Climate Control System Network Communication

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The controls for the climate control system are in 1 or more locations depending on vehicle option content:

FCIM
IPC (if equipped with steering wheel controls)
FDIM (part of APIM )

When the FDIM touchscreen or voice commands are used, the APIM sends a function request message over the I-CAN to the FCIM .

When the IPC steering wheel controls are used, the IPC sends a function request message over the I-CAN to the FCIM .

The FCIM receives the climate control selections from pressing the buttons on its own controls (interface), the APIM or IPC and sends the requests to the HVAC module in the following message path:

The FCIM sends the requests over the I-CAN to the IPC .
The IPC then relays the requests to BCM over the HS-CAN .
Lastly, the BCM then sends the requests to the HVAC module over the MS-CAN .

The messaging path is followed in reverse for any status updates that need to be sent from the HVAC module to the FCIM , then, if applicable, to the IPC or FDIM (through the APIM ).

When an airflow mode, fresh air or RECIRC mode, temperature setting or blower speed is selected, the FCIM sends this selection to the HVAC module using the message path described above.

When A/C is selected, the FCIM sends the selection to the HVAC module using the message path described above. If the ambient temperature is sufficient, the HVAC module then sends the request to the BCM over the MS-CAN . The BCM then sends the request to the PCM over the HS-CAN .