Cruise Control Description and Operation Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

The Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC) is an enhanced Cruise Control System with the ability to sense and react to forward traffic. Compared to the common Cruise Control System found on many vehicles, the main functional enhancement of the ACC System is the ability to detect the presence of a vehicle in the path of the ACC vehicle. The ACC retains the existing cruise control feature that controls the vehicle speed to the driver selected speed. However, ACC allows a driver to set and maintain a following distance to the preceding nearest vehicle in the ACC vehicle path. The distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module calculates a follow speed limit to ensure an acceptable distance is maintained to the preceding vehicle in front, should one be present. The ACC System automatically adjusts the speed of an ACC vehicle when the vehicle comes up behind a slower travelling vehicle in front. The ACC System applies limited automatic braking and throttle control without driver input when necessary to maintain the set following distance of the ACC vehicle. The preceding vehicle's speed and acceleration along with the ACC vehicle speed and acceleration and the distance between the 2 vehicles are factors used by the DSCC module to determine the ACC follow speed limit. The ACC vehicle speeds up to the original driver selected set speed when the pathway becomes clear without driver input.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System Description

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System depends on various modules on the vehicle to function and each module performs a function that is critical to the proper operation of the ACC System. ACC will not operate if any components fail. Communication between modules is via the high-speed serial data circuit. The body control module (BCM) provides a translating gateway function for the serial data links. The serial data links utilizes the controller area network (CAN) communications protocol. The following is a functional description of the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module and the other associated components:

Distance Sensing Cruise Control (DSCC) Module

The DSCC module contains the radar and the DSCC controller. The DSCC module utilizes the radar to identify and classify objects in the road environment. The radar scans the road environment to detect targets within its specified field of view. The DSCC controller then makes throttle and/or brake commands to the engine control module (ECM) and electronic brake control module (EBCM) via the serial data circuit in order to control the vehicle acceleration/deceleration based on the data from the radar. The ECM and EBCM provide throttle control and automatic braking needed for proper cruise speed adjustment. An internal yaw rate sensor is used by the DSCC module to determine the predicted path of the ACC vehicle. The main power feed for the DSCC module is the battery and this signal is always at battery potential. However, the ACC System only activates when the ignition 1 input is active and in the RUN position. The ignition 1 voltage signal to the DSCC module has to be 9.2 volts or more to be considered active by the DSCC module. When the ignition 1 signal is not active, all ACC functions are disabled. The following is a list of the DSCC module functions:

body control module (BCM)

The following are the ACC System functions provided by the BCM:

Engine Control Module (ECM)

The following are the ACC System functions performed by the ECM:

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

The following are the ACC System functions performed by the EBCM:

Refer to ABS Description and Operation.

Transmission Control Module (TCM)

The transmission control module (TCM) provides a down shift to protect the brakes. When the TCM detects some driver braking activity or ACC automatic braking activity, the TCM down shifts the vehicle transmission to increase engine braking. This helps reduce braking activity, extend brake pad life and reduce brake system overheating.

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC is a part of the IPC and displays the ACC System warning messages. The DSCC module requests messages to be displayed on the DIC by sending a serial data request to the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data request to the DIC demanding the display of the warning message. When the message is acknowledged by the driver and the cause of the message resolved, the DIC turns the message off. These displays are accompanied by a chime warning internal to the DIC. The ACC System will not operate if the DIC fails. The following are the 3 ACC messages that can be displayed on the DIC:

Radio Amplifier

The amplifier receives a serial data message from the BCM in order to request an audible warning. The chime alerts the vehicle driver to certain ACC vehicle conditions. The audible chime accompanies a visual indicator as a warning to the driver. The ACC System will not operate if the radio amplifier fails.

Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Sensor

The BCM monitors the brake pedal position (BPP) sensor in order to determine when pressure is being applied to the brake by the driver stepping on the brake pedal. The BPP sensor receives a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference from the BCM. When the brake is applied, a signal is applied from the BPP sensor through the BPP sensor signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM utilizes this signal in deciding when to command the activation of the stop lamps. The BCM continuously sends signals via the serial data circuit to the EBCM and the ECM reflecting the brake pedal position status. This will include the initial brake travel signal required for the activation of the ACC System. The ACC System will not engage unless the initial brake pedal travel signal is valid and received by the BCM. When the BCM brake pedal position signal indicates that brake pedal pressure is being applied by the driver when the ACC System is engaged, the ECM immediately disengages the ACC System. Re-engaging the ACC System will require the driver pressing the set or resume switch. Refer to Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration and to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation for more information on the brake pedal pressure sensor.

