SECTION 415-00C: Information and Entertainment Systems — Sony® Sound 8-Inch (203 mm) Touchscreen, 12 Speakers
2014 Flex Workshop Manual
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Procedure revision date: 05/02/2013

Information and Entertainment System

 

Component Location



Item Description Comments
1 Front Display Interface Module (FDIM) -
2 Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM) -
3 Speaker - instrument panel -
4 Microphone - SYNC® -
5 Global Positioning System Module (GPSM) -
6 Antenna - satellite radio -
7 Subwoofer -
8 Audio Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module -
9 Speaker - D-pillar -
10 Antenna cable - satellite radio, AM/FM -
11 Speaker - rear door -
12 Media hub -
13 Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable -
14 Speaker - front door -
15 Audio Front Control Module (ACM) -
16 Speaker - A-pillar -
17 Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) -

 

Overview

The audio system consists of a 12 speaker system (the rear door speakers are composed of 2 speakers) with an AM/FM single CD ACM , 8-inch (203 mm) touchscreen FDIM , Sony® branded FCIM , audio DSP module, steering wheel controls, SYNC® with media hub, optional navigation, optional satellite radio and HD Radio®.

The SYNC® system is a hands-free communication and entertainment system that provides the ability to:

While SYNC® supports many features, not all features are available with every phone. For example, text messaging is supported by SYNC®, but not available with most phones.

In addition to entertainment system control, the operator can also control the climate control system, the ambient lighting system, and several other vehicle systems using either the touchscreen or voice controls.

Refer to the Owner's Literature for information on SYNC®.

 

System Operation

System Diagram

Network Message Chart

 Module Network Input Messages — ACM

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
Day/night status BCM Used for day/night illumination status for the audio system.
FCIM button state FCIM Indicates when a button is pressed on the FCIM so the audio system can make the desired setting change.
Ignition status BCM Indicates when a button is pressed on the FCIM so the audio system can make the desired setting change.
Illumination dimming level BCM Controls the backlight intensity, based on the input from the dimmer switch.
Set point volume FCIM Used for volume adjustment set point from the FCIM to the ACM .
Set volume FCIM Used for set volume from the FCIM to the ACM .
Steering wheel switch data SCCM Used for the 3 RH 2-way steering wheel switch input signals to control the redundant audio system functions.
Vehicle speed PCM Vehicle speed data used for speed compensated volume function.



 Module Network Input Messages — APIM

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
Airbag deployment status RCM This message is for monitoring air bag deployment status for confirmation of eCall notification.
Ambient light color and intensity actual HVAC module This message is for selection of ambient light color and intensity through the FDIM .
ACM CD information ACM ACM sends CD information to be displayed on the FDIM .
ACM configuration ACM Used to verify the correct configuration and modules are installed.
ACM radio functions ACM Used to display the ACM radio functions such as seek, tune and AM/FM stations on the FDIM .
ACM sound functions ACM Used to display the ACM radio sound functions such as treble, bass, navigation command volume and phone volume on the FDIM .
Day/night status BCM Used for day/night illumination status for the FDIM .
DSP_beltminder audio status Audio DSP module Used to monitor the status of the Belt-Minder® chime from the IPC .
DSP_surround sound status Audio DSP module Indicates the audio DSP module surround sound status to the APIM .
DSP_volume status Audio DSP module Used to display the audio DSP module volume status on the FDIM .
DSP_setting status Audio DSP module Used to display the audio DSP module sound functions such as treble, bass, navigation command volume and phone volume on the FDIM .
eCall notification RCM This message indicates eCall notification is being initiated due to air bag deployment.
FCIM button state FCIM Indicates when a button is pressed on the FCIM so the audio system can make the desired setting change.
GPS data GPSM Used for vehicle positioning, heading and direction to the APIM for navigation.
HD Radio® status ACM Used to send the HD Radio® status to the APIM which is displayed on the FDIM .
Ignition status BCM Ignition RUN, START and ACCESSORY states required for the APIM operating modes and fault reporting.
Illumination dimming level BCM Controls the backlight intensity, based on the input from the dimmer switch.
Load shed level BCM This message is for requesting the APIM to enter battery load shed mode and displays a message on the FDIM .
Navigation data GPSM This message is for GPS navigation data to the APIM .
Navigation rolling wheel count and direction ABS module This message provides for more accurate tracking of the vehicle position when the GPS signal is temporarily unavailable for gear lever position for vehicle direction data for navigation.
Satellite radio mode ACM Used to display the satellite radio modes and functions.
Satellite radio status ACM Used to display the satellite radio modes and functions.
Selector lever (PRNDL) status BCM Used to verify the gear lever position for vehicle direction data for navigation.
Satellite radio mode ACM Used to display the satellite radio modes and functions.
Satellite radio error status ACM Used for the satellite radio error status.
Satellite radio status ACM Used for the satellite radio status.
Set point volume FCIM Used for volume adjustment set point from the FCIM to the FDIM .
Set volume FCIM Used for set volume from the FCIM to the FDIM .
Steering wheel switch data SCCM Used for the RH steering wheel switch input signals to operate the IPC infotainment display and SYNC® functionality.
Vehicle configuration data BCM Used to verify vehicle configuration data such as VIN and system module configuration.
Vehicle speed PCM Vehicle speed data used for navigation functionality.



