Ford Explorer: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes / Description and Operation - Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - Overview

Overview

The IPC uses the following methods and functionality to alert the driver of vehicle conditions:

• gauges
• informational indicators
• warning indicators
• warning messages
• warning chimes

The base IPC uses a single centered 4-inch screen to display driver information with analog gauges.

The mid-level IPC uses a single centered 6-inch screen to display driver information with analog gauges.

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

Informational indicators inform the driver of conditions that exist in the vehicle. Warning indicators provide information to the driver of conditions that could potentially cause personal injury or alter vehicle performance.

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

Base IPC

  Base IPC

Mid-Level IPC

  Mid-Level IPC

High-Level IPC

  High-Level IPC

Message Center

The message center is an integral part of the IPC that receives and acts upon much of the same information that is input and used to operate the IPC (gauges, informational indicators, and warning indicators). The message center uses both hardwired and network-based inputs to receive information. The message center functionality is controlled through the message center switch (part of the RH steering wheel switch).

Whenever conditions are present that require a warning message, the message center replaces the last selected display with the new warning display. Once the message is reset or cleared, the message center returns to the last selected display. If multiple warnings are present, the message center rotates through the messages, displaying each warning for approximately 4 seconds. Warning messages are also generally associated with other observable outputs of the IPC (gauges, informational indicators and Reconfigurable Telltales [RTTs]) . For example, when the ABS module detects a low brake fluid condition, the ABS module sends the IPC a request through the GWM to illuminate the brake warning indicator and a request to display the LOW BRAKE FLUID message in the message center. This allows the message center to be a more informative supplement to the IPC gauges and indicators.

The system warning messages alert the operator to possible concerns or malfunctions in the vehicle operating systems. System warning messages can be stand-alone messages, but are often associated with another form of indication, such as a gauge or an indicator. The message center displays the last selected feature if there are no additional warning messages. Once a warning message has been displayed, the message must be acknowledged to allow full functionality of the message center by pressing the OK button to acknowledge and clear the warning message. For a complete list of warning messages displayed, refer to the message center section of the Owner's Literature.

Warning Chimes

The warning chimes provide the driver with audible warnings that act as reminders and supplemental alerts to visual IPC indications such as gauges, indicators and message center warnings. The IPC controls all warning chimes based on messages received from external modules. The IPC prioritizes the 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, the higher priority request takes over and replaces or delays the lower priority chime.

The warning chimes are sounded through the audio system speakers and the IPC. The turn signal/hazard on (tick-tock) is the only individual chime that sounds through the IPC, not the audio system. The parking aid, lifgate warning and BLIS/ CTA warning chimes are sounded through the rear speakers. All other warning chimes are sounded through the front audio system speakers.

NOTE: There are instances where some chimes may sound through the IPC and should not be interpreted as a fault in the audio system. An example might be when the ignition is off, with the key in the ignition and the driver door ajar. In this instance, the audio system is offline and the key-in-ignition chime defaults to the IPC.

The IPC also acts as a backup. In the event of an audio system chime failure, the IPC sounds all chimes that are required.