The Magnasteer® system uses inputs from the ABS Wheel Speed Sensors and uses inputs from the Steering Wheel Position Sensor to the EBTCM to determine the desired amount of power steering effort.
The EBTCM constantly compares the amount of current flowing through the Magnasteer® Solenoid Actuator to the desired current it has calculated. The EBTCM can change to amount of current flowing through the Magnasteer® actuator. Any change in to current flow causes the pole pieces in the actuator to want to align themselves with the permanent magnet attached to the rotary input shaft. More current flow generates a stronger magnetic field increasing the torque necessary to turn the input shaft. The increased torque causes higher steering efforts. If the actuator is disconnected, the magnetic force generated by the actuator will be nonexistent, leading to maximum power steering effort.
The EBTCM detects the following component malfunctions:
| • | The Steering Wheel Position Sensor |
| • | The Steering Wheel Position Sensor circuitry |
| • | The Solenoid Actuator |
| • | The Solenoid Actuator circuitry |
Detected malfunctions cause the power steering effort to remain at maximum for all speeds.
Under normal system operation any increase in vehicle speed decreases power steering effort. Normal system operation improves road feel and improves directional stability.