 Module Network Input Messages — Audio DSP Module

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
ACM radio functions ACM ACM radio functions such as current band selection.
Chime request IPC Used to mute the audio system so a chime from the IPC can be heard.
Belt-Minder® status IPC When this signal is active, the speaker output is muted to allow the Belt-Minder® tone to be more easily heard. This message only applies to vehicles with MyKey® enabled.
Ignition status BCM Ignition RUN, START and ACCESSORY states required for the audio DSP module operating modes and fault reporting.
MyKey® volume limit status IPC Used by the ACM to limit the audio system volume when a MyKey® restricted key is in use.
Set point volume FCIM Used for volume adjustment set point from the FCIM to the audio DSP module.
Set volume FCIM Used for set volume from the FCIM to the audio DSP module.
Steering wheel switch data SCCM Used for the RH steering wheel switch input signals to operate the audio system volume functionality.
Volume cutback IPC Used to reduce the volume from the audio system so a parking aid speaker chime can be heard or a warning notification from the IPC .



 Module Network Input Messages — FCIM

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
Day/night status BCM Used for day/night illumination status for the FCIM .
Ignition status BCM Ignition RUN, START and ACCESSORY states required for the FCIM operating modes and fault reporting.
Illumination dimming level BCM Controls the backlight intensity, based on the input from the dimmer switch.



 Module Network Input Messages — GPSM

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
Ignition status BCM Ignition RUN, START and ACCESSORY states required for the GPSM operating modes and fault reporting.
Selector lever (PRNDL) status BCM Used to verify the selector lever status for navigation.
Navigation rolling wheel count and direction BCM Used to verify the gear lever position for vehicle direction data for navigation.
Vehicle yaw rate RCM Used to verify the vehicle acceleration data for navigation.



 Module Network Input Messages - IPC

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
ACM configuration ACM Used to verify the correct configuration and modules are installed.
ACM status ACM Used for the MyKey® status from the ACM for volume limit mode and Belt-Minder® Mode.
Audio system data ACM Used to display in the IPC infotainment display audio data such as radio station and information.
Bluetooth status APIM APIM sends Bluetooth signal strength status to the IPC .
Bluetooth call information and data APIM Used to display in the IPC infotainment display the phone call of text messaging information and time duration.
Display language request APIM Indicates language selection.
Navigation data APIM Used for turn by turn navigation directions information to the IPC .

