FRONT SUSPENSION
60-20 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Failure modes
Failures where the vehicle can still be driven safely are indicated by the ACE warning lamp illuminating continuously
with an amber colour. The amber warning lamp will remain illuminated until the ignition is turned off. For all faults the
warning lamp will only illuminate again if the fault is still present. Failures which require the driver to stop the vehicle
immediately are indicated by the ACE warning lamp flashing with a red colour and an audible warning. All faults are
recorded by the ACE ECU and can be retrieved with diagnostic equipment.
The following tables show the type of system failures and their effects on the system operation. Torsion bar 'floppy'
means that fluid is allowed to circulate freely through the system. With no pressure in the actuators the torsion bar will
have no effect on vehicle roll. 'Locked bars' means that all pump flow is directed through the valve block and returns
to the reservoir. Both DCV's close and fluid is trapped in the actuators but can flow from one actuator to the other via
the valve block. In this condition the torsion bar will perform similar to a conventional anti-roll bar, resisting roll but still
allowing the axles to articulate.
Acceleration sensors
Pressure transducer
Road speed signal
21 Pressure transducer (earth) Input
22 DCV 2 (earth) Input
23 DCV 1 (earth) Input
24 DCV 1 & 2 (supply) Output
25 Pressure control valve (earth) Input
26 Not used -
27 Pressure control valve (supply) Output
28 Main supply (+ V Batt) Input
29 to 31 Not used -
32 Main earth 2 -
33 Accelerometer - lower (signal) Input
34 Accelerometer - upper (signal) Input
35 Not used -
36 Warning lamp Output
Failure Effect
Valve stuck closed No ACE control
Short circuit - Ground No ACE control
Short circuit - VBatt No ACE control
Loose sensor Erractic ACE activity when driving in straight line
Failure Effect
Short circuit - VBatt Large sensor dead band - possible random
movements
Failure Effect
Open circuit No ACE control - 'Locked bars' condition
Short circuit - Ground No ACE control - 'Locked bars' condition
Short circuit - VBatt No ACE control - 'Locked bars' conditionPin No. Description Input/Output
REAR SUSPENSION
64-12 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Description - SLS
General
The Self Levelling Suspension (SLS) system is an optional fitment and comprises an Electronic Control Unit (ECU),
air supply unit, two air springs and two height sensors. The SLS system only operates on the rear suspension and is
designed to keep the vehicle level to compensate for uneven loads or when towing. The system controls the gap
between the chassis and the rear axle to a tolerance of ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in). The ride height of the rear of the vehicle
can be controlled in three modes of operation; normal ride height, Off-Road Mode (ORM) and extended mode. A
transportation mode, initiated using TestBook, is also available for moving the vehicle on a trailer.
The system is controlled electronically by an ECU which is shared with the ABS system and known as the Self
Levelling and Anti-Lock Braking System (SLABS) ECU. The system operates by using an air supply unit to inflate or
deflate the air springs to maintain a constant ride height.
An accessory remote handset is available to remotely operate the SLS system to allow easier connection and
disconnection of trailers.
Two SLS system warning lamps are located in the instrument pack. The warning lamp in the bottom left corner of the
instrument pack is the SLS warning lamp. If a fault is detected in the system, the warning lamp will illuminate
continuously in an amber colour. The warning lamp also flashes in an amber colour when the remote handset is being
used. The second warning lamp, located in the top right of the instrument pack is the ORM warning lamp. When ORM
is selected the warning lamp is continuously illuminated in an amber colour. When the SLS is between standard ride
height and ORM or in extended mode, the warning lamp will flash. Standard ride height, measured between the tip of
the axle bump stop rubber and the axle, is 61.5 mm (2.42 in). ORM ride height, measured between the tip of axle
bump stop and the axle, is 100 mm (3.93 in).
A switch is located in the group of six switches on the fascia and is used to select the ORM. The switch is non-latching
and must be depressed for a minimum of 0.5 seconds to signal the ECU that ORM has been requested.
REAR SUSPENSION
64-18 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
When SLS compressor operation is required, the ECU provides a battery supply to energise the SLS relay located in
the engine compartment fusebox. When the relay contacts close, a 12 V supply passes through fusible link 9 in the
engine compartment fusebox, through the relay contacts and operates the air supply unit compressor. The ECU will
then supply power to operate one or both air control valve solenoids and/or the exhaust valve solenoid to inflate or
deflate the air springs as required. The compressor does not need to be powered to deflate the air springs.
The ECU also controls the operation of the SLS audible warning, the SLS warning lamp and the ORM warning lamp.
