Buick Encore: Displays and Gauges - Description and operation

Audible warnings description and operation

The audible warnings alert the driver of a system concern or a critical vehicle condition. The radio generates the audible warnings through the speakers. The radio receives audible warning requests via the serial data circuit. If the radio receives multiple audible warning requests, the warning with the highest priority sounds first. The radio is the chime producer. The following lists the audible warning sounds:

1. Single pulse gong
2. Multiple pulse gong
3. Single pulse beep
4. Multiple pulse beep
5. Click
6. Clack

Fasten Safety Belt Warning

The chime producer activates the fasten safety belt audible warning as requested by the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer indicating the chime as a multiple gong.

The fasten safety belt warning sounds and the fasten safety belt indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

• The ignition switch transitions to ON.
• The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) detects that the drivers seat belt is not buckled and the signal is low. The SDM sends a serial data message to the BCM indicating the seat belt status. The instrument cluster receives a serial data message from the BCM indicating the driver seat belt status.

If the seat belt is buckled when the ignition is turned ON, the chime does not sound. If the seat belt is buckled while the chime is sounding, the chime stops. If the seat belt is unbuckled after the initial transition to ON, the chime does not sound.

Lights On Warning

The chime producer activates the lights on warning as requested by the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer indicating the chime as a multiple gong. The lights on warning sounds when the following occurs:

• The ignition is OFF.
• The BCM determines that the driver door is open and the signal circuit is low.
• The BCM determines that the headlamp switch is in the park or head position.

Brake Warning

The chime producer activates the brake audible warning as requested by multiple control modules. The BCM, electronic brake control module or the parking brake control module sends a serial data message to the chime producer indicating the chime as a multiple gong. The brake warning sounds and the BRAKE indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

• The ignition is ON.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 8 km/h (4.9 MPH). The instrument cluster receives a serial data message from the engine control module (ECM) indicating the vehicle speed.
• The BCM determines that the parking brake is engaged and the signal circuit is low.
• The brake fluid is low.

Key-In-Ignition Warning

The chime producer activates the key-in-ignition audible warning as requested by the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer indicating the chime as a multiple gong. The key-in-ignition warning sounds when the following occurs:

• The ignition switch is OFF.
• The BCM determines that the driver door is open and the signal circuit is low.

Door Ajar Warning

The chime producer activates the door ajar audible warning as requested by the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer indicating the chime frequency of a medium rate and continuous duration.

The door ajar warning sounds and the appropriate door ajar indicator illuminates in the driver information center when the BCM determines that a door (driver door, passenger door, left rear door, right rear door) is open and the signal circuit is low. The instrument cluster also receives a serial data message from the BCM indicating the door ajar status.

Object Detection

The chime producer activates the object detection audible warning as requested by the object alarm module.

When an object is within the measuring range of the sensor, the ultrasonic pulse is reflected and is received by the sending or a neighboring sensor. The sensor converts this signal into a voltage signal and sends this signal to the object alarm module. The object alarm module evaluates the received sensor signals. As soon as an object is within the measuring range, the object alarm module sends a message via CAN-Bus to the chime producer in order to give out the acoustic distance signal. The measuring range is between 30-120 cm (11.81-47.24 in).

From a distance of 120 cm (47.24 in), the acoustic signal is active. The frequency of the beep sound increases with decreasing distance. From a distance less than 30 cm (11.81 in), the sound becomes continuous.

Additional Warnings

The following warnings have an associated instrument cluster indicator or driver information center message:

• Turn Signal Indicators-The chime producer activates the audible warning as requested by the BCM. The chime produces two different chimes, one when the turn signal turns off and another when the turn signal turns on.
• Vehicle Overspeed Message-The chime producer activates the audible warning as requested by the BCM.

  The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer.

• Fuel Level Low Message-The chime producer activates the audible warning as requested by the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer.
• Oil Pressure Indicator-The chime producer activates the audible warning as requested by the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer.
• Park Assist Fault Clean Rear Bumper Message-The chime producer activates the audible warning as requested by the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer.
• Tire Pressure Low Indicator-The chime producer activates the audible warning as requested by the BCM.

  The BCM sends a serial data message to the chime producer.

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation.

Compass calibration and magnetic variance (driver information center (DIC))

Compass Calibration

The compass direction will show CAL if it needs to be calibrated. Before calibrating the compass, drive the vehicle to an area that is magnetically clean (free of large metallic objects).

