The combined rain sensor/light sensor is attached to the windshield, near the interior rear view mirror.
The ambient light sensor determines the general light intensity.
For this purpose, it detects the light over as wide an angle as possible, without taking the direction of incidence into account.
The front light sensor determines the light intensity directly in front of the vehicle.
Automatic headlamps
The low beams, side lamps, license plate lamps as well as the instrument cluster and instrument panel illumination are switched on automatically if all the following conditions are met:
- Ignition switch in the "II" or "III" position
- Light switch in the "AUTO" position
- Detected ambient light conditions below a stored threshold value
They are switched on or off by the GEM depending on the input signals of the combined rain sensor/light sensor.
If both the ambient light sensor and the front light sensor simultaneously detect a sudden reduction in light intensity then algorithm-based calculations are performed to determine that the vehicle has entered a tunnel, multi-storey car park or a long underpass.
In this type of case a request to switch on the exterior lights and the display lamps in the instrument cluster is transmitted to the GEM.
If the vehicle is suddenly thrown into the shade by a large truck, the two sensors will register different light intensities. In this case, the algorithm-based calculation will not result in the lights being switched on.
If the vehicle returns to brighter surroundings then the GEM gradually switches off the dipped beam headlamps, side lights, license plate lamps and the instrument cluster and dashboard lighting. Following a request from the light sensor, the GEM first switches off the dipped beam headlamps. After waiting approx. 6 seconds, it then switches off the side lights, the license plate lamps and the instrument cluster and dashboard lighting.
Headlamp switch-off delay
In vehicles with mid to high-end equipment, the headlamp switch-off delay uses the low beams and the peripheral lights (if equipped) for illuminating the vehicle surroundings. The function is activated by operating the high beam lever when the ignition switch is in the "0" position.
After the last door has been closed, the function remains active for a further 30 seconds and then switches off automatically.
When a door or the tailgate is open, the switch-off time is extended to 180 seconds. After the last door has been closed, the switch-off time is reset to 30 seconds.
The headlamp switch-off delay can be deactivated prematurely by operating the high beam lever again or by switching on the ignition.
The switch-off time is adjusted to set values at the factory and cannot be re-programmed using WDS.
Interior lighting
Depending on the vehicle specification, the interior lighting which is controlled by the GEM may include:
- Left and right-hand footwell lamps
- Front and rear dome lamps (in "door contact" switch position)
Depending upon vehicle specification, the interior lamps which can be switched by the operator include:
- Front and rear dome lamps (in "On" switch position)
- Map lights
- Mirror lights in sun visors
- Glove compartment lamp
- Luggage compartment lamp
The GEM-controlled interior lighting is switched on with dimmed brightness if one of the following conditions is satisfied:
- One of the vehicle's doors is opened.
- The ignition key is in the "0" or "I" position and the vehicle is unlocked.
- The ignition key is turned from the "II" to the "I" or "0" position.
The GEM-controlled interior lighting is switched off if all of the doors are closed and one of the following conditions is satisfied:
- 25 seconds have elapsed since the last door was closed.
- The ignition key is turned from the "0" or "I" to the "II" position.
- The ignition key is in the "0" or "I" position while the vehicle is locked.
The duration of the dimmer function is 1.7 seconds in both the switch-on and switch-off phases.
The dimmer function is not used if the interior lighting is switched off by the battery saving function after 30 minutes.
Heated windscreen
Heated rear window and heated external mirrors
The heated rear window and the heated exterior mirrors are switched on by the GEM under the following conditions:
- The heated rear window switch is operated, the ignition switch is in position "II" and the charge warning lamp is switched off.
- The "Defrost" function of the air conditioning has been activated, the ignition switch is in position "II" and the charge warning lamp is switched off.
On vehicles with door modules the GEM transmits the request signal for switching on the exterior mirror heating via the CAN bus to the door modules.
The heated rear window and the heated exterior mirrors are switched off by the GEM under the following conditions:
- More than 14 minutes have elapsed since the switch for the heated rear window was operated.
- The ignition switch is turned to the "0" or "I" position.
- While the heated rear window is switched on, the switch for the heated rear window is pressed or the "Defrost" function of the air conditioning is deactivated.
- The battery voltage has dropped below 10.3 V for more than 20 seconds (power management strategy). Manual requests for switching on the heated rear window by pressing the switch, are ignored at this time.
