Vehicle Dynamic Suspension

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The GFM2 is connected to the HS-CAN to communicate with the other modules. When the GFM2 is initialized (ignition ON), a preliminary electrical check of the valve solenoids and valve solenoid circuits is carried out. Any malfunction detected in the system causes the GFM2 to set a DTC and send a message over the HS-CAN to the BCM. The BCM then relays this message to the IPC over the MS-CAN and the IPC responds by displaying a message in the message center.

Depending on the DTC present, the GFM2 may deactivate the dynamic suspension resulting in a soft suspension feel.

Selectable Suspension Damping

The LH multifunction switch on the steering column houses the ride control switch, the switch is hardwired to the SASM. This switch allows the driver to select between 2 suspension settings; Normal and Sport. Normal mode is activated by the ignition being set to ON or by pressing the ride control switch. In normal mode, no PWM current is applied to the dampers. Sport mode is activated by pressing the ride control switch. In sport mode, a PWM push current of approximately 1.6 amps is applied to the valve solenoid at a 50% duty cycle for 0.5 second and then a hold current of approximately 0.6 amps is applied to the valve solenoid at a 50% duty cycle.

Pressing the switch causes the SASM to send a message to the BCM over a LIN. The BCM relays this message to the GFM2 which adjusts the valve solenoids as requested. Using the ride control switch modifies only the suspension settings and not the steering or braking settings. See Selectable Driving Modes for additional information.

Normal
: Vehicle suspension damping tuned for street driving. The suspension system resets to the Normal setting when the ignition is cycled. Normal is the default suspension setting in the event a DTC is set.
Sport
: Vehicle suspension damping tuned for performance driving on flat roads or race circuits. Sport mode provides firmer suspension characteristics.

Selectable Driving Modes

Vehicles equipped with a 2.3L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) engine are also equipped with a Drive Mode switch. The Drive Mode switch allows the driver to select between 4 driving modes. Each mode has preset system settings to optimize EPAS, AWD, powertrain response, suspension and ESC. The switch is hardwired to the GFM2, pressing the switch sends a ground signal to the GFM2. The GFM2 responds by sending a drive mode button pressed message to the BCM over the HS-CAN. The BCM relays this message to the IPC over the MS-CAN. The IPC then sends a drive mode change message to the PCM, PSCM, ABS module and AWD relay module. These modules respond to the message by modifying their operation according to a programmed set of instructions. The Drive Mode message overrides any other steering, suspension or braking mode selection.

Normal
: System default when the vehicle is started. Vehicle management settings tuned for street driving.
Sport
: Vehicle settings tuned for performance street driving.
Track
: This mode is for track use only. Vehicle settings are tuned for aggressive driving while at race circuits or autocrosses.
Drift
: This mode is for track use only. Vehicle settings are tuned for spirited, aggressive driving and limit handling while at race tracks or autocrosses. Wider wheel spin and yaw thresholds.