Infotainment Faceplate Control Module

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Infotainment Faceplate Control Module or faceplate is a separate component from the radio chassis. The faceplate contains the radio control knobs and buttons for all audio functions. In addition, the HVAC head controls are part of the faceplate. If equipped with the heated seat option, the temperature control switches for the driver and passenger are part of the faceplate.

There are two faceplate designs with several button configurations (options XM radio, heated seat, heated and vented seat, and hot-shot):

Non-navigation radios include a monochrome main display
Navigation radios do not include a main display. The display is separate and mounts to the Display Module Actuator.

The faceplate communicates with the radio through the CAN Graphical Interface (CGI) bus. When the operator rotates a radio knob, to change a radio station or to increase the volume, a message is sent to the radio over the CGI bus. The request is completed after the radio receives the message.

Other messages communicated on the CGI bus between the radio and faceplate includes the following:

Radio provides the content for the monochrome display
Faceplate communicates button presses / knob rotations to the radio
Radio commands the state of indicators / telltales on the faceplate
Radio communicates the dimming level of the monochrome display

The Hazard, Hot Shot, and Traction buttons are not read by the faceplate and communicated to the radio. These switches are wired directly to their respective modules. The faceplate is responsible for backlighting of these switches.