If the battery voltage returns to the normal range then the disabling of the heated rear window is cancelled - the heated rear window is then in a switched-off state.
On vehicles with door modules the GEM transmits the request signal for switching off the exterior mirror heating via the CAN bus to the door modules.
Windshield wash/wipe system
The windshield wash/wipe system will only operate if the ignition switch is in the position "I" or "II".
Four wipe functions are available: "Single Wipe", "Speed 1", "Speed 2" and "Intermittent Wipe" or "Automatic Wipe" (depending on the specification of the vehicle)".
In "Speed 1" or "Speed 2" mode, the wipers are operating continuously at either normal speed or fast speed.
When the intermittent wipe mode is switched on the windshield wipers operate at normal speed with the following wiper delays:
- Wiper delay 1: 1 second
- Wiper delay 2: 3.5 seconds
- Wiper delay 3: 6 seconds
- Wiper delay 4: 9.5 seconds
- Wiper delay 5: 15.5 seconds
- Wiper delay 6: 22 seconds
NOTE:In the event of a failure, the default time for the wiper delay is 3.5 seconds.
When the windshield washer switch is operated washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield. After a short delay designed to protect the wiper blades the wipers perform 2 or 3 wipes at low speed.
If when the windshield washer switch is activated the windshield wipers are switched off, a single wipe is performed 4 seconds after the wipers have returned to the home position after performing the 2 or 3 wipes.
If the wipers are set to intermittent wipe and the window washer switch is actuated, the wipes are only performed if no further wipe request has been selected via a shorter delay time within the 4-second delay time.
The post wipe function on the windshield ensures that any water remaining on the windshield after washing is wiped away. It is only required if the wipers are switched off or they are set to intermittent mode.
Rain sensor
CAUTION:The automatic wipe function must be switched off before the vehicle is taken through a car wash.
CAUTION:If the windshield is iced up, the wipers may only be activated by the rain sensor after the windshield has been completely defrosted.
NOTE:The rain sensor is an optical measuring instrument. Contamination such as oil, grease or dust impair its correct operation. Before switching on the automatic windshield wipers, the windshield must be clean in the area of the rain sensor.
The rain sensor is built into a housing which is mounted behind the rear view mirror on the windshield.
The photodiode emits an infrared light beam of known intensity; the emitted light exits through the lens and is reflected by the windshield.
The reflected light beam enters back through the lens and then reaches the photodiode. The corresponding value taken without moisture on the windshield is used as the reference value for the automatic calibration process.
Subsequent deviations from this value cause the windshield wipers to be switched on.
If rain lands on the windshield then the light reflected by the windshield has a lower intensity. This loss of intensity is registered by the photodiode and, proportionally to the loss of intensity, the module switches on the windshield wipers with the required wipe speed (in intermittent or continuous mode).
On vehicles built up to 07/2006 the wipers are only activated after switching on the automatic wipe function (wiper lever to intermittent position) when the water has been detected on the windshield by the rain sensor.
On vehicles built from 07/2006 a single confirmation wipe is performed after the automatic wipe function has been switched on.
It is not necessary to calibrate the rain sensor, as this has already been done at the factory.
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be changed by adjusting the control resistor for the intermittent mode of the windshield wipers.
- Adjusting ring position - wide symbol: High sensitivity
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The wipers wipe even if only a small amount of water has been measured on the windshield.
- Adjusting ring position - narrow symbol: Low sensitivity
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The wipers only wipe if a large amount of water has been measured on the windshield.
Rear window wash/wipe system
The rear window wash/wipe system will only operate if the ignition switch is in the position "II".
If the windshield wiper switch is in the "Off", "Intermittent mode" or "Automatic wipe" (no wiping or low speed) position, then the wipe interval of the rear window wiper is 10 seconds.
If the switch for the rear window washer is pressed, then washer fluid is sprayed onto the rear window, and the wiper operates continuously at low speed. When the switch is released the rear window wiper performs another 2-3 wipes.
If reverse gear is engaged and the windshield wiper switch is in the normal, high speed or automatic windshield wiper (wiping at high speed) position, the rear window wiper will operate continuously until the gearshift lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Headlamp washer system
The headlamp washer system will start to operate when the windshield washer function is activated if, at the same time, the light switch is set to "dipped beam" or the headlamps have been switched on by the "automatic headlamps" function. Electrical control is performed by the headlamp washer system relay which itself is controlled by the generic electronic module (GEM).
