Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes
Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes
Principles of Operation
NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) is also known as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).
The Instrument Cluster (IC) is a hybrid electronic cluster that utilizes a microprocessor to control the gauge, informational indicators, warning indicators, message center and warning chime functions. Data is sent to the IC (Instrument Cluster) over the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN), the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN) and through hardwired circuitry from individual components. The IC (Instrument Cluster) uses each input to output an action to the gauges or indicators.
NOTE: Whenever a message is suspected as missing and confirmed by a missing message DTC (U-code), it is important to look for other symptoms that may also be present in the IC (Instrument Cluster) and throughout the vehicle. Once a DTC is set in the IC (Instrument Cluster), it may be helpful to review the complete message list available in Information Bus 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 IC (Instrument Cluster) 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 known good message. For example, if the brake system 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 more than 5 seconds, the IC (Instrument Cluster) 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 located before each individual pinpoint test for a 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.
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.
- does the module which received the input control the output of the feature, or does it output a message over the communication network to another module.
- which module controls the output of the feature.
Instrument Cluster (IC)
IC (Instrument Cluster) Gateway Function
The IC (Instrument Cluster) acts as a gateway module by receiving information in one format and transmitting it to other modules using another format. For example, the IC (Instrument Cluster) receives the vehicle speed data from the PCM over the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network), converts the data into an MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) message and sends (gateways) the message to other network modules such as the HVAC module, the Audio Front Control Module (ACM), the Parking Aid Module (PAM), the Restraints Control Module (RCM) and the Smart Junction Box (SJB). This enables network communication between modules that do not communicate using the same network (HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) or the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network)).
IC (Instrument Cluster) Configuration
The IC (Instrument Cluster) 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).
NOTE: When installing a new IC (Instrument Cluster), it is necessary to upload the module configuration to the scan tool. Following installation of the IC (Instrument Cluster), download the module configuration from the scan tool into the new IC (Instrument Cluster). It is also necessary to carry out a parameter reset procedure whenever a new IC (Instrument Cluster) or PCM is installed. Refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems.
The configurable customer preference items are as follows:
- Belt-Minder(R)
- Default language
- Oil life threshold
- Welcome strategy
IC (Instrument Cluster) Prove-Out
The IC (Instrument Cluster) and other vehicle modules carry out a display prove-out to verify that all module controlled warning/indicator lamps and monitored systems are functioning correctly within the IC (Instrument Cluster). The IC (Instrument Cluster) 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:
Integrated Circuit Display
The integrated circuit display is a Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) display that contains the odometer and trip odometer on base clusters and the message center display on message center clusters. The odometer information is transmitted from the PCM over the communication network to the IC (Instrument Cluster). The IC (Instrument Cluster) displays the appropriate message(s)/display upon receipt of the data received.
Information And Message Center
The message center is an integral part of the IC (Instrument Cluster) that receives and acts upon much of the same information that is input and used to operate the IC (Instrument Cluster) gauges, informational indicators, and warning indicators. The message center, located in the center of the IC (Instrument Cluster) is a VF (Vacuum Fluorescent) 2-line display. The message center electronic functions use both hardwired, and the Controller Area Network (CAN) circuitry to transmit and receive information.
Trailer Sway Message
The message center provides the trailer sway message to inform the driver that the current traction control event is due to trailer sway. If the ABS module determines that the trainer is causing the vehicle to sway, the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon) is turned on along with the TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED message in the message center.
Warning Chimes
The IC (Instrument Cluster) uses inputs that are both hardwired to individual components and messages that are sent from the other modules over the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) or MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) to control the warning chime functions.
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 IC (Instrument Cluster) prioritizes the chimes according to a preset hierarchy programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster) software. When more than one chime request is received by the IC (Instrument Cluster), 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 chimes as listed below:
- Repetitive
- Single tone
- Tick-tock
The following table provides a summary of the chime characteristics.
IC (Instrument Cluster) Chime Characteristics
Active Park Assist Chime
The active park assist chime uses several different chime tones depending on the nature of the requested chime and the urgency for acknowledgement of the chime as determined by the PAM (Parking Aid Module). The chime is either one of 3 single tone chimes with varying tone lengths or one of 2 repetitive chimes with varying tone lengths and number of chime tones. Refer to Active Parking Assist or the Owner's Literature for additional information on the active park assist function. The message center displays instructional or fault messages combined with the active park assist chime whenever the PAM (Parking Aid Module) sends the chime on command.
The active park assist inputs are:
- Ignition state.
