Access (IA)) or the ignition is in ACC (with IA) with the door ajar. The chime shuts off when battery saver has expired (approximately 30 minutes). |
| Memory feedback | Single tone | The chime sounds for 0.1 second when the IPC receives a memory state change message. |
| Message center | Single tone | The chime is a single 1.6 second tone chime that sounds whenever the IPC receives a new message commanding on one of the message center warnings. |
| Parking brake on | Repetitive | The chime sounds a single 1 second chime tone for as long as the parking brake is applied and the IPC receives the chime on command. |
| Perimeter alarm | Repetitive | On for 12 seconds when the driver door is opened using a key and the alarm is armed. The chime sounds 2 chime tones for the first 6 seconds followed by 3 chime tones for the next 4 seconds and finally 4 chime tones for the last 3 seconds. |
| Safety belt | Repetitive | The chime sounds 1.6 second tones for 6 minutes or as long as the safety belt is unbuckled and the IPC receives the chime on command. |
| Service AdvanceTrac® | Repetitive | The chime sounds three 1.0 second chime tones after an 8 second delay for as long as the IPC receives the chime request on command. |
| Turn signal/hazard on | Tick-tock | On for as long as the RH or LH turn signal or hazards are on and the IPC receives the chime on command. |
Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Chime
The adaptive cruise control warning chime supplements the message center displays to draw the driver's attention to the need to intervene and take control of the vehicle. There are 2 levels of chime output (high priority and low priority) based upon the nature and urgency of the warning.
The low priority adaptive cruise control warning chime is a single-tone chime that sounds to alert the driver that the adaptive cruise control system has shut itself off due to low vehicle speed (approximately 32 km/h [20 mph]) and the driver needs to intervene if further braking is required or to resume the adaptive cruise control operation.
The high priority adaptive cruise control warning chime is also a single tone chime that is longer than the low priority chime. The chime increases in intensity and alerts the driver that the vehicle is approaching the vehicle ahead at a faster rate then the adaptive cruise control system can brake the vehicle and that the driver needs to apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down.
The adaptive cruise control warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Adaptive cruise control warning chime request communicated by the Cruise-Control Module (C-CM) to the IPC over the HS-CAN
Air Bag Secondary Warning Chime
The air bag secondary warning chime warns that the air bag warning indicator light is inoperative and that a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) fault condition exists. The IPC monitors the air bag warning indicator status internally. When a fault is present in the air bag warning indicator and the IPC receives an air bag warning indicator on request from the Restraints Control Module (RCM), the air bag secondary warning chime sounds.
The air bag secondary warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Air bag warning indicator chime request communicated by the RCM to the IPC
Belt-Minder®
The Belt-Minder® is configurable. Refer to Belt-Minder® Deactivating/Activating .
The Belt-Minder® feature supplements the current safety belt warning function and is enabled after the current safety belt warning is complete. The Belt-Minder® reminds the driver that the driver or front passenger safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently and simultaneously sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning indicator in the IPC once the vehicle speed has exceeded 9.7 km/h (6 mph). The Belt-Minder® remains active for 5 minutes from the time it is started. While activated, the Belt-Minder® chime provides a series of 6 chimes/safety belt warning indicator flash sequences, which consist of a 1 second chime tone and safety belt warning indicator on/off state. The Belt-Minder® chime and the safety belt warning indicator sound and flash for 6 seconds, then the chime stops and the safety belt warning indicator remains on for 30 seconds. The IPC repeats the chime cycle for 5 minutes.
If the vehicle speed drops below 4.8 km/h (3 mph) once the Belt-Minder® chime has activated, the chime turns off and the safety belt warning indicator remains on. When the vehicle speed exceeds 9.7 km/h (6 mph) again, the Belt-Minder® chime resumes.
When MyKey® is in use, the driver cannot configure the Belt-Minder® off. Once the Belt-Minder® is activated, the Belt-Minder® continues to chime periodically (does not time out after 5 minutes) and the audio system is muted until the driver and passenger safety belts are fastened. Refer to Anti-Theft Passive Anti-Theft System (PAT for more information on the MyKey® feature.
The Belt-Minder® warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Driver or passenger safety belt warning chime request communicated by the RCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN
Door Ajar Warning Chime
The door ajar warning chime warns that a door is ajar. The door ajar warning chime is a single chime with a 1 second duration. The door ajar chime sounds when a door or liftgate becomes ajar while the ignition is in RUN with vehicle speed greater than 5 km/h (3 mph).
The door ajar warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Door ajar or liftgate ajar message from the Body Control Module (BCM)
- Vehicle speed input greater than 5 km/h (3 mph)
Forward Collision Warning Chime
The forward collision warning chime warns that a forward collision potential has been detected or the Cruise-Control Module (C-CM) module detects a forward collision warning system concern. Once the forward collision system detects a possible forward collision, the C-CM sends the Head Up Display (HUD) module a message to flash the forward collision warning and a message to the IPC to sound the forward collision warning chime while muting the audio system.