When the ignition is switched to position II, the ECU performs a three second bulb check and illuminates the SLS and
ORM warning lamps in the instrument pack to check for operation. When the system is operating or a fault is sensed
by the ECU, the ECU will operate the appropriate warning lamp and audible warning as required. The audible warning
is operated by the Body Control Unit (BCU) when it receives a signal from the SLABS ECU. The audible warning is
emitted from a speaker at the rear of the instrument pack.
Depressing the ORM switch for a minimum of 0.5 seconds, completes an earth which the ECU uses as a signal to
initiate the ORM if conditions allow. When the ECU starts ORM, the same earth that was completed by the ORM
switch is pulled to earth by the ECU to activate the ORM warning lamp. The ECU checks for a further operation of the
ORM switch by continuously and very quickly removing the earth for the ORM warning lamp. If the ORM switch is
operated for more than 0.5 seconds, the ECU will detect this and de-activate the ORM.
The SLS part of the SLABS ECU also uses the road speed data generated within the SLABS ECU by the ABS system.
Operation of ORM and extended mode are road speed sensitive and use the ABS signal to monitor the vehicle speed.
When the accessory remote handset is used for the SLS lower and raise functions, the handset transmits RF signals
which are received by the same RF receiver used for the alarm/remote door locking system. The RF receiver passes
this data as a 25 Hz PWM signal to the BCU. The BCU then transmits this data to the SLABS ECU as raise or lower
data. TestBook is required to program the BCU for remote handset operation.
SLABS ECU connector pin details
REAR SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 64-21
Operation
Circuit diagram
1SLABS ECU
2Exhaust valve
3Restrictor
4Pressure limiting valve
5Silencer
6Inlet air filter
7Compressor
8Air dryer9Non-return valve
10RH air control valve
11RH air spring
12RH height sensor
13LH height sensor
14LH air spring
15LH air control valve
The SLS system is active when the ignition switch is in position II, when one or more doors are open and for up to
thirty minutes after all doors have been closed. If the rear axle is articulated by more than 100 mm (3.93 in), the ECU
will not activate the SLS system.
The air supply unit compressor will only operate to raise the rear of the vehicle when the engine is running, with the
exception of the remote handset operation which does not require the engine running. Three modes of SLS operation
are available; Normal Ride Height, Off-Road Mode (ORM) and Extended Mode. A fourth mode, transportation mode,
is programmed by TestBook for transport or recovery of the vehicle on a trailer.
Normal ride height
When the vehicle is stationary, a door is open and the ignition is off, the SLS system will allow the rear of the vehicle
to lower to within 20 mm of the normal ride height as load is removed from the vehicle. The SLS system will only
operate the compressor to raise the rear of the vehicle when the engine is running, unless requested using the remote
handset.
REAR SUSPENSION
64-22 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Off-road mode (ORM)
ORM is used to raise the rear of the vehicle from normal ride height to the ORM ride height of 100 mm between the
tip of the bump stop and the axle.
ORM is activated by depressing the ORM switch located on the fascia for not less than 0.5 seconds. With the engine
running, all doors closed and the vehicle speed below 18 mph (30 km/h), the audible warning will sound once and the
ORM warning lamp in the instrument pack will start to flash when the switch is released. The compressor will be
started and the air control valves will be energised by the ECU to inflate the air springs and raise the rear of the vehicle.
When the full ORM height is reached, the ECU will terminate compressor operation and close the air valves. The ORM
warning lamp will stop flashing and remain continuously illuminated to inform the driver that the SLS system is in ORM.
When ORM is no longer required, depressing the ORM switch for not less than 0.5 seconds with all doors closed will
lower the SLS to normal ride height. The audible warning will sound once and the ORM warning lamp will flash as the
suspension lowers. The ECU energises the air control valves and the exhaust valve to release air pressure from the
air springs. When standard ride height is reached the ORM warning lamp will extinguish and the ECU will de-energise
the air control valves and the exhaust valve solenoids.
If the SLS is in ORM and the vehicle speed exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h), the ECU will lower the SLS to standard ride
height. The driver will be informed of this by an audible warning and the ORM warning lamp flashing as the suspension
lowers. When normal ride height is achieved, the ORM warning lamp will extinguish.
At sea level, the time to change the SLS from normal ride height to ORM or visa versa will take between 15 and 20
seconds.
If the ECU determines that conditions are not correct for SLS operation, i.e.; axle articulation or system fault, the
audible warning will sound three times to inform the driver that the ORM request has not been granted.
Extended mode
The extended mode is automatically operated by the ECU and requires no input from the driver. Extended mode
operates when the chassis is grounded causing the rear wheels to spin. This information is generated by the ABS
function of the SLABS ECU.