AM/FM Radio

The AM/FM antenna receives AM and FM radio waves. The antenna module sends the radio waves to the ACM through the AM/FM antenna cable. The ACM converts the radio waves to a fluctuating AC output voltage to the system speakers. The ACM powers the AM/FM antenna to amplify the AM signal.

Satellite Radio

The satellite antenna receives digital signals and sends them to the ACM through the satellite radio antenna cable. The satellite radio receiver is built into the ACM .

Speed Compensated Volume

The audio DSP module adjusts the audio system volume based on the VSS signal to compensate for speed and wind noise.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Infotainment Display

The RH side of the IPC contains an infotainment display. This screen displays a subset of infotainment information, and it is controlled by the 5-way RH steering wheel switch.

Steering Wheel Switch Function

The RH steering wheel switch consists of an integrated 5-way upper switch and three 2-way toggle lower switches. The 5-way steering wheel switch operates the IPC infotainment display. The three 2-way toggle steering wheel switches operate the audio system functions including SYNC®.

Battery Load Shed

The BCM uses the battery current sensor to keep track of the battery state of charge. The battery current sensor is a Hall-effect sensor attached to the battery ground cable. When the engine is off, and the BCM determines the battery state of charge is below 40%, 10% of the charge has been drained or 45 minutes have elapsed, a load shed message is sent over the CAN . This message turns off the audio/navigation system to save the remaining battery charge. Under this condition, SYS OFF TO SAVE BATT is displayed on the centerstack infotainment display to notify the driver that battery protection actions are active.

Engine off load shed occurs when the engine is not running, and the ignition is in the ACC or RUN position. To clear the load shed state, restart the engine.

MyKey® Audio Operation

When a MyKey® is in use:

The MyKey® also has an optional setting that limits the audio system volume. The maximum volume of the audio system is limited to 45%. In an attempt to exceed the limited volume, the MyKey® VOLUME LIMITED message is displayed in the centerstack infotainment display. The speed compensated volume feature will be disabled.

Refer to the Owner's Literature for information on MyKey®.

Navigation

The navigation system guides the user to a pre-entered destination. Map data is read from the map data SD card plugged into the media hub. The APIM calculates route information based on GPS data received by the GPSM . The APIM also uses vehicle speed and transmission gear selected signals received through the network to detect vehicle speed and direction, resulting in more accurate navigation tracking. The navigation display is shown on the FDIM .

The compass heading is derived from the GPS antenna signal. There are no serviceable parts for the compass.

The voice recognition system allows the user to interface with the system without using the touchscreen. A microphone located in the headliner provides a direct input to the APIM .

Voice Recognition

Voice recognition is used for many vehicle functions, including audio system and climate controls. The microphone relays the microphone input to the APIM through dedicated wiring. The TTS and voice prompt features speak certain text information and interaction requests to minimize driver distraction by having to look at the audio system display while driving. The ringtone alerts the driver to an incoming call. The microphone is also used to detect outgoing audio during a phone call.

Audible prompts can range from a simple tone to more elaborate spoken text, based on the customer setting. When interaction mode is set to standard, detailed guidance is provided. When interaction mode is set to advanced, most prompts are tones only and minimal audible guidance is provided. Refer to the Owner's Literature for information on voice interaction.

The audio signals for the TTS and voice prompt features, the ringtones, and audio from the outside device during a phone call, are sent from the APIM to the audio DSP module.

Digital Signal Processing ( DSP )

The Sony® audio system provide theatre quality sound in the vehicle. Audio signals are sent from the ACM to the audio DSP module, which processes the audio signals and sends them to the speakers.

The audio DSP module determines the correct audio environment based on the audio signals it receives and on the network messages it receives from other audio system modules. These messages include such information as fade/balance and speed sensitive volume settings.

The audio DSP module is enabled through software.

In the event of an overload, the audio DSP module clips the audio output signal to the speakers and subwoofer (heard as distortion) in order to prevent damage to the speakers.

