2016 MAXIMA^® SR level vehicles are equipped with a chassis control module to help integrally control the driving system. This new module is an additional enhancement to the Vehicle Dynamic Control System, providing a separate control unit to help improve ride quality by keeping the body flat through turns and when traveling over undulating road conditions.

The new control module is located on the right side of the instrument panel. This module is responsible for coordinating three unique chassis control functions: Active Trace Control (ATC), Active Ride Control (ARC), and Active Engine Brake (AEB). Inputs are received through the CAN communication lines. Then the execution of ATC, ARC, and AEB is done by output (via CAN lines) to the ECM, ABS control unit and TCM.

Major signal transmission between each unit via communication lines.

ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL

ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (ATC) is a function incorporated into the ABS control unit. It helps control the steering operation of the vehicle while cornering. It automatically engages and adjusts the brakes on the inside and outside wheels when the vehicle is cornering, which helps to provide the optimal line through the turn. The driver’s steering operation condition and the information from multiple sensors are computed by the Chassis Control Module which transmits a command to the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) to control the brakes.

ATC can be turned ON/OFF by operating the steering switch. However, even when turned OFF, a portion of functions (emergency avoidance, etc.) remain ON.

NOTE: Active Trace Control may not be effective in all driving environments (traction conditions, etc.). When Active Trace Control operates, vibration may be transmitted to the brake pedal, an operation sound may be heard and a feeling of deceleration may be felt. This is normal and indicates that Active Trace Control is operating properly.

ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL

ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC) helps stabilize and improve riding comfort when driving on an uneven road surface. ARC functions by computing the rotation of each wheel, the steering angle, and the requested traction torque by the Chassis Control Module and then transmits commands to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Based on the command from the chassis control module, the ECM adjusts the engine torque. By correcting the engine torque, the weight load on the front and rear wheels stabilizes and riding comfort is improved. Engine torque is corrected according to steering operation conditions.

The ARC system senses upper body motion (based on wheel speed information) and controls engine torque and four-wheel brake pressure. This will enhance ride comfort by restraining uncomfortable upper body movement when passing over undulating road surfaces. This system comes into effect at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h).

NOTE: When the VDC function is turned OFF with the VDC OFF switch, the Active Ride Control also turns OFF. If the Chassis Control Module warning message appears in the vehicle information display, it may indicate that Active Ride Control is not functioning properly. When Active Ride Control is operating, a noise may be heard and a slight deceleration may be felt. This is normal and indicates that Active Ride Control is operating properly.

ACTIVE ENGINE BRAKE

ACTIVE ENGINE BRAKE (AEB) helps reduce the required operation of depressing the brake pedal during cornering. The Chassis Control Module receives the operation information depending on the cornering condition calculated from the driver’s steering input as well as the accelerator pedal condition and sends a command to the TCM. Based on the command received from the Chassis Control Module, the TCM shifts the gear ratio of the transaxle to the low side and applies the engine brake. The benefits are easier traceability and less workload required to adjust vehicle speed when braking at corners.

AEB also helps enhance braking feel by adding subtle deceleration with CVT gear ratio control according to the driver’s brake pedal operation. AEB can be set to ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled) through the vehicle information display “Settings” page.

SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKING APPLIED When driving on an uneven road surface, the rotation speed information of each wheel is computed by the chassis control module to estimate vertical G, and a command is transmitted to the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit). The ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) controls brake fluid pressure (brake force) according to the command from the Chassis Control Module. The brake fluid pressure (brake force) is controlled according to driving conditions, which helps decrease the movement of the vehicle in the vertical direction to help improve ride comfort.

PRECAUTIONS FOR CHASSIS CONTROL

• Do not disassemble the Chassis Control Module.

• Do not reuse if the Chassis Control Module has been dropped.

• Do not perform ACTIVE TEST while driving the vehicle.

• Slight vibrations may be felt on the brake pedal and operation noises may occur when Active Trace Control and Active Ride Control operate. This may happen during normal operation and is not a malfunction.

• The tachometer will rise and engine noise may be noticeable during Active Engine Brake operation. This may happen during normal operation and is not a malfunction.

NOTE: If the Chassis Control System Error warning message appears in the vehicle information display, it indicates the Chassis Control Module has detected an error in the Active Trace Control, Active Engine Brake, or the Active Ride Control systems.