Information Center Ford Five Hundred I

Information And Message Center

The message center is a green vacuum fluorescent, fixed format display that is integrated into the center of the instrument cluster. The message center functions are controlled by the message center switches. The message center displays important vehicle information by constantly monitoring different vehicle systems. The message center displays a warning message pertaining to the system in which a fault has been detected. Refer to the Owner's Literature for operating instructions.

Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS (Montego), SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS (Five Hundred), or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS (Freestyle) for schematic and connector information.

Special Tool(s)

SPECIAL TOOL 73III Autimotive Meter 105-R0057 or equivalent Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) with appropriate adapters, or equivalent diagnostic tool

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Principles of Operation

The message center is a vacuum fluorescent display, which is part of the instrument cluster. The message center electronic functions use both hardwired and controller area network (CAN) circuits to transmit and receive information. As a technician it is very important to understand

1. where the input (command) originates from.
2. all the information (messages) necessary in order for a feature to operate.
3. which module(s) receive(s) the input or command message.
4. does the module which received the input (message) control the output of the feature, or does it output a message over the CAN circuits to another module.
5. which module controls the output of the feature.

The message center provides the following features

1. information displays
2. setup displays
3. warning messages
4. system check messages

The message center information can be selected through a set of 3 buttons

1. SET
2. INFO
3. RESET

The message center buttons are located on the steering wheel assembly, behind the steering wheel audio control buttons. For additional information on removal and installation, refer to AUDIO UNIT .

Information Displays

The information displays are non-timed modes. The selected mode remains on until the driver presses a message center button to change the mode or it is overridden by another mode. The information display modes are

1. odometer/trip odometer
2. distance to empty
3. average fuel economy
4. fuel used
5. trip elapsed drive time
6. compass

For additional information regarding the odometer and trip odometer, refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .

System Check

Selecting this function from the SETUP menu causes the message center to cycle through each of the systems being monitored. For each of the monitored systems, the message center indicates either an OK message or a warning message for 2 to 4 seconds. The system check report is as follows

1. OIL LIFE STATUS/RESET
2. DOOR AJAR STATUS
3. DRIVER DOOR AJAR STATUS
4. PASSENGER DOOR AJAR STATUS
5. LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR STATUS
6. RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR STATUS
7. LIFTGATE AJAR STATUS
8. TRUNK AJAR STATUS
9. ENGINE TEMP
10. CHARGING SYSTEM
11. BRAKE SYSTEM
12. PARK BRAKE STATUS
13. OIL PRESSURE STATUS
14. WASHER FLUID LEVEL STATUS
15. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
16. COOLANT LEVEL STATUS
17. TRANSMISSION STATUS
18. TRACTION CONTROL
19. ADV TRAC SYSTEM STATUS
20. AWD SYSTEM STATUS
21. FUEL LEVEL STATUS
22. DTE STATUS

Warning Messages

The warning messages are single cycle, non-resettable and repetitive. The single cycle warning messages display once whenever the ignition switch is turned to the ON position or a fault occurs in a system, and can be cleared by pressing the RESET button.

The signal cycle warning messages are

1. LIFTGATE AJAR
2. TRUNK AJAR
3. CHECK ENGINE
4. CHECK TRACTION CONTROL
5. FUEL GAUGE Op 1/2 to E Only
6. LOW COOLANT LEVEL
7. OIL LIFE 0%, CHANGE OIL
8. OIL LIFE XX%, CHANGE SOON
9. LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
10. LOW WASHER FLUID
11. TURN SIGNAL ON

The repetitive warning messages are displayed at a fixed interval whenever the ignition switch is turned to ON or is in the ACC position. To remove a repetitive warning message, press the RESET button. The message reoccurs after 10 minutes or until the warning condition is corrected.

The repetitive warning messages are

1. CHECK ENGINE TEMP
2. CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM
3. ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE
4. TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED
5. AWD MALFUNCTION
6. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
7. CHECK TRANSMISSION
8. LOW FUEL LEVEL
9. OIL PRESSURE LOW
10. CHECK FUEL CAP

The non-resettable warning messages display whenever the ignition switch is turned to ON and a fault occurs in a system. The fault must be corrected to clear the non-resettable warning messages.