Bluetooth Mode

Bluetooth is a secure, short-range radio frequency that allows devices to communicate wirelessly through radio waves. The operating range of a Bluetooth signal is a maximum of 9.75 m (32 ft.).

The Bluetooth interface can accommodate both Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and Bluetooth-enabled media devices. The SYNC® system allows interaction with several types of customer Bluetooth devices, including mobile phones and media devices. The APIM contains an on-board Bluetooth chipset, which enables certain wireless devices to interact with the system. Any Bluetooth device used with the SYNC® system must first be paired with the system before it is operational.

Only one Bluetooth phone and one Bluetooth media device can be connected to the system at any one time. If an additional device of either type is paired with the system and made active, the APIM disconnects any active connection and establishes a connection with the new device.

When a new Bluetooth device is added, the APIM and the Bluetooth device must be paired together. Most Bluetooth devices can pair with the SYNC® system, although functionality may vary. To determine if a Bluetooth device is supported, verify the customer device is on the compatibility list for the current APIM software level.

Pairing a Bluetooth device is accomplished through the "Add Device" selection of the phone menu. When pairing a device, the SYNC® system generates a unique PIN that must be entered on the Bluetooth device in order for the pairing process to be successful. There are also some device-specific actions that must take place. For information on the pairing process, refer to the Owner's Literature.

It is important to understand that not all mobile phones have the same level of features when interacting with the SYNC® system. For a list of compatible phones, refer to the SYNC® MyRide website .

USB Audio Mode

The USB port can be used for connecting a media device (such as an iPod) with the device's available cable, or for directly plugging in a portable mass storage device (such as a "thumb drive"). When playing media files stored on a mass storage device, the SYNC® system only plays files that do not have DRM protection. The USB port can also be used for uploading vehicle application upgrades. The USB port is powered by the APIM , so no external power source is needed to power a device plugged into the USB port if the device supports this feature.

In addition to audio information, metadata (information such as artist, album title, song title, and genre) may also be sent to the APIM from a device plugged into the USB port. The APIM uses the metadata to create indexes that can be used to sort for particular music, based on customer preference. Not all USB devices can send metadata to the APIM . When a new media device is connected to the SYNC® system, the APIM automatically indexes the information. This may take several minutes (depending on the amount of data on the device), and is considered normal operation. When a device that was previously connected to the SYNC® system is reconnected, the APIM updates the index (rather than creating a new one), which reduces the amount of time needed to index the device.

USB Video Mode

The USB port has the capability to view photos stored on memory devices and display them on the FDIM .

SD Card Audio Mode

The SD card slot can be used for playing audio content that is stored on the SD card.

SD Card Video Mode

The SD card slot has the capability to view photos stored on memory SD cards and display them on the FDIM .

Composite Audio-Video Input Mode

The composite audio and video inputs consist of the RCA jack connections that are used for playing video or audio content from an external device (such as a gaming system). The media hub contains an internal composite audio/video translator connected to the external RCA jacks, which output video and audio signals to the APIM via a shielded audio and video harness.

Audible Prompts

The APIM receives both stereo and mono sound inputs, and can also transmit both stereo and mono sound. The mono function is used to receive the microphone input. It is also used to send sound to the ACM for voice prompts, the TTS feature, ringtones, and any audio received through a connected mobile phone. The TTS feature speaks information so that it does not have to be read from the display.

SIRIUS® Data Services

The satellite radio system has SIRIUS® data services that are separate subscription services which are received through the satellite receiver. The data services include periodic updates for:

Some services may be available separately while others are only available as packages.

Audio Extented Play Mode

The audio extended play mode is a feature that enables the audio system after the ignition is off and any door has been opened. When the power button on the FCIM is pressed, the audio system functionality is restored and remains active for a period of 20-60 minutes, depending on configuration settings. To turn the audio system off, the power button on the FCIM is pressed. The audio extended play mode will be disabled if the battery saver function is enabled.

