Vehicle Dynamic Suspension - System Operation and Component Description — 2016 workshop reference 2602

The VDM monitors all sensor inputs and all HS-CAN messages relating to the vehicle dynamic suspension and directly controls the damper piston electromagnetic coils. The VDM sends an individual electrical current to each damper piston to control the amount of damping required.

When a new VDM is installed, it must be programmed with the correct vehicle information for proper dynamic suspension operation. New module programming is carried out using a diagnostic scan tool, follow all diagnostic scan tool instructions. Refer to: Module Configuration (418-01 Module Configuration) .

When one of the following components is installed new, disassembled, disconnected or removed the VDM must be calibrated.

VDM Suspension height sensor Front lower control arm Front strut assembly Rear lower control arm Rear shock

The calibration routine is required for the system to learn the zero-position of the vehicle which means the vehicle must be on a level surface, must not be moving and cannot contain any passengers or cargo. The calibration routine is carried out using a diagnostic scan tool. The calibration routine should not be performed with the vehicle raised off the ground or immediately after lowering the vehicle as the suspension will not be in a neutral position. The suspension must be neutralized before performing the calibration routine by driving the vehicle for a short distance such as around a parking lot.

Height Sensor

The height sensor is an electronic device which behaves like a potentiometer to send a variable amount of voltage back to the VDM. The sensor has 3 circuits, one circuit is for the 5 volt sensor supply, one circuit is for sensor ground and one circuit is for the sensor output.

Damper Piston Electromagnetic Coils

Each damper piston contains 2 sets of electromagnetic coils wound around the damper piston. The coils produce a magnetic field restricting flow of fluid in the damper. The VDM uses a PWM output to increase or decrease the magnetic field of the damper piston coils. The higher the PWM, the stronger the magnetic field, resulting in a "firm" suspension feel.

Source reference 2602

2016 Mustang workshop publication supplied to Mustang Atlas. Original technical text and illustrations; HTML formatting by Mustang Atlas. Source page numbering is retained for traceability. Follow the configuration, revision, warnings, and cross-references in the material. About this edition.