1. Turn ON the ignition.
2. Before calibrating the compass, make sure the compass is set to the variance zone in which the vehicle is travelling. See Compass Magnetic Variation Adjustment below.
3. Press the vehicle information button until the PRESS TO CALIBRATE COMPASS screen is displayed.
4. Press the set/reset button to start the compass calibration.
5. The DIC will display CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 8 km/h (5 mph) to complete the calibration. The DIC will display CALIBRATION COMPLETE when the calibration is complete.

Compass Magnetic Variation Adjustment

Compass variance is the difference between the earth's magnetic north and true geographic north. If not adjusted to account for compass variance, the compass in the vehicle could give false readings. Under certain circumstances, such as during a long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary to compensate for compass variance and reset the zone through the DIC.

Fig. 17: Illustrating Magnetic Variation Zones

1. Locate your geographic location. Refer to the variation zone map.
2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
3. Press the vehicle information button until PRESS TO CHANGE COMPASS ZONE displays on the DIC.
4. Press the set/reset button to scroll through and select the appropriate variance zone.
5. Navigate to one of the trip/fuel menu screens to view the direction the vehicle is moving. This will be shown in the top right corner of the DIC display.

If the compass needs to be calibrated, use the compass calibration procedure above.

DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER)

In the lower middle of the instrument cluster, an additional display is installed. Its task is to give additional information, such as an odometer, trip odometer, oil life percentage, or error codes/warning messages.

The driver information center is controlled by the stem switch on the face of the Instrument Cluster. The DIC display changes between odometer, trip odometer, oil life percentage, and Unit modes when the odometer trip reset stem on the instrument cluster is pressed. The trip odometer, oil life percentage, and Unit values are reset when the odometer trip reset stem on the instrument cluster is pressed and held.

Odometer

The instrument cluster displays the vehicle odometer in the driver information center. The ECM send a distance rolling count message on GMLAN to the body control module (BCM). The BCM uses this information to calculate the vehicle odometer. This odometer value is then sent to the instrument cluster on GMLAN. The instrument cluster does not calculate the odometer. The odometer displays miles or kilometers as selected in the Units menu.

The odometer value is stored in multiple modules. The instrument cluster is a secondary storage module for the odometer, while the BCM is the primary storage and accumulator.

In addition to storing the odometer value for the vehicle, the instrument cluster and the BCM store the VIN.

Software checks are performed to ensure these modules, and their stored odometer information, can not be move or transferred between different vehicles.

If the VINs do not match, the instrument cluster will go into an error mode and display "----" (dashes). If the VIN mismatch exists over a calibrated distance, the instrument cluster will "lock" the odometer display and only show dashes, even if the VIN mismatch is subsequently correct. The only way to clear or "unlock" the instrument cluster is to perform a BCM programming event using SPS.

DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (UPLEVEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER)

In the lower middle of the instrument cluster, an additional display is installed. Its task is to give additional information, such as an odometer or error codes/warning messages. Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation.

There are 4 or 5 switch functions for the driver information center:

• Menu
• Set/Clear
• Up
• Down
• Odometer Trip Reset Stem (if equipped)

Menu

The Menu switch is used to navigate between the Vehicle Information Menu and the Trip/Fuel Information Menu. Cycle through the following vehicle parameters by successive pressing of the Menu switch.

Up and Down

The Up and the Down switches are used to navigate within the menus. Cycle through the following menu parameters by successive pressing of the Down switch.

Vehicle Information Menu

• Units Menu
• Speed Warning

Trip/Fuel Information Menu

• Trip A
• Fuel Range
• Average Fuel Economy
• Instantaneous Fuel Economy
• Average Vehicle Speed

Set/Clear

The Set/Clear switch is used to reset or enter various displays such as the oil life percentage, fuel economy, etc.

Odometer Trip Reset Stem (if equipped)

The Odometer Trip Reset Stem switch is used to reset the trip odometer and to change the display from odometer to trip odometer.

Trip A

The trip odometer can be accessed through the driver information center switch Up/Down function.

Trip Display

Fuel Range

This message indicates the estimated distance that the vehicle can travel under the current fuel economy and fuel level conditions since the last battery connection to the instrument cluster. Fuel Range is calculated using the equation: Fuel Range = Range Distance/Range Fuel Used.

