Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems: Description and Operation
System Outline1. Normal Operation
The VSC system helps prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways as a result of strong front wheel skid or strong rear wheel skid during cornering.
The followings are two examples that can be considered as circumstances in which the tires exceed their lateral grip limit. The VSC system is designed to help control the vehicle behavior by controlling the engine's output and the brakes at each wheel when the vehicle is under one of the conditions indicated below.
- When the front wheels lose grip in relation to the rear wheels (Strong front wheel skid tendency).
- When the rear wheels lose grip in relation to the front wheels (Strong rear wheel skid tendency).
2. Downhill Assist Control Operation
The downhill assist control operation controls braking action of each wheel to help prevent out-of-balance vehicle posture when descending a steep hill or traveling at a speed exceeding the threshold of wheel gripping capability. When the downhill assist control is in operation, the brake system controls vehicle speed within the range of 5 to 7 km/h.
For the downhill assist control to be operative all of the following conditions have to be met:
- Downhill assist control switch = ON
- Transfer L4 selected
- Vehicle speed is 5 km/h or more, but less than 25 km/h.
- Accelerator pedal OFF
- Brake pedal OFF
3. Hill-Start Support Control Operation
When starting on a steep hill for ascending, the hill-start support control automatically puts the brake on momentarily - from the moment when the driver releases his foot from the brake pedal until he steps on the accelerator pedal - to help the driver start the vehicle safely and smoothly.
Please bear in mind, however, that it activates the brake system for only 3 seconds.
For the hill-start support control to be operative all of the following conditions have to be met:
- Shift position = D, 2, or L
- Vehicle not moving forward with some wheel(s) slipping
- Vehicle speed > 0 km/h