Accelerator Pedal

Deceleration of the ACC vehicle to maintain a certain distance and speed while a slower moving vehicle is in its path is achieved through throttle control by the ECM and the application of light automatic braking by the EBCM. During automatic braking the ECM is commanded to release the throttle by the DSCC module. The DSCC module via the serial data circuit requests the ECM to release the throttle from the currently controlled cruise position. At the end of automatic braking, the ECM will control the vehicle speed to the current set vehicle speed. Driver throttle override occurs when the driver of the ACC vehicle depresses the accelerator pedal with the intention of requesting greater speed than the current throttle position. An example is an ACC vehicle driver stepping on the accelerator for a passing maneuver. The ECM continuously monitors the throttle and reports a throttle override condition. When no throttle override is present, automatic braking is allowed. When throttle override is detected by the ECM, automatic braking in not allowed to affect the vehicle acceleration.

Cruise Control Switch

The cruise control switch, functionally is a common feature that is shared between the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System and the regular Cruise Control System. The ACC System will not operate if any cruise switch fails. The cruise control switch comprises the following cruise control function switches:

The cruise control function switches are arranged in a resistive ladder design whereby each switch function is set up with different resistance values. The body control module (BCM) through the cruise control switch signal circuit detects a predetermined voltage value when any cruise control switch function is activated. The associated cruise control function signal detected by the BCM is then sent to the engine control module (ECM) as a serial data circuit message. The ECM on receiving the message provides the cruise control function requested by the BCM. The ECM is responsible for recognizing and responding to cruise control switch requests sent by the BCM. The cruise control function switches are used by the ECM to communicate to the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module the driver selected vehicle speed. The driver selected vehicle speed is communicated through serial data circuit to the DSCC module and the BCM. The ACC System engages and adjusts vehicle speeds based on the activation of the following cruise control function switches:

On/Off Switch

The BCM monitors the cruise control set/coast and resume/accel switch signal circuit in order to determine when the On/Off switch is disabled or activated. The BCM detects a predetermined voltage value on the cruise control set/coast and resume/accel switch signal circuit. The On/Off switch state is then relayed to the ECM via the serial data circuit. The ECM sends the On/Off switch input status to the DSCC module. When the On/Off switch is turned ON, the ACC System enters either a standby enabled or a standby disabled mode. The standby enabled mode indicates that every condition required for the ACC System to function has been met, but the ACC is not engaged. When the ACC is in the standby disabled mode, the conditions necessary for the ACC System to function has not been met. When the On/Off switch is turned OFF, the ACC will enter the disabled mode. The ACC will not activate in the disabled mode. When the automatic braking is active and the ACC On/Off switch is turned OFF, the ACC will delay entering the disabled mode.

Set/Decrease Switch

The ACC System is engaged when the ACC On/Off switch is turned ON and the set/decrease switch is momentarily pressed and released. When the set/decrease switch is pressed, the selected vehicle speed is set to the current vehicle speed by the ECM. The vehicle speed must be at or greater than 48 km/h (30 mph). While in the engaged state, the selected vehicle speed and the following distance can be adjusted. Pressing and holding the set/decrease switch, when the ACC System is engaged, will decrease the selected vehicle speed without deactivating the ACC. Momentarily pressing and releasing the set/decrease switch, when the ACC is engaged, decreased the selected vehicle speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each time that the set/decrease switch is pressed.

Resume/Increase Switch

The resume/increase switch is used in order to increase the selected vehicle speed when ACC is active. The amount selected vehicle speed can be increased from the resume/increase switch depends on how long the switch is pressed. The presence of a slower moving vehicle in the path of the ACC vehicle will limit the extent to which the selected vehicle speed can be achieved. If there is no preceding vehicle in front, limiting the ACC vehicle acceleration, then the vehicle speed that is attained is the new selected vehicle speed. Acceleration is terminated when the resume/increase switch is released. Momentarily pressing and releasing the resume/increase switch will allow the selected vehicle to accelerate in at 1.6 km/h (1 mph) increments for each time that the resume/increase switch is momentarily pressed.

