System Operation
System Diagram
*.sttxt { visibility: hidden; } *.stcallout { visibility: visible; } E368507 1 EPAS Gear 2 Motor 3 PSCM 4 Position Sensor 5 ABS 6 TCCM 7 IPM-A 8 GSM 9 SCCM 10 RCM 11 BCM 12 GWM 13 Torque Sensor 14 VDM 15 IPC 16 TRM 17 APIM 18 ATCM 19 PCM 20 BCMC 21 FCIMItem | Description |
---|---|
1 | EPAS gear |
2 | EPAS motor |
3 | PSCM |
4 | EPAS position sensor |
5 | ABS module |
6 | TCCM |
7 | IPMA |
8 | GSM |
9 | SCCM |
10 | RCM |
11 | BCM |
12 | GWM |
13 | EPAS torque sensor |
14 | VDM |
15 | IPC |
16 | TRM |
17 | APIM |
18 | ATCM |
19 | PCM |
20 | BCMC |
21 | FCIM |
Network Message Chart
PSCM Network Input Messages
Broadcast Message | Originating Module | Message Purpose |
---|---|---|
Active park assist request | IPMA | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Commands the EPAS gear during parking aid maneuvers. |
ABS active | ABS module | Confirms the operational state of the ABS . |
Battery voltage | BCM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Provides the PSCM with the 12-volt battery and charging system voltage. |
Brake pedal position | ABS module (electric brake booster) | Informs the PSCM of the current brake pedal position; pressed or released. This information is used for active park assist and hill start operation. |
Brake pedal position | PCM (vacuum brake booster) | Informs the PSCM of the current brake pedal position; pressed or released. This information is used for active park assist and hill start operation. |
Drive wheel torque | PCM | Informs the PSCM of the current torque output available at the driven wheels. This information is used for active park assist operation. |
Ignition status | BCM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Confirms the ignition status of the vehicle. |
Lane centering information | IPMA | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Provides the PSCM with the necessary information for lane centering. Such as driver hands off the wheel, lane centering system status, |
Lane keeping aid information | IPMA | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Provides the PSCM with necessary lake keeping information such as system status, if intervention is required for the lane keeping aid feature, how much assist is needed, or if driver over-ride is occurring or needed. |
Odometer master value | IPC | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Informs the PSCM of the current odometer millage. The PSCM uses the odometer information for various self diagnostics. |
Reverse gear selected | GSM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Informs the PSCM the transmission is currently in REVERSE gear. This information is used for active park assist operation. |
Selectable drive mode | ATCM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Informs the PSCM of the current chassis drive mode request. |
Stability control brake active | ABS module | Confirms the operational state of the stability control system. |
Steering angle offset | ABS module | The ABS module calculates steering angle based on wheel speed sensor information and sends this information to the PSCM . The PSCM uses this information to verify other steering wheel angle information. |
Steering angle request | IPMA | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Commands the EPAS gear during active park assist maneuvers. |
Steering wheel position | ABS module | Verifies the validity of the steering angle sensor. |
Trailer backup assist disable request | APIM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Disables the PSCM for PTBA operation for the trailer chosen by the driver. |
Trailer backup assist enabled request | APIM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Enables the PSCM for PTBA operation for the trailer chosen by the driver. |
Trailer backup assist switch request | TRM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Provides the current PTBA control knob position and button status; pressed, not pressed. |
Trailer connection | TRM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Informs the PSCM a trailer is connected to the vehicle. |
Trailer data | IPMA | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Provides the trailer data for the current active trailer. Includes the trailer identification and all the stored trailer measurements. |
Trailer lamp connection | TRM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Informs the PSCM trailer lamps (tail lights, turn signals and side markers) are connected to the vehicle. |
Trailer yaw rate | RCM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Used by the PSCM for steering assist calculations. |
Transmission gear lever position | GSM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Informs the PSCM of the current driver selected transmission gear. |
