Self-Leveling Mode
This mode of operation is two-fold. First, it can be used to evaluate perspective vehicle parking areas to
ensure the vehicle can be adjusted to be within leveling parameters for maximizing occupant comfort
(
level find mode
). Second, once a suitable parking area is found, it is used to automatically level the
suspension of the vehicle, even though the parking area may be an uneven surface (
self leveling mode
).
The following paragraphs further explain this mode of operation.
The “SLS” pushbutton, located on the right hand area of the user interface is used to initiate the
self
leveling mode
. This pushbutton serves as the “ON” switch to begin the entire self leveling process.
When the SLS pushbutton is depressed and the vehicle is operating at slow speed (typically 5MPH or
less), the ECU will begin the
level find mode
. This is an evaluation process, whereas the system ECU
will look at the signals received from the four height sensors and the signals from the two inclination
sensors. The height sensors will provide the ECU with real time information on the location of each
corner of the vehicle in reference to the normal ride height. At the same time, the inclination sensors will
provide real time information to the ECU on the location of the “X” and “Y” axis of the vehicle in relation
to the reference horizontal position. The ECU will perform the necessary comparisons and determine if
the vehicle is capable of being leveled at the particular location. The ECU will provide a visual indication
of this process to the vehicle operator by turning on the indicator arrows located to the left of the SLS
pushbutton.
The two arrows reference the “X” and “Y” axis of the vehicle. The top arrow, (points left to right)
represents the “Y” vehicle axis (long axis – front to back) and the bottom arrow (points top to bottom)
represents the “X” vehicle axis (short axis – side to side). The arrows will be “flashing” or “ON” solid
and be either an amber or green color. The four combinations of light status and color can be interpreted
by the following information:
•
Solid Green – the vehicle is near level
•
Flashing Green – Adjustment is possible and within range
•
Flashing Amber – Adjustment is marginal
•
Solid Amber – Self Leveling May Not Be Possible (Excessive Slope)
Once activated, the system will remain in the
level find mode
until the “SLS” pushbutton is depressed a
second time.
When the
level find mode
is complete, the operator can proceed to initiate the
self leveling
part of the
process. To initiate this process, the SLS pushbutton must first be depressed (this may have already been
performed if the vehicle operator used the
level find mode
), the vehicle must be stopped, placed in park,
the parking brake applied, and then the “SET” pushbutton is depressed.
(Note: If the parking brake is
not applied, the self leveling process will not be allowed to occur by the system ECU).
Once the
self
leveling mode
is activated, the LED located above the “SET” pushbutton will flash as a visual indication
the mode is active. The ECU will first adjust the vehicle “Y” axis and then the “X” axis. Once the
leveling process is complete, the LED located above the “SET pushbutton will be “ON” continuously.
