Driver/Vehicle Information Display: Description and Operation
Information and Message Center
OVERVIEW
A new instrument cluster is introduced where in addition to the larger speedometer and tachometer gauges the cluster also incorporates a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) 5" high-definition display unit.
Instrument Cluster Overview
The TFT display incorporates a 'Message Center' that communicates vehicle information and status data to the driver. Menus displayed in the message center allow access to a number of vehicle functions through the guidance of the message center menus. The driver operates the message center using the 'menu control' located on the right-hand-side of the steering wheel.
The instrument cluster also features a number of warning indicators, where in addition to those located within the speedometer and tachometer gauges, another six indicators are positioned within the TFT unit above the message center. Refer to the 'Instrument Cluster' section for further information.
The TFT display unit comprises three distinct areas, as shown below:
Thin Film Transistor Display Unit
MESSAGE CENTER
The coolant temperature and fuel quantity gauges are the default display in the message center when the stop/start button is pressed. These can be overwritten through the guidance of message center menus, to obtain different permutations of screens which are available to communicate vehicle information and status data to the driver.
Menu Control
The driver operates the message center using the 'menu control' located on the right-hand-side of the steering wheel. A preference menu is available which allows the driver to personalize certain features and functions in the message center.
Messages displayed in the message center are mainly generated by the instrument cluster which monitors system status via the medium-speed and high-speed CAN (controller area network) bus systems. Other system control modules are also capable of generating messages to communicate system status. Some messages are accompanied by a chime, which is requested by the control module generating the message and functioned by the instrument cluster via the integral sounder.
The driver can view system status messages which are current in the instrument cluster RAM (random access memory), by pressing and releasing the menu control to display current messages in priority order; refer to 'Warning Messages'.
Vehicle Information and Settings Menu
Menu selections are made using the menu control to highlight the required menu option. Once the required option is highlighted that option can be selected by pressing the 'OK' button. The screen will then display a sub-menu, or activate the selected item where applicable.
Vehicle Information and Settings Menu
Scroll arrows to the left of the menu indicate that there are further menu items either above or below the currently viewed menu items. If the arrow is displayed brightly there are additional menu items available. If the arrows appear dim, there are no additional items. For example, the engine oil level display by can be accessed by selecting 'Service Manual' and then selecting 'Oil Level Display'.
Engine Oil Level Display
To close the main menu, press the left button on the menu control. To close sub-menus press and hold the left button on the menu control.
The menu will close automatically if:
- no action is taken with the main menu within 10 seconds
- action is taken with the main menu and it is then left for 4 minutes
If a further action is taken within the four minutes period, the timer will reset and a further four minutes will have to elapse before the menu closes automatically.
The following table contains an overview of the information and settings menu and option displays:
Warning Messages
Warning messages are displayed in the message center when a fault is detected or an alert state is triggered. There are three categories of messages that may be displayed in the message center; the driver is made aware of the message by an accompanying warning indicator illuminating.
The warning indicators illuminate in one of three colors, which indicate the level of importance of the warning as follows:
- Critical = red indicator accompanied with and audible alert
- Warning = amber indicator
- Information = green indicator.
NOTE:
Messages are displayed in order of importance with 'Critical' messages taking priority.
Priority Group 'P1' Critical - This group includes messages which have a direct affect on the driving ability and safety of the vehicle. This type of message requires an urgent and immediate reaction from the driver in response to the message. P1 messages are also accompanied by an appropriate warning indicator symbol and an audible alert. If more than one P1 message is present, each message is displayed in turn at 3 second intervals. Critical messages are displayed in the message center until either the fault condition that caused the message has been rectified or the message is suppressed by using the menu control on the steering wheel. Critical messages can also be recalled by using the menu control. If a critical message has been suppressed the accompanying warning symbol will remain illuminated to indicate that a problem exists.
Priority Group 'P2' Warning - This group includes messages which do not directly affect driving ability or safety of the vehicle. P2 messages are also accompanied by appropriate warning indicator symbol. This message must be noted by the driver and the cause rectified as soon as possible. Each message is indicated once for a maximum of 23 seconds. Warning messages are displayed in the message center until either the fault condition that caused the message has been rectified or the message is suppressed by using the menu control on the steering wheel. Warning messages can also be recalled by using the menu control. If a warning message has been suppressed the warning symbol will remain illuminated to indicate that a problem exists.