Gap Up/Down Switch

The gap up/down switch allows the driver to determine how closely the adaptive cruise control (ACC) vehicle follows a target vehicle while ACC is engaged. When the ACC vehicle speed is being limited due to a slower travelling vehicle, the ACC vehicle speed is automatically controlled to the follow speed limit. The gap switch has 6 following distance selections that range from 1-2 seconds. The gap switch following distance between the ACC vehicle and the target vehicle is expressed in time as opposed to actual distance. The distance maintained for a selected gap will vary based on vehicle speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the further back you will follow. The gap setting can only be adjusted when the ACC System is engaged. The gap up/down switch is hard-wired to the body control module (BCM) and voltage is provided to the switch from the BCM via the gap up/down ignition 1 voltage circuit. Based on voltage variations, the BCM is able to read the selected gap up/down switch selection and communicates the switch status on the serial data circuit to the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module. The gap up/down switch is a 3 position momentary switch--Center, Gap Up and Gap Down--with the following valid signal values:

The initial push of the gap switch recalls the current setting and activates the display. Subsequent pushes of the gap switch will change the gap setting. Momentarily pressing the gap up/down switch will adjust the switch to the desired gap setting. When the voltage from the gap up/down switch circuit is in an invalid range, the BCM will default to increasing the gap value.

Cruise Indicators and Messages

SERVICE RADAR CRUISE

The DSCC module commands the display of the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message in the driver information center (DIC) when it detects a malfunction in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System. The DSCC module sends a request to the body control module (BCM) via the serial data circuit to display the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message in the DIC. The DIC displays the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message when it receives a serial data message request from the BCM. The SERVICE RADAR CRUISE is displayed in the DIC only when a diagnostic condition is present, the cruise switch is in the On position and the vehicle speed is above 48 km/h (30 mph). When the message is displayed in the DIC the ACC System disengages. The DIC sounds an internal chime anytime it displays the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message.

CRUISE NOT READY

The DSCC module commands the display of the CRUISE NOT READY message in the DIC when ACC cannot engage due to a temporary condition. The ACC vehicle conditions that prompt the display of the CRUISE NOT READY message are temporary and do not require service. If no target is identified by the radar at the time of vehicle ignition, the CRUISE NOT READY message will be displayed in the DIC until the radar is able to identify a target. CRUISE NOT READY message is also displayed in the DIC when the DSCC transceiver is too hot and the brakes are too hot. The DIC sounds an internal chime anytime it displays the CRUISE NOT READY message.

CLEAN RADAR

The CLEAN RADAR message displays in the DIC when the DSCC module detects a blockage of the radar. The radar may be blocked by snow, ice, dirt, heavy rain or road spray. In rare instances, a vertically misaligned radar may trigger the activation of the CLEAN RADAR message in the DIC. The DSCC module commands the display of the CLEAN RADAR message via a serial data circuit request to the BCM. The DIC displays the CLEAN RADAR message when it receives a serial data message request from the BCM. When the CLEAN RADAR message is displayed in the DIC, safely park the vehicle and turn OFF the ignition. Clean the front fascia cover to eliminate the blockage. It may be necessary to clean both the outside surface of the cover, the inside surface of the cover and the DSCC module surface. Refer to Distance Sensing Cruise Control Maintenance for more cleaning information. It is important to turn the ignition OFF before cleaning any of the named surfaces. This is because the CLEAN RADAR message may still display in the DIC after cleaning the three surfaces. Cycling the ignition to OFF for 10 seconds is necessary to clear the CLEAN RADAR indicator if the indicator remains ON in the DIC. If the CLEAN RADAR indicator still remains ON after cleaning the radar and cycling the ignition, then the radar alignment will need to be checked and verified. Perform the Distance Sensing Cruise Control Aiming , if the radar is misaligned. The DIC sounds an internal chime anytime it displays the CLEAN RADAR message.

Cruise Engaged Indicator

The ACC engaged indicator is displayed in the driver information center (DIC) when the ACC is engaged by pressing the set/decrease switch. When the set/decrease switch is pressed by the driver, the BCM forwards the switch state to the engine control module (ECM) over the serial data circuit. The ECM will use the switch input information from the BCM to determine the driver intended vehicle speed. The ECM communicates to the DSCC module over the serial data circuit the ACC engaged state and the driver selected speed. When the DSCC module receives the ECM message indicating that ACC is active, the DSCC module commands the display of the ACC engaged indicator via a serial data message to the BCM. The HUD displays the ACC engaged indicator when it receives a serial data message from the BCM requesting the display.

