Electro-Hydraulic Control Unit
The Electro-Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) is located on the front crossmember.
The EHCU assembly includes the Electronic Brake Control module (EBCM) and
the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV). The EHCU regulates hydraulic
pressure in the brake system during an antilock stop.
Electronic Brake Control Module
The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) is part of the EHCU. The
EBCM is the electronic portion of the EHCU. The major function of the EBCM
is to control the BPMV. Inputs to the EBCM include the following items:
• | Three wheel speed signals |
• | Differential pressure switch |
• | Ignition switch voltage |
• | Unswitched battery voltage |
Outputs of the EBCM include the following items:
• | Three isolation solenoids (internal to the EBCM) |
• | Three dump solenoids (internal to the EBCM) |
• | The amber ABS indicator lamp |
• | The red BRAKE warning lamp |
A diagnostic serial data link (UART, ABS only) is also used for diagnostic
service tools and assembly plant testing. A serial data circuit (Class 2)
is used for transmitting a "rough road" signal to the PCM/VCM.
The EBCM monitors the speed of each wheel. If any wheel approaches lockup,
the EBCM controls the solenoids (isolation solenoid and dump solenoid) in
order to reduce brake pressure to the wheel approaching lockup. Once the
wheel regains traction, brake pressure is increased until the wheel again
approaches lockup. This cycle repeats until either the vehicle comes to
a stop, the brake is released, or the wheel is no longer approaching lockup.
The EBCM also runs self diagnostics in order to check for any system malfunctions.
Refer to
Self-Diagnostics
.
If the EBCM detects a malfunction with the system, the ECBM will illuminate
the amber ABS indicator in order to alert the driver of a malfunction.
Brake Pressure Modulator Valve
The Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) is part of the EHCU. The BPMV
is the hydraulic portion of the EHCU. The EBCM controls the BPMV. The BPMV
is split into the following three hydraulic channels:
Each channel has an isolation valve and a dump valve. The front channels
share a low pressure accumulator, attenuator, and a pump. The rear channel
shares use of the pump, but uses it's own low pressure accumulator and attenuator.
Wheel Speed Sensors
The front Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS) are a magnetic coil/pickup type.
Each WSS produces an AC voltage signal which is transmitted to the
EBCM in order to indicate how fast the wheel is turning. The speed of the
wheel is directly proportional to the frequency and amplitude of the wheel
speed signal.
Wheel Speed Sensor Tone Wheels
Each Wheel Speed Sensor uses a tone wheel in order to produce an AC voltage
signal. Tone wheels are metal rings with teeth on the outside diameter. The
AC voltage is produced as the teeth pass through the magnetic field
of the WSS pole piece. The tone wheels are attached to the rotor. Any imperfections
in the tone rings, such as a broken tooth or a missing tooth, can cause an
inaccurate wheel speed signal.
Tire Size Calibration
The EBCM accepts wheel speed signals from several different sizes of
tire and wheel combinations. All vehicles are pre-programmed from the factory
with the proper tire size calibration. Whenever you replace the EBCM or change
the tire size, you must reset the tire size calibration in the EBCM using
the scan tool. Refer to
Self-Diagnostics
. Once programmed, this calibration will remain, even if the battery
is disconnected or if the EBCM is removed from the vehicle.