Pinpoint Test AK: The Low Fuel Message Center Indicator Is Never On

Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes

Pinpoint Test AK: The Low Fuel Message Center Indicator Is Never On

Normal Operation

The low fuel message center indicator illuminates based upon the Distance To Empty (DTE) calculation. The DTE (Distance To Empty) is calculated internally by the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) from data received from the PCM and the hardwired fuel level input. When the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) determines that the DTE (Distance To Empty) reaches approximately one-eighth of a tank of fuel (80 km [50 miles]) or less, the fuel gauge indicates empty and the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) turns on the low fuel message center indicator.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)

PINPOINT TEST AK : THE LOW FUEL MESSAGE CENTER INDICATOR IS NEVER ON

AK1 VERIFY THE OPERATION OF THE POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION (WRENCH) AND ENGINE OVER-TEMPERATURE MESSAGE CENTER INDICATORS

- Ignition OFF.

- Disconnect: In-Line C219.

- Ignition ON.

- NOTE: If multiple warnings are present, the message center indicators rotate through each of the warnings. Allow the displays to rotate through each display while determining whether the powertrain malfunction (wrench) and over-temperature message center indicators are active.

Observe the message center or integrated display area of the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) with the PCM connected and disconnected.


Do the powertrain malfunction (wrench) and engine over-temperature message center warning indicators remain off when the PCM is connected and become active with the PCM disconnected?

Yes
GO to AK2.

No
INSTALL a new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). REFER to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) . TEST the system for normal operation.

AK2 CHECK THE DTE (Distance To Empty) OPERATION

- Ignition ON. Access and observe the message center DTE (Distance To Empty) displayed mileage.

Does the DTE (Distance To Empty) display indicate 80 km (50 miles) or less until empty?

Yes
INSTALL a new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). REFER to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) . TEST the system for normal operation.

No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The low fuel warning message does not appear until the DTE (Distance To Empty) is 80 km (50 miles) or less.