Suspension Control ( Automatic - Electronic ): Description and Operation

Automatic Ride Control System:

The Automatic Ride Control (ARC) system provides the selection of either a firm (sport) suspension tuning or an automatic ride control.

The ARC system is activated using a rocker switch mounted on the instrument panel to the right of the steering column. With the switch in the FIRM position, the ride control module adjusts shock absorber damping to provide a firm (sport) suspension tuning at all times.

With the switch in the AUTO position, the ride control module adjusts shock absorber damping to provide a soft (plush) ride during normal driving conditions. The module instantly changes suspension tuning to firm during hard braking, acceleration or cornering to provide improved handling at high speed.

A green "FIRM RIDE" indicator lamp is located at the lower righthand corner of the tachometer. The lamp is normally illuminated whenever the suspension is firm. This includes any time the switch is in the "FIRM" position or any time the system switches to the firm tuning in the "AUTO" switch position.

In the event of a system malfunction, the indicator lamp will flash ON and OFF. Moving the ride control switch between positions will usually clear any false malfunction indication. If the indicator lamp continues to flash, the system should be checked for possible malfunctions.

The ARC system monitors the following conditions to determine when additional shock absorber damping is required for improved handling:
1. Brake hydraulic pressure.
2. Throttle position.
3. Super charger boost.
4. Steering wheel angle.
5. Vehicle speed.

Any one of the following approximate conditions will cause shock absorber damping to switch to FIRM:
1. Hard braking, brake hydraulic pressure above 400 psi.
2. More than 90 percent of full throttle.
3. Hard cornering, above 0.35 g lateral acceleration.
4. Vehicle speed above 90 mph.
The shock damping will return to the softer ride a few seconds after these conditions are no longer present, providing vehicle speed has dropped below 83 mph. The ARC system will not respond to hard turns during the first 80 seconds of driving. This delay allows the ARC system to calculate the straight ahead steering wheel position. Severe or repeated turns in one direction could lengthen the wheel position calculation time by several minutes. All other features of the system operate normally during this period.