Suspension Control ( Automatic - Electronic ): Description and Operation: Overview

Vehicle Dynamic Suspension

Adaptive Damping System
The adaptive damping system, also known as Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), is an electronically controlled suspension system which constantly adjusts the damping characteristics of the suspension dampers in reaction to the existing driving conditions. The adaptive damping system is available on specified models.
The system is controlled by an adaptive damping module, located beneath the right-hand front seat; the module receives signals from two dedicated vertical accelerometers; one at the front of the vehicle and one at the rear.
In addition to these inputs, further signals from other vehicle electronic system components are monitored by the adaptive damping module to determine vehicle body motion and driver inputs. These combined signals are used by the adaptive damping module to control the damping characteristics of each damper and switch them to either 'soft' or 'firm' to give the optimum vehicle ride for the prevailing driving conditions.