Pinpoint Test AI: The Message Center Is Not Operating Correctly
Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes
Pinpoint Test AI: The Message Center Is Not Operating Correctly
Normal Operation
The message center is located in the center of the Instrument Cluster (IC) between the tachometer and the speedometer in the message center display area. The message center is integral to the IC (Instrument Cluster) and uses the same voltage supply as the IC (Instrument Cluster). The message center uses IC (Instrument Cluster) RUN/START, keep alive B+ voltage and IC (Instrument Cluster) ground.
The message center functionality is controlled through the message center switch, which is hardwired to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through input and return circuits. There are 3 message center switch buttons with each button operating a switch that uses different resistance values. The IC (Instrument Cluster) sends out a reference voltage to the message center switch on the input circuit and monitors the voltage drop when a message center switch button is pressed. The voltage drop will vary depending upon the resistance of each button, providing a specific indication to the IC (Instrument Cluster) which switch is pressed.
- DTC B1206 (EIC Switch-1 Assembly Circuit Open)- a continuous and on-demand DTC that sets when the IC (Instrument Cluster) detects an open on the message center switch input circuit.
- DTC B1208 (EIC Switch-1 Assembly Circuit Short to Ground)- a continuous and on-demand DTC that sets when the IC (Instrument Cluster) detects a short to ground on the message center switch input circuit.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Message center switch
- IC (Instrument Cluster)
PINPOINT TEST AI : THE MESSAGE CENTER IS NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY
NOTICE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may damage the connector.
AI1 RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DTCs FROM THE IC (Instrument Cluster) SELF-TEST
- Retrieve the recorded IC (Instrument Cluster) DTCs from the self-test.
Is DTC B1206 or DTC B1208 recorded?
Yes
GO to AI4.
No
GO to AI2.
AI2 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER SWITCH INPUT TO THE IC (Instrument Cluster)
- Ignition ON.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: IC (Instrument Cluster) DataLogger.
- Select and monitor the IC (Instrument Cluster) message center PIDs (INFOSW, SETUPSW and RES_SW) while pressing the INFO, SETUP and RESET switch.
Does the PID agree with each of the button positions (pressed and released)?
Yes
GO to AI3.
No
INSTALL a new message center switch. REFER to Message Center Switch . TEST the system for normal operation.
AI3 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAY OPERATION USING THE SCAN TOOL
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: IC (Instrument Cluster) DataLogger.
- Select the IC (Instrument Cluster) display segment control (ALL_SEG) active command. Command the display segments on. Observe the message center display.
Does the message center display illuminate all segments?
Yes
The message center is operating correctly at this time. If the concern is related to a specific warning message, GO to Symptom Chart - Information and Message Center Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes.
No
GO to AI8.
AI4 CHECK FOR VOLTAGE FROM THE IC (Instrument Cluster)
- Disconnect: IC (Instrument Cluster) C269.
- Ignition ON.
- Measure the voltage between the message center switch C269-3, circuit CMC29 (GN/VT), harness side and the message center switch C269-2, circuit VMC29 (YE), harness side.
Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
Yes
INSTALL a new message center switch. REFER to Message Center Switch . TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to AI5.
AI5 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER SIGNAL AND RETURN CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Disconnect: IC (Instrument Cluster) C220.
- Ignition ON.
- Measure the voltage between the IC (Instrument Cluster) C220-16, circuit CMC29 (GN/VT), harness side and ground; and between the IC (Instrument Cluster) C220-3, circuit VMC29 (YE), harness side and ground.
Is any voltage present?
Yes
REPAIR the circuit in question. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
No
GO to AI6.
AI6 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN AND A SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Message Center Switch C269.
- Measure the resistance between the IC (Instrument Cluster) C220-16, circuit CMC29 (GN/VT), harness side and the message center switch C269-3, circuit CMC29 (GN/VT), harness side; and between the IC (Instrument Cluster) C220-16, circuit CMC29 (GN/VT), harness side and ground.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms between the IC (Instrument Cluster) and the message center switch, and greater than 10,000 ohms between the IC (Instrument Cluster) and ground?
Yes
GO to AI7.
No
REPAIR circuit CMC29 (GN/VT) for an open or a short to ground. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
AI7 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER RETURN CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Measure the resistance between the IC (Instrument Cluster) C220-3, circuit VMC29 (YE), harness side and the message center switch C269-2, circuit VMC29 (YE), harness side.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
INSTALL a new message center switch. REFER to Message Center Switch . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
No
REPAIR circuit VMC29 (YE) for an open. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
AI8 CHECK FOR CORRECT IC (Instrument Cluster) OPERATION
- Disconnect the IC (Instrument Cluster) connector.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect the IC (Instrument Cluster) connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new IC (Instrument Cluster). REFER to Instrument Cluster (IC) . TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.