Vehicle Stability Control System (w/ VDIM)

BRAKE CONTROL: VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (w/ VDIM):

SYSTEM DIAGRAM














SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1. VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) DESCRIPTION
(a) This vehicle is equipped with VDIM. It is a concept of vehicle motion control that integrates brake control, drive force control and steering control.
(b) Conventional vehicles use a combination of independent functions such as ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS. However VDIM integrates these systems to improve "drive, turn and stop", the motion performance of the vehicle in other words.
(c) In conventional vehicles, control starts at the limit of the vehicle. However VDIM exercises control before the limit is reached, creating a smooth vehicle response. This expands the limits of the vehicle, and increases driving pleasure.





(d) The VDIM manages all functions, such as the ABS with EBD, BA, the TRAC, and the VSC. It is operated by the VSC system, which regulates a brake fluid pressure. The steering cooperative control function is also available. The VDIM is able to perform comprehensive management.
(e) Conventional brake control systems begin to control either the braking or motive force in order to stabilize the vehicle motion when it becomes unstable due to loss of tire traction. In contrast, in order to maintain stable vehicle control, the VDIM commences controlling the brake and steering systems in accordance with changes in balance before the vehicle becomes unstable. As a result, smooth vehicle control is achieved.
(f) Conventional brake control systems manage all related functions, such as the ABS with EBD, BA, the TRAC and the VSC independently, according to the vehicle dynamics. In contrast, the VDIM provides smooth control by seamlessly integrating all those functions.
2. FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
HINT: The yaw rate sensor and acceleration sensor are combined in a single unit. This unit communicates with the skid control ECU via CAN communication.

(a) ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
The ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied firmly or when braking on a slippery surface.





(1) Operation description
The skid control ECU detects the wheel lock condition by receiving vehicle speed signals from each speed sensor, and sends control signals to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve avoids wheel lock by controlling the brake fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder.
The ABS warning light comes on when the ABS system is malfunctioning.
(b) EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
The EBD control utilizes the ABS, and performs proper brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels in accordance with driving conditions.
When braking while cornering, it also controls the brake forces of the right and left wheels, helping to maintain proper vehicle control.





(1) Operation description
The skid control ECU receives the speed signals from each speed sensor to detect the slip condition of the wheels and sends the control signals to the solenoid.
The solenoid valve controls the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder and splits the control power properly between the front and rear wheels and the right and left wheels.
The BRAKE warning light comes on to indicate a malfunction in the EBD system.
(c) BA (Brake Assist)
The primary purpose of the brake assist system is to provide auxiliary brake force to assist the driver who cannot generate a large enough brake force during emergency braking, thus helping to maximize the vehicle's brake performance.





(1) Operation description
The skid control ECU receives the speed signal from each speed sensor and the fluid pressure signal from the master cylinder pressure sensor to determine whether brake assist is necessary. If brake assist is necessary, the skid control ECU sends control signals to the pump motor and solenoid. The pump and the solenoid valve then control the pressure applied to each wheel cylinder.
The ABS warning light comes on to indicate a malfunction in the BA system.
(d) Regarding changing of TRAC and VSC operation permission / disablement through VSC OFF switch
(1) Changing modes
Through the VSC OFF switch, the vehicle can be changed to normal mode, TRAC OFF mode and VSC OFF mode.
1. Normal mode
When the vehicle is in TRAC OFF mode or VSC OFF mode, and the VSC OFF switch is pressed for a short amount of time, the vehicle changes to normal mode. During normal mode, TRAC and VSC operation is possible. After the ignition switch is turned ON, the vehicle is in normal mode.

2. TRAC OFF mode
When the vehicle is in normal mode and the VSC OFF switch is pressed for a short amount of time, the vehicle changes to TRAC OFF mode. During TRAC OFF mode, the combination meter's slip indicator light illuminates, and TRAC operation is disabled. During TRAC OFF mode, if the vehicle speed increases, the vehicle automatically returns to normal mode.

3. VSC OFF mode
When the vehicle is stopped and the VSC OFF switch is pressed for 3 seconds or more, the vehicle changes to VSC OFF mode. During VSC OFF mode, the multi-information display shows a VSC OFF display, and the combination meter's slip indicator light illuminates. Also, VSC and TRAC operation is disabled. During VSC OFF mode, even if the vehicle speed increases, the vehicle does not return to normal mode.

