Module, Active Damping Control: Operation: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Active Damping Control Module (ADCM) uses the CAN bus to communicate with multiple modules. The ADCM has the following inputs: Vehicle Speed, Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) position, Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Active Damping System (ADS) input switch, and 3 ADS sensors. There are solenoid-controlled ADS valving units on each shock absorber assembly which are the outputs for the ADCM.

The ADS input switch is a soft touch button on the radio display. When the ADS input switch is pressed with the key in the ON or RUN position, a signal is sent over the CAN bus to the ADCM and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to change modes. The resulting change is indicated on the radio display.

The Active Damping Control Module (ADCM) controls the suspension and ride for the SRT version of this vehicle by adjusting the rebound and jounce of the shock assemblies using the above information and predetermined settings for maximum vehicle control. The shock absorbers are unique to the Active Damping System (ADS). Each shock absorber has a valving unit that is external, but still part of the shock absorber. Inside each valving unit are two solenoids that control the damping valves to alter the ride of the vehicle. The shocks are replaced as an assembly, they cannot be disassembled for repair.

The two front ADS sensors are mounted with one on each wheel well. The rear ADS sensor is mounted in the right rear wheel well on the shock tower. The ADCM is located in the left side of the trunk.

Two Mode ADS

Early build vehicles have a two mode Active Damping System (ADS), which consists of Auto and Sport Modes. The normal operating mode is Auto, and it is switched to and from Sport with the soft button on the radio display. When Sport is selected, ADS is activated and there is no change with the transmission programming.

Three Mode ADS

Later vehicles have a three mode Active Damping System (ADS), which consists of Auto, Sport, and Track modes. The normal operating mode is Auto, and it is switched to and from Sport or Track with the soft button on the radio display. If either Sport or Track is active during an ignition on-off-on cycle, the mode reverts to Sport. When Sport is selected, ADS is activated and there is no change with the transmission programming. When Track is selected, ADS and sport shifting in the trasmission are activated.