Your Vehicle: 2009 Nissan-Datsun Altima V6-3.5L (VQ35DE)
 
Vehicle » Brakes and Traction Control » Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems » Description and Operation » TCS/ABS » System Description  
 
 
  System Description  
 

TCS

System Description

CAUTION:
If the Fail-Safe function is activated, perform the Self Diagnosis for ABS/TCS system.

ABS/EBD SYSTEM
In case of an electrical malfunction with the ABS, the ABS warning lamp and SLIP indicator lamp will turn on.
In case of an electrical malfunction with the EBD system, the BRAKE warning lamp, ABS warning lamp and
SLIP indicator lamp will turn on.
The system will revert to one of the following conditions of the Fail-Safe function.

  1. For ABS malfunction, only the EBD is operative and the condition of the vehicle is the same condition of vehicles without ABS/TCS system.
  2. For EBD malfunction, the EBD and ABS become inoperative, and the condition of the vehicle is the same as the condition of vehicles without ABS/TCS or EBD system.

TCS SYSTEM
In case of TCS system malfunction, the SLIP indicator lamp is turned on and the condition of the vehicle is the same as the condition of vehicles without TCS system. In case of an electrical malfunction with the TCS system, the ABS control continues to operate normally without TCS control.

PURPOSE
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) consists of electronic and hydraulic components. It allows for control of braking force so that locking of the wheels can be avoided.
The ABS:

  • Ensures proper tracking performance through steering wheel operation.
  • Enables obstacles to be avoided through steering wheel operation.
  • Enables vehicle stability by preventing flat spins.

OPERATION

  • When the vehicle speed is less than 10 km/h (6 MPH) this system does not work.
  • The ABS has self-test capabilities. The system turns on the ABS warning lamp for 2 seconds after turning the ignition switch ON. The system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches 6 km/h (4 MPH) . A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS performs a self-test. This is a normal part of the self-test feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS warning lamp will come on.
  • During ABS operation, a mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal condition.

FAIL SAFE
If trouble occurs in the ABS or TCS, the ABS warning lamp in the combination meter comes on. At the same time, the vehicle stops the ABS control and braking becomes the same as that of a vehicle without ABS.

ABS FUNCTION

  • The Anti-Lock Brake System detects wheel revolution while braking and improves handling stability during sudden braking by electrically preventing wheel lockup. Maneuverability is also improved for avoiding obstacles.
  • If the electrical system malfunctions, the Fail-Safe function is activated, the ABS becomes inoperative and the ABS warning lamp turns on.
  • The electrical system can be diagnosed using CONSULT-III.
  • During ABS operation, the brake pedal may vibrate lightly and a mechanical noise may be heard. This is normal.
  • Just after starting the vehicle, the brake pedal may vibrate or a motor operating noise may be heard from engine compartment. This is a normal status of operation check.
  • Stopping distance may be longer than that of vehicles without ABS when vehicle drives on rough, gravel, or snow-covered (fresh, deep snow) roads.

EBD FUNCTION

  • Electronic Brake Distribution is a function that detects subtle slippages between the front and rear wheels during braking, and it improves handling stability by electronically controlling the brake fluid pressure which results in reduced rear wheel slippage.
  • If the electrical system malfunctions, the Fail-Safe function is activated, the EBD and ABS become inoperative, and the ABS warning lamp and BRAKE warning lamp are turned on.
  • The electrical system can be diagnosed using CONSULT-III.
  • During EBD operation, the brake pedal may vibrate lightly and a mechanical noise may be heard. This is normal.
  • Just after starting the vehicle, the brake pedal may vibrate or a motor operating noise may be heard from engine compartment. This is a normal status of operation check.
  • Stopping distance may be longer than that of vehicles without EBD when vehicle drives on rough, gravel, or snow-covered (fresh, deep snow) roads.

TCS FUNCTION

  • Spinning of the drive wheels is detected by the ABS/TCS control unit using inputs from the wheel speed sensors. If wheel spin occurs, the drive wheel right and left brake fluid pressure control and engine fuel cut are conducted while the throttle value is restricted to reduce the engine torque and decrease the amount of wheel spin. In addition, the throttle opening is controlled to achieve the optimum engine torque.
  • Depending on road condition, the vehicle may have a sluggish feel. This is normal, because optimum traction has the highest priority during TCS operation.
  • TCS may be activated during sudden vehicle acceleration, wide open throttle acceleration, sudden transmission shifts or when the vehicle is driven on a road with a varying surface friction coefficient.
  • The SLIP indicator lamp flashes to inform the driver of TCS operation.

WHEEL SENSORS

  
The front sensor units consist of a gear-shaped sensor rotor and a sensor element. The element contains a magnet around which a coil is wound. The front wheel sensors are installed on the front of the wheel knuckles. As the wheel rotates, the sensor generates a square-wave signal. The frequency increases as the wheel speed increases.

  
The rear sensor units consist of wheel hubs with a series of internal magnets and a sensor element. The rear wheel sensors are installed on the inner side of the wheel knuckles. As the wheel rotates, the sensor generates a square-wave signal. The frequency increases as the wheel speed increases.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

  

HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

  

OPERATION THAT IS NOT "SYSTEM ERROR"

ABS/TCS

  • When starting engine or just after starting vehicle, brake pedal may vibrate or the motor operating sound may be heard from engine room. This is a normal states of the operation check.
  • During ABS operation, brake pedal lightly vibrates and a mechanical sound may be heard. This is normal.
  • Stopping distance may be longer than that of vehicles without ABS when vehicle drives on rough, gravel, or snow-covered (fresh, deep snow) roads.

CAN Communication
Refer to See: Powertrain Management\Computers and Control Systems\Information Bus\Description and Operation\CAN Communication System\System Description.