Suspension Control ( Automatic - Electronic ): Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
The programmed ride control system (PRC) provides the selection of soft, hard, and very hard combinations of damping control from the front and rear shock absorbers. The PRC switch located in the center console allows selection for either manual or automatic control modes of the PRC suspension. With the PRC switch in SOFT position the ride control computer adjusts the shock absorber damping to provide a soft (plush) ride during normal driving conditions.
With selection of NORMAL or SPORT position this will engage the automatic adjusting suspension feature. This provides combinations of hard or very hard damping upon sensor inputs to the computer during acceleration, braking or cornering and provide improved handling at high speeds.
In the event of a system malfunction, there is no indicator lamp to alert the driver of a malfunction. The driver may or may not notice a change in driveability. The PRC system should be checked at regular service intervals for any malfunction.

OPERATION

Fig. 1 Automatic Ride Control System:

The programmed ride control system, Fig. 1, monitors the following conditions to determine when additional damping is required when the PRC switch is set in automatic modes of NORMAL OR SPORT to improved handling:
1. Vehicle speed.
2. Steering wheel angle.
3. Abrupt acceleration.
4. Hard braking.

COMPONENTS
Programmed Ride Control Module
The programmed ride control module is located under the passenger seat. This device receives input from various sensors and is used to switch the ride control mode based on driver input and input of the sensors.

Vehicle Speed Sensor
The vehicle speed sensor is located within the speedometer subassembly in the analog instrument cluster. On vehicles with electronic instrument cluster, the speed sensor is located on the transaxle. This is used by the PRC module for vehicle speed.

Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor is located within the steering column and used by the PRC module for determination of lateral forces acting on the vehicle during normal driving conditions.

Pre Actuators
The PRC actuators are located at the top of each strut assembly. These devices are used to change the dampening of the shock absorber within each assembly.

Adjustable Struts
The struts are located at each wheel of the vehicle, these devices are use for shock absorbing control of the vehicle.