- Active park assist warning command transmitted from the PAM (Parking Aid Module) over the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) bus.
Air Bag Secondary Warning Chime
The air bag secondary warning chime warns that the air bag warning indicator light does not work correctly. The IC (Instrument Cluster) monitors the air bag warning indicator status internally. When a fault is present in the air bag warning indicator and the IC (Instrument Cluster) receives an air bag warning indicator on request from the RCM (Restraints Control Module), 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 (Restraints Control Module) to the IC (Instrument Cluster).
Belt-Minder(R)
The Belt-Minder(R) is configurable. To configure with a scan tool, refer to Belt-Minder(R) Deactivating/Activating Testing and Inspection.
The Belt-Minder(R) feature supplements the current safety belt warning function and is enabled after the current safety belt warning is complete (65 seconds). The Belt-Minder(R) reminds the driver that the driver safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and alternately illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the IC (Instrument Cluster) once the vehicle speed has exceeded 5 km/h (3 mph), The Belt-Minder(R) remains active for 5 minutes from the time it is started. While activated, the Belt-Minder(R) chime and indicator flash and chime alternately from on for 6 seconds to off for 30 seconds.
If the vehicle speed drops below 5 km/h (3 mph), the Belt-Minder(R) chime completes the current 6-second sequence then stops sounding. During this time of suspension, the safety belt warning indicator continues to illuminate. Once the vehicle speed exceeds 5 km/h (3 mph), the chime begins again, restoring the Belt-Minder(R) to full function.
When a MyKey(TM) programmed key is in use, the driver cannot configure the Belt-Minder(R) off. Once the Belt-Minder(R) is activated, the Belt-Minder(R) 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 Antitheft and Alarm Systems for more information on the MyKey(TM) feature.
The Belt-Minder(R) warning chime inputs are the:
- Ignition state.
- Driver or passenger safety belt warning chime request communicated by the RCM (Restraints Control Module) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
Door Ajar Warning Chime
The door ajar warning chime warns that a door is open or not fully closed. The chime sounds when any door, the liftgate or liftgate glass becomes ajar while the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The door ajar warning chime stops sounding and resets when all the doors and the liftgate/liftgate glass are closed, or the ignition lock cylinder is placed in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position.
The door ajar warning lamp/chime inputs are:
- Ignition state.
- Door ajar data communicated by the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
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. 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 with the key out.
The headlamps on warning chime stops sounding when any one of the above conditions are removed.
The headlamps on warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch position to the SJB (Smart Junction Box).
- Key-in-ignition switch position to the SJB (Smart Junction Box).
- Door ajar input from the driver door ajar switch to the SJB (Smart Junction Box).
- Headlamp switch input to the SJB (Smart Junction Box).
- Headlamps on chime request communicated by the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
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, or if the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
On the hybrid, the key-in-ignition warning chime sounds 10 times with the key in RUN or START while the driver door is ajar with the transaxle in PARK (P).
The key-in-ignition warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition state.
- Key-in-ignition switch position to the SJB (Smart Junction Box).
- Door ajar input from the driver door ajar switch to the SJB (Smart Junction Box).
- Transmission park status communicated by the PCM to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network) (hybrid).
- Key-in-ignition chime request communicated by the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
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 the ON position, 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 switch is not in the ON position, 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 communicated by the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
- Vehicle speed data communicated by the PCM to the SJB (Smart Junction Box) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
- Parking brake warning chime request communicated by the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster).
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 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 state.
- Driver safety belt warning chime request communicated by the RCM (Restraints Control Module) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
Turn Signal On Warning Chime
The turn signal on warning chime warns that the turn signal has not been cancelled. The turn signal 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 on warning chime stops sounding if the turn signal is turned off, or if the ignition lock cylinder is turned to the OFF or ACC position.
The turn signal on warning chime inputs are:
- Ignition switch position to the IC (Instrument Cluster) and SJB (Smart Junction Box).
- Turn signal on data communicated by the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
- Odometer count data communicated by the PCM to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the HS-CAN (High Speed Controller Area Network).
Turn/Hazard On Tone
Since the turn/hazard flasher is an electronic function of the SJB (Smart Junction Box), 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 IC (Instrument Cluster) provides a tick-tock tone along with the visual turn signal indicators.
The turn/hazard on tone inputs are:
- Left turn indicator signal from the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).
- Right turn indicator signal from the SJB (Smart Junction Box) to the IC (Instrument Cluster) through the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network).