(e) TRAC (Traction Control)
The TRAC system helps prevent the drive wheels from slipping when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal excessively when starting off or accelerating on a slippery surface.





(1) Operation description
The skid control ECU detects the vehicle's slip condition by receiving signals from each speed sensor and ECM via CAN communication. The skid control ECU controls engine torque with the ECM via CAN communication and oil pressure through the solenoid valve.
The SLIP indicator light blinks when the system is operating. When there is a malfunction in the TRAC system, the master caution and SLIP indicator lights will come on and a DTC will be displayed on the multi-information display.
The VSC OFF switch stops traction control operation.
HINT: When the VSC OFF switch is pressed, the vehicle changes to VSC OFF mode, and TRC operation is disabled. During TRC OFF mode, if the VSC OFF switch is pressed again or the vehicle speed increases to 50 km/h (13.8 mph) , TRC operation becomes possible. During TRC OFF mode, the SLIP indicator light illuminates.

(f) VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
The VSC system helps prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways as a result of strong front or rear wheel skid during cornering.





(1) Operation description
The skid control ECU determines the vehicle condition by receiving signals from the speed sensor, yaw rate and acceleration sensor and steering angle sensor. The skid control ECU controls engine torque with the ECM via CAN communication and fluid pressure with the solenoid valve.
The SLIP indicator light blinks and the skid control buzzer sounds when the system is operating. When there is a malfunction in the VSC system, the master caution and SLIP indicator lights come on and a DTC will appear on the multi-information display.
The VSC OFF switch stops VSC operation.
HINT: When the VSC OFF switch is pressed for 3 seconds or more with the vehicle stopped, the VSC system changes to VSC OFF mode. If the VSC OFF switch is pressed again with the system in VSC OFF mode, the TRAC and VSC systems can be operated. When the system is in VSC OFF mode, the SLIP indicator light and VSC OFF indicator light illuminate.

3. HILL-START ASSIST CONTROL
(a) The hill-start assist control detects rearward motion of the vehicle. It automatically increased the brake hydraulic pressure for the four wheels in order to reduce the rearward speed of the vehicle.
(b) The vehicle tends to slide backward when the driver moves his foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal trying to start on a steep or slippery uphill. This function is effective in this kind of situation in which starting is difficult.
(c) After a maximum of 5 seconds, fluid pressure is gradually released and control will be completed.
4. DYNAMIC RADAR CRUISE CONTROL
(a) When a greater deceleration than usual is required while driving in vehicle control mode, braking force is generated by the brake hydraulic pressure control in accordance with the signal from the distance control ECU.
5. PRE-COLLISION CONTROL
(a) The pre-collision system predicts frontal collisions with other vehicles or obstructions. By winding up the seat belts prior to collision, and performing brake control and brake assist control, it lessens the impact during the collision.
(b) The extremely high frequency radar recognizes if there is a vehicle or obstruction on the road ahead, and the distance control ECU makes a judgment on whether a collision is unavoidable from the position of the object, the speed and the road surface.
(c) The distance control ECU sends this information via CAN communication to the seat belt control ECU, suspension control ECU and skid control ECU to operate each control element of the pre-collision system.
6. FAIL-SAFE
(a) When a failure occurs in the ABS with BA, TRAC and VSC systems, the ABS and VSC warning lights, and SLIP and VSC OFF indicator lights come on and ABS with BA, TRAC and VSC operations are prohibited. In addition to this, when there is a failure that disables the EBD operation, the BRAKE warning light also comes on and the EBD operation is prohibited.
(b) If control is prohibited due to a malfunction during operation, control will be disabled gradually.
This is done to avoid sudden vehicle instability.
7. INITIAL CHECK
(a) When the vehicle speed first becomes approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) or more after the engine switch is turned on (IG), each solenoid valve and motor of the brake actuator is sequentially activated to perform an electrical check. During the initial check, the operating sound of solenoid valve and motor can be heard from the engine compartment, but this is not a malfunction.
8. SERVICE MODE
(a) VSC operation can be disabled by operating Techstream.
HINT: Refer to the Techstream operator's manual for further details.

9. FUNCTION OF COMPONENTS