Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - System Operation and Component Description: Gauges

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fuel Gauge (Except RS)

The fuel gauge is an analog type gauge. The BCM sends a reference voltage to the fuel level sender. As the fuel level changes, a float actuates the variable resistor on the fuel level sender, raising or lowering the fuel level signal voltage. The BCM monitors the change in voltage and sends the IPC the primary fuel level message. The IPC changes the fuel gauge indication with a corresponding movement of the pointer.

The fuel gauge indicates fuel changes quickly while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running. The fuel gauge does not change fuel level indication between key cycles if the vehicle is parked on a slope. The fuel gauge does not change fuel indication by more than 1/8 tank when vehicle ascends or descends a hill.

Fuel Gauge (RS Only)

The fuel gauge is an analog type gauge. The GFM2 sends a reference voltage to both the fuel pump assembly (primary) and the fuel level sender (secondary). As the fuel level changes, a float actuates the variable resistor on the fuel level sensors (float and cards), raising or lowering the fuel level signal voltage. The GFM2 monitors the change in voltages and sends the primary fuel level and secondary fuel level network messages to the BCM. The BCM then sends primary fuel level and secondary fuel level messages to the IPC. The IPC changes the fuel gauge indication with a corresponding movement of the pointer.

Tachometer

The tachometer is an analog type gauge. The IPC receives the engine RPM message from the BCM. The BCM receives the engine RPM message from the PCM, which is hardwired to the CKP sensor.

Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge is an analog type gauge. The IPC receives the engine coolant temperature message from the BCM. The BCM receives the engine coolant temperature message from the PCM, which is hardwired to the ECT sensor.

Speedometer

The BCM receives the vehicle speed message from the ABS module. The ABS module uses tire size stored in the vehicle configuration file along with wheel speed inputs to generate a vehicle speed signal. The BCM provides the vehicle speed message to the IPC.

The IPC provides a tolerance that allows the speed indication to display between 3% below and 7% above the actual vehicle speed. This means that with an actual vehicle speed of 96.6 km/h (60 mph), the speedometer can indicate between 93.7-103.3 km/h (58.2-64.2 mph). Incorrect tire size or tire size configuration could potentially affect the speedometer accuracy.

Odometer

The IPC receives the wheel rotation count message from the BCM. The BCM receives the wheel rotation count from the ABS module. The IPC monitors the wheel count input from the BCM and commands the odometer with a digital display in the message center.

ICM Gauges

NOTE: The ICM gauges may normally fluctuate during operation as the engine mode changes.

The ICM gauges are as follows:

Engine oil pressure
Engine temperature
Engine turbo boost

The ICM receives the engine oil temperature, oil pressure warning and the power mode messages from the PCM over the HS-CAN.

The PCM receives the engine oil pressure data from an open/closed EOP switch. The PCM takes the engine RPM data and the engine oil pressure state and applies an inferred oil pressure status to allow the gauge to appear to vary with engine RPM and mimic a true gauge. The PCM then sends a varying oil pressure status message to the ICM to operate the EOP gauge.