When the ECU senses that the chassis is grounded and the vehicle speed is less than 6 mph (10 km/h), the ECU will
operate the compressor and energise the air control valves for 25 seconds to raise the rear of the vehicle. This
operates irrespective of the mode that the SLS system is in at that time. To inform the driver, the ORM warning lamp
will flash continuously at all times that the system is in extended mode.
The driver can exit the extended mode by depressing the ORM switch for not less than 0.5 seconds or by exceeding
8 mph (13 km/h).
Remote handset SLS control
The remote handset is an accessory item which allows the SLS to be operated between normal ride height and bump
stop height to allow easier connection and disconnection of trailers. The remote handset is similar in appearance to
that of the remote door locking handset but does not have an integral key. A circular button with an arrow is used to
raise the SLS and an oval button with the 'Land Rover' logo is used to lower the SLS.
The remote handset control requires all doors to be closed and the ignition to be in position II, but the engine does
not need to be running.
Pressing the lower button will signal the SLABS ECU, via the RF receiver and the BCU, to energise the exhaust valve
and air control valves. The SLS will lower up to 60 mm (2.36 in) below normal ride height if the button is held. If the
button is released the SLS will stop at that point.
Pressing the raise button will signal the SLABS ECU, via the RF receiver and the BCU, to start the compressor and
energise the exhaust valve and air control valves. The SLS will raise to normal ride height if the button is held. If the
button is released the SLS will stop at that point.
When raising or lowering the SLS using the remote handset, the SLS warning lamp will flash and the audible warning
will sound when the system is operating. When the SLS is fully lowered the warning lamp will stay illuminated. The
SLS will reset to normal ride height if the vehicle speed exceeds 3 mph (5 km/h) for 10 seconds when the SLS is
lowered.
BRAKES
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 70-5
Description
General
The brakes consist of front and rear disc brakes operated by a diagonally split, dual circuit hydraulic system with
vacuum servo power assistance. The system incorporates the following control functions as standard on all models:
lAnti-lock Brakes (ABS), to prevent road wheels locking during brake application.
lElectronic Brake Distribution (EBD), to control distribution of hydraulic pressure between front and rear axles.
Replaces mechanical pressure limiting valve of previous systems.
lElectronic Traction Control (ETC), to maintain even torque distribution to the road wheels.
lHill Descent Control (HDC), to provide controlled descent ability in off road conditions.
Hydraulic system schematic
1Master cylinder/brake servo assembly
2Brake pedal
3ABS modulator
4Rear brake5Front brake
6Hydraulic circuit
aPrimary
bSecondary
For normal brake operation, brake pedal movement is assisted by the brake servo assembly and transmitted to the
master cylinder assembly. The master cylinder assembly converts brake pedal movement to hydraulic pressure.
Primary and secondary brake pipe circuits supply the hydraulic pressure to the brakes via the ABS modulator: the
primary circuit supplies the front left and rear right brakes; the secondary circuit supplies the front right and rear left
brakes. Vacuum for the brake servo assembly is obtained from the engine inlet manifold (V8 models) or a vacuum
pump (diesel models), through a vacuum line and non return valve. To reduce operating noise, sleeving is installed
on some of the brake pipes in the engine compartment and the pipes are located in sprung pipe clips.
For all control functions, the ABS modulator regulates the hydraulic pressure to the brakes to control the speed of all
four wheels, either individually or in axle pairs. Operation of the ABS modulator is controlled by the Self Levelling and
Anti-lock Braking Systems (SLABS) ECU. The SLABS ECU also operates warning indications in the instrument pack
to provide the driver with status information on each function.
BRAKES
70-14 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
The ABS modulator is a 4 channel unit that controls the supply of hydraulic pressure to the brakes in response to
inputs from the SLABS ECU. The modulator is attached by three mounting bushes to a bracket on the LH inner front
wing, and connected to the primary and secondary hydraulic circuits downstream of the master cylinder assembly.
Three electrical connectors link the ABS modulator to the vehicle wiring.
Passages within the ABS modulator, separated into primary and secondary circuits, connect to the various internal
components that control the supply of hydraulic pressure to the brakes:
lShuttle valves and non return valves control the flow through the internal circuits.
lShuttle valve switches, connected in series to the SLABS ECU, provide a brakes on/off signal.
lA damper chamber and restrictor are included in each circuit to refine system operation.
lInlet and outlet solenoid valves control the flow to the individual brakes.
lAn expansion chamber is connected to each circuit to absorb pressure.
lA return pump is connected to both circuits to provide a pressure source.
The ABS modulator has three operating modes: Normal braking, ABS braking and active braking.
Normal braking mode
When the brake pedal is pressed, pressurised fluid from the master cylinder assembly moves the shuttle valves to
open lines 'A' and close the shuttle valve switches. Pressurised fluid then flows through the open inlet solenoid valves
to operate the brakes. The closed shuttle valve switches supply a brakes on signal to the SLABS ECU. If the SLABS
ECU determines that EBD is necessary, it energises the inlet solenoid valves for the brakes of one axle. The inlet
solenoid valves close to isolate the brakes from any further increase in hydraulic pressure.
ABS braking mode
When in the normal braking mode, if the SLABS ECU determines that ABS braking is necessary, it energises the inlet
and outlet solenoid valves of the related brake and starts the return pump. The inlet solenoid valve closes to isolate
the brake from pressurised fluid; the outlet solenoid valve opens to release pressure from the brake into the expansion
chamber and the return pump circuit. The brake releases and the wheel begins to accelerate. The SLABS ECU then
operates the inlet and outlet solenoid valves to control the supply of hydraulic pressure to the brake and apply the
maximum braking effort (for the available traction) without locking the wheel.
Active braking mode
When ETC or HDC are enabled, and the SLABS ECU determines that active braking is necessary, it starts the return
pump. Hydraulic fluid, drawn from the reservoirs through the master cylinder, shuttle valves and lines 'B', is
pressurised by the return pump and supplied to lines 'A'. The SLABS ECU then operates the inlet and outlet solenoid
valves to control the supply of hydraulic pressure to the individual brakes and slow the wheel(s).
BRAKES
70-20 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Operation
Refer to illustration.
+ BRAKES, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Brake system control diagram.
When the ignition is switched on, the SLABS ECU performs a check of the brake related warning lamps as part of the
power up procedure. The warning lamps are illuminated for approximately 3 seconds and then extinguished. If a fault
warning lamp remains illuminated after the lamp check, a fault has been detected and repair action is required.
ABS
The ABS function prevents the road wheels locking during brake application, thus maintaining vehicle stability even
under emergency conditions.
WARNING: ABS is an aid to retaining steering control and stability while braking:
lABS cannot defy the natural laws of physics acting on the vehicle.
lABS will not prevent accidents resulting from excessive cornering speeds, following another vehicle too
closely, aquaplaning, etc.
lThe additional control provided by ABS must never be exploited in a dangerous or reckless manner
which could jeopardise the safety of driver or other road users.
lThe fitting of ABS does not imply that the vehicle will always stop in a shorter distance.
NOTE: During normal braking the feel of the brake pedal on vehicles equipped with ABS will be the same as that on
non ABS vehicles. During anti-lock braking operation the driver will experience feedback in the form of a pulsating
brake pedal and solenoid/pump motor noise from the ABS modulator.
The anti-lock braking function is automatically enabled whenever the ABS modulator is in the normal braking mode.
While the anti-lock braking function is enabled, if the SLABS ECU detects a wheel decelerating faster than the
average and at the calibrated wheel slip limit for ABS operation, it operates the ABS modulator in the ABS braking
mode for the affected wheel.
EBD
The EBD function optimises the distribution of hydraulic pressure between the front and rear axles, under all vehicle
load configurations and road conditions, to maintain vehicle stability during braking. EBD operates in forward and
reverse and is automatically enabled whenever the ABS modulator is in the normal braking mode at vehicle
deceleration rates of 0.3 g and above (i.e. medium to high brake pedal loads). EBD operation is similar to that of ABS,
but is calibrated to intervene at lower wheel slip limits and operates the brakes in axle pairs instead of individually.
During braking, if the SLABS ECU detects the wheels of one axle going slower than those of the other axle, i.e. a
potential wheel slip situation, it signals the ABS modulator to close the inlet solenoid valve for the brakes of the slower
wheels. This prevents any further increase in hydraulic pressure to those brakes, while allowing the hydraulic pressure
to the brakes on the other axle to increase and so maximise the overall braking effort. If the wheel speeds of the axle
being subjected to EBD control return within the calibrated wheel slip limits, the SLABS ECU signals a stepped
opening of the inlet solenoid valves, which allows a progressive increase of hydraulic pressure to the related brakes.
Operation of EBD is detectable from a stiffening of brake pedal movement as the inlet solenoid valves close and a
slight pulsing of the brake pedal as the inlet solenoid valves open. EBD operation ceases immediately the brake pedal
is released.
The wheel slip limit for EBD operation varies with vehicle speed. During normal operation, the inlet solenoid valves
always operate in axle pairs, with only one axle pair closed at any one time. Since the most lightly loaded wheel during
a braking manoeuvre will usually be the first to reach the slip limit, under most vehicle load configurations and road
conditions EBD control occurs on the trailing axle. However, EBD control can occur on the leading axle or switch
between axles during the braking manoeuvre.