- Multiplexing (send multiple signals over shared wires)
- Wake up/sleep (runs at full power only on demand to reduce battery draw)
- Fail-safe (fixes or ignores faulty signals)
- Self-diagnosis (Mode 1 for the system, Mode 2 for input lines)
The system controls the function of these circuits:
- Entry light control
- Wiper/washer (including intermittent wiper)
- Interlock
- Keyless/power Door Lock
- Key - in reminder
To reduce the number of wire harnesses, digital signals are sent via shared multiplex communication lines rather than sending normal electrical signals through individual wires.
- The input signals from each switch are converted to digital signals at the central processing unit (CPU).
- The digital signals are sent from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit as serial signals.
- The transmitted signal is converted to a switch signal at the receiving unit and it operates the related component or monitors a switch.
- There are exclusive communication lines between the ECM/PCM and the gauge assembly.
Wake-up and Sleep
The multiplex control system has ''wake-up'' and ''sleep'' functions to decrease parasitic draw on the battery when the ignition switch is OFF.
- In the sleep mode, the multiplex control unit stops functioning (communication and CPU control) when it is not necessary for the system to operate.
- As soon as any operation is requested (for example, a door is unlocked), the related control unit in the sleep mode immediately wakes up and begins to function.
- When the ignition switch is turned OFF and the driver's or front passenger's door is opened, then closed, there is about a 10 second delay before the control unit goes from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode.
- If any door is open, the sleep mode will not function.
- If a key is in the ignition switch, the sleep mode will not function.
Fail-safe
To prevent improper operation, the multiplex control system has a fail-safe function. In the fail-safe mode, the output signal is fixed when any part of the system malfunctions (for example a faulty control unit or communication line).
Each control unit has a hardware fail-safe function that fixes the output signal when there is any CPU malfunction and a software fail-safe function that ignores the signal from the malfunctioning control unit and allows the system to operate normally.
