Section 88 (Chime Warning System): Description
A chime warning system is standard factory-installed equipment. The chime warning system uses a single chime tone generator that is soldered onto the electronic circuit board inside to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) to provide audible indications of various vehicle conditions that may require the attention of the vehicle operator or occupants (Fig 1 ). The microprocessor-based EMIC utilizes electronic chime request messages received from other modules in the vehicle over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network along with hard wired inputs to the cluster to monitor many sensors and switches throughout the vehicle. In response to those inputs, the circuitry and internal programming of the EMIC allow it to control audible outputs that are produced through Its on-board chime tone generator.
The EMIC circuitry and its chime tone generator are capable of producing each of the four following audible outputs:
- Fixed Duration Beep - A short, sharp, single tactile "beep-like" tone that is about 150 milliseconds in duration.
- Single Chime Tone - A single "bong-like" chime tone.
- Slow Rate Repetitive Chime - Repeated chime tones that are issued at a slow rate of about 50 "bong-like" tones per minute.
- Fast Rate Repetitive Chime - Repeated chime tones that are issued at a fast rate of about 180 "bong-like" tones per minute.
Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC and the various chime warning system switch and- sensor inputs to their modules and to each other through the electrical system of the vehicle: Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The EMIC chime warning system and integral chime tone generator cannot be adjusted or repaired. If the EMIC or the chime tone generator are damaged or faulty, the EMIC unit must be replaced.