Set Speed

The ACC vehicle set speed is displayed at all times in the DIC when ACC is engaged. The DSCC module set speed display request is sent to the BCM via the serial data circuit. The DIC displays the set speed when it receives a serial data message from the BCM requesting the set speed displayed. The DIC controls when the set speed is displayed.

Follow Distance

The DIC displays the driver selected following distance when ACC is engaged and the gap up/down switch is active. The current follow distance setting is displayed in the DIC for a few seconds after the gap up/down switch is pressed to increase or decrease the following distance. The DSCC module follow distance display request is sent to the BCM via the serial data circuit. The DIC displays the follow distance when it receives a serial data message from the BCM requesting the follow distance displayed in the DIC. The DIC will not display the follow distance if an indicator with a higher priority needs to be displayed in the DIC.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

The vehicle ahead indicator is displayed in the DIC when the radar identifies an in-path vehicle. The vehicle ahead indicator is a warning to the driver that a vehicle is ahead within a distance of 100 meters (109.3 yards). The indicator also serves as a feedback to the driver that the radar is functioning properly. The DSCC module commands the display of the vehicle ahead indicator via a serial data message to the BCM. The DIC displays the vehicle ahead indicator when it receives a serial data message request from the BCM. The vehicle ahead indicator only displays with the ACC active and may sometimes display for stationary road objects.

Driver Alert

The driver alert indicator warns the driver of a certain road or vehicle conditions that require his attention. When the driver alert indicator flashes in the DIC it is accompanied by an audible warning from the audio amplifier. The driver alert indicator flashes in the DIC and the audible warning sounds when one of the following occurs:

The DSCC module requests the driver alert indicator and the audible warning via a serial data message to the BCM. The BCM then sends a serial data message to the DIC and to the audio amplifier requesting the driver alert indicator and the audible warning to be activated.

Cruise Engaged

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System will engage and adjust vehicle speeds based on the activation of the following cruise switches:

ACC will not engage if any inhibit criteria is active. Also, the driver must step on the brakes at each ignition cycle before attempting to engage ACC. The engine control module (ECM) looks to the body control module (BCM) for the brake initial travel achieved signal indicating that the driver has stepped on the brakes before attempting to engage ACC.

The vehicle speed must be at or above 48 km/h (30 mph) and below 188.3 km/h (117 mph) for the ACC System to be engaged. In the engaged state, the ACC System allows the driver to override the controlled vehicle speed temporarily while still remaining in the engaged state.

Cruise Inhibited

DSCC Module Inhibits

The distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module inhibits the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System when any of the following conditions exists:

ECM Inhibits

The ECM inhibits the ACC System operation when any of the following conditions exists:

Cruise Disengaged

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System disengages when any of the following occurs:

Pressing the brake pedal while the ACC is engaged will disengage the ACC System.

Other Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Features

Mechanical Alignment

When the radar is out of alignment, DTC C1002 is set by the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module. When DTC C1002 is set, it becomes necessary to mechanically align the radar using the special alignment tool. Refer to DTC C1002. For further information on how to aim and align the radar, refer to Distance Sensing Cruise Control Aiming. An out of alignment condition may be as a result of tampering or damage to the DSCC module mounting structures or the adjuster settings. An out of alignment condition may also be as a result of damage to the front end of the vehicle or merely as a result of wear and tear. Refer to Distance Sensing Cruise Control Module Replacement on how to properly mount and adjust the DSCC module. Performance of the adaptive cruise control (ACC) System may be degraded after a DSCC module replacement. Normal vehicle driving will correct the performance of the ACC System.

Cruise Control Description and Operation Conventional Cruise Control

Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph). Steep grades may cause variations in the selected vehicle speeds.

The following are the main components of the Cruise Control System:

Cruise Control Engaged

The Cruise Control System will engage and adjust vehicle speeds, based on the activation of the following cruise control switches, which are located on the steering wheel:

The body control module (BCM) monitors the signal circuit of the cruise control switches. The BCM relays the cruise control switch status to the engine control module (ECM) via the serial data circuit. The ECM uses the status of the cruise control switch to determine when to capture and maintain the vehicle speed. The ECM monitors the vehicle speed signal circuit in order to determine the desired vehicle speed. The ECM uses the throttle actuator control (TAC) motor in order to maintain the vehicle speed. For further information on the TAC System, refer to Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description.

