Section 3 (Suspension - Programmed Ride Control): Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1992 Ford Probe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

PRC ride selector switch, located on center console, has 3 settings: SOFT, NORM (normal) or SPORT. NORM and SPORT provide combinations of hard and very hard damping depending on sensor input. PRC helps control vehicle roll, pitch and dive, and improves handling at high speed.

PRC system monitors vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, abrupt acceleration and hard braking. PRC control module, located under passenger's seat, receives input from vehicle speed sensor and steering angle sensor. The 4 actuators and adjustable struts receive output from PRC control module and adjust accordingly.

The vehicle speed sensor is located in speedometer subassembly of analog instrument cluster. On digital instrument cluster, the speed sensor is located on manual and automatic transaxles.

The steering angle sensor, located within steering column behind steering wheel, determines lateral forces exerted on vehicle. The sensor measures speed of steering wheel movement.

There is no indication to alert driver in event of system malfunction. PRC system should be checked at regular intervals.