The non-resettable warning messages is

1. DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR
2. PASSENGER'S DOOR AJAR
3. LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
4. RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
5. PARK BRAKE ENGAGED

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage. VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical Fuel tank Low engine coolant level Accessory drive belt Low engine oil level Low brake fluid level Low washer fluid level Tires Smart junction box (SJB) fuse(s): 7 (7.5A) 20 (7.5A) 23 (7.5A) Instrument cluster Switches or sensors Circuitry
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
4. If the concern is not visually evident, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle: check that the program card is correctly installed. check the connections to the vehicle. check the ignition switch position.
5. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool operating manual.
6. Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with: CAN circuit fault; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to «MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/communication-devices/#module-communications-network-system) . No response/not equipped for the instrument cluster, refer to «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instrument-cluster-system) . System passed, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs, and carry out self-test diagnostics for the instrument cluster.
7. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, refer to the «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__instrument-cluster-diagnostic-trouble-code-dtc) .
8. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__symptom-chart) .

Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX

Note. For a complete master list of instrument cluster DTCs, refer to MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES .

Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM CHART

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Scheme 119

Normal Operation

The message center display is located in the center of the instrument cluster. The message center functionality is controlled through the message center switches, which is hardwired to the instrument cluster through circuit 1411 (GY/OG). The message center switches uses a different resistance value for each switch, allowing the instrument cluster to determine which switch is pressed.

Possible Causes

1. instrument cluster

Testing

1. A1 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAY OPERATION USING THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL Key in ON position. Enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool: Instrument Cluster Active command. Select the instrument cluster display segment control active command and trigger the display segments active command on. Observe the message center display. Does the message center display illuminate all segments? Yes : The system is OK. If the SET, INFO or RESET buttons are inoperative, GO to «PINPOINT TEST D»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center) . No : GO to A2.
2. A2 CHECK FOR CORRECT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION Disconnect the instrument cluster connector. Check for: corrosion pushed-out pins Connect the instrument cluster connector and make sure it seats correctly. Operate the system and verify the concern is still present. Is the concern still present? Yes : INSTALL a new instrument cluster. REFER to «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instrument-cluster-system) . TEST the system for normal operation. No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.

The compass sensor module receives power from circuit 1004 (LB/RD) and is grounded through circuit 1203 (BK/LB). The compass sensor module communicates vehicle direction to the instrument cluster to be displayed in the message center. The compass sensor module utilizes circuit 702 (WH/BK) and circuit 703 (WH/OG) to communicate to the instrument cluster.

1. circuit 1004 (LB/RD) open
2. circuit 1203 (BK/LB) open
3. circuit 702 (WH/BK) open or short to ground
4. circuit 703 (WH/OG) open or short to ground
5. compass sensor module

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Scheme 123

1. B1 CHECK CIRCUIT 1004 (LB/RD) FOR VOLTAGE Key in OFF position. Disconnect: Compass Sensor Module C909. Key in ON position. Measure the voltage between the compass sensor module C909-3, circuit 1004 (LB/RD), harness side and ground. Is the voltage greater than 10 volts? Yes : GO to B2. No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
2. B2 CHECK CIRCUIT 1203 (BK/LB) FOR AN OPEN Key in OFF position. Measure the resistance between the compass sensor module C909-4, circuit 1203 (BK/LB), harness side and ground. Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes : GO to B3. No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
3. B3 CHECK CIRCUIT 703 (WH/OG) FOR AN OPEN AND A SHORT TO GROUND Disconnect: Instrument Cluster C220. Measure the resistance between the compass sensor module C909-2, circuit 703 (WH/OG), harness side and the instrument cluster C220-1C, circuit 703 (WH/OG), harness side; and between the compass sensor module C909-2, circuit 703 (WH/OG), harness side and ground. Is the resistance less than 5 ohms between the compass sensor module and the instrument cluster, and greater than 10,000 ohms between the compass sensor module and ground? Yes : GO to B4. No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
4. B4 CHECK CIRCUIT 702 (WH/BK) FOR AN OPEN AND A SHORT TO GROUND Measure the resistance between the compass sensor module C909-1, circuit 702 (WH/BK), harness side and the instrument cluster C220-12, circuit 702 (WH/BK), harness side; and between the compass sensor module C909-1, circuit 702 (WH/BK), harness side and ground. Is the resistance less than 5 ohms between the compass sensor module and the instrument cluster, and greater than 10,000 ohms between the compass sensor module and ground? Yes : INSTALL a new compass sensor module. SET the zone. REFER to «COMPASS ZONE ADJUSTMENT»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-zone-adjustment) . CALIBRATE the compass. REFER to «COMPASS CALIBRATION»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-calibration) . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.

