Cycle Outputs

A scan tool may be used to command IPC functions ON and OFF without the need for input information from other systems. This can be very helpful in determining if a certain portion of a circuit or component is in working order. Using a scan tool, select the IPC special functions from the scan tool menu. The status of the output being cycled will be shown on the scan tool's display screen. The telltales/indicator can be cycled to turn ON and OFF or gauges may be commanded to a specific position by using the scan tool output control function. Using the IPC output function and the oil pressure gauge as an example, commanding the oil pressure gauge to a specific position can indicate whether oil pressure gauge itself is operating correctly. It also can determine if the IPC internal circuitry is able to operate the oil pressure gauge. If, for example, the IPC unable to respond to the scan tool's request to command the oil pressure gauge to a specific position, then a malfunction may present in the gauge or the IPC itself. If the IPC is able to properly control the oil pressure gauge with the scan tool, but the oil pressure gauge still does not function properly, there is a good possibility that the problem lies with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) not able to sent the IPC the correct oil pressure data. This example can be applied to an indicator malfunction or other warning messages displayed as well as other IPC malfunctions.