In order to prevent excessive water consumption, the headlamp washer system is only activated every fourth time the windshield wash/wipe switch is operated, provided the time elapsed since the first operation of the washer system does not exceed 10 minutes. If the windshield wash/wipe switch is activated again after 10 minutes the the headlamp washer system is activated and the time encoder is restarted.
If the wash water level warning lamp on the instrument cluster comes on because the wash water level in the washer reservoir is too low then the headlamp washer pump is no longer activated until the washer reservoir is topped up.
central door locking
Locking/unlocking – central locking
The central locking system locks all doors, the liftgate and the tank flap, so that none of these can be opened from the outside of the vehicle. The locking of the tank flap is linked to the locking/unlocking of the driver's door.
On vehicles with door modules in the front and rear doors, all door lock motors and door lock switches are controlled via the door locking modules. The signals from the door contact switches are forwarded directly to the GEM.
On vehicles without rear door modules the door lock motors are also directly actuated by the GEM.
Vehicles without rear door modules only have manually operated windows in the rear.
Vehicles with 4 door modules can be identified by the two-stage window regulator switches in the front and rear.
If one of the doors is not properly closed when the central locking function is performed then all doors are locked and unlocked again. This procedure is signaled acoustically.
The turn signal lamps flash twice when the vehicle has been successfully centrally locked.
Locking/unlocking – double locking
The double locking system locks all doors so that they cannot be opened from outside the vehicle. In addition to the central locking function, the double locking system also disconnects the door opening levers from the locking mechanism. This means that the doors can no longer be opened from inside the vehicle.
The double locking mechanism only works when the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
If the ignition key has been turned to position "I" then the vehicle is centrally locked but not double-locked.
If on a double-locked vehicle the corresponding ignition key is inserted into the ignition, the system switches over from double locking to central locking.
Double locking is not indicated by additional flashing of the turn signal lamps.
The turn signal lamps already flash twice after successful central locking.
Locking/unlocking – central unlocking
The central locking system unlocks all doors of the vehicle and the fuel filler flap.
If the vehicle has been configured for unlocking via the driver's door lock and the "unlocking" button on the remote control is only pressed once, then just the driver's door and the tank flap are unlocked.
If the "unlocking" button on the remote control is then pressed again within 3 seconds the remaining doors are unlocked via the central unlocking function.
If the vehicle was double locked beforehand, then the other doors are centrally locked, whereas the driver's door is unlocked.
Unlocking of the vehicle with the ignition switched off, is confirmed by one long flash of the turn signal lamps.
Locking/unlocking - automatic re-locking function
The automatic re-locking function returns the locking system of the vehicle to its last status if it was centrally locked or double locked and the following conditions are satisfied:
- The vehicle is unlocked via remote control.
- Neither a door nor the liftgate has been opened within 45 seconds.
- The ignition is not switched on.
Liftgate
The liftgate unlocking mechanism unlocks the liftgate if the ignition switch is either in position "0" or position "1" and one of the following conditions is met:
- The liftgate unlocking button on the outside of the vehicle is pressed, provided the vehicle has been unlocked either via the driver's door lock or centrally.
- The liftgate unlocking button on the remote control is pressed once (provided the vehicle has been configured for liftgate unlocking after a single press of the button on the remote control).
- The liftgate unlocking button on the remote control is pressed twice within 3 seconds (if the vehicle has not been configured for liftgate unlocking after a single press of the button on the remote control).
Smart Charge system
In addition to the familiar functions, the Smart Charge system also performs the following functions:
- Automatic deactivation of non-critical high power electrical consumers when the battery voltage is low in order to reduce the level of current drawn.
- Automatic activation of non-critical high power electrical consumers when the battery voltage is excessively high in order to protect components which are sensitive to increased voltages.
The battery charging current is optimized through continuous calculation of the battery temperature and monitoring of the alternator output voltage.
By receiving the forwarded alternator load signal, the PCM is given early warning whenever an electric consumer is switched on or off. This means that the PCM receives information about imminent changes in the torque drawn by the alternator. By evaluating this information the PCM can provide a higher level of idling stability.
The two remaining functions of the Smart Charge System are controlled by the GEM.
Electrical consumers are switched off due to low voltage when the GEM determines (on the basis of the message received from the PCM on the CAN bus via the instrument cluster) that the battery voltage has dropped below the threshold.
