Hi guys,


Just a quick one; how does the active suspension work on the 2010+ XKR's? When in 'Dynamic' mode is it firmed up magnetically?


Cheers.

 

I don't believe it firms the suspension as such it just inreases the response rate of the dampers ability to stiffen as required by driving conditions and driver inputs...........

 

It not only firms the suspension, but also affects the shifting points.

 

Here is the official blurb for the effect dynamic mode has on the adaptive dampers.

When Dynamic mode is selected (via the JaguarDrive selector), the ADCM increases the sensitivity of the continuously variable damping system to its trigger inputs (roll, heave, steering input, lateral acceleration, etc.). In doing so, the system then provides increased damping in reaction to vehicle motion – generating firmer body control and more immediate handling responses.

And if you want to know how they work:

Adaptive Dampers
The adaptive dampers have an electrical connector on the end of the piston rod, in the center of the top mount.

In each damper, the damping adjustment is achieved by a solenoid-operated variable orifice, which opens an alternative path for oil flow within the damper. When deenergized, the bypass is closed and all the oil flows through the main (firm) piston. When energized, the solenoid moves an armature and control blade, which work against a spring. The control blade incorporates an orifice which slides inside a sintered housing to open up the bypass as required.

In the firm setting oil flows through the main (firm) valve only, but when the bypass is opened by any amount, the oil flows through both valves in balanced pressure.

When fully energized, the solenoid moves the armature and slider to the maximum extension and opens the orifice completely. The damper operates continuously between these two boundary conditions.

The solenoid in each damper is operated by a 526 Hz PWM signal from the ADCM. When fully energized, the ADCM applies a 1.5A current to operate the damper in the soft setting. When de-energized (no current applied) the damper is in the firm setting. The current varies continuously as required to increase and decrease the damping individually in each of the dampers.

 

Thanks mate; just what I was looking for.

 

I have a follow-up question for the forum.

I have a 2007 XK (not XKR). Does the sport mode shift selection (when I move it to the left) affect the suspension as well as the shift points? It seems to only affect the shift points. I do have the active suspension. Thanks for any assistance.

 

Not as far as I understand it - the Sport setting on the transmission is purely for the transmission. Your car will select the firmer setting (4.2s have two-way adaptive damping, the 5.0s have continuously variable damping) when it has observed you driving and cornering in a "spirited fashion" for a short while.

 

Hi - Just had both right-side ride-height sensors replaced due to ''Adaptive Dynamics Fault'. Car seems to still ride 'stiff'. Do NOT have Dynamic Mode on. Is this module configurable to give a more comfortable less 'stiff' ride.. Please advise. Many thanks. Great facility to get real answers to complicated vehicles.

 

You don't say what year you have.. for the 07 - 09, no there are no settings. It is fully automatic and controlled by the ADCM based on input from other modules/sensors. Do you have any DTC codes?


Adaptive Damping System: 2007 – 2009 MY Adaptive Dynamics Systems Principles of Operation

The Adaptive Damping Control Module (ADCM) uses a combination of information from other system modules and data from the accelerometers to measure the vehicle motion and driver inputs. Using this information, the module applies algorithms to control the dampers for the existing driving conditions.

The ADCM receives signals on the high speed CAN bus from the following system components:

• Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) module
  • – Vehicle speed
    
  • – Brake pressure
    
  • – Lateral acceleration
    
  • – Steering angle sensor signals for steering wheel speed and angle
    
• Engine Control Module (ECM)
  • – Brake switch status
    
  • – Throttle pedal position
    
  • – Engine speed
    
  • – Engine running status
    
• Transmission Control Module (TCM)
  

– Gear position
• Central Junction Box (CJB)

– Power mode
• Auxiliary Junction Box (AJB)

• – Car Configuration File Data
  
• – Master configuration identification
  
• – Vehicle information parameters
  
  The ADCM also outputs information for use by other systems as follows:
  

• Instrument Cluster
– Computer Active Technology Suspension

(CATS) fault • ECM

• – Front left damper status
  
• – Front right damper status
  
• – Rear left damper status
  
• – Rear right damper status
  

When the vehicle is stationary with the engine running, the dampers are set to the ‘soft’ setting.

With the vehicle in motion, the ADCM monitors the input signals and operates the damper solenoids appro- priately. The input signals are compared against algo- rithms within the ADCM and preset speed thresholds. The gear position signal is also used to determine lon- gitudinal detection and, along with the speed signal, is compared against algorithms to select the appropriate ‘soft’ or ‘firm’ damper setting.

Because the ‘firm’ setting provides better vehicle control in all driving conditions, the ‘firm’ setting has a higher priority than the ‘soft’ setting. The dampers are set to ‘firm’ when driving at high speeds or when a system fault is detected.

The ADCM receives its power supply via a relay in the CJB. To allow the ADCM to record and store any fault codes relating to the Adaptive Damping System, the relay will remain energized for a period of time after the ignition is switched off.

Adaptive Damping System Fault Message

The ADCM communicates with the instrument cluster on the high speed CAN bus. If a fault is detected by the ADCM, a message is sent to the instrument cluster and a ‘CATS SYSTEM FAULT’ message is displayed.

An appropriate Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be logged. DTCs can be retrieved using the Jaguar- approved diagnostic system.

When a fault is detected, the ADCM stops outputs to the dampers; the dampers will operate continually on their default ‘firm’ setting until the fault is corrected.

 

Thanks a lot, Sean - I have a 2010 XK Base Convertible. The ride after ride-height sensor replacement seems stiff - or as you state 'FIRM'. Can this be adjusted for less firm ride in normal driving mode?? Thanks.

 

Nothing I've read in the manual that allows for any adjustment by driver or mechanic. Driver can select the following modes and firmness would be affected. you'll want to experiment I suppose or at least verify are as they were when you dropped the car off for repair:

• JaguarDrive Selector
  
  • – Mode (Winter Mode, Trac DSC, Dynamic Mode)
    

There are guys on here with the 2010 onward who can give better feedback on your model year. Here's a link to winter mode Ralph posted:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ht=winter+mode

 

You can read about it here Adaptive Dynamics section of this doc. Make sure you're reading the 2010 onward:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/bbcd1e..._2012.pdf/file