Electro-Hydraulic Control Unit
The Electro-Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) consists of the Electronic
Brake Control Module (EBCM) and the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV).
The EHCU regulates hydraulic pressure in the brake system during an ABS
event.
Electronic Brake Control Module
The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) is the electronic portion
of the EHCU assembly. The EBCM receives and processes numerous sensor and
switch inputs and then controls BPMV function if it is necessary to respond
to these inputs. Inputs to the EBCM include the following:
• | Brake fluid level switch |
• | Transfer case switch (S4WD only) |
• | Differential pressure switch |
• | Traction assist switch (if equipped with traction control) |
• | Delivered Torque signal (if equipped with traction control) |
The EBCM can command the following outputs:
• | Isolation solenoids (3) |
• | LOW TRACTION indicator (if equipped with traction control) |
• | TRACTION OFF indicator (if equipped with traction control) |
• | Requested Torque signal (if equipped with traction control) |
Brake Pressure Modulator Valve
The Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) is the hydraulic/mechanical
portion of the EHCU, consisting of a valve body and pump motor. The BPMV is
actuated by the EBCM in order to regulate hydraulic pressure in the following
brake circuits:
Each circuit within the BPMV has an isolation valve and a dump valve.
These valves are used to hold, decrease or increase hydraulic pressure within
the brake circuits. There are 2 low pressure accumulators located
within the BPMV, which are used to store brake fluid in the unit during ABS
operation. The pump, also located within the BPMV, is used to return fluid
from the accumulators to the master cylinder or fluid reservoir.
Wheel Speed Sensors
The front Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS) are a magnetic coil/pickup type.
Each WSS produces an AC voltage signal which is received by the EBCM.
The AC voltage is produced as the teeth on a toothed ring pass through
the magnetic field of the WSS pole piece. The frequency of the AC signal
is used to calculate the wheel speed. Any imperfections in the toothed ring,
such as a missing or otherwise damaged tooth, can cause an inaccurate wheel
speed sensor signal.
The rear wheel speed input signal originates at the vehicle speed sensor
(VSS) and is supplied to the EBCM by the Vehicle Conrol Module (VCM) or Powertrain
Control Module (PCM).