The forward collision warning system also provides a confirmation chime to inform the driver that the forward collision system configuration (chime or system on/off) has been changed.
The forward collision warning system and chime can be configured off using the message center. Refer to Collision Avoidance . When MyKey® is in use, the driver cannot configure the forward collision warning system or chime off. Refer to Anti-Theft Passive Anti-Theft System (PAT for more information on the MyKey® feature.
The forward collision warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Forward collision warning alert and confirmation chime commands communicated by the HUD module through the HS-CAN
Headlamps On Warning Chime
The headlamps on warning chime warns that the headlamps are on when the driver door is ajar and the key is removed from the ignition lock cylinder (without Intelligent Access (IA)) or when the ignition is in OFF (with IA). The headlamps on warning chime sounds if the driver door is ajar, the headlamp switch is in the PARK or HEADLAMP position, and the ignition is in OFF (key out without IA).
The headlamp on warning chime stops sounding when any of the above inputs are removed.
The headlamps on warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state determined by the BCM
- Door ajar input from the driver door ajar switch to the BCM
- Headlamp switch input to the BCM
- Headlamps on chime request communicated by the BCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN
Key-In-Ignition Warning Chime
The key-in-ignition warning chime warns that the key is still in the ignition lock cylinder when the driver door is ajar (without IA) or that the ignition is in ACC (with IA). The key-in-ignition warning chime sounds when the driver door is ajar, the key is in the ignition lock cylinder and in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position (without IA) or when the ignition is in ACC (with IA).
The key-in-ignition warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Key-in-ignition switch position to the BCM (without IA)
- Door ajar input from the driver door ajar switch to the BCM
- Key-in-ignition chime request communicated by the BCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN
Memory Feedback Feature Chime
The memory feedback feature chime informs the driver that their preferences have been successfully programmed through the memory set procedure.
The memory feedback chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Memory feedback chime request communicated by the Driver Seat Module (DSM) to the BCM over the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN)
- Memory feedback chime request communicated by the BCM to the IPC over the HS-CAN
Message Center Warning Chime
The message center warning chime feature draws the driver's attention to the message center display to view a new warning message. The IPC provides a single 1 second tone whenever a new warning message is displayed in the message center. If multiple warning messages are present, the IPC sounds a chime for each of the warning messages that are present as they cycle through the message center display.
Parking Brake Warning Chime
The parking brake warning chime warns that the parking brake is engaged when the vehicle is in motion. The parking brake warning chime sounds if the ignition is in ON, the parking brake is engaged, and the vehicle speed is greater than 4.8 km/h (3 mph).
The parking brake warning chime stops sounding and resets if the parking brake is released, the ignition is not in the ON state, if the vehicle speed is less than 4.8 km/h (3 mph), or after 90 seconds from the time the chime is activated.
The parking brake warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Parking brake switch status to the BCM
- Vehicle speed data communicated by the PCM to the BCM through the HS-CAN
- Parking brake warning chime request communicated by the BCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN
Safety Belt Warning Chime
The safety belt warning chime warns that the safety belt is not fastened. The safety belt warning chime sounds when the driver safety belt is not fastened and the ignition is transitioned from OFF or ACC to ON or START.
The safety belt warning chime stops sounding when the safety belt is fastened, when the ignition is transitioned from ON or START to OFF or ACC, or when the chime has sounded for approximately 6 seconds.
The safety belt warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Driver safety belt warning chime request communicated by the RCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN
Service AdvanceTrac® Warning Chime
The service AdvanceTrac® warning chime warns that the ABS module has detected a fault condition in the AdvanceTrac® system. The SERVICE ADVANCETRAC message is displayed in the message center along with the chime.
The service AdvanceTrac® warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Service AdvanceTrac® warning chime request communicated by the ABS to the IPC through the HS-CAN
Turn Signal Left On Warning Chime
The turn signal left on warning chime warns that the turn signal has not been cancelled. The turn signal left on warning chime sounds if the left or right turn signal is on and the vehicle has traveled more than 3.2 km (2.0 miles).
The turn signal left on warning chime stops sounding if the turn signal is turned off or if the ignition is switched to OFF or ACC.
The turn signal left on warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state
- Turn signal on data communicated by the BCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN
- Odometer count data communicated by the PCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN
Turn/Hazard On Tone
Since the turn/hazard flasher is an electronic function of the BCM, the on/off sound that used to be present with standard bi-metal flashers is no longer present. To provide an audible sound and indicate that the RH/LH TURN or HAZARD indicators are on, the IPC provides a tick-tock tone along with the visual turn signal indicators.
The turn/hazard on tone inputs are:
- The left and right turn indicator signal from the BCM to the IPC through the HS-CAN