• Range Distance = The accumulated distance travelled since the last reset of this value.
• Fuel Used = The accumulated fuel delivered since the last reset of this value

The engine control module (ECM) sends the fuel range value to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster receives a serial data message with fuel information. The fuel range value is retained during ignition OFF and can be changed between Europe-SI, USA and GB units by accessing the driver information center Units menu.

The Fuel Range display cannot be reset. LOW is displayed when fuel range is below a predetermined value.

Average Fuel Economy

Average fuel economy is calculated using the equation: Average Fuel Economy = Distance/Fuel

• Distance = The accumulated distance travelled since the last reset of this value
• Fuel = The accumulated fuel consumption since the last reset of this value

The ECM sends the average fuel economy serial data message to the instrument cluster. The value of this mode is retained during ignition OFF and can be changed between English units and metric units by selecting from the driver information center options menu.

Instantaneous Fuel Economy

The ECM sends the instantaneous fuel economy serial data message to the instrument cluster. The value of this mode can be changed between English units and metric units by selecting from the driver information center options menu.

Average Vehicle Speed

Average speed is calculated using the equation: Average Speed = Average Speed Distance/Average Speed Time

• Distance = The accumulated distance travelled since the last reset of this value
• Ignition ON = The accumulated ignition on time since the last reset of this value

Outside Air Temperature

On vehicles with radio delete, the outside air temperature is displayed on the driver information center. On vehicles with a radio, the outside air temperature is displayed on the center stack display screen. The outside air temperature sensor is wired directly to the instrument cluster. The sensor is varies it's resistance with temperature. The instrument cluster reads the resistance value to determine temperature. The time of and rate of the temperature update is based on an algorithm in the cluster software. Factors such as, last reading, current reading, length of time vehicle is been off/on, power mode, vehicle speed, driven distance, and sensor location are all considered by the cluster to know when to update the displayed temperature. For example, if the sensor is located near the engine compartment, and the vehicle has been turned off for only 10 minutes then restarted, the cluster will wait until the vehicle is driven to get more accurate air flow across the sensor before it updates the display.

Units Menu

The unit mode is used to toggle between Europe-SI, USA and GB units and can be accessed through the driver information center Menu switch and the driver information center Set/Reset switch.

Compass (w/ UE1)

The vehicle may have a compass display on the Driver Information Center. The compass receives its heading and other information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. If applicable, the GPS antenna is located with the telematics communication interface control module.

Odometer

The instrument cluster displays the vehicle odometer in the driver information center. The ECM send a distance rolling count message on GMLAN to the body control module (BCM). The BCM uses this information to calculate the vehicle odometer. This odometer value is then sent to the instrument cluster on GMLAN. The instrument cluster does not calculate the odometer. The odometer displays miles or kilometers as selected in the Units menu.

The odometer value is stored in multiple modules. The instrument cluster is a secondary storage module for the odometer, while the BCM is the primary storage and accumulator.

In addition to storing the odometer value for the vehicle, the instrument cluster and the BCM store the VIN.

Software checks are performed to ensure these modules, and their stored odometer information, can not be move or transferred between different vehicles.

If the VINs do not match, the instrument cluster will go into an error mode and display "----" (dashes). If the VIN mismatch exists over a calibrated distance, the instrument cluster will "lock" the odometer display and only show dashes, even if the VIN mismatch is subsequently correct. The only way to clear or "unlock" the instrument cluster is to perform a BCM programming event using SPS.

Language

The driver information center is capable of displaying in different languages, corresponding to the radio language settings. The instrument cluster receives a serial data message with language information from the radio. This message is only sent one time, after a new language is selected. To set the language, see the owners manual.

INDICATOR/WARNING MESSAGE DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

INDICATOR LIGHT ON

Refer to the OWNER'S MANUAL for the descriptions and explanations of all indicator lights.

For diagnosis and repair information related to an indicator light refer to the System Diagnosis and the Description of Operation that the message relates to.

MESSAGE DISPLAYED

Refer to the OWNER'S MANUAL for descriptions and explanations of all messages displayed.

For diagnosis and repair information related to a displayed message refer to the System Diagnosis and the Description of Operation that the message relates to.