Voltage is supplied to the cruise control switch from the steering wheel control switch reference voltage circuit supplied by the BCM. The cruise control switches are arranged in a resistive ladder design, with each cruise control function switch having a different resistance value. The BCM detects a specific voltage value that is associated with the cruise control function switch being activated. When the normally open cruise control On/Off switch is turned ON, the switch closes and the BCM supplies a ground to the cruise control switch ON indicator circuit as it becomes illuminated. The BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM indicating that the On/Off switch is active. Similarly, when the normally open + RES switch or the normally open - SET switch are pressed, the switch closes and the BCM detects the predetermined voltage signal on the - SET switch and the + RES switch signal circuit. The BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM indicating that the + RES switch or the - SET switch is active. To engage the Cruise Control System, ensure that the vehicle speed is above 40.2 km/h (25 mph), and then turn the On/Off switch ON and momentarily press the - SET switch. The ECM will engage the Cruise Control System and record the vehicle speed. The ECM sends a serial data message to the driver information center (DIC) in order to illuminate the CRUISE SET TO ### message. The ECM sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to illuminate the Cruise Engaged indicator in the IPC. The - SET switch and the + RES switch will remain inactive when the BCM has not received the predetermined voltage signal from the On/Off switch. Pressing the accelerator pedal, while the Cruise Control System is engaged, will allow the driver to override the Cruise Control System in order to accelerate the vehicle beyond the current set vehicle speed. When the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle will decelerate and resume the current set vehicle speed. The driver can also override the current set vehicle speed via the - SET switch and the + RES switch. When the Cruise Control System is engaged, pressing and holding the - SET switch will allow the vehicle to decelerate from the current set vehicle speed without deactivating the Cruise Control System. When the - SET switch is released, the ECM will record the vehicle speed and maintain the vehicle speed as the new set vehicle speed. When the Cruise Control System is engaged, momentarily pressing - SET switch will allow the vehicle to decelerate at 1.6 km/h (1 mph) increments for each time that the - SET switch is momentarily pressed, with a minimum vehicle speed of 37 km/h (23 mph). Pressing and holding the + RES switch, when the Cruise Control System is engaged, will allow the vehicle to accelerate to a greater vehicle speed than the current set vehicle speed. When the + RES switch is released, the ECM will record the vehicle speed and maintain the vehicle speed as the new set vehicle speed. When the Cruise Control System is engaged, momentarily pressing the + RES switch will allow the vehicle to accelerate at 1.6 km/h (1 mph) increments for each time that the + RES switch is momentarily pressed, with the maximum acceleration total of 16 km/h (10 mph) over the current set vehicle speed. Momentarily activating the + RES switch will recall the previous vehicle speed, after the Cruise Control System is disengaged by pressing the brake pedal or by activating the CANCEL switch.

Cruise Control Disengaged

The engine control module (ECM) disengages the cruise control operation based on the signals from the following switches:

The body control module (BCM) determines when the cruise control cancel switch is activated. When the normally open cancel switch is closed, the BCM detects the predetermined voltage signal on the cruise control function switch circuit. The BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM in order to disengage the cruise control system.

The BPP sensor is mounted on the brake pedal bracket. Pressing the brake pedal while the cruise control is engaged will disengage the Cruise Control system. The BCM monitors the BPP sensor signal circuit as the voltage signal increases, while the pedal reaches the fully applied position. The BCM sends a serial data message to the ECM indicating the position of the brake pedal. For more information on the BPP sensor, refer to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operationand to Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration.

The Cruise Control System will also disengage when one of the following conditions exist:

When the Cruise Control System has been disengaged, the ECM sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to turn OFF the Cruise Engaged indicator, and to the drive information center (DIC) in order to turn OFF the CRUISE SET TO ### message. The vehicle speed stored in the memory of the ECM will be erased when the cruise control On/Off button is turned OFF, or the ignition switch is turned OFF.

Cruise Control Inhibited

The engine control module (ECM) inhibits the cruise control operation when any of the following conditions exist: