Principles of Operation

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

The instrument cluster (IC) uses inputs that are both hardwired to individual components and messages that are sent from the other modules over the high speed or medium speed controller area networks (HS-CAN or MS-CAN) to control the warning chime functions.

It is very important to understand:
- where the input (command) originates.
- all the information (messages) necessary in order for a feature to operate.
- which module(s) receive(s) the input or command message.
- if the module that received the input (message) controls the output of the feature, or if it outputs a message over the CAN to another module.
- which module controls the output of the feature.

Instrument Cluster (IC) Network Messages

NOTE: Whenever a network message is suspected as missing, confirmed by a missing message DTC, it is important to look for other symptoms that may also be present in the instrument cluster (IC) and throughout the vehicle. Once a DTC is set in the instrument cluster (IC) it may be helpful to review the complete message list available in Information Bus (Module Communications Network) to see what other modules also rely on the same message and run the self-test for those modules. If the message is missing from other modules, the same DTC may also be set in those modules. Confirmation of missing messages common to multiple modules may indicate that the originating module is the source of the concern or the communication network may be experiencing some problems.

The instrument cluster (IC) uses input messages from other modules to control the gauges, informational indicators, 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 known good message. For example, if the brake status message is missing for less than 5 seconds and the brake warning indicator was ON, the indicator remains in the ON state until the next good message is received. If the message remains missing or invalid for greater than 5 seconds, the instrument cluster (IC) sets a U-code DTC and the 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 in Instrument Cluster located before each individual pinpoint test for further description of the default action specific to each indicator or gauge. If the messaged input to the cluster returns at any time, the normal function of the gauge or indicator resumes.

Warning Chime Characteristics
Each warning chime has unique characteristics that help to identify and differentiate each warning chime. 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 instrument cluster (IC) prioritizes the chimes according to a preset hierarchy programmed into the instrument cluster (IC) software. When more than one chime request is received by the instrument cluster (IC), 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 2 different chimes as listed below:
- Repetitive
- Single tone

The following table provides a summary of the chime characteristics including the chime priority.

Instrument Cluster (IC) Chime Characteristics:

Safety Belt Warning Chime
The safety belt warning chime warns that the driver side safety belt is not fastened. The safety belt warning chime sounds when the driver safety belt is not fastened and the ignition lock cylinder is turned from the OFF/LOCK or ACC to the ON or START position.

The safety belt warning chime stops sounding when the safety belt is fastened, when the ignition switch is turned from the ON or START position to the OFF/LOCK or ACC position, or when the chime has sounded for approximately 6 seconds.

The safety belt warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch RUN/START status.
- Driver safety belt warning request communicated by the restraints control module (RCM) to the instrument cluster (IC) through the high speed controller area network (HS-CAN).
- Driver safety belt warning chime request communicated by the RCM to the instrument cluster (IC) through the HS-CAN.

Belt-Minder(R)

NOTE: The Belt-Minder(R) can be configured with or without using a scan tool. To configure this feature without using a scan tool, refer to Belt-Minder(R) Deactivating/Activating.

The Belt-Minder(R) feature supplements the current safety belt warning function and is enabled after the current safety belt warning is complete. The Belt-Minder(R) reminds the driver that the driver safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster (IC) once the vehicle speed has exceeded 5 km/h (3 mph), and remains active for as long as the driver safety belt remains unbuckled. While activated, the Belt-Minder(R) chime and indicator flash and chime simultaneously for 6 seconds, with a 30 second interval between activations.

NOTE: The Belt-Minder(R) is disabled for one ignition switch ON cycle if the safety belt is buckled then unbuckled during that specific cycle.

The Belt-Minder(R) warning chime inputs are the:
- Ignition switch RUN/START status
- Safety belt warning request communicated by the RCM to the instrument cluster (IC) through the HS-CAN.
- Belt-Minder(R) chime request communicated by the RCM to the instrument cluster (IC) through the HS-CAN.

Air Bag Secondary Warning Chime
The air bag secondary warning chime warns that the air bag warning indicator light does not work correctly. The instrument cluster (IC) monitors the air bag warning indicator status internally and provides an air bag indication status report to the RCM. When a fault is present in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) with the RCM sending the instrument cluster (IC) an air bag warning indicator on request and a fault is detected in the air bag warning indicator, the RCM sends the instrument cluster (IC) a secondary request to sound the air bag warning chime.

The air bag secondary warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch RUN/START status.
- Air bag warning indicator request communicated by the RCM to the instrument cluster (IC).
- Air bag warning indicator chime request communicated by the RCM to the instrument cluster (IC).

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. 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.

The key-in-ignition warning chime stops sounding when the driver door is closed, the key is removed from the ignition lock cylinder, if the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, or the battery saver has expired.

The key-in-ignition warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch RUN/START status.
- Door ajar input from the driver door ajar switch.
- Key-in-ignition input from the key-in-ignition switch (part of the ignition lock cylinder).

Headlamps On Warning Chime
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 switch is in the OFF/LOCK position.

The headlamps on warning chime stops sounding when any one of the above conditions are removed or the battery saver has expired.

The headlamps on warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch in OFF position
- Door ajar input from the driver door ajar switch
- Headlamp switch input

Generic Message Warning Chime
The generic message warning chime feature is designed to draw the driver's attention to the integrated circuit display to view each new warning message. The instrument cluster (IC) provides a single one-second tone whenever a new warning message is displayed in the message center. If multiple warning messages are present, the instrument cluster (IC) sounds a chime for each of the warning messages that are present.

The generic message warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch in RUN/START position
- RSC warning indicator on command from the ABS module over the HS-CAN
- Fuel level input from the fuel pump module (gasoline) or fuel level sensor (diesel)

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 switch is in ON position, the parking brake is engaged, and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 km/h (3 mph).

The parking brake warning chime stops sounding and resets if the parking brake is released, the ignition switch is not in the ON position, if the vehicle speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), or after 90 seconds from the time the chime is activated.

The parking brake warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch RUN/START status
- Parking brake switch input to the instrument cluster (IC)
- Vehicle speed data communicated by the PCM to the instrument cluster (IC) through the HS-CAN

Roll Stability Control (RSC) Warning
The RSC warning chime provides an audible indication to alert the driver that a fault is present in the RSC system. The RSC warning chime is on for 30 seconds from the time when a fault is detected and the SERVICE RSC NOW message is displayed in the integrated circuit display, then turns off for a period of 5 minutes after which the cycle is repeated.

The RSC warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch RUN/START status
- RSC warning indicator on command from the ABS module over the HS-CAN