SYNC® Traffic, Directions and Information

The SYNC® traffic, directions and information service is a subscription-based service that includes precise turn-by-turn directions, personalized real-time traffic updates with text alerts, business search, entertainment, news, sports, stocks, travel and weather. The customers mobile phone is used to access and download the SYNC® services. The GPS antenna, that is integral to the GPSM , is used to detect the location and direction of the vehicle. For traffic, directions and information services subscription, refer to the SYNC® MyRide website .

HD Radio®

HD Radio® is a free to public digital radio broadcast. Radio stations transmit digital AM and FM audio and data (such as station call letters, artist, and title). HD Radio® channels duplicate analog channels; in addition, some HD Radio® channels subdivide (multicast) the digital signal into multiple channels that do not have analog equivalents.

APIM Programming

The APIM for this vehicle requires specific programming procedures for correct operation. APIM programming is required when:

Types of Programming

There are 3 types of APIM programming available:

Software Installation Methods

There are 3 types of software installation methods available depending on the type of programming selected:

NOTE: VIP programming is not selectable because the VIP is configured automatically during programming.

General Programming Instructions

There are some general programming guidelines that are applicable to multiple types of programming:

To perform module replacement programming, refer to Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming — Module Replacement .

To perform standard programming, refer to Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming — Standard .

To perform custom programming, refer to Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming — Custom .

 

Component Description

Accessory Protocol Interface Module ( APIM )

The APIM consists of 2 internal modules: the CIP and the VIP . These modules are not replaceable individually, but can be flashed independently, if required.

The CIP interfaces with all of the inputs to the APIM . It contains an analog-to-digital-to analog converter, as well as the Bluetooth chipset. Any application upgrades that are available to the consumer are loaded directly to the CIP through the USB port.

The VIP provides an interface between the CIP and the vehicle. Its main functions are controlling the APIM power management and translating both inbound and outbound signals. In addition, the VIP queries the modules on the network to retrieve any DTCs when a vehicle health report is requested.

Antenna

The AM/FM antenna has an integrated antenna module that is powered by the ACM to improve AM/FM reception. If the vehicle is equipped with satellite radio, the satellite antenna is integrated into the roof-mounted antenna module.

Audio Control Module ( ACM )

The ACM can be operated with the ignition in RUN or ACC. The accessory delay feature allows the audio system to be operated for a preset period of time after the ignition is turned off and a front door has not been opened. The ACM requires PMI when it is replaced.

Audio Digital Signal Processing ( DSP ) Module

The audio DSP module enhances the input audio signal sound quality from the ACM . The audio DSP module requires PMI when it is replaced.

Front Controls Interface Module ( FCIM )

The FCIM is one of the customer interfaces to the audio system and the HVAC module. It is separate from the ACM .

Front Display Interface Module ( FDIM )

The FDIM provides for customer interaction through the touchscreen display. The FDIM plugs directly into the APIM , and therefore does not communicate directly on any network and no external circuits are connected.

Global Positioning System Module ( GPSM )

The GPSM provides vehicle location for real-time traffic reports and re-routing, and for identifying vehicle location in the event of a collision.

For vehicles with navigation, the GPSM acts as the antenna for the navigation system.

The vehicle location information is broadcast to the APIM .

Media Hub

The media hub allows for various audio and video devices to be played through the vehicle speakers and viewed in the FDIM display.

The media hub receives inputs from:

Microphone

The microphone receives the voice command and sends a signal to the APIM . The microphone is also used to detect outgoing audio during a phone call and voice command for the SYNC® system.

Steering Wheel Switches

The RH steering wheel switch consists of a series of resistors. Each steering wheel control switch function corresponds with a specific resistance value within the switch. The SCCM sends out a 5-volt reference voltage to the RH steering wheel switch on the input circuits and monitors the voltage drop when a button is pressed. The voltage drop varies depending upon the resistance of the specific button pressed, providing indication to the SCCM which switch is pressed.