Priority Group 'P3' Information - This group displays messages which relate to fluid levels 'LOW WASHER FLUID' for example, or when an alert state is triggered when driving the vehicle. For example, canceling cruise control will display the message 'CRUISE CANCELLED'. Depending on the message, some are only displayed at the end of a journey to avoid irritation to the driver. Information messages are displayed for four seconds before extinguishing.
Information Message
The messages are displayed in a language applicable to the vehicle market configuration and can be changed using the instrument cluster menu. The following list shows the possible messages which can be displayed.
NOTE:
If the instruction given in the 'Action' column does not resolve the message display, use the Workshop Manual Diagnosis and Testing section for the applicable vehicle system to determine the fault and perform any additional action required.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
The ambient temperature is displayed in the right-hand position at the top of the message center. The temperature can be displayed in Fahrenheit or Centigrade and this is selectable by the driver using the instrument cluster menu.
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER
Trip Meter
The odometer is located in a central position at the bottom of the message center. In addition to displaying the total distance the vehicle has traveled. Short presses of the 'I' button, on the end of the 'left-hand' steering column multifunction switch will scroll through the following statistics:
- Odometer
- Trip distance
- Trip average speed
- Trip average fuel consumption
- Instantaneous, short term average, fuel consumption
- Range available from remaining fuel
- Blank display
There are three trip memories available: A, B and Auto. The instrument cluster menu is used to select which trip recording is displayed.
The Auto trip is always available and is reset each time the engine is started and the vehicle moves. Previous trips can be added to form a continuous trip recording by pressing and holding the trip button when the automatic trip information is displayed. The message center will confirm that the previous journey information has been added and pressing and holding the trip button for 1 second will add the data. The previous trip information can also be deleted by pressing and holding the trip button when the automatic trip information is displayed. The message center will confirm deletion of the previous journey data and pressing and holding the trip button for 1 second will delete the previous trip information.
Trip A and B can be reset by the driver at any time. When the required trip information is displayed, pressing and holding the trip button for 2 seconds will erase the previous trip information stored. Resetting trip A or B will not affect the other trip information, for example, if trip A is reset, trip B will retain its information until it is reset.
GEAR POSITION DISPLAY
Gear Position Display
The gear position shows the current selector position: P, R, N, D or S.
When the transmission is in manual 'CommandShift' mode, the display will show the currently selected gear S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 or S6.
The gear position is illuminated in response to 'CAN' bus messages from the TCM (transmission control module).
The instrument cluster has no control over the gear position display and obtains the information by monitoring the controlling CAN bus messages. If the instrument cluster detects ten incorrect CAN bus messages, 'TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG' is illuminated in the message center.
If a correct CAN bus message is received when the ignition is next switched on, the error is erased and the message removed.
SERVICE INTERVAL INDICATOR
A service interval message will automatically appear in the message center when a pre-determined distance or time before a scheduled service is reached. The kilometer or mileage countdown is controlled by the engine management system and is adjusted to allow for driving style and conditions to gauge when the appropriate service becomes necessary.
Service Interval Message
The service indicator displays information calculated by the ECM (engine control module) to the remaining distance to the next service based on the amount of fuel used since the last service interval indicator reset.
The ECM counts down the distance to engine service and the instrument cluster rounds this down to the nearest 50 miles. The fuel used based count down starts from 3200 miles displaying the required figure in the trip computer message center, for example 'Service Required in 1950 miles'.
When the ECM has calculated the distance to service is 0 miles, the ECM will request the instrument cluster to display 'Service Required' in the message center.
The ECM also monitors and calculates when the time to the next oil service is required, 'Service Required' is displayed in the message center. This message takes priority over the distance to service calculation.
The service information is displayed in the message center for 4 seconds at each ignition cycle. There is no minus figure if the service distance is exceeded, 'Service Required' is displayed until the ECM service counter is reset using an approved diagnostic system.