Turn signal status | SCCM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Informs the PSCM of the current, driver selected turn signal switch status; off, left, or right. This message is used for lane keeping system function. |
Vehicle configuration information | BCM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Used to compare the PSCM configuration against the vehicles specific configuration (central car configuration). |
Vehicle lateral acceleration | ABS module | Used by the PSCM for steering assist calculations. |
Vehicle longitudinal acceleration | ABS module | Used by the PSCM for steering assist calculations. |
Vehicle speed data | ABS module | Used to determine the level of assist supplied to the steering gear and to validate the steering wheel component angle by comparing the rotational speeds of each wheel. The difference in the speed of each wheel is used to derive a steering angle for comparison against the EPAS motor position sensor. |
Vehicle yaw rate | ABS module | Used by the PSCM for steering assist calculations. |
Vehicle yaw rate | RCM | This message is first sent to the GWM and then to the PSCM . Used by the PSCM for steering assist calculations. |
Wheel speed sensor information | ABS module | Provides the PSCM with wheel speed sensor information such as number of rotations, rotation speed and direction of rotation. Used by the PSCM for steering assist calculations, trailer back up assist and active park assist. |
EPAS System
The PSCM controls the functions of the EPAS system and communicates with other modules over the FD-CAN and through the GWM .
To activate, the EPAS system requires battery voltage at the hot at all times PSCM input, battery voltage at the PSCM ignition-run input, the PSCM must communicate with other modules over the FD-CAN and the PSCM must receive the power pack status message from the PCM .
The main input for calculating the level of EPAS assist is the steering torque sensor signal (internal to the PSCM ). Vehicle speed is also taken into consideration in order to achieve the vehicle speed dependent steering assist characteristic.
The EPAS gear uses a reversible motor to apply the steering assist by moving the rack inside the steering gear. The motor is connected to the rack of the steering gear by a toothed belt and pulley-bearing assembly.
The PSCM continually monitors and adjusts steering efforts based on the steering torque sensor signal, motor position and FD-CAN inputs to enhance the feel of the steering system. As vehicle speed increases, the amount of assist decreases to improve and enhance road feel at the steering wheel. As vehicle speed decreases, the amount of assist increases to ease vehicle maneuvering. Compensation is made to reduce the effect of pull or drift experienced when driving on roads with a high degree of camber. Compensation is also made for the impact of wheel imbalance on steering feel, up to a predetermined threshold.
The steering torque sensor senses the torque at the steering wheel. It is integrated into the PSCM and works by measuring the relative rotation between an input and output shaft which are connected by a torsion bar. The steering torque sensor sends out 2 PWM signals which allows a channel to channel cross-check and an accurate correction of the neutral point.
The PSCM is self-monitoring and is capable of setting and storing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Depending on the DTC set, the PSCM may enter a failure mode. In addition, the PSCM may send a request to the IPC to display a message in the message center, alerting the driver of a potential EPAS concern. The warning message is sent over the FD-CAN to the GWM which relays the message to the IPC over the HS-CAN3 .
Failure Modes
When a DTC is present in the PSCM , the EPAS enters 1 of 2 modes of operation.
Limp Home Mode - The EPAS enters a limp home mode when an internal failure occurs but operation on a backup system is possible. This failure mode gives the steering operation a heavier than normal feel in all driving conditions. A warning message is illuminated in the message center indicating a potential EPAS concern.
Reduced Steering Assist Mode - The EPAS enters a reduced steering assist mode to protect the internal components of the EPAS when a non-critical safety concern is detected by the PSCM , concerns such as low battery voltage, high battery voltage or over-temperature are considered non-critical safety concerns. This reduced steering assist mode gives the steering operation a heavier than normal feel.
Manual Steering Mode - The EPAS enters a manual steering mode (no electrical steering assistance is provided) when a concern considered to be a critical safety concern is detected. In manual steering mode, the vehicle has mechanical steering only which gives the steering operation a heavy feel.
