Power Distribution Module: Description and Operation

Fig.5 Front Control Module:

FRONT CONTROL MODULE
The Front Control Module (FCM) is a micro controller based module located in the engine compartment (Fig. 5). This FCM mates to the power distribution center to form the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). The intelligent power module connects directly to the battery and provides the primary means of circuit protection and power distribution for all vehicle electrical systems. The front control module controls power to some of these vehicle systems electrical and electromechanical loads based on inputs received from hard wired switch inputs and data received on the PCI bus circuit (J1850).

For information on the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) Refer to the Power Distribution.

As messages are sent over the PCI bus circuit, the front control module reads these messages and controls power to some of the vehicles electrical systems by completing the circuit to ground (low side driver) or completing the circuit to 12 volt power (high side driver). The following functions are controlled by the Front Control Module:

- Occupant Restraint Controller Voltage
- Headlamp Power with Voltage Regulation
- Side Airbag Voltage
- Electronic Transaxle (Gasoline engine Vehicles)
- Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Functions (BTSI)
- Front Windshield Wiper "ON" Relay Actuation
- Front Windshield Wiper "HI" & "LO" Relay Actuation
- Front Washer Motor
- Rear Washer Motor
- Front Fog Lamp Relay Actuation
- Front and Rear Blower Motor Relay Actuation
- Accessory Relay Actuation
- Electronic Back Light (EBL) Rear Defogger
- Horn Relay Actuation
- Park Lamp Relay Actuation
- Name Brand Speaker (NBS) Relay Actuation
- Headlamp Washer Relay Actuation

The following inputs are Received/Monitored by the Front Control Module:
- B+ Connection Detection
- Ambient Temperature Sensing
- Right/Left Park Lamp Outage
- Ignition Switch Start Only
- Ignition Switch Run and Start Only
- Washer Fluid Level
- Windshield Wiper Park
- Brake Fluid Level
- Back-Up switch
- Stop Lamp Sense
- Horn Input