When the threshold for low battery voltage is reached the GEM automatically deactivates the following consumers - in this order and with a gap of 5 seconds between each:
- Electric booster heater (vehicles with diesel engines)
- Heated door mirror
- Heated rear window
- Heated windscreen
If the battery voltage rises back above the lower threshold then the GEM re-enables all of the electrical consumers which were previously disabled. They then have switched off status and must be switched back on by the driver.
Electrical consumers are switched on due to excessively high voltage if the GEM determines that the battery voltage is above the threshold for overvoltage and the charge control lamp has been switched on.
When the threshold is reached the GEM automatically activates the following consumers - in this order and with a gap of 5 seconds between each:
- Heated rear window
- Heated door mirror
- Electric booster heater (vehicles with diesel engines)
- Blower motor
If the battery voltage drops back below the threshold then the GEM automatically deactivates any consumers that were switched on. However, if they were switched on by the driver before the automatic activation, they will then be switched on again in turn with a 5-second time interval.
Ignition overload protection
The ignition overload protection intermittently disconnects certain circuits in order to restrict the current being drawn from the battery while the starter motor is operating.
The position of the ignition switch is transmitted by the instrument cluster on the MS CAN bus.
The ignition overload protection relay which is integrated in the battery junction box is activated by the GEM when the message "ignition switch position III" is received from the instrument cluster.
Electric window regulators
The ignition key must be in position "II" before the electric window regulators can be operated. The electric window regulator open or close the door windows when the switch is moved to the corresponding position.
The movement of the window glass stops when the window regulator button is released or when the ignition key is moved from position "II" to position "I", "III" or "0".
The driver door window can only be operated via the driver door switch; the other windows can be opened and closed via the driver door switch panel or the relevant door switch.
If the window in the front passenger door or in one of the rear doors is operated via the switch in the switch panel on the driver's door, the driver's door module receives the signal via a cable from the switch and forwards it on the CAN bus to the relevant door module, which then moves the corresponding window in the appropriate direction.
The disabling switch in the switch panel on the driver's door can be used to disable the window regulator switches in the rear doors.
Speed control
The GEM acts as the gateway for the signals of the speed control system. The signals which come from the switch unit in the steering wheel are converted in the steering wheel module and sent via the LIN bus to the GEM.
From there the message is sent on to the PCM via the HS CAN bus.
The PCM then adjusts the power output of the engine to maintain the selected vehicle speed.
Brake fluid level
If the brake fluid level is normal the brake fluid level switch is closed and sends a ground signal via cable to the GEM.
If the brake fluid level is below the threshold and the level switch opens for more than two seconds then the GEM generates a CAN signal which it sends to the instrument cluster.
Power management
The power management system offers various modes which can be used in different situations to ensure an effective power supply to individual modules.
The power management function is integrated in the GEM.
Four different vehicle modes are used depending on the operating status of the vehicle:
Factory mode:
- Factory mode is activated while the vehicle is in production. In this mode, power supply is reduced to a minimum by switching off relays. Once the vehicle leaves the factory the factory mode is deactivated, and transport mode is activated instead.
Transport mode:
- Transport mode is activated while the vehicle is en route from the factory to the dealer. In this mode, the vehicle can be driven without any adverse effects on vehicle safety.
- Individual modules and electrical systems (e.g. anti-theft alarm system, clock and remote control) are deactivated.
- This ensures that the battery is sufficiently charged when the vehicle is handed over to the customer.
If the engine is started while the vehicle is in transport mode then the transport mode is temporarily suspended. It is reactivated once the ignition is switched off.
Transport mode must be deactivated by the dealer. This is done when the ignition is switched off by pressing the brake pedal five times and the hazard flasher switch twice within 10 seconds.
When the transport mode is deactivated the GEM automatically changes into normal mode.
Normal mode:
- The full functionality of all electrical systems is available in normal mode.
Crash mode:
- Crash mode is activated as soon as the restraints control module (RCM) registers a sufficiently severe vehicle impact.
- The vehicle is then centrally unlocked if it was locked at the time of the crash.
- In addition the hazard warning lights are activated.
- Crash mode is deactivated if the ignition key is turned to position "0" and then back to position "II" after at least 500 ms. The hazard warning switch needs to be operated to deactivate the hazard warning lights.
PATS
The PATS function is integrated in the GEM. Correspondingly, the send/receive unit is directly connected to the GEM (previously it was connected to the powertrain control module (PCM)).