Pull Drift Compensation (PDC)
EPAS equipped vehicles have a Pull Drift Compensation (PDC) feature to assist drivers in compensating for variation in road and driving conditions. The feature adjusts power assist offset by reducing the steering wheel effort (input torque) required to keep the vehicle traveling straight. The Pull Drift Compensation (PDC) feature is automatically enabled at vehicle speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph) with sensors indicating the vehicle is traveling straight. Pull Drift Compensation (PDC) is designed to compensate for variations in road crown, the system detects input torque to the wheel by the driver to slowly ramp in a steering assist offset to neutralize, in most situations and within limits, steering efforts for the duration of time those driving conditions exist. Full compensation requires up to 45 seconds. Changing lanes on a multilane road and the expected change in road crown would trigger a change in torque input and a compensation adjustment, and is a normal operation of the Pull Drift Compensation (PDC) feature. The feature updates automatically and continuously, however, since it is based on input torque, the feature only works with hands on the steering wheel while driving in a straight line. The system does not compensate when turning or during slight curves on highways. The system does not compensate if driver input torque, steering wheel angle or vehicle yaw rate is too large. For the system to compensate, the driver must have both hands on the steering wheel.
Active Park Assist
The active park assist system is controlled by the IPMA and, when
activated, can detect a parking space and steer the vehicle into the
space by sending commands to the EPAS
gear. The active park assist system is comprised of several systems
and modules working together to aid in parallel parking maneuvers. The
presence of certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in any of those
modules or systems may keep the active park assist system from being
enabled or may disable the system if currently being used.
Refer to: Parking Aid - System Operation and Component Description (413-13A Parking Aid, Description and Operation).
Lane Keeping System (LKS)
NOTE: If equipped, the Lane Keeping System (LKS) can interfere with accurate EPAS diagnostics. Disable the Lane Keeping System (LKS) before test driving the vehicle to diagnose EPAS concerns. For information on disabling the Lane Keeping System (LKS), refer to the Owner's Literature.
The Lane Keeping System (LKS) utilizes the camera located in the IPMA
to detect and track the road lane markings. The Lane Keeping System
(LKS) has 2 functions, lane keeping alert and lane keeping aid. The lane
keeping alert detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the
lane and alerts the driver through steering wheel vibrations and a
visual alert in the IPC
message center. The lane keeping aid assists the driver by automatically
providing steering torque to help the driver keep the vehicle in the
lane.
Refer to: Lane Keeping System - System Operation and Component
Description (419-07 Lane Keeping System, Description and Operation).
Selectable Drive Modes
The
selectable drive mode system optimizes driveability and comfort as well
as maximizing traction while operating on different types of terrain.
The PSCM adjusts steering effort and feel based on the selected mode. For additional information on selectable drive modes,
Refer
to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control - System
Operation and Component Description (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
and Stability Control, Description and Operation).
Component Description
EPAS Gear
The EPAS gear is an assembly consisting of a PSCM , a motor, and a steering torque sensor, all of which are serviced as an assembly. The inner and outer tie rods and the steering gear bellows boots are available separately for service.
PSCM
The PSCM is the ECU for the EPAS system. The module monitors all sensor inputs and FD-CAN messages relating to the EPAS system and directly controls the output of the EPAS motor.
Check
NOTE: Wheel-to-hub optimization is important. Clearance between the wheel and hub can be used to offset or neutralize the Road Force® or run-out of the wheel and tire assembly. For every 0.001 inch of wheel-to-hub clearance, the Road Force® can be affected between 1 and 3 pounds depending on the tire stiffness.
NOTE: The example below illustrates how the clearance between the wheel and the hub can be used to offset the high spot of radial run-out or Road Force®. Following the procedure will make sure of the best optimization.
Position the wheel and tire assembly on the vehicle so that the high spot location of radial run-out or Road Force® is at the 6 o'clock position and