Suspension Control ( Automatic - Electronic ): Description and Operation

General Description





Intelligent suspension control uses a microcomputer as a control unit to judge running conditions including engine revolution from Powertrain Control Module, vehicle speed from vehicle speed sensor, a brake switch signal, and vertical and lateral G-sensor signal, then sets optimum damping force so that best running stability can be achieved.
In addition two ride modes (i.e. "COMFORT" and "SPORT") can be selected according to the driver's preference.





PIN Assignment Table

System Components
Control Unit, 3 Vertical G-sensors, Lateral G-sensor, 4 Actuators, 4 Adjustable Damping Force Shock Absorbers, and Warning Lamp.

Control Unit
The Control Unit consists of Adjustable Damping Force Shock Absorber control circuits, fault detector, and a fail-safe. It drives the actuator according to the signal from each sensor.
The Control Unit has a self-diagnosing function, which can indicate faulty circuits during diagnosis.
The Control Unit is mounted in the center of the instrument panel.

Actuator
Front actuators installed on front shock absorbers and rear actuator installed inside rear shock absorbers control damping force of shock absorber by the Control Unit signal.

Adjustable Damping Force Shock Absorber
This type of shock absorber is found in vehicles equipped with intelligent Suspension Control System. The damping force is adjusted accordingly by the Control Unit.

Warning Lamp and Mode Lamp





Vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Suspension have an amber warning lamp in the instrument panel. The warning lamp will illuminate if a malfunction in the Intelligent Suspension Control is detected by the Control Unit. In case of an important electronic malfunction, the Control Unit will turn "ON" the warning lamp.
The comfort mode or the sports mode can be selected. If the comfort mode is selected' the mode lamp turns off and if the sport mode is selected, the mode lamp turns on.

Vertical G-Sensor
Front G-sensors installed inside front actuators and the rear G-sensor installed on the rear left frame side detect the vehicle vertical gravity and send a signal to the Control Unit.

Lateral G-Sensor
The G-sensor installed inside the Control Unit detects the vehicle turning speed and sends a signal to the Control Unit.

Acronyms and Abbreviations
Several acronyms and abbreviations are commonly used:
BATT Battery
DLC Data Link Connector
DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code
FL Front Left
FR Front Right
GND Ground
HARN Harness
IG Ignition
PCM Powertrain Control Module
RL Rear Left
RR Rear Right
SW Switch
W/L Warning Lamp