Description and Operation - Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - Overview

Overview

The IPC uses the following methods and functions to alert the driver to the vehicle condition:

• gauges
• information indicators
• warning indicators
• warning messages
• warning chimes

The base IPC uses one centrally located 4-inch display to show driver information with analog gauges.

The mid-level IPC uses one centrally located 6-inch display to show driver information with analog gauges.

The high-level IPC uses a full-size 12-inch display to show driver information with virtual gauges.

Information indicators inform the driver of conditions existing in the vehicle. Warning indicators alert the driver to conditions that may result in injury or affect vehicle operation.

The IPC RTT indicators replace typical information or warning indicators, using the same graphical representation. The message center displays RTT indicators both in fixed locations and on a rotating display, where they are shown in the order in which the request was received by the IPC.

Base IPC

Base IPC

Mid-Level IPC - Gas

Mid-Level IPC

Mid-Level IPC - Hybrid

Mid-Level IPC

High-Level IPC - Single Sensor, Gas

High-Level IPC

High-Level IPC - Single Sensor, Hybrid

High-Level IPC

High-Level IPC - Dual Gauge, Gas

High-Level IPC

High-Level IPC - Dual Sensor, Hybrid

High-Level IPC

Message Center

The Message Center is an integral part of the IPC that receives and acts on much of the same information used to operate the IPC gauges, information indicators and warning indicators. The Message Center uses both hardwired and network inputs to receive information. Message Center functionality is controlled through the Message Center switch (part of the right-hand steering wheel switch).

Whenever conditions requiring a warning message are present, the Message Center replaces the last selected display with the new warning display. After the message is reset or cleared, the Message Center returns to the last selected display. When multiple warnings are present, the Message Center cycles between messages, displaying each warning for approximately 4 seconds. Warning messages are also commonly associated with other IPC outputs (gauges, information indicators and Reconfigurable Telltale [RTT] indicators). For example, when the ABS module detects a low brake fluid condition, the ABS module sends a request to the IPC through the GWM to illuminate the brake warning indicator and to display the LOW BRAKE FLUID message in the Message Center. This allows the Message Center to be a more informative addition to the IPC gauges and indicators.

System warning messages alert the operator to possible vehicle system problems or malfunctions. System warning messages may stand alone, but are often associated with another form of indication, such as a gauge or indicator. The Message Center displays the last selected function if there are no additional warning messages. After a warning message is displayed, it must be acknowledged to restore full Message Center functionality by pressing the OK button to confirm and clear the warning message. For a complete list of displayed warning messages, refer to the Message Center section of the Owner's Manual.

Warning Chimes

Warning chimes provide the driver with audible alerts that act as reminders and supplement the visual indications of the IPC, such as gauges, indicators and Message Center warnings. The IPC controls all warning chimes based on messages received from external modules. The IPC prioritizes chimes according to a preset hierarchy programmed into the IPC software. When more than one chime request is received by the IPC, the most important chime sounds. If a lower priority chime is currently sounding, a higher priority request takes precedence and replaces or interrupts the lower priority chime.

Warning chimes sound through the audio system speakers and the IPC. Turn signal/hazard flasher on (tick-tock) is the only chime that sounds through the IPC rather than the audio system. Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and BLIS / CTA warning chimes sound through the rear speakers. All other warning chimes sound through the front audio system speakers.

The IPC also serves as a backup. If the audio system's audible warning chime fails, the IPC generates all required audible chimes.