The compass sensor module communicates the vehicle direction to the instrument cluster to be displayed in the message center.

1. vehicle is magnetized
2. compass sensor module

PINPOINT TEST C: THE COMPASS IS INACCURATE

1. C1 CHECK THE COMPASS ZONE SETTING AND CALIBRATION Demagnetize the vehicle. Refer to «VEHICLE DEMAGNETIZING»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__vehicle-demagnetizing) . Does the compass calibrate correctly? Yes : GO to C2. No : INSTALL a new compass sensor module. SET the zone. REFER to «COMPASS ZONE ADJUSTMENT»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-zone-adjustment) . CALIBRATE the compass. REFER to «COMPASS CALIBRATION»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-calibration) . TEST the system for normal operation.
2. C2 CHECK COMPASS ACCURACY Position the vehicle and observe the compass display as follows: COMPASS DIRECTION - DISPLAY Direction Compass Display North N Northeast NE East E Southeast SE South S Southwest SW West W Northwest NW Does the compass display as indicated? Yes : The compass is OK. The concern may have been caused by a magnetized vehicle. No : INSTALL a new compass sensor module. SET the zone. REFER to «COMPASS ZONE ADJUSTMENT»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-zone-adjustment) . CALIBRATE the compass. REFER to «COMPASS CALIBRATION»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-calibration) . TEST the system for normal operation.

The message center switch assembly uses circuit 1411 (GY/OG) to communicate the requested switch function to the message center.

1. circuit 1411 (GY/OG) open, short to ground, or short to voltage
2. clockspring
3. steering wheel control switch harness
4. message center switch assembly
5. instrument cluster

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1. D1 CHECK THE STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS FOR CORRECT OPERATION Key in ON position. Operate the steering wheel audio controls. Do the steering wheel audio controls operate correctly? Yes : GO to D2. No : REFER to «ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/entertainment-systems/#entertainment-system-general-information) to continue diagnosis of the steering wheel audio controls.
2. D2 CHECK CIRCUIT 1411 (GY/OG) FOR OPEN AND A SHORT TO GROUND Key in OFF position. Disconnect: Instrument Cluster C220. Disconnect: Clockspring C2274b. Measure the resistance between the instrument cluster C220-8, circuit 1411 (GY/OG), harness side and the clockspring C2274b-2, circuit 1411 (GY/OG), harness side; and between the instrument cluster C220-8, circuit 1411 (GY/OG), harness side and ground. Is the resistance less than 5 ohms between the instrument cluster and the clockspring, and greater than 10,000 ohms between the instrument cluster and ground? Yes : GO to D3. No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
3. D3 CHECK CIRCUIT 1411 (GY/OG) FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE Key in ON position. Measure the voltage between the instrument cluster C220-8, circuit 1411 (GY/OG), harness side and ground. Is any voltage present? Yes : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. No : GO to D4.
4. D4 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER SWITCH CIRCUIT Key in OFF position. Connect: Clockspring C2274b. Measure the resistance between the instrument cluster harness side, and ground while pressing the message center switches as follows: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONNECTOR-PIN - RESISTANCE SPECIFICATION Instrument Cluster Connector-Pin Message Center Switch Resistance Reading C220-8 No switches pressed 7.315K-7.685K Ohms C220-8 INFO 1.350K-2.250K C220-8 SETUP 103-163 C220-8 RESET 510-731 Are the resistance values within the specifications? Yes : GO to D7 . No : GO to D5.
5. D5 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER SWITCHES Remove the driver air bag module. Refer to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) . Disconnect: Upper Clockspring 6-Pin Connector. Measure the resistance between the upper clockspring 6-pin connector harness side, and ground while pressing the message center switches as follows: UPPER CLOCKSPRING 6-PIN - RESISTANCE SPECIFICATION Upper Clockspring 6-Pin Connector-Pin Message Center Switch Resistance Reading Upper clockspring 6-pin connector pin 2 - 7.315K-7.685K Ohms Upper clockspring 6-pin connector pin 2 INFO 1.350K-2.250K Upper clockspring 6-pin connector pin 2 SETUP 103-163 Upper clockspring 6-pin connector pin 2 RESET 510-731 Are the resistance values within the specifications? Yes : INSTALL a new clockspring. REFER to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) . INSTALL the driver air bag module. REFER to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. No : GO to D6.
6. D6 CHECK STEERING WHEEL CONTROL SWITCH HARNESS Check the steering wheel control switch harness for opens or shorts. Is the steering wheel control switch harness OK? Yes : INSTALL a new message center switch assembly. REFER to «AUDIO UNIT»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/entertainment-systems/#audio-unit-system) . INSTALL the driver air bag module. REFER to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering wheel control switch harness. INSTALL the driver air bag module. REFER to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
7. D7 CHECK FOR CORRECT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION Disconnect all the instrument cluster connectors. Check for: corrosion pushed-out pins Connect all the instrument cluster connectors and make sure they seat correctly. Operate the system and verify the concern is still present. Is the concern still present? Yes : INSTALL a new instrument cluster. REFER to «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instrument-cluster-system) . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. INSTALL the driver air bag module. REFER To «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.