CHANGE TIMING BELT MESSAGE

The Instrument Cluster monitors the odometer mileage to determine when timing belt (if equipped) replacement may be necessary. After the vehicle has accumulated approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers), the Instrument Cluster may display the CHANGE TIMING BELT message. After the engine timing belt has been replaced, reset the CHANGE TIMING BELT message by locating and removing the fuses that supply power to the Instrument Cluster for two minutes.

BRAKES OVERHEATED

The Electronic Brake Control Module monitors brake usage and compares it to an internal thermal model to determine if the brakes could become overheated. If the Electronic Brake Control Module determines the brakes pads have exceeded a desirable temperature based on the thermal model, it sends a serial data message to the Instrument Cluster to display the BRAKES OVERHEATED message. The message remains displayed until the estimated temperature returns to a desirable range.

Transmission Shift Lever Position Indicator

The Transmission Shift Lever Position Indicator (if equipped) is located on the center console and indicates the current transmission shift lever position. The Transmission Shift Lever Position Indicator receives power and ground and is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM) via serial data. The Transmission Control Module determines transmission shift lever position based on signals from the Transmission Internal Mode Switch and sends the shift lever position information to the BCM via serial data.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

Displays and Gauges Block Diagram

Fig. 18: Displays and Gauges Block Diagram

Displays Test

Certain instrument cluster features are tested when the ignition is turned on in order to verify the features are working properly. The following occurs when the ignition is turned on:

• The ABS indicator illuminates briefly.
• The airbag indicator illuminates briefly.
• The battery indicator illuminates briefly.
• The brake indicator illuminates briefly.
• The door ajar indicator illuminates briefly.
• The fuel level low indicator illuminates briefly.
• The oil pressure low indicator illuminates briefly.
• The park assist service indicator illuminates briefly.
• The press clutch indicator illuminates briefly.
• The security indicator illuminates briefly.
• The service vehicle soon indicator illuminates briefly.
• The vehicle dynamic caution service indicator illuminates briefly.
• The vehicle dynamics caution off indicator illuminates briefly.

Indicators and Warning Messages

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (if equipped)

The instrument cluster displays the engine coolant temperature as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM sends the engine coolant temperature information via a High Speed CAN-Bus signal to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then sends the information via a Low Speed CAN-Bus signal to the instrument cluster to display the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature gauge defaults to 40ºC (104ºF) or below if:

• The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit.
• The BCM detects a loss of serial data communications with the ECM.
• The instrument cluster detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

Fuel Level Gauge

The instrument cluster displays the fuel level based on the information from the ECM. The ECM converts the data from the fuel level sensors to a fuel level signal. The ECM sends the fuel level signal via a High Speed CAN-Bus signal to the BCM. The BCM then sends the information via a Low Speed CAN-Bus signal to the instrument cluster to display the fuel level. If the fuel level falls under 11% the instrument cluster switches on the low fuel level indicator. The fuel gauge defaults to empty if:

• The ECM detects a malfunction in the fuel level sensor circuit.
• The BCM detects a loss of serial data communications with the ECM.
• The instrument cluster detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

Speedometer

The instrument cluster displays the vehicle speed based on the information from the ECM. The ECM sends the vehicle speed information via a High Speed CAN-Bus signal to the BCM. The BCM then sends the vehicle speed information via a Low Speed CAN-Bus signal to the instrument cluster in order to display the vehicle speed, either in kilometers or miles, based on the vehicle requirements. The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h (0 MPH) if:

• The BCM detects a loss of serial data communications with the ECM.
• The instrument cluster detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

Tachometer (if equipped)

The instrument cluster displays the engine speed based on the information from the ECM. The ECM converts the data from the engine speed sensor to an engine revolution signal. The ECM sends the engine speed information via a High Speed CAN-Bus signal to the BCM. The BCM then sends the information via a Low Speed CAN-Bus signal to the instrument cluster to display the engine speed. The tachometer defaults to 0 RPM if:

• The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine speed sensor circuit.
• The BCM detects a loss of serial data communications with the ECM.
• The instrument cluster detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

Driver Information Center Display

In the lower middle of the instrument cluster, an additional display is installed. Its task is to give additional information, such as an odometer or error codes. This part of the instrument cluster is available in 4 different variants, mostly depending on the assembled engine. For further information refer to Driver Information Center (DIC) Description and Operation (base Instrument Cluster), Driver Information Center (DIC) Description and Operation (uplevel Instrument Cluster).

READ NEXT: