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Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) and Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) Assembly


Object Number: 1556290  Size: MF

BPMV Hydraulic Flow


Object Number: 1556292  Size: LF
(1)Left Rear Brake
(2)Master Cylinder Reservoir
(3)Master Cylinder
(4)Left Front Brake
(5)Left Front Inlet Valve
(6)Left Front Outlet Valve
(7)Right Front Inlet Valve
(8)Right Front Outlet Valve
(9)Right Front Brake
(10)Accumulator
(11)Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV)
(12)Return Pump
(13)Pump
(14)Priming Solenoid Valve
(15)Accumulator
(16)Return Pump
(17)Right Rear Brake
(18)Right Rear Outlet Valve
(19)Right Rear Inlet Valve
(20)Left Rear Outlet Valve
(21)Left Rear Inlet Valve
(22)Isolating Solenoid Valve

This vehicle is equipped with the Bosch 8.0 antilock braking system.

The vehicle is equipped with the following braking systems:

    • Antilock Brake System (ABS)
    • Traction Control System (TCS)

The following components are involved in the operation of the above systems:

    • Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)--The EBCM controls the system functions and detects failures.
    • Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV)--The BPMV contains the hydraulic valves and pump motor that are controlled electrically by the EBCM. The vehicle uses a 4 circuit configuration with a front/rear split. The BPMV directs fluid from the reservoir of the master cylinder to the front wheels and fluid from the other reservoir to the rear wheels. The circuits are hydraulically isolated so that a leak or malfunction in one circuit will allow continued braking ability on the other.

       Important: There is a rubber isolator located under the BPMV and on the mounting studs. The rubber isolators protect the BPMV and the EBCM from vehicle vibrations.

    • The BPMV contains the following components:
       - Return pumps (2)
       - Pump motor
       - Accumulators (2)
       - Inlet valves (one per wheel)
       - Outlet valves (one per wheel)
       - Isolating solenoid valve
       - Rear priming valve
    • Wheel Speed Sensors--As the wheel spins, the wheel speed sensor produces an AC signal. The EBCM uses this AC signal to calculate wheel speed. The front wheel speed sensors are replaceable only as part of the wheel hub and bearing assemblies.
    • Traction Control Switch--The TCS is manually disabled or enabled using the traction control switch.
    • Stop Lamp Switch--The EBCM uses the stop lamp switch as an indication that the brake pedal is applied.

Initialization Sequence

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) performs one initialization test each ignition cycle. The initialization of the EBCM occurs when one set of the following conditions occur:

Both of the following conditions occur:

    • The EBCM receives that there is a minimum of 500 RPM from the powertrain control module (PCM) via a serial data message.
    • The stop lamp switch is not applied.

OR

Both of the following conditions occur:

    • The vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
    • The stop lamp switch is applied.

The initialization sequence may also be commanded with a scan tool.

The initialization sequence cycles each solenoid valve and the pump motor (as well as the necessary relays) for approximately 1.5 seconds to check component operation. The EBCM sets a DTC if any error is detected. The initialization sequence may be heard and felt while it is taking place, and is considered part of normal system operation.

The EBCM defines a drive cycle as the completion of the initialization sequence.

Antilock Brake System

When wheel slip is detected during a brake application, the ABS enters antilock mode. During antilock braking, hydraulic pressure in the individual wheel circuits is controlled to prevent any wheel from slipping. A separate hydraulic line and specific solenoid valves are provided for each wheel. The ABS can decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to each wheel brake. The ABS cannot, however, increase hydraulic pressure above the amount which is transmitted by the master cylinder during braking.

During antilock braking, a series of rapid pulsations is felt in the brake pedal. These pulsations are caused by the rapid changes in position of the individual solenoid valves as the electronic brake control module (EBCM) responds to wheel speed sensor inputs and attempts to prevent wheel slip. These pedal pulsations are present only during antilock braking and stop when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to a stop. A ticking or popping noise may also be heard as the solenoid valves cycle rapidly. During antilock braking on dry pavement, intermittent chirping noises may be heard as the tires approach slipping. These noises and pedal pulsations are considered normal during antilock operation.

Vehicles equipped with ABS may be stopped by applying normal force to the brake pedal. Brake pedal operation during normal braking is no different than that of previous non-ABS systems. Maintaining a constant force on the brake pedal provides the shortest stopping distance while maintaining vehicle stability.

Pressure Hold

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) closes the inlet valve and keeps the outlet valve closed in order to isolate the system when wheel slip occurs. This holds the pressure steady on the brake so that the hydraulic pressure does not increase or decrease.

Pressure Decrease

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) decreases the pressure to individual wheels during a deceleration when wheel slip occurs. The inlet valve is closed and the outlet valve is opened. The excess fluid is stored in the accumulator until the return pump can return the fluid to the master cylinder.

Pressure Increase

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) increases the pressure to individual wheels during a deceleration in order to reduce the speed of the wheel. The inlet valve is opened and the outlet valve is closed. The increased pressure is delivered from the master cylinder.

Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP)

The dynamic rear proportioning (DRP) is a control system that replaces the hydraulic proportioning function of the mechanical proportioning valve in the base brake system. The DRP control system is part of the operation software in the electronic brake control module (EBCM). The DRP uses active control with existing ABS in order to regulate the vehicle's rear brake pressure.

The red brake warning indicator is illuminated when the dynamic rear proportioning function is disabled.

Traction Control (TCS)

Traction control will not have any effect on the operation of the vehicle until the control module detects one or both of the rear wheels rotating faster than the front wheels. At this time the electronic brake control module (EBCM) will request the powertrain control module (PCM) to reduce engine torque. The last measure taken to control the rear wheels is for the EBCM to apply the rear brakes. Once the rear wheels begin to rotate at the same speed as the front wheels, the system will return full control to the driver. During Traction Control mode, if the brake is applied to only one rear wheel, most of the torque from the engine will be directed to the other rear wheel which will improve the traction of the vehicle.

The braking is accomplished by closing the TCS Isolating Valve, this isolates the master cylinder from the rest of the system. The TCS Prime valve opens to allow the pump to get brake fluid to build pressure for braking. The drive wheel circuit solenoids are energized as needed to allow for pressure hold, pressure increase, or pressure decrease.

The TCS may be deactivated by the driver if desired. In order to deactivate the TCS with the engine running, depress the TCS On/Off switch. The system will remain deactivated until the ignition switch is cycled, or the switch is pressed again.

ABS Indicator

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the ABS indicator when the following occurs:

    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) detects a malfunction with the antilock brake system. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the EBCM requesting illumination.
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.

Brake System Indicator(s)

Brake Warning Indicator

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the BRAKE indicator when the following occurs:

    • The IPC detects that the park brake switch is closed (park brake set).
    • The IPC detects a low brake fluid condition.
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle.
    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) senses a base brake failure.

Traction Control System Indicator(s)

Low Trac Indicator

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the Low Trac indicator when the following occurs:

    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) detects a traction control event (either ABS active or traction control system active). The IPC receives a message from the EBCM requesting illumination.
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle.

Trac Off Indicator

The IPC illuminates the indicator when the following occurs:

    • The EBCM inhibits the traction control system. The IPC receives a message from the EBCM requesting illumination.
    • The TCS is OFF.
    • The TCS has failed.