Ford Galaxy / Ford S-MAX. Manual — part 53

Description

Rear adaptive shock absorbers

Rear vertical acceleration sensor

Adaptive damping module

Rear suspension height sensors

The active suspension provides improved handling, comfort and stability by continuously
adjusting the adaptive shock absorber properties to the current road and driving conditions.
In conjunction with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) the system offers the benefit of
potentially shorter stopping distances on rough road surfaces.

Description

Comfort

Normal

Item

1

2

3

4

Item

1

2

Part Number

-

-

-

-

Part Number

-

-

-

Sport

Located in the floor console is the switch for the driver to choose one of the following

suspension modes, comfort, normal and sport. The indicator in the switch will be illuminated
and a text message, indicating the chosen suspension mode, will also appear in the
instrument cluster for a few seconds.

The suspension system will be set to a fail safe mode if the adaptive module detects a
concern in the system. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate and a message
will appear in the instrument cluster.

Basic operation

The adaptive damping module is connected to the high speed controller area network (HS-
CAN) to communicate with the electronic stability programme (ESP), the anti-lock brake
system (ABS), powertrain control modue (PCM) and other systems.

The adaptive damping module also receives information from the front and rear vertical
acceleration sensors and the front and rear suspension height sensors.

With the information received the adaptive damper module monitors the heave, roll, pitch,
cornering, braking and acceleration of the vehicle. Then, depending on the suspension mode
selected by the driver, the module calculates the best action for each adaptive shock
absorber within 2 ms.

Depending on the suspension mode selected, the adaptive damping module will send an
electrical current to each damper in a range between 0.29A for comfort and 1.6A for sport.

3

-

Vehicle Dynamic Suspension - Front
Suspension Height Sensor

S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (02/2006-)

Print

Removal and Installation

General Equipment

Removal

Installation

Ford diagnostic equipment

1. Remove the front suspension height sensor

Refer to:

Headlamp Leveling Front Sensor

(417-

01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).

1. Configure the adaptive damping module.

General Equipment:

Ford diagnostic equipment

Vehicle Dynamic Suspension - Rear
Suspension Height Sensor

S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (02/2006-)

Print

Removal and Installation

General Equipment

Removal

Installation

Ford diagnostic equipment

1. Remove the rear suspension height sensor.

Refer to:

Headlamp Leveling Rear Sensor

(417-

01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).

1. Configure the adaptive damping module.

General Equipment:

Ford diagnostic equipment