Vehicle Demagnetizing

Note. The demagnetizing process requires the use of a demagnetizing coil commonly used by television repair technicians to demagnetize television tubes.

Note. To demagnetize, use a constant circular motion over the vehicle roof. Do not turn off the demagnetizer while sweeping the vehicle roof to prevent remagnetizing ferrous materials contained in the vehicle.

Note. During the demagnetizing process, make sure the phenolic surface of the tool (the side opposite the handle) is closest to the vehicle surface.

1. Demagnetize the front third of the vehicle roof. Turn on the demagnetizer at least 1 m (3 ft) away from the vehicle. Holding the demagnetizer no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) from the vehicle roof and starting on the passenger side, demagnetize the front third of the vehicle roof closest to the windshield using a constant circular motion. Keep the circle radius within 30 cm (12 in) while sweeping across the entire surface of the vehicle roof closest to the windshield. Continue the circular motion 4 times. After the fourth pass and without stopping, move the demagnetizer at least 1 m (3 ft) away from the vehicle. Turn the demagnetizer off.
2. Carry out the Compass Zone Adjustment procedure. Refer to «COMPASS ZONE ADJUSTMENT»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-zone-adjustment) .
3. Carry out the Compass Calibration Adjustment procedure. Refer to «COMPASS CALIBRATION»(/ford/five-hundred/i-2004-2007/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#information-center__compass-calibration) .

Compass Zone Adjustment

1. Determine which magnetic zone you are in for your geographic location.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Press the message center switch INFO button until the compass information is displayed.
4. Press the RESET button until RESET FOR ZONE is displayed in the message center display.
5. Press the RESET button until SETUP ZONE XX is displayed in the message center display.
6. Press the SETUP button repeatedly until the correct zone setting for your geographic location is displayed.
7. Press the RESET button to exit the zone setting mode and lock your individual zone.

Compass Calibration

1. Start the vehicle.
2. Press the INFO button repeatedly until the compass and odometer are displayed in the message center.
3. Drive the vehicle in circles up to 3 times until the message CALIBRATION COMPLETED appears and 1 of the 8 valid headings (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) is displayed.
4. Drive the vehicle in at least 1 circle to verify that the calibration process has taken place, confirming that the heading changes accordingly. If this happens, the compass has been calibrated successfully. Otherwise, if the display shows only 1 heading as the vehicle is driven, repeat the procedure from step 2 .

See also:
• AUDIO UNIT
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
• MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
• MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES
• ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION
• SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX
• SYMPTOM CHART
• PINPOINT TEST D
• PINPOINT TEST C
• COMPASS ZONE ADJUSTMENT
• COMPASS CALIBRATION
• VEHICLE DEMAGNETIZING