After reading in the key code (in ignition lock position "II"), a corresponding message is placed by the GEM on the HS CAN databus for the PCM.
The ABS module is queried at the same time.
Depending on the outcome of this query and the status of the key, the PCM then issues the start enable.
Central module configuration
Previously, modules in the vehicle have been configured with the aid of WDS and the "Module Programming" function (Inhale/Exhale). Here, the current status of each module is read into the WDS and then saved in the new module.
A new module configuration method, the so-called central module configuration, is used on Galaxy/SMax 2006.5 (02/2006-) vehicles.
Here, all of the necessary configuration parameters are stored in the GEM at the factory, and from there they are transmitted via the CAN bus network to the individual modules.
The WDS is equipped with a new routine for performing the central module configuration which is used to replace or subsequently change configuration data. Instead of reading the data into the WDS as was done in the past, they are transmitted by the GEM to the relevant module. WDS is only used to initiate and monitor the process.
For safety reasons all configuration data which are stored in the GEM are also stored in parallel in the instrument cluster. If the GEM then needs to be replaced, this means that the required configuration data can be read out from the instrument cluster with the aid of WDS and then transferred to the new GEM.
The GEM checks the configuration data for consistency and stores DTCs in the event of any faults (WDS trouble codes).
In the event of a fault the functionality of a particular module may be restricted.
When the GEM is replaced it is necessary to re-learn the keys for the remote control and for the PATS system. The procedure for doing this is the same as on the current vehicles.
VIN identification
During the VIN identification, the VIN is saved in individual modules at the factory.
As soon as a module is identified when the ignition is switched on (even after the battery has been disconnected), it can be operated without further inputs.
If no VIN or an invalid VIN is read in from a module then this is stored in a memory. Subsequently the functionality of the module may be restricted depending on its use.
Tire pressure monitoring system
The system comprises the following components:
- GEM
- Instrument cluster
- Control components
- 4 sensors with corresponding aerials
The GEM contains the entire control electronics for the tire pressure monitoring system, and it evaluates the input signals.
In addition, the GEM also holds the required configuration parameters (tire pressure tables for the relevant vehicle) which are needed for evaluation of the data.
In addition to the input signals which are part of the system, the GEM also processes the following signals for the evaluation:
- Vehicle speed signal
- Ambient air pressure
The information required for the display in the instrument cluster are transmitted by the GEM via the MS CAN databus to the instrument cluster.
The instrument cluster displays all of the information for the driver via the multifunction display and by means of an additional warning lamp (yellow/red).
The aerials are used to locate and initialize the tire pressure warning sensors. They are each located above a wheel arch trim panel and connected to the GEM via a shielded cable.
Recorded data are sent to the GEM once per minute.
If the vehicle is parked for a longer period of time then the tire pressure data are obtained in a 13-hour interval. After approximately 7 days the tire pressure warning sensors stop sending data to the GEM.
The system is equipped with a self-diagnosis function which is integrated in the GEM. Any fault codes which are present can be read out with the aid of WDS.
Climate control
Evaporator temperature.
On vehicles with air conditioning the evaporator temperature is measured via the evaporator temperature sensor. On vehicles with manual air conditioning the evaluation is performed by the GEM.
If a temperature below +1 °C is determined then the GEM sends a signal to the PCM via the HS CAN bus which then shuts off the air conditioning clutch. If the temperature is above +2.5 °C the GEM sends a signal to the PCM and the air conditioning clutch is switched back on again.
Electric booster heater
If the interior temperature is set to "HI" on the heater / air conditioning control assembly or the temperature control switch is set to its highest setting then the DEATC (electronic temperature control) module sends an "electric booster heater ON" request signal via the MS CAN bus to the GEM. If a manual air conditioning system is installed, the signal is transmitted via a conventional cable connection.
The GEM controls the electric booster heater according to the available alternator capacity.
In contrast to other Ford vehicles, there is no link to the coolant temperature or the ambient temperature.
The electric booster heater electronics activates three output stages depending on a pulse width modulated signal (PWM) generated by the GEM. The output stages switch the three heating elements of the electric booster heater ON or OFF individually, whereby the heating periods of the individual elements can overlap. Due to the variable switch-on duration, continuously variable temperature control is possible. The overall heating power of the three heating elements is linearly proportional to the PWM signal. If the PWM signal is below 10% or